Weird guy with middle-parted hair and a mole where his third eye would be is looking back at Cairo. Monk asks why Mom had to bring Cairo with him, when she could have just had his fortune done. Monk declares that after reading Cairo’s fortune, his body’s extremely weak and Monk sees lots of disasters. Cairo’s also not a very luck-filled person. A person like this, his relationships with others aren’t easy going. No one would want to befriend him, not even a mouse. Monk adds that it'd be fortunate if only he is lonely, but he has a foul fate to make even those next to him lonely.
Cairo winces and makes a face at that one. He looks over at Mom to gauge her reaction. Mom asks Monk about Natalie. Natalie arrives and yells Mom’s name. Cairo waves hello. Monk declares that Natalie is filled with money, and in a good position. She is in the core position and is a bag full of luck. Mom makes her sit next to Cairo, with Natalie protesting. Monk says that Cairo here will not only regret losing Natalie, but he’ll also hear that he’s a fool. Natalie will save Cairo even on a brink of death. She probably already did save him from death before. Cairo and Natalie look at each other. Cairo thinks about how she saved him in the bathroom.
Mom asks if the woman will she be ruined if she marries him. Monk declares that Mom doesn't have to worry that much. When it comes to being a match, the most important thing is sexual affinity. For these two, it's amazing. Surprised looks from everyone. My favorite is Cairo, who looks like he swallowed a lemon. The women are embarrassed and Cairo nods and says, “Yes, that's right.” He adds that it's fantastic. Amazing affinity, amazing affinity. This earns him an elbow to the ribs.
Monk then says that they’re not going to do this marriage, right? Surprise out of Natalie and Cairo. Mom says they are. Monk declares that if they’re going to do it, they need to do it properly. If not, then put an end to this! Sitting on the fence, is very bad! We know he’s talking about Cairo and Natalie, but Mom thinks it’s about her. Mom declares that she’s set on the marriage now. Natalie shoves Cairo, telling him to do something, but he’s staring at the ceiling. He leans in and repeats how Monk says that it's “amazing.” She shoves him again.
They’re leaving the Monk’s. Natalie asks how Mom could be setting the date when she said that she was thinking the marriage over. Natalie protests that Mom will think she’s a pushover. Cairo takes Mom’s arm and declares that Mom is just letting it go "coolly," and she's very forgiving. Natalie keeps protesting, but Cairo asks Mom what she’d like to eat. Mom replies that they should have a good time since their "thing" (sexual affinity) was so great! Natalie is scandalized. As Mom walks away, Cairo yells after her “thank you” and “I love you!” They blow air kisses at each other.
Natalie is walking with Cairo about 30 feet behind her. She stops and faces him, declaring that she can't lie any longer. He wants to know what the problem is now. She said she can't, but she came this far. She says that she’s the type of person who hates lying, hiding and making secrets. Cairo rolls his eyes. She protests that because of him, she can't say what she wants to say, and they keep making stuff up that they can't tell people. And to Rocco... Her voice trails off and Cairo’s paying attention now.
Natalie says that having secrets from a person you like, she doesn't like the feeling. Cairo sighs and clears his throat. She reminds him what the fortune teller said. Monk said if he’s going to end it, then end it. Cairo grouses that Monk is a con. Her? Save his life from trouble? Ah yeah, unless she’s the “trouble.”
Just like earlier, a bicyclist rides by. Only this time, it’s Cairo who’s going to get hit. Natalie pulls him out of the way and they end up in each other’s arms. They look at each other uncomfortably. Are they going to kiss again? Please?
Lots of blinking going on as they look at each other.
Natalie shoves him off and they try to act like nothing just happened. She says that when she’s near him, these kind of things happen. He tells her okay and asks for some time. He needs to think of a way to do it. Natalie clears her throat.
Looking at a menu. Royal Bouche, Apple Potage, Sautéed Black Bass & Pie Mille-Feuille in Truffle Sauce, Truffle Risotto, Abaline & Red Snapper in Truffle Sauce. What’s with all the truffles? Passion fruit, Grilled Beef Fillet with Foie Gras in Truffle Sauce, Cheese Plate, Tomato Gratin & Peace Melba. And the cost? 145,000 won per person. Mom is with Mom looking over a potential menu. How hoity-toity is that? Mom is being obnoxious. There’s no reason for all of that. Mom says that if a family of four pour in while only holding a $50 wedding gift in their hand... Mom pauses and then rephrases: The guests could feel burdened. Mom nods and says that for that reason, she’s thinking of not accepting any monetary wedding gifts. What does Mom think? Wow, Mom, wow.
