In Three Years' Time (chapter 16 of 22)
Title: In Three Years' Time
Pairing: Dongwoon/OC
Rating: PG-13 to R/NC-17 (in later chapters)
Summary: Arranged marriages were something of the past, not commonly seen in this day and age. But contract marriages were different. With two parties both gaining something out of the union, this new form of marriage was slowly becoming an unsaid norm in certain societies; and Jaehwa and Dongwoon were no exception. What happens when two childhood friends, who let distance and circumstance drift them apart, are forced to enter a 3-year long union? Will they finally rekindle their friendship, even after realizing that they are no longer the people they once were, or will they drift further apart simply living side by side as strangers?
Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22
Chapter 16
The restaurant was quite busy, considering it was lunchtime, and Dongwoon suddenly regretted picking such a public place for the second meeting with his mother as he leaned back into the corner booth closing his eyes. Haeri walked in and slid into the seat across from him smiling that same generic sweet smile at the hostess that she had given to him the day before. She noticed his bloodshot eyes and the bags below them but made no comment about them.
“Aww, I was hoping I could finally meet my daughter-in-law. Why couldn’t Jaehwa come?” Dongwoon found himself clenching his fists underneath the table as he heard Jaehwa’s name come out of his mother’s mouth as she once again was trying to forge a relationship between them when she had yet to acknowledge him as her son. Suddenly Jaehwa slid onto the seat next to him and placed her hand on top of his clenched fist in his lap. Dongwoon just stared at her, loving the warmth he felt from her hand over his, before letting out a shaky breath. Jaehwa turned to face him, their eyes meeting in what he could only describe as a loving gaze as she opened his fist and threaded her fingers with his, giving his hand a tight squeeze before looking back at his mother. That small gesture was all Dongwoon needed to have the courage to face his mother once again. Even though she didn’t love him and was no longer his wife, the fact that Jaehwa was there with him supporting him made his heart beat like mad.
“Hello omonim,” Jaehwa greeted Haeri as she politely smiled. Dongwoon had no idea why Jaehwa was going along with acting like she was still his wife but he found himself grateful that she did.
“I’m so glad you could come. For a second there I thought you couldn’t make it.” Haeri said as she reached her hand out hoping she could hold onto her daughter-in-law’s hand. “It has been such a long time since I last saw you. My you have grown into a beautiful woman.”
“Thank you,” Jaehwa replied. “Abeonim said you had wanted to see me. Is everything all right?” This wasn’t like her, Dongwoon thought, as he noticed how Jaehwa went straight to the point and didn’t even accept Haeri’s outstretched hand. No matter how much she disliked the person she conversed with, Jaehwa always managed to engage in full conversations, allowing the other person to direct their discussion. She always gave them her full attention and the benefit of the doubt that they had something substantial to say despite her own opinion of them. Never was she this straight forward, and this small fact brought a smile to his face. Was this her way of showing her displeasure with my mother? Dongwoon thought as he watched Jaehwa interact with his mother.
“Ah yes. My daughter is getting married and she fell in love with you after your recent runway show. And considering you’re my daughter-in-law I figured you would be okay with designing her wedding dress.” Haeri said as she looked at Jaehwa with anticipation.
Before Jaehwa could think of how to respond Dongwoon interjected. “Your daughter? She’s not even your blood and you think of her as your daughter? Since when did you ever consider me your son? Was that before or after you left?” Jaehwa placed her other hand on his forearm and caressed his skin with her fingers. Dongwoon felt himself shiver under her gentle touch, his anger slowly dissipating as he turned to look at her. His eyes spoke volumes of pain to Jaehwa and she felt her own heart breaking. Haeri didn’t even bother coming to their wedding even after Jaehwa tracked her down and called her, speaking to her personally over the phone. Jaehwa never told Dongwoon she went as far as to try and invite his mother to their wedding knowing it would hurt him too much when she rejected the invitation. And now this woman expected Jaehwa to design a dress for her daughter?
Jaehwa looked Haeri straight in the eyes. “I’m sorry but there’s no way I can make that dress for your daughter.” Haeri protested claiming that her daughter was dead-set on having Jaehwa design her dress.
