Episode 3 of Heavenly Ever After begins with Hae-suk being taken to the self-reflection room by the president, marking the final step of her orientation in heaven. In this introspective session, flashbacks reveal glimpses of her difficult past: her mother’s mysterious drowning, an awkward blind date, and eventually meeting Nak-jun, who pursued her with unwavering devotion. As Hae-suk reflects on her struggles, she realizes just how much hardship and loneliness had shaped her life.

Afterward, the president shows her around the healing programs available to residents. When Hae-suk and Nak-jun return home, they stop to witness the touching reunions of pets with their owners, offering a brief moment of warmth. However, peace quickly shatters when a woman suddenly recognizes Nak-jun and embraces him, sparking a furious outburst from Hae-suk.

Nak-jun explains that during his subway duties—a heavenly job helping lost souls—he rescued this woman from being dragged into hell. Although she has no memory aside from his name, her presence deeply unsettles Hae-suk, who demands she be removed from their home.

The next day, Hae-suk notices four grape-like orbs floating above her, symbolizing four rules she broke due to her jealousy and temper. Only two more infractions, and she risks being sent to hell, intensifying her anxiety.

Meanwhile, Nak-jun brings the mysterious woman to the service center and learns she might be a runaway from hell. Runaways typically lose their memories and face complete erasure if caught. Nak-jun, attempting to ease the situation, names the woman “Som-I”—a gesture that only fuels Hae-suk’s resentment.

Later, Hae-suk is ordered to attend reformation classes because of her grape penalties, but she skips them to visit a church instead. Unfortunately, the pastor grows frustrated with her endless questions and dismisses her early.

Returning home, Hae-suk finds Som-I still living there, leading to another explosive argument with Nak-jun. Feeling defeated, Hae-suk visits the service center to inquire about her mother, but because heavenly policies require mutual consent for meetings, her request is denied. In desperation, she subtly threatens the staff, only for the president to overhear. Moved by her sincerity and sorrow, he grants her a rare chance to board a special bus to a 1950s-era version of heaven, where she finally reunites with her mother.

During their emotional reunion, Hae-suk learns a painful truth: the woman she believed to be her birth mother was actually her adoptive mother, the first wife of her father. Her biological parents—an affair and a scandal—had both passed away early in her life. Despite the lack of blood ties, her adoptive mother had watched over her lovingly from a distance all her life. They reconcile, crying together through the night.

The next morning, Nak-jun, waiting patiently outside, reunites with Hae-suk. Their connection deepens as they share a quiet, heartfelt moment.

However, the episode closes ominously: Som-I, left alone, is suddenly attacked by a devil-like figure, hinting at darker challenges ahead.