Flames of Desire (Flames of Ambition / Yokmangeui Bulkkot / 욕망의 불꽃)

Flames Of Ambition

Episode 27

You're even prettier with shorter hair?!

Don't worry, Insuk.

I bought you a pretty hat.

It fits you perfectly.

Wait a moment.

Right... I bought you a wig, too.

I'm all compliments today, what's wrong with you?

Want to meet Minjae before the surgery?

You can't meet him in this state, can you?

I'll have you two meet.

The surgery could kill you, so meet Minjae and tell him everything.

That you're his mother.

He'll be happy to hear that.

"Ohh... Really? So my birth mother was someone else?!"

Stop.... Enough with this.

Then, how about this?

"Minjae, a long time ago, I liked your father. We loved each other."

"But the chairman was against it, so we had to break up."

"I couldn't forget your father no matter what, so..."

I said enough!

I'm only getting this surgery for Minjae's sake.

To erase myself from his mind.

Insuk.

You've lived all these years for his sake, right?

You didn't come all the way to Seoul because of Youngmin.

It was because you missed Minjae.

Same goes for me.

I've only lived for his sake.

I've never received any love from Youngmin.

Since he didn't want this marriage in the first place.

Without Minjae, we would have separated a long time ago.

So you and I are the same.

I might even be worse off than you.

Because no matter how much affection I throw Minjae's way, he's still your son.

Would anything make him understand?

He'd only think you're unhappy because of me.

If you take Minjae out of your life, you're left with nothing.

But the same goes for me.

He means everything to me.

You're right. It was me.

The one driving that car.

And even if I could turn back time, I would do the same.

Because I couldn't let you take Minjae away from me.

Let's not fight each other.

We both love Minjae.

What you feel for Minjae is not love.

You're merely using him to become a tycoon's wife.

And what do you know about Minjae, anyway?

His favorite dishes, sleeping habits, the toys he liked...

The fact that he sleeps with the lights on, afraid of the dark.

That he only laughs to conceal sadness.

That a single slice of watermelon will mean hives all over his body.

You know nothing.

Do you know a single thing about him?

Every breath I took, every single day I lived was all for Minjae's sake.

I could have done the same for him.

If only I was given the chance.

No... If only you hadn't taken that chance away from me.

Thought I told you?! You gave that up yourself.

If I were you, I wouldn't have abandoned him no matter what.

I might have given Youngmin up, but not the child in my womb.

Sure... And I was punished for that.

So that's why I told you to just let me die in peace.

It was the year after Minjae was born.

I kept having nausea, so I went to the hospital.

They told me I was pregnant.

I went back home, lit a few candles on the table and waited for Youngmin.

But then I started feeling stomach pains, and went straight back to the hospital.

The doctor told me it was a miscarriage.

I went through surgery, and the moment I crossed those hospital doors,

you can't imagine how happy I felt.

"I almost risked making Minjae unhappy."

I went back home and hugged Minjae, wailing in despair.

"Baby, I'm sorry. Forgive your mother."

And you expect me to believe that?

You can rest assured.

Since I don't want to show this to Minjae.

I'll pray for you. The surgery must go well.

Don't you ever dare to see me again.

Before I change my mind.

Yes, Youngshik.

I'd like to have a word, if you don't mind.

How about lunch?

We can have it together.

Yes.

You're here, President.

Go on in. The vice-chairman is waiting.

Yes.

Kim Minjae... You don't even greet your father?

I saw him this morning at home, must I greet him every time we meet?

I guess... you have a point?!

How is Father feeling?

He's come to Seoul, to meet General Nam.

Seems like it'll go well.

It's a relief.

Youngmin.

I decided to go instead.

They said Youngjun wouldn't cut it, so I will take responsibility.

What are you trying to say?

Would they throw all brothers in the can?

At least Youngjun will be released.

Well... Not too bad.

Okay with me, then.

But you must give me all my money back.

- What money? - What do you think?

All the money I entrusted to you.

Look at him, conning as always...

Why would that be yours?

So after being handed the cream of Atlantic Group's crop, you still won't give it back?

I'll give it to Youngjun.

He'll need quite the sum to start a new business.

What's with that look? I'm putting him in charge for my niece's sake.

You want to create a rift between father and son?

Wasn't he cast away already? Same goes for your eldest.

You shameless old fart.

You have the guts to abandon your sons just to save your behind?

If this were the military, you'd have been shot to death already.

- Let's go to Ulsan. - Yes, Chairman.

How did it go, Hyungnim?

Atlantic Group was just split in half.

Thank you, Hyungnim.

If I think of how much Aeri was pestering me...

Forget it, let's finish this. How can people let all this food go to waste?

Who are you calling now?

I'll have to give Aeri a call.

She must be dying to know.

Aeri? It's your father.

Yes.

Yes.

Really?

No need to hang from Kim Taejin's lips anymore.

Save for construction, heavy industries and shipbuilding,

he's given up everything.

How about the department store?

Wait a moment.

Hyungnim. Who is keeping the department store again?

Read it.

Hyungnim.

The dept. store, hotel and hospital aren't mentioned?

- Like that would be worth any money... - Didn't I insist on the dept. store?

You twat.

Must I worry about those useless details?

- Aeri. - What did Uncle say?

You know...

What?!

I told you to get your hands on the entire distribution branch!

What are you waiting for?

If you leave food on the table, you'll go to hell.

President Hwang had snatched quite the amount from you?!

I got it all back right as the contract stated.

Thank you.

This alone is big money, what will you do with it?

What?

I told you, didn't I?

That halting all those shoots on purpose is giving me strange urges.

Let me shoot that film.

And that's exactly why I can't.

But I do what I'm told.

What else should I do, pretend to die?

Don't just pretend, die for real.

Until you let go of every little shred of pride you have left, no way.

It won't be easy.

Considering that you'd rather die than kneel down before me.

Like acting was all I could do to make a living...

Try to lose all your money, prestige and popularity out of the blue.

Think you'll endure it?

Someone with your vanity wouldn't resist a single day.

Thank you.

I'll spend it wisely.

- Did I make you wait? - No.

- Is business going well? - Yes, it is.

I should help you out... Sorry.

Don't mention it.

So what was it?

- I... - Shall we eat first?

I'm a little hungry.

Okay then.

The menu, please.

Where are you going, Ingi?

Fighting with Yoon Nayoung will only hurt you. Just endure it.

You'll be right back, right?

Minjae what?

Just say it.

He kept saying those strange things...

It's all right. Just tell me.

- But don't misunderstand. - Did he say I'm not his real mother?

Give me a break...

- And even asking him why... - So he confessed that to you?

Maybe it just came out naturally, while drinking.

I just thought you should know.

It's just because we lived apart for too long, when he studied abroad.

Loneliness makes people lose themselves in silly thoughts.

You have a point.

I've had my share of pipe dreams since I was little.

Guess he picked that up by hanging out with you.

Does he know, too?

That you sued the chairman over paternity issues?

- I told him. - See?