wttcs 46
Chapter 46
First month of 2007
Dr. Tao’ clinic
“You are steadily making progress, glad to see that. I will be reducing the dosage of your pills, and schedule for the next session will be set after two months. Try to maintain the activities you two are into, keep it up. In no time at all, Lee Shin ssi will be back in his normal self.” The doctor scribbled some more instructions on a piece of paper.
Shin and Chae Gyung looked at each other, hands holding onto each other underneath the table.
Jansq Twin Towers
Rebby arrived with Ji Hyun in the office one afternoon. “The final verdict is out. Kwon is found guilty on nine counts of fraud. “This calls for a celebration!” she hugged Shin and patted him on the shoulder.
“How many years?” he asked.
“He was sentenced to 15 years.”
Shin was into deep thoughts when Ji Hyun walked up to him, “Let’s go out for a drink.” She invited.
“I can’t. I’m waiting for my wife. We’re having lunch together.”
Someone cleared her throat from behind as soon as Shin made the statement. It was Chae Gyung.
“Noona, we’ll talk about it when I get back. We’ll go ahead for now.” He bade the two ladies goodbye.
Chae Gyung bowed at her sister-in-law and held Shin’s hand as they both headed to the door.
February 2, 2007
Study room
Chae Gyung idly watched him play with his PSP as she stayed beside him for the past hour. She finally stood up and paced the room until she felt the right moment has come. She bent over and softly spoke, “I want to go on a cruise, with you.”
“Me?” Shin paused and looked up as he put the hand-held console down.
“Yes, and I’m not going without you.” she looked away shyly.
“Is that the reason why you didn’t go last time? Because I wasn’t going with you?”
She nodded.
He pulled her hand closer to his chest. “Am I special enough for you to want me to be on this cruise with you?”
“I won’t ask you at all if you don’t mean anything to me.” She still could not look him in the eye.
“What do I mean to you?” he asked as he squeezed her hand tighter.
“You’re special.” Her eyes finally rested on his face.
“You’re just repeating after me.” Shin never felt bolder, the time is right, he could feel it.
“You asked, I answered.”
“Let’s go on Valentine’s day.”
February 13, 2007
10: 22 A.M.
Shin walked into the room as Chae Gyung folded his shirts one by one. “I can pack it myself.” He said while admiring her every move.
“I’m making sure you’re coming this time.” She threw him glances in between.
“Have you finished packing your own things?”
“I can leave everything behind, but not you.”
Shin stood closely behind her, “Why do you say I’m special to you?” he softly asked, while his hands quivered a bit.
“Because you are. Not just because of what you have done for us.” Chae Gyung uttered over her shoulder. “You really are special to me. You should know by now.”
“Since when?”
She held her breath.
“Since when did I become special to you?” He asked again.
“I don’t know. Don’t ask. I don’t understand myself either.” Chae Gyung continued to pack his things.
Shin drew in a deep breath. “There’s something I have been meaning to tell you, for the longest time. But I couldn’t, because I didn’t know if this is the right thing to do.”
“What is it?” Chae Gyung turned around.
“I want to start all over again, with you. But can you honestly say you have forgiven me, completely? I need to hear it first before I can tell you what’s in my heart.” he held her hands as his eyes were getting translucent from its glow.
Tell him you forgive him, and you want him to stay.
Start all over again, with you.
Before I can tell you what’s in my heart.
He’s not leaving me.
Chae Gyung answered, “Yes, I do. I have forgiven you, completely.” A tear fell from her eye. It was liberating.
His heart was bursting from an intense beating, this moment was what he has been waiting for. A new beginning with the only woman he loves.
As Shin was about to speak another word, his mobile phone rang.
“Yeoboseyo? Lee Shin ssi.”
“Who’s this?”
“Eric.”