SUDDEN MARRIAGE

Nine

"I'm sorry…"

"I'm guessing your mind hasn't changed about me." Mark fakes a small laugh. "I really can't do anything now to change your mind, can I?"

"Mark…" My lips were slowly forming into a pout because I've been supressing it from shaking. "This marriage is too much. I was just on my home, peacefully sleeping but then the next day I got married. It is a shock for me, I hope you understand—"

"I do understand." Mark sighs and his body tensed. I saw him bite his bottom lip and I'm assuming he's been stopping it from quivering too. "But I can't let you go, love. I-I just can't…"

I coiled and hugged my knees.

After all that he told me about the things that he did, I really do agree that it is also unfair for him if I suddenly cut this off. His hard works will fade into the thin air.

"Then what's your deal for us?"

"Donghyuck…" His tears fell. "I love you."

I felt my stomach twists all around and my cheeks heat up up to my ears. I've heard of him tell me this a lot of times already but today is different. It is different because it is the first time after two long years.

"I loved you," I sigh. "But I moved on, already. It's been two years, after all."

"Do you have someone else in mind?" He asks in a small and hesitant voice.

"No." I shook my head lightly. "No one else after you."

"Can't I just court you again?"

"M-Mark…"

"You're asking for a deal, right?" He pleads with dreamy eyes, desperate for me. "Stay with me, just until I can finally save your company."

"How long would that be?" I ask while fiddling with my fingers.

"I-I don't know—"

"Six months." I cut him off. "Then let's get divorced."

"D-Donghyuck—"

I shut my eyes and prevent myself from looking at Mark because I might crumble if I see his pleading eyes again.

"I want to be off your hook. To live alone. And to enjoy myself," I said. "I am not a material for marriage, Mark."

I could hear his sobs and despite just hearing it, it still broke my heart. For how many times have I made Mark cry?

"I understand." He sobbed. "I will try to understand."

I feel his hot breath over my face and the next thing I felt was his lips on mine, kissing me gently and soothingly, almost as if I'm a glass that can break any minute now. His kisses are genuine and loving.

"Six months…" He says, breath hovering above me. "Then I'll let you go."

I nod and felt his lips on my forehead, after. When I opened my eyes, he's already wiping his tears with his palms and smiling to me.

"We have to face Karina, now." I bite my bottom lip and place myself on the ground. "I'll talk to her for you."

"T-Thank you." Mark says and led me out. He walks behind me and followed me as I walk towards his guest room. I knock but then no one answered.

"Do you think she's there?" Mark asks to me but I don't know for myself, either.

I opened it wide when I found it it wasn't locked and let my eyes wander inside the room. None of her things are inside.

"She left?" I gasp.

"She did?"

"I don't know…" I look up to Mark and twist my lips. "Can you call her?"