Chapter 5: What Happens Now?

Disclaimer: I don't own these BOF characters but the new ones.

Published: November 28, 2018

"No. Not here. Let's go to my room. I know you want this," as she gestured her hand along her bodyline.

"And I've missed you so much."

Yi Jeong had to close his eyes and very slowly counted to ten. He was a man who would not hit a woman but Ye-Eun was really testing his patience. His mind wondered how he fell for her years ago. He must have been blind and stupid. But she was so different before the pregnancy. What really happened back then? No. It did not matter anymore. The harsh true fact was that she did not want her daughter and left them.

Exhaling deeply, he then opened his eyes to see the said woman smiling smugly.

"Sit down or I am leaving though this is really a waste of my time."

The smile faded in an instant and with a silent grump, she pulled out the chair across him. She then studied his face and smiled.

"I see you've changed through the years, more matured but still very handsome."

He tried hard not to roll his eyes.

"Just get straight to the purpose of this meeting. I don't have time for unnecessary useless chit-chat."

She straightened her back and looked at him intensely before changing her expression to a sad one.

"I've missed you, Yi Jeong."

The man sighed heavily and placed his hands at the edge of the table. She was stalling and he was getting more irritated. He decided to leave but not before saying a word or two.

"No. Wait. Don't go. Please."

"What do you want Ye-Eun-shii?"

"To explain why I left. Why…"

"I already know why you left," snapped the man. "You've made it crystal clear." His dark black orbs piercing into hers. "You don't want my daughter."

Ye-Eun cringed at his words.

It was true. It was never in her plan to get married, what more to get pregnant. She never wanted a baby even though she loved Yi Jeong. She thought that Yi Jeong was also on the same page. He was a Casanova and surely a Casanova wouldn't want a child. She thought that the only two of them was what he wanted. Moreover, for her, a baby would ruin everything in her life: her body and her career but what she did not want, most importantly, was to lose Yi Jeong's love to a child.

When she first met Yi Jeong, he was already with that Chu Ga Eul but she was madly in love with him that she was willing to share him with that kindergarten teacher. However, she was also definite that South Korea's prominent potter loved her more than Chu Ga Eul by the countless times he told her how he wished that he had met her earlier. Thus all she had to do was be patient and wait.

And her patience was paid off when that Chu Ga Eul caught them at his studio. That night, Chu Ga Eul broke up with Yi Jeong and she was the happiest. So Yi Jeong was now solely hers. She would get all of his attention and love. He, being the famous rich F4 was an added bonus.

But it all changed when she got pregnant. At first, she wanted to abort it but Yi Jeong had found the positive pregnancy test strip in the bin in their bathroom and to her surprise, was ecstatic. He thanked her and said that he had already loved that life in her womb. How was it possible to love something that you just know a second ago?

How many times had they talked although more argued and shouted at each other? She did not want the child but he insisted that she kept it. One time, she threatened to leave him if he did not allow her to have an abortion. The look on his face was one that she remembered until now. It was fear. He loved her so much that he was afraid if she left but he too loved the baby that she was carrying. She did not understand why. Why would a young successful rich potter want a child? Wouldn't a child prevent him from achieving more of his dreams? Wouldn't a child disrupt his life routine? For her, a child came with lots of problems and she did not want to waste her time dealing with one.

Somehow he managed to make her keep the baby with the promise to give it away as soon as it was born. She did not know why she agreed to it, must be because of all the coaxing loving that he offered. However, she still hated the baby. It made her fat, her feet swollen and most of the time sickness. She wanted it out of her body soon but he seemed to always know what she did or wanted to do and managed to stop her. She hated the baby more.

Thank goodness the baby had a complication but that meant a C-section for her. Urghhh… the scar from the procedure was so ugly that she had to have a plastic surgery to get rid of it. Unfortunately, the baby survived the complication after birth but it was alright for her since the baby would be sent away for adoption soon. Her elation from the thought, though, was cut short when Yi Jeong said that he was breaking his promise. He was going to keep the baby. What the hell?

A month later, Yi Jeong spent most of his time with the baby that he named So Ye-Jin. What stupid kind of name was that? The baby had a weak heart and was in and out of the hospital. It pained her to make the decision for she loved him but it had to be done. So she packed her bags and left. Two months later, she and her parents left the country. The decision turned out to be her best.

