AAE I LOVE YOU
Written by Aphrodite
Edited by Irene
Contents
MBS Annual Party was always a grand affair. This year, it was expected to surpass all the previous years for a very special reason. MBS would announce the appointment of its new President to the public on this occasion.
"The year has gone by. Because of your loyalty, hard work and diligence, we are able to stand strong and firm today. Today, I feel really relieved that I can retire and stay home. It time for me to relax. the sad thing is I don know what to do at home. Till now, my son hasn’t given me any grandchildren." The voice of the old President spoke out humorously to the staff.
This drew laughter from his employees. The President son was an eligible, handsome man. Although many girls would have wanted to appear by his side, XZ had never been seen with one and had not bothered by it.
"I just hope that When my son becomes the new President, all of you would help him find a good girl and bless me with a lot of grandchildren. So that time, I would be the happiest old man. All right! I would like to present the new president of MBS." He gave his son a big smile that showed his love and trust in XZ.
XZ stood up, walking straight with confidence.
"Hello everybody" Just only the simple greeting itself was enough to send all women in the room screaming!
"Hahaha, you made me feel like I in a I’m in a concert. Hahaha" The shy action of XZ had the women attention.
"May I introduce myself? I'm YXZ. From now on, I'm going to be a member of your team. Together, I can guarantee that in five yearstime, we shall be able to bring our station to be the best in this business. I believe there still time by then to find someone."
Suddenly, the room was quiet. All eyes went straight to the late arrival coming through the door. She was really beautiful. XZ also looked in that direction and couldn't take his eyes off her. His eyes were filled with emotion.
She headed to his table. Dressed in a evening dress with shoulders bared, her smooth skin glistened like porcelain. Her curly hair was a little bit long, softly waving by her movements. He was stuck on her by then.
"Hello Uncle Yun. . Father is sick so I here to represent him. Really sorry! I wasn’t sure if I be on time? Congratulations!" In a soft and sweet tone, SM paid her respects to XZ's father.
"I'm so happy that you came! Come, sit beside me my dear. Are you tired? Heard that you just returned from London yesterday." Somehow, XZ knew then that the empty seat between him and his father was reserved for her.
"Am I late? " SM asked. She took a small sip of the wine. But the taste proved to be so strong that she sputtered and almost choked.
"It time to have fun. Come on, my new President, sing a song for us please?" XD announced.
XZ looked at XD. ".Senior and close friend, you teased me again!"
"Come on We don't have much time, because after your song, wel be waiting for you to open the floor as well "
"Ha ha ha This is double teasing!"
However, the microphone was handed over to XZ was handle microphone and the intro began.
He said, "this song is for the young lady who almost choked while she was sipping on wine." He winked at her
"Hah!" How come she's in involved in his situation?.
After the song finished, he walked towards her and bowed using just his eyes only! She couldn't deny him!
Just his touch alone, hand in hand She shivered and trembled, then, eye to eye, she lost her self-control.
……."He he he look at that girl.. isn’t she Zhen Sun Mi? Her father is a close friend of the President. Heard that she just back from London. " ……
"Ah! Yes. I always see her pix in the magazines "
"You know, I heard that she going to be our new President's fiancee"
"What? This party is arranged to announce the new President's future bride?"
"He he he that's why he never had any girls in his life. In fact, he's waiting for her only"
"oh no! So now,'m broken heart"
The gossip was spreading quickly at the party
Alarm clock ringing.!
The noise woke up SM from her sweet dream after she met XZ in the party, every night, in her dream, she always saw the ballroom dance, dancing with him
SM felt a little bit tried! She began to open her eyes, looking at ceiling with half awaken feeling. Trying to think what happened last night. But she was a little confused so she thought that need coffee now. She got up and walked to the kitchen automatic familiar feeling.
She thought she'd turned to the right direction, but the room was not the one she wanted to go then, she recalled!
She's married now.
Then, she saw a note beside the telephone.
