Mr. Cha snorted.
You think you can help? You're just a poor flower girl from the market. What could you possibly do?
Ah-Rim felt a surge of anger, but Do-Hyun placed a hand on her arm.
Father, that's enough. Ah-Rim is my girlfriend, and she's going to help us get through this.
Mr. Cha turned to his son, his expression softening slightly.
Do-Hyun, I'm trying to protect this family.
You're not protecting us, Father, Do-Hyun said, his voice firm. You're destroying us. Ah-Rim and I want to help. We want to fix this.
Mr. Cha shook his head.
You don't know what you're dealing with, Do-Hyun. These people are powerful. They'll stop at nothing to get what they want.
Ah-Rim stepped forward, her eyes locked on Mr. Cha.
We'll stop at nothing to protect your family, Mr. Cha. And we'll start by going to the police.
Mr. Cha's face turned white.
You can't do that! They'll ruin us!
Do-Hyun placed a hand on his father's shoulder.
Father, it's the right thing to do. We'll face the consequences together, as a family.
Mr. Cha looked at his son, then at Ah-Rim. He seemed to be searching for something, and Ah-Rim wondered what he was thinking.
Finally, he nodded.
Fine. We'll go to the police. But if this ruins us, it's on you, Do-Hyun.
Do-Hyun smiled, relief washing over him.
Thank you, Father.
Mr. Cha turned to Ah-Rim.
And thank you, Ah-Rim. I think I underestimated you.
Ah-Rim smiled warmly.
It's okay, Mr. Cha. We're in this together now.
As they left the study, Ah-Rim felt a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, they could fix this after all.
The next day, they went to the police station and filed a report. The officer in charge, a kind-eyed man named Detective Kim, listened intently as they told their story.
I'll do everything I can to help you, he said. But I have to warn you, these people are powerful. They'll fight back.
Ah-Rim nodded, determination in her heart.
We're ready for them, Detective. We'll fight for the truth.
As they left the police station, Ah-Rim felt a sense of pride. She had done the right thing, and she was ready to face whatever came next.
But little did she know, the real battle was only just beginning.
As they walked out of the police station, Do-Hyun turned to her and smiled.
Thank you, Ah-Rim. For standing up to my father and for believing in me.
Ah-Rim smiled back.
I'll always believe in you, Do-Hyun. And I'll always stand up for what's right.
Do-Hyun took her hand, and they walked hand in hand back to the car. As they drove away, Ah-Rim felt a sense of peace wash over her.
But that peace was short-lived. As they turned a corner, Ah-Rim noticed a black car following them. She pointed it out to Do-Hyun, who glanced in the rearview mirror.
Don't worry, he said. I'll lose them.
But no matter how fast Do-Hyun drove or how many turns he took, the black car stayed right behind them. Ah-Rim's heart was racing, and she was starting to get scared.
Do-Hyun, she said, her voice shaking. I don't think we're going to lose them.
Do-Hyun's jaw clenched, and he stepped on the gas. The car sped up, but the black car kept pace with them.
Suddenly, the black car swerved into the next lane and cut off Do-Hyun's car. Do-Hyun slammed on the brakes, and Ah-Rim's seatbelt dug into her chest.
What's going on? she cried out.
I don't know, Do-Hyun said, his voice tight with anger. But I'm going to find out.
He got out of the car and approached the black car. Ah-Rim watched as he talked to the driver, his body language tense.
After a few minutes, Do-Hyun got back in the car and started driving again. Ah-Rim looked at him, worried.
What did they want? she asked.
Do-Hyun's face was grim.
They're warning us to drop the case. They said if we don't, they'll hurt you.
Ah-Rim's eyes widened.
Me? Why me?
Because you're the weak link, Do-Hyun said. They know I'll do anything to protect you.
Ah-Rim felt a chill run down her spine. She had never felt so vulnerable in her life.
What are we going to do? she asked.
Do-Hyun's jaw clenched.
We're going to protect you, no matter what.