The Wedding - Part 2

Flashback

“Good morning, daddy,” Yuri greets his father-in-law while pulling the chair and sat next in front of him.

“Good morning, Yul. Let’s have a breakfast together. Yoong said she will not joining us breakfast this morning. She will be heading to her agency after she has done with her morning jog,” Mr. Im said while pouring the coffee into Yuri’s cup.

“Thank you, daddy,” Yuri thanked him.

“You’re most welcome, son. Now, eat your food before it gets cold,” Mr. Im said.

“Dae,” Yuri replied. He wanted to tell Mr. Im about what has happened last night after he told Yoona about his meeting with her mother, but he really didn’t have a heart to do so. He didn’t want him to feel worry about Yoona.

“Yul, is there anything that bothers your mind?,” Mr. Im asked after he realized Yuri still not touching his food. He seemed like was lost in his thought.

“D-dae? N-no, daddy,” he stuttered as he was startled. He immediately took the spoon and scooped some seaweed soup as he started to eat.

Mr. Im just smiled. He knew there must be something happened between Yuri and his daughter on last night. He could sense it through the changes in Yoona’s behaviour this morning. She usually never skipped her breakfast, especially when it has been prepared by her beloved father.

“I know there must be something happened between you two. Yoong was not her usual self this morning. Come on, spill it out, son. I will try to help you two the best I can,” he said. Yuri blinked his eyes rapidly as he was surprised with Mr. Im’s words. “This old man is really something,” he thought. He then let out a faint smile, and put the spoon before he started to speak.

“I.. I told her about my encounter with omonim yesterday, daddy,” he said.

“Chincha?,” Mr. Im said as his eyes widened in surprise. Yuri just nodded. Like he knew on what Yoona’s reaction will be, he just smiled.

“So, that’s why she skipped her breakfast this morning. She doesn’t want to talk about it,” he continued.

“Dae, daddy. I never saw her being so angry last night. In fact, she just locked the room’s door, and I end up sleeping in the guest room last night,” Yuri said with his gloomy face. Mr. Im smiled and shook his head at the same time.

“You know what, Yul? She did the same after her mother appeared during her graduation day. She went home and locked herself inside her room. She refused to eat her lunch, dinner and even skipped her breakfast on the next morning. She was so mad at me at that time. But, I couldn’t blame her. She was hurt. She showed it through her rebel. We didn’t talk for a few days, My sister tried to coax her, explained to her why I did so, but she refused to listen. Until I decided to write a letter to her before I fly to Hong Kong for work. My sister told me she was crying the whole night, feeling guilty for treating me like that,” Mr. Im said as he smiled, reminiscing the incident.

“Chincha, daddy?,” Yuri asked in disbelief. Mr. Im just nodded and smiled. “Can I know what have you wrote to her, abonim?,” he asked in curious.

“Nothing much. I wrote to her that I apologized for being inconsiderate towards her feelings. I told her that I love her no matter what. That’s all,” he replied casually.

“That’s all?,” he said in surprise.

“Yeah, that’s all. Maybe you can try using the same method to her. Who knows, it can soften her heart in that way,” Mr. Im replied as he suggested. Instead of feeling relief for the solution which was suggested by his father-in-law, he was lost in his thought again while scratching his non-itchy head, trying to find an idea on what he should write on the letter. Mr. Im smiled and shook his head, feeling amused with his son-in-law lost expression.

“Yul, ah. Maybe you can write about the reason why you did as such to her, and you can tell her about your mother-in-law’s condition before. After that, let’s put the rest into God’s hand, and pray that God will soften her heart,” Mr. Im suggested.

“Thank you for the idea, daddy. I will write a letter of explanation to her right after this,” he said as he grinned.

“No problem, son. Don’t worry much, okay? I knew my daughter well. She will eventually give in, no matter what. It’s just that, sometimes we need to make a move first, and show some effort,” Mr. Im replied. Yuri nodded and smiled.

The two men then continued eating their breakfast while chatting on random things.

“DING! DONG!”

Yoona pressed the doorbell countless of time, but she didn’t hear any footsteps inside.

“Maybe daddy has went out somewhere,” she mumbles. She then insert the passcode, and once it’s successful, the door automatically opened. She entered inside the apartment, but she could only see the dark and quiet atmosphere in the living room. She switched on the lights, and heading towards the kitchen. She was about to open the fridge when suddenly she saw the yellow sticky notes being pasted on the fridge’s door. She immediately read the notes.