I've gone off to the office
-Y
She pushed back her hair. Last night she had drunk too much wine and was feeling a little bit tipsy
Yes, I'm married now How come I woke up late like this. Sorry! XZ, I'm not a good wife at all.
"umm! What will I do first? Umm! Start at clearing the room." SM cleared the table stacked full of photos. She viewed each and every piece, of XZ when he was abroad in several countries. One of those stood out
"Cheju Island? I went there with WJ once." the image of her past with WJ was flashing he he he.. SM! You're so naughty how come I'm still thinking of him. .. She dropped the photo down. Changing to pick up another one.
"hey! It's Cambridge!" She viewed the picture of the university which she and XZ had studied but unfortunately they're not studied there at the same time.
Phone ringing
"hello Zhen Sum Mi! ..oh! no.. this is Mrs Yun." Laughter was heard over the wireless.
"ZD don't laugh at me. I'm not used to it."
"ha ha ha sorry friend! Actually, I'm so surprised that you could be married because of business. you're the best new generation of big business man"
"he he he "
SM smiled many people though that was the reason to marry because she just only met him 2 months ago, but she knew that her friend ZD was wrong to say that of her. However, did she love him? She doesn't know for now. Shed never loved anyone before. Only WJ that once she had almost loved him had there been no YM that day.. She just only knew that ..... XZ just only had to look at her with his sharp eyes and she won't be able to deny him anything.
"It was a big surprise! we were so shocked! Anyway, in the party yesterday, I heard your mother saying that he's not home, right?"
"Yes! He's away in Tokyo for 3 days to attend some meetings."
"Really? Oh my God! How come he leaves you so lonely at home. Why didn't you take this opportunity to go on a honeymoon with him?"
"How come? He went to work, moreover, this is an important meeting. If I go, I'll only be a burden to him." Actually XZ had tried to persuade her many times but she still said no because it felt really strange since they met. The relationship had gone so fast. She always lost her sense of self-identity when beside him. So if he's not home for 3 days, she will find it easier to adapt herself.
"so this evening! Can you come out? We set a party for you to cerebrate your marriage."
"Sure "
"o.k see you at my home.. new bride"
At ZD's home! SM went there a little early, looking very sweet in a pink dress.
"Congratulations, SM. Be happy! Wow! Madam Yun you're so wonderful today"
"sorry! I've come too early"
"You're not a good wife. Just only married yesterday, today you come to party with friends" SM turned to the direction of the soft familiar tone.
"Come on WJ! Don't say like that! It's your idea to set this party" ZD said
"Can't believe she will come" SM felt unhappy to hear that.
"Why? Why can't I come? I just want to meet friends getting married, means that my life must change?" SM looked at WJ with sad eyes. WJ looked back warmly. He was still worried about her! if at that time there was no YM coming in between us, .. maybe, ,the one who stood beside me in church would have been you
"Don't' make your face so sad like that! Just teasing you! Come on, little princess cheer up!
"Let's drink to our SM, who shocked us with the lightning wedding he he he.. in another 6 months, guess you'll probably show us a Yun Junior?" YM said while raising her glass of wine. She didn't care how others looked at her. . She was now a celebrated broadcaster at MBS. So she knew XZ, such a perfect man! Who would think that his wife was her friend, SM? She couldn't accept this. It should have been her. She broke up with WJ by then when she saw him. She saw XZ first so he should have been hers.
The atmosphere was not good after YM's remarks. But the party resumed just fine with everybody seemingly enjoying it more after YM left to work. SM felt really grateful!
"Thank you very much! It's quite late now, I should be leaving for home. Anyway, I'll buy you a big meal later, o.k?" After saying goodbye, she left the house. WJ ran after her
"SM"
"Tonight, you're so beautiful congratulations!"
"WJ it's time for you to find someone else. You and YM broke up a long time ago2 years? " SM had heard that WJ and YM had severed their relationship after she had gone to London to pursue a Master's degree in Interior Designing. .
