Torn between Love and Hate

Four

After Six Months.

"Mom we're living in a twenty-first century. Arrange marriage is not an option anymore. Besides I'm happy with my life right now, I may not be in a relationship but I've been dating men. Who knows later on a guy would actually sweep me off my feet and deeply fall in-love with me and I in him."

"Honey. I know that you are happy for now...it's okay never mind and just forget about everything. You already made up your mind and I will respect that."

Dara felt guilty for turning down her mother who only wants a simple life to begin with. She never did asked her for anything major before but it's just that this one time what she's asking is way too much for her. It is for the rest of her life that is in the line. Well...what if she makes a deal with her mom."

"Mom. I'm so sorry for letting you down. But I do have one condition only if ever I do agree with this arrangement."

Her mother snapped her head towards her, all ears.

"R-really honey? Okay. Anything."

"Promise that you will discuss it with aunt Shinhye and Jiyong makes sure that they agree with you and I. Because if they don't, the deal is off."

"Yes! I mean...yes I will talk to her. What is it? What's the condition?"

"I will agree to marry him in name only for a year. We will be living in one roof but two separate bedrooms. Now if anytime within the year that we are together...I-if we happened to fall in-love with each other then we will stay married and I will fulfill my duty as a wife to him. But both of us must remain faithful to each for a year. If one becomes unfaithful, that will be the end of our marriage no question ask."

"Oh honey. That might be kind of difficult, especially for Jiyong. Men have needs too, and if you want your husband to be faithful to you. You have to give him something and must prove to him that you are worth it."

Ms. Kim kind of awkwardly explained to her daughter which made Dara a bit uncomfortable and she knows that her mother is right. Now she knows she doesn't have any excuse because no matter how you look at it she will be legally married.

"Well...uhmm!!!" She's very nervous about this whole thing. "Just tell them exactly what my condition is mom please?" She has to enforce it before she changes her mind.

Ms. Kim could only nod.

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"What? What kind of condition is that? No I will not agree to that condition. We might as well not get married at all."

"Sweetheart. I know this is going to be difficult but maybe you have a condition of your own? Let me know so that I can relay the message."

"You know what mom. This whole thing is a joke. Why do we have to relay this messages between you and aunt Mina. What. We can't even talk civilized as two grown up adults. What is her cell number? I will personally talk to her myself."

"Uhmm...that's a good idea. Let me ask your aunt Mina first. Just give me a moment."

His mother then called her friend to ask for Dara's cell number.

"Here. But just remember the time difference we have sweetheart."

"I remember. Well... I have to go now. I'll update you. Thank you mom. I love you." He then kissed his mom's cheek.

"I love you too sweetheart."

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Jiyong made himself busy everyday ever since Yu Na left and forgot about calling Dara. It's been three weeks now and he is physically and emotionally drained to the core. He was just finishing up some of the needed documents to be signed when his email starts blinking indicating a new email. He was just about to ignore it but there's a picture attachment with it. He opened it and was immediately out of his chair and started pacing back and forth. He went back to his desk as he stared back at the picture that was sent to him. He pinched the bridge of his nose as he can feel a headache coming on. He's really worried now and desperate to finding out more of her whereabouts. Whoever sent him this picture made sure that they cannot be traced back.

The picture was of Yu Na walking around from who knows where.

"Teddy I'm going to need your expertise on something. I need for you to find a person for me. Her name is Park Yu Na. Yes, please report back to me as soon as you find out anything."

Jiyong got home late that night and was feeling really exhausted. His cell started to buzz, but he ignored it. He doesn't feel like talking or doing anything right now because all he can think about is Yu Na. He built up a habit of drinking when he's at home drowning himself to alcohol until he would fall asleep. Next day looking haggard he'll come in to work and would snapped at anyone. He was getting harder and harder to approach to and all his employees are afraid of him.

His phone was ringing and was about to ignore because it was an unknown number but decided to pick it up.

"Hello." But all Jiyong could hear at first was breathing from the other end. "Look. If you don't have anything..."

"It's me Jiyong." He felt coldness in his body when he recognized the voice on the other end.

"Y-Yu Na? Sweetie, where are you? Please tell me where you are and I'll come and get you. Please sweetie? I'm so worried about you."

Jiyong is now begging which he has never done before.

"Jiyong. Please listen to me. I can't marry you and I will not come back. I only called just to tell you that you can start marrying someone else but it will never be me. Once you're married then I will come back and I'll be willing to be your mistress. We can still continue our relationship but not as a married couple."

Jiyong tightened his hold on his cell and was confused as to what she was saying.

"Jiyong promise me that you will marry soon. The sooner you marry someone then I will come back to you."

"Yu Na. A-are you even aware of what you are asking me to do? The fact that you will be willingly become my mistress? I can't do that to you. I love so much and that is why I want us to get married. I want you to be legally mine."

"No Jiyong! I already said my piece. Now if you really want me to come back to you...you will marry soon."

Jiyong was left with the phone conversation ending at that. He threw his phone against the wall and it shattered to pieces. He brushed his hair back and forth as he sat at the foot of his bed with his both knees up and his both elbows on his knees. He shook his head in between his elbows.