The Gate Way

Episode6:The Forced Choice

In a private jet, Seo-joon struggles against the leather straps binding him to his seat, his head throbbing from the chemical cloth.

Standing over him are the two burly men in black suits who abducted him from the hospital. Across the aisle, his mother sits with her arms crossed, watching with a cold, unforgiving stare.

SEO-JOON

(Gasping for breath, straining against the restraints)

Let me go! You can't just do this! Diana is carrying my child—you are putting her in danger too!

One of the men steps closer, leaning down with a harsh grip on Seo-joon's shoulder, holding his phone up in front of his face.

BODYGUARD

(Voice flat and menacing)

Don't bother fighting it, young master. You aren't leaving this plane. And if you think about running the moment we land in Seoul, or trying to contact her... just remember we know exactly where she lives. We can go back for her anytime.

Seo-joon stops struggling, his chest heaving as absolute terror grips his heart. The threat hangs heavy in the air. He realizes with sickening clarity that if he resists or causes a scene, Diana and their unborn baby are entirely unprotected.

SEO-JOON

(His voice cracking, tears spilling over his lashes)

No... please. Leave her alone. Just... leave her alone.

BODYGUARD

Then prove it. Unlock your phone. Send her the message. Tell her it’s over, and that you are never coming back. If she suspects a single thing, or if you tell her the truth... you know what happens next.

With shaking fingers, Seo-joon unlocks the screen. Tears blur his vision as he types out the most painful words of his life.

*“Diana, I’m sorry. I can’t do this anymore. I’m going back to Korea for good. It’s over between us. Don’t look for me.”*

He hits send. The message delivers instantly.

AT DIANA APARTMENT

The apartment is quiet and still. Diana sits on the edge of the sofa, clutching her phone so tightly her knuckles are white. Hours have passed since she lost him at the hospital, and every call has gone straight to voicemail.

Suddenly, her phone buzzes brightly on the coffee table.

Diana gasps, grabbing it instantly. But as her eyes scan the words on the screen, the color drains completely from her face.

DIANA

(Whispering, her voice trembling violently)

No... No, Seo-joon... this isn't real.

She reads the message a second time, and the cruel reality shatters her heart. A sharp, searing pain stabs deep into her lower abdomen, mirroring the agonizing ache in her chest.

Diana curls inward on the sofa, clutching her stomach with one hand as hot, blinding tears stream uncontrollably down her face. The apartment feels impossibly large, cold, and entirely empty as she breaks down in absolute despair.