"Come on! If you have any free time to spare, let's go to Cheju Island again! We can go to the theatre or just take a drive, well?" SM smiled at him. He would always be special to her.
"Sure? You're not single anymore."
"ha ha ha but that time, being with you, I was so happy". WJ you're so kind and warm
"How do you go home? let me give you a lift?"
"O.k"
She always felt safe when WJ was around. 15 minutes later, they arrived at her home.
"It's not that late! Do you want a cup of coffee! You drank so much wine tonight, you know! "
WJ looked at her with meaningful eyes. If he wasn't drunk, and lost control of his mind, he would never show that he still loved her.
"Take a seat! I'll make you a cup of coffee " She walked to a counter nearby
"Tough luck! No creme! You love coffee with creme so much!" She remembered all his favorite things.
"That's all right! Black coffee is o.k." WJ walked towards her
"How was last night?" he asked. "Sorry! I had an out of town assignment and couldn't join the ceremony."
"So tiredddd! when we got home! We were almost asleep by then"
"Then, how come he leaves you alone at home! You always did surprise things such as this wedding! Why? SM. You just met him why did you marry him? "
"err! " She didn't know the reason, either. She didn't know whether she loved him. If the one who was down on his knee, proposing to her was WJ, how would she feel really? Shy, excited, lost her senses as she did with XZ that day? SM laughed a little bit
"ha ha so funny cuz I don't know"
"Funny?" Suddenly WJ wrapped his arms around her waist.
"WJ" SM was alarmed! WJ never behaved like this with her before. He was the one she could trust.
"So mad! just only came from London, then you ran into the wedding party, want to run away from me?"
"WJ you're drunk please don't do this.,,,, please where's my WJ?" She tried to struggle from his embrace.
"I'm home!" XZ appeared!
Before she knew it, SM was freed. She was really anxious and worried if XZ had witnessed the scene. He would surely misunderstand.
WJ also felt guilty for he didn’t want it on his conscience that he had created problems for his beloved SM. XZ had not shown any sign of displeasure or temper so WJ could not tell if XZ had seen the embrace!
It was best not to say anything if XZ had not seen, WJ took a deplorable look at SM, wondering if this time, he had truly lost her forever?
Speechless and heart-broken, he greeted XZ. "Hello Mr Yun."
His eyes were sharp but XZ did not utter a word. There was no smile or a sign of temper!
Seeing SM now beside her husband, WJ realized that there was no place for him any more!
"SM! gotta go home now! See you later"
SM was afraid to look at WJ and XZ, she did not know what to do! Just let WJ go away!
"Good bye WooJin. "
As he left the house, WJ was lost in his own thoughts…… " Goodbye, my beloved! From now on, we only friends as it should be……"
"Didn’t you go to Japan?" SM helped XZ with his suit.
"Uncle Kim was at the airport when I arrived. He chased me home and went ahead to attend the meeting alone! So I have 3 days off."
XZ answered simply. SM felt a little bit relieved. He had not caught them then!!
"Really? " She had a chance to meet Uncle Kim once before. He was a kind man!
SM smiled.
"UMM!" XZ nodded in agreement.
"Well! I’m going to take my bath. Just arrived home from party! my friends arranged it for me as I was stuck in ceremony, no time to chat with them yesterday Ah! Did you have dinner yet?"
"UMM!" XZ nodded again.
"Are you angry with me???"
SM held his arm!
Like a young kid beguiling her older brother, SM took his arm and leant against him. Giving him a sweet smile with innocence in her eyes that XZ was lost in. He smiled and pretended not to understand what SM was implying to.
"Pardon?"
"I’m so sorry!" This time, guilt was written all over her face. XZ looked at her, hiding the glint of a smile that was in his eyes.
"For?" XZ pushed her with a stab of curiosity. SM saw the twinkling, blissful smile in his eyes and she knew that he was okay then. So the beguiling SM didn’t repeat the same performance. Instead, she changed her story on her offered apology.
"For this morning! Waking up late and not preparing breakfast for you."