Dear Yoongie,

I need to go out for a while, meeting a friend. Will be back before midnight. If you feel lonely just call your husband. He left this morning after having breakfast with me. See you later!

Love you,

Daddy.

“Who said I’m lonely? I don’t need him. I can take care myself,” she snickered towards the notes while took the water bottle inside and quickly slammed the innocent fridge’s door hard. After opening the bottle’s cap and gulped the content, she sniffed at her shirt and grimaced.

“Aishh.. I need to clean myself first. I smell like trash,” she mumbles and put the water bottle on the kitchen island table before heading towards her room.

She pulled the door’s knob, and switched on the lights of her bedroom, and walked towards the dressing table to put her personal belongings. Her eyes suddenly darted towards the white envelope which has her full name written on it which laid on her dressing table.

“What’s this?,” she mumbles while furrowing her brows, and her hand quickly took the envelop, and looking at the content inside. She then pulled the neat white A4 sized folded papers, and put the envelope back on the table. She pulled the stool and sat as she began to unfold the papers. She quickly read the content.

“My beloved wife, Im Yoona, or shall I call you Mrs. Kwon? Hehe..”, she read the words. “What’s this? He think he can joke with me? You’re dead, Kwon Yuri!,” she snickered, but continue reading the letter.

I know you would probably don’t want to read this letter the moment you know who the writer is, but can you please lend me some of your time to read on what I am going to explain to you? If you can do so, I would be more than glad. Thank you.

Babe, I know you don’t want to know or care about your mother anymore, but the reason why I met her few days ago was because your daddy asked me to invite her to our wedding. Now, before you can judge your daddy about his idea, let me explain to you why.

Before I met your mother, your daddy has explained to me about your mother’s condition, but not in fully manner. So, with a curiosity built inside me, I told him that I will personally going to meet her. I asked her contact number from your daddy, and eventually managed to call her. She felt so excited to know that you have already married, and eagerly wanted to meet me, to know the guy who's successfully tamed her daughter’s fragile heart.

The day I met her, she came to the venue with a cab. I offered to meet her at her place in Incheon where she was staying right now, but she refused to do so. I offered her to pick her up from Incheon, she said she could go to Seoul by her own and she didn’t want to trouble me. Knowing where your insistence side inherited from, I finally relented, and suggested that we met at the cafe nearby my office.

“What the? Yah! I’m not like that, though!,” she exclaimed annoyingly, but still continue reading the letter.

Right after she entered the cafe, I could recognize her by her look. She really looks like you, jagiya. I then imagined that you will look like her when you grow old, still looked gorgeous and pretty. It’s just that she looked so skinny, maybe because of what she have been through before. After inviting her to sit and ordered our food, I started to introduce myself as your husband.

Yoona paused for a while, and couldn’t help but to smile as she felt fluttered. Kwon Yuri, despite of his acts that sometimes annoys her, he was a guy who have a honest and purest heart. She felt so proud of him, and felt so lucky to be married to him. She then decided to continue reading the letter.

Then, after the introduction, I dared myself to ask her the question that might opened back the wound on her heart, the reason why she wanted to divorce, and left you in the time when you needed her the most. You know why? She said she never intended to do so, but due to her health condition, she have to, for the sake of you and your father’s better future.

She told me that she has been diagnosed with a cervical cancer, stage 3. I was so shocked, couldn’t believe her at first. But, after she told to me the whole story, how she have to make the difficult decision, asking a divorce from your daddy because she didn’t want to burden him. Your daddy almost wanted to quit his job because he wanted to take care of your mother. Your mother objected, and she wanted your father to continue his work, to support your small family. Although it was hard decision to make, your daddy finally agreed to divorce her, for the sake of your future.

“W-what?,” Yoona mumbles as she paused from reading the letter. “M-mommy was sick? But.. but why daddy never told me about all of this,” she asked herself. She then continued reading the letter.