A cold voice then pulled her out of her reverie.

"I'm sure your parents told you that I went to look for you when you left but they sure did have 'colorful' words for me and my daughter, and then all of you left the country. Gone, leaving me with my beautiful smart daughter. I was devastated, not understanding how a mother and grandparents did not… no… do not want their own flesh and blood. But we, my daughter and I are fine now with just the two of us. We are happy."

She just looked at the man in front of her without any emotions.

"So, why do you want to meet now? You could have just ignored us at the park, pretend that you don't know us. But no. You had the audacity to come to greet us and were very rude to Ga Eul and you scared my daughter."

He was trying to control his temper at the thought of the woman in front of him hurting his Ye-Jin. Don't yell at her. Don't scream at her. Don't hit her. The chants went on and on in his head.

After a deep breath, "And how dare you hurt my daughter? Your first touch on her and what did you give her? Pain. You hurt her," he said through gritted teeth.

"Oh, come on. It was not that bad. I just placed a hand on her shoulder." Ignoring his other question altogether.

"The hell it wasn't. You left a bruise, for God's sake. She's just a child. No one and I mean no one hurt my daughter."

"Tsskk… such a weak child. Kids these days are too spoilt and can't even stand a little pain."

His face turned beet red and if she was not a woman, he would have punched that face of hers. How a woman with a pretty face could have such a cold heart and what more, toward her own daughter was beyond his understanding. How could she say all those words when she herself was one crazy spoiled brat?

"I'm out of here. This meeting is obviously pointless. You disgust me. Listen and listen well, stay away from my daughter and me."

"Wait. Don't you want to know why I asked for this meeting?"

"No! It's useless. You lost the chance the moment you offered yourself. Whatever that you have to say, means nothing to me. Just stay out of our lives, Ye-Eun-shii." With that, he stood up and turned around.

"I still love you, Yi Jeong." She blurted loudly, not caring about the other people around them.

Yi Jeong shook his head and snickered.

"Well I don't believe you and even if you do still love me, I definitely don't love you." He then proceeded to leave.

"And you can't deny our daughter her mother. I'm her mother, not that Chu Ga Eul."

His steps stopped abruptly, fisting his hands tightly at the sides. Suddenly he turned around and headed to the table so quick that Ye-Eun was surprised that she shifted uncomfortably in her seat but pretended not to be affected.

"You are not my daughter's mother! Her mother is dead and don't you dare to ever, ever say Ga Eul's name ever again!"

A few patrons at the café were ready to react at the raised voice of the potter but he quickly stormed off, leaving Ye-Eun frozen in place. Yet a second later, a smirk crept up.

"Game on, Yi Jeong. Game on. Let's see how you are going to protect that annoying sick child and that pathetic bitch."

Revenge was going to be satisfying and sweet.

"Arggghhhhhh!"

Yi Jeong repeatedly banged his fists on the steering wheel of his car. His heart pummeled hard and his head throbbed from the encounter. Who was that woman in there? A good looking shell encasing a rotten soul.

They did not talk much but the little time in there was enough to make his blood boil and he had never wanted to curse a person as much as he did with her. Her evil words cut him deep. A voice in the heart reminded him that despite his warning, this would not be the last time he was going to see her. He needed to pay extra attention to his surroundings and to make sure that Ye-Eun would not come near Ye-Jin and Ga Eul. He did not know what her intention was but he was not going to take her easy.

He needed to talk to Woo Bin, and fast.

Ringing from the phone had him scrambling for it.

"Yoboseoyo, Yi Jeong Sunbae."

Calmness and warmth spread in his heart.

"Yoboseoyo, Ga Eul-yang. Is everything alright?"

"Am I disturbing you? I'm sorry but Ye-Jin asked for you like a thousand times."

He chuckled as he imagined his adorable Ye-Jin doing such.

"No, you are not. In fact, I'm already in the car. Still at the car park though. What is it? Is she there with you? Does she want to speak to me?"

"Sorry, Yi Jeong Sunbae. Now she doesn't want to but she wanted me to ask if she can stay over tonight. Tonight is the next time, as she said it."