XZ looked at her understandingly. Maybe it was a little difficult for SM to understand! Or probably she was so relieved that XZ hadn’t seen anything that she hadn’t read XZ thoughts.
"That’s all right! Take a bath and go to bed. Don’t wait up for me. I have an unexpected three days off but I think I should be able to clear up all the work tonight"
XZ watched SM back till she disappeared into the room.
Hmmm! XZ, why is it so difficult for me to know what you’re thinking? You’re 5 years my senior! If you were angry with me, we should be able to talk and clear it up. Why do you remain so quiet? With WJ, he would have talked to me directly, won’t have held back from me.
..XZ!!! If you don’t talk to me, then how would I ever get to know you? I should put the blame entirely on you. I partly to be blamed too. It also my fault. I made up so many excuses today to upset you……
SM woke up later to find herself alone in the bedroom. Then she remembered that XZ had told her that he had work to clear up. She felt remorse. How could she have left her husband to work hard while she was sleeping snugly? It was not right. She went to look for him and saw him in concentration. There were many documents spread out on the table. From her side, she could see XZ back.
His broad back gave her a feeling of strength and warmth, and just by looking at his back, SM knew a feeling of security that she doesn’t need ever be afraid because he would protect her. Even though her father was a reputable businessman, SM had grown up in a loving family. She never worried for anything. Her life had been easy-going and smooth. But this time, barely two months after she met a stranger, she had to share the rest of her natural life and future with him. It was not easy for her.
Thinking of XZ action today, she felt uneasy and a little worried about her marriage.. Then, she just stepped back and went to bed quietly. SM could not sleep, so she went to the table in the bedroom and pulled out her work profile from the chest.
WJ and herself had graduated from the same university. He, with a degree in Architecture while she had one in Interior Design. She originally intended to set up a firm with WJ until YM came between them.
WJ had now achieved his dream although it was not their dream together anymore. WJ had accomplished a lot in his ideal career, with some famous landmarks. "What about me? I went to London for my Master Degree. Everyday, I learnt and learnt. Life was just boring. After graduation, it was back to Seoul and a marriage based on business interest? SM kept thinking Although now, she was a President wife, that was not reason enough for her to remain at home and be the dutiful wife.. This was another side of SM as WJ said if she wanted to spring any surprises! No one knew what she was thinking.
Well, she decided to freelance outside. Many things to prepare she was engrossed in her work till she dozed off. She felt a soft touch of a hand smoothing her hair and a whisper.
"You’ll catch a flu if you sleep in front of the air-con."
SM slowly opened her eyes while XZ was holding her in his arms, kissing her softly. He took her to bed and laid her down, leaning down to whisper in her ear.
"Naughty girl. Should be punished! You know! I jealous.."
The ray of morning sun crept into the room through a slight parting of the curtain, reflecting on the glass windows the signal of dawn SM opened her eyes! She was in XZ arms and he was still asleep side by side, heart to heart .. she watched his clean-cut Husband? . She left him; to let him have more rest last night! He worked hard till really late. She got up, took a bath and made breakfast.
The aroma of coffee made XZ come out of his sweet dream. Was it a dream? He'd waited a long time That one-day he would wake up to meet someone who brought purpose and meaning to his life. He felt really warm.. Today, life was meaningful HOME .. home sweet home quo
XZ stood behind SM and hugged her, kissing her cheek.
"smells good!"
"Yes? right, the coffee smells good." She felt a little shy about last night She didn’t have the bravado to face him, especially looking him in the yes!
"It’s not the coffee! Here instead!" then he turned to tenderly kiss her neck ummm! Let me check where the good scent will take me.” He was teasing her!
SM tried to side step away, took a deep breath, then turned to scowl at him. "
XZ gave her a smile. She looked adorable even with a scowl. Like an enlisted soldier standing in salute awaiting the orders from his commander, XZ asked.
"Yes Madam!?"
SM chastised him!
