Love Lust & Lies

Chapter 17

I couldn't help but laugh at their ridiculous display as JK revealed his truth. I still kind of wish he hadn't. It was our one ace in the hole when things got bad and now, it's just out in the open.

My father cared far too much about status and symbols. He would say that he always wanted me with the best man when I was younger. As I grew up, I realized he meant what he said, but not how I thought it to be.

What he really meant was that he wanted me with the best man to help his business excel forward. He didn't really care about my happiness. How was I so blinded to all of this. I truly thought that he was just looking out for me and it's so crazy how all of that shattered in a matter of minutes over a family dinner.

Squeezing his hand under the table, JK turned to look at me. "It's okay," he smiled back rubbing the back of my hand with his thumb.

"Look sir, I know that you want what's best for your daughter. I also know that what's best for your daughter is me. What I won't tolerate however is you using Kennie as some sick pawn in your scheme to gain power."

No one has ever spoken to my father like that in my presence. JK was so calm and collected. I've never really seen the business side of him. To me he was my golden retriever boyfriend, who fretted over whether he forgot my straw with my drink when he brought us takeout. I've never seen him so, well, like this.

Clearing his throat Kai finally began to speak. "So, what are you some like low level family member claiming to have stake in the family fortune?" He just knew he had a sick burn the way he smirked afterwards. Taking a sip of his wine, he waited for JK to speak.

Laughing as he looked off to the side of the room, JK's eyes cut back to Kai. "Actually, when I said that it was mine, I mean that it was MINE. I am the heir to my father's corporation."

Nearly choking on the wine, he just sipped, Kai took a napkin and dabbed his lips before it stained his shirt.

"Kennie sweetheart, why didn't you tell us your boyfriend was of the Jeon Family." I hated that my mother's voice was now soft and inviting.

"I didn't tell you because of this very moment right here. You are all pathetic, and I'm sick knowing that I've allowed myself to be blinded. To be made to think that this was your way of protecting me. All you care about is living your fancy life, don't you?"

Pursing her lips to the side my mother rolled her eyes, as her soft demeanor quickly faded after being called out. How could I truly not have seen this.

"JK, I no longer want to stay. Can you take me home please?" Pushing back my seat I gestured for him to follow suit. As he stood, he bowed to both my mother and father before thanking them for the meal and following me to my room to pack.

As I entered, the door slammed against the wall, putting another dent in it. "I can't fucking believe them! Are they serious right now," I said throwing my clothes about, messily shoving them in the suitcase I brought.

"Kennie, baby, please relax. I'm okay," I heard him say. I knew that this wasn't really about me, it was about how they treated him, but I was still pissed. How could they be so typical. So typically rich, looking down on those who they believe have less than they do. This is why I didn't want my family's name to be known at work. Why I didn't want JK to know. I didn't want him to judge me for my family's wealth.

"Kennie," he said again, this time wrapping his arms around my waist. "Baby, it's okay. My parents would honestly be the same way. As shitty as it is, we can't help our parents. All we can do is try to do better than they did, and we are. We're both proof that that kind of behavior was unacceptable." Kissing my forehead my temper cooled.