Episode 12 of "Second Shot at Love" kicks off with an emotional scene as Geum-ju and Ui-joon make their way to the nursing home, their hearts heavy with unspoken concerns. Nearby, Mr. Seo is spotted indulging in his sorrow through drink, his eyes catching sight of them. Geum-ju, cautious and vigilant, waits patiently outside while dialing the police the moment Mr. Seo takes an aggressive step towards Ui-joon.
The mystery surrounding Nurse Baek's desertion of Ui-joon begins to unravel as she miraculously survives the stabbing incident. Geum-ju, driven by a need for answers, ventures to Baek's residence to retrieve some clothing. To her astonishment, she discovers a letter that delves into the heart-wrenching reasons behind Baek's departure.
A poignant flashback transports us back to Baek's college days when she conceived Ui-joon. Her father, disapproving and harsh, insisted on an abortion. But Baek, resolute and loving, refused. As a result, her father cruelly compelled her to relinquish Ui-joon to Seo's mother and banished her abroad.
Years later, Baek returned stealthily during Ui-joon's graduation, her identity concealed like a well-guarded secret. She believed that the pain would be less severe if Ui-joon believed his mother had passed away. As Ui-joon ascended the ranks to become a doctor, Baek remained by his side, her love unwavering. However, on his birthday, her father's insistent desire to meet her led her to swap shifts with Nurse Jeong, unknowingly setting the stage for tragedy.
In the aftermath of the murder, Baek vowed to make Mr. Seo pay dearly for shattering the lives of Jeong and Ui-joon. The present confronts the past as Ui-joon confronts Baek, her eyes betraying her long-suppressed fear. The town's gossip mill churns out new revelations: Baek had silently footed the bill for all of Ui-joon's "scholarships" and tuition, her sacrifice unacknowledged.
Meanwhile, the police intensify their search for Mr. Seo amidst a parallel investigation into Baek's drastic actions. It transpires that she kidnapped and held him captive in the very nursing home where Ui-joon sought solace. The threads of their intertwined fates weave a tale of love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
How Ui-joon comes to terms with his predicament unfolds with a mixture of confusion and avoidance. He's uncertain of how to respond to his mother's actions and steers clear of Baek. In a heartfelt plea, his mother urges Geum-ju to remain by Ui-joon's side, come what may. She eventually confides in Geum-ju, revealing the tragic reason behind their estrangement – Ui-joon's fear that Mr. Seo might harm her. Fortunately, Ui-joon harbors no such intentions and solemnly vows never to abandon Geum-ju again, vowing to shield her from harm. In an attempt to alleviate the heavy atmosphere, Geum-ju quips that she'll be the one to protect him, her playful remark lightening the momentary gloom.
Together, they set out to find Mr. Seo, but their efforts come too late. Mr. Seo, having drowned his sorrows in alcohol, perishes from alcohol poisoning at his mother's gravesite. Ui-joon organizes his funeral, only to find himself standing alone amidst the solemnity. Gradually, however, the people of Bochun gather, lending their support and participating in the ceremony. Even the elderly patients, unable to attend in person, send wreaths of condolence. Overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, Ui-joon is wracked with self-doubt, questioning his adequacy as both a doctor and a son. He further blames himself for Baek's injury, a guilt that lingers heavily on his heart.
Geum-ju steps in to reassure Ui-joon, reminding him that Baek bore her sufferings so that her son might find a semblance of happiness. In a poignant gesture of acceptance and reconciliation, Ui-joon brings Nurse Baek to the funeral, acknowledging that it was alcohol, and not fate, that claimed Mr. Seo. He addresses her as his mother, thanking her for her unwavering presence by his side. Her eyes welling up with tears, she reciprocates, calling him her son as they embrace, the warmth of their bond healing the wounds of the past.
How Seon-wook and Hyeon-ju's paths intertwine forms a tale woven with emotion and perseverance. Struggling to cope with the heartache of being apart from Hyeon-ju, Seon-wook flees to Seoul, leaving behind a worried Seon-hwa, who finds solace in her mother-in-law's comforting embrace. Filled with regret for opposing Seon-hwa's union with Young-woong, she realizes the futility of standing in the way of true love. She encourages Seon-hwa to embrace the joy of Seon-wook and Hyeon-ju's burgeoning romance.
Meanwhile, Hyeon-ju, determined yet discreet, attempts to sneak food to Seon-hwa, only to be caught in the act. Confessing her readiness to wait patiently for Seon-hwa's friendship to blossom anew, she acknowledges that it was Seon-wook's gentle nature that ignited her feelings. Though prepared to let go for Seon-hwa's sake, Seon-hwa urges her not to surrender to despair.
Adding fuel to Hyeon-ju's resolve is Gwang-ok, who shares her own tale of forbidden love—a rich boy and a poor girl's story. Initially fearing she might ruin Jeong-su, Gwang-ok soon realizes her life is incomplete without him. Drawing from her experience, she exhorts Hyeon-ju to pursue her heart without regrets.
In a poignant twist, Hyeon-ju finally confronts Seon-wook. To his astonishment, she reveals Seon-hwa's blessing and her own desire to embark on a journey with him. Overwhelmed with joy, Seon-wook and Hyeon-ju embrace, their hearts united at last in a tender, heartfelt hug.
How does everyone's journey conclude? A year slips by, marking the end of Nurse Baek's probationary period, after which she embraces a new chapter by joining a vibrant cooking club. Geum-ju and Ui-joon continue to blossom in their relationship, sharing a bond filled with joy and mutual affection. At home, the competition for the title of the most favored future son-in-law between Ui-joon and Seon-wook remains a lighthearted yet enduring rivalry.
Ui-joon takes a leap of faith, leaving the clinic behind to establish a hospital dedicated to treating alcoholism. Meanwhile, Geum-ju attends team dinners, steadfast in her sobriety yet occasionally grappling with the allure of alcohol.
In the climactic scene of Second Shot at Love Episode 12, Geum-ju and Ui-joon embark on a run together. Despite her occasional temptations, Ui-joon, sensing her internal struggle, distracts her with a tender kiss. Her resolve renewed, she chases after him, her steps light and filled with promise.
