One on one

Her sharp jaws fell in awe and remained speechless for a few seconds before chuckling softly and awkwardly.

"Come again?"

"Forgive me but I'm calling it off."

I took a deep breath after releasing so much because my heart literally is about to explode in nervousness. Our family needs this connection to keep it running and to start an unnecessary feud with their family would mean the end for us.

But I have no choice. Beomgyu doesn't want to marry me and I can't imagine myself forcing him. The pain is already too great to contain. I have to move on while I still have my pride intact.

"You don't mean that."

I looked straight into her light brown eyes and sighed deeply for the nth time.

"My apologies for the sudden change. I was under the impression he was on board so I accepted the deal but it turns out he's not and I have no plans to chase a man who doesn't even wanna see my face even after all I've been through…"

Hearing it from my own shaky voice made it harder for me to breathe normally.

However, I can't let myself burst into tears in front of her of all people because she's gonna push for the wedding even further, regardless of her son's feelings.

"Did he say he doesn't like you?"

"No… but basically, it sounds like it."

"That punk." She gritted her teeth and briskly stood up that startled me and her own bodyguard. Her wooden chair wobbled and almost fell over the white-tiled floor if he didn't catch it on time.

Fortunately the hospital crew were too busy in the kitchen or else they might misunderstand the situation.

"I don't know why he's acting like that as if he's not keeping your candid photo inside his wallet."

My brain lagged a bit from processing that revelation. "Wait, what photo?"

"The one he took when your father first brought you to our house years ago." She massaged her temples and gestured her personal guard to get her a glass of cold water at the counter. "It was a polaroid and it's still there before he left home."

"I can't believe it." My eyes widened at her. "W-why do I have a photo in his wallet?"

"I think you already know why but feel free to ask him directly." She smiled and giggled a bit. "His reaction would be priceless."

I felt relieved but at the same time it feels so surreal. There's no way I can prove it anyway because I don't know which wallet she's referring to or if Beomgyu have thrown it away by now.

"He's just upset. I'm sure he doesn't mean whatever he said to you. So please don't cancel the wedding."

She finally ordered a cup of milk tea and I just asked for a pumpkin soup instead. The food arrived and we consumed them silently because I'm still under the impression that she's just lying to make me change my mind.

"By the way, your brother asked about your whereabouts."

I almost choked at my last spoonful of soup hearing about the strictest man in my life and the main reason why I'm legally running away from home using the marriage as an excuse.

I took a sip of the cold water and wiped my mouth first before telling her not to expose my location.

"Are you sure?" She asked with her eyebrows furrowing. "Soobin sounds like he's worried sick."

"Yes. I'm sorry but I need some rest for a few days before dealing with his constant nagging."

"I see." She simply replied and took the bill to the counter. I thanked her for the meal and followed her back upstairs.

"I bought an island using my savings." She said and tapped my shoulders once we entered the elevator. "No one knows about it so if you want to take a vacation, you can join my son there while he's recuperating. I've already mentioned the plan to him in my letter."

"Um… but-"

"Don't worry. The villa over there is big enough for you two to never bump with each other for months, much less for a few days considering his current condition."

To be continued…