After the divorce, she asked your daddy to keep it as a secret, and then she went back to the hospital to receive the treatment. Her doctor told that there’s a hospital in China which offers the latest technology in treating the cancer patients, so he recommended her to get the treatment there. He told her that many of the cancer patients successfully cured with the treatment they received. But, the cost of the treatment was expensive, so, she decided to sell her late parents shop and apartment, and the amount were enough to cover the cost of the treatment. She decided to go to China with one hope, to get cured from the cancer, so that she could live a bit longer, and meeting you back. She received the treatment for five years at the hospital in China. Can you imagine, the chemotherapy treatment she have been through? She lost her precious hair, lost her appetite, suffering a painful effect on her body? I can’t never imagine that!

“Is this true?,” her voice trembled. She knew Yuri wouldn’t tell her a lie. Besides, she was still small when her mother left her, so she couldn’t remember of any. It’s just that she still remember when her mother suddenly appeared during her high school graduation day, she saw her mother was so skinny and wearing a hat at that time. Probably because of the effect of the chemo treatment she received previously in China. With a heavy heart, she continue to read the letter.

After the treatment, she went back to Seoul and tried to find you and your daddy. But, she failed to do so. Until one day, your daddy appeared in a famous magazine that has interviewed him for his work, she didn’t waste her time and tried to contact the magazine’s company. She managed to get your daddy’s contact number, and starting from that day, she frequently met your daddy. Although they were divorced, they decided to stay as friends. Your daddy always updated her about you. She really wanted to meet you at that time, but she’s afraid you will rejected her after what had happened.

Jagiya, believe me when I told you that your mother love you so much, more than she love herself. You’re a daughter that she had carried in her womb for nine months, and the moment you was born into this world, she wanted to give you as much love as she could. But, unfortunately luck wasn’t on her side. When she received the news that she has a disease that would probably have a 50-50 chances to live, can you imagine on how her world suddenly crashed down? Never she intended to throw you away from her life, but all that she wanted is your happiness. She doesn’t want you to feel sad in case if she couldn’t make it. For the sake of your mother and our family’s happiness, can you please forgive her?

I will always waiting for your answer with an open arms.

Love you to the moon and back,

Your handsome and kind-hearted husband,

Kwon Yuri.

“So full of yourself!,” Yoona as she chuckled. She shed tears that rolled down her cheeks.

She folded back the letter, and put it back into the envelope. She then lie down on her bed, and took one of the pillows, covering her face with it. She cried, so hard until her head hurts. She let out all of the hurting feelings inside her heart that she kept all this while. It’s a lie when she said to others that she hates her mother after what she has done to her. But, the truth is, she was longing for her mother’s love. She loves her mother, so much until it hurts. She keep on crying until she felt tired, and eventually fell asleep.

“Urgh!”, she groaned as she felt her head heavy the moment she opened her eyes. She could see through the curtain that it’s already dark outside. She then realized that she fell asleep after crying so much before. She massaging her forehead slowly. Suddenly she heard her stomach growled.

“Aishh.. I forgot I still not eating my dinner yet,” she mumbles while trying to get up from the bed. Dragging her feet slowly towards the door, she slowly twist the door knob. Her nose quickly smelled an aromatic smell coming from the kitchen.

“Is daddy already at home?,” she mumbles, while immediately closing the door and walking towards the kitchen. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw no other than her beloved husband, Kwon Yuri was frying something inside the pan.

“W-what are you doing here?,” she asked, causing the latter startled.

“Hey, babe! You’re already awake,” Yuri said as he immediately put the spatula aside. He knew that Yoona was still angry at him, and he carefully approached her.

“I called your daddy this afternoon and asked him whether you were already at home or not. He said you still not return home yet, and he informed me that he will be going out with his friend tonight. So, I thought you will feel tired and will probably go straight to the bed without eating anything. I feel worried about you, and decided to go to your apartment to cook something for you tonight,” he explained. His eyes were full of determination, and ready to face any possibility of the action his wife will take on him.

“Why do you write a letter to me?,” she asked, her voice stern. Yuri took a deep breath and exhale it slowly before he could answer her.

“Because you wouldn’t listen to me if I try to talk to you, or try to explain to you like last night. So, I thought by writing a letter would be an effective way for you,” Yuri replied with a smile.

“Don’t smile like that, Kwon Yuri!,” she exclaimed. Yuri was about to reply when suddenly he smelled something burning.

“Oh, shoot!,” he quickly rushed to the stove and found out the prawn tempura that was being fried had been burnt. He quickly turned off the gas. “Aishh..,” he grunts in frustration while scratching his not-so-itchy head.

