In the start of Episode 8, Cha-min thinks that Do-hong has asked Jae-rim over for a casual ramen meal. He becomes shy when she counters him, explaining that her family is attempting to make amends with her. He pledges to demonstrate his worth later by exchanging positions and then he releases her. He is frustrated that his Cinderella goes to buy meat, while Jae-rim regrets not making more effort to keep her there.
Jae-rim comes home to find the family intoxicated. She expresses regret for all her actions and admits that she was unkind and distant towards them because she never realized they were her relatives. So-ra comforts Su-jin by telling her that they are like family, and even scolds her for feeling discouraged about dating the wrong guy. Jae-rim assures them she will support them, and Hwa-jin embraces everyone tightly. Nevertheless, on that evening, Jae-rim’s thoughts are consumed by Cha-min.
In the meantime, Cha-min’s father checks himself into the hospital not because he is ill, but because he is pretending to be sick for attention. Cha-min attempts to arrange a situation for him, but the father is angered as he is still unable to pardon his wife for abandoning him. He asserts that women feign affection in order to take advantage of them.
During a flashback, it is revealed to Cha-min that his mother is having an affair and she abandons him. While attempting to reach her, he stumbles and injures his finger.
Currently, Do-hong is accompanied by Lily Cho, a producer, to the club. While everyone gathers to decorate for Christmas, Lily steers clear of Cha-min. As Dan-a and Do-hong observe, he gazes at Jae-rim. Cha-min feels saddened by his father’s words and proceeds to eat a fortune cookie that predicts he will be married soon.
Afterwards, Ri-na makes Jae-rim work hard for amusement and continues to criticize her, saying that both Cha-min and Do-hong are too good for her. Jae-rim attempts to remain composed but remembers Cha-min emphasizing her importance. She dares Ri-na to a brawl, causing her to seek refuge with Do-hong. He expresses irritation before confessing his feelings for Jae-rim. Cha-min, feeling jealous and alone, ignores Jae-rim’s explanation that she doesn’t have feelings for Do-hong.
She desires to admit her feelings for him but Cha-min remembers his father’s advice. He confronts her for her insincerity in using Do-hong. Angry, she walks away quickly. He is surprised by his own words and Do-hong shows up at the most inconvenient moment to brag. Cha-min hits him with a punch and they both begin to fight.
They stage a situation resulting in Jae-rim hitting Cha-min and Lily hitting Do-hong. She intended to hit Cha-min, but nobody realizes it. In the meantime, Cha-min is frustrated that Jae-rim did not support him and she is puzzled by his inconsistent attitude. Feeling apologetic, Lily and Do-hong treat her to drinks while Cha-min drinks by himself. Confusion reigns as he is fond of her yet unable to be with her.
In the meantime, while Do-hong falls asleep, Lily reveals to Jae-rim that she is Cha-min’s mother, and we finally get to know the complete story. She was despised by her mother-in-law and forced to leave. To prevent Mr. Moon and Cha-min from pursuing her, the matriarch fabricated a narrative claiming that Lily was a deceitful Cinderella who took Moon’s money and eloped with her lover.
Lily attempted to halt the car when Cha-min injured his finger from a fall, but the driver declined. Afterwards, she attempted to reach him through his nanny, but his mother-in-law discovered and informed Cha-min that he had been abducted. Lily was powerless before, but now she has come back as a thriving entrepreneur.
While at the hospital, Su-jin eavesdrops on two nurses discussing that Dr. Gu is preparing a marriage proposal, and is surprised to discover it’s for her. He asks her to marry him and offers to let her have complete control over him as a way to make it up to her. They engage in a rap battle while he professes his love and she reciprocates. Despite her irritation, his actions have managed to charm her and they both hug.
Regarding Jae-rim, she now comprehends Cha-min and makes an effort to shower him with affection. She asks him to dine as a strategy for Lily to encounter him. She allows the two to be alone while Lily reveals the truth to Cha-min. But what pains him is her prolonged delay in returning to him. He thinks she desires something from him and quickly goes outside where Jae-rim is waiting.
He states she crossed a boundary and complains that if his mother truly cared, she wouldn’t have allowed him to suffer for such a long time. He doubts the existence of love and if it does exist, he is unable to perceive it. Jae-rim embraces him and reassures him that love is real, he just needs to recognize his mother’s love for him. In the final scene, Cha-min reciprocates Jae-rim’s hug at the restaurant, while Lily sobs by herself.
I had no idea the mom would soon be introduced. Regardless, their reunion is touching. As for Cha min and Jae rim, start dating already!