chapter one; 

                  I keep coming back to you

» The savory aroma of chicken filled the kitchen. I turned back and forth, wanting to perfect the food I am making. I placed plates neatly on our table and headed for the stove, turning off the fire. Mom stepped in the kitchen, hearing my ruckus, and decided to help me prepare dinner.

“I’ll lend a hand, Soojin.” Mom said, placing a hand on my shoulder.

“Thanks, mom. Could you help me prepare the salad?”

“Sure. Is that chicken stew?”

“Yeah. It’s Sunggyu’s favorite.” I smiled at the thought of him.

“He’s been working overseas for so long. I wonder if he misses Korean cooking.” Mom wondered out loud.

 

I work for the general affairs division of an interior design production company. My husband works for the overseas division of the Kim Products.

“I’m glad to see you looking so happy. You’re lucky your dad introduced you to a fine young man.” Mom glanced at me as she’s preparing the salad.

I couldn’t help but to mumble a small “yeah..”

 

                Our marriage had been arranged through my father, a banker. I remember our wedding, still fresh in my mind like it was just yesterday.

 

Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out.

I took one last look in the mirror before heading out.

The beautiful red carpet was laid at the entrance up to the altar, taking quite a beautiful view. I still remember the smiles on everyone’s faces, the bells chiming, and Sunggyu looking dashing in his tuxedo. Being married to someone like him, tall, handsome and academically qualified high earner, make my friends green with envy.

 

Father finally came and joined us having dinner with Mom and Sunggyu.

“How are your parents doing, Sunggyu?” Father asked

“They’re doing well, abbeoji. Thanks for asking.”

“If I would have a free time, let’s go golfing again with your dad.”

“Of course, abbeoji.” He smiled politely to me father.

Mom joined in the conversation, “Oh yes, I still haven’t gotten to see the pictures from the honeymoon. You’ll have to show them to me later.” She winked.

Soojin blushed from the thought, “I thought you might say that. I’ve already got them ready in an album.”

Mom turned to Sunggyu with a smile, “How’s the chicken stew, Sunggyu?”

“It’s very delicious, eomma. Thank you. I’m very delighted to have a wife who is so good at cooking.”

“Hear that, Soojin?” Mom smiled at me. I couldn’t help but to blush furiously.

They finally left after dinner and helped me clean up the mess. They said they would be back after some time. With that, they bid us goodbyes and to have a happy life ahead of us.

I excused myself and went to the bathroom. When I came back, Sunggyu looked at me as I entered our living room. I gave him a bashful smile.

“I’m tired.. I’m going to sleep.” He suddenly stood from the couch.

“Oh..”

“Goodnight.” He turned his back without even sparing me a glance and headed back to his room.

 

3 months since our marriage.. I still haven’t slept with my husband.. not even once..

Does my husband really love me?

 

 

The next morning, Sunggyu woke up early as usual, getting extra ready for work. I prepared him food and his clothes. As Sunggyu put on his shoes and rose to his feet, I gave him his brief case,

“Sunggyu, here, your briefcase.”

He offered a small smile, “Thanks.”

Hesitating, you fumbled with your fingers, “Sunggyu, I-I have my high school reunion today, so.. I might be a little late.”

Sunggyu seemed a bit surprised, “Oh? Take all the time you like. Have fun.”

You blushed, “Thanks.”

Oh, good. Sunggyu seems to be in a good mood today.

There was a large suit case by the door with broken wheels. It had an oversized sticker attached to it, marked with today’s date and the name Kim, but Sunggyu pretended not to see it.

“I’m off now.” He said blankly.

“Be safe, Sunggyu..” With that, he stepped inside the elevator and went to work.

I’ve been hoping you would offer to bring the suitcase downstairs for me..

I sighed deeply, “Well, here goes nothing.”

I lifted the heavy suitcase with all my might, struggling to get it downstairs of our apartment we share and stumbling a little bit.

“Whew! So heavy..” I mumbled, placing the suitcase down and taking a moment to catch up with my breath.

“What’s got you sighing so early in the morning?”

Surprised, I turned my head to the person who just spoke, and found out it was Sungjong.

“Oh! Sungjong!” I placed a hand at my heart, completely surprised.

Sungjong is my closest friend, who works at the company where I work too. He lives close by, so we take the train from the same station.

“Taking another trip?”

“Not quite. The wheels on this suitcase broke, so I figured I should get rid of it.”

“Why don’t you let your husband handle it?”

I remained silent, knowing that Sunggyu would do no such thing.

“Oh, for Pete’s sake! I’ll take it!”

“What?” I exclaimed, dumbfounded.

Sungjong handed me his briefcase and lifted the suitcase, “Women shouldn’t have to carry things this heavy. That’s what men are for.” He mumbled.

Sungjong heaved the suitcase and headed for the trash dump near us.

“Thanks for helping me, Sungjong. You’re the best!” I grinned, giving him my thumbs up.

"Ani, thanks for carrying my briefcase. Well, I'll go on ahead of to work. Don't be late!”

“Oh right. Thanks. I appreciate it.”

Sungjong gave a casual wave and jogged off for the station.

 

 

 

» author's ramblings:   First chapter's up! I changed the layout for the chapter since the other one is quite hard to edit, and it takes up a lot of time -_- So how's the first chapter? :D       xoxo » layout credit