Walk slowly (edited)

Chapter 11

I woke up when I heard the sound of water in the bathroom. Mark! I immediately opened my eyes and searched for the clock on the bedside table. 7:15 am. I yawned, my mouth wide open, my eyes still half closed. Perhaps because of the late night sleep yesterday.

I then turned my head to the bathroom door, and immediately got up from sitting. I do not want to deal with Mark. I would rather use the bathroom on the ground floor. This may be a sign that I’ve already started my Mission that was planned as soon as I saw Mark arriving at our wedding ceremony.

Only god knows how long I have to behave like this. I’m worried that Mr. and Mrs. Tuan could sniff my weird behavior. But I never forget that I still have a smile to hide all my worries and concerns. I will make sure they do not suspect anything. I immediately took a towel and a piece of clothing, and took off toward the bathroom on the ground floor.

After showering, I went back into Mark’s room. As I slowly put my towel on the rack, my eyes glanced briefly at Mark who was already at his balcony. I want to leave the room without Mark’s knowledge; I did not want to have a talk with him. I was not ready for an eye-to-eye talk because at this point, I am making every effort to teach myself to throw all my nerves away whenever I confronted him.

“I hope you understand why I still continued this marriage.”

Mark’s words made my actions of the twisting door knob stunt, after I was done close the wardrobe door. I quite understood why Mark continued this marriage. That’s for sure because of Jiyeon. Mark just wanted to make Jiyeon get what she deserved, and to let Jiyeon know how mad Mark was over her when she refused to return to Korea as promised.

I do not want to keep talking about this marriage because I did not know what to say anymore. For now, I need time. For myself and for Mark.

“It’s already happened, Mark hyung. You don’t have to be worried. I know my limits; and I will not take advantage of this marriage.” I stepped out of the room, not wanting to discuss about this stupid marriage anymore.

Mr. Tuan looked like he enjoyed breakfast. Maybe it's the joy of getting an in-law that has added to his appetite? It’s just me who was feeling tormented to swallow every piece of pancake that was on my plate. Mark also succeeded in bringing his character as a good husband in front of his parents. The way Mark served and talked to me would have made them believe that we are actually a pair of happy newlyweds that loved each other.

“Have you already decided on a honeymoon yet?” Mark choked once hearing the question Mr. Tuan asked. And I had to pat Mark’s back.

“Eh papa, we’re new to this marriage and we are still tired from the wedding, we’re just still not in the mood to go on our honeymoon.” I immediately turned off the question that just made Mark uncomfortable.

I do not want to go anywhere alone with Mark. Now, I just want to put distance with Mark, to create a sense of calmness for Mark. I know how suffocating Mark gets when I get near him.

“An early marriage is good for a honeymoon; don’t wait until you have a child. It won’t be the same anymore.” Mrs Tuan continued and smiled.

“When I have time, I will take Jinyoung on a honeymoon. I still have a lot of work.” Mark tried to drag off the topic, certainly not liking the topic of conversation that came up that morning.

I just looked at the water in the cup. There’s all kinds of things that turned in my head, but the main thing was how to stay away from Mark. It seemed easy to do, but in fact it was quite difficult since Mark was now like a shadow that always followed my footsteps. But there is no reason for me to force Mark to get in my love. No! I would not do that.