“I understand that, but I’m sorry. I only design personal wedding dresses for special clients.” The tone in Jaehwa’s voice surprised even Dongwoon as he looked at her in awe. He had never seen her so stern before, and was amazed at how much he still didn’t know about her.
“How dare you! I am your mother-in-law. It’s rude to refuse a request of an elder. If it’s money you are worried about, don’t worry I’m willing to pay anything.” Haeri offered, as her eyes moved from Dongwoon’s to Jaehwa’s. Dongwoon quickly stood up outraged. Jaehwa figured he was angry because of the great extent Haeri was going to get the dress but in actuality Dongwoon was livid knowing that his mother had the audacity to think Jaehwa was concerned about money.
Jaehwa stood up, her hand still firmly holding Dongwoon’s as she politely bowed. “I’m sorry if I’m coming off rude omonim, but there is nothing you can say or do that will change my mind. I will not make your daughter’s dress.” Jaehwa lightly tugged on Dongwoon’s hand and pulled him out of the restaurant. When they finally reached outside she let go of his hand although immediately regretted it when she turned to see he was still clearly distraught.
“Give me your car keys.” Jaehwa commanded as she held her hand out to him. Dongwoon didn’t respond but only looked at her in confusion.
“I can’t let you drive home like this. Now give me your car keys.” She repeated herself. The drive back to the Son mansion was quiet as Dongwoon was lost in his own thoughts replaying the two meetings he had with his mother. It had been eleven years since he last saw his mother and she didn’t even once mention if she missed him or if she loved him. Dongwoon was trying hard not to cry in front of Jaehwa when he heard her say, “we’re here.” She turned to look at him and felt a sharp pain through her heart as she watched him look out of the window. His jaw was tightened, nose flaring and his fists were clenched in his lap, as he looked out the window with agony written all over his face. Jaehwa could only image what was going on in his mind at that moment and before she even tried to think of ways to talk it out of him he spoke.
“She….she…didn’t even-” Dongwoon halted his speech as he closed his eyes, his bottom lip quivering as he tried to hold back the tears.
“Shhh, I know.” Jaehwa whispered as she caressed his face with her hand in attempt to comfort him while letting her palm linger on his cheek. She knew exactly what he meant without having to finish his sentence. Haeri never said she missed him or loved him. That was all he wanted to hear from her. That was all Dongwoon needed to hear and he would have instantly forgiven his mother for leaving without saying anything. He moved his hand and placed it on top of hers, holding her hand against his cheek embracing the warmth as he shut his eyes and exhaled.
“You’re not alone, you know that right?” Jaehwa asked him wishing that by hearing her say those words he could be comforted and hopefully maybe even open up to her about what he was feeling. Dongwoon’s eyes opened and he stared straight into hers. Jaehwa’s heart ached even more when she saw a single tear fall from his eye.
“I’m right here oppa.” Jaehwa added as she furrowed her eyebrows. His lack of response worried her more than anything. Dongwoon leaned over and gently kissed her lips before pulling back.
“Jae.” He whispered as he looked deeply into her eyes as if trying to read her thoughts wondering if it was okay to continue. Taking the risk, he leaned in once more snaking his hand behind her neck to have her meet him halfway when their lips collided again. Dongwoon let out a small groan when he felt her kiss back with as much passion as he had kissed her with. He gently rested her back into the driver’s seat and completely leaned over the middle console not caring about the parking break that jabbed into his abdomen. They continued to kiss as he grazed his tongue along her lower lip, seizing the opportunity when she moaned to enter her mouth. His entire body was on fire when he felt her tongue rub against his as her hands tightened their hold on his shirt. Feeling the slight tug on his shirt, Dongwoon pulled back quickly fearing that it was a sign of protest and not something else.
