The following days passed in a blur. School had ended, which meant that all of Eunmi’s liberated time was dedicated to the wedding preparations – much to her despair. All she truly wanted was to lie in bed and not think about anything important.

She was currently sitting, patiently, at a coffee shop at a one of the high-end malls in Seoul. She sipped her tea slowly – holding it in both of her hands as she waited. She was waiting for Jiho’s mother to arrive, so that they could pick out her wedding dress. Eunmi was a bunch of nerves, and her tea was not helping her.

She sighed as she set her cup down on the polished table, and looked down at her watch. She was still ten minutes early then they had planned to meet. She felt a weird sense of longing as she looked outside the café window and out onto the busy bustling street. She had planned since she was a child picking her wedding dress with her mother, yet now, she realized with a sad heaviness that that would never happen.

Though this sadness overwhelmed her, she realized that she was glad to have someone who was willing to be a mother to her and to shop with her. She smiled at that. If there was one good thing to come out of this wedding, it was Eunmi gaining a new mother like figure.

“Eunmi! Have I left you waiting long?” Came a familiar voice from behind Eunmi. She turned around and faced Jiho’s mother with a warm smile and shook her head.

“No, of course not. You are early!” Eunmi exclaimed politely as she stood up and gave a polite bow. “Would you like to me order you something to drink?” She asked.

Jiho’s mother looked at her in adoration, but shook her head lightly as she grabbed Eunmi’s hand and held it.

“I could not have asked for a better daughter!” Jiho’s mother exclaimed, and smiled warmly at her. “Let’s have dinner after – lets go and look at the dresses.”

And off they were, to the top floor where several wedding stores were located. Eunmi was pampered, from the shop assistants and from Jiho’s mother, and she decided to let this be her day, where she wouldn’t think about the worries back home.

Yet, the knot in her stomach soon began to turn into panic when she discovered that trying on dresses meant that the shop assistants had to undress her and help her dress. It had been a week since Eunmi’s father had last unleashed his anger on her – yet her bruising was still prominent. He spared her face, knowing well that she would have meetings with the Woo family and other members of the Shin Corporation, so he made sure to only inflict injuries on areas where they would be hidden with clothing.

She was standing in one of the dressing rooms, waiting for one of the shop assistants to bring in a dress for her to try on. Jiho’s mother sat in the corner in a plush chair, admiring Eunmi from afar with a small warm smile on her lips. Even though Eunmi felt comfortable around Mrs. Woo, there were still only a few people who knew of what her father was doing to her. 

She cleared as she wrapped her hands around herself. Mrs. Woo looked over at her and could tell that she was feeling uncomfortable. Her body language screamed nervous and uncomfortable and she couldn’t help fell heart broken over it.

Just then, several of the shop assistants came walking into the room with several dresses that Eunmi and Jiho’s mother had picked out. They were all chatting away happily about how Eunmi was going to be one of the most gorgeous brides they have even seen. They placed all the gowns on racks and then turned to Eunmi with expectant eyes.

“Miss, you can remove your clothing now.” Said one of the shop assistants who had a large, rather fake, smile planted on her face.

“Oh… um…” Eunmi began as she began to rub her hands on her hips, in an attempt to wipe her damn hands.

“Oh! Don’t be nervous! We always see our brides !” Giggled another one.  “Don’t worry – it’s nothing new to us!” Chimed in another one, who looked genuinely keen on seeing Eunmi with as little clothing as possible.

Just when Eunmi was about to reply, and comply, Jiho’s mother stood up and stalked over to where Eunmi was standing on the pedestal. She could see from the reflection in the mirror that she looked angry – and very angry at that. All of the assistants faces fell, and they automatically bowed and looked down at the ground.

“How dare you speak so informally around my daughter!” Mrs. Woo barked. Eunmi flinched lightly. “Out. All of you. If I need assistance, I shall ask for one of you.” She said, dismissing them, as she waved an elegant wave of her hand.

Once they were all gone, Mrs. Woo turned to Eunmi with a soft and apologetic face. “I’m sorry if I scared you.”

“Oh, no, no you did not scare me.” Eunmi stated with a small smile. Though the change in her attitude was a surprised, she understood that, one must act that way when you have such power. “Thank you.” She replied as a blanket of relief fell over her.

