Love Letter to My Loser | Kim Taehyung [ONGOING]

Chapter 6

"Sian it's so nice to see you again."

I watched as the unfamiliar face hugged my parents and even my brother. How can my family know my "fiancé" more than I know him? I must've been frowning when we met eyes because Sian looked slightly offended. I neutralized my expression and formally introduced myself.

Sian's mom smiled unlike his dad who radiated negative energy. I turned to Sian who had the same expression as his dad. "Nice to meet you.", he said with little emotion. Glimpsing at Sian's face a little closer, I noticed a faded bruise by his lip. My staring must've made him uncomfortable so he turned to my parents.

"...Shall we have dinner?", he asked. My step-mom nodded and directed all of us into the dining room. I eyed the amazing feast before us. "Wow this looks amazing!", exclaimed Mrs. Lee.

"Well it's thanks to our best maid, Lena.", chimed my dad. I smiled at Lena and she excused herself so we could "eat". Dinners with my entire family present only happened when important business had to be discussed. I glanced at Sian and even he lacked interest to be here.

"So you came because of the marriage proposal, I presume?" My dad didn't hesitate to get to the nitty gritty and Mr. Lee's sour expression lightened up. "Very forward as usual, Dohan." Mr. Lee pulled out a few files and set them on the table. "Lee Company stocks have been on the rise and I believe this marriage can help solidify both of our businesses."

I zoned out for a good portion of their useless conversation. "Kang Corporation has received massive success under your leadership but what will happen when you're gone?", continued Mr. Lee. "You can't let your eldest daughter take over. She's only one woman." My ears perked at his snide comment.

I gritted my teeth at Mr. Lee's misogyny but my step-mom gripped my arm to prevent me from saying anything. "And Yunho is too young to run an empire. My Sian will do great things as your successor.", he continued. My step-mom obnoxiously chuckled.

"Sian is handsome and obedient. Plus incredible with numbers." My dad flipped through the large stack of papers and nodded. "Then I think we can all agree that this marriage is for the best.", he said. For the best? I got up and slammed my fist on the table. My step-mom practically dug her nails into my arm but I didn't care. I would not let my own parents bargain my free will for the sake of money.

"If you think we all agree then you're mistaken. Do our feelings not matter to any of you people?" I glanced at Sian in hopes he'd say something but he sat in silence. How can he just sit there? My step-mom glared but I just kept going. "Well I refuse to have my free will taken away by misogynistic pricks. I'm a woman who is capable of much more than the two of you combined." I stormed off and my step-mom tried to follow.

"Leave her.", chimed Mr. Lee. "She'll understand soon enough."

________

"Betrothed at 18? Are you kidding me?", I muttered to myself.

"So this is where you ran off." Sian stood by the garden's canopy with his arms crossed. "You know that little outburst back there was pretty useless." I rolled my eyes. "So you came here to mock me? Is that it?", I asked.

Sian shook his head. "I came to talk some sense in you." He came closer and sat on the opposite bench across from me. "I'm not fond of the fact I'm marrying someone against my will. And I know you aren't either. But no amount of convincing our parents will change what's already set."

Sian's appeal did nothing for the anger already bubbling inside of me. "So you're just going accept this?", I asked. "You're just giving up?" Sian's neutral expression turned sour. "You don't think I've already tried to stop this?", he yelled.

Sian stood up and I followed in suit. "Well then try harder! We're not sims. We can make our own thoughts and decisions." Sian crossed his arms. "I don't know if you've noticed but people like you and me live differently. If you think we have a say in matters like this, then you're delusional."

"Look you don't understand how little power we have.", he continued. "You think my dad is just gonna peacefully listen to what I have to say?" Sian closed the distance between us and I got a better view of his bruised lip. I stared at the faded mark and Sian must've noticed.

He desperately tried masking the emotional pain but his expression said otherwise. "...It's not fair...", I said. "It's not fair we get treated like this."

Sian clenched his jaw. "I don't need your sympathy.", he said. "What's one little bruise?" He sighed and looked me in the eyes. "Just accept the reality so I can live in peace."

_______

"Exciting news everyone!"

Miyeon handed out flyers with large bold print. "The country club has asked us to paint a mural in memory of its founder!" Miyeon's excitement contrasted my absolute horror.

"What's wrong?", asked Taehyung. The country club was a breeding ground for the country's chaebols and heirs. The probability I'd see snobby people my parents knew was 100%.

I sighed and shook my head. "It's nothing.", I said. I just prayed no one would recognize me. Last night's conversation with Sian suddenly popped into my head. Especially him.