Windows of the Heart

Chapter 23 Brother's Side of The Story

"You see, Hwan? Why refuse when you already built up a good relationship with Chun-Hei, and you, there, lady, have no more business here! You are just a fling for my son, gold-digger!" Mr. Han cold-bloodedly insulted Ma-ri on everyone's face.

"Tell me, in all honesty, Hwan, what triggered your accident on the road?" Hyun-Ki prods Hwan to talk more.

Hwan sat down again, his hands covered his face, and he sobbed unceasingly.

And Hwan revealed that fateful night.

After graduation, Hwan Chul suggested to Mari that it was time to get a passport, meaning they would work abroad. So, she did. When the visa came, he proposed to her that they elope.

Even though Mari hesitated at Hwan Chul's proposal, she agreed and asked how his plan would work.

"We will get Mang Ben's assistance. You will bring your packed clothes gradually to Mang Ben's place, unnoticed by anyone in your home." Hyun-Ki was surprised by Mang Ben's connivance with their elopement. And Hwan Chul continued his story.

"We will fly to Hongkong as our first out-of-the-country date, then proceed to Singapore, where my older brother is residing. We will get married and settle there for good."

"Mari got excited and was looking forward to meeting you." Hwan Chul smiled ruefully.

"Mari and I are ready to run away, but I recalled that my passport was still in my room back home, so without wasting time, we went to get it while Mang Ben stayed in the car."

"Upon entrance to the living room, I was surprised and dismayed to find Dad there. He was supposed to be in his office, but unexpectedly, he was waiting for me."

"Where have you been, Hwan Chul? I've expected you're home already instead, been waiting for you for hours with my guests!" said dad impatiently.

"And who is she? (pointing the finger at Marie angrily with an unpleasant look in his eyes, scaring Mari), why is she tagged along with you, Chul?"

"I was at a loss of words at first; then I said that Mari is my girlfriend!"

"Oh, your girlfriend, and how about Chun-Hei?" showing her standing with her parents.

"Why did you come here, Chun-Hei?" implored Hwan Chul.

"Chun-Hei is here with her parents; we are discussing marriage plans for both of you." Mr. Han muttered. Mari stepped aback by what she heard.

"You must be kidding me, Dad. In this time and age? Arranged Wedding for your children? Here is the girl I am to marry Dad (bringing Mari close to him). And what is with you, Chun-Hei, ha?! You know very well that Mari is my girlfriend, and very much in love with her!" Hwan's eyes hardened at her.

"Yes, oh yes! She could be your girlfriend, but how about me, Chul? Do you think I can just let go of our closeness, you fool? How about the countless nights we spent together, ha? Every time you had some misunderstandings with Mari, or every time you quarrel for days or weeks, who do you spend your nights with, isn't I?!" Chun-Hei retorted. Mari was shocked at what Chun-Hei revealed.

"You told me once you want to give up on her, remember, Chul?" Hwan Chul felt ashamed.

"You see, Hwan? Why refuse when you already built up a good relationship with Chun-Hei, and you, there, lady, have no more business here! You are just a fling for my son, gold-digger!" Mr. Han cold-bloodedly insulted Mari on everyone's face.

Mari shattered, and with her face darkened by anger and defeat, she rushed to the door, weeping bitterly. Hwan Chul ran after her.

Meanwhile, back to Mang Ben, he went outside the car to get fresh air and was a little worried, asking himself what had taken them so long. He lets the key in its ignition to keep the car running so they can leave quickly.

Hwan Chul got hold of her, pulled her in the front seat, and drove, unmindful of Mang Ben stopping them. Mari was crying profusely, so angered at what Chun-Hei revealed and so hurt at the same time from Mr. Han's insults.

"I hate you so much, Chul! Please stop this car and let go of me. I never would want to see you or be with you again!" Mari cried bitterly, hitting Hwan Chul in anger and desperation.

"Please stop, Mari. Let me explain! Chun-Hei just wanted to get back to me, please! Stop it!" Then Hwan Chul saw a vehicle coming their way. Because the incoming vehicle's front lights are like spotlights directed at them, blinded by it so when he shoved the car away to avoid the collision, he turned the car wheel to his left but then saw a pole looking like an arrow with its sharp edges that may hit Mari directly. Hence, he turned the car to his right again, but it was too late! The vehicle turned around like a spinning top, tumbled like a barrel thrown out of a truck, then hit a steel barrier by the roadside, making the car look like a crumpled can.

Still conscious of their accident, Mari was calling Hwan Chul's name but then lose consciousness. The witnesses ran in panic to save the passengers and saw the two bathed in blood profusely flowing from their heads then a passerby called for an ambulance advising the witnesses not to touch the bodies and let the rescuers do their job.

Hyun-Ki pressed Hwan Chul's shoulders, comforting him upon learning the real facts of their fatal accident. With a lump in his throat, he consoled Hwan Chul with these words:

"I understand how much pain you have endured, bearing the guilt for not having the chance to ask Mari's forgiveness so, the reason why you insisted on looking for her. Whether alive or dead, yes, you have to find her. That would help you move on and forgive yourself.