from the start | jake sim

11

Seoyun's POV

"I'll send Seoyun home."

"But you can't even drive." Niki said while eyeing Jay, "I have a chauffeur." Jay responded.

"Bougee." Niki replied.

As everyone left, Jay was about to lead me to his car when I stopped him. "Jay, I really appreciate you doing all of these for me but I really don't need it."

He held my hands, "Seoyun, I'm doing this because I want to." I pulled my hands away as I shook my head.

"You're doing this for your parents, aren't you?" His eyes widened slightly.

I sighed, "I heard about their company, and they need investors. Since I'm related to my parents, you're just using me as a way to talk to my parents."

"Seoyun, listen. I-"

"I'm not going to let my parents know about this because you're a great friend, and I do want your parents' company to survive. Since I know now, you don't have to keep up the act anymore." I smiled, and walked off before he could say anything.

I called Mr Park and he came as soon as he can. When I got into the car, I looked out of the window silently looking at the architectures and vehicles passing by.

He peered over through the mirror, "Are you okay? You seem down." I pursed my lips. "I recently found out that one of my friend is just using me to get my parents to invest in his family business."

Mr Park nodded, "Do you need a listening ear or someone to give you advice?"

"Listening ear." He nodded.

"I just feel frustrated, because I owe my parents a lot of things. They took me in since I was young, and I just felt indebted towards them."

Mr Park looked over at me, "I may not know everything but I do know that Mr Yang deeply cares for you, and your presence just made him happier."

"Since he lost his sister, he seemed to lost a part of him as well. When he took you home, I saw how he came so much happier." I sighed.

Mr Park smiled as he turned around to look at me, "Mr Park might not understand fully how you feel, but you only add light to all of our lives." I smiled.

He parked the car, and came out to open the door for me. "It's not your fault that people need help from your family." He smiled as he closed the door behind me.

"See you tomorrow Seoyun." He bowed slightly before getting into the car and driving off.

I walked into the house to see my dad and Jungwon laying on the couch. "Pass me the chips." Jungwon handed the chips to him.

"How's dinner?" Jungwon asked while shooting me a teasing grin. "Dinner was alright." I said.

"The guy from before," My dad furrowed his brows as he sat up, "Jay?" I nodded.

"How is he?" I nodded, "He's alright, he's a great friend." He nodded.

My dad only invests in companies that he has good impression of. Since he hasn't officially met Jay's parents yet, I assumed how I view Jay would also determine if he would invest in their company.

Like I've said, Jay has been a good friend to me even though he has intention, so I thought I should help him out still.

I bowed slightly, "I'll go to my room." He nodded.

When I got up to my room, I went to my closet and took out a box that I've kept in there for a while. It has also been a while since I last took it out.

I opened it up, and my emotions got the best of me as memories flooded in my head.

It has been over 10 years since I lost my mom, but there's never a day that goes by where I didn't think of her.

That feeling became worse on occasions where families usually celebrate together, like mothers' day, christmas and new year.

My current parents really tried to fill that void in me, but as you know, it's difficult for them as well.

I was rummaging through the box where I found a small jewelry box in it. My eyes widened when I opened it, revealing a heart shaped necklace.

It comes with a note.

To my dearest daughter,

I'm not sure when you'll read this, but by then I'm probably gone. I know life without your mom can be difficult, and I'm so sorry for leaving you this early. I would do anything to have more time to spend with you, to see you grow, smile, and be happy. Unfortunately, time isn't in our favour.

Don't worry, mom will always be here with you even if I'm not there physically. I will always look over you, and make sure every step you take, you're not alone.

I'm not sure if you will remember but a few days ago, we walked by a jewelry shop and you kept whining because you want this necklace. I hope you'll still like the necklace as much as you wanted it back then.

I know that you'll grow up to be a beautiful, loving and kind hearted lady. I'm sorry I'm not able to be there to witness it. Whenever you miss me, you can look at the necklace and know that I'm there with you.

There's no words to express how much I love you, but that is all for now. I love you my child.

From mom

Tears started rolling down my eyes, as I buried my face in my pillow. I hugged the pillow, while imagining that it was my mom.

I missed my mom so, so much.

11 December 2023