"For the past 3 years, I have not been totally celibate. I went out with other women but there were really no strings attached, at least that's what I thought. The media had been covering all the women I went out with, even just for business meetings or friendly dates. They have been putting this "Flavor of the Month" profile to each of them…"
I browse through all the pictures of his women. I felt uneasy, I felt so disappointed with myself. What did I expect? I let out a sigh.
"Yeo-jin was the recent one. I met her at an event for NamDo. We went out twice, that time at SNU she was expecting to have dinner together, she must have tailed us. Since, she can make favors from the Director at the University, she must have taken advantage of the situation…", he continued.
"Can I borrow your computer for a bit? I'm sorry, I cannot focus right now with this before I can finish the more urgent stuff that I needed to attend to…"
I have this tendency to lose focus when my emotions get the better of me. So at times like this when my heart and head is in turmoil, I need a diversion.
He escorted me to his study. We pass by the inquiring eyes on the living room. I really cannot focus on what he just told me because if I will, I don't really know if there's anything else I would feel other than the disappointment I am feeling right now. So, I needed an excuse to make my thought wander somewhere else.
I checked my emails and reviewed the modification and suggestion for the book. I spent almost an hour reviewing the manuscript and replied with the final printable version. I checked the email from Belle, about the franchising contract. It's a contract from the US. I called her to talk about it.
"I read about the proposal, what exactly are they asking from us?"
"They wanted to borrow the concept, but they don't want to adopt the name. They say they are willing to compensate for the patent…"
"Of course not, what do they think of us…the concept comes with the name, if they can't adopt that then it's a no-go, and we should ask our lawyers for a possible scenario if they insist on using the concept."
"I already looked on that. You should not worry, I just emailed you to inform you, but we are doing the necessary step already…"
"Good, thank you."
"How are you doing over there?"
"Now is not a good time, I will call you when things calmed down. Or I will see you before we'll go for the ski trip…" I was about to call Lisa when he showed up by the door of the study.
"How are you?"
"One more call, sorry."
"Take your time just come out, when your ready…" he is very considerate. I know it is his guilt acting right now. I called Lisa again, she will be busy this early, it just occurred to me that it's just almost 3am in Copenhagen.
"Lis, is there any way to push through the printing time? Or can you just walk me through the things that needed to be checked?"
"Is there a problem?" she asked.
"Something came up…"
"Problem?"
"Can you access local media here? Do we have any connection in this region?"
"I will check, and I will call you, but if you can access your email about the manuscript, it's not that hard to see the modification…" she hung up.
"Is there anything else you need? Should I call Soo-ah?" I didn't notice he is still by the door, his voice apologetic now. I have not seen the entirety of the news, so I don't know the extent of what was being said. Plus, I would not probably understand it even if I see it.
"Nope, she's not in Seoul. I just needed some time alone for now, it's important." I dismissed him and I can see from his reaction that he is unsure of how to respond to me.
The only thing I can think of at this moment is the fact that I let my guard down. How stupid can I be to believe, that I'm the only woman in his life. I let my guard down, and between the two of us, I'm the one who's in disadvantage. I can't really think clearly, it's when my phone rang, it's Lisa.
"Ara, I already confirmed the printing of the manuscript. You can have the copy of the first batch before you'll head for your trip…" she began with the information. But the way she paused; I know there's something else more urgent.
"Go on…" I permitted.
"The situation over there is not going through here, but there had been a report of someone taking Marcus' picture last week. I'm not sure if it's connected. It was already forwarded to the police, you know the system here, so don't worry about it. I tried calling Soo-ah but she's unreachable…"
"Don't call her, she's busy…" I interrupted.
"I thought so…but for now, I contacted our legal team and they will be sending someone to assist you shortly, we're lucky that the firm have office in Seoul. He will be contacting you shortly. Things here are fine on our end. Besided it's not like you ex will let anything happen to his precious son." She hung up fter reassuring me about the situation.
No big deal. Of course, the news is no big deal. We can neutralize that. But the feeling of disappointment on my part, it's the one that I am so worried about. After our conversation, I called Myeong and the professor, with the things going on right now, I don't think I can make it to the dinner.
"Hi Prof, I'm sorry something came up. Let's reschedule the dinner when I get back…" I informed
"Are you sure you're fine?" they asked. The way I hear it, they probably know what's going on.
"I'm fine. No worries." I reassured them.
"If there's anything we can help you with, don't hesitate to let us know…" I hear concern in the Professor's voice. Of course, they have been my friends for more than 5 years now, I felt that I can really trust them. My phone rang after I finished my conversation with them.
"Miss Ara Rivera? This is Chris Kang, your secretary called us for an urgent matter…" he introduced himself.
"Yes, she mentioned. Did she brief you about the situation?" I asked.
"She did. I know you can't come to the office right now, so me and my assistant will be coming to your place in half an hour…", he declared.
"Actually, I am not at my place right now…if you would excuse me for a bit, I will call you back…"
I went out of the study and head back to the conference room. They looked at me, probably still waiting for my opinion on the matter.
"May I borrow, Jae-woo for a while…" I look at him and motioned for him to come with me. We headed back to the study. He is waiting for me to start talking. We are finally left alone. The silence is deafening. Three years ago, I left without confronting this situation and that was easy. I don't think I have the same luxury right now. I try as hard to gather my thoughts and calm my heart.
"How are you feeling?" He started.
"Confuse. Angry. But not to anyone, it's more on myself."
"I'm sorry."