Mom can’t believe Mom is suggesting that. Especially since she (Mom) has been throwing in money all these years (as wedding gifts for others)... And plus, Natalie is her only child. Mom replies that Cairo is her only child, too, and she doesn't feel right “selling coupons” at my only child's wedding. (Guests bring a monetary gift and in exchange they get a meal coupon.) Mom can’t believe what Mom just said. She declares that it’s a wonderful tradition. It's a way of “helping” others get through financially tough times! Also... it's a way to appreciate friends and loved ones. Mom sweetly replies that she understands. She just thought that Mom might be opposed to materialistic traditions. Mom is shocked but Mom acts like she has something to say.
Switch to that bill for 12,800,000 won. Mom inwardly groans. Mom says that she was expecting a delivery and it never came, so she made an inquiry, only to find out that it was returned. There was almost a misunderstanding. No misunderstanding. Mom knew exactly what was going on. I really hate smiling Mom. Mom’s not going to be shown up but Mom declares that there's no need. They should keep the wedding gifts simple. Mom catches that Mom just said ‘wedding gifts.’ Mom brings up the subject of the dowry and Mom sweetly replies that Mom should prepare whatever her heart desires and Mom will accept it happily. Mom reminds Mom that, even if Mom wanted to decline, Mom wants to do it properly. Mom replies that she will take care of it and prepare it. Properly.
Mom goes home and starts talking to “Husband.” He ignores her. Mom gives a really good ‘Oppa’ whine. Dad says that he’ll talk when it sounds like talking. To marry off their daughter, they have to sell the store? Mom protests, asking what they should do. Her research says they should spend at least one "big" check (100,000,000 won) for that kind of household. Dad doesn’t want to since they already bought 5 of those mud beds for them! Mom argues that in return, they're not asking for anything else. If it were other households, they would have to give them three keys (house, car, office space). Dad agrees to mortgage the house. Mom says that it’s the house AND the store. It ends with Dad chasing Mom for already doing it.
Mom is at home, drinking Beer. Natalie asks why the store was turned upside down. Natalie can’t believe that Mom put up the house and the store. Mom declares that even if she has to sell her soul, she will make it so Natalie doesn't feel ashamed in front of that woman. Natalie wonders what Mom’s talking about, so Mom shows her the magazine. Article from back when Cairo and Isla were engaged and Dad asked Mom to marry him again, slipping a pink diamond on her finger. Isla tells Cairo that she can't believe that such a ideal marriage exists in real life. Cairo hugs her and declares that they should be sure to live like Mom and Dad. Mom says that she’ll give the diamond to her daughter-in-law. Isla is grateful.
Natalie starts to try to tell Mom, but Mom cuts her off, begging Natalie to please go through with this kind of wedding. Don't live like her. Then Mom drops the bomb that, instead of marrying for love, she settled for Dad because she knew he was her last chance. Good going, drunk Mom. Mom begs her to have it all. Enjoy it to the fullest. That's Mom’s wish. Mom declares that no matter what happens, Natalie has to receive the pink diamond. And I have a feeling I know what Natalie smashed now.
Natalie heads from home to Cairo’s office, where she throws the open magazine on his desk. He’s horrified to see it. Natalie tells him that Mom said to receive this ring. Cairo can’t stop staring at the magazine. Is this the day he found out about Dad? Natalie sits and asks how far is this fake marriage going to go? She corrects herself and says that even if it was a real marriage, Mom’s doing this for her and she can't stand it any longer. Cairo still doesn’t say anything or look at her. He turns away from his desk and gets up, staring at the degrees on his wall.
Natalie says that Mom got a loan with the house as collateral, put the store up for sale and went back and re-purchased the mud beds that Natalie returned! Because of this ring, her household is about to fall apart! How is she not noticing how Cairo’s acting? His face looks like he wants to vomit. She asks what they’re supposed to do. Softly, woodenly, Cairo says to ask for the ring. Natalie replies that she doesn’t want it. Cairo turns around and almost angrily declares that if Mom doesn't give Natalie the ring, she'll be going against the marriage. Natalie should tell her that. Natalie still isn’t noticing that Cairo’s off. She asks what she should do if Mom gives it to her. Cairo declares that Mom won’t. Ever. Natalie nods and tells Cairo it’s a good idea and if Mom is against the marriage, they are free.
