Chapter 3: That Incident
Lotte Department store, one of Seoul's grandest shopping malls, stood proudly in Namadeamun-ro, Jung-gu, South Korea. It boasted a vast array of products, including fashionable apparel, accessories, jewelry, beauty products, furniture, electronics, and sports equipment. Within its walls, visitors could explore a duty-free store, an exquisite art gallery, and a diverse food court offering both local and international cuisines.
For years, this place had been Ja's favorite. However, as she realized that Hyun Woo would now be constantly taking Ae Cha there instead of her, a wave of disappointment washed over her. She knew she had to snap out of her illusions and come to terms with the fact that she was done with Hyun Woo. She shouldn't cling to false hopes or pray for miracles.
"No!" she resolved firmly. "I will not wallow in weakness. I must be strong if I want to fight. The events of that night are still fresh in my mind, especially what happened at my dad's mansion in Jongno."
Suddenly, the scene shifted to a vivid flashback. Ja's mansion was adorned with vibrant lights, illuminating the surroundings with a mesmerizing play of colors. The light gracefully danced around the freshly painted walls, casting a magical atmosphere.
Bindo, Ja's father, beamed with joy as he oversaw the preparations for her 22nd birthday party. He spared no expense in showering Ja with wealth, for with just one glance, it was evident how stunning she looked. Donning a golden attire and adorned with highly expensive jewelry, she radiated an otherworldly beauty. Her flawless golden complexion shimmered under the lights. The gown she wore showcased her back, its elegant design seeming tailor-made for a girl as perfect as her.
As the preparations neared their completion, a magnificent cake was placed on a long, slender table before Ja. Blushing with delight, she glanced around, realizing how many people were awestruck by her presence. With everyone's eyes on her, she blew out the candles amid cheers and applause. However, her gaze remained fixed on the entrance, eagerly awaiting the arrival of a special someone—Hyun Woo. She longed to propose to him and convey her readiness to become his fiancée. Ja reminisced about his earlier proposal, when she had hesitated and told him she wasn't ready. But Hyun Woo had made her promise that she would inform him when she was ready.
"Happy birthday, honey," Bindo said, planting a loving kiss on her cheeks before handing her the key to a brand new Genesis G90.
"Now, my dear, you can let go of your old car. This new one is yours," Bindo declared proudly.
Overwhelmed with joy, Ja squealed like a teenage girl and exclaimed, "I love you, Daddy! You've made my day." She hugged him tightly. However, her attention swiftly shifted as she noticed the presence of someone else. She followed the gazes of the guests, and her eyes met Hyun Woo standing by the door. Without hesitation, she ran towards him, pulling him closer to her cake.
"Hyun, what took you so long? Never mind. Come," Ja said excitedly. She quickly cut a piece of cake and attempted to feed it to him. But Hyun Woo grabbed her hand, stopping her in her tracks. Their eyes locked, and time seemed to stand still. Initially feeling awkward, Ja reasoned that he might be having a bad day or simply not wanting to have cake at that moment.
"Okay, Hyun... I apologize if I upset you by trying to feed you cake," Ja said, offering a smile. However, Hyun Woo shifted his gaze elsewhere, his jaws clenching. Suddenly, his intense gaze returned, focusing on Ja once more.
"Hyun, I am ready to be your fiancée. I'm truly sorry for keeping you waiting for so long. I've spoken with my dad, and he has finally agreed. So... will you marry me?" Ja asked, her smile widening. But to her astonishment, Ae Cha stormed into the mansion, speaking with authority.
"No, he won't be marrying you. He'll be marrying me," Ae Cha declared, forcefully pushing Ja aside. As a result, Ja stumbled and twisted her ankle, causing her heels to give way. The room fell into a shocked silence as Hyun Woo did something unexpected—he kissed Ae Cha passionately, their embrace lingering as they both struggled for breath. The guests, including Ja and Bindo, were left bewildered by this unexpected turn of events.
"I am satisfied now..my revenge is complete, am sorry Ja for playing with your emotions, Ae Cha and I here are engaged already so she's my fiancee, actually both of us planned this against you" Hyun said proudly.
"Revenge?" Ja slightly muttered as shock was written all over her face, she managed to stand upright and she walked to Hyun her mouth wide opened like she was unable to believe him, she prayed that it was some kind of joke that he was playing on her
she laughed "Hyun your funny, what are you saying? if this is a joke please stop it" Ja laughed
"we we're in love with each other right?" Ja asked this time fear showed on her face. Hyun smirked
"Ja babe, this is not a joke ok, I never loved you, I used you for your dad's money" Hyun said and after those words spew out of his lips the crowd began to mummur
"at least I had my revenge and oh..how wonderful it feels" Hyun added and immediately Yeong Ja grabbed the collar of his T- shirt
"what?" Ja asked as tears welled up her eyes threatening to fall. Suddenly Ae Cha pushed Ja, expecting her to fall like earlier but this time she held on her stamina, Yeong Ja's face twisted in anger as she glared at Ae Cha, "I swear if you push me again, there will be bloodshed, push me again and see" Ja threatened as her gaze fell back on "Hyun Woo"
"Hyun... please just answer my questions honestly, what have I done to you, to deserve this? Ja asked but Hyun glared at her, but Ja didn't waste anytime she didn't want him to leave until he answered to her.
"That kiss!...was it all for the money? or the revenge?"
Hyun pressed hard his temples as he glared at her "both Ja both!" he hissed and Yeong Ja's seeped a breath as if she was finding it difficult to breathe "I never loved you, I only used you...and I think am done" Hyun said as a wicked smile towed on his face.
Suddenly Yeong Ja pushed him fiercely on the chest, that the force made him move two steps back,
"you know what Hyun? to hell with your love...just fuck out of my life..fuck off!!! you are not the one dumping me but I am so I hereby confirm you dumped...you walk out on me, but I have walked out on you already" Ja pushed him hard again and he fell hard to the floor, but this time Ae Cha stopped her again "please just accept that you lost already because he's dumping you for me" Ae Cha said her smile getting wider but what welcomed Ae Cha's face was a hard punch from Ja's strong fist.
"who asked you to butt right in? I was talking with my f**king boyfriend, so who asked you to stop me from hitting him, huh?
Quickly Hyun stood up and held Ae Cha, "listen Ja please leave us alone, Ae Cha here's my one true love I will never love you"
immediately Ja picked her 4 layer cake and threw it on them, "how dare you stand in front of me and say this shit on my birthday? Ja screamed, but her voice later softened "why Hyun? just why?" Ja asked after that she ran out of the mansion. All visitors were shocked and they rained their anger on both Hyun and Ae Cha for ruining an innocent girls birthday celebration but as usual Hyun Woo didn't care at all. It was then that Yeong Ja drove off in her Genesis G90 with a full speed like a crazy driver.
****
The sound of car honking behind returned Yeong Ja from her train of thoughts, Ja looked and realized that she was obstructing entrance of "Lotte Department store" and they were complaining already, Ja apologized immediately and drove off hastily.
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