Chapter 10

“So… what are we going to do now?”

A sorrowful and tearing Krystal asked to her sibling as they were seated on the living room’s couch. Jesse told her what happened to their mom and her current situation. They knew that there wasn’t much left to do, but hope and pray. After a torturing silence, the old brother who was staring lifelessly at the wall, uttered weakly as he looked down:

“I don’t know… her surgery costs 50 thousand dollars and … we only could join 15 thousand…”

The last straw made him burrow his face on his hands to hold his anguish. He couldn’t look weak before his little sister; she counted on him just like their parents. His heart ached, and right now, he felt so powerless about his mother’s situation. After a heavy sigh, his sister asked out of blue:

“Oppa… have you already talked about this… with Fany unnie? Maybe… she can help us…”

At the sound of his girlfriend’s name, his blood froze; Tiffany doesn’t know yet. Plus, at this rate, this would only complicate everything. He felt bad for hiding something from someone he loves so endearingly. Pondering over his thoughts, he admitted faltering after a heavy sigh:

“Not yet… and I don’t intend to…”

Out of sudden, Krystal gasped and stood up hastily while looking at her brother in shock. How could he be so selfish and insensitive with their mom’s disease? Frustrated, she shrieks and stormed out while jabbing her finger against him:

“Why not?! Our mom is dying and you can’t ask some help from your girlfriend?! Is your pride that big?! Don’t you know that this will be the only chance to save our mo--!”

“Watch your tone when you talk to me, SooJung!”

Jesse also stood up roughly while gritting his teeth at his angry sister. The latter snapped back furiously while squeezing her hands in thigh fists, turning them into a white color:

“Why is it so hard for you?! Why do you have to look so tough all the time? Oppa, it isn’t shameful to say the truth for Fany-unnie… just think about it for once!”

“This isn’t the problem, Krys… it's not about looking tough, but… be considerate.”

Once his tone softened, Krystal felt regretful of her outburst. Seeing the pain in her brother’s face, she could tell that he was trying so hard to not break down. This moment, they supposed to stay together and not fight with each other. However, nibbling her lip weakly, she hesitantly sat beside him as he spoke low with his head down:

“Krys, you know I love mom so much just like you and I would do anything to see her healthy, but… if we bring our problems to Fany, as much she tried to help us… this can bring problems for her as well. She might be the president, yet she is watched all the time and one slip… this could cost her career or even the company. I don’t want to burden her with our business…”

The young sibling nodded while placing her head on his shoulder. So she sighed:

“I understand, oppa… and I am sorry for pushing you like this… it’s just that I am really worried about mom and honestly… I don’t know what to do anymore…”

After another silence, Jesse pondered over his sister’s words and realized that she was right. He will think of something and he must be honest with the one he loves. Wrapping his arm around his sister's shoulders, he held her tightly as he admitted sadly:

“Although I won’t ask for her help, I will tell her the truth. Don’t worry, Krys. We will save our mom, I am sure. But for now, we can only pray.”

-x-

In Hwang’s mansion…

Minutes later, after father and daughter hugged themselves, they settled on the living room for the incoming news. Tiffany was in awe to see her father again, maybe because she wasn't expecting him to be home so soon, plus, because she was worried of telling him about her relationship with Jesse.

However, she couldn’t help but to smile to see such a prideful and amused smirk on her dad’s face. To break the silence, Tiffany asked curiously while seated across her father, in another couch:

“Hmm dad… how come you got home this early? Were you able to finish the business in Japan? Actually… I thought it would last longer… but I’m really happy to see you again, dad!”

Tiffany quickly blurted the last part or else, her father would get the wrong idea and would be suspicious. Besides, she really missed her dad. Then, after the middle aged man gave a hearty laughter due to her remark, his smile widened as he explains:

“Don’t worry, dear. I completely understand… Hmm so, answering your question. Well, yes, we were able to boost our sales in Japan and everything is fine again, yet… this isn’t the reason why I came back.”

“Yes? Then what?” The brunette asked curiously with a frown on her forehead. Dad Hwang looked at her seriously and admitted, showing appreciation in his tone:

“In Japan, we had countless planning’s, speeches and arrangements… but at the moment I saw the CF of our company on tv, I was really surprised to see how wonderful and stunning was your project, dear. For me, this is priceless. And now, I can see how right I was to leave you in charge due to my absence…”

“You managed to create, innovate and transform our company. This proves how independent and talented you are. MiYoung… I am really proud of you, dear. And I am sure that your mom must be too.”