They both laughed remembering the conversation the other day.

"I guess that's alright. If not, she'll keep bringing the matter up. I'll go back to the apartment and get her clothes and stuff."

"Uhmm… Yi Jeong Sunbae?"

"Yes, Ga Eul-yang."

"Uhmm… Ye-Jin requested that you stay over as well."

"Oh…" his heart drummed faster. The thought of being near her was doing things to him.

"I mean if you want to."

"I don't want to impose, Ga Eul-yang." Great answer, So Yi Jeong.

"We have a guest room here. It's not large and grand for your standard but I think quite nice and comfortable, and Appa and Omma said OK too. It's late and you're going to be tired from going back and forth."

He wanted to jump in joy.

"Alright then, fortunately, my meeting starts at 11 in the morning. I'll be there in less than an hour."

"OK, Yi Jeong Sunbae. See you soon. Bye."

"Bye, Ga Eul-yang."

He took a deep breath and exhaled. A wide smile adorned his now happy face. It was like a miracle that her parents were fine with him staying there. He could not thank his Ye-Jin and the power above enough for this chance.

So matters regarding Ye-Eun would be dealt tomorrow.

Almost an hour later, he was already at the Chu's place. Ye-Jin greeted him with a sleepy face and he then helped her change. To their surprise, Ye-Jin wanted to sleep with Aunt Ga Eul although he protested. He was afraid that she would disturb or accidentally hurt Ga Eul. They 'argued' for a while and in the end, Ye-Jin reluctantly agreed that tonight was not the night and so, the father and daughter would share the guest room.

Ga Eul wanted to ask Yi Jeong about his meeting with Ye-Eun but he seemed to sense it and avoided the topic. Maybe tonight was not a good time. Furthermore, it was already late.

When Ye-Jin had fallen asleep, Yi Jeong quietly went to the kitchen for some water.

"Oh, Yi Jeong Sunbae." Ga Eul was making some tea at the counter.

"Sorry. I thought there's no one here."

"What may I get you?"

He leaned against the doorframe. Even in her nightgown, she looked breath-taking. His heart skipped a beat.

"A glass of plain water, please."

He watched her filled a glass and then handed him the drink.

"Thanks, Ga Eul-yang. Why aren't you in bed? You must be tired. Ye-Jin must have worn you out."

She smiled at him.

"Ye-Jin sure is an active girl. A smart one too. You're such a lucky father."

He smiled back at her while nodding. He was still waiting for her answer.

"I… uhm… usually sleep in late. Can't really sleep."

"Oh… but you need enough rest, Ga Eul-yang. It's not good for you and the baby if you keep staying up late." He had placed the empty glass on the counter and approached her.

"I… I usually think about…" but he was already in front of her, looking into her beautiful eyes and she gulped hard.

"Promise me to take care of yourself more, Ga Eul-yang. For the baby, too."

She slowly nodded, eyes not leaving his. Her heart had started to pound harder the moment she saw him in the kitchen.

She froze when his right hand touched her left cheek. His hand was warm.

"You're so thin, Ga Eul-yang. It hurts me to see you this way. I want to see you back to your previous self, Ga Eul-yang. Can you do that? All of us want you and the baby healthy and strong."

"Yes, Sunbae…" her voice had turned to whisper and silence engulfed the space, the only sounds heard were their escalated breathing as they gazed at each other.

For what felt like an eternity, she felt the kitchen became warmer and her heart beat faster and faster. His eyes… those familiar glints and sparkles… Slowly, she closed her eyes when he closed his and began to lean forward.

"Appa… Appa… Appa…"

Instantly, their eyes opened wide and they stepped backward. Her cheeks were red and so were his. He offered her his sweetest smile.

"I'd better go check on Ye-Jin. Go to sleep, Ga Eul-yang. We'll see you in the morning. Thank you for the water," and he gave her a gentle squeeze on the hand.

"Good night, Yi Jeong Sunbae."

"Good night, Ga Eul-yang."

Ga Eul watched Yi Jeong exited the kitchen. Slowly, a hand rested on her chest to calm the fast-beating heart.

What just happened?

