SpartAce: Eternal Love

Burdens of Marriage

"Have you eaten? " Ji Hyo reads Jong Kook's text on her phone.

She's feeling more frustrated lately. It has been about a week that the two of them hadn't had a decent conversation for more than five minutes.

They had been so busy lately that they go home late. They barely see each other awake. It has been about three times this week that she came home with him already sprawled on the bed. And the rest of the days, she has been too sleepy to wait for him arrive.

"The meeting has started, Ji Hyo-ssi. " Kelly says to her, distracting her from replying to her husband's text message.

"Really? That's not good. " she says anxiously.

They're heading to a bid to a prestigious fashion show happening next month. She is personally going instead of sending someone because she is determined to get a slot on the show. The event is too important to entrust it to someone else.

They slide out of the car as soon as they arrive, and heads to one of the conference hall of the building where the bidding and presentation are being held.

There are about 50 people in the room, mostly executive directors and CEO's of well known brands.

Most of them turn their heads to her direction as soon as she enters, and even the presentor on stage is cut off.

That is when she realizes who it is.

It is her husband. He is presenting their product in front, but his eyes are now on her.

"Aa, Ji Hyo-ssi." Ahn Yu Ra, the overall organizer of the event, greets her. "Did you come here to support your husband? "

"No. " she replies immediately, too late that she replied to fast and too distracted to realize it might have sound insulting for her husband. "I'm here for a last minute registration. I would like to join the bidding."

Right after some discussions, Jong Kook is given the chance to continue. And then she follows.

Then the board of directors discussed the final line up of the event.

"I didn't know you were coming. " Jong Kook says in a low voice as he sits right next to her.

"I forgot to mention it. " she answers.

She tries to recall their last conversation and is sad to remember that it was just about how tired she is, a couple nights ago when she was already half asleep.

"Don't you think it would be fun if we get to work together in this event? " her husband asks.
"Right." She simply answers, taking the time to stare at Jong Kook's face.

They live in the same house but is barely seeing each other. How come she's missing him when they sleep at the same bed every night?

Before they can talk longer, Ahn Yu Ra comes back with the result.

Ji Hyo tries to remain calm in her seat as the brands are being called. There are about 30 brands trying to get a slot, and only 10 gets to be chosen.

She is already fidgety when the 8th brand is called and Krystel Aparelle is still not mentioned. And so is Perseus.

"The 9th brand is Lance's." Ahn Yu Ra announces.

Ji Hyo's heart sinks. There is one slot left and only one of their brands will be chosen. She hears her husband sigh next to her.

"As for the tenth slot.. " Ahn Yu Ra starts, and then turns to their direction. "The board of directors actually voted and Perseus and Krystel got the same number of votes."