“Aww, dad…” Tiffany tears up genuinely. After he tapped his daughter’s hair affectionately, he leaned on the couch and spoke nonchalantly afterwards:

“But, I came back for another reason. I must say your boyfriend sound really happy for you. He was the one who insisted for a family dinner.”

Automatically, Tiffany frowned in confusion as she thought: “Jesse? But why did he—“; yet, her train of thoughts was interrupted when her father added with a comfy smirk:

“He is such a good boy isn’t, darling? I bet you are really happy to see him again.”

Out of sudden, something clicked in her mind as Taecyeon’s words replayed in her head:

“Just think about how your respectful appa would react when he discovers that his dear daughter fell in love with that scumbag!”

Unconsciously, she gritted her teeth asking herself how could him? The anger was tingling in her body, yet she couldn’t bark to her father, but be honest. So she turned to him and asked:

“Dad… who are you talking about?” Mr. Hwang creased his browns in confusion and blurts: “Your boyfriend Taecyeon, of course. Are you all right, Miyoung? You seems a little forgetful these days haha.”

The middle aged man chuckles at his daughter puzzled look. However, he frowned when Tiffany looked deeply into his eyes and breathed deeply, her voice was deadly serious:

“Dad… I am not dating Taecyeon. We broke up a couple weeks ago. And… *gulp* I don’t want to see him ever again.”

“B-but I don’t understand, why would you break up with such nice boy? I thought you loved him, Miyoung? No, no… something its very wrong here, what did happen when I was away?”

He stood up and asked sternly not removing his eyes from Tiffany. The latter gulped and stood as well, blurting:

“There is nothing wrong, father! Taecyeon isn’t who you are thinking! He cheated on me and almost hi-“

“This can’t be right! You shouldn’t have these stupid ideas by yourself…” Tiffany was agape with her father outburst. Nonetheless, her heart squeezed in her chest when her father with a deadly serious expression added into a disdainful tone:

“Is this something related with that model on your CF?!”

Tiffany widened her eyes and gasped in surprise. Seeing his daughter’s reaction, Mr. Hwang shook his head and asked, in his deep tone:

“Who is him? And what did he have done to you?!”

Not holding herself, Tiffany snapped back, already feeling frustrated:

“He was my assistant while you were away, dad. His name is Jesse Jung and he is amazing. If he wasn’t there for me, nothing of this would be happening. He is so kind, incredible and talented, you should know him!”

Mr. Hwang massaged his temples and added into a displeased tone:

“I can’t believe that my daughter, a talented woman with a brilliant career feel in love with a parasite! Miyoung, can’t you see that he only ‘fell in love’ with you because your money?! When are you going to grow up and see that the world isn’t just flowers and rainbows?! Why can’t you just date Taecyeon?! He is rich, famous and perfect for you!”

“I am sick of this! I am not a little girl anymore, dad! How can you say all those things about Jesse after what he done for our company! Ever since the beginning, he never asked for money! And I don’t want Taec because I love Jesse! You are talking about his status just like this was a sin! He is the one I want to spend the rest of my life! You can’t stop me!”

After her outburst, her father curled his hands in tight fists as he spoke the last words, into his most frightful and harsh tone: 

“Yes, I can. I am your father and the president of the HK’s Company. And as your father, I don’t allow you to date this Jung… and that’s its final!”

Unable to say a word, Tiffany was tearing in frustration and anger while looking the disdain and disapproval in her father’s eyes, after he shouted at her. Then, she turns around, slammed the mansion’s main door and started to run away with a heartache. Why couldn’t she be happy with the one she loves? With tears already streaming in her beautiful face, she muttered woefully:

“Why, Jessie? Why is this so hard for us to stay together… ”

-x-

“Maybe I should call her… Yes… I need to tell her the truth. I can’t keep this from her forever. She must know…”

Jesse thinks worriedly while staring his phone for minutes. He was pondering if he should say about his mom’s condition to Tiffany. Even concerned about bringing up such a delicate topic, he knows that this is the right thing to do since if he wants Tiffany in his life which is pretty obvious. So, when he was about to dial her number, his phone suddenly buzzed surprising him. Unconsciously, a caring smile formed into his lips once he saw “ID: Love”. Hurriedly, he flipped the phone open and it spoke softly:

“Hello?”

“Hi, Jessie.” His heart went dugeun dugeun dugeun once he heard her husky tone. Although he loved the way his name was uttered by her lips, yet, he could feel by her tone that something was not right. Frowning worriedly, he asked:

“Hey, honey. How are you? Is everything okay?”

