Chapter 2 - Plan
"Mom, this can't be. You know I'm still planning to renew my contract in the Entertainment" Jihye said "But honey, you know this my and your Dad's wish for you and we didn't want to remove our strong bond together. You also told us that you do everything for us and fulfill our wishes. Remember?" Chahee said looking at her daughter who's already remembering and cursing herself already. It was normal for them to have an Arranged Marriage but to be honest, she likes one certain person and it was Lauren.
"Mom, you know my eyes are just for one person already, you know who I want to be arranged with someone who I'm really into right now. You know I'll agree on this if Aunt Leslie is related to that person" Jihye said while Leslie smiled knowing who that person is, Chahee has been telling her Jihye really likes Lauren and wanted to be Arranged with her someday but if there's a chance that she met Lauren personally she will do the old ways like courting that person, making the person fall in love with her. But, faith didn't let her know she really needs to face this "Honey, you know if we get this marriage started soon. You might pee in your pants if you see your bride. Maybe you'll thank us for it" Jihye doesn't know what to say knowing her Mom is just using her sweet words to let her agree.
But this is her parent's wish, she also doesn't want to break it since her parents also gave everything to her. She just sighed maybe Laurene is really not for her. She likes to oblige all her parents wish but when it comes to this kind of things well...there is really a problem "Fine, just tell me when it is so I could clear my schedule" Chahee and Leslie smiled "Thank you so much, Jihye! I will be sending you the details. Now, we need to go since we have a meeting to attend to" Chahee and Leslie stood up as Jihye did also "Smile brightly Jihye" Chahee kissed her Daughter's cheek while Leslie pats her back. Jihye sigh walking back to the company.
"wait, you're telling me that you will get married soon?"
"What!?"
"How did that happen? I mean you just arrived in Korea yesterday and wait, I'm really confused how did that happen?"
Lauren sough she was on a video call with her friends and she instantly blurted out that she will get married soon "Do you all remember the safe box that Dad left on his nightstand before he die?" All her friends hummed "Remember, I didn't open that instantly because I wasn't really in myself for the past months and I drowned myself in my business. I just saw it in my luggage then I decided to open it. There was a note in it" Lauren took a picture of the letter and send it to the Group Chat.
"I see it was your Dad's wish for you even your Mom wants it" Gabbie one of Lauren's employees in her company aside that Gabbie was also her first best friend when she was in middle school "It's very common if you really had business especially your dad named it to you" Mai muttered, She is Lauren's second-best friend when she was also in middle school and now she's studying Law "You know, in that case, you really had no choice but to do it since it was your Dad's wish. I mean, we know you so well you wouldn't break any promises" Elle said while the other girl nodded agreeing.
Lauren's total friends were 4, it's very countable but they were friends since teenagers and they were really the true ones. Elle was also studying Law together with Mai while Gia is currently working as a Professional Doctor. See, by just Lauren's friends they were all successful, and though two of them are still studying. Still, we could all tell that Lauren really is a picky one and has a very high standard.
"Did you agree?" Gia the doctor asked while Lauren rested her chin on the table "I did, I had no choice but to accept it because it was my parents wish, they are your parents that two-person who gave everything to you, love you unconditionally, took care of you and made you a better person. We couldn't just change that by paying their bills, buying their needs, or anything that will be related to money but one thing is for sure you need to fulfill their own wishes" Lauren said sitting back in her swirling chair "You know you still have us until the end right? We will be at your wedding" Lauren smiled and just thank her friends but soon enough they changed the topic wanting to ask how they are doing.
"Jeez, I can't believe you really are the first friend who will be married. That's cool" Ara the girl said "There's nothing cool in it because I really don't know the person" Jihye said sitting on the chair looking at Lauren's picture. Yujin the older one sighs sadly she really knows that Jihye was head over heels to that beautiful CEO while the blonde girl Megan was just looking at her sadly "what are you gonna tell to the media? I mean we all know that you're famous and a lot of girls and guys are trying to win your heart," Ara asked "It depends, I really don't want to talk about it for now "Jihye said nonchalantly "You know, maybe there is a reason why you have an arranged marriage, maybe faith is telling you that Lauren is not for you. Maybe, that person will be the perfect one for you and who will take care of you and love you forever" Yujin said hugging Jihye.
Jihye just nodded sadly she really is hoping that maybe one day she will meet Lauren even before her wedding, she was just really head over heels to Lauren, she has been crushing on her for almost 3 years it was the time when Lauren was seen in the media and got famous. Lauren is just so different. With that, her day continued by just doing some hard dancing to forget it for the meantime, she will not take breaks, still looking at Lauren's picture and going back to dancing since it was her passion.
"Hey Suzy, how's the company going?" Lauren asks getting out of her room and making her way to the balcony where Dowon was with Dohyun's dog named Kiki. Laurene smiled at them as Dowon waved at her.
"The company is going well Ms. Walton, we're already preparing the paper that you need before the audition starts. We might be able to send this in four hours. Is that okay?"
"Yes please, but can you try to move the date of the submission of the audition? I'm dealing with something right now" Lauren said patting Kiki's head who's sniffing her feet .
"Oh sure ms. Is that important? You sound so problematic by it. Is everything okay?"
Lauren smiled she really admire all of her workers since they all care for her, especially Megan she was her secretary for two years now and she was there for her whenever she has some problems, problems in the company and sometimes Suzy talks about her personal life.
