I Knew I Love You

CHAPTER 4: MY CHILD

LISA POV

Two days before my first day as the COO, we finally arrived in Korea. "Here we go." I muttered.

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"We're finally here!" a shouting hamster woke me up. I did not realize that I fell asleep during our ride home. 

It was a big house. Nope. It was a mansion. High gates with electric barbwires. CCTVs and guards all around. How can Byul live like this. My thoughts was interrupted when she tapped my shoulder.

"Hey, let's go." she grabbed my wrist and pull me inside the house.

"Oh, okay. You're house...I mean...it is really huge." my eyes keep looking everywhere.

"Yeah. But you know, it is kinda lonely. But now that you're here, the house will be filled with new energy. I cannot wait to eat breakfast with you and have late night movie marathon, unnie." Byul said while showing her Indian dimples.

"Oh, I'm not really sure if I want to live here Byul. Can we talk about this with dad first?" 

"Aw, why? Don't you like to be with me? Is there something wrong?"

"Nothing, Hammy. But everyone knows that you're the only child of Jae I...of dad. I'm pretty sure this will attract attention. And I do not want to drag anyone of you to a mess." I tried my best to explain. I hope she gets where I'm coming from.

She took a deep breath and was about to speak, when an old man appeared in front of us.

Slowmo, just like in a good korean drama. I cannot believe this is happening.

For the first time in my thirty years of existence, I saw my dad. My appa. The one that gave me life. I froze. I cannot move. I was just looking at him and he was staring at me too.

"My child."

Two words. I did not realize that I'm crying. He was crying too. I saw Byul Yi turned around and starting to wipe her eyes too.

Like a five year old child I ran to him. I hugged him tightly like he was going to vanish any moment and he did the same.

"I'm so sorry my Lalisa. For everything.  Appa loves you so much. I'm so sorry I'm not physically there to witness everything. You're first word, first steps and many more. Please forgive me?"

I just nod in between sobs. A few seconds more and we broke our embrace. We were now eating our dinner and Byul, the hyper kid, keeps on telling non-stop stories about appa. About their life in Korea. I was so engrossed to her stories when suddenly our father spoke.

"Lalisa, I'm glad that you accepted my request. Thank you so much."

"It was actually mom who convinced me to accept it."

"I see, I should call and thank her then."

"Appa, can I ask you something? I hope you don't mind." This idea was bothering me since my mom introduced him to me.

"I do not mind at all. What is it?"

Sensing that it will be a heart to heart talk, Byul excused herself and went to her room to freshen up.

"Ah, Appa, I know that you're a very busy man. But I also know that you're a powerful man, with all these businesses. Uh..how come you did not visit me once? Even when Byul came to visit me for the first time?"

"I know that you will ask this. Lisa, it's true that I'm a busy and powerful man." He paused. I can see his sad eyes. He sigh and continued.

"But I'm also a lonely man. Your grandfather did not approve my relationship with your mom. He wants me to marry someone that can contribute to our family's influence and business. I value our family so much that I broke with your mom. It was too late when I found out that she was pregnant with you." He looked at me, his eyes trying to convey all the pain and disappointment that he kept for years.