“Just get out of the kitchen, now!,” Yoona sternly ordered him. Yuri was about to open his mouth to protest, but immediately took off the apron and leaving the kitchen after receiving a stern glare from his wife.

“Aigoo.. Look at all of this mess,” she grumbled while her hands quickly cleaning up the mess on the kitchen which has been created by her husband. “What was exactly he wants to cook for me, huh?”, she mumbled while looking at the ingredients Yuri has prepared on the kitchen island table. She then walked to the upper cabinets and opened the door to take two packets of ramyun. “I just cook ramyun instead. That much more easier and fast to cook,” she mumbled again while her hands quickly reached a pot and began with the process of cooking ramyun.

“What am I supposed to do here?,” Yuri muttered while landing his on the couch. “Aishh.. I just watch TV program then,” he reached the TV’s remote control and switched on the TV. While watching some random TV program, he suddenly smelled cooked ramyun aroma coming from the kitchen.

“I knew it. She will cook ramyun instead,” Yuri mumbled as he chuckled, knowing his wife well. Not long after, Yoona walked towards the living room while carrying the hot pot with her both hands and a trivet mat.

“Go to the kitchen and bring two bowls and chopsticks here,” Yoona ordered.

“Yes, ma’am!,” Yuri playfully saluted her as he got up from the couch, and dashed towards kitchen.

“Silly!,” she chuckled and shook her head and put the trivet mat on the coffee table before she put the hot pot on it.

“Here,” Yuri put the bowls and chopsticks on the coffee table.

“Sit,” she ordered Yuri to sit next to her. Yuri obediently sat on the couch, and silently watched his wife scooping some ramyun and put it into the bowls. She put the bowls and chopsticks in front of Yuri.

“Eat,” she said.

“Dae. Thanks, babe,” Yuri thanked her and like an obedient child, he started eating his ramyun.

“Hmm..,” she replied with a hum. She then scooped some ramyun into the other bowl, and take the chopsticks as she began to eat. Both of them were eating while their eyes focused on the random program aired on the TV.

“You want some more?,” she asked Yuri after a while. Yuri just shook his head.

“No, thanks. I’m full already,” he replied. Without waiting for Yoona’s reaction, he got up from the couch and brought the empty bowl and chopsticks to the kitchen. After washing the dishes, he went back to the living room with a jug of water and a mug. He sat on the couch, and put the water jug on the table. He poured the water into the mug and put the mug in front of his wife.

“Thanks,” Yoona thanked him.

“Hmm..,” he hummed. Yoona then glared at him.

“Are you trying to mocking me?,” she suddenly burst out in anger. Yuri furrowed his brows.

“No! Why would I do that? Mocking you on what?,” he replied in confused state. He didn’t get of what she means, but suddenly it hits him. The humming answer! But, even he meant it as a joke, his tolerance of patience starting to getting thinner, and he began to voice it out.

“Alright. Why are you so sensitive tonight, huh? Did I do anything wrong to you? Is it because of the letter? If it is, then, I’m sorry,” he said in a straight face as he got up from the couch.

“W-where do you want to go?,” Yoona asked in panic. She didn’t mean to cause her husband feel disappointed on her. It’s because that she let her herself drown in her bad mood causing her actions become harsh towards him.

“Home. I will let you until you will be able to cool down yourself. Good night!,” he replied as he took his car keys and mobile phone that was on the coffee table, and quickly heading towards the door. Yoona’s mouth opened and closed like a fish as she couldn’t utter any words. She just watched Yuri walked out of her apartment.

“I’m sorry,” she mumbled sadly, and tears began to streaming down her cheeks.

“Yul? Why are you sitting here?,” Mr. Im’s voice startles him. He was sitting while hugging his legs near of the apartment’s door since he went out of the apartment. He didn’t realize that the time was already 11:30 p.m. as he suddenly fell asleep there.

“Oh, I’m sorry, daddy. Yoona is still not in a good mood, so I decided to let her cool herself down. I thought I want to go home first, but I didn’t have a heart to do so. So, I ended up fell asleep here,” Yuri replied in a drowsy state, but still managed to smile.

“Aigoo..,” he massaged his temple. “Get up now, son. Let’s get inside. I need to teach this brat a lesson,” he said as he grabbed Yuri’s arm, forcing him to get up from the floor.