"Y O U! go [to] take a bath .. N O W "
"Naaaa this is my day off. I’ll get more rest come on .. let go to bed I still so sleepy." He grabbed her hand and pulled her to his chest.
"NO! naughty boy! There are many things I have to do after breakfast hurry up! I hungry."
"he he he .. who dare to make the President wife so busy? Tell me! I will fire them! "
XZ seemed that he would be the domineering husband, intent to have his own way with her. XZ felt light-headed, teasing her but seeing her worked up, he stopped. . tease her but Seeing SM
"All right! All right! wait a moment Madam! We have a date today!" he winked at her before returning to the bedroom
"Strange!!! why didn’t he say shall we go out for a date? Or Where do we go? Instead, he had said it in such a way as to leave her no say at all in the decision. Besides, when he got angry, he would be quiet! Now! SM learnt one more thing about him! HE LOVED TO ORDER HER AROUND. Well, what was going to happen if she didn’t follow and do what he wanted ????
As XZ drove to their out of town destination, SM watched the scenery outside with an uncanny feeling that she had been to this place before…
“SM, do you want me to park by the lake or stop here and we’ll just walk the rest of the way?” XZ asked as they reached their purpose… But SM’s thoughts were of WJ at the moment and as if she could hear his voice clearly in her mind, “SM… Are you tried? Should I go and buy you a drink?”
“Hmm… It is really nice to drive out here at this time for some sightseeing… I just love taking pictures of the views around here.”
Her thoughts of WJ were interrupted as XZ spoke and when she turned to face him, she couldn’t help looking but couldn’t find any of WJ’s traits in XZ… With WJ, he would always be concerned with her needs and her feelings...
After parking the car, XZ held SM’s hand as they walked along the lane that led to a garden made beautiful by the different kinds of flowers that abound it… On the grassy area, he sat in a slapdash fashion and looking at him she observed a man totally different to that of the sole heir to MBS whom she first saw as a confident, respectable and astute businessman…
When she sat beside him, XZ lain down and rested his head on her lap…
“Hmm… Don’t you just love to breathe some fresh air?” and then he gave her the warmest smile…
SM roved her eyes surveying the surroundings and as she watched the distance, she breathed a sigh and thought of the man lying before her and what’s inside his mind and his heart… What he truly felt about her… When she looked at him again, he was already sounding asleep… He must have been really tired from working so hard to sleep that fast… SM then bent to take a closer look at his face admiring his long lashes when he unexpectedly opened his eyes startling her…
“Do you want to kiss me?” and he winked at her… SM felt sick at his audacity that she pushed him away from her lap…
“Crazy fool…” SM told him petulantly.
“Oops! Madam… You sure are heartless… Come, come… Let’s make up, hmm? Alright… Instead of you kissing me, why don’t I just…” and before SM could muster a protest, he had already captured her lips with his…
“XZ…” she whispered… “Someone might see us!” She blushed with embarrassment as she pushed him away to XZ’s amazement…
“Why did you marry me? We have not known each other for long, surely there are lots of beautiful women in Seoul you’ll find better than I am. Why did you choose me?” For her part, she also wondered why she agreed to marry him when he never even told her that he loved her… XZ looked at her in the eye and asked, “Do you really believe we’d only just met?”
Before SM could understand what he'd just asked, the rain began to fall…
“Oh dear me, how could it rain at this time?” SM stretched out her arm to catch the rain in her hands…
“Come, let’s get back to the car…” XZ immediately stood up and helped her… They ran towards where XZ had parked the car, with his arm around her trying to use his body to shield her from the rain… SM, however, could not help thinking about the place… She was sure that somewhere in time probably when she was a lot younger, she’d been here…
“Looks like the rain won’t stop… We better head for home…” XZ told SM when they got inside the car…
A beautiful classical piano piece started to play on the radio accompanying the sound of the dancing rain pouring outside the car…
“I’ve heard this music before… Hmm… I just couldn’t remember the title… Would you know it?” SM asked XZ as she tried to call to mind its title but failed…
“Piano Concerto No. 20 by Mozart, more popularly known as Romance” XZ replied…
“Is it? I don’t have an inclination to classical music so I don’t get to listen to it that much but hearing this piece seemed to bring me back through time…” SM listened trying to place where and when she had heard it… “It feels weird but I’m sure I heard it before but not recently… Hmm… Why, is this music so familiar to me?” She asked laughing at herself… She continued to ponder, “Hmm… If we have different taste in music, are there other interests that we could share together?”