She looked over at the dresses and contemplated them. They majority of them were strapless and tight fitting. Eunmi didn’t mind the tight fitting dresses, but she knew that strapless was not the best option for her. As it was, the majority of her back and arms were stained in receding green and blue-ish purple bruises. Arm exposure would be her last option.

“Eunmi-yah…” Mrs. Woo said as she laid a reassuring hand on her elbow. Eunmi turned around and looked at Jiho’s mother with her best innocent face, with a small smile playing along her lips. “Eunmi… I know what your father does to you.” Eunmi’s face cracked and her heart dropped into her stomach. “Don’t worry – I have known for a long time now, even when your mother was alive, I knew what he was doing.” Mrs. Woo continued saying.

Eunmi felt like her legs we’re going to give out from under her.

“Don’t worry my Eunmi, your secret is safe with me. I’m telling you this because I want you to feel comfortable with me. And… I want you to enjoy this day.” She said as she looked up at her with tear filled eyes. She – Mrs. Woo – had never been beaten in her life, and she could not understand how Eunmi would deal with it, and not show her pain.

Eunmi looked down at Mrs. Woo, as tears streaked down her face. It was like a wall had begun to slowly fall. Someone called her out on her bluff and was not showering her with sympathy. Eunmi let out a small smile as she stepped of the pedestal and wrapped her arms around Mrs. Woo. The last person she hugged was her mother, a few days before she died, and she couldn’t help but relish in the feeling as Mrs. Woo wrapped her arms protectively around Eunmi’s small frame. She patted her head as Eunmi let out a few sobs from both relief and happiness.

Once their brief bonding time was over, Eumni undressed comfortably in front of Jiho’s mother. Though she heard her hiss the first few times when Eunmi was fully undressed and left in only in her underwear, she – Eunmi – just felt bad that Mrs. Woo had to witness her wounds.

She tried on a variety of dresses, and though they suited her well, there was only one – which Mrs. Woo chose much to her delight, that suited Eunmi like a glove. She looked elegant and sophisticated and down right y. When Eunmi had slipped it on, Mrs. Woo gasped and held shut with a hand, as her eyes welled up with tears.

“My Eunmi… you are gorgeous!” She said in a soft voice as she walked around her in awe. “This the one my dear. This is the one.” She repeated as she sat down to take it all in.

Eunmi looked at herself fully in the mirror and agreed with her new Mother. It was the one. She felt elegant – she felt like Grace Kelly. The dress she wore was a tight lace dress, that hugged her curves, and accentuated her chest. The dress gave off appeal because all the skin that was supposed to be exposed was covered in a delicate lace. Her arms and back – and even her cleavage was covered. She ran a hand down her arm, and felt the soft lace under her palm. The best part was that she felt comfortable.

“Oh – it even fits you like a glove!” Exclaimed Mrs. Woo. Eunmi smiled – a real smile and looked at herself more in the mirror.

“I love it.” She said in a small voice and let out a small laugh.

Jiho’s mother was taken aback by the sound. She had never heard her laugh or smile like she was. She quickly pulled out her phone, and snapped a picture of her. She was glowing in her gown. With her hair pulled up, and away from her face. She snapped a few secret pictures and couldn’t help but send Jiho one. She cropped of it course – being very superstitious, and cropped the picture so that you only saw up to Eunmi’s shoulders.

“Lets find you some accessories.” Mrs. Woo said as she quietly put her phone back into her bag. “We need your assistance now!” She barked out, startling Eunmi, but nothing could wipe the smile off her face.

*

Jiho was sitting in his studio at home when his phone vibrated, indicating someone had texted him. He looked over at it, and decided to ignore it. Yet, several seconds later it vibrated again and he decided to pick it up. He saw that it was from his mother, and he couldn’t help but roll his eyes. He knew that she was dress shopping with Eunmi today, and he thought that his mother was just adding in her two cents about how the day was going.

Yet, when he opened the text message and downloaded the image he was taken aback.

“Woah…” He said quietly as he looked at the picture of Eunmi smiling a genuine, real and even excited smile.

He looked at it for a few seconds longer, admiring her features and suddenly wished he could have been there with her. He knew she would probably feel uncomfortable with him there, and that his mother would never allow him to see her in her wedding dress before the actually wedding, but he really wished he could spend time with her.

He looked back at the text message that his mother had sent after she sent the picture and smiled, internally cheering.

“Isn’t your bride a beauty? You should never doubt your loving mother. I booked a dinner for the two of you at 7. Her driver will come to pick you up at the house and then her at the department store. Look good. Love your mom.” He read what his mother texted again and smiled broadly.

