015

Author’s POV

            Jiyeon stirred awake that morning when she felt movement next to her. She slowly opened her eyes and the first thing she saw was a guy, now his husband, watching her. He was smiling, but not a creepy one, rather a loving one. She smiled too, pleased by the morning view. She then snuggled into Sehun’s arms as he pulled her into his embrace. It was warm and comfortable, staying in his embrace. She wished she could always stay close to him like this. It still felt surreal to her, having a guy like Sehun as her husband, being loved, and giving love. Back then when she had nobody, she thought that she didn’t deserve happiness, didn’t deserve to be loved. She thought she’d always be a lonely girl and died alone too. But now she has someone who love her wholeheartedly, a reason for her to live.

“Jiyeon… the weekend ended. It’s time to get back to reality.” Sehun whispered, sounding so frustrated.

It was only their third day as husband and wife, and that’s the only time they had. Now it’s time for them to get back to work and pretended to not have anything going on, facing the reality. Jiyeon snuggled closer into Sehun’s arms and felt the warmth of his body. She felt so loved, and secured staying so close to Sehun now. However the thought of everything happening to them right now crawled into her mind. Jiyeon was actually scared of the decision she took. She knew what they did now could have hurt so many people later, so that kind of thought was still bothering her. She didn’t know how long was the time she had left with Sehun so she decided to just accept his proposal and live with him to the fullest, to enjoy their time while she can. Although one day she might have to leave him, at least they have great memories to remember.

“Baby, why are you so quiet? Still sleepy?” Sehun asked, cut Jiyeon off her deep thought.

She pulled away and looked at Sehun, “I’m just enjoying my time in my sweet husband’s embrace.” She told.

Sehun curled a satisfied smile to hear Jiyeon’s answer, pinched her nose, and tugged her back into his arms again, “I don’t want to let you go. Let’s stay like this a little bit longer.

“Alright.” Jiyeon agreed and willingly threw herself into Sehun’s arms again.

---

“Hey Jiyeon, you looked exceptionally bright today. Your smile is shining!”

Jiyeon was doing her job at the table while happily humming to a melody when her colleague, Euna, appeared and pointed out her different behavior for the day. Yes, she was happy. She was someone’s wife now, married to the person she loves. Who wouldn’t be happy? It would have been perfect if she could share the happiness with others. But she was grateful to be able to share it at least with the person she loves the most, which is her husband.

“I’m in a very good mood today. I’ll pay for lunch.” Jiyeon told and Euna jumped in happiness.

Once Euna left her table, the reality suddenly hit Jiyeon. She realized she was being too happy for how much of the happiness actually costs. The happiness costs love, secret, friendship, and even a family. Sehun was even at risk of losing everything for the happiness. Her smile disappeared, but she really didn’t want to turn the marriage which was supposed to be a blessing, to a burden.

Might as well enjoy this while it lasts.  She ended the thought and got back to work.

With only less than an hour left before she left work, Jiyeon was silently researching for her final design. That was when she heard something, people were talking. As usual, the workers began losing focus towards the end of the day. They usually visited each other’s desk and enjoyed their free time after completing their work for the day, gossiping, eating, and more. But today, the topic they were talking about attracted Jiyeon’s attention.

“Have you heard? Our executive director is gonna get engaged to a daughter of Kim Group.” One of her colleague initiated. Although her eyes were fixed on the laptop screen, her ears were all in for the conversation.

“Yes I heard! People are already talking about their engagement party that will be held at a banquet hall in a luxurious hotel. I bet it’s gonna be big!” Another colleague added to the information.

“Moreover, Kim Yura is a total goddess!”

“Our director does not fall behind in terms of looks though. I think they looked perfect together.”

Jiyeon couldn’t help but to feel anxious about what she heard. But more than that, she was sad. She knew she probably had to face something more painful than this when she agreed on marrying Sehun, but her heart was still fragile as a person in love. Having to hear that her husband looked perfect with other woman does hurt her in many ways. Worse, she hadn’t even heard anything about the engagement party from Sehun. That was another reality check for her, something to remind her that Sehun wasn’t fully hers. The people were still talking, making guesses about the engagement party. She was grateful that the office hour finally ended so she could escape from the torment. She quickly packed her stuff and left the department in hurry. However to her surprise, right when she arrived at the lobby, her eyes caught something that even more painful than having to heard the talks about Sehun. Right in front of her now, stood Sehun and Yura. Her eyes fell on Yura’s arm that was linked with Sehun’s. She could see Sehun’s nervous gaze when their eyes met. Yura seemed to have noticed Jiyeon too as she pulled Sehun towards her.