“D-daddy, please, let her be. Maybe she still needs some time and space. Please,” Yuri begged.

“No, Yul ah. I have had enough of her. She needs to let go of whatever she kept inside about her mother. You and I have already explained to her on why her mother did so, why can’t she understand that?,” Mr. Im said in disappointment.

“I know, daddy. In fact, we have a small misunderstanding before I left. I’m sure she has already realized about what I have told her about her mother through the letter. I saw her eyes were swollen before, maybe she cried after reading my letter,” he replied. Mr. Im let out a heavy sigh.

“I don’t know what would I do without you, Yul ah. Yoona is so lucky to have you as her husband. Otherwise, I don’t think anyone would want to do like what you have done to her. She should be grateful for that,” Mr. Im said as he smiled faintly.

“Don’t mention it, daddy. We are a family now, and I want to have a good term with each of my family members, including omonim. I want to be an example to my future child, and I want them to know that they still have grandmother in their mother’s side,” Yuri replied.

“Yeah, I agree with you, Yul ah. Yoong should know by now. Come, let’s get inside, it’s getting cold out here. Just sleep here tonight,” Mr. Im said.

“Dae,” Yuri replied as he followed suit.

After Yuri and his father-in-law entered inside, they only being greeted by a dark atmosphere at the living room. Mr. Im then switched on the lights.

“I think she's already went to bed. Do you want me to check on her first?,” Mr. Im asked.

“Nah, it’s okay, daddy. I will go and check on her,” Yuri replied.

“Arasso. Good night, Yul ah,” Mr. Im said as he slowly heading to his room.

“Good night, daddy,” Yuri bid him good night. With a heavy heart, he then proceeded to head towards Yoona’s room.

“She didn’t lock the door?,” Yuri mumbled while slowly twisting the door knob. He slowly pushed the door, and being greeted by an illuminating light which came from her bedside lamp. He saw Yoona has already into her slumber. He then carefully closed the door, and slowly walked towards the bathroom to brush his teeth and washing his face.

After he had done so, he slowly tiptoed towards the bed and sat on it. He carefully pulled the cover, and slide inside. Yoona’s sleep position was back facing him. He then switched off the bedside lamp and positioned himself comfortably next to his wife. He carefully put his arm around her waist, and pecked on her back head.

“No matter what happen between us, I want you to know that I love you so much, always and forever. Good night, and sleep well, baby,” Yuri whispered. As like she could hear his whisper, she suddenly jerked off, and turning body facing Yuri. Yuri was stunned at first, afraid that Yoona will wake up and throwing her tantrum again towards him. Just like Yuri expected, Yoona slowly opened her eyes, and staring at Yuri. Yuri gulped hard and ready to accept any consequences that will occur later.

“Yul,” she said weakly. No more harsh tone like before.

“Yes, baby?,” Yuri replied calmly.

“I’m sorry,” she apologized. Yuri sighed and pulled her closer and hugged her tight.

“You don't have to apologize, babe. I understand. You need some time. I should respect that,” Yuri said softly while caressing her back. Suddenly he heard faint sobbing coming from her. He just patted on her back, and Yoona keep on crying until he felt his shirt started getting wet.

"Shh.. please don't cry. I'm afraid that you couldn't open your eyes on tomorrow," Yuri said as he meant to joke, earning a smack on his chest from the latter. He chuckled, knowing that he managed to soothe his wife.

“Yul,” Yoona called him softly.

“Yes, baby?,” he replied.

“I want to meet her,” she said, causing Yuri stunned with her sudden decision. He then pulled off the hug, and looked at her. He wiped the remaining tears on her both cheeks, and fixed her fringe.

“Are you sure, babe?”, he asked. Yoona slowly nodded.

“If you’re not ready then, it’s okay. Don’t force yourself, okay?,” he said.

“No. I’m ready”, she replied.

“Arasso. I will arrange the meeting for you later. As for now, let’s sleep, okay?,” he said. Yoona just nodded and smiled faintly. Yuri leaned closer and pecked on her lips.

“Good night, baby. Sleep well,” he said as he pulled her into his embrace and hugged her.

“Good night, honey,” she replied and wrapped her arm around his waist. Yuri smiled as he felt contented, and both of them slowly drifted into their dreamland.