He quickly responded back with a thank you and then shot up looking at the time. It was nearing 5:30. He needed to take a quick shower and get ready really quick. He saved his newest beat that he was working on, and ran to his bathroom.

*

Eunmi and Mrs. Woo walked out of the store several hours later. It was 6:15, and Eunmi was starving. Who knew trying on dresses would be so tedious.

“Shall we go for dinner?” Eunmi asked with a warm smile. Mrs. Woo looked at her with a small smile.

“I wish I could, but I’m suddenly very tired. My blood pressure must be down.” She said as she touched her forehead. Eunmi looked at her with concern.

“Do you need to go to the hospital?” She asked as she began to fan Mrs. Woo with her elegant thin hand.

Mrs. Woo couldn’t help but notice the ring that sat on her wedding finger, and she smiled. She taught her son well, she thought to herself.

“Oh, no, no. It’s nothing that a little nap can’t cure. Can I take a rain check on dinner?” Mrs. Woo asked with a small laugh. “Lets go next week! After the wedding!” she squeezed her hand thoughtfully and Eunmi nodded giving her a small smile, but she still looked concern and – worse guilty. Mrs. Woo felt horrible for lying to her, but she wanted Jiho and her to have a nice romantic and carefree dinner date.

After Eunmi had seen Mrs. Woo off, she walked to her own car that was waiting outside the department store. She opened the door and threw herself in the back seat. She was so tired; she was ready for a nap. She laid down across the back seat and rested her head as she sighed in relief.

“Driver Jung, I am exhausted! Who knew trying on bloody dresses would take so much out of me.” Eunmi began as she shut her eyes tightly and got herself comfortable. “Take me home please.” She said.

She heard a clearing of a throat. “Miss Eunmi, I would like to inform you that we are not alone in the car.”

Eunmi giggled tiredly. “What are you telling me – that there are ghosts? I’m not little anymore, your games no longer work on me.” She said with a cluck of her tongue, and smiled and exhaled as her body began to relax.

“I think I’m better company then a ghost – after all I am solid.” Said a deep voice that Eunmi would recognize anywhere.

She shot up, and sat in her own seat as she took in the laughing Jiho. He was sitting beside her in the most casual manner, and looking more handsome than she had ever seen him.

“What – what are you doing here?” She asked stunned. She gave a small bow, remembering her formalities.

“You don’t have to be formal around me.” He said as he looked at her with a raised brow. “And to answer your question, we’re going on a dinner date.” He finished with a smug smile.

Eunmi stared at him. “Oh.” Was all she could muster as her embarrassment sunk in.

“But…” Jiho said with an intake of breath. “If you’re really tired, why don’t we just go to my place and I’ll make you something?” He asked. He knew it was a long shot – but it was still a win-win situation. “Since you’re tired and all, we won’t have to act all formal at the restaurant.”

Eunmi continued to star at him for several more seconds as she took in the situation. If her father we’re to discover that she had been to his house, she was in for a real brutal beating, but at the same time, she didn’t feel like she had the energy to sit at a five star restaurant and pretend to polite and formal. She bit her lip in contemplation.

“Miss Eunmi, what would you like me to do?” Driver Jung asked as he looked at her through the rearview mirror.

She looked over at Jiho, who had a small smile playing along his lips. “Can… can we have ramen?” She asked in a small voice.

Jiho’s face split into a wide smile. “You know, the more I see you, the more I like you. If you want ramen – we shall dine on ramen.” He said as he pat his thigh.

She looked at him with a quizzical expression, unsure of what his thigh patting meant.

“If you’re tired, lie down. It’s a good forty-five minute drive to my apartment.” Jiho explained as he pat his thigh again. Eunmi’s eyes went round and Jiho chuckled. “Don’t worry, I don’t bite.”

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

I am honestly a horrible author. I am so very very sorry to have kept you waiting so long!

But please understand that school and work was a - and since I got a new job, I've been working evening shifts which have left me exahsted!
But I am BACK!! and hopefully I'll be able to update more reguarly!

I am sorry if this story if getting boring! I said they're be ... but its just agnst. :(
If you really want some steamy scenes... maybe I can make something work.... hmm....
Tell me if you do!

Till my next update, I love you all and I hope that you have had a wonderful Christmas holiday! :3

-A

(Why is he so damn handsome!?)