Open for Business | JAEHYUN

Chapter 33

The ring on his finger felt heavy as Jaehyun greeted the Park family along with his parents as they entered the house. It was uncomfortable to wear it, but Jaehyun knew that his father would not be happy if Jaehyun had decided not to.

"Thank you for hosting once again." Mr. Park said as he shook Jaehyun's father's hand.

"It's the least you could do. You must have had a hard time these past few days." Mr. Jeong said, giving Mr. Park a small smile. Jaehyun noticed Mr. Park stiffen and realized it must be a sensitive topic.

"I'm glad it was all sorted out in the end." Mr. Park said.

"Let's make our way inside, the food is ready." Ms. Jeong said, quickly changing the topic. Inhye gave Jaehyun a small smile as their families made their way to the dinning area.

During the meal the Jeong and Park families had made small talk, saving the wedding talk for after dinner. Jaehyun was placed beside Inhye, their father's on either ends of the table with their mothers across from them.

"How are you, Jaehyun. Has everything been well?" Mr. Park asked him as the food was being served.

"I'm good, sir." Jaehyun answered. He noticed Mr. Park glaring at him as he looked up.

"Jaehyun is a busy man, father." Inhye said, as Jaehyun watched the girl lightly tap her father's arm.

"I'm sure he is." Mr. Park mumbled to himself. Jaehyun eyed his parents, who both seemed confused at the situation as well.

"Inhye, I've noticed that you've been out of the spotlight for a while." Mr. Jeong brought up. Jaehyun looked at his father.

What game are they playing right now? Jaehyun asked himself.

"Ah, I've been taking a break since I was overworked last month." Inhye said, but Jaehyun knew it was a lie. Inhye couldn't work because of the new changes in her body.

Throughout the meal, Jaehyun shifted uncomfortably in his seat as he sat at the dinning table. The conversation between the two families was awkward, as if they were're trying to outdo each other. This is what Jaehyun hated about the business world. It was a constant competition, competitors fighting to be better than one anonther.

As the maids began taking their plates, Jaehyun didn't know if he was glad or not. On one hand, the conversation topic was changing, but on the other, they were going to discuss the wedding. He was so distracted by his own thoughts that he didn't notice a maid bring over a black folder.

"Now that dinner is over, let's get down to business." Mr. Jeong said to the group. Mr. Park nodded in agreement.

Mr. Jeong opened the folder, revealing the marriage contract had signed a while back.

"Originally, the wedding was set for a month from today, but I think we should move it up to next week." Mr. Jeong said, crossing his hands on the table. Jaehyun's eyes widened at the words.

"That's very soon, father." Jaehyun pointed out.

"That's the point. It's to change the flow of news stations." Mr. Jeong pointed out.

"It's to cover up the arrest." Inhye muttered under her breath, but loud enough for her father and Jaehyun to hear.

"I think that's a great idea." Mr. Park said, giving Jaehyun's father a smile. Jaehyun sighed, deciding to fiddle with the ring on his finger instead.

"In that case, I'll make sure the banquet hall is aware and begin preparations tomorrow." Mr. Jeong said, closing up the folder.

"Wait." Inhye said, capturing the attention of the table. Jaehyun took a deep breath. It was time.

"Is something wrong?" Ms. Park asked, staring at her daughter. Inhye was looking down into her lap. Jaehyun noticed that Inhye' palms were sweating, her legs shaking under the table. Jaehyun gave her a small thumbs up, his motion hidden from the the table.

"W-w-w." Inhye took a deep breath. "We can't get married."

Jaehyun noticed the smiles fade off their parent's faces as they stared at the girl beside him.

"What?" Mr. Jeong exclaimed. Inhye inhaled sharply before saying her words again.

"We can't get married. I can't marry Jaehyun." Inhye said again. Jaehyun watched as Mr. Park flinched, his wife holding his arm back.

"Inhye dear, is something wrong." Ms. Jeong asked, her voice full of concern as she leaned forward. Jaehyun noticed Inhye slide the diamond ring off her fingers, placing it on the table.

"Yes, Jaehyun is not the man I love." Inhye told their parents. Jaehyun noticed Mr. Park's face turn red, the man full of anger and embarassment. Mr. Jeong was taken aback, leaning back into his seat, his eyes empty.

"Jaehyun is a lovely man, I'm sure you'll learn to love and appreciate him." Ms. Park said, gritting her teeth. Jaehyun could tell the situation was getting worse by the second.

"Jeong Jaehyun, did you plan this? Is this because of the stupid girl?" Mr. Jeong sudden yelled at his son.

"Are you talking about Jenna?" Jaehyun asked, glaring at his father.

"This has nothing to do with Miss. Seo, I assure you." Inhye said, butting in as she held Jaehyun back. Jaehyun looked into the girl's eyes and he could tell she was holding back tearss. Inhye gave him a soft smile and firm nod, assuring him that she had it all under control. Jaehyun took a deep breath before leaning back into his seat.

"Then what is it?" Mr. Park demanded, clenching his fist. Jaehyun watched as Inhye put her head down."

"I'm pregnant." Inhye said softly, barely audible.

"What?" Mr. Jeong asked, evident that he had not heard her words.

"I'm pregnant. With another man's child."

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