Was it what she thought it was? Was he going to kiss her? And what scared her was her own reaction. Was she going to accept the kiss? Was she going to return the kiss? But Joon-Ho… what would Joon-Ho say? She was Joon-Ho's wife and she was carrying his child. Guilt instantly filled her heart. She loved Joon-Ho and will always do. She should not betray Joon-Ho's love.

But why did her heart flutter and feel warm whenever he was near? He had only been here for a very short period of time yet she felt happier and his presence gave her some kind of strength to face the days and future. What was going on with her heart? Was it …

Vigorously, she shook her head and then headed out to go back to her room but took a turn toward the guest room. She stayed outside of the door and could hear a faint sound of his voice singing to Ye-Jin. His voice was soft but she could hear the love in it. The love of a father to his daughter. Her breath suddenly hitched followed by tears running down the cheeks. Her Joon-Ho would never have the same opportunity. Her daughter would never get the same chance as Ye-Jin. Before her sobs turned louder and alerted Yi Jeong, she rushed to her bedroom.

"Why are you here, Yi Jeong Sunbae? Why do you bring your daughter here? What are you doing? What do you want?"

And cried herself to sleep.

"No, Baby. Don't disturb Aunt Ga Eul. Maybe she's tired and is still sleeping. Let Aunt Ga Eul rest, OK?"

"But I want to have breakfast with Aunt Ga Eul and Aunt Ga Eul and the baby will get hungry."

The father and daughter were in the kitchen together with Ga Eul's parents. Ga Eul had not come down. Mr. Chu exchanged looks with his wife. They were also worried.

"I'll go check up on her, Yeobo," said Mrs. Chu.

"May I follow, Halmoni?"

"Baby, no."

"But…"

"That's alright, Yi Jeong-shii. Come. Let's go, Ye-Jin." The elder stretched out a hand for Ye-Jin to take and they went upstairs.

Yi Jeong felt awkward when left with Mr. Chu. The older man kept glancing at him as he ate his breakfast. Yi Jeong then cleared his throat.

"It's a nice weather this morning."

"It sure is."

"Sir, I'd like to say thank you again for letting Ye-Jin and I stayed last night."

"You are welcome. It's good to have Ye-Jin here. At least the house is not silent like a graveyard. She's a Godsend."

Yi Jeong's heart beat faster. What did Mr. Chu mean by Godsend?

"Ga Eul needs company other than her mother and I. She's been sad for far too long. It's not good for her health and the baby's. We keep telling her that but her grieve is too deep."

There was sadness in the old man's voice and face.

"Do the late Joon-Ho's family come to visit often?" He needed to know.

"In the beginning, yes. But even they weren't able to cheer Ga Eul up. She's reminded of Joon-Ho whenever she looks at them and it's painful for her. So they don't visit frequently now. But my wife and I keep them informed about her and they call every few days."

Yi Jeong could only nod.

"They said that her bedroom and the baby nursery are as they are. They really want Ga Eul and the baby to come back and stay with them."

"Does… does she want to go back?" He had to stay calm.

"Ga Eul hasn't said anything. We asked but she kept mum about it." Mr. Chu let out a long sigh.

"Do you and Madam want her to go back?"

"As parents, of course, we want her and her child to stay with us now that Joon-Ho is gone but we also don't want his family to miss out on the child's life. The child is, after all an Im Heir."

Yi Jeong head started to pound. He had lost his appetite. He understood the matter regarding one family's heir and all. It was not a simple matter.

"Yi Jeong-shii"

"Yes, Sir." He looked up from his plate. The older man was searching for something in his eyes.

"My wife and I, we've talked and we are not blind. We can see the way you look at Ga Eul."

Yi Jeong's heart felt like it was going to burst out of the chest.

"You love her."

And he froze.

"We already know a few bits here and there from Ga Eul but seeing you in person these past few days? It's very obvious."

"I... I…" His face was red from embarrassment. He didn't think that the elders would notice.

"I'll be frank with you. Ga Eul's love for Joon-Ho will always be there. She's carrying his daughter and their child will always be her priority and a reminder of their love and bond. I don't know if she would be able to love another in the future but the way I see it, if she does open her heart for another man, it won't be soon and that man will have one very challenging task. To expect and prepare to be compared to Joon-Ho."

