15

The night of the charity event felt like a fever dream at this point. Nick had once again began ghosting me and never being home. He doesn't even answer the phone when I call him.

That night I had felt so close to Nick but now it's like it never happened and I don't know why.

He would be gone by the time I woke up and would come back home really late. I didn't understand why he was going through all that to avoid me.

"You look sleep deprived." Kazuha walks over to me. I was in the garden to collect my thoughts but now here she is to ruin my peace.

This morning Nick was gone again which put me in an awful mood. I wanted to ask about when he'd fly my friends out since my birthday was coming up soon.

"I am sleep deprived."

She sits beside me to my dismay. "Why? Are you and Nick already having problems?"

"No."

"You know...my husband is always busy and that causes us to fight at times but its totally normal. You just miss him."

"Your husband feels like a phantom to me. I've been here for two months already and haven't seen his face." I really wonder who this guy is.

"Jae isn't a phantom silly. He travels back and forth alot." She explains laughing. "He is coming back from Korea today."

"I can't wait to meet your famous husband."

"He's also excited to meet kento's wife."

I get up hoping to end our conversation here. Kazuha starts off harmlessly then soon the back handed comments follow.

"I'll go take a nap." I lie to her with a forced smile.

"Go rest. We are having a family dinner tonight to celebrate my husband's return." She excitedly said looking genuinely happy.

"I'm happy for you." I was happy at least her marriage is real and filled with love.

"Thanks."

I don't say more as I head inside. My mind was still occupied with Nick and why he was treating me this way. Negative thoughts filled my mind even though I told myself him and I were a team. A huge part of me didn't believe myself.

Being absent minded I suddenly bumped into someone spilling hot tea on both of us.

"Look where you are walking!" Mitsuki groans.

My arm was in alot of pain but I had to see if Aunt Mitsuki was okay first.

"Are you hurt Aunt?" I quickly take her hand to inspect. Luckily she wasn't burned.

She yanks her hand away from me looking disgusted. "Don't you ever touch me again!"

Her words leave me shocked. The helpers rush to our aid but we are looking at each other still.

"Aunt. I didn't mean to-"

"I don't care! You coming here is the biggest mistake anyone in this family could have done!"

Tears began forming in my eyes listening to her harsh words. Mitsuki bitterly said, "You tried to marry my brother first and then married my Nephew...how do you expect us to see you?!"

I stood still unable to say anything. She was right but she didn't understand my predicament.

"That's enough Aunt Mitsuki." Someone says walking into the house. "Why are you making such a scene over such a tiny matter?"

I turn to my savior ready to thank him for his help. My mouth immediately shut seeing him in front of me.

Jaehyun...that is Jaehyun Lee. He was in the hospital about to die the last time I saw him but now here he is...

"I'm sorry. I was very harsh just now..." Mitsuki fakes a smile. "I'm sorry Sam."

I nod unable to feel my own body. How is it possible? Why is he here? Why am I seeing him now? What kind of punishment is this?

He looks at me briefly before walking away leaving me in deep shock.

"Get out of my way!" Mitsuki shoves me away leaving with two helpers behind her.

Her actions didn't faze me at all. I still couldn't process what I had seen just now.

"So...that night...it was real!" I said to myself shocked.

-------------------------------------------------

" Layla look here!" Jaehyun points his camera to me. I quickly covered my face with the covers feeling shy.

"Come on baby. You look beautiful." He said pulling the covers off.

I smile sitting up. "Turn off that camera." I pull him by the shirt.

Jaehyun nods turning off the camera. "What? Aren't you shy anymore?"

I smash my lips on his enjoying the taste of wine on his lips. He deepens the kiss holding me by the waist.

"I love you."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I sat on the bed sobbing into my pillow as memories flooded my mind. The man I had left for dead was here...he didn't have to be here but he is.

Getting up I walked up and down unable to calm myself down. I had told Jaehyun countless lies when we were together to protect him from me and my messed up past. Unfortunately now he will know I lied even about my name.

"Sammy?"

I jump in surprise as I had no idea Nick was back. He usually never came at this time.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." I continue fidgeting around feeling nervous. I don't even know if I should tell Nick about Jaehyun and I.

"Hey. What's going on? You look like you are not well...are you sick?" Nick says touching my forehead.

I move away from him touch. "I got a cold a few days ago but I took care of myself since you are so busy with work."

"Sammy I-"

"I'll go take a shower. It's almost time for our family dinner to welcome Kazuha's husband...isn't that why you're back so early?"

He nods taking off his tie. "Grandma wanted us all here."

"Well then...I'll go get ready."

As I'm about to walk away he grabs my wrist. "Are you mad at me?"

I yank my arm away. "Why should I be mad?"

He looks at me for a long time before taking a closer look at my hand finally spotting the band aid around my hand.

"Sammy what happened?" He asked grabbing my hand inspecting it with fake concern.

"Nothing!" I yell pulling my hand from him. He looks hurt for a split second but manages to smile.

"Look after yourself."

"Whatever."

I head to the bathroom locking the door. My heart was hurting so much it felt like someone stabbed me.

"It's all your fault..." I whispered holding back tears. I can't even tell you about Jaehyun now.

Does this mean I'll have to handle this on my own? How will I do this? Can I do this?