XZ turned to look at her and smiled… He wanted to say something but later opted to remain silent… SM by this time had gotten used to XZ’s company that somehow she could piece together some details about him, however, looking at him she could never get used to that smile he always gave her that never failed to take her breath away and make her lose control… She tried to calm herself down by trying to focus her mind on the business she was planning to put up…
It was already dark when they reached home where a surprise awaited SM… As she prepared herself for their dinner together, she wondered where XZ could be… But she did not have to wait for a reply… In the dining room, she found out that all this time he had been preparing a sumptuous meal for her…
“Please… Madam” XZ ushered his wife who looked stunning in her dinner outfit and bowed… She watched him in awe trying to figure out how he managed to prepare this dinner when they were together the whole day… She was fascinated to see another incredible phase of the man she was trying to know…
Before they started, XZ lighted the candle in the middle of table and turned the music on to the classical tune they heard earlier that SM came to know as Romance…
There was bliss in XZ’s heart as he looked into SM’s eyes… He thought there is nothing he would not do just to see this woman in front of him happy and judging from her reaction, he knew he achieved his goal this time… She was moved to tears with his thoughtfulness… Tonight, before her eyes, apart from the stern look of a businessman which she has gotten used to, unfolded someone who is warm, kind and carefree just like how she remembered him from the past when they were much younger… She suddenly thought on someone she knew and could recall while they were growing together as brother and sister and that was a long time ago before they parted… Although she tried to remember what her brother had looked like, she couldn't remember him.
Looking at SM, XZ thought nothing of her has changed except perhaps that now, she’s grown into a beautiful woman, lovelier than ever before… She still possessed the sweetness and her smile that had always mesmerized him even when they were young… He knew his patience of waiting for her for a long time had been rewarded the day she agreed to marry him…
His thoughts were interrupted when, as they finished their dinner, she spoke…
“Okay… To thank you for this sumptuous and delicious meal, and for that I will…… hmm…” SM stopped to think of an appropriate reward for his hard work to which XZ could not wait for her to continue prodded her to say it teasing her at the same time…
“You will what?” XZ repeated her word…
“I will… wash the dishes and clean the table… Is that a good arrangement? You cooked, therefore I’ll wash… and… to really show my appreciation, how about I clean up the whole kitchen as well?” she snapped but XZ was not pleased with what SM had suggested…
“Madam, neither washing the dishes nor cleaning up the kitchen is not the kind of reward I expect from my wife so, don’t be a cheat… Those chores are left for the maids to do…” XZ looked at her disappointedly…
“Huh? Then… What kind of reward would you want to get?” SM was apprehensive with what XZ was trying to say… She thought what she suggested was just appropriate for what he had done… She then realized she fell right into XZ’s trap when she asked the question…
“Do I really have to tell you? Well… like for example… We… you and me… How about we… ahh…” SM had seen through his mischievous look what he was trying to suggest so she tried to deviate from it by insisting on what she had offered earlier this time…
“Oh! Great!!! You and me… Together, let’s wash the dishes and clean the kitchen… That’s a great idea coming from you!!!”