“…Yeah… I–I am fine… its just that... I… I missed you.”

Another broad smile crept in his face due to her words. He held the phone close to his lips and uttered sincerely:

“I miss you too, love. So much…”

Even when he couldn’t see her, he was sure that her silence was a clue for a smile on her lips. However, after a brief silence, her faltering voice continued:

“Jessie… can-can we meet … now? I – I really need you…”

“I am on my way. Meet me at the Seoul’s Park in 30 minutes. I’ll wait, honey. Don’t forget… I love you.”

“I love you too, Jessie.”

She ended the call and Jesse definitely could say that something was wrong. Her voice was really fragile and sorrowful. Not wasting time, he quickly reached for his jacket and rushed to the park.

-x-

After some minutes, Jesse arrived at the park a little late because on his way, he saw a flower shop and remembered of his dear girlfriend. It was amazing that even with his problems; he would always find a way to make her smile. With a beautiful white-pink bouquet behind his back, he jogged to the park. Nonetheless, when he found a beautiful lady seated lonely on the park’s bench, his heartbeat quickens the pace again.

Walking to her direction, his heart fluttered when her eyes found his, unable to control her, she smiled lovingly and ran to his direction. Practically jumping in his arms, Tiffany burrows her face in his chest while his free hand caressed her back and hair fondly. Looking down, he spoke softly:

“Hi.” Momentarily withdrawing from the hug, she looked up and blushed while his eyes never left hers. Her stomach was making somersaults as she was getting draw by his endearingly stare. With a coy smile, she cupped his right cheek and whispered gently:

“Jessie…” “This is for you.”

He said fondly while revealing the beautiful bouquet behind his back. At the moment Tiffany saw it; her eyes shone leaving her agape. Gently grabbing the flowers, she touched the petals gingerly, sniffed deeply the perfumed scent and it spoke in awe while looking up to Jesse:

“Ho-how did you know that these are my favorites?” 

“Gut feeling… besides… the meaning of them is all I feel for you.”

* Pink & White Roses means “I love you still and always will.”

Touched by his action, Tiffany smiled warmly and couldn’t help but pull him by her free arm and plant a loving kiss on his lips in gratitude. Once they parted, he brushed her bangs caringly with love overflowing in their eyes; so he reached her empty hand and planted a tender kiss making her blush. They stared for a moment as he spoke gingerly:

“Let’s take a walk.”

After some minutes, the sun was finally setting turning the landscape even more stunning. The couple walked by the park silently, but it wasn’t bad, actually, the silence between them always was warm. However, Jesse knew that something was making Tiffany really worried, yet he will let her start once she was ready. Once they spotted a vacant bench, he gingerly dragged her as they seated on the wooden surface. His arms were around her, protecting her from the cold atmosphere as he planted an affectionate kiss in her left temple.

A sudden smirk crept onto her face as she let herself drown in his strong arms. So, after seconds, she finally started weakly:

“Jessie?” “Yes, love?”

“I–I don’t know what to do anymore…”

Jesse widened his eyes when he realized that his shirt was getting soaked. His heart ached when he heard her stifling her sobs and whimpering. Unable to stay with arms crossed, he placed his arms on her shoulders as he pulled himself from the grasp. He stared at her worriedly as he asked frenetically:

“What happened, love?! Please, tell me! I will do anything!”

“Oh, Jessie *hiccup*” His arms quickly surrounded her for a tight and comforting hug. He carefully placed her head in his heart as he spoke worriedly:

“You know you can tell me everything. I will always be here for you.”

“J-Jessie… appa… he–he came back today.”

Even confused, the brown haired guy rubbed her back fondly while asking:

“But isn’t that a good thing?”

“I thought that too until…”

Her words died on her lips while she remembered her conversation with her father, rather, an argument. Sniffing, she clumsily wiped her tears and continued:

“Everything was doing fine… but when he told me that he was here because TaecYeon called him, I got mad.”

Starting to feel angry, Jesse contained himself since he knew that this wouldn’t end fine. So he sighed heavily and let her continue:

“I told dad that I wasn’t dating anymore and I loved you. B-but he couldn’t understand and said that I am not allowed to see you again. He–he didn’t even listen to me! Why can’t he think on my happiness for once?! Why, Jessie?! Why?!”