“Sorry.” Dongwoon said before falling back into his seat turning away from Jaehwa. “Just go.” He spoke in a volume lightly louder than a whisper as he looked out the window. He didn’t want to see her reaction, he didn’t want to know if he had pushed her too far. But what he didn’t see was how hurt she was that he pulled away. She wanted to show him that there were other people in the world that loved him and cared for him. Jaehwa wasn’t quite sure herself why she so easily kissed him back and with such vigor, but she hated that he apologized for it as though he never wanted it to happen in the first place. Dropping the keys into the seat as she closed the door, Jaehwa started to walk down the driveway. A black car slowly pulled up and her old chauffer, Mr. Kim, smiled at her telling her he would take her home.
Dongwoon entered his house and went straight up to his bedroom slumping onto the bed with a loud sigh. He couldn’t stop thinking about how messed up his life had become. Knowing his son had returned from meeting with his mother, Jungho walked into the room to see his son slouching with his face buried in his hands and sat next to him patting his back.
“I messed up so badly appa.” Dongwoon said his voiced strained with grief. Jungho figured he was distressed over his meeting with Haeri but somehow the look in his eyes told him otherwise.
“I treated her so badly appa. But no matter what she has always been there for me when I needed her. I know I don’t deserve her but at the same time I don’t think I can live without her anymore.”
Jungho took a deep breath before he spoke to his son. Never once had he seen his own son this tormented; yet he was slightly happy to be able to finally give him some fatherly advice. I guess Jaehwa did manage to change him. “We all make mistakes in our life Dongwoon-ah. But it’s how we recover from them and what we do after we learn from them that matters. So you say you treated her badly. Well, change. I’m not saying you should start smothering her with roses and chocolates claiming you are a changed man. Change comes with time. You have to slowly show her through your actions that you have indeed altered your way of life. It’s not going to happen right away, and I’m not guaranteeing that she’ll run back to you with open arms when you’ve proved your point either. But before you want to try and get her back, you have to be proud of the man you have become first.” Dongwoon nodded his head indicating he understood what his father was telling him before Jungho gave his shoulder a tight squeeze and left the room. Dongwoon sat there with his eyes closed thinking back to their kiss in the car wondering what she exactly meant by saying he wasn’t alone and she was right there.
word count: 2027
Pairing: Dongwoon/OC
Rating: PG-13 to R/NC-17 (in later chapters)
Summary: Arranged marriages were something of the past, not commonly seen in this day and age. But contract marriages were different. With two parties both gaining something out of the union, this new form of marriage was slowly becoming an unsaid norm in certain societies; and Jaehwa and Dongwoon were no exception. What happens when two childhood friends, who let distance and circumstance drift them apart, are forced to enter a 3-year long union? Will they finally rekindle their friendship, even after realizing that they are no longer the people they once were, or will they drift further apart simply living side by side as strangers?
Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22
Chapter 16
The restaurant was quite busy, considering it was lunchtime, and Dongwoon suddenly regretted picking such a public place for the second meeting with his mother as he leaned back into the corner booth closing his eyes. Haeri walked in and slid into the seat across from him smiling that same generic sweet smile at the hostess that she had given to him the day before. She noticed his bloodshot eyes and the bags below them but made no comment about them.
“Aww, I was hoping I could finally meet my daughter-in-law. Why couldn’t Jaehwa come?” Dongwoon found himself clenching his fists underneath the table as he heard Jaehwa’s name come out of his mother’s mouth as she once again was trying to forge a relationship between them when she had yet to acknowledge him as her son. Suddenly Jaehwa slid onto the seat next to him and placed her hand on top of his clenched fist in his lap. Dongwoon just stared at her, loving the warmth he felt from her hand over his, before letting out a shaky breath. Jaehwa turned to face him, their eyes meeting in what he could only describe as a loving gaze as she opened his fist and threaded her fingers with his, giving his hand a tight squeeze before looking back at his mother. That small gesture was all Dongwoon needed to have the courage to face his mother once again. Even though she didn’t love him and was no longer his wife, the fact that Jaehwa was there with him supporting him made his heart beat like mad.
“Hello omonim,” Jaehwa greeted Haeri as she politely smiled. Dongwoon had no idea why Jaehwa was going along with acting like she was still his wife but he found himself grateful that she did.
