After that, the hands preparing for the garden party were tirelessly busy. As evening approached, friends invited for Hyunwoo’s birthday celebration and farewell party gathered one by one at Professor Eom’s residence.

“It seems like I’m the latest. Hospital work ended later than expected, what can I say.”

“Hospital work is always like that. Nevertheless, you came right on time.”

As the last group of guests entered the entrance, Eom Eunhyuk led them to the garden terrace.
Gathered around a well-prepared outdoor table, the people sitting there, including the doctors living like a family with Professor Eom in Canada and their wives, made the farewell party even more meaningful, as they all adored and cherished Hyunwoo.

Of course, everyone knew that this gathering had to remain secretive.

When Professor Eom conveyed the invitation, he subtly requested that today’s events not be publicly disclosed, adding an explanation that Hyunwoo’s stepfather was quite well-known. So, everyone was curious about who the child’s father was, which was the reason for their gathering.

“Now that everyone’s here, let’s greet each other. This person is…”

Professor Eom introduced Chairman Tae and his wife to the guests while subtly indicating that Tae Seojun was Hyunwoo’s stepfather.

Upon hearing this, everyone expressed their congratulations and praise. However, wide-open eyes and slightly parted lips remained in a state of astonishment for a while.
The unusual aura emanating from Chairman Tae, followed by the incomparably handsome Tae Seojun, quickly revealed their identities.

To be more precise, Professor Eom, who had lived solely in the medical field as a medical doctor, was astonished twice. First, upon hearing the story of his connection with Chairman Tae, a chaebol among chaebols in Korea. Second, upon learning that the daughter of a regular family, rising actress Eom Soyeon, belonging to the royal family and being a top star like Tae Seojun, would soon marry.

Accepting this incredible reality could be incredibly perplexing, but time passing and Chairman Tae’s lively wit resolved it all.

People who were initially taken aback soon found themselves enjoying a cheerful atmosphere with Chairman Tae, mixing light jokes and laughter. It took less than 10 minutes for the atmosphere to turn from stunned disbelief to a delightful meal, all under the Vancouver summer touching the edges of autumn.
The nights during this season are distinctly cooler than the days. However, tonight, the evening breeze blowing in was unusually warm. Moreover, the scent of roses blooming in late summer further heightened the excitement of the party, making it seem like there couldn’t be a better day.

Everyone enjoyed eating and drinking, and amidst the cheerful chatter, no one noticed a mischievous child hiding under the dining table – except for the gaze of the two people who had been discreetly watching their son. Seojun and Soyeon had been keeping an eye on Hyunwoo’s movements under the table since a while ago.

“Hyunwoo’s bedtime has long passed. What should we do?”

“Shall I take him out?”

“Sure, I’d appreciate that.”

When Soyeon gently made the request, Seojun chuckled.

“Hmph, what’s there to appreciate? Naturally, I should be the one handling my son’s matters.”

“Okay, do it now!”

“That rascal!”

As soon as Soyeon signaled, Seojun reached his long arm under the table, and Hyunwoo, caught in the act, exclaimed, “Caught red-handed!”
It was the moment when the hem of the child’s clothing seemed to be caught in Seojun’s hand.

With mischief in full swing, Hyunwoo escaped Seojun’s grasp and darted out from under the table, swiftly moving like an arrow to the terrace. Then, like a squirrel, he quickly ran to the back of the garden and disappeared from the view of the people.

“Oh, my goodness!”

“If he keeps going like that, he might trip. Quickly, go catch him!”

“That little one is incredibly fast, isn’t he?”

“Hyunwoo, isn’t he just too cute?”

Ho ho ho, hee hee hee.

Everyone chuckled at the sight of Hyunwoo fleeing. In the midst of it, Seojun moved his long legs briskly, chasing after the child.

A few minutes later, when Hyunwoo was promptly caught, he didn’t look the least bit remorseful. Probably from crawling around to hide, his clothes and face were covered in dirt.

As if scolding the child, Soyeon pursed her lower lip and reached out her arms to Hyunwoo, who was in Seojun’s embrace.

“Come here.”

“I don’t like you!”
However, Hyunwoo clung tightly to Seojun’s neck, determined not to let go.

“Even so, you need to sleep early so we can play again tomorrow. The crows will want to be friends. Mom will give you a bath; come here.”

“I don’t want to!”

“Hyunwoo, you should listen to Mom.”

“Yeah, I don’t want to!”

Despite Soyeon’s gentle rocking with a motherly attitude, it was in vain.

“Well then, should Grandpa put him to sleep?”

“That’s right. Our Hyunwoo likes it when you read him a book, so that should work.”