Capítulo 39: Chapter Twenty One - Suspect (Part 1)
Chapter Song Submission - "Cry Me A River by w00ds & Roiael"
— Kang Dae
The monitor beeps steadily while I clasp her hand. How could this have happened hours after I left her? I shouldn't have left her. But I couldn't very well take her home to meet my wife either. Aera was wise to make that call but, it nearly cost her life.
When her security detail rang from the hospital, I drove over like a madman. Luckily, my son's fever isn't life threatening — just a common cold. Mun Hee wasn't happy about me taking off, but I'll deal with her later. Right now, Aera needs me and this time, I can be there for her.
Making a quick call to Secretary Park, I instruct him to prepare the country house for Aera's relocation.
She'll go, even if I must kidnap her.
Half of her face is swollen, the dark bruise on her cheek red and raw. The doctor informs me that none of her ribs are further damaged, although she'll definitely feel the pain. When Aera's shirt was lifted, I stopped myself from punching the wall. There, discoloring the left side of her ribs was a fist-shaped bruise.
"Whoever did this was one angry fellow." The doctor comments with quiet disapproval. "She'll be sedated for a few days to help her cope with the pain. Her prior injuries aren't even healed yet and this happens." Shaking his head, the doctor directs the nurse and then excuses himself.
My phone vibrates and I check the caller I.D. It's my wife. Not answering, I slide it back into my pocket. Cradling Aera's smaller hand in mine, I pray silently for her to get better.
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"I understand, Detective. I'll see you tomorrow." I disconnect the call, manning the window.
A soft knock on the door grabs my attention. Secretary Park walks in. "The car is ready to go, President Kang. Shall I request to have Ms. Yang moved?"
"Yes. Make it quick and be careful."
Last night was a predictable soap opera. Mrs. Yang arrived with Cho Nari and Yoo Hyeon in tow, the younger man as mad as a bull. Surprisingly, Aera's mother hustled everyone out of the room, and we had a chance to talk.
She takes a seat, an air of frailty about her. "President Kang, thank you for saving my daughter's life. I can see your feelings for her are genuine." Hardness overtakes softness. "But I will never accept your relationship. First, you're a married man. Second, even if you are unattached, your family and high society will give her a hard time. Take it from someone who has been in Aera's shoes. I had a lover who came from a family like yours. I know what she's going through. At eighteen, I thought love would overcome it all. But," She pauses, unmistakably melancholic. "My lover's mother threatened the life of my unborn child and I knew I had a decision to make. I chose to leave. And I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Sometimes, when you love someone, it's better to leave them otherwise it will only hurt them more."
Her lover. It must have been Minister Wang. Does she realize she's admitting that Aera's not Yang Suk Chin's real daughter? Is she too distraught to hide the truth?
"With all due respect, Mrs. Yang, I understand your concerns, but I will not give Aera up." I stand firm in my resolve. Nothing will change my mind. "I know who your lover was. And I can say with utmost confidence that what happened to you, won't be Aera's future. I am not him."
She jerks around, anger and dismay clouding her features. "You cannot guarantee that! Your bloodlines will never change. Even if you get divorced, do you think society will release you? Your life is an open book to them. That toxic life you were born into is not what I want for my only child. So please, leave her — us alone. We don't need you in our lives."
"We can argue about this all day and night, but a fact won't change." This woman will never accept us no matter what. But, for Aera's sake, I will make her change her mind. "I plan to leave the Yun family."
That is enough to shut her up. Her mouth flaps like a fish out of water, her body deflating into the chair. "You're lying."
"I've never been more certain about anything in my life." I add with conviction. "I can even bet on my son's life. Regardless, the process has already begun."
"B-but…you'll lose everything that you've worked for." It's funny how she looks, and sounds upset on my behalf.
"Mrs. Yang, my family name may have opened the doors of my success but for many years, it was my own labor and efforts that sustained it. I did what I had to do, and now I'm a recognized entrepreneur. Risks aren't obstacles to me, it's a long-term investment. Without the Yun family name, I am confident I can provide Aera with a good life." I throw out the bait. "A family. Isn't that what she wants?"
Bending to my knees, I touch her arm — creating an emotional thread. "The difference between Aera's real father and I is the timing we were given to grow up. I've had twenty years to be sure that what I feel for Aera isn't going to change overnight and I'm an adult who doesn't need to rely on my family. I've done it all. I've been forced into a loveless marriage and I have the fame and power. What I don't have is love for the rest of my life." Our eyes meet. "I don't mind if you call me arrogant, but I know this as the truth. If I'm not self-confident, then everyone will lose faith in me. I can't promise there are times when Aera and I will have our differences, or that I'll make her cry, but I can promise one thing. No matter what, I'll stand by her side. Even if in the future, she no longer wants me, or we go our separate ways, I will honor my word to keep protecting her. Until the day I die, and even after."
Mrs. Yang startles me when she breaks down into tears. Face buried in her hands, she weeps silently, shoulders wrecking with each sob. "One chance. T-that's all you get." She takes a shuddering breath. "But as long as you're married, and still tied to the Yun family…you'll never have my blessing. And if anything happens to my baby, you'll never see her again."
"You have my word." I vow solemnly, the taste of victory close at hand.
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