The meeting with Mr. Choi went well. Christmas was just ten days away. Kamou had three confirmed projects in hand for the next year. Sensing she would be busy with shooting and promotions she requested her agency for a twenty-day leave. Mr. Choi happily granted her but she still needed to show up at the agency for shooting some holiday videos and photocards.
Miss Min dropped Kamou home after the meeting. The two were done for the day. Kamou still needed to choose the two projects she wanted to work on. In her apartment she sat confused, wondering the two projects to choose. After a while, she got irritated and gave up.
Juho would be dropping by soon, he already texted her when he got off work. Kamou didn't want to bother him but he still insisted. He would check in on her from time to time. She tried to set his heart at peace, explaining him she is fine but the guy won't give up.
Kamou sat on the couch her head hanging low, drained out. The door opened and Juho walked in with food packages.
"I got your favorite shrimp dumplings and japchae." The words filled life back into her dead eyes, her eyes sparkled.
"Juho you are the best." she said happily taking food from his hands. Kamou walked into the kitchen with the food.
'Really woman? The food made you happier than your boyfriend being here.' Juho smirked looking at her figure rushing in the kitchen.
Juho made himself comfortable, while Kamou brought food out after heating it up. Keeping the plates on the table, she took a seat in front of him. The two started eating their food.
"How was your day?" Juho tried to strike a conversation.
"Tiring." Kamou replied. "I went to meet my sister."
Juho wanted intending to talk about her family since he was investigating David. He was too cautious to start the topic on his own. This was the perfect chance he was looking for.
"You sister, you never told me about her before. Actually, you don't talk about your family much." Juho remarked.
"The topic never came up. It's not like I know anything about your family." Kamou got a little defensive.
"I could take you to meet them, if you are so eager to meet your future in-laws." Kamou almost choked on her food.
"Honey we were talking about your sister. So, what is she doing?" Juho smiled merrily after successfully catching her off guard.
"Dara is nineteen. She is pursuing her graduate degree in economics. It's her second year. Her winter break will start soon so I invited her over for holidays." Kamou said.
"What about your parents?" Juho inquired.
"They are dead. Dara is the only one I have." her reply was rigid and lacked emotion.
She didn't give room for further conversation and it seemed clear she didn't want to talk about them. Juho found her behavior unusual. Even if your parents aren't around anymore kids generally don't react in that way.
"Juho, I need your help with something." Kamou said.
Kamou knew she needed to do some damage control. She lost her cool and snapped. A coverup is needed and thankfully she had one. Making sure she had his attention, she tried to start a new conversation.
"After dinner, can you help me with deciding my next projects?"
"Sure love." He replied with a smile. Little did she know that the man was already prying in her past.
Kamou handed the three projects in Juho hand once done with dinner. Juho skimmed through all of them.
"Which ones do you want?" He asked.
"I like all three, but Mr. Choi said I could do only two. I am so confused." Kamou sighed.
"Pick the crime drama for sure. It's a strong character, suits you." He spoke.
"And what about the second one?" Kamou asked.
"Social life and family."
"You sure? I have a romance drama which the agency will choose."
"The crime drama will expand your acting experience. It will help you prove your acting skills in different genres. You already have done romance; these new roles would be refreshing for your fans. The family drama also requires strong performance, you will get more exposure. It is a character people can relate with." Juho explained.
Kamou listened to him with admiration, 'Juho really knows how to capture his audience. His experience has really helped him maintain the position of one of the most successful idols over the past few years.'
"It's settled then, I will take your advice." Kamou said smiling. "Thank you."
*********************************
The next morning Juho left early after receiving a call from his manager. Kamou was still asleep when he left so he left a text on her cell.
Juho got into the car, his manager drove him to building. Parking their car outside the two entered the building. At the end of the corridor there was a small office, the receptionist led them there. It was the private detective's office Kwan had hired on Juho's instructions.
Kwan had known the guy from long, the detective helped him previously. Kwan knew he was good. Juho and Kwan took a seat in front of him while he greeted him with wide smile.
"Haru, we are here for the information." Kwan said without wasting time.
"About that woman, right?" Haru pointed at Kamou's picture on his desk. "If I may, why does Mr. Park want to know about his girlfriend's past?"
"That's none of your business." Juho snapped.
"Well then." Haru opened his desk drawer and took out some papers. "In one day, this is all I could get. One of my men is in Malayasia getting more info."
Juho took the papers and started to go through them. "How is this possible? Her parents are dead."
"Her father died when she was just eight due to illness. Her mother is still alive and healthy. The name on Kamou's birth certificate is Kiena but she changed it before coming to Seoul. Seems like she wanted to erase her past." Mr. Haru explained.
"What about that man?" Juho's heart was sinking.
"David Kolan, her mother's boyfriend."
"That means they know each other." Juho said in a low voice.
'How many lies have you told me Kamou? Why did you hide it from me?' Juho was disappointed.