XZ knew she was just trying to play innocent so he did not allow himself to be dissuaded…
“SM… you know what I’m trying to say… don’t avoid the subject…”
“Who is avoiding what? How could you say that? I know you said that these chores are the duties of a maid but what I’m trying to say is why wait till tomorrow when we can do it tonight? Come on… Let me take care of this…” XZ tried to give her a hand when SM stood up and started clearing the table but she stopped him…
“That’s all right… You don’t have to bother… Let me do this by myself… You must be tired from the trip we had. You really must rest… You go ahead and freshen up…” XZ seemed not to hear a word she just said so she made firm on her stance…
“Mr. Director, I want you to know that this is a command and not a suggestion!!! If you will not heed to what I say, then I’ll be forced to sell my shares at MBS…” With her hands on her waist, XZ thought she looked prettier rather than ferocious when she’s angry and he laughed at the sight of her but he decided it would not be wise to cross her at this time so he gave in…
“Okay… Okay… I’m already scared… I’m going… Wow!!! You are so fierce…” Standing next to her with his hands in surrender he left but not before he could give her a quick peck on her cheek and flashed his winning smile to her surprise…
SM finished what she set out to do and more… In pretext to make sure that XZ was asleep by the time she went to bed, she decided to clean the living room as well… As SM cleared away the books and magazines that were on the table, a picture fell off from one of the books… She picked it up and looked at it… It was a fading picturesque view of the place they just went to earlier… She thought it must have been taken some 20 years back and giving it a closer look she could see the back of a little girl but she was too far from the camera to be recognized… She turned the picture and at the back was written:
“I will be your bride, my brother.”
Anxiety suddenly built up within her at this revelation of XZ’s past… Although she may be his wife now, a tinge of pain pierced her heart knowing sometime in his past there was a woman she did not know who became part of his life… With her curiosity aroused she was drawn in to know identity of the person who obviously must have been really special for him to keep the picture all this time…
“Who could she be?”
The picture haunted her and fear consumed her, as she thought of the possible reasons why he brought her to the place that would remind his childhood with a little girl.… She was well aware that business was one of the reasons for their marriage but realizing now that this woman may have been occupying his mind all this time, would it still be possible to accept her for who she really is? Or was he really keen on grooming her to be his special woman’s copycat…
Although she wanted to know whatever is in his mind right now, she also feared being part of it she could hardly breathe…
Written by - Aphrodite
Edited by - Irene
SM slipped picture back in the book and placed it on the table. Suddenly, she felt very tired.
Opening the bedroom door, she saw HC already changed to his pajamas but still working on a stack of documents on the table. He flashed her a tender smile.... it made SM feel worse to think that she was just only a mere shadow of his girl.
"Busy?" she asked him very naturally, not wanting him to know how she felt but her face couldn't hide her true feeling. She wasn't a good liar and that made HC more worried!
"I feel guilty to see you always working hard while I can't even lend you a hand to ease your work load." .. Hearing what SM said.. HC felt relieved!!! Just having her was the best gift in his life.. HC gazed at her lovingly but SM.. Alas!!! Her eyes were so filled with tears that she missed the revelation of love in HC's eyes.
"SM . tell me... are you lonely staying at home? I'm not the old-fashioned kind to demand that my wife stays home only. If you wish to work with me at the office, you'll be most welcome." HC reassured her in a caring tone. SM sat on the bed.
"I don't think I will be of any help in the mass media field since I'm an interior designer."
"That's not the answer to my question .." HC put down his pen and gazed deeply into SM's eyes
"Urr! . if I want to work in my field. is that ok with you? I mean, to work as a freelance." SM prompted him. HC knew very well the implication of hard work involved.
"ummm!!! " HC deliberated with grave concern before replying because he didn't want her to be exhausted by work.
"I can pick and choose the easy ones. That way then, I need work only 2-3 days per assignment. " SM was hoping that HC would not object. She wanted to keep busy and having something to occupy her mind so that she won't have time to think of HC's past.
"If your father knows of this, I will surely hear no end to it from him. " HC smiled but that gave her the answer !!! SM was jubilated that she rushed over to him to kiss his cheek. Without any warning, HC pulled her down to his lap.
"Thank you!"
"Well, do you have any plan for your work now?"
"I'll go and meet WJ at his office tomorrow morning! We'd talked about this before my return to Korea."
