2 - Back Again

"Why did this happen?" she whispered.

Why was her son a villain?

Why was she considered a terrible mother?

They had never deliberately harmed innocent people. They had only wanted to earn money and live a comfortable life.

Although they never reached out to help others, they never believed they were truly hurting anyone.

Her son only wanted to become rich, even if it meant using dishonest methods. He never kidnapped people, sold drugs, or committed cruel crimes. He simply seized opportunities and resources through unethical means, believing that money was all that mattered.

Then Veronica froze.

A painful realization struck her.

She had been wrong.

No, they had not become villains because they enjoyed hurting people.

They had become villains because they had lost their humanity.

She had never taught her son kindness.

She had never taught him compassion.

She had taught him that wealth was more important than people.

She had taught him that as long as he benefited, nothing else mattered.

And in the end, that selfish path had led him to a lonely death at the bottom of a cliff.

She broke down in tears inside the empty house her son had bought for her.

In the novel, her son had fought alone against the male lead, the female lead, the second female lead, and eventually even the second male lead.

He stood alone against everyone.

In the end...

He lost.

"I don't want you to fight anymore," she sobbed.

"I don't care if you're rich or poor. I don't need you to build an empire. I only want you to live a happy life."

"I want you to have a happy childhood."

"I want you to finish school, graduate from college, find a good job, marry someone you love, have children, and grow old peacefully."

"I just... want to see your smile again."

The thought pierced her heart like a knife.

If only she had one more chance...

Just one.

She folded her hands and prayed through her tears.

"Dear God... please have mercy on me. Give me one chance. Just one chance. I don't ask for wealth or happiness. I only ask for the chance to correct my mistake."

Suddenly, a faint golden light appeared before her.

It rushed toward her.

Before she could react, it entered her body and disappeared.

She felt herself becoming lighter and lighter.

Her body floated into the air, as if it were dissolving into countless tiny particles.

Everything around her faded.

Her vision became hazy.

Then...

Darkness.

...

A few moments later, she heard birds chirping outside.

Her eyelashes fluttered.

Slowly, she opened her eyes.

She found herself inside an old apartment, with warm sunlight pouring through an open window.

Beside her, a little boy was sleeping peacefully.

Her son.

Her eyes widened.

"A miracle..."

Tears filled her eyes once again.

"Thank You, God... Thank You... Thank You so much."

With trembling hands, she gently reached out and stroked his soft black hair, its slight waves framing his adorable face.

His chubby cheeks were rosy and warm.

His long eyelashes rested peacefully against his skin.

He looked so small.

So innocent.

So precious.

This time...

She would protect that smile.

No matter what.

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