January 15, 1982.
The day of my misfortune soon arrived.
The house was echoing with the sounds and footsteps of the servants who were busy with their tasks.
Busy with decorations for the wedding party, where I will marry a man I haven't even seen.
When they put on the Qipao, I was taken to the Yau, then they put a veil on my face and left.
When they left me alone, my sister, Kyle Min, discreetly came to see me.
— you are charming. Look at him with a sad look.
I thank him, hold it in my hands and feel relieved. — It's a shame that you're getting married like this. — If our Mother had managed to convince our father's perseverance, you wouldn't be marrying this... sordid!. She says irritated.
— Don't say that. Remember that there are ears between the walls. I scold him.
— I'm sorry, I'm upset and I crossed the line.
Our Mother came to meet us.
— You look beautiful. She says with her eyes watering.
— Forgive me. I couldn't convince your father, you know how stubborn he is.
I nod and then she hugs me.
Lauren appears to announce that the ceremony would begin. And that my father was on his way.
My mother and sister hugged me once again and left. I put on the veil again and in a few minutes he comes along with some employees, where, on foot, he takes me towards the altar, pulling the Yau.
He extends his hand, I step down from the Yau, where he leads me towards the altar. As we go up the stairs, my face is covered, he whispers in my ear...
— You will understand why. Give my hand to the stranger.
Soon the ceremony ends.
Both their families were taken to the party that would be at my parents' house. On my Yau and he on his horse, we followed separately. Because only in "our house" should the groom appreciate the face of "his bride".
There were many guests, friends of my father, who pretended to have a beautiful traditional family. Family members of the "groom" and my annoying interests.
Minutes later, I was informed by Lauren that "my husband" was waiting for me in his automobile so we could leave. I said goodbye to my mom and Kyle one more time and then left.
Lee Ji-hun.
Powerful Superior General, coming from a powerful family made up of respectable former colonels, his mother was a woman known for her intelligence and wisdom, owning many hectares, including a tea factory.
Coming from a prestigious family, he was expected to be a respectful and cold man, but he turned out to be an immature good-for-nothing.
Upon arriving at his house, the butler, who was not that old, about 50 years old, elegantly combed gray hair, Western features, tall and gentle, shows me where my room is.
While Lauren, who came with me, took my belongings to the room, I went upstairs with the Qipao.
Refers to me, with a cold tone. — Go get changed and come back so we can talk.
He orders me around like I'm some kind of domestic animal. I was standing still, so I continued up the stairs without saying anything.
I put on a blue Cheongsan and went downstairs. Waiting for me, he ordered cups of tea. As I slowly walked down the stairs, I was able to watch him closely.
Color obsidian hair, eyes as black as darkness, his tanned skin a little darker than mine, he has a piercing and cold gaze. After drinking his cup of coffee, he points to the animal leather armchair so I can sit in it. Acting kindly, but soon after I sat down, he showed me his true face.
— You know that we got married through a family arrangement, a way that our families found to become allies, benefiting each other. He says placing his arm on the couch.
— with this I want to make it clear that there are and will not be feelings involved. We will sleep in different rooms, neither of us should interfere in each other's business. Cross your legs.
I smile sarcastically. — You took the words out of my mouth. I thought the general was petty, but he is much more than I thought. I cross my legs forming a four.
— Is there anything else you want to say. I ask him.
— Let's pretend we love each other in front of strangers. Looking at me coldly.
—Pf!, I blurt out. — I understand what you mean and I agree with everything, but there are a few things I want to add.
— What would it be?
— First, I won't be the type of "wife" who stays at home all the time, I'll go out whenever I want and I don't owe you any satisfaction. Secondly, as for the Yuan, I will take as much as I want, you must give it to me in notes.
— And finally, don't try to investigate my life, just as I won't investigate yours. As you said, no we are and will not be anything more than an arranged marriage. I will not allow that to happen and I will do something that you will certainly not like. I get up, drink the tea in one gulp and go to my room.
CONTINUES...
(Meaning of some words for those who don't know and are too lazy to search on Google)
Qipao = traditional Chinese wedding dress;
Yao = Chinese wedding carriage (for those who didn't notice, some characters are Chinese);
Blue Cheongsan = Chinese dress;
Yuan = Chinese money.
Notes = banknotes, at the time only nobles obtained them, mainly men.