His heart throbbed in sadness to see her suffering and on top of that, he was really mad about her remark. Tiffany deserves to be happy with someone who loves her genuinely, not a cheap jerk like TaecYeon. Although, he wanted to crush TaecYeon’s face, he held himself and pulled from the hug to wipe her tears gently. His action soothed her bit by bit, so he cupped her face gingerly and looked deeply into her swollen eyes. Thumbing her cheek, he placed his forehead against hers as he spoke sincerely:

“Fany… Honestly, I don’t have any idea why your father would say something like this. Please don’t be mad at him, I am sure that jerk is an artist and deceived your father.”

His fingers dug on her light brown hair as his breath touched her face. Closing her eyes, Tiffany admitted hopelessly:

“Jessie… I don’t know what to do. Appa thinks that TaecYeon it’s the best option because he has money and because he doesn’t know who he really is. In my dad’s mind, Taec is perfect and everyone else is only interested in me because of my status. I don’t care, they can think what they want, but I won’t leave you! Not after I waited for so long to find the one I love, even if I have to confront them!”

Touched by her words, Jesse smiled lovingly and whispered, totally decided:

“You won’t need to because I will talk to your dad tomorrow.”

Tiffany widened her eyes in shock and asked dumbfound: “B-but Jessie-“

“I won’t let you fight alone in this one. Tomorrow, I will ask for your father’s permission. Don’t worry, my love. We will stay together. There is no way I will give up on you.”

“Jessie…”

Overwhelmed, Tiffany wrapped her arms around his neck tightly as he encircled her waist protectively. He kissed her cheek lovingly and confessed:

“I love you too much, you know?”

“I love you too, Jessie… you don’t have any idea...”

The couple shared a loving hug while lost in their world. The moment was perfect; Jesse pondered over his thoughts and realized that it was a good chance to tell her about his mom. So when he was about to speak, his phone buzzed suddenly. Surprised, he grabbed the object from his pocket and saw that it was a message from an unknown number. Feeling tense and worried about the content, he took a deep breath to read the words:

“Hello, Jesse boy. Meet me in the Busan’s harbor in 1 hour. We have something to settle. Don’t worry, you will like my proposal. Be there and you better don’t talk about this to anyone. You wouldn’t like to see your precious girlfriend getting hurt right?”

Trying hard to contain his anger, Jesse didn’t have to see the name to know who have sent this threat. Tiffany noted his tension and pulled the hug while asking gingerly as she cupped his face:

“Jessie… are you all right? You seem… worried?”

He smiled weakly and enveloped her fragile hands with his. Leaning over, he planted a gentle kiss in her lips as he held her chin tenderly:

“Everything’s all right, love. It’s just that we must go back to our homes. It’s getting dark. But remember, I will speak with your dad tomorrow. So… pray for me.”

“Always.” She affirmed while hugging him tight for the last time. The brunette was totally unaware of the danger of their relationship. What more could happen to them? Jesse apprehensively returned the hug while feeling his heart warm with Tiffany’s love, yet he felt pain because of his future conversation with Taecyeon.

-x-

One hour later exactly, Jesse arrived at the meeting spot. The harbor was empty and far from the city, a perfect place for a crime. However, while the brown haired guy scanned the area in suspiciously, he hissed when he heard steps followed by an annoying voice:

“Oh you arrived just in time. Very punctual, I see. I am impressed.”

TaecYeon said with a mocking smirk on his lips while he approached Jesse. The latter frowned angrily and snapped back:

“Cut the cr@p, TaecYeon! What do you want?!”

“Easy, I just want to talk. Let’s get to the business. You see, you stole something from me and I want it back.”

He spoke with a frown in his face as Jesse scoffed and asked, already getting mad:

“And what the hell do you want?!” Out of sudden, a creepy smile crept in Taecyeon’s face as he spoke while looking to his nails:

“Tiffany.” At his sentence, Jesse’s blood was boiling like mad as he was curling his hands in tight fists. Gritting his teeth angrily, he snarled:

“And why would I do that?! She isn’t a toy that you can toss around when you get tired of or a piece of meat to taste whenever you want. If you know how precious she is, you wouldn’t have lost her in the first place! Plus, I think she was pretty clear when she dumped you. You don’t even love her!”

Even being retailed with Jesse’s words, Taec smirked sinisterly as he added after shrugging his shoulders:

“Hmm, yeah, but you see. After you entered on that damn company, you stole my job, my girl and my fame… and I want it back. If you didn’t realize it, I am more suitable for her than you, plus, her dear daddy loves me haha.”

“What?! There is no way that I’ll ever leave her! I don’t care! I will ask her hand with her father's consent! And you won’t stop me! You can't change my mind!” 