“I’m so glad you could come. For a second there I thought you couldn’t make it.” Haeri said as she reached her hand out hoping she could hold onto her daughter-in-law’s hand. “It has been such a long time since I last saw you. My you have grown into a beautiful woman.”
“Thank you,” Jaehwa replied. “Abeonim said you had wanted to see me. Is everything all right?” This wasn’t like her, Dongwoon thought, as he noticed how Jaehwa went straight to the point and didn’t even accept Haeri’s outstretched hand. No matter how much she disliked the person she conversed with, Jaehwa always managed to engage in full conversations, allowing the other person to direct their discussion. She always gave them her full attention and the benefit of the doubt that they had something substantial to say despite her own opinion of them. Never was she this straight forward, and this small fact brought a smile to his face. Was this her way of showing her displeasure with my mother? Dongwoon thought as he watched Jaehwa interact with his mother.
“Ah yes. My daughter is getting married and she fell in love with you after your recent runway show. And considering you’re my daughter-in-law I figured you would be okay with designing her wedding dress.” Haeri said as she looked at Jaehwa with anticipation.
Before Jaehwa could think of how to respond Dongwoon interjected. “Your daughter? She’s not even your blood and you think of her as your daughter? Since when did you ever consider me your son? Was that before or after you left?” Jaehwa placed her other hand on his forearm and caressed his skin with her fingers. Dongwoon felt himself shiver under her gentle touch, his anger slowly dissipating as he turned to look at her. His eyes spoke volumes of pain to Jaehwa and she felt her own heart breaking. Haeri didn’t even bother coming to their wedding even after Jaehwa tracked her down and called her, speaking to her personally over the phone. Jaehwa never told Dongwoon she went as far as to try and invite his mother to their wedding knowing it would hurt him too much when she rejected the invitation. And now this woman expected Jaehwa to design a dress for her daughter?
Jaehwa looked Haeri straight in the eyes. “I’m sorry but there’s no way I can make that dress for your daughter.” Haeri protested claiming that her daughter was dead-set on having Jaehwa design her dress.
“I understand that, but I’m sorry. I only design personal wedding dresses for special clients.” The tone in Jaehwa’s voice surprised even Dongwoon as he looked at her in awe. He had never seen her so stern before, and was amazed at how much he still didn’t know about her.
“How dare you! I am your mother-in-law. It’s rude to refuse a request of an elder. If it’s money you are worried about, don’t worry I’m willing to pay anything.” Haeri offered, as her eyes moved from Dongwoon’s to Jaehwa’s. Dongwoon quickly stood up outraged. Jaehwa figured he was angry because of the great extent Haeri was going to get the dress but in actuality Dongwoon was livid knowing that his mother had the audacity to think Jaehwa was concerned about money.
Jaehwa stood up, her hand still firmly holding Dongwoon’s as she politely bowed. “I’m sorry if I’m coming off rude omonim, but there is nothing you can say or do that will change my mind. I will not make your daughter’s dress.” Jaehwa lightly tugged on Dongwoon’s hand and pulled him out of the restaurant. When they finally reached outside she let go of his hand although immediately regretted it when she turned to see he was still clearly distraught.
“Give me your car keys.” Jaehwa commanded as she held her hand out to him. Dongwoon didn’t respond but only looked at her in confusion.
“I can’t let you drive home like this. Now give me your car keys.” She repeated herself. The drive back to the Son mansion was quiet as Dongwoon was lost in his own thoughts replaying the two meetings he had with his mother. It had been eleven years since he last saw his mother and she didn’t even once mention if she missed him or if she loved him. Dongwoon was trying hard not to cry in front of Jaehwa when he heard her say, “we’re here.” She turned to look at him and felt a sharp pain through her heart as she watched him look out of the window. His jaw was tightened, nose flaring and his fists were clenched in his lap, as he looked out the window with agony written all over his face. Jaehwa could only image what was going on in his mind at that moment and before she even tried to think of ways to talk it out of him he spoke.