Mom is ironing when Natalie calls and asks for the ring. She leaves the iron on the shirt. Sweetly, Natalie says that if she receives Mom’s precious pink diamond, it means that she’s recognized as a daughter-in-law of the Gong family. Cairo watches as Natalie makes the call and tells Mom that she’ll be more appreciative and thankful. She doesn't need anything else. Only that will do. Mom has scorched the shirt she was ironing. She declares that this isn’t a conversation that should be done over the phone. Natalie should come to the house on the weekend.
After Mom hangs up (and sighs because of the scorched shirt), Natalie asks if Cairo is happy now. She declares that she can slowly see the end. Hooray. Sarcastic wave of her hands. She leaves Cairo’s office. He looks down and his face quivers, like he’s trying very hard not to cry.
Drunk Natalie is looking at her ring finger and asks what is a diamond ring? She didn't really want to receive it. It's not like she’s really getting married. She sighs and leans into her hand as she asks Zoe why she feels like this? Zoe tells her that she started liking Cairo for real. Natalie makes her stop. Zoe adds that it could be that she really wants to get married. Natalie says, of course, she does, but with someone she really loves. Zoe says that because of Cairo's outstanding qualifications, she was bound to be swayed. Natalie doesn’t think it’s his qualifications. In her heart, it seems like wind is blowing and it just feels... strangely weird.
Zoe declares that Natalie really has fallen for Gong Cairo. Natalie protests that she hasn’t! It's the end for Cairo now, if the last plan works. Zoe asks whether Natalie is like this because it's the last time, because she might never see Cairo again? And that’s it. Natalie protests that it can’t be because she has Rocco. Natalie slips about the kiss, which surprises Zoe. And blows the theory that Cairo is gay out of the water. Natalie tries to convince herself that it was an accident. Parts that should not have touched somehow just briefly brushed against each other. Just an accident. Zoe smiles and says that she thought Kelvin Oppa and she messed up in their thoughts on the couple.
Switch to Kelvin pouring Cairo a drink. Ah, I was wondering when Kelvin was going to have the ‘gay’ conversation with Cairo. Kelvin tells Cairo to just admit everything to Kelvin since he knows it all. Skeptical, Cairo asks what he knows. Kelvin replies that Cairo fell for someone he wasn’t supposed to fall for. Cairo’s face says ‘what?’ Cairo clears his throat and asks what Kelvin is talking about. Kelvin replies that the problem is the ‘who,’ right? Cairo thought he wouldn't know when it's happening right in front of his nose. He’s Cairo’s best friend! Of course he can tell!
Kelvin asks how he can help the two of them. This is actually quite sweet, even if Kelvin is an idiot. Cairo replies that pretending not to know anything is helping them. Cairo doesn't want it exposed. Kelvin asks if it’s a one-sided love and Cairo nods. Kelvin sighs and clucks at Cairo about how sad and lonely Cairo must have been. Drunk Cairo reaches over to touch Kelvin’s arm. Kelvin jumps off his stool, telling Cairo to stop touching him randomly. Cairo is confused as to why Kelvin is mad. But we know what he’s thinking. I just see this going really badly. Like a scene at Bon Cafe where Kelvin loudly declares that Rocco is gay, with lots of people staring.
Cairo stumbles into his apartment. Natalie is asleep on his couch. He squats to look at her. Slowly, he reaches up to touch her hair. Aw.
His touch wakes her. She asks him “why?” He doesn’t know what she means. She asks why can't it be her? He’s still not understanding. She sits up and says “the ring.” Natalie asks why she can't have it? Cairo looks at the floor.
Switch to Isla. She’s talking to herself, pretending to have a conversation with Cairo.
Isla whines that she looks so pitiful. She tries to confidently declares that Cairo can't have anyone besides her. She whines again and says that whatever she says, she looks pitiful. She remembers back in the room when she asked if it was Natalie and then wails that that was pitiful enough. She sighs and turns around to look at Rocco. He asks what she’s doing in the lobby.
