Big lashes made a shadow on her rosy cheeks. Breathing softly through her half-opened little plumpy lips. What a sight! I could watch her for hours like this. Her little body shook, she was probably dreaming and I smiled covering her little hand with a blanket
- Have a sweet dreams, little angel.- I whispered leaving the room quietly. Then I headed to the terrace right across from her room and sat on a big cozy couch, folding my legs below. I took my book to continue reading but all of a sudden picture of Jun's smiling face appeared before my eyes
- Please Jun, stop torturing me like this! It's been one year since I left my country, I need to stop thinking about you...
A small tear slid from the corner of my eye leaving a wet trace on my cheek. It was my birthday again and I couldn't help myself and stop thinking about him. Pictures then started to appear one by one before me.
I remembered his peaceful look when he was sleeping and barely saw the smile on his lips that morning I left his apartment. For the last time, I kissed those lips and one tear escaped from my eyes falling on them. He didn't move, only grab his pillow burying his face in it.
- Goodbye my love... Please be always happy, fulfill all of your dreams, and forget HyeMin like she never existed...
I left the room walking on my toes, sneaking quietly like a thief who stole something that never was hers, but lefting my heart there...sleeping in that bed, hugging him so tight...dreaming of happiness that wasn't meant to be...
I opened my eyes, shooking my head
-Why do I still think of him? Why do I keep asking myself what is he doing? Is he tired or hungry? Does he sleep enough?
My phone rang pulling me back to reality. It was Francesco
-Min, I'm coming for 15 minutes, can you be ready till then?
-Yes, no problem!
I went back to my room took a quick shower and dress up in jeans and a shirt with a floral print, after brushing my hair I add some lipstick and that was it! The time I was done he came into my room.
-Let's go!-I smiled-You are so impatient brother!
- Sorella (sister) don't nag! I'm in a hurry to see my wife!
After I called our nanny, we sat in his car and he draw straight to the hospital. Mona was there a few months already. She had some complications and they had to do surgery. Francesco was so worried but luckily all went well and she was recovering fine.
He park his car and we walked towards the hospital crossing the street. Francesco hugged me with one hand and pulled me closer and I was smiling leaning my head on his shoulder. With a corner of my eyes, I took a glimpse of someone dressed all in black sitting in a back seat of a taxi who was just passing by. I look up to take a better look but the taxi was speeding up suddenly
-Ah probably just my imagination-I sighed and hurried to keep up with Francesco who already was inside. We took the elevator climbed to the last floor, then walked through a long and spooky corridor turning left. This place always creeps me up whenever I go there. It's not that I was afraid of the hospitals but that corridor and so many doors had that influence on me.
When we entered, Mona was sitting in her bed, her back supported with pillows. She smiled at us and Francesco hugged her tight
- I missed you cara (darling).- I sat on the chair on her left side closer to the window. They were talking sweet things to each other and I was smiling, always happy to see how much they love each other
- Where is our angel Anna?- She asked
- I just let her sleep and the nanny is with her now-she nodded
-You are such a caring person Min, I can't be thankful enough for taking such good care of Anna!
- Ah Mona, you know I love her like she is my own daughter.
We talked more when the doctor came and the nurse had to give Mona her shots. Francesco left to bring her fresh water and I stood up looking through the window. I could see people walking up and down, coming and going but something draw my attention. It was a man in black with a black snapback on his head. He was standing close to the entrance looking closely at every person who came out of the hospital.
- OMG!- my heart started to thump like crazy. I covered my mouth with both hands stopping myself from screaming. Shooking my head, I inhale a few times and then turned to Mona
- Mona, I'll be back shortly, just I need to see something..-She nodded. When I walk out of her room I run to the elevator squeezing my hands, which were shaking, into fists. I didn't know what I was doing. My heart wanted to jump out of my chest, beating so furious. I ran through the exit heading to the place where I saw that man in black, but nobody was there. Turning in all directions, looking at people who were passing by, but I couldn't see him. I stood there for a few minutes hoping that he will appear, but he was nowhere to be seen. My eyes closed full of tears
-I'm such a fool! Acting crazy like this!
Slowly I get back to the hospital entering the elevator. Standing in the corner, looking down to hide my teary eyes from others. All this shook me greatly, it was like a train hit me in the chest right at my heart. The elevator stopped and I get out heading back to Mona's room, going again through that spooky corridor. Behind me, I heard footsteps getting closer to me and some strange feeling overwhelmed me, then one hand grab mine and push me into some room. Inside was total darkness and I was pushed hard by the door.
