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2024-10-29 19:42:56“My head’s a mess.” I follow Greta around the market, picking up fruit to examine it before tossing a mango in the bag she’s holding open.
“I told you, didn’t I…PI…or some hot detective who can look into your disappearance objectively.” After I'm done, she puts the bag in the cart and follows me along to the next set of display shelves to pick out some bananas.
Jyeon made good on his promise to fill the apartment with food and necessities but going to an organic produce market together like this is a rare treat. All the island's fresh fruit and vegetables are shipped over to us. We rarely see anything non-seafood-related in quaint little setups like this. The whole area smells divine with the mingled scents of tropical fruits.
“I don’t know. I feel like I’m getting deeper and deeper into hot water the longer we’re here. Maybe I should have some kind of episode and suddenly remember i
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Til Death Do Us Part 70
“Greta…” I warn, cutting into her bitch fight that’s ready to roll and look Claire up and down with cool disinterest. Not going to allow Greta to make a public scene when news only just hit of my miraculous appearance. This is all we would need. Someone filming us and posting it online.“Apologies, my friend is very loyal and has a code of conduct that she lives by. Some things are just shamelessly abhorrent to her.” I smile sweetly, bile rising in my stomach when faced with this wench, and yet I act perfectly. Crazy how even after two years, being back here, I found that mask I could pull out and stick on when faced with tramps like this. That old me can still pull the old trick out.“Wow… you may look different, but you seem the same to me.” Claire yawns on cue as though bored by us and drops her arms to return them to her trolley.“Don’t let us keep you. I’m sure you’re very busy
Til Death Do Us Part 71
“You look pretty. Chin up, be confident, and if we get mobbed for questions, let me handle it.” Jyeon picks up my hand by the wrist and envelopes it in his arm, so I hook onto him. His touch causes the same usual stirring of butterflies, and I swallow it down. A cozy partnering to face this damn sea of employees and press at this stupid event. I want to pull myself free, but I know it’s futile. He’s in show mode, just like a million times in our past when we presented a happy marriage to the public eye, and it weighs heavily on me. To be back here with something so stupid.I’m tense, as far away from relaxed as I can get, and I’m overly aware of him and his presence this evening. I’m emotional and feeling raw and can’t seem to pick a mood to stick with. I’m swinging from upset to anger and then teetering on irritation.I have to keep reminding myself that all of this is for my own sake. My freedom, my inheritance, m
Til Death Do Us Part 72
Much like my bedroom in the manor, my office is another shrine to my memory. Untouched and kept clean, I cast my eyes at his straight, strong back and follow him in silence. My heart throbbing, and my mind messy. Thinking of the importance of that detail when I know, unlike the house, Jyeon has complete control of what happens at OLO. Mother may have retained my bedroom, but this is all Jyeon.“In here.” Jyeon opens the familiar heavy wooden door, missing its stationed receptionist as all employees are downstairs enjoying free food. He pulls aside to let me wander in, and it’s a relief to see he’s updated this space. The uptight sense of déjà vu doesn’t happen because it no longer feels like Jyeon’s office in OLO HQ. It’s nothing like it used to be and doesn’t feel like walking into another time warp.I glance around at the grey décor, the new furnishings, the complete lack of memories of before. The
Til Death Do Us Part 73
“I heard you ran into each other today. I’m just curious what it is you said to Sohla. I figured we three could sit down and clarify who is what in this scenario. Remove possible misunderstandings. Lay it all out on the table.” Jyeon moves to the business tone of President Park. The cold and commanding man who used to stand by my side and conduct all things OLO in seamless partnership. Familiar and safe.“You went crying to Jyeon? What did you tell him? That I was mean and told you to go back to your island so he can get on with his life. I didn’t say anything I haven’t already said to you before, Jyeon. I don’t understand why we need to clarify the truth when it’s all I gave her.”I have no more words for this woman. She’s bitter, snapping even at him, and I can tell she’s mad at being summoned here. Her pride dented. I keep my eyes glued to my water and don’t move. Poised, legs crossed, cushion i
Til Death Do Us Part 74