Jesse shouted, steaming in anger. He turned around to leave the despicable playboy when the latter’s voice shocked him again with the sudden sentence:

“Not even for 50 thousand dollars?”

Widening his eyes in surprise, Jesse turned around hastily when he saw a check in TaecYeon’s hand as the latter shook the paper teasingly with a smug grin in his lips. He knew that he won Jesse this time. The latter stared at him in anger as he barked:

“Are you going to pay me for leave Tiffany?! You are crazy! I am out of here!”

“Really? You know, a heart surgery is very expensive… and a little bird told me that your mother is very sick. Since you are a very good son, you will do ANYTHING to save your dear mommy. Am I right?”

Jesse’s anger was getting out of control, if he spends another second here, he would end up beating the cr@p out of this freaking sicko. Taking a deep breath, he muttered into a refrained and furious tone:

“So… are you going to pay me if I leave Tiffany?!”

With the same sinister smile in his sicko’s face, Taecyeon nodded while walked to Jesse’s direction. The latter glared at him as the smug model explained in disdain:

“You are pretty smart. I am feeling kind today. So, getting this check, you will have 50 thousand dollars for your mom’s surgery while I get Tiffany and her family’s money. You just need to disappear from her life! It’s perfect! So what do you say? Do we have a deal?”

To prove his point, Taec waved the check in front of Jesse’s face with a sick smirk in his face. For a moment, Jesse stared at the check, pondering over his thoughts. Taec thought that the latter would give up, and his smile widened when Jesse grabbed the check slowly. When the evil model was about to speak, he widened his eyes in shock when Jesse ripped the check furiously in front his face and grabbed his collar roughly:

“I don’t need your dirty money, b@stard! Don’t you ever include my mother in this ever again! And I swear that if you lay a finger on Tiffany… you are going to pay!”

Enraged, Jesse hastily pushed TaecYeon onto the ground after his deadly warning. The mad model snapped back while sprawled on the floor:

“You are gonna regret this, Jung… I will strike where it hurts the most! Just you wait!”

-x-

The following day, Jesse had a stressful day with his job, but this wasn’t the important point. Today, he would meet Mr. Hwang and ask his permission to date his daughter. The past days were pretty exhausting. His mom’s condition was delicate, yet stable and he knew that he must go to U.S soon with the money of her surgery. Another problem since he doesn't even have half of the money needed. What could he do?

He needed to solve each problem bit by bit and now… he wanted to be completely honest with the love of his life and her family. Plus, after Taecyeon’s threat, his heart was twisted in concern since he didn’t have any idea about what that sicko could do to Tiffany. However, he wanted to talk with her again to get courage; his eyes wandered around and realized the office was empty since everyone went to their homes. Meanwhile, he took a deep breath and turned the knob of the office gently. When he was about to call her, he was stunned to see a middle aged man seated in Tiffany’s chair:

“Oh excuse me, I–I was looking for—“

“Miyoung? She will arrive here in a few minutes… I believe you are Jesse Jung. My daughter talked a lot about you…”

Jesse’s eyes widened after the man’s sentence; it was when he realized that this same man was his girlfriend’s father. Gulping soundlessly, Jesse nodded and spoke calmly:

“Are you Mr. Hwang? It’s a pleasure to meet you at least, sir.”

The latter removed his glasses and eyed Jesse attentively as he motioned with a nod:

“Have a seat, Mr. Jung.”

Somehow, Jesse flinched at his tone; he could tell that something wasn’t right. Even worried, the brown haired guy complied at his order and seated before the middle aged man. They remained in silence for a minute with tension filling the air. However, Mr. Hwang started again with his serious tone:

“So… Mr. Jung, what is your business and job here, in our here company?”

“Oh, I was contracted as Miss Hwang’s assistant and currently, I am also working as a model on HK’s commercials. Sorry for being rude sir… but why do you ask?”

The latter stared at him earnestly and stood up while facing a large window:

“I’m just curious. Actually, it’s kind of funny that you entered in this enterprise as an assistant and now, a model. What I'm more curious about is the fact that I saw your CF with my daughter. It was a success, but I wonder what is your connection with her?”

Jesse froze when the president mentioned the commercial and he knew that he couldn’t hide anymore:

“Mr. Hwang, I came here to tell you that I lo—“

“Mr. Jung… it isn’t necessary to be an expert to see that my daughter it’s hopelessly in love with you. But when I said that I wondered what is your connection with her… I wanted to know your interest. I don’t know if she ever told you about what I think of people dating my daughter of different status…”

“Mr. Hwang, I wouldn’t ever use your daughter! I love her too much for that!”

