~Love Me Harder~

"I'll Leave Him"

That's what you get for your actions," Dad spoke as he descended the stairs.

My heart sank as my dad's words echoed in my head. How could he say something like that? Tears streamed down my face as I tried to explain myself, but the words just wouldn't come out right. My mind was racing, trying to come up with something to say, anything to make him understand. 

"Did you really think you could marry your own brother and live happily ever after, ruining our lives and accounts?"

"Dad, I never intended to ruin anything," I pleaded, my voice barely above a whisper.

"But you've already ruined everything, Lisa. Our family's reputation, our finances, our relationships. Marrying Sehun is the least you can do to make it right," Dad said sternly, finally looking at me with disappointment in his eyes.

"I'm sorry, Dad," I managed to choke out. "I know I messed up, and I'll do anything to make it right."

But I knew deep down that there was no making it right. My love for my brother had already shattered our family, and there was no going back.

"If you're truly sorry, then marry Sehun. He's still willing despite knowing your infidelity. You'll never be with Lucas, and you know that. How am I supposed to face my wife?" Dad said without looking at me.

"Everything will be fine, Uncle. I've already taken care of everything. Your son will get the job and start a successful career in another country. He'll live a peaceful life there," Sehun interjected.

I felt a wave of shock wash over me as Sehun spoke. He had already planned out everything without my knowledge or consent. But, why? Why was he doing all of this? Was it for his own selfish desires, or was he doing it out of some twisted sense of love for me?

I looked at Sehun, trying to understand what was going on in his mind, but his expression was unreadable. I turned to my father, who was still facing away from me, unable to bear the weight of his disappointment and shame.

Sehun stepped forward, his eyes fixed on mine with an intensity that made me feel like a prey caught in a predator's gaze. "I'll make you forget about Lucas. I'll give you everything you could ever want, and more. Just say yes, Lisa," he said, his voice dripping with desire and possession. Sehun's grip tightened on my arm, and his eyes narrowed dangerously. "You don't have much time, Lisa. Choose wisely," he warned.

"Thank you, son. And as for you, my disloyal daughter," Dad narrowed his eyes at me, "I've known about your illicit relationship with your brother for a while. I was disgusted but could not intervene. If you still consider me your father, then marry Sehun and live a decent life. That's all I can offer you."His words cut through me like a sharp knife. I couldn't believe what I was hearing from my own father. All these years, he knew about my relationship with Lucas, yet he never said a word. And now, he was forcing me to marry Sehun, a man I didn't love and who had blackmailed me. 

"Dad, please, I can't do this. I can't marry Sehun. I don't love him," I pleaded."Love? You've already thrown away that chance by sleeping with your own brother. You have no right to talk about love," he said coldly.

Tears streamed down my face as I realized that I had lost everything. My family, my love, my future. Sehun's words echoed in my head, "No matter how far you going to run away you will always end up here down on my feet and begging me." It seemed like he was right. I was trapped and had no way out.

My voice was barely above a whisper as I spoke, my heart heavy with regret and shame. "I'll do it, Dad. I'll marry Sehun and leave everything else behind."

I retreated to my room, feeling defeated and exhausted. I slumped down in front of the door and let out a deep sigh. My mind was still reeling from the confrontation with my father. How could he ask me to marry Sehun, the man who had blackmailed and humiliated me?

I must have dozed off because the next thing I knew, it was already 5 PM. I reached for my phone and saw a message from Lucas. My heart skipped a beat. Despite everything, I still loved him with every fiber of my being.

I read the message over and over, tears streaming down my face. I missed him too, but I couldn't face him now. Not after what had happened.

I typed a response: "I'm fine. Just tired. I'll see you later." I hesitated before pressing send, wondering if I was making the right decision.

But before I could second-guess myself, a reply popped up: "Okay, take care of yourself. I love you."

My heart ached as I read those words. I loved him too, but our love was forbidden, and now it was tearing our family apart.

[Morning]

I emerged from my room to find Lucas preparing for his first day of work. My heart ached seeing him like this, knowing that I would soon have to leave him and our love behind.

"Lucas, your breakfast is ready. Your dad and I have to leave for a meeting. Hurry up!" Mom's voice echoed from downstairs.

I stood there, lost in my thoughts, until Mom noticed me watching Lucas and approached me with concern etched on her face. "Are you feeling okay, honey? Your food is on the table."

I shook my head, "I'm not hungry, Mom. I just need some fresh air."

"Okay, just take care of yourself," she replied, patting my back gently before hurrying to catch up with Dad.

"I'm sorry, Mom. I didn't understand you all these years. I saw you as a witch hiding behind a façade of a good mother. Thank you for everything," I said as I hugged her tightly.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized how wrong I was about my mother. She had always been there for me, even when I pushed her away. As my parents left for their meeting, I turned to Lucas, feeling a mix of guilt and longing.

He looked at me with concern. "Are you okay, Lisa? You look like you've been crying."

"I'm fine, Lucas," I forced a smile.

I looked at him, wondering if I should tell him the truth. Would he hate me if he found out about Sehun? Would he still want to be with me? "It's complicated, Lucas. I don't think you want to know."

"I do want to know, Lisa. I want to understand what's going on in your head. Please, talk to me."

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. "Okay, here goes nothing." 

"I love you," Lucas declared, holding me close. "I got a job and will take care of you. We can leave this place soon. You don't have to marry Sehun. I'll throw all my money at him."

My heart swelled with love and admiration for him. "I know you will," I said, unable to contain my smile.

"I have to go, baby. Take care of yourself. Call me if you're not feeling well, okay?" Lucas said, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead before turning to leave.

As he walked away, a feeling of desperation filled me. I couldn't let him go, not like this. "Lucas," I called out, running to him and throwing my arms around him in a tight embrace.

"What's wrong, baby? Don't worry, I'll be back soon," Lucas reassured me, holding me close and kissing my forehead.

But as I watched him walk away, a wave of sadness washed over me. "You'll be back, but I won't," I whispered to myself.

To be continued...