Dirt Behind Our Sisterhood [ MICHAENG ]

Chapter 13. Engagement

Chaeyoung's POV :

“you’ve grown up so fast, Chaeyoung. How's your relationship with my daughter?”

“it's getting better, dad” Somi answered instead

“really? I'm glad to hear that then”

It's 9:00 in the evening, and we’re having a dinner with Somi's family. Mina decided not to go even though we asked her to join countless times.

“your sister refused our invitation”

“she didn't refuse; she's doing something important”

No, I lied. She intentionally didn't come. She doesn't want to see Somi; she really hates her even I asked her to do it even just for me, but she didn't listen.

My mind can't even comprehend what they were talking about; I feel like I'm zoning out.

No, the truth is, I'm still thinking about what happened between Mina and I the other day. It's still fresh in my mind.

“important than your engagement?” I was brought to my senses by his question.

Did I hear it right? Engagement? When did I propose to Somi? Or when did her daughter propose to me?

“engagement?” I asked briefly

The luxurious laugh of his made noise at the dining table before he answered my question.

“isn't it nice to get married as soon as possible?”

My palm folded into fist under the table as I can't hide the subtitle on my face. I wasn't aware about this.

“I'm so excited for their wedding” his wife uttered, the feeling of ecstasy evident on her face

I remained silent. I don't know what to say. I'm thinking about Mina. How would she feel if she learned about this?

“we better choose the most expensive and beautiful gown for them” my mom who's sitting next to me, stated.

“I’ll buy a new diamond ring, a huge one” Mrs. Jeon bragged.

I wanted to speak up for myself, but at the same time, I didn't want to embarrass my mom in front of them. So I chose to remain silent the whole time during the dinner.

—

We got home without me saying anything. I'm too scared if I say a single word, my mom would be mad at me.

I’ve been like this since I was young. I grew up being filled with dread of Mina's mom. She has been controlling my life as if I were a robot or an object. As an act of gratitude, I followed all her will for taking care of me.

The way she treats me is quite different from the way she treats Mina. Of course, she's her daughter, what do I expect?

“l’ll contact my designer friend for your gown” mom stated

She's not even bothered why I'm quiet since earlier. Mina went downstairs as soon as she heard our voices.

“mom”

“why?”

I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took all the courage in myself with one deep breath.

“I don't want to marry Somi”

Her expression quickly changed as her brows furrowed

“what did you say?”

My gaze went down “I don't want to marr—” I was cut off by her strong slap

“Ma!” Mina quickly ran off between us and covered me as she checked my cheek that were slapped

“don't embarrass me, Chaeyoung! You’re going to marry her” she pointed me with her index finger

“I don't love her” my tears welled up

For the first time, I have the courage to speak for myself. I'm not crying for picking a fight with my mom, I cried out of joy. This is my first time to express my own feelings.

“wait, marry? I never heard Chaeyoung propose to that Somi”
Mina interfere, I'm still behind her.

“it doesn't matter, Mina. The most important thing here is, they will get married”

“no!” Mina almost yelled

“why are you meddling with us, Mina? This is not even your business”

“of course, it is! She's my sister, so I have the right to interfere”

“Mom, please, I don't love Somi. Don't force me to do something like this”

“why are you telling me this now, Chaeyoung?”

“you told me I must like her just because she likes me”

“because we have so much gratitude from them. They are the reason why you’re still able to eat delicious foods and wear expensive clothes. They helped us from bankruptcy, Chaeyoung”

“that's why, in return, I must marry her, right?”

I looked at her with tears in my eyes “how about me? Don't you really care about my feelings?”

“since I was young, you’ve always been dictating me what to do”

“you never cared about me”

I smiled at her “but this time, I’m not gonna follow your will, Ma. I won't marry her”

She gave me a sharp gaze as I received another slap from her.

“Ma! You’re hurting her!” Mina lost her temper as she shouted

“I took care of you since you were young, Chaeyoung! Do you really think you would still be alive if I hadn't picked you up next to the trashcan?”

“all you have to do is pay me for that!”

I got hurt by her last sentence. What did she mean by 'pay'? Did she really consider me as her daughter? Why do I have to pay her by sacrificing myself? I did all she wanted me to do, only this one thing that I can't.

“you can't take this back, Chaeyoung, because I already sold you to them”

My eyes widened as my tears streamed down my face upon hearing her

“what do you mean? What did you do?” Mina asked

“Ma!” she shouted infuriatedly when her mom remained silent

Her mom looked at us sharply “I made an agreement with her dad since she likes you”

“what agreement?”

“they will help us from bankruptcy, but in return, Chaeyoung and Somi must get married” she explained briefly

“Ma! Are you out of your mind? You’re not even thinking!” Mina yelled

“Chaeyoung is not an object that you can sell! What kind of mom are you?!”

“what kind of mother would sell her daughte—”

Mina was cut off by a slap from her mother as I quickly held her and went in front of her.

“don't you ever talk to me like that, Mina! I'm still your mother!”

I gritted my teeth “and don't you ever hurt her” I paused as I looked at her sharply “hurt her again, and I’ll lose my respect”

Mom gazed on me “there's nothing we can do now. You have to marry her, Chaeyoung”