Jesse spoke with all sincerity, practically in despair to show how much he means it. The middle age man stared at him for a while, trying to detect the truth in his tone. However, he seated again and spoke into a cold tone:

“I want to believe in your words, Mr. Jung. But how would you feel to see your daughter having heartbreak after heartbreak because someone only approached her for her status? Miyoung is very innocent when it comes love and I honestly I don’t want to see her broken again. So what I am trying to tell you… how much do you need to leave her?”

The brown haired guy doubled the size of his eyes in shock at the middle aged man’s sentence. He couldn’t believe that Mr. Hwang was offering money to leave his daughter?! That was it! Feeling insulted, Jesse stood up hastily and it spoke seriously:

“How could you ask me that?! Mr. Hwang, I respect you deeply, but that isn’t the truth. I didn’t approach of your daughter because of her money! I met her by accident even before work here and I fell for her in the first moment. She is so incredible; you should have seen how she leaded this company, and you should be proud of that! Now, if you think that I want her money, you can fire me or whatever you want, but please… don’t let me stay away from her… I really love her, sir. Please, believe me.”

Mr. Hwang hesitated after Jesse’s honest confession, and now, he was confused. When he was about to speak, there was a knock on the door, thinking that it could be his daughter, he asked the person to enter. When Jesse heard the familiar voice, he curled his hands in tight fists in anger:

“Good evening, Appa Hwang. How are you sir? Oh, you have a visitor? This is great!”

Taecyeon added mockingly with a sly smirk in his face as he stared at angry Jesse. The latter could tell that something wasn’t right. Taecyeon approached of Mr. Hwang and shook his hand with a cockily smile in his face. It was when Mr. Hwang spoke in surprise:

“Oh, nice to meet you again, Taec. How are you?”

The later faked a sad frown which deceived the middle aged man as he spoke lowly:

“I wish I could say that I was fine, but I am not, sir… ever since Tiffany left me for this one… I don’t know what to do anymore…”

“Because you cheated on her, you b@stard! Don’t deny it! Mr. Hwang, don’t let him fool you. Taecyeon never loved your daughter; he just played with her feelings! If I didn’t punch him the other day, he would have hurt her!”

Mr. Hwang scowled as he was divided since Jesse’s eyes were almost showing sincerity, yet Taecyeon was like a son for him. Who should he believe? Out of sudden, Taecyeon shook his head while speaking into a tantalizing tone:

“Appa Hwang, I always loved your daughter. I would be incapable to do any harm to her. That’s why I planned everything to unmask this jester!”

A furious Jesse was ready charge against on Taecyeon, when Mr. Hwang spoke coldly:

“Mr. Jung, sit down! I heard you and now I want to know his side of the story.”

“But sir—“ Jesse couldn’t even finish as Mr. Hwang silenced him with a glare. Taecyeon smirked deviously inwardly as he placed himself in front of the middle aged man to start his explanation:

“Ever since this Jung entered in our company, I watched his moves attentively; I could tell that he only approached your daughter for other intentions. Tiffany and I, well, we held a strong relationship until he snatched her away from me. It was inevitable and she fell in love with… him. Yet, I was firmly engrossed to investigate. It was when I discovered that he only wanted her money and break our Tiffany’s heart. And what did I do? I tested him to know his intentions… And I now, I can prove it.”

Jesse was steaming into blinding in anger after listening to so many lies coming from Taec’s mouth. Nonetheless, he was shocked when that liar placed a dvd on the dvd player and soon, a video shows up. Mr. Hwang and Jesse were equally shocked to see the screen. It was the same day TaecYeon offered Jesse money for his mom surgery, but by the looks on the video, it was bad… really bad.

On the video, it shows Jesse getting the check of Taecyeon’s hand and then, the display went to black again. Mr. Hwang was deeply shocked due the scene; it was when Taecyeon spoke into a ‘sad tone’:

“Unfortunately… this is the truth, Appa Hwang. I tested him, and he confessed that he would leave Tiffany if I paid him, which did not happen. Can you see how greedy he is? He will take everything from our poor and dear Miyoung.”