Apartment. Natalie mentions again how Mom says she'll spend everything she has and give it all. But she (Natalie) can't even receive a small ring from him? He tells her that she’s drunk. She wants an answer. Why can't the amazing ring suit her shabby finger? Is it something that only a person like Kang Isla can pull it off?! Cairo sighs and says that it isn't like that. There was a reason. Natalie wants to know the reason. Cairo gets up and walks into the kitchen for some water, which he chugs.
Natalie follows Cairo that she needs the answer. She says that she thought that perhaps, regardless of how bad she wants to get married, she might discover that there was a key reason why they can't get married. She’s wondering if that's it. Didn't he choose her because he can never get married to her? But, why can't it be her? Because she doesn't have money? Is it because her family is so so? If not, just because she’s... her? Ouch. Cairo sighs and after looking at the tear rolling down Natalie’s cheek, says that it’s because that ring isn't Mom’s ring.
Flashback. Three years ago. Dad’s in a jewelry store, filling out a card for the ring. Cairo and Isla unexpectedly arrive to look at rings. Dad is cagey. Isla declares that it’s a ring for Mom. Cairo doesn’t look so sure. Dad says that he’s going to propose for the second time and quickly leaves. But he drops the card. Cairo tries to catch Dad, but he doesn’t, so he picks up the card, addressed to ‘J.’ Mom’s name is Sia. Not a J in sight.
Family is posing for the portrait. At the reporter’s (and Mom’s) insistence, Isla joins the portrait. After it’s taken, Isla observes that it will be nice to capture the memory of their second proposal in a photo. Mom smiles and asks through her teeth what Isla means. Isla realizes that it was supposed to be a surprise. Uncomfortable smiling by practically everyone. Wow, so definitely Aunt and Grandma know. Cairo asks to talk to Dad. As they leave, Reporter asks what Isla’s talking about. She explains and Grandma definitely looks uncomfortable. Mom gets up to go check.
Cairo hands Dad the card and says that he doesn't think J is Mom. Cairo asks how on earth Dad could do that. Mom tells Cairo to be quiet, the others will. Cairo is stunned that Mom knew, that she lets it go on, that she's saying what she's saying. Mom asks why his face looks like that? He needs to change his facial expression and hide his feelings. Cairo can’t believe that right now, Mom is worried that people will hear! Mom asks where the ring is. Dad gives her a ‘Husband.’ Mom tells Dad to put it on her. Cairo can’t believe his parents. Fake smiles and thank you as Cairo looks on in horror.
Back in the present, Natalie is crying for Cairo. Natalie asks how Mom could wear that woman’s ring in a magazine where everyone in the world can see. Cairo replies it’s because everyone sees it. As Cairo talks, he cries. Because they can't let things slip out... things like emotions... things like the truth. Natalie walks over to him and takes his hand gently. She says that it's okay if he let it slip out on her, because she’s not real. He just stands there and cries.
Isla and Rocco arrive to see them holding hands. Rocco is hurt. Isla says, “It was that, was it?” getting their attention. They drop hands. Isla walks away. Natalie says Rocco’s name but he cuts her off, saying that she shouldn't have let him find out. Oof! He sounds like he’s going to cry. She should have been mindful of his putting in effort to be oblivious and she shouldn't have let him find out. He walks out, too.
Cairo drives Natalie over to the house. She’s thinking of what happened, what Rocco said. She looks at Cairo, who is stoically driving. She thinks to herself that it’s dangerous to keep on going. They should end it. She wonders though why she’s feeling so unsettled. She looks at Cairo and thinks of what Zoe said about seeing Cairo for the last time.
Cairo gets Natalie with an umbrella. As she gets out, she tells him that today will be the last time she’ll be coming to his house. He replies that since it'll be the last time, she shouldn't make any mistakes. She should make a huge scene to her heart's content. Heh. She says that she will, for the sake of him and her and Rocco. Cairo does not look like he wants to go in, but he says they should.
Inside, Mom is polishing rocks. And not looking at Natalie. Natalie is building up the nerve. No one is talking. Grandma clears her throat and asks Natalie about the pink diamond. She says that she definitely wants to receive it. Not looking up from her polishing, Mom declares that even though diamonds mean love to girls, Natalie’s request for it is so bold that it threw her off guard. Natalie immediately replies that she just needs something to make sure, if she can really go along with this marriage, or if she can get acknowledged by Mom as her daughter in law.
