Garden Days

A New Beginning

*Irene*

Lifting her chin for the stylist, Irene stared at the uncomfortable reflection before looking to her father. He sat in the corner with an open book, waiting for the women to finish tailoring. "Father." He took a deep breath and looked up from the page, irritated by the interruption. "Do I...need to wear this?"
"Why wouldn't you?"
"Well, it's just the four of us and I was looking forward to wearing one of my own."
"I don't care how many are attending, you're wearing that gown!" He slammed his book shut in sudden anger, startling both women. "You're lucky I'm allowing him to marry you after what happened. He was supposed to be a good and reliable man but I'm finding that difficult to believe."
"It was my fault." Irene quickky averted the blame onto herself.
"I won't ask but whatever it was," Gong-Yoo stood menacingly. "Don't do it again. Stop messing around and treat him like you were taught. Be a good wife, be honest, listen and obey him... I don't want-."
"Stop lecturing me!" Irene scowled. "I know what I'm doing!" She knew Jin's character was to let her do as she pleased- she wasn't a slave to his commands. However, she had an inkling there were a few demands he had to make of her. Some very personal requests that she wouldn't be okay with. "You would have gone after him if I hadn't."
"Am I supposed to thank you?" The man questioned as he headed for the door, eyes hard. "You should be grateful."
_________________________________
"You wanted to see me?" Jin asked as he approached her from the trail leading to the house. Since their return, they'd been formal and stiff with one another with barely a word spoken. Irene patted the spot beside her. He stayed.
"I thought we should have a talk before tomorrow."
"There's nothing to talk about." His response was unexpected, making her bow her head to hide the shock and sadness.
"It's expected by father that I follow you and... fulfill any expectations you have of me." Joo-Hyun retorted with an anxious expression. "If there is anything you desire, please tell me now so I can accommodate." Seok-Jin was still upset about the other night and the knowledge he obtained. She could see it on his face. "I promise to make you happy, even if I-."
"Don't say it. Don't make me feel guilty about this." He grabbed a fistful of his hair and sighed, frustrated. "I'm not going to keep you from doing what you want. I'm not that kind of person."
"Really?" The young woman couldn't help but smile and restrain herself from reaching for a hug. She knew, at least hoped, he wasn't like that but he needed to prove himself.
"Of course. I lost my freedom; why should you lose yours?"
"And him...?" She had to ask.
"I...need to think about it."
Irene gave a light nod, understanding but still saddened. This was expected but how much of a threat was Sehun for Jin to want to ban him?
"There's nothing between us."
"How can I be sure? I can't trust either of you."
She bit her lip, understanding this was a consequence of miscommunication, lies, and betrayal. "I should have controlled myself and been more open with you," She said as she fiddled with the fabric of her apron. "So do what you must. I understand."
It took awhile for her fiancé to respond. He looked shocked yet uncomfortable with having to make such a decision. Clearing his throat, Jin said: "I want his key to the house handed to me personally and for all his belongings to be gone from the house. I don't care how, just that they are."
"Can he and I...?" She was afraid to ask in full and it seemed he didn't think of this as a possibility.
"Give me time to come up with a remedy."
_________________________________
Jin was right in all that he said but he was also being insecure. That in turn caused the predicament they were in now.
"Sehun is..." Irene murmured as she fiddled with the flower stems, tying them together. She had to be honest with herself. She liked him, cared for him, wanted more of him, but he was nothing more than a dishonest friend who offered what she so desperately wanted: love and affection.
"I just need to tell the truth." The green snapped from the pull. "But how?" If she allowed it and Jin was willing, they could love each other just like they planned.
______________________________
Yikes