“WJ ??? ." HC's voice went a little bit cold
"Yes, my friend.. the one you'd met." SM was so elated at his consent that she'd forgotten all was not right.
"You're so kind . umm! I'm going to take a shower now."
HC was thoughtful as he watched her retreat to the bathroom.
After the shower, SM went back to the drawing room instead, still engrossed thinking about her prospective job. As she had the habit of pacing around whenever she was planning her work, she didn't want to disturb HC in the bedroom.
After pacing a while, SM took a seat and couldn't resist picking up the book, . flipping through page after page . then, she found another picture of the same girl. There were so many of her pictures . she just had to be HIS special girl indeed.
The past was the past . it was over and done with. SM tried to convince herself but somehow,. it wasn't fair that he should have a past that she wasn't a part of..!
Then, she burst into tears .. Why was she feeling so lonely like this? OR did she love him too much now?
HC felt that SM had disappeared for a long time and went to find her.
SM heard his footsteps and quickly hid the picture behind her back, raising the other hand to swipe off her tears but HC had seen her action.
"Tired?" The warm tone conveying his concern for her, made her burst into tears again.
".. Let me see." HC lifted up her chin. SM turned away to ward off his hands.
"I'm all right. you go to bed first. Let me finish my work and then I'll join you." HC sat down beside her, holding her shoulder and gently pulling her head to lay on his shoulder.. Lightly caressing her hair, he asked.
"Why are you crying? ."
"I'm not .. " SM denied
"Liar !!! Beware or your nose will soon put Pinocchio's out of joint... Let me see . oh! It's starting to grow longer ..," playfully tweaking her nose.
"If I were a kid, then I might fall for your tale!" SM raised her face.
"Ummm!!! Really... " HC humoured her.
"Certainly, yes!" SM looked him in the eye before shyly turning away again. Her childish action brought forth a smile from him.
"OK . you're not crying . so, . what's this?" Staring at her hand behind her back
"Nothing" SM said
"So . what's this?" HC grabbed the picture from her hand and showed it to her. SM looked at the picture with questioning eyes and put up a nonchalant front, pretending she wasn't bothered.
"Just only a picture .. Nothing special .., " she pinched his wrist.
"oops! . if nothing then why did you pinch me?" HC continued to tease her, an expression of disbelief on his face. SM tried to pinch him again but .
"One more pinch .. You'll be punished." he whispered ever so gently, pressing his nose slightly against her head, seeking out the wonderful scent of her mane . SM froze.
"SM, ask me anything . I don't have any secret ."
.. You're so much more experienced .. Why must I be put in the awkward position of having to ask you first! It's your responsibility to explain this to me...SM pondered in her mind...
HC lightly touched her mane of hair.... SM felt incredibly warm and safe somehow . ..Oh why? Why are you always so good to me.. why do you always cherish me . and yet, why do I feel like a loser still...
"Nothing . maybe, I'm just tired . well! I should go to bed now. "
she pulled away, trying to get up but HC dragged her back onto his lap.
"Don't worry! SM, I don't care a hoot about my past or . YOURS either!" His voice clearly stressing on the 'YOURS' word.
Oops! He meant WJ !!! . OR probably that day he saw us . HC! It wasn't the way it looked . SM felt it wasn't fair to her. He had misunderstood the incident that day and she wanted desperately to explain the true situation but HC had cut short the conversation.
"The only thing that concerns me is the past that belongs to us... you and I only."
SM did not like what she saw in his mesmerizing eyes because she knew she didn't have the strength to resist or reject him. . the mesmerizing eyes that tore her apart last night . there and then, her heartbeats accelerated. she shivered as she felt his hands on her body, seeking to caress her whole body.
Within the candle with the fire burning ... The love of HC ; and his every movement was a torturous pleasure to her, inflaming her up with passion. Meanwhile, another side was soft yet strangely cold.
.... I LOVE YOU HC .... and you? DO YOU LOVE ME ???