Childhood Friend of the Zenith

“That’s not going to happen.”

The words came out sharper than I meant, but I couldn’t take them back.
The air went dead. Like a cold wave had swept through the room.

I realized it too late—but even if I had paused, I still would’ve said the same thing.

Call her “Mom”?

No matter the circumstances, that was asking too much.

She was technically my grandmother, sure.
But in this situation? To call her mother? That wasn’t just awkward—it was ridiculous.

“I… I appreciate what you’re saying, Lady Jin, I really do…”

I could tell she meant it. That much was obvious.

“But I just… can’t.”

It wasn’t just about titles or names.

I never intended to settle down here.
I never planned to form any attachment to this house, to this family.

Especially not when things with Gu Seongyeol were still so unresolved.

“Ah…”

Her expression dimmed slightly at my response.

“I see… Of course you’d feel that way. This family must seem like something to resent.”

“Resent? No, it’s not like that.”

“It’s only natural. How could anyone forgive the house of the father who abandoned them?”

She said it softly, but the way she looked at Gu Seongyeol—it was cold.

“My lady…”

He flinched, trying to speak, but—

“Still.”

She cut him off, not even turning to look at him.
She just reached for my hand and held it.

“I’m not asking you to forgive him. I just want you to know… there’s someone here who sees you as family, Young Master Baek.”

“Ah… uh… yeah.”

“None of us hate you. No one resents you. Not unless you force them to.”

“Okay, Mom, now that’s not true. Just look at my brother—he can’t even stand to look at him. The guy’s glare is like, legendary—GAHH!”

Gu Seon jumped with a yelp—Lady Jin had pinched her foot without warning.

“Why am I always the bad guy?! If anyone’s an illegitimate kid here, it’s probably me!”

“Can you shut up for five seconds?!”

“You’re the ones who told me to be here. Said we needed ‘family bonding time’ and made me sit down. What do you want from me?!”

“……”