Contract Boyfriend || n.yuta

32

Iseul ran a hand through her messy locks as her leg bounced in nervousness. She hated confrontations more than anything, but this confrontation was long overdue. Well, it would be the first of many and she decided that this one would be the best to start off with. 

She tried to push her growing anxiousness back by finishing the video Daeun sent her about Mother Gothel's gaslighting in Tangled. It did get her thinking, which made her wonder if her best friend sent it on purpose. 

You need time away from this person to see what your life is like-

"Iseul?" Her mother's excited voice signaled her return. She joined Iseul at the balcony and pulled her into a tight hug. "You haven't visited in forever! I'm so glad you're here. I feel so troubled about what flowers I should get for my wedding and-"

"Can we talk for a bit?" She wondered if she seemed too vulnerable with how soft and serious her voice was. Her mother didn't seem to read her tone as she let go of Iseul.

"Of course! We have a lot of things to catch up and decide on. I'll get us some drinks." 

"No. I won't be here for long. Please, mom. Just take a seat." Iseul's simple request sounded more like desperate plea as her mother ignored her. She held on to her mother's wrist which surprised her mother. "Mom. Please. Just sit. I don't want to talk about the wedding right now."

"Alright. I'm all ears." Her mother reluctantly gave in. She took a seat across Iseul who presented a variety of objects on the table. "What are these?"

"Why did you lie to me? Why did you make me think dad was still trying to be present in my life?" Iseul gestured to the two papers. One was a letter forged by her mother while the other was her father's handwriting and signature. "This is his recent signature and the one you tried to fake. He doesn't care anymore mom. He's contented with his family. I ran into dad and he didn't even recognize me."

But he said he wanted a daughter like me. 

She was bitter, but she tried not to dwell on it too long. 

"Are you saying he's here?" Her mother asked, physically shaken at the thought of her ex-husband being there.

"I'm not an asshole, mom. I know better than to call him here knowing he hurt you verbally." Iseul reassured. Even she herself wasn't ready to talk to her father after the trauma he left for her. "I just... Why? Why would you go this far? Why would you work with someone like Kim Jungwoo?"

"I know that he knows you best because you've been friends for so long and you guys were such an adorable couple. I'm actually disappointed you broke up." Her mother lamented. "I know how much your father meant to you even if he was a horrible person. I just... wanted to comfort you."

"Why couldn't you have just asked me, mom? I should be the person who knows myself the best and I sure as hell never wanted the false hope you gave me. I've been so considerate of you, mom. Do you really care about me?" Iseul confronted. 

"Are you getting angry at me? Iseul, I was only trying to help." Her mother defended. Iseul took a deep breath, trying her best not to get emotional. If she did, they wouldn't understand each other. 

"I know you were, but it wasn't what I needed. You're not getting it, mom. I just wanted us to both acknowledge what happened and get through it together. Dad leaving broke me and I'm still trying to pick the pieces up." Iseul reasoned. "I just want closure so I can move on."

Her mother brushed the papers aside and leaned over the table to hold both of Iseul's hands. "I lived longer and experienced more, honey. You'll realize that losing him was something to make you stronger. Look, it made me a stronger person."