When You're Gone

Chapter 2

Lalisa Manoban, twenty-four going to twenty-five years old, is a photographer for YG firm. The firm belongs to her close sunbae, Park Chaeyoung. The firm has been operating for two years, it was a small firm, and Lisa is the only worker.

During her childhood, Lisa lives in Jeha's house since her late mother worked for them as a maid. But she moved out after enrolling in the University of her choice and start to live on her own ever since.

Lisa lost her father when was she still in her late mother's womb and lost her mother five years ago during a robbery incident at Jeha's house. Her late mother was trying to save her employee, Anna from getting the shot and end up losing her life as the bullet hit her head.

Lisa was in her first year of college when she receive the heartbroken news about her beloved mother. She was thinking of quitting or holding a semester due to a money problem. But luck was on her side, Jeha came to help in the time she need it the most. He paid for her study until graduated without any hidden motive.

The married couple is not a bad employer, they are nice and big heart people who are hard to find in riches people nowadays. They accept Lisa's late mother to work with them although they had had enough maids, they even allow Lisa to stay in the house.

They also helped Lisa's late mother to send Lisa to school and gave extra money to Lisa in secret as her late mother felt burdened with those kindnesses. Lisa's late mother has turned down their offer for lots of things, including sending Lisa to the same private school as Jennie.

Chasing the deadline that are nearing caused Lisa to give her all, otherwise, the company that is currently growing will suffer huge losses. The competition is real.

Lisa understand the hardship her boss went through to keep the company alive and she swore to not let it go in vain because of her. After all, she receives her boss's trust to take care of the company when the boss is out to work outdoor.

Lisa always being left alone in that small studio.

The sound of the doorbell breaks Lisa's attention from her work and she hurriedly after the door with a bright face to attract the customer.

"Good afternoon, may I help you?" asked Lisa nicely as she open the door.

"Yes, you may" answered him.

Seeing that familiar face make Lisa smile brightly although she was shocked. It has been a while since she has not seen that person as both were busy.

"Uncle!" exclaimed Lisa while jumping to hug him.

A hug of a union, it filled with all kinds of emotions as both were happy to see one another after one temporary separation.

"Long time no see, Lisa" said Jeha after Lisa leaned back.

He missed her so much that his face formed a big smile. Lisa was already like a second daughter to him. The bond between them is like a family that Lisa could call him uncle comfortably although he was her former employer.

"Indeed. Where's aunty?" asked Lisa as Anna was nowhere to be found.

"In the car. Let's have lunch together" said Jeha, inviting them for supper as he has requested for her.

Before saying her answer, Lisa takes a look at the clock and realizes that time has passed two in the evening. She forgot her lunch again since she need to finish the pictures before the deadline.

Even so, she gives him a yes.

They had their lunch at a nearby restaurant as Lisa has informs them she cannot take long. Anna was so happy to finally meet Lisa again that she cried as soon as she saw Lisa.

They exchange news and catch up with the moment that has been missed, from work to personal. Although they do call once in a while.

"Lisa, you aware that we already regard you as our own, right?" said Anna, wanting to get it straight to the business.

Knowing them, Lisa could sense some hidden message beneath those words. Her heartbeat was fast, and nervousness kicked in. She does not know why she felt like that since she has taken their request many times before.

Lisa faked a smile and nodded.

What is it this time? Lisa wonder.

"We really hoping to see you and our daughter, stand on the altar together" Anna expresses what is in her heart as she holds Lisa's hand.

"Let's make our family a real family" add Jeha while looking at Lisa with eyes that are full of hope and desire.

Lisa was stunned and her mind went blank.

She gets what they want from her, but it is absurd for her to simply answer it with yes or no. If her late mother is still alive, she would not agree to this either.

It is too late for Lisa to create a white lie as they already asked about her relationship status.

If only she could turn back time to save her life from such disaster because she knew Jennie too well. It is like entering herself into hell.

"Je-Jennie unnie?" asked Lisa, although she already knew the answer. The shock made her say that.

The old married couple nodded in reply.

"B-but, why me? We are both girls. And you need heirs for your company, uncle" add Lisa in panic mode.

She tries her best to reject their request politely without hurting their feelings.

She knew one day she need to repay all of the kindness that this couple has given her, but marrying their daughter is way too much for her to agree right away.

"Lisa, we are not an old-fashioned people. We're not prejudiced towards same-sex relationships. You can always adopt a child, no problem at all. We don't mind that" Anna nodded, agreeing with her husband.

"But it's not the same. They not real blood of Kim" Lisa keeps on trying to reject the idea.

"You worried about Jennie? I know she's rude and out of control, that's why we think of marrying her off. Our only hope is you" said Anna, full of emotion.

"Lisa, I need someone to take care of her, to change her. You knew how she is before and now right?" Lisa nodded, remembering Jennie's past behavior and current behavior.

"We need your help to change her. I understand if you don't love her but until she back to Kim Jennie that we all used to know, stay with her and guide her. Then if you want to divorce, it's fine. We don't trust anyone with this task, we need you Lisa" add Anna, speaking out her true intention.

"If you want to put your terms, we will accept it. We will do anything you want. Just marry our daughter. Save her for us, for me"

Lisa understands what Anna is trying to convey in her last word. After fifteen years of living together, there is so much that Lisa knows, that she heard and saw.

With a heavy heart, Lisa accepts her fate.

How could she say no to someone that is like a mother to her? She saw high hope Anna put on her and this will be her last mission for the family that has been her second home.

"There is something you guys should know, and if you still want my help, I'll do it. Actually..."