Episode 9 of "Heavenly Ever After" kicks off with an intriguing twist as Nak-jun's eyes widen in recognition of the veteran police officer, precisely when Som-I dawns upon the realization that he is the Hawaiian shirt-clad figure haunting her dreams. Amidst a fracas where Nak-jun relentlessly pursues the elderly man, fate intervenes takes a grim turn when the latter meets his demise beneath the wheels of a speeding truck. In the aftermath, the officer's emerge spirits, leveling accusations at Nak-jun for his untimely end, only to be confronted by an enraged Som-I, who lashes out at the spectral figure. Just as tensions escalate, the Grim Reaper descends, bringing an abrupt halt to the supernatural spat. However, the duo's momentary lapse leads them to miss their heavenly transport, placing them in peril of eradication for rule-breaking.
Back in the celestial realm, Nak-jun finds himself grounded from earthly duties and reluctantly retreats to his abode with Som-I by his side. Meanwhile, on Earth, Hae-suk pays another visit to the church, whipping up another culinary delight for the pastor. During their conversation, the pastor imparts wisdom, recounting how the President once mused that a prayer is essentially an answer waiting to be acknowledged, all that's needed is a heartfelt "Amen." Overhearing this, Jjajang and Jjampong, with tongues in cheek, commence praying for sustenance and chanting "Amen" in unison. Simultaneously, Hae-suk finds herself inexplicably overcoming obstacles in her relationship with Nak-jun.
At this juncture, Nak-jun materializes before her, disclosing his temporary hiatus from work. Hae-suk, beaming with joy, seizes this as divine validation of prayer's power, interpreting it as a blessing that will keep Nak-jun at bay from Som-I's side.
Som-I, whose burgeoning affections for Nak-jun are growing ever so subtly, finds herself on the verge of confiding in Young-ae. However, Young-ae swiftly quashes the conversation, making it abundantly clear that Nak-jun is strictly off-bounds due to her profound devotion to Hae-suk, whom she treasures above all else. Meanwhile, Jjajang and Jjampong, having spent an entire day in anticipation, are still awaiting the fulfillment of their prayerful desires for sustenance. In response, the President suggests they focus their prayers on something far more profound. Jjajang, ever the bold one, prays for a full-time position where his mere presence strikes fear into the hearts of the wicked. To his astonishment, an agent from the depths of Hell appears, tasking both dogs with employment in the underworld, much to Jjampong's visible reluctance.
Concurrently, Young-ae's father, who has atoned for his sins in Hell, finally ascends to Heaven. Desperately seeking his daughter, he catches sight of her outside the President's office. Recognizing him, she is consumed by terror and flees, taking refuge in Hae-suk and Nak-jun's abode. Nak-jun attempts to dismiss the man, but his persistence lingers even after a day. Frustrated, Young-ae drags him back to the President's office, demanding justice and retribution.
We are then enlightened about the nature of his punishment in Hell—to be consumed by an overwhelming sense of paternal love. Now, his fate takes a further plunge with Young-ae's rejection. To sever their karmic bond, Young-ae must grant him forgiveness, paving the way for his rebirth and redemption. In a stunning twist, it is revealed that in a past life, Young-ae and her father were romantic partners, with Hae-suk being their abandoned daughter. The first wife, left to endure untold sufferings, was pushed aside when Young-ae, as the mistress, entered her father's life, weaving a tale of intrigue and heartache.
Following her profound discovery, Young-ae grants her father forgiveness and ventures back home, where the echoes of her past life resonate deeply. She recalls with poignancy how, despite her initial rejection of Hae-suk, her affection for her daughter blossomed, cultivating a longing for countless more moments together—a wish cruelly truncated by her untimely demise. That somber eve, Young-ae lies beside Hae-suk, her silent tears tracing paths of unspoken sorrow.
The ensuing day brings a picnic, a serene setting where Young-ae articulates the depths of her love for Hae-suk, her heartfelt emotions flowing freely. Hae-suk, too, opens up, acknowledging Young-ae as her mother at last, a bond rekindled across worlds and time.
And then, in a twist of fate, Young-ae fades from the celestial realm, awakening in the tangible world from a three-month coma. A fleeting memory reveals the President's revelation to Hae-suk about her true parents. Grateful for all she had received from Young-ae, Hae-suk chose forgiveness, her prayers ensuring a resentment-free parting.
The episode concludes with the pastor, knees bent in supplication, beseeching forgiveness for his own grievances and longing for reunion with his mother. As if on cue, Hae-suk enters, prompting the pastor to greet her warmly as "Mom." Simultaneously, Som-I jolts awake from a nightmarish slumber, her cry of "My son" echoing through the night, laden with maternal anguish.
