Second Chance ‧ Sim Jaeyun

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The sun shone brilliantly and the water in the pond glittered invitingly. Fresh air filled my lungs, I felt refreshed and exhilarated. A pleasant day to fetch some ice creams while watching the picturesque scenery, especially with the wind that wafted through the trees. Today, however, was the day my husband and I will part our ways forever... Given that we weren't a real couple to begin with, I never expected much from this loveless marriage. In a way, I somehow feel relieved and happy as this heavy feeling in my chest has somewhat subsided.

    Despite the fact that we never really talked or opened up to each other, he still treated me like a human being. However, there were times when he was really cold towards me and I didn't mind it at
all - you could say he was more like a stranger to
me than my actual husband. Nevertheless, he is a good person. Each year, he would send me bouquet of flowers for my birthday. In fact, I was surprised and delighted to discover he knew the day I came into existence. This man is indeed full of surprises, I would have never thought he would be interested in knowing things about me.

There's a part of me that is sad because I won't be seeing him anymore, which seems confusing. I mean, I should be happy now that I will no longer be involved with his life. It's so tiring having to fake a smile to everyone, and act like a lovely couple just to prove them our relationship is real. When behind close doors it's the complete opposite. Today, that's going to change. I'm finally going to be free after two years of living as a wife of Sim Jaeyun. Yes, you read it right the Sim Jaeyun.

We had a contract marriage for about three years, and that's going to end today. Though, I still do not understand why he asked me to marry him. Why me out of all people? The only reason why I agreed to his proposal was because I had no other choice but to do so. In order to avoid his parents setting him up with random people, which he is clearly not happy with, he had to get married. And that's how it all started.

         Sim Jaeyun, and I actually attended the same college. He was in his last year as a college student when I first met him, so he is basically my sunbae. Several of my friends were friends with his friends, so they thought it would be nice if they introduced me to them. Before we rarely even talked, the only time we had a conversation was when I greeted him. That's pretty much it, although I could see in his eyes how he was reluctant to speak, perhaps that's just the way he is. Rumors were circulating that he had never had a girlfriend before, some even thought he was into boys, which is completely fine because we can't control who we are attracted to, even so it still isn't our business to judge or assume whether he is this or that.

         I've always been the biggest introvert, but it really depends on who I'm around. I have different personalities when it comes to people. Depending on whether I am comfortable with you, I would act like the real me. But if I wasn't, I would barely have the courage to communicate with you because I tend to get shy around most people. Since I came from a really poor family, I didn't have many friends growing up. Though I am still thankful for how hard my parents worked their asses off to put food on the table. I can't imagine how horrible it must have been for them. Therefore, I want to spoil them with my own money as a way of repaying them. Thanks to my sunbae, he gave me the chance to get the job I had always dreamt of. I will forever be thankful to Jaeyun for helping me achieve my goal.

        Apart from everything, the reason why I am divorcing him is because I am no longer happy with this life. As far as I know, I'm useless now, since he got what he wanted, right? Even though we still have a year left in our contract, I am determined to end what's between us. Because, how could two people who have no love for each other get married? How ironic is that?

        My thoughts were interrupted by the taxi driver's announcement that we had arrived at our destination. "We are here ma'am", I let out a big sigh and paid him. Afterward, I got out of the car.

"This is it. There will not be a Sim Jiah anymore. Instead Bae Jiah has finally returned."
a soft smile spread across my face.