CHAPTER TWO
"Could you please stop it? Why do you always break up with the men I arrange for you? Do you want to remain single all your life? For God's sake, try maintaining a healthy relationship, please! I'm tired—just tired of this behavior of yours," Mrs. Park said, her voice laced with frustration and worry.
Haera sighed, closing her eyes for a moment to calm herself. "Mom, I didn't break up with him for nothing," she said quietly but firmly. "Demian wanted to have his way with me. You know I hate being touched, especially by a man. Just the thought of it makes me sick. And more importantly, Mom, I'm not a business contract. You can't decide who I spend my life with."
She turned, her eyes glistening, making a quick dash toward the stairs. But before she could escape, her mother caught her by the arm and pulled her into a firm embrace. Haera stiffened, then slowly melted into her mother's warmth, silent tears slipping down her cheeks.
"I'm so sorry, darling," Mrs. Park whispered, her voice shaking. "I had no idea he'd try something like that. I was only trying to help you find happiness... but I didn't realize I was hurting you instead. I promise I'll confront him, and I'll make sure he never comes near you again."
Haera sniffled. "You always think you know what's best for me, but I'm not a child anymore. I need to live life on my own terms."
"I know, I know..." her mom whispered, stroking her hair gently. "From now on, no more blind dates. No more matchmaking. You'll choose who you want, when you're ready."
They stood there in the hallway, a mother and daughter finding peace in each other's arms.
Later that night, after Haera had showered and changed into her pajamas, Mrs. Park knocked softly on her door. "Goodnight, sweetheart," she said gently.
"Goodnight, Mom," Haera replied, her voice softer now, calmer.
Once she heard the door to her mother's room close, Mrs. Park picked up her phone and dialed a number she hadn't called in a while. "Jennie Xu," she said coldly when the call was answered. "Speak to your son. If he ever touches Haera again, I'll make sure he ends up behind bars."
Mrs. Xu barely got a word in before Mrs. Park hung up. "What's gotten into her?" she muttered, staring at the phone in disbelief.
An hour later, Demian returned home, visibly annoyed. "Why is Mom calling me in such a mood?" he grumbled.
"What did you do to Haera?" his mother asked sharply.
Demian huffed. "What? I just tried to get close to her. We've been together for six years, and she still flinches like I'm some stranger. Come on, we're not kids anymore."
SLAP!
The sound echoed through the hallway. Demian clutched his cheek, stunned.
"Are you crazy? How many times have I told you not to force yourself on her? She's not some toy! Do you even understand how close you are to losing everything?" Mrs. Xu's voice thundered through the house.
"But—" Demian tried to defend himself.
"Enough!" his mother barked. "Her mother called me tonight. One more mistake from you, and this marriage deal is off the table forever."
Demian stood speechless as his mother stormed off, slamming the door to her study.
Meanwhile, Haera, lying on her bed, was completely unaware of the scene unfolding at the Xu residence. She was finally at peace, her heart light. She smiled slightly as she looked out the window into the moonlit sky. For the first time in a long while, she felt in control.
After tidying her documents and reviewing a few files, Haera finally laid her head down. Her phone had died earlier, so she didn't see Demian's repeated missed calls. Nor did she care.
She drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep—one she truly deserved.