-You are a liar and trash!-whisper came right next to my ear- I trusted you! I thought you are different from the others...I thought you are pure and sincere...but you are nothing but the trash! My whole body was shaking. I was pinned with his hands by that door and I couldn't see his face but I knew who he was. I would always recognize him
-Jun! - I whispered
- Don't say my name! Don't you dare say it again! I loved you! I loved you so much but you betrayed me like this? You left me after taking my heart! Was that funny to you, seeing how I fell in your trap so easily? Was it amusing hearing my sincere love words? You played your role so well....ah how big of a fool I was! - I opened my mouth to say something but I was in shock, not being able to speak- he grinned tilting his head
- well now that you have your fortune you don't need a poor guy like me?- I shook my head and tears started to roll down my face- He moved away-Stop acting, there is no need for that anymore. You got me...you already took my heart and step on it, you destroyed me HyeMin...
My legs couldn't hold me any longer so I slid down looking at him, my sight blurred with tears
- Jun- whispering voice came from my mouth- I'm sorry...
-Don't you "sorry" to me!- He shook my shoulders- Why did you do that? You were that hungry for money and I wasn't rich enough for you? I would give you all, HyeMin, I would give you the world...I would love you 'till my last breath....- He hit the wall with his fist and I saw blood on it
- You have no idea how I felt that morning when you left, You have not a clue of how much I've searched for you. You made a hell out of my life... And today, on your birthday I finally found you...but guess what? I had to see how another man hugged you...you had to kill me for real..it would be better if you did that instead of this...
I slowly get up coming closer to him
- Jun..-he moved away- Jun, let me explain...
- Don't you dare touch me!-he warned- Don't you dare speak any more lies! I just wanted to see you for the last time and congratulate you on your success: Well done!- He bowed and headed to the door but I grab his arm
- Jun let me explain!- He shook off my hand turning to face me- Be proud of yourself HyeMin...you defeated sassy Jun, you took his heart and played with...so now continue to live your life happily and forget that I ever existed...I'm dead anyway..- After that, he went outside slamming the door behind him. It all happened so fast. I couldn't move but when I finally get my senses back I ran outside to find him, but he was already gone.
I sat on the closest bench outside and cried out loud. People were looking at me like I was crazy but I just couldn't stop. Then some doctors came and they brought me inside giving me shots to calm me down. I just closed my eyes while the world spooned around me - Jun...Jun...- was all I could say.
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My fingers were typing so fast- I had to finish this today!- was my only thought. Finally, I hit the "enter" button on my keyboard- It was done! Now I should wait a little more...
Knocking on the door made me look up. My secretary came in holding a bunch of folders and smiling.
-Miss HyeMin I have good news- She wanted to be theatrical but I was impatient
- Tell me fast!- She nodded
-We got the location!- I stood up and walked around my desk hugging her
-We did it aren't we?!- She confirmed again
- We got the best location in town! You had so much luck Miss HyeMin.- I was smiling from ear to ear
- Luck and big help from YunRea's father Mr.Park! - I walked back behind my desk to look at my emails
- Just I need verification from our suppliers and all will be set. We can open an exclusive store in Seoul. My heartbeat was so fast. I had a new goal in life: To get back to my motherland and to try on my own.
Francesco and Zia were not surprised when I first told them my plans. They expected something similar from me, well that was what Zia told me later. She helped me a lot with all papers that I needed to collect and Mr.Park helped with finding the perfect location.
For almost a whole month, I was waiting for my idea to be realized and it seems I succeeded! Leaning back in my seat, I looked through the window. A beautiful view of Trieste harbor was in front of me. I'm gonna miss this city. Adriatic sea is not my sea but it gave me the comfort that I needed.
My eyes closed-Jun-whisper on my lips...
I didn't see him from that day in the hospital. He was so angry and hurt. But seeing him like that hurt me more. I wanted to explain all to him, that much I owed him..and so much more... but so far I'm gonna take baby steps in this matter.
- Baby!- I smiled at that thought and look at the picture of little Anna on my desk. She would always make me smile. I loved her like she was my own daughter. Her big eyes reminded me of Jun but I didn't tell to anyone. It was Anna's and my little secret.
- Jun- I whispered again-How I wish that Anna is our daughter...- But quickly shook my head
-I can't think like that, he is a married man now. My eyes become sad. That day at the hospital I cried my soul out, I cried for our unfortunate destiny, I cried for all the beautiful moments we had and they will never come back.
The sound of mail woke me up from my daydreaming. It was our supplier and he gave me a positive answer. It was all settled! From tomorrow we will start shipping to Korea. I push the button and my secretary answered
-Yes Miss HyeMin?- Book me a flight to Korea, we got the green light from suppliers!-She congratulate me with sincerity. I took my bag and my laptop and went back home to pack my things.
Zia was so happy when I told her the good news.
- Finally Min, now I'm going to see your smiling face every day.- She hugged me holding me tight.
- You have to come to visit me ofter and don't overwork yourself there like you did here and ended up fainting! Promise me!
- Yes Zia, don't worry, but you have to come to Korea there is so much I want to show you there.
