3 Years and Forever [EN- Jay X OC] [EDITING]

Chapter 28: Love

It was already in the middle of the night and Haneul still couldn't sleep. Just like any other night, she hesitated to open her door. 'Come on Haneul! You did this the other night. Of course you can do this!' She mentally shouted at herself. She took a deep breath and turned the door knob. She tried her best to silently open her door and exited her room. Her slippers stepped down the stairs slowly. She looked around the already dark house. No maids or guards were around. She was all alone.

Haneul entered another hallway and stopped in front of her father's office. She held the door knob for a while, hesitated to open it although she knew no one was inside. All she knew was that her phone was inside. She took a deep breath, ready to enter the room.

"Haneul?"

She froze. She was too focused on her nervousness that she didn't notice someone was approaching her.

She spun around. And met eyes with her father. His face showed worry and confusion. Her heart sank.

'Shit! This isn't good!' She wanted to run away but her legs refused to move. "D..Dad..."

Mr. Lee sighed. "Can we talk for a minute?"

And there she was with her father in the kitchen. She watched as her father made some drinks for them. He sat beside her at the stool at the kitchen counter, putting a cup of drink in front of her.

"Thank you" she took the cup to see he made him golden milk, just like in the olden days. "Remember when you couldn't sleep?" Mr. Lee began. She nodded. That time she just moved back into the family and had a hard time adjusting, so she couldn't sleep well.

"Magic potion" she said as she sipped on the warm drink. That was the name she used to call it. Her father used to make it for her, telling that drinking that 'magic potion' could help get a good dream.

Mr. Lee smiled as he sipped his drink, glad that she still remembers them.

"And it worked perfectly everytime" she continued. "It always helps me sleep"

They stayed silent for quite some time. Mr. Lee placed his cup on the countertop, facing her.

"So...I guess you haven't heard anything?" he started. "About?" "I sat with Jongseong for a talk this evening"

Her eyes slightly agape, surprised yet she was nervous waiting for his next word. Mr. Lee sighed.

"You know I was so happy, sending you to him at that altar. I thought I made the right decision and that you'll be happy having someone like him by your side. I've known him for years" his voice was silent. "But I didn't know you only agree to the wedding because of our company"

She didn't say anything. She saw him fidgeting nervously as he tried to find words to say.

He gulped and continued speaking.

"When you told me about your decision, I didn't even bother to know if you're genuinely okay with it. I didn't even bother to know if you're making the decision for yourself" he sighed. "I'm sorry. Again I didn't take your feelings into consideration. Both when you were little and now. You're all grown up yet I still treat you like a kid. Sorry that I make you feel like you need to achieve something for the sake of the family"

The silence hung in between them for some time.

"Dad" she swallowed the lump. His words really shattered her heart. She needed some time to control her tears so they would not fall. "It's my fault for making that kind of agreement. I thought this marriage will be temporary. But after living with him, living with the man you chose for me, I realized he's the one. Dad, for the first time, I finally found someone whom I care deeply about. Someone who actually cares for me and will stick by my side for all eternity, despite whatever happens"

Haneul faced her father. She was smiling and tears ran down her cheeks.

"I'm glad all of this chaos happened. I've found someone who's always willing to be there for me, someone whom I can depend on. I know how much you love me, Dad. I know how much you want me to grow up and become strong and independent. That's why I don't regret agreeing to marry him. You don't have to apologize, Dad"

A small tear escaped from his eye. "I don't want you to go through any more hardship"

She quickly embraced her father. "No, no. I don't think I ever will. I have you, Mom and everyone else with me now. I'm very grateful that you're here with me, Dad"

"I'm sorry, Haneul" he whispered. She shook her head. "Don't blame yourself, Dad. I'm the one who should be apologizing. You did it for my happiness. For us. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't even meet Jongseong"

They broke apart.

"I love you, Dad" she whispered. He was visibly surprised a bit, as she seldom said that to him. "I love you too, Haneul" he replied.

They both smiled softly at each other. "Now let's enjoy these last days before I'm gone" she chuckled.

Mr. Lee laughed quietly. "Yes, yes we shall. Go move in with your husband again" They returned their attention to the table and drank their warm golden milk.