Episode 9 of "Second Shot at Love" kicks off with Geum-ju being haunted by a chilling nightmare where Ui-joon perishes in treacherous waters. She awakens disoriented, finding herself at Daecheon Beach rather than her expected locale of Bochun. While attempting to compose herself at a nearby sauna, she inadvertently misplaces her phone, only to be surprised by Ui-joon's unexpected arrival.
Concurrently, breaking news strikes with the revelation that Chief Kim has been entangled in a DUI scandal, prompting his investors to withdraw their support. Geum-ju unburdens herself to Ui-joon about the formal complaint, the aborted promotion, and the alcohol-fueled contest. Her embarrassment melts into relief as Ui-joon's reaction is solely directed towards anger at Chief Kim. He reassures her that sobriety is a daily struggle, and shepledges to persist in her efforts.
Seizing the moment, they embark on a delightful date at the beach. However, fate seems to intervene as Seon-wook also chooses the same venue for his second date with Hyeon-ju. Hyeon-ju ponders on how to delicately decline Seon-wook's affections when they chance upon Geum-ju and Ui-joon. Keeping their individual dates a closely guarded secret, they find themselves ensnared in a group outing, thanks to Ui-joon and Geum-ju's insistence on companionship. Ui-joon teases Seon-wook mercilessly about his crush, while Seon-wook boasts about Hyeon-ju's star quality, causing her cheeks to blush a fetching shade of pink.
During a clam-digging activity, both women find themselves in a pickle. Unfortunately, Seon-wook's concern is solely directed towards Hyeon-ju, leaving Geum-ju irked and feeling like nothing more than a cash cow for his taekwondo classes.
Back at their respective homes, Jeong-su languishes in lethargy and depression. Gwang-ok takes pity on him and ventures out to lift his spirits. Their outing takes an unexpected turn when they cross paths with Nurse Baek, who is showered with praise for her maternal care towards Ui-joon. Her expression clouds at these remarks, and later, she receives a call from Ui-joon's former hospital, Seoyeon Hospital, requesting volunteers once again. She refuses emphatically, fearing the exposure of Mr. Seo's identity.
Switching back to the group date, Seon-wook's infatuation with Hyeon-ju becomes increasingly apparent to Geum-ju and Ui-joon. Meanwhile, back home, Young-woong's sister and Seon-hwa engage in a detective game, trying to decipher Seon-wook's crush, causing Young-woong to abruptly dash off.
Upon the group's return home, Geum-ju confronts Hyeon-ju head-on, convinced that Hyeon-ju's involvement with Seon-wook could potentially disturb Seon-hwa's peace of mind. Enraged, Hyeon-ju retorts, accusing Geum-ju of taking Seon-hwa's side over hers. Meanwhile, Gwang-ok experiences recurrent dizzy spells but her spirits soar upon hearing about Geum-ju's promotion. She eagerly suggests a trip, only to find Geum-ju preoccupied with her grievances towards Hyeon-ju.
At the workplace, Mi-yeon beams with joy as everything seems to be unfolding beautifully for Geum-ju. Though she expresses disdain for Ui-joon's disappearance all those years ago, she vows to support Geum-ju's happiness nonetheless. This moment of reflection prompts Geum-ju to realize she should have extended the same empathy and support to Hyeon-ju.
The town ladies too celebrate Geum-ju's promotion, prompting Gwang-ok to announce a festive treat for everyone. However, her joy is cut short as she suddenly faints, prompting Ui-joon to rush her to his former hospital. To everyone's astonishment, it transpires that Gwang-ok suffers from hepatitis despite being a teetotaler. The physician discloses that she has been enduring constant pain, leaving her family burdened with guilt for overlooking her condition amidst their own alcoholic escapades.
Geum-ju persuades Hyeon-ju to check on their children, who arrive home from daycare unexpectedly, brought back by Seon-wook. Overwhelmed, Hyeon-ju unleashes her frustration on him, believing she had squandered time on their dates when she should have been attending to her ailing mother.
Ui-joon's mentor pays him a visit, revealing that Ui-joon steers clear of hospitals as if they were contagious. His presence there is solely due to the hospital's renowned liver specialist and the fact that Gwang-ok is as dear to him as family. The mentor also brings up Mr. Seo, expressing hope that they can track him down so Ui-joon can finally attain closure.
A memory resurfaces, depicting Mr. Seo being forcibly removed by security just before he could harm Ui-joon. However, the nurse is found dead, and Ui-joon unfairly bears the brunt of gossip and suspicion.
Back at the Hans, Gwang-ok urgently requires a liver transplant. Unfortunately, Jeong-su and Hyeon-ju are incompatible matches. As for Geum-ju, her alcohol consumption has thrown her liver enzyme levels into disarray, leaving her in despair, believing she is being punished. Ui-joon offers solace, encouraging her that she can stabilize her levels and volunteer as a donor once more.
Seon-wook declares his intention to volunteer if Geum-ju proves incompatible. Young-woong is astonished by the lengths to which Seon-wook is willing to go for Hyeon-ju's sake. Meanwhile, the townsfolk express their concerns for Gwang-ok.
Fortunately, an organ donor is found, and Gwang-ok is prepared for surgery. As anesthesia takes effect, a terrified Gwang-ok envisions the journey she never got to embark on with Geum-ju.
The cliffhanger at the end of Second Shot at Love Episode 9 reveals that the liver donor is none other than Geum-ju.
The epilogue depicts the funeral of the deceased nurse, Jeong Seon-mi. Nurse Baek, her face contorted with anger, vows to make "him" pay for this tragedy.