“She….she…didn’t even-” Dongwoon halted his speech as he closed his eyes, his bottom lip quivering as he tried to hold back the tears.
“Shhh, I know.” Jaehwa whispered as she caressed his face with her hand in attempt to comfort him while letting her palm linger on his cheek. She knew exactly what he meant without having to finish his sentence. Haeri never said she missed him or loved him. That was all he wanted to hear from her. That was all Dongwoon needed to hear and he would have instantly forgiven his mother for leaving without saying anything. He moved his hand and placed it on top of hers, holding her hand against his cheek embracing the warmth as he shut his eyes and exhaled.
“You’re not alone, you know that right?” Jaehwa asked him wishing that by hearing her say those words he could be comforted and hopefully maybe even open up to her about what he was feeling. Dongwoon’s eyes opened and he stared straight into hers. Jaehwa’s heart ached even more when she saw a single tear fall from his eye.
“I’m right here oppa.” Jaehwa added as she furrowed her eyebrows. His lack of response worried her more than anything. Dongwoon leaned over and gently kissed her lips before pulling back.
“Jae.” He whispered as he looked deeply into her eyes as if trying to read her thoughts wondering if it was okay to continue. Taking the risk, he leaned in once more snaking his hand behind her neck to have her meet him halfway when their lips collided again. Dongwoon let out a small groan when he felt her kiss back with as much passion as he had kissed her with. He gently rested her back into the driver’s seat and completely leaned over the middle console not caring about the parking break that jabbed into his abdomen. They continued to kiss as he grazed his tongue along her lower lip, seizing the opportunity when she moaned to enter her mouth. His entire body was on fire when he felt her tongue rub against his as her hands tightened their hold on his shirt. Feeling the slight tug on his shirt, Dongwoon pulled back quickly fearing that it was a sign of protest and not something else.
“Sorry.” Dongwoon said before falling back into his seat turning away from Jaehwa. “Just go.” He spoke in a volume lightly louder than a whisper as he looked out the window. He didn’t want to see her reaction, he didn’t want to know if he had pushed her too far. But what he didn’t see was how hurt she was that he pulled away. She wanted to show him that there were other people in the world that loved him and cared for him. Jaehwa wasn’t quite sure herself why she so easily kissed him back and with such vigor, but she hated that he apologized for it as though he never wanted it to happen in the first place. Dropping the keys into the seat as she closed the door, Jaehwa started to walk down the driveway. A black car slowly pulled up and her old chauffer, Mr. Kim, smiled at her telling her he would take her home.
Dongwoon entered his house and went straight up to his bedroom slumping onto the bed with a loud sigh. He couldn’t stop thinking about how messed up his life had become. Knowing his son had returned from meeting with his mother, Jungho walked into the room to see his son slouching with his face buried in his hands and sat next to him patting his back.
“I messed up so badly appa.” Dongwoon said his voiced strained with grief. Jungho figured he was distressed over his meeting with Haeri but somehow the look in his eyes told him otherwise.
“I treated her so badly appa. But no matter what she has always been there for me when I needed her. I know I don’t deserve her but at the same time I don’t think I can live without her anymore.”
Jungho took a deep breath before he spoke to his son. Never once had he seen his own son this tormented; yet he was slightly happy to be able to finally give him some fatherly advice. I guess Jaehwa did manage to change him. “We all make mistakes in our life Dongwoon-ah. But it’s how we recover from them and what we do after we learn from them that matters. So you say you treated her badly. Well, change. I’m not saying you should start smothering her with roses and chocolates claiming you are a changed man. Change comes with time. You have to slowly show her through your actions that you have indeed altered your way of life. It’s not going to happen right away, and I’m not guaranteeing that she’ll run back to you with open arms when you’ve proved your point either. But before you want to try and get her back, you have to be proud of the man you have become first.” Dongwoon nodded his head indicating he understood what his father was telling him before Jungho gave his shoulder a tight squeeze and left the room. Dongwoon sat there with his eyes closed thinking back to their kiss in the car wondering what she exactly meant by saying he wasn’t alone and she was right there.
word count: 2027