AAE -- For Better For Worse

Chapter 10

by LoveCR2

edited by All-About-AAE

 

 

Hyung-Chul sits at his desk, pen in hand. His desktop, usually buried under reports and correspondence, is cleared -- except for a stack of blank sheets

 

"Want to get married?" he says the words aloud as he writes them.

 

He sighs. Draws some lines through the words, and sets the sheet aside.

 

"Marry me?"

 

He puts an 'x' through the words, and sets that sheet with the other one.

 

He frowns. Hesitates. Moves his hand up to his brow for a moment, then sets the pen down.

 

He checks the time, then presses the TALK button on his phone intercom.

 

"Miss Lee, I need to leave early today. Have my car brought to the main entrance."

 

"Yes, Director. If anyone calls, what should I say?"

 

"That I'm working on an important initiative, and can't be disturbed."

 

He stands. Slips on his suit jacket. Picks up his mobile, and heads out the door -- his mind fixed on one decision.

 

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

Hyung-Chul steps into the Chaumet boutique in Gangnam's Galleria West. The previous evening, while accompanying Sun-Mi window shopping, they had briefly browsed the store's displays. Inside, glass cases sparkle under specular lighting, each one a miniature stage for rings that sparkle like constellations.

 

A woman greets him at the door with a formal bow. "May I help you?"

 

"I'm looking at engagement rings."

 

"This way, please."

 

He scans the displays with disciplined intent, searching for a ring uniquely suited to Sun-Mi.

 

He soon identifies it -- the perfect combination of cut, color, and setting. It is understated but striking. A solitaire round diamond nestled between two dark crescent-shaped peridot stones, set in white gold, flanked on both sides by a string of tiny diamonds on the band.

 

A hovering sales clerk stands quietly at attention nearby, a professional 'service with a smile' fixed on her bright red lips, ready to assist at the slightest hint of interest.

 

Her eyes have followed Hyung-Chul's every move since entering -- recognizing him from the night before. The expensive suit, cultured manner, and confident air all had marked him then as a prime candidate for a substantial upsell. His immediate return cements it.

 

But more than that, she remembers the woman he so studiously fawned over. One of Korea's most recognized faces. MBS TV Announcer Jin Sun-Mi. Seoul's sweetheart of the airwaves.

 

 

"Can I see one of these rings?" Hyung-Chul asks, gesturing toward the case in front of him.

 

The clerk's voice is bright and practiced. "Certainly, Sir."

 

She glides over, heel tapping softly on the marble floor. Young, pretty, and poised, she is dressed in the boutique's signature black pencil skirt suit and white ruffled blouse. Diamond studs catch the light at her ears, a ring sparkles on her finger.

 

But Hyung-Chul barely notices. His thoughts are elsewhere -- on the woman whose hand he hopes to place this ring on.

 

"This one?" she asks, pointing to the most expensive ring in the case --a wide gold band crowned with a massive diamond haloed by smaller stones. "Your fiancée must be thrilled to have someone with such exquisite taste."

 

Hyung-Chul studies the ring, its brilliance garish under the lights. "Actually, she’s not impressed by gaudy extravagance," he remarks, his tone polite but firm.

 

The clerk tilts her head, undeterred. "It's rare that a man understands a woman’s heart so well... What about this one?"

 

She presents a solitaire diamond on a plain platinum band. "It’s timeless. What every girl dreams of having slipped onto her finger some day!"

 

Hyung-Chul shakes his head, his brow creasing at the clerk's pushiness. "She dreams differently. I believe this one would be more meaningful for her," he states firmly, pointing to the ring he had originally intended to look at.

 

The clerk's smile dims. "Meaningful?"

 

"Those are peridot, right?" he replies, referring to the ring's pair of dark crescents.

 

The clerk blinks, surprised. "Yes. The only one we carry. But we have others with more traditional stones -- sapphire, ruby, emerald. Perhaps you'd like to see those?"

 

"No. This will do," Hyung-Chul presses his lips together. "It's perfect."

 

She nods, sensing the finality in his tone. "Very well, I'll box it for you. But while I do, would you like to see our selection of wedding bands? If purchased together, I can offer you 20% off."

 

He looks up. "Are they exchangeable if my fiancée prefers a different style?"

 

"Of course."

 

His mobile beeps. Taking it from his jacket, Hyung-Chul flips it open and presses it to his ear.

 

"Yes? ... She did what?"

 

He frowns. Takes a sharp breath, releasing it slowly.

 

"Sure. Where are you? ... I'll be there soon."

 

 

Hyung-Chul closes his phone, and looks at the sales clerk. "I'll have to see the wedding bands another time."

 

"Do you still want the engagement ring?"

 

"Of course. I plan to propose tonight."