Walk slowly (edited)

Chapter 13

Mark’s absence for three days was enough for me to carry out an agenda that suddenly appeared in my mind. I know Mark will probably be angry with what I’m doing, but this was the only way I can think of, for this period of time, for Mark to be aware that there's only Jiyeon in his heart. Hopefully with these efforts, Mark can accept the truth that his heart only wanted Jiyeon.

During the last three days, he never called me, not even once. Even when I had guessed that this would happen, my heart still eagerly awaited his call.

I felt empty without Mark’s presence in this house. I can feel it, but not Mark. The penthouse was many times larger without his voice and himself. Somehow, I always hope that our relationship will recover. When will I be able to look back at his sweet smile and share our stories just like when he puts me in the position of a best friend in his heart? I was longing for that moment! This bond between us will only be a gap that keeps me away from Mark’s life.

Everyday, my waiting ends at twelve am. But there was no sign of Mark coming home tonight. As a wife, my heart began to worry about his condition. Where is he? What happened to him? I really wanted to contact his family and ask if somehow Mark had left any news. But I turned down that thought, not wanting Mark to be blamed for not contacting me during these three days.

I had thought only Mark’s words could disturb my sleep. It turns out that the absence of Mark in front of my eyes can make me have a sleepless night too.

I climbed the stairs slowly. However, hearing the main door being opened, my footsteps stopped on their own. Seeing Mark’s face clearly made my heart happy. The backpack which was held by Mark suddenly escaped his hands as soon as he stepped into the house. And I know why! I immediately stepped down, playing the role as I had planned to myself.

I walked up to Mark, trying to embrace which was often done by a wife each time, celebrating the return of a husband. But my arms were not welcomed by Mark. He was still fixated on the color of his penthouse wall that I already changed the color to pearly white. I also have a set of variable furniture. I deliberately tried to cause anger in his heart and make him realize that his love cannot change for people other than Jiyeon.

“What have you done, Jinyoung?” questioned Mark with his angry face.

“I just did what you said.” I replied, putting down my arms that I had been expecting a response from Mark.

“I ask you, what have you done?” Mark screamed while both hands gripped my shoulder firmly. His eyes began to turn red with clear tears visible on the edge of his eye.

I began to feel guilty. Of course, Mark is angry and sad when all his effort doing this just to show how deep his love is for Jiyeon was taken away by me in the blink of an eye. But what choice did I have? This was the only way I could think of to help him understand his own heart. His very ego with his own heart and feelings. I’m letting him know he can’t afford to lose the memories he created for Jiyeon. Then with that, may he also realize that he was not able to live happily without Jiyeon and set me free from his life.

“You wanted me to do something so that you can fall in love with me, right? So now I want you to forget Jiyeon! I do not want to see a single thing in this house that makes you remember Jiyeon. Starting today, you can only love me. Throw Jiyeon away from your world! I’m your wife! I do not want to be the stump in my own house!” I roughly brushed Mark’s hands. I worked hard to bring back Mark’s love long hidden in the bottom of his heart just because of rage.

“Park Jinyoung!” Mark lifting his hand.

I closed my eyes, waiting for that hand to land on my cheek, ready to receive the slap as long as it was able to make Mark satisfied.