Blinded in rage, Jesse was unable to hold himself any longer as he exploded in fury:

“Mr. Hwang, he is a liar! That b@stard offered me money to leave your daughter, but I ripped the check! I don’t want any money! I just want Tiffany! Please, Mr. Hwang, don’t believe him! I–“

“Enough!” Mr. Hwang barked in authority, stopping Jesse’s words immediately. Soon, the middle aged man shook his head and stared at Jesse with a disappointed look:

“Mr. Jung… you tricked me. I almost believed in your words, thinking that you would be suitable for my daughter. But no, you don’t have any qualms or the decency of your doings. Use my daughter to get money? This I won’t allow. I was right; Taecyeon is the one for her… From now on, you're out of this company and I don’t want to see you near my daughter ever again. If I catch you with her, I will send you to prison. Never show your face here again!”

“But Mr. Hwang—“ “OUT!”

Jesse was broken after seeing the anger in the eyes of Tiffany's Father. He took a glimpse of Taecyeon and could see that the latter smirking mockingly at him as he ‘comforted’ Mr. Hwang. Nodding in agreement, he dragged himself in defeat out of the office to the elevator. How can he and Tiffany stay together? While he walked by the empty aisle, he heard someone walking to his direction. Turning around slowly, he gritted his teeth in rage as TaecYeon spoke in disdain with a devious grin:

“I told you that you would regret crossing me… such a pity, now you don’t have a job, a girl or even the money for your mother’s surgery… this is so sad…”

That was it; Jesse was unable to hold himself as he pounced on Taecyeon and roughly grabbed his collar, knocking onto the wall. Even with this threat, Taec keep smiling mockingly as Jesse harshly spoke:

“I had enough from you! I should end you now, b@stard!”

However, out of sudden, Jesse caught a glimpse of his beloved coming from the opposite direction and removed his hands from the coward hesitantly. Taecyeon looked to the same spot and his sick smile widened as he whispered:

“I will tell you for the last time… if you ever approach of her or try to tell her the truth, she will get hurt. So if I were you, I would leave this country soon as possible. Keep my words… you stay and she will get hurt… understood?”

After his evil threat, Taecyeon laughed scornfully as he left before Tiffany could see him. Alone in the long aisle, Jesse remained stunned with Taec’s words echoing in his head… Keep my words… you stay and she will get hurt. His heart ached, yet he snapped from his thoughts when he heard a soft and familiar voice calling him:

“Jessie! Jesse, wait!”

He couldn’t face her now, so he quickly walked to the elevator and pressed the button repeatedly, pretending that he didn’t hear her. But it was useless since he felt a warm grip on his arm followed by a pair of melting chocolate and worried eyes:

“Jessie?”

The latter curled his hands in tight fists and refused to stare at those warm brown orbs, yet his heart fluttered when a soft hand was placed on his cheek as she asked:

“Jessie… why aren’t you looking at me? Are you mad?”

He merely shook his head while grabbing her hands of his face gently and holding tight. His expression was painful and Tiffany could tell that something was wrong. Stubbornly, she cupped his face and asked into a warm tone, not breaking the stare:

“Come on, Jessie. You know you can tell me anything… what happened between you and dad? Is everything all right?”

At her question, the conversation came back to his mind, precisely, Taecyeon’s threats. He knew that he must do something that will break both hearts, yet will keep her safe. His heart ached at the idea, but his mind convinced him that it was the only way. Taking a deep breath, he gingerly grabbed her hand again and started weakly:

“I have something to tell you…”

Unconsciously, the brunette’s heart tugged at the sight, she could tell that something really bad was about to happen, she could see this in his face. So, she laughed nervously while asking trying to reach his face again only to be stopped by his hands:

“Jessie… this isn’t funny… tell me, what happened?”

“Tiffany… w-we need t-to… b-break up.”

Although his sentence was more of a stutter, Tiffany could listen loud and clear, it was when her eyes widened in shock and it felt like a knife stabbed her heart over and over again. Slowly, the tears filled the corner of her eyes and it rolled down her face. This scene tore Jesse’s heart apart, but it was for her own good, he couldn’t risk her life, even if this means their suffering. Out of sudden, she yanked her wrist from his grasp and asked with her trembling voice:

“J-Jesse i-if this a joke, th-this isn’t funny at all!”

“Tiffany, I am n-not joking. You ha-have to give up on me…”

He weakly uttered as she shook her head stubbornly and finally bursts in pain:

“WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME?! WHAT HAPPENED, JESSE?! JUST TELL ME TRUTH! I KNOW YOU WOULDN’T LEAVE ME! IF YOU ARE LEAVING ME, AT LEAST I DESERVE TO KNOW WHY!?”

“Tiffany… d-don’t make this harder for me…” He trembling added, totally broken to see the love of his life crying and sobbing because of him. She refused to listen as she grabbed his collar and desperately looked to his eyes, demanding: “TELL ME!”