“Here, it’s hot. Drink slowly.” Jyeon hands me the warm mug of coffee carefully and moves the tissue box from my lap. Now I no longer need it and seem reasonably sane. He’s sitting on the coffee table opposite me now that I’m calm again, and yet his eyes are glued to my face while I stare at my milky brown beverage. It feels like it’s been hours since she left, although the reality is it’s been less than thirty minutes.“You should go downstairs and show face. The employees will notice your absence and wonder why. They saw us in the building, and word spreads fast.” I remind him softly, needing the breathing space now I’ve stopped acting like an emotional wreck. I’m embarrassed by how easily I fall apart around this man nowadays. I am exhausted and tired of how coming back here has been nothing but one tear fest after another and messes me up. Opening wounds I never wanted re-opened, and yet here we are, pullin
Til Death Do Us Part 75
“Greta, I’m home early. Where you at?” I wander into our temporary apartment, dumping my bag in the hall with relief at being back already, and push through to the main lounge, stopping dead in my tracks when my eyes fall upon two figures on the couch. My heart lurches up into my throat, and I pause in shock.“I hope you don’t mind me waiting here for you?” Yoonah stands awkwardly, dressed in his office suit, extending a hand to me as though he’s meeting a casual business acquaintance, and my eyes immediately run to Greta sitting down. She gives me a slight shrug and eyebrow raise to imply she has no idea what to say or that it’s been uncomfortable for her sitting here with him.“Have you been here long?” I take his hand, shaking it lightly and feeling weird about this whole formal encounter. It’s not like Yoonah to be so strange, but I guess I must feel like a stranger to him now. Two years of being dea
Til Death Do Us Part 76
“I have a life where I ended up. Friends, a job, a make-shift family. I’m happy there, and I don’t want to come back here to pick up where I left off. I’m not the same Sohla anymore.”“But I’m your family. You have a life here, a job… friends. What about us, what about what we need?” Yoonha starts to protest, his brows lowering and that subtle hurt coming back. Pouting and reverting to kid. The spoiled little rich master of the family, Park was always given everything he wanted by all of us. He can’t comprehend that his feelings won’t and don’t factor into my choices.“And you have coped just fine for two years without me, Yoonie. You don’t need me here anymore.”“Yes, I do. Who said I coped? Were you here? Did you see? …You have no idea what it’s been like with you dead. Don’t tell me we coped without you because it’s not even fucking true.
Til Death Do Us Part 77
“Why couldn’t we just meet them at the apartment?” Greta moans at me as I drag her through the crowd inside the food hall we arranged to meet.“I think Bryant’s scared of you and figured you’re less likely to murder him in a public place.” I jest and spot a server to our left.“Excuse me. We have reservations under the name Park. Party of four.”It’s crazy busy in this place, given it’s not even seven pm yet, but it’s a bar and restaurant in a trendy part of the city, so I guess it’s to be expected even if it’s a weekday night.The girl motions for us to follow her to a desk by the corner, where she checks her computer screen and then points us in the direction of the hall leading to private rooms at the back.“Room fifteen. Two are already here.” She smiles sweetly, and we move off to head down the dim mood-lit hallway with a lot fewer people milling ar
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One Year Later (final chapter)“Here, watch your step. Take my arm. Be careful, baby.” Jyeon catches me by the elbow as we make our way down the cobbles embedded in soft grass that are a bit slippy from light rain. It’s a beautiful day, drying out from yesterday’s weather as the sun starts to climb, and the birds are singing loudly as though to welcome us here again. We come often, yet the beauty of this place never ceases to please me.I’m carrying a box of plants and flowers, concentrating on leading the way while he makes sure I stay steady. I am focused on today’s task list in my head as it seems we have a jam-packed schedule today. It’s Yoonies birthday, and we have a family tea party after this.“I’m fine. We’re almost there.” I turn back, screwing up my nose and making a silly face at the bundle of joy nestled in his arms that always puts me in a good mood and melt when I get a giggled response. Big brown eyes set in the sweetest face and the cutest dimples, resembling his dadd
Til Death Do Us Part 123
I follow Jyeon around behind the estate agent as she shows us the third property today, and I’m a little bored with endless beige walls and marble kitchen counters. It seems to sell, everyone removes all personality from the buildings, and they blend into a see of neutral boringness. Jyeon seems rooted with interest, and all I keep thinking about is how soon we can eat. Fed up with this already.My fingers are held snugly in his as he takes command and leads the way, pulling me along like a tired toddler to view endless open spaces and listen to the droning agent describe the light and airy feel. He seems aware of my lack of interaction. Asking her questions and pointing out things I might like in this property instead of the others to coax me to respond. So far, I haven’t seen many differences to care.I’m so tired and done with this today. Aching all over and back with a shitty morning of nausea and fatigue that’s dragging my mood down.
