The press conference that I thought will run smoothly, just became more controversial. I could have just leave right there and then. But I have to stay for the book signing. It's a relief that the people who came for the book signing are more forgiving and friendlier.
"I didn't expect that you are such a fiery woman…" someone commented before handling me all 3 books, even the latest copy of the girl. I looked up to see a sophisticated lady, probably in her late 40s, I smiled at her.
"I would take that as a compliment, although I wouldn't consider that as being fiery. I just don't want anyone to think that they can push me over easily…" I replied.
"Pleasure to finally meet you, Ara Rivera, I am a big fan. My brother sure knows how to pick her woman…" she offered her hand. So, this is Jae-woo's sister. I stood up to meet her gaze and to shake her hand.
"Nam Jae-yin…nice to meet you." I uttered in acknowledgment.
"So, you know me…Do you have time for a coffee or tea?" she offered. I looked at my time. It's past 3pm, I have to go back to SNU for my 4 pm lecture.
"I'm afraid I have to go back at the university, I have a lecture at 4…"
"Dinner then?" she insisted.
"Ok." She left her card and took off.
"Who was that?" Lisa approached me.
"Jae-woo's sister…"
"They have good genes…what does she want?" She also noticed how pretty she is.
"I'm sorry sweety but I don't think I can have a dinner with you before you go …"
"I will be busy later, I needed to meet Chris and Simon for final briefing before I go…"
"Thanks for coming, Lis…do we have to think of damage control?" I was talking about my statement at the press conference.
"Chris and Simon will do that, but you did well…"
I was contemplating whether or not to tell Jae-woo about meeting his sister for dinner. I am anxious. What could she want from me? How much does she know about me and Jae-woo? How is her relationship with him? We met at the restaurant in Itaewon where me and Jae-woo had our first dinner together. Probably, because they know the owner, also because there's a room we can eat and talk with privacy. She was already there when I arrived.
"I'm sorry, I'm late…" I acknowledged.
"No not at all, you're not. I'm just early… I already ordered; Lady Noh will give us the specials… I hope you don't mind."
"I don't…thanks…"
"You're probably anxious right now as to why, I asked for us to meet? I don't blame you. I don't know how well your relationship is with Jae-woo, but I know how my brother feels about you…" she started.
"We are close. At least I thought…but when it comes to you, he never really opened up much. I think he has reservations into sharing with me, because he knows that I will take my parents' side when it comes with Namshin matters…" she continued. I'm looking at her intently. Is this the time when she will ask me to just give up on him for the sake of their family's peace?
"I wish, I would have been more understanding towards him. He is being pressured into doing something because of the circumstances that are unfortunately out of our control…" she is still talking. She stopped talking when the food arrives.
"Bon appetite…" she declared.
"Why exactly am I here? The food looks delicious, but I can't seem to have an appetite while I was too anxious of the reason behind this meeting…" I was contemplating if I have to be more polite to her, but I decide to be myself instead. Didn't I just tell her earlier that I don't want anyone to have the impression that I am a push over?
"You are really not a pushover. And you're direct to the point…" she quipped.
My phone had been ringing constantly. Jae-woo had been calling me since I finished my class. I know he wanted to talk to me after what transpired at the press conference but what will I tell him if I answered the phone right now. Jae-yin noticed me ignoring my phone.
"If that was my brother you can tell him to join us…" she casually said. I looked at her with surprise.
"I wanted to meet you because I really want to get to know you. I'm sorry if I started our conversation with the talk about family matters. I was lucky to have found someone I love and that my parents approve of at the same time. My brother on the other hand, had been unlucky when it comes to love. Now, that he finally seems in-love, the circumstances with our family is preventing him to be totally happy." She paused before attending to her phone, she didn't take the call. I know now that we are really in a serious conversation.
"We are not snob just because of our chaebol background, those are misconception brought about by mainstream dramas. My mom and dad's story were not accepted as well, but their love prevailed in the end. My family have reservations with you not because of you as a person, as I said it's just bad that we are in a tight circumstance…"
"I know…you don't need to reiterate it. I understand perfectly what's going on. He told me everything..."
"Do you really?"
"I know as much as he told me, and I understand why you have reservations and I understand how much it means for your family to uphold your legacy…"
"Namesis is for Jae-woo as Namshin is for dad. My dad was disheartened when my brother told them that he is so ready to give up Namesis to save Namshin, without even batting an eye. He is so ready to give-up his legacy, the company he had worked so hard to established just because he doesn't want to give you up."
"I wouldn't say that he will give up Namesis just because he doesn't want to give me up, that's too grand to say. Maybe, he just doesn't want to have to marry and fail again. If he will get married just to secure your family's legacy, while sacrificing his happiness, the marriage might not end in divorce, but it will end up with him being miserable. In which case, it's still a failed marriage." I voice out my opinion.