Silent Vows

Part 1

It was dark outside, with black clouds covering the sky, signaling an impending heavy rain.

She sat by the window, her gaze fixed on the ominous clouds.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden knock at the door.

She flinched at the sound and quickly stood up, walking to the door.

"Dad?" she asked as he nodded and came inside. "Come sit here with me", he said, taking a seat on the bed and patting the space beside him.

She nodded and sat down next to him. "I need to discuss something important with you," he said.

She swallowed nervously. "Hmm... sure," she replied.

"Do you remember Jeon, my friend? He visited me today. He's always been a wonderful companion. He's been out of the country for a while, so seeing him today really made me happy."

Yn smiled. "I'm glad. How is Uncle Jeon?"

"He's fine," he replied. "But he brought up something quite unexpected. He asked for your proposal for his son. "

Yn gasped. "My proposal??"

He nodded. "I don't want to get married, please, Dad. Don't do this to me."

He sighed. "Yn, you're my only daughter. Since your mum passed away, I know you've been upset and angry with me.

I shouldn't have remarried, but I just wanted someone to look after you."

Yn smiled faintly. "Take care of me? I've endured more harm than ever during this time."

Tears streamed down her cheeks. "I'm not asking for much-just leave me as I am. I can't handle another trial, I really can't."

He took her hand in his. "I'm truly sorry, Yn. It's all my fault, but I feel compelled. You're my daughter, but I'm helpless-I can't even say no."

Yn frowned. "What do you mean?"

He looked at her with a pained expression. "He has helped me a lot whenever I needed it.

Now, when he's asking for something, how can I refuse? He didn't come to me just to hear no."

Yn stood up abruptly. "Enough! I've endured everything in silence and never spoke about what your wife did to me.

I've had enough damage; I can't take any more. I'm not an object, Dad. How can you even suggest that?"

He nodded. "I understand, but you don't know them like I do. Yes, he's my friend but he's a dangerous person, I'm fully aware of his nature. I wish I could do something about it.

I also discussed this with your mom". He continued.

"She was pleased and thought this would be a better decision for you. She believed you'd have a happier life this way."

Yn looked at him in disbelief, "which mom? She can never be my mother. Her happiness is obvious, it's all she ever wanted, to remove me from this house and your life."

Her voice cracked. "I endured everything she did to me without complaining , just to keep you from stress.

And now the same person I sacrificed everything for, is asking me to end my own life.

You yourself said they're dangerous. Won't this put me at risk? What's the guarantee that marrying his son won't endanger my life?

You know what kind of person he is, don't you?"

He stood up. "I don't want to discuss this any further. I've done my part by informing you before making this decision.

I can't refuse him, that's all. I can't take risks that might endanger our lives."