Walk slowly (edited)

Chapter 8

“Mom, what would you say if I’m canceling this engagement? Would you agree?” I spoke frankly, “I’m not going to wait anymore. I’m tired of all of this, mom.”

Since we have already started about this matter, I’d better voice out my decision. It was the main reason that I returned to my parents’ house today.

My mom just looked at me, eyes widened. Maybe she’s surprised by what I said.

“I will not agree! If you still want to cancel this engagement, you’re not my son anymore!” I flinched at the sound of his voice.

Father stood at the doorway looking at me, gaze sharp like starving lions. I did not know when Father had arrived at the door. But what I did know was that he has heard what I said to mom just now.

“You don’t understand my situation, father!” I snapped.

“You’re the one who’s not understanding Mark! He’s got his own reasons as to why he delayed the wedding with you. It’s just a small matter, can’t you just wait?!” Now Father moved towards me and he looked furious.

“What are the reasons, father? They are absurd!” I tried to protest.

That was the fact. Mark postponed our wedding simply because he was still waiting for Jiyeon to return, so she will feel hurt when she sees our wedding later. Those were the words Mark responded to Jiyeon’s e-mail. Because of Jiyeon's reluctance to return home as promised.

It turned out Mark was really upset when Jiyeon refused to return. Mark also threatened to marry the person his family chose if she still did not return as promised. Mark also said that he would wait for the moment when Jiyeon returned, then he would get married in front of her.

Was that his reason? Should I accept that father felt natural for me to keep waiting for Mark? Waiting for a wedding that will never happen?

“Marriage is not a small matter, Jinyoung. We must really be ready before we could face it. Just give Mark some time to get ready. I’m sure, the time is coming.” Father’s voice got lower.

Maybe he didn’t want to create tension between us.

I did not want to say anything more, because I know that no matter what I tried to explain, Father will always be on Mark’s side.

I moved toward my room, wanting to stop the debate about my marriage, about Mark and about everyone. My head still hurt and now it’s getting worse. When will I be able to put an end to all these vain things? My heart was really hurting and upset by what happened. But there’s one thing that I would still do —— I will stick to my promise.

*****

I turned to see who was the one that knocked and opened the door to my room slowly. Then I saw mom’s face, and I immediately got up from my bed.

“Nyoungie, Mark called… come down… faster.” said mom as she held the door of my room.

I just looked emotionlessly at mom when she said that.

Mark, I did not think he would look for me. I have already turned off my phone since the day I discovered everything. I did not want any interruption. I wonder what happened to him, he never called me. But all of the sudden, he frequently tried to find me these two days.

“My head still hurts, mom, I don’t have the strength to get up. Just say I’m not at home, mom.” I found a reason to stay away from answering that call.

I have to learn to stay away from him. Although it would be difficult for me to do so, I’ll keep trying.

“Why did you turn off your phone?” asked mom, who did not seem satisfied with the reason.