Chapter Forty-six: Standing Her Ground.

Soo Jeon glanced at her phone, rereading the message from Min Jun: "Mom invited me to a family dinner tonight. They didn't mention you…" She could sense his frustration through the text, and her heart sank. Another family event, another exclusion. It was beginning to feel like an endless cycle of rejection, but Soo Jeon knew that if they were going to move forward, she couldn't let this keep her down.

 Soo Jeon replied quickly, trying to sound upbeat. "Go to the dinner, Min Jun. It's important for you to keep that connection, even if I'm not there."

 Min Jun's response came swiftly. "I don't like this, Soo Jeon. It's not fair."

 "I know," she typed back. "But we'll figure it out, okay? Just go. I'll be fine."

 Later that evening, while Min Jun was at dinner, Soo Jeon paced her apartment, her thoughts racing. She couldn't keep avoiding the issue, hoping that Min Jun's parents would change their minds on their own. If she truly wanted a future with Min Jun, she had to take action. And so, with a deep breath, Soo Jeon picked up her phone and dialed Mrs. Kang's number.

 "Hello, Mrs. Kang, this is Soo Jeon," she said, her voice steady. "I was hoping we could meet. Just the two of us. I'd like to talk."

 There was a pause on the other end, and for a moment, Soo Jeon feared that Mrs. Kang would refuse. But then she heard a quiet, "Very well. Let's meet tomorrow at the café near the Han River."

 The next day, Soo Jeon arrived at the café early, choosing a quiet table by the window. She watched as Mrs. Kang entered, her presence as commanding as ever, dressed in a tailored suit that spoke of her sophistication and authority. Soo Jeon stood to greet her, bowing respectfully.

 "Thank you for meeting me, Mrs. Kang," Soo Jeon began, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. She could feel the weight of Mrs. Kang's gaze, assessing her every move.

 Mrs. Kang nodded, taking a seat across from Soo Jeon. "What is it you wanted to discuss, Soo Jeon?"

 Soo Jeon took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "I know that you have concerns about me being with Min Jun. And I understand where those concerns come from. But I want you to know that my intentions are sincere. I love Min Jun, and I'm committed to being by his side, no matter the challenges we face."

 Mrs. Kang's expression remained neutral, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes—curiosity, perhaps. "You're young, Soo Jeon. There's a lot you haven't experienced yet. Relationships are not just about love; they're about compromise, responsibility, and sometimes sacrifice. Are you prepared for that?"

 "I am," Soo Jeon replied confidently. "I've worked hard to get where I am, both in my career and in my personal life. I know what it means to face challenges and to make sacrifices. But I also know that Min Jun is worth it. He's worth every effort, every compromise."

 Mrs. Kang regarded her silently for a long moment, as if weighing her words carefully. "Ji-Eun has been part of our family's circle for years. She's proven herself to be reliable, and that's not something I can overlook easily."

 Soo Jeon met Mrs. Kang's gaze directly, refusing to back down. "I respect that you have a history with Ji-Eun, and I understand why you value her. But Min Jun has chosen me, and I've chosen him. I believe that we can overcome any doubts or challenges if we work together. I'm not asking you to change your mind overnight, but I am asking for a chance to prove myself."

 Mrs. Kang leaned back, studying Soo Jeon with a critical eye. "You're very determined, I'll give you that. It's not easy to sit here and say these things to me, knowing how I feel about this situation."

 Soo Jeon nodded, her expression resolute. "I'm not afraid of difficult conversations, Mrs. Kang. And I'm willing to have as many as it takes if it means earning your trust."

 A small, almost reluctant smile tugged at the corners of Mrs. Kang's mouth. "You remind me a little of myself when I was your age. Stubborn, and not easily swayed. I won't say that I'm convinced, but… I appreciate your honesty, Soo Jeon."

 Soo Jeon allowed herself a small smile in return, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. It wasn't a complete victory, but it was a start—a small step toward acceptance. As they parted ways, Soo Jeon felt a newfound strength within her. She had stood her ground, and she knew that she could continue to do so, for herself and for Min Jun.

 Later that evening, Soo Jeon recounted the meeting to Min Jun. He listened intently, his expression a mix of surprise and admiration. "You actually met with her alone?" he asked, shaking his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you did that. Soo Jeon, you're incredible."

 Soo Jeon shrugged, a shy smile playing on her lips. "I just couldn't keep waiting around, Min Jun. I needed to try and make things right."

 Min Jun pulled her into a tight embrace, his voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Soo Jeon. For everything. We'll get through this. One step at a time, just like you said."

 As they stood together, Soo Jeon felt a renewed sense of hope. It wouldn't be easy, and there would be more hurdles to overcome, but for the first time in a long time, she felt that they were truly moving forward. And with Min Jun by her side, she knew they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.