Mom looks up from her rocks and asks why Natalie needs that ring to do that. Cairo replies that it’s because it is a precious ring that means a lot to Mom. Mom asks what if she can’t give it to Natalie. Natalie replies that she will assume that Mom rejected her. Grandma and Aunt shift uncomfortably. Stare off between Natalie and Mom.
Dad at a Bar with Trollop, who looks sadly at the ring – that she’s wearing on her RING finger. Dad silently squeezes her hand. Hate both of them. They make me sick.
Natalie smiles and says that as expected, Mom doesn't accept her sincerely. She stops when Mom slides a ring box across the table. Natalie and Cairo look at each other, surprised. Mom tells Natalie to open it. A pink diamond. Grandma and Aunt are shocked. They knew who the ring was for. Wow. Mom asks if it’s okay now and starts to get up. Natalie tells her to wait a minute. She asks Mom if the ring really has a special meaning to Mom. Slight pause before Mom answers, “of course.” Is it really precious? Yes, so Natalie has to treat it preciously as well. Natalie pulls it out and puts in on the table.
Cairo is confused. Natalie picks up the rock and brings it down on the ring. Cairo says her name as Aunt and Grandma are shocked. Natalie pulls back the rock. The ring was glass, a fake. Mom is twitching, being exposed as a liar. Natalie declares that now she understands positively, what Mom thinks of her. Since Mom rejects her like this, of course, she should stand up. Then Natalie asks Mom to please let go of Cairo. Stop trying to force him into a marriage that looks good to other people. Grandma looks up sadly at Natalie.
Mom looks at Cairo and asks if he told Natalie. He asks which one? About the ring being someone else's? Or how she’s been fooling other people? Mom looks like she has a tear in her eye. Mom asks what his intention in asking for that ring? To shame her? To see her defeated? She sounds almost angry. Natalie replies that they wanted to hear Mom’s true, honest feelings. Wow. Mom asks what Natalie just said. Natalie replies, with tears but not weeping, that they wanted to hear that her marriage is quite different from the pictures in magazines. Mom *is* crying. She tells Natalie to shut her mouth. What does she know?
Natalie replies that the truth is Mom was very hurt and life was difficult. Mom’s face quivers slightly. Natalie cries for her. She continues: That Mom doesn't want Cairo to go through the same marriage as hers and that's why Mom’s obsessing over a perfect marriage for him. How much Mom wishes for his happiness. Natalie is trying hard to talk as she says that she knows this, but if Mom wants Cairo to be happy, she needs to be happy first. Not trying to trick people's eyes with fake happiness, but real happiness! Dang, but she made me cry. Mom looks down and bites her lip to clean off the tears. Cairo is just looking at Mom, stunned.
Grandma says Natalie’s name. She apologizes and, turning back to Mom, says that the person who made Cairo be alone is *Mom.* Mom is looking down at the floor. Cairo looks away, because he finally understands. Natalie walks out of the room. Mom looks at Cairo crying and Cairo leaves, too. Mom gets up and leaves, a hand to her mouth. In her bedroom, Mom weeps bitterly. Cairo’s voice says that of all people, he didn't want her to find out. Bitter sobs and lurching shoulders. Mom pounds what she's sitting on, hating it all.
Natalie is outside crying. Cairo finds her. She wipes away her tears and pretends to be okay. She asks how it was, her last acting. Cairo doesn’t say anything. She tells him that if he’s grateful, he should say he’s grateful, not just blankly stare at her. Cairo’s nostrils flare in that way they do when you don’t want to cry. He thinks: “If I say I am grateful, I am worried that that phrase will be the last.” Natalie says that she guesses it is really the last time. She sticks out her hand for him to shake. Cairo looks at it awkwardly, not wanting to shake it.
He shakes it anyway, his eyes moist. Then he pulls her into a hug and holds her tightly.
She pats his back. She tells him that he should start letting his emotions out, even though she won’t be beside him. He thinks to himself that even if it’s like this (the fake marriage), he wants to stay by her side. Natalie declares that their roller coaster wedding scam is coming to an end. He grabs her more tightly. Like he's holding on for dear life.
And Grandma asks what Natalie just said. Fake marriage?!!
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