*Yoongis pov
"I first met Shaun at an awards ceremony 3 years ago, but of course I knew who he was before that. His reputation goes before him. I had been considering going fully solo before I have to enlist in the army, and I'd like to go mainstream too, so I was starting to make approaches to possible labels outside of Korea"
I take another mouthful of alcohol before standing and pouring myself another, raising the bottle to Kenzie. She indicates she doesn't need a top up by placing her hand over her glass and shaking her head. I continue....
"I had a brief conversation with him, we arranged a date I could be in England to formally meet with him to discuss options for my future. Once we'd finished talking I went back to my table. That's when I first saw you. You had just arrived back at the table with a drink in hand. Shaun said something I could not make out but he looked livid. He stood and grabbed your arm and dragged you outside the room. I followed. I've never thought it ok to manhandle a woman and I planned to confront him. I arrived at the secluded corner you were in just as he slapped your face! I heard him telling you how little you were worth, how he owned you and had made you. You were holding your cheek, but you had a look of defiance on your face, like you would not be beaten. I admired you immediately for that. Shaun told you to fuck off and go and sit in the car, which you did without hesitation."
"I remember that night" she says, touching her cheek as if the memory of that slap was still stinging her face. "Shaun has beaten me often during our marriage, and that night was no exception. He was mad when we got home. Something about me giving 'come to bed eyes' to someone, embarrassing him infront of his peers. Utter rubbish, I barely look at anyone at those events, but he cannot be reasoned with. After the longest car ride ever we arrived home and he dragged me up to our room by my hair, threw me in the shower fully clothed and turned on the water, holding the door closed. I was trapped inside, the water going from freezing to scalding hot. I screamed, he just laughed. I tried to stay out of the stream of water as best as I could but not well enough to avoid my legs being burned, my skin bubbling and beginning to peel. It was agony, and it felt like I was in there forever, although it was probably only a few seconds. Just long enough for me to learn my lesson. He pulled me out, made me undress then he.... then he..."
I can see the difficulty she is having saying the words out loud.
"He forced himself on you!?" I question. She nods in reply and I feel my blood boiling. I knew he was a bastard, but come on! Marriage is sacred. It's Special. 'To love and to cherish' are words that make up part of the wedding vows. Not much cherishing going on here. Seems Shaun prefers the 'honour and obey' portion of those vows. It seems to me most men don't value their relationships.
I swallow down my anger and disgust and continue with my story.
"After I watched you leave I returned to my table to collect my things and my companion, with every intention of following you to make sure you were safe. While waiting for the valet to bring my car I saw a Rolls Royce pull up and Shaun climb inside. You were looking out of the window, your face peaceful and serene. I turned to my companion to explain that I could not take them home and saw the look of recognition on their face. Whilst asking how they knew you your car left... I had no idea where to, but I needed to know how my companion knew you!"
"Who were you with?" She asks me.
"I was with my father!"