Charley's P.O.V.

I touched my lip and cringed. This is more bothersome than I thought. They say that these stitches will dissolve in about a week, but will my lip be healed by then? My shoulders sank in defeat. All this to get married to Sang-ook. What's next, a secret admirer? 

My phone vibrated. I picked it up off of the sink to see if I had a message from Brayden.

'Congratulations on your engagement.’

My eyes stared at the message. 

Brayden 

As I felt my blush, I began to fight it.

A secret admirer 

One who is not much of a secret.

A knock came to the bathroom door. I looked towards it. “Yes?” I questioned.

“Charley, I know you are looking at your stitches, but can we talk?” My mother asked from the other side of the door. I set my phone down and opened the door. “I know you say that you were in a car accident with Sang-ook, but are you sure that was it? I mean, despite the airbags, you somehow got a busted lip that required stitches. I heard that Jocelyn came to visit you a few days ago-” I know what she is getting at.

“Mom, nothing happened between me and Jocelyn. We talked and she left.” I know I should tell her the truth, but after what I did to Jocelyn that day, I think no one should bother her. If anything, she may be too afraid to come by or see me anyway. I did threaten her that night. Hence why she stopped calling and texting me. My mother touched my hand and looked me in the eyes.

“Charley, I know it was a strange question, but I'm a worried mother. One who fears the worst happening to you. Plus Ophelia says that Jocelyn has been staying with her since that day, so I thought you two got into a fight again, like when you both were younger.”

“I get it, Mom. I would probably feel the same way.” A small smile came to her lips.

“Sang-ook should be coming back soon, right? How about we stay, and when he comes back, your father and I can get to know him better?”

At one point in time time my mother seemed neutral about Sang-ook, but now she seems weary. Does she see past every wall we placed up? If so, what do I have to do to keep her eyes off the cracks in our walls and instead, the pictures hanging on them?

Sang-ook's P.O.V.

“Gabi I-” she glared, stopping me from saying anything else. There was no doubt she was angry. Not too long ago, we were close and telling each other everything, but now she is hearing about my engagement through the media. “Gabi, I should have told you sooner,” I said before standing.

“Told me sooner? You should have fucking told me yesterday!” This is the first time I have seen her this angry. 

She was a hothead, yes, but she had never gotten to this point before. 

I should have called her 

back like Charley said.

“Who is this woman anyway? Someone using you for your money? You have had that happen a few times already, remember?” She said before walking closer to me.

“Charley is a woman whom Sang-ook fell in love with Gabriel.” My father said before standing.

Shit

“Fell in love with? There is no way you suddenly fell in love with a woman out of nowhere. Let me guess, you slept with her and fell in lust, right? Just like you did last year-”

“Gabi, we agreed to never bring her up.” I interrupted her.

“The gold-digging bitch? How can I not?”

“Gabi!” She shook her head and scoffed.

“You know what? Let me meet her?” She said.

“Hell no/ no.” My father and I said.

“Why not? She is a special woman to Sang-ook. Why can't I meet her yet?” She asked.

Charley would kill you.

“Before talking to Charley, I think you should calm down. You both have fiery spirits.” I said.

“Cool, so am I meeting her today?” My phone began to ring. I looked at it to see that I had a call from Charley. I shook my head. “Is that her?” Gabi asked.

“Yes,” I answered my phone and walked further away from them. “Charley?”

“Sang-ook, my family is here, Janie included. My parents want to get to know their future son-in-law better.” I nodded.

“Okay, I will be on my best behavior.” I started to hang up my phone, but she spoke once more.

“Oh, and Sang-ook, is your father nearby?” I looked at my father.

“Yes,” I said. My father arched his brow. I shrugged.

“Can you put me on speakerphone?”

“Why?” I asked.

“Because I have an idea for the wedding. Especially knowing how much of a businessman he is," she said. I put Charley on speakerphone.

“Charley, my father can hear you.”

“Okay,” I looked at my father. 

“Charley has an idea for the wedding.” Gabi's expression soured. My brows sank, which made her arch her brow at me.

“What is it?” He asked.

“We should host the wedding at the same place Sang-ook and I met. It's not too far from the company, has enough space, and has the garden Sang-ook and I met in. What do you think?”

“I would have to see the place first, but it may be a good idea. Especially for a fairy tale wedding,” my father said. Charley sighed.

“You already have an idea in your mind for the wedding….at least you are fully on board.” It seems that she didn't expect my father to be this far in his plan for the business.

“Yup,” My father said.

“Well, I am going to go. I love you, Sang-ook, and talk to you later, future father-in-law.” My eyes widened.

She told me she 

loves me

Why?

Why now would 

She says that now?

“Talk to you later, Charley,” my father said.

“Sang-ook?” Charley questioned. I got out of my thoughts.

“I love you too, Charley,” she chuckled.

“You're still shy, but we can work on that when you get home.” My entire face reddened.

What does she mean by that?

“Talk to you later,” As I was hanging up my phone, Gabi spoke.

“Bye, Charley.”