Til Death Do Us Part 122
I prop my chin in my palms while resting my elbows on the table and gaze out over the sea view from the second floor of the shack. Relaxed, and I’m tired today.“Here we go, ladies.” Bryant slides the plates in front of us, wearing a kitchen apron and looking domesticated today. He’s been learning the ropes of working the kitchen with Greta and helping her cook because apparently he’s a master chef, and it’s been his hidden talent for years. She doesn’t seem too enamored with him muscling into her domain, but she hasn’t stopped him either. I wonder if this is him trying to infiltrate because he knows this is a long-term thing for him, and his future lies in helping with the shack.“What is it?” Greta pipes up, gazing up at him across the table from me, and then picks up a fork to prod the pasta with suspicion. No one gives Bryant a hard time like she does, but it’s amusing.“Seafood pasta wi
Til Death Do Us Part 121
I’m lying on the couch of the boat, idly watching daytime tv, and keep checking my cell for any messages from Jyeon at the council meeting. Restless, yet I don’t have the energy to do much about it and hate that my own body prevented me from going there. This was my baby, and this is an essential step in proceeding with the plans for the island.Nothing so far, complete radio silence, and I sigh dejectedly, turning on my side and pausing as another wave of nausea laps over me like warm ocean water. A prickling of heat and then cold showering every inch of my skin in a motion that’s happened frequently since I woke up. I hold very still until it passes and then exhale with relief when it dies down again. My brain fixated on the endlessness of waiting here alone, even though the reality is it hasn’t been long at all. Jyeon refused to leave until the last minute because he didn’t want me to fend for myself, and I know he’ll rush right ba
Til Death Do Us Part 120
“Hey, sleepyhead. Do you want breakfast?” Jyeon’s gentle voice filters through my sleep-addled brain as warmth envelopes my downward-facing body. Content and heavy in my haven of bliss and not willing to budge just yet, even with his coaxing. I am star-shaped on the double bed and sinking into my comfy softness. His breath on my cheek and fingers lightly skim through my hair, tingling my scalp before he leans in and kisses me with soft grazing on the temple. Cosily snuggled against me, I flicker my eyes open and come around properly.“Hmmm, what time is it?” I stifle a gentle yawn, too relaxed to lift my head or open my eyes. I could get used to this vacation existence with him. For three days, all we did was play in the sand and sea, have sex, eat, and sleep. I’m exhausted still, as though I haven’t slept, so it has to be ridiculously early. We sailed back to the harbor yesterday evening and had ourselves an early night in prep for t
Til Death Do Us Part 119
“You look beautiful. Jyeon is the luckiest man alive.” Mother takes my hand at the car door and helps me slide out, adjusting my simple cream lace dress that reaches the ground and fluffing my hair before handing me my bouquet back. It’s fitted down to my thighs and then flairs out enough for a bit of drama in a mermaid tail shape, and today my hair is curled and swept to one side. I feel glamorous and pretty, eager to get moving and see Jyeon.Jyeon wanted to do this right and slept at the hotel last night with Bryant, leaving the boat for me, mother, and Greta to have ourselves a girly bonding sleepover. It was only one night, and yet I missed him like crazy. I haven’t seen him since he kissed me goodbye after supper and told me today was the start of the rest of our lives. It was a long night, and I swear it’s been days instead of hours.I’m nervous even though it seems so stupid to be, given I have known him forever, and this is
Til Death Do Us Part 118
Jyeon leads the way up a narrow path worn down and not defined all too well, but a pretty walk through the trampled grass. Lined with trees and shrubs in a secluded part of the island, which took thirty minutes to drive to and I’m shocked he managed to find this place.“Where does this lead, and how did you even find out about it?” I have a tight grasp on his hand as he guides me and stops every few minutes to check my footing, although it’s a pretty easy walk and not steep either. It’s a casual meander through nature, and we come out on top of the most breathtaking flat top with short grass due to some wild horses we saw near the makeshift car park further back. It’s a plateau on a cliff that’s not as high as my thinking spot but looks out over the island's north side where there’s no sign of the village or harbor and feels crazily secluded.“The lady in the bakers told me about it and set it up on my phone app wit
Til Death Do Us Part 117
I push the paperwork aside to allow one of the twins to slide the sandwich platter on the table between the four of us and smile her way warmly. Watching as the other lays out four glasses of iced soda to help fuel us for a few more hours. Such attentive employees and I already decided with Greta to keep them as full-time staff when we boost the Shack’s incoming.“Thank you. You’re a star.” I am completely starving after sitting here all morning while we trash out details and plans for the island for the fourth day in a row, and Bryant is taking notes to help draw up the proposal. Jyeon gave him the assignment to work here for two weeks while we do this, and he’s not complaining, even if his legal department is without a head and constantly calls for guidance. He’s been glued to Greta since he got here and now side by side, facing us; I can tell Greta is happy. She still won’t admit they’re officially a couple, yet she blooms wh
Til Death Do Us Part 116
Jyeon reaches inside the leather jacket of his causal attire today and tugs out a small bunch of keys. Not hesitating before pulling the right one with a single hand and unlocking the door. Clunk, click…the opening of the vault of my fears.“Ladies first.” He swings it open in front of us and steps aside, letting my hand go to make a move, and I stand frozen as it comes into slow view. My breath hitching as it feels like my heart skips a beat, and my blood runs cold in my veins.The neutral decorated and modern interior is so anally clean and neat that I always liked. Everything had a place, and I never could deal with clutter or lots of art and mess, so it’s pretty organized and minimal, yet the atmosphere is heavy. I can almost visualize the sharp-suited and cold me of old sitting at that large arc of a desk by the windows. Head down, expression blank and barking orders at the poor secretary who resided there. Her desk is vacant and free from