"I… I…"

"Do you think you are up to it?"

The younger man straightened up his back and looked at the father of the woman he loved. He had to show that he was serious about his love for Ga Eul. If Mr. Chu was very frank with his opinion and view, then so would he.

"I understand, Sir but I'm here, am I not? I am willing to wait until Ga Eul is ready and I won't force her. I know too that I'm going and competing against a memory, a strong memory that is but I'm willing to go through this because I love Ga Eul very much. Her child will also be loved."

Mr. Chu nodded, amazed at the man's determination. So Yi Jeong might be a jerk ages ago when he betrayed Ga Eul's love but the man in front of him right now was a different man. Mr. Chu believed that every person deserves a second chance and from what he observed of Yi Jeong, he was going to give Yi Jeong the chance. Then again, it all would depend on Ga Eul. Whatever that made Ga Eul happy, he and his wife will support her.

Silence enveloped them. Yi Jeong was actually surprised at the turn of the event. This man-to-man talk was not what he expected but he was relieved and glad that Mr. Chu was open to the idea of him pursuing Ga Eul. He respected the older man more for his maturity and wisdom.

Just then, the cheery voice of Ye-Jin floated in, followed by the three ladies themselves. Ye-Jin had her small hand in Ga Eul's and Mrs. Chu tailed them.

"What took you so long? The food is getting cold," said Mr. Chu.

Mrs. Chu took the seat next to her husband while Ye-Jin sat next to her father on her left and made Ga Eul sit on her right.

"Aunt Ga Eul woke up late because Aunt Ga Eul was not feeling well. Then Halmoni and I waited for Aunt Ga Eul to shower and get dressed."

Yi Jeong and Mr. Chu simultaneously looked at Ga Eul, worry evidence in them.

"I'm alright now. Didn't get much sleep last night but I'm fine now. Please don't worry about me, Appa… Yi Jeong Sunbae." But she avoided Yi Jeong's questioning eyes.

Breakfast went fine with Ye-Jin doing most of the talking. She was truly happy to be near Aunt Ga Eul and now Halmoni and Harabeoji Chu were her two new favorite people. Ga Eul though did not talk much which worried Yi Jeong more.

It was time to go.

"Thank you, Madam, Sir and Ga Eul for your hospitality. Ye-Jin and I need to get going soon. My meeting is at 11."

"Appa, can I stay here? I can play with Aunt Ga Eul, Halmoni and Harabeoji."

"Sorry, Baby. You can't. Aunt Ga Eul, Halmoni and Harabeoji, Aunt Ga Eul especially, need to rest."

"But Appa…"

"No buts, Baby."

"Yi Jeong-shii, we would love to have Ye-Jin here," said Mrs. Chu. "We'd like to also bring Ye-Jin along to the Mall if you allow. Ga Eul needs a few more things for the baby." It would also be only the fourth time that she would be going out of the house since she came back home.

"Mall. Mall. Please, Appa? May I?"

"But Ye-Jin can be quite a handful, Madam. I don't want her to ruin your shopping."

"I promise I'll be good, Appa. I promise."

Ga Eul just smiled at the hopeful little girl.

"We'll take care of Ye-Jin, Yi Jeong-shii. It won't be a long trip. Two hours maximum."

"How are you all going there?"

"I'll send them on my way to the University. I have some things to take care of."

"And we'll take a cab back home."

"If I can finish my meeting earlier, I can come to fetch you."

"That's not necessary, Yi Jeong-shii. We don't want to trouble you," declined Mrs. Chu.

"It's not trouble at all, Madam. I'm happy to help and knowing this naughty girl here, you'll need an extra pair of hands with her."

"Appa… I promise to be good." Ye-Jin fluttered her eyelashes and smiled widely.

Yi Jeong laughed as he ruffled his daughter's hair. As much as he was worried about Ye-Jin, he was also worried about Ga Eul and wanted to spend more time with Ga Eul and maybe ask her why she was sad this morning.

About twenty minutes later, Yi Jeong bid goodbye after a long speech and a string of advice to Ye-Jin. He also reminded her not to get too excited for she had to be careful with her heart condition. He too showed Mrs. Chu and Ga Eul how to administer Ye-Jin's medication should the need arise. Hopefully, not.