“Hi Jiyeon! Are you going back now?” Yura asked as soon as they reached her.

“Ah, yes. What about you guys?” She asked, trying to sound as natural as possible.

“We’re going to check venue for our engagement party. Have you heard?” Yura innocently asked and Jiyeon noticed how Sehun dropped his head and avoided her eyes when Yura said that.

“I…” She stuttered, but fortunately her phone rang right at that moment too, “Excuse me.” She said once she checked out the name. It’s Seongwoo.

“Hello Jiyeon. Is work done?” Seongwoo’s voice was heard on the line as soon as she answered the call.

“Yes Seongwoo. I’m just on my way out from the building.” Jiyeon answered him. Sehun twitched his brows to hear the name Jiyeon mentioned.

“Perfect timing! I’m right in front of the building. It’s been a while since I pick you up from work after you moved to the apartment near here. I’ll treat you for dinner. What do you say?”

“Dinner? Sure. Please wait.”

“Anything for you.”

Once she dropped the call, Jiyeon averted her focus towards Sehun an Yura who were just silently watching while she was on the phone, “I’m sorry Yura. I’m afraid I can’t join you. Seongwoo is waiting for me outside.” She told, although she was sure that both of them had already heard her talking before.

“Too bad. It’s okay Jiyeon. But I need your help picking up dress with me for the occasion later. What about that?”

Yura looked so excited that Jiyeon had no gut turning her down, “Sure… why not.” And she noticed Sehun sending an apologetic gaze.

“Where are you going with Seongwoo?” Sehun then asked.

“Dinner. He’ll drop me home too, probably. I need to go now. Bye.” Jiyeon quickly left without looking back, knowing that watching these two will only hurt her more.

---

            Another week passed and it’s finally weekend again. Just a week ago, Sehun and Jiyeon took their vows. But now they could barely see each other because of personal commitments. While Sehun was busy forcing himself preparing for the engagement ceremony, Jiyeon also kept herself busy with works. She didn’t even go back to Sehun’s apartment and just decided to just stay at her apartment that Seongwoo’s parents rented. They would text sometimes at night, but that’s it because both had usually worn out from work. And tonight, Jiyeon will finally see Sehun again after a week, but seeing him getting engaged with another woman. She sat silent in front of the mirror and emptily stared at her miserable self. She was dressed in an elegant dress that looked so gorgeous on her, applied beautiful makeup, and styled her hair nicely. But she could still see sorrow in herself. Who wouldn’t when she’s about to watch her husband with someone else?

Ding Dong!

The doorbell woke her up from the deep thought. She grabbed her clutch and made her way to the door. Through the intercom, she saw the person she expected. Once she opened the door, Seongwoo stood there smiling so handsomely, “Whoa whoa Jiyeon, you’re always so gorgeous my heart hurts from having to take the arrows of love.” Seongwoo said as soon as he saw Jiyeon but later cringed at his own words.

Jiyeon laughed at Seongwoo’s funny reactions, at least something to lighten her tense heart, “Always with your over the top compliment.”

“Hey, this is not just a compliment okay. This is me pouring my utmost sincere feeling.” He claimed, making Jiyeon laughed again.

“Let’s just go, alright? And oh! Thank you for offering a ride for me.” Jiyeon thanked.

“Not a problem, anything for you! Now let’s go.”

They arrived at a five-star hotel where the engagement party took place. They went straight to a vast function hall that was nicely decorated with pretty lights for the occasion. Jiyeon wanted to be amazed, and she was supposed to be amazed at how the elites celebrate something. As much as she wanted to, she couldn’t help but to feel so small as if she didn’t belong there in the first place. She thought that she dreamed too big when she decided to marry Sehun.

“You kept spacing out Jiyeon. Are you okay?” Seongwoo asked out of concern upon noticing Jiyeon looking so dispirited.

“Oh, ah yes, I’m okay. I’m just hungry.” She quickly made an excuse.