She wouldn’t give up on him, on one hand, he was happy to see how engrossed she was to stay with him, yet in other hand, the scene was too painful. No matter what he would say, she wouldn’t give up, so there was only one thing that crossed his mind. If they told me that I used her, this will the only way to make her believe and let go. He thinks while feeling his interior breaking down. Breathing hard, he finally snapped into a cold tone:

“BECAUSE I USED YOU! SATISFIED!? I AM JUST LIKE THE OTHERS… I–I … used you to g-get your money and your company… I–I never … l-loved you…”

At his deadly sentence, Tiffany’s heart shattered into millions of pieces. The floor under her feet disappeared as she couldn’t find strength to stand up. With fresh tears washing her face, she curled her hands in tight fists and punched his chest in anger, crying out:

“I DON’T BELIEVE YOU, JESSE! I know you love me! Why can't you tell me what’s wrong?! P-please, y-you can’t leave me… I–I love you s-so much…”

His heart shattered into millions of pieces at her desperate act as she firmly clings onto his neck. This was really hard, he regretted his acts as he just wanted to take her in his arms and tell her that everything was a lie. But no, he needs to be strong. So he carefully removed her hands from his collar and uttered monotonously:

“Forget me… I am not the one for you… I–I don’t l-love you… goodbye, Miss Hwang.”

He turns around and before he could leave, he felt her wrapping her arms tightly around his waist as his back got soaked with her tears. It was when she whimpered in suffering:

“Look into my eyes and say t-that you don’t love me.”

At her demand, Jesse turns around immediately, already tearing up as he finds a pair of swollen and red eyes. She was sobbing hard with a red nose. Once he took a deep stare on her face, he knew that this was impossible… he couldn’t ever deny the genuine love that he will always felt for her. His mind and heart had to agree that he was unable to say those words while in front of those enchanting eyes, the same eyes he fell in love with since the first moment.

Then, before she could sob again, he silenced her whimpers as he trembling cupped her cheeks and gave a bittersweet kiss on her lips. The kiss was filled with pain, sadness and the saltiness of their tears, but love was above of all those feelings. His hands thumbed her cheeks gingerly as he momentarily pulled from the kiss and mouthed three words against her lips:

“I love you.”

He kissed her moistened lips again with all his love as if it was the last time and took this chance to pull himself to go to the elevator. Tiffany was too stunned to realize what happened, when she came back to her senses, the elevator doors have already closed as he finally left her. In despair, she broke down trying to punch the door and the buttons, but nothing was able to make him come back.

“JESSE! JESSE! *sob* d-don’t leave me…”

Meanwhile, Jesse listened her cries as he squeezed his eyes and finally broke down with his heart completely dead. He placed his forehead on the cold surface and let the tears soak his face. Burrowing his face in his hands, he muttered in pain:

“What h-have I done… Tiffany… please, forgive me…”

Back to Tiffany, her knees gave in as she fell on the floor while staring the steel door lifeless. The tears soaked her face and her heart was completely broken as she still stared the door. Trembling, she whimpered painfully while whispering into a woeful tone:

“J-Jessie…”


...



TBC

REPLIES:

@KalakiMae: Yup, i totally agree ^^ about Taec, well, must tell you that he wont give up easily… anyway, thanks for comment!

@BAPxHimchan: Hahaha true, the danshin duo are faster than JeTi lol. About taec, well, he is kinda cheap, so don’t be surprised if he play dirty lol thanks for comment!

@babystrawb3: Yeah, JeTi  are really cheesy and cute here ^^ its good to know that this is what you were looking for lol.You are welcome, hmm soon you’ll see about Taec soon, thanks for comment!

@HwangJung: Sure it is lol hmm cant say too much since the answer its right here lol. Drama is good hahahaha thanks for comment!

@prizzychich1: Of course, JeTi is the most cute couple here >.< I guess you and all the readers here want the same thing lol to kill Taec, but hey, kills are not allowed here … hahaha thanks for comment!

@narachan: I totally agree, JeTi wins! And Taec, he wont give up easily =/ I guess you got your answer, isn’t? More drama dun dun dun~~~hehe anyway, thanks for comment!

A/N: Hey, readers. Sorry for my delay, but here is the chapter. And wow! 78 Subscribers and 11 upvotes?! Thats great! Thank you, readers and subscribers. Sorry for the grammar errors and thanks for everything, you guys are great! Take care and God bless all! More drama... hahahahahaha!