At the mall

"Omma, I'm going to the restroom for a while."

"Oh, hold up. We're coming with you."

"No, it's alright Omma. I won't be long and the restroom is just over there."

"Are you sure, Sweetheart?"

"Yes, Omma. Don't worry, Omma. I'll call immediately if I need help with getting up from the seat." She laughed at her own joke and Mrs. Chu joined in too.

"Ye-Jin Sweetheart, do you want to go to the restroom too?" asked Mrs. Chu to the little girl who was admiring the shelves of dolls in front of her.

"Uhmm.. not yet, Halmoni."

"Alright then. I'll be back soon, Omma."

"Careful, Ga Eul."

"I will."

Ga Eul understood her mother's worry and concerns, especially after this morning. She knew that her mother wanted to ask more about it but since Ye-Jin was there, the conversation needed to wait.

In the restroom, Ga Eul was washing her hands when a pair of strong hands gripped her shoulders. Startled, she looked up to the mirror and was shocked to see Ye-Eun with a sinister smile on her face.

"Ye-Eun-shii…"

"Ga Eul-shii… We meet again and of all places. Who would have thought?"

Ga Eul tried to free herself from the taller woman's grips but the latter held on, hurting her.

"Let go, please."

"And if I don't?" Ye-Eun was challenging her.

Ga Eul shivered when she saw how Ye-Eun's eyes alternated from her face to her swollen stomach. Automatically, her hands went to cover her stomach.

"What do you want, Ye-Eun-shii?"

"Oh, just to talk."

"What about?" She was not going to show weakness to this woman.

"Hmm... let me see… let's talk about Yi Jeong aaaannnndddd… that little bitch who is with your mother right now."

"Ye-Eun-shii! Are you stalking us now? And that's your daughter who you're referring to. How could you?" Ga Eul was seeing red. With all the energy, she swatted Ye-Eun's hands away from her shoulders and turned around. Her face was now red with anger.

"Well, she is who she is."

"She's your daughter, Yi Jeong's daughter! What kind of a mother are you?"

Fortunately or unfortunately, it was just the two of them in the restroom. Ga Eul's eyes darted to the surrounding and wishing that someone would walk in. She had a very bad feeling about Ye-Eun.

"Well, she ruined everything for me. I hate her. She took away Yi Jeong from me!"

"Ye-Eun-shii. Listen to yourself. You are crazy, do you know?"

Ye-Eun lifted a hand to touch Ga Eul's face but the latter quickly stepped back.

"I'll offer you a deal. Keep that little bitch with you and persuade Yi Jeong to come back to me."

Ga Eul could not believe her ears. Ye-Eun had indeed gone crazy. She had to get out of there and fast.

"Stay away from Yi Jeong and his daughter. I'm warning you, Ye-Eun-shii."

But the said woman just laughed hysterically.

Two teenagers then entered the restroom and Ye-Eun stopped laughing. Her eyes were intense on Ga Eul.

"You? Warning me? Have you looked at yourself in the mirror? You're ugly, swollen and thin, and you're pregnant? The man must be blind, stupid and crazy to fall for you."

"Ye-Eun-shii!"

There were gasps from the two teenagers who just entered. Ye-Eun then glared at them and motioned for them to leave. Scared, the two rushed out. Ga Eul's heart clenched. She had to do something to end the conversation but Ye-Eun's words were hurtful and the woman needed to be taught a lesson.

"Just do as I say or you will regret this, Ga Eul-shii."

"No!"

"What did you just say?" Ye-Eun's eyes widened with anger as she faced Ga Eul and stepped nearer.

"You need to get help, Ye-Eun-shii." She tried to reach for her handphone in the bag. She was getting scared and wished that her mother was with her.

"Just do as I say!" screamed Ye-Eun while shoving Ga Eul hard.

"AAAAAAHHH!" It was piercing as Ga Eul fell to the floor. The pain was excruciating as she held her stomach and soon, warm fluid began to spread on her skirt.

Ye-Eun smirked as she towered above the crying Ga Eul.

"Good riddance." She walked over Ga Eul and left.

"OMMMAAAAAA! HELLPPPP!"