We talked more about my plans until we notice how late it was. She went to her room and I lay on my bed looking at the night sky full of stars. I was happy. That wasn't happiness that could heal my empty heart but it helped me to breathe easier. That night I was dreaming about Korea and how I walked through the park, full of cherry blossoms, hand in hand with Jun. It was a heavenly dream...if only dreams could be real...
**********************************
Sun rays were sneaking through green leaves making interesting patterns on the ground below trees. I was sitting on the bench playing with Anna. She started to laugh and I laughed with her making funny faces. It's been a week since I came back to Korea. Francesco and Mona came to visit me for a couple of days and to help me with our new store. Decorating was over and our workers finished unpacking clothes. Tomorrow is the grand opening so I took the rest of the day to relax and spend some time with my family. YunRea came with James. I was so happy to see them both after so long. But the news was even better! I notice them holding hands and when I raise my eyebrows they both nodded knowing what I was going to ask
- Yes we are a couple now! - I widened my eyes
- But how? When? - YunRea winked- You were gone and we both missed you so we kept each other company often....and then it happened... - I hug both
- I'm so happy for you !! - YunRea took my hand
- HyeMin I have to tell you something about Jun...- I cut her
-Please don't...Let's not talk about him anymore...- I said that but I was a liar, even lying to myself.I didn't come back to Korea just because I missed my country. I came back because of him. After I saw him all my feelings exploded. Actually, they were never gone just sleeping locked deeply. But his closeness destroyed all the bricks and walls that I have built so far trying to forget him.
So I came back...
I came just to be close to him. Even if he belongs to another woman, even if he hates me...Seeing him from the distance will be enough...
They sat next to me and we saw Mona and Francesco coming. She was holding a big box which she hand over to me. I looked up at her
-What is this?-She smiled
-You can see it if you open it. - I looked inside. It was a blue-purple dress made of rough silk
- Ah Mona this is so beautiful!-YunRea was amazed too
-This is your design right?- she nodded
Guys let's go grab some food I'm so hungry-Francesco whined, so we all headed to the restaurant. They had the best food in town and we enjoyed it to the fullest. Trying to catch up, talking about past months, laughing and joking. But non of them mention June. YunRea respected my wish and never talked to or asked me about him. She knew me so well and was the best friend I've got!
We didn't stay long because the opening was planned for the next day. Mona suggested the name for our store to be "Min" as they all called me in Italy and I agreed.
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The store was full of people. everybody wanted to check our newest collection and according to how selling goes this would be a hit for sure! Koreans love fashion so much and Italian fashion was one of the most wanted. Our store offered well-chosen pieces for men, as well for women.
I was standing on the side holding glass of champagne, wearing my new blue-purple dress, remembering my first party, remembering how I danced with Jun but quickly shooking my head to chase those thoughts. That was not the time and the place for my memories. Putting on my brightest smile I turn and started a conversation with some customers. Luckily all went well.
Later that night when I came home exhausted, I took off my high heels lay on my bed and closed my eyes. Now I could stop pretending...one tear slid down my cheek. It wasn't easy coming back here and stopping my heart from jumping at every sight of a tall guy wearing black. I was in constant expectation to see him but so far our paths never crossed. Will I have enough strength to stand before him, look into his eyes, and say what I needed to say? Probably not but I had to...
I hugged myself with both hands. I missed him so bad that it hurt. Another sleepless night, another wet pillow, and more nightmares...that was all I had.
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Another week has passed. I already got used to my life here and all my daily routines. Francesco and Mona helped me a lot, so it was YunRea.She was helping me in the store and our customers loved her sincere smile. We had more shipping with the newest clothesline and wedding dresses. The store gained some regular customers, which was a good sign. From now on I should be able to manage all by myself and Francesco and Mona had to go back to Italy.
We all came together at the airport to say our last goodbyes. I was feeling sad because I grew big fond of those two, but mostly I'll be missing my little niece Anna. She was looking at me with her big black eyes smiling. Mona saw my sad look
- Can you please hold Anna, I have to go to the bathroom? I reached both hands happily like I was waiting just for that. Anna giggled.
- My big girl is happy with her aunt Min? -I was teasing her only to hear more of her giggles.- You are such cute- I pinched her rosy cheek. Mona left us and I walked slowly forward and backward rocking Anna in my arms. Francesco was checking their tickets and luggage. People were passing by us in a hurry and also I notice some hurried movements all the way down on my left side but I didn't pay attention to that. I was too occupied by Anna's smile to notice what was going on around us. Lifting her up and down was her favorite game and she would laugh so loud whenever I did that. I walked backward and turned to check if Mona coming but I hit somebody.
- Oh sorry....-I murmured looking up. Words got stuck in my throat. Two black eyes were looking at me in shock but I was shocked too
-Jun!
We were standing there looking into each other and it was like slow motion. People were passing by us, and voices echoed, but we didn't hear any of that. Then Anna reached her hand towards him and grab his chain pulling. His eyes landed on her. I saw his pupils widening, I saw questions in his eyes...
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