They become close because they have the same taste at everything, Lauren really found Megan so positive even though she is just living all by herself since her parents died due to a bad accident when she was eighteen. Lauren felt sad since she really witness how Suzy's life is. Lauren couldn't trust her at first but as time goes by Suzy really could be trusted so she decided to make her personal assistant and the manager of her modeling agency.
"I'm gonna be married soon"
"WHAT?!" Suzy shouted to the phone causing Laurene to remove the phone from her ears "Jeeez, your voice"
"I'm sorry, but how?" Lauren sigh and told everything to her, Suzy also explained that it was really her Dad's wish because one time Suzy took care of her Dad and he wouldn't stop talking about Lauren getting married to the Jeung's children. Suzy was also shocked by it but told her to just calm down and maybe someday she will be free in that marriage.
"I don't know especially it was my Dad and Mom's wish, I might be tied to that person forever" Lauren sighs heavily.
"Make sense, but just so you know Boss maybe that person is really kind and really is for you. You just need to have high hopes" Suzy said she might have an idea who that person is since she's also from Korea and met a lot of businessman and woman and their children whenever Laurene send her to attend the press conference.
"Should the media know about this?" Suzy asked again
"I don't know, I need to ask Mom but I think it's better if we keep it a secret. I'm really not ready for this" Suzy hummed agreeing. Lauren ended the call and even told her that she should be at her wedding to calm her nerves down. Lauren looked at the view again.
"Are you nervous?" Dowon asked Leslie's daughter, Dowon offered the chair for her to sit down while Lauren gladly did.
"Yes, I really didn't expect that this was one of my Dad's wishes. I thought I will meet the man of my dreams someday but ended up being arranged to the person who I don't even know" Lauren said sighing, Dowon wanted to hug Lauren but the girl might not accept since he just met her today.
"You know, maybe that person really is for you, maybe he will prove one day that he was so in love with you that he will try his best to win your heart. You just need to remember that whatever happens in that marriage you always know where to go, for sure in your Mom's arm but please remember I'm always here for you. I know everything is still fresh from you but to be honest I already see you as my own daughter already. You don't know how proud I am of you" Lauren smiled
"Your Mom always tells me that you are such an amazing girl and very lovable which I agree but just so you know, I talked to your father once" Dowon said looking at Lauren as she widened her eyes
"Really?" Lauren asked happily as Dowon nodded
"He told me that if ever this marriage happens I need to walk you in the aisle and stand up for you as your own Dad which I instantly agreed and promised him that I will do anything because you are the first child of my wife. You had her blood and your features" Lauren couldn't help but smile finally there's another Man that who will stand up for her.
She realized that it's hard not to have a Man beside her especially since her Mom is living overseas. It's hard to do the things that a man should do, a Man should handle, A man's love and a man's attention all she needs is a Dad. But, here she is now she met her Mom's new husband who's really to adopt her someday soon if she is ready.
"Thank you" Lauren said smiling "C-can I ask you something?" Lauren asked,
"What is it?"
"Can you hug me?" Lauren said closing her eyes.
Meanwhile, Dowon was surprised he was jumping in happiness in his mind and finally he will finally hug her wife's first daughter. Dowon open her arms as Laurene open her eyes she was surprised to see that Dowon's arms are open so the adult nodded as Laurene came close to hug her.
"Finally," she said to her mind "You will be safe here, I promise," Dowon said rubbing Lauren's back.
Meanwhile, Leslie is smiling since she heard the conversation between the two. She was just thankful that Dowon is like a real father material and really has an attitude like Ben. She's also just thankful that Lauren is already feeling comfort towards him and finally asking for hugs which Laurene really likes.
Suzy was on her way to Gangnam to meet one of Lauren's lawyers and Engineer in Korea. She arrived two hours ago since Laurene told her she needs helps to fix some papers. Suzy parked the car and went to the lawyer's office. She knocked on the door which she heard a voice to tell her to come in
"Suzy!" Suzy smiled and gave the lawyer a hug "Hey, Melaine how are you doing?" Suzy said sitting down
"I'm doing okay, How's Laurene? I heard the news that she will be married soon?" Suzy furrowed her brows
"How'd you know?"
"Aunt Leslie came to visit me yesterday and asked me to make the marriage contract." Suzy nodded she realized that Melaine also worked as Lauren's lawyer in her company does she mentally kick herself "I can't believe she's gonna be marrying Jihye one of my sister's best friend"
"Oh really? I thought she will be marrying Kai" Melaine shakes her head and handed her the contract
"It was supposed to be but remember he already had a son and a wife. You do know how Jihye is whipped to Lauren?" Melaine asked sitting back in the chair
"Oh really?" 'Jeez, why didn't I know this information' Suzy asked in her mind
"Does Jihye know that she will be married to Lauren?" Suzy asked
"No, her parents wanted to surprise her since they know how Jihye really likes Lauren" Suzy nodded
"Here, tell Lauren that I will see her at her wedding I have a lot of work to do in the upcoming days"
"Okay, I'll tell her that. I'll see you soon?" Suzy asked as Melaine nodded in agreement. She left and went straight to the Engineers' office.
Lauren was currently shopping with her Mom and Dohyun, Dowon is in the Parking lot since one of his clients called. Lauren is currently is looking for some clothes for Daeun. Since she was handling the brand called Balenciaga she decided to buy her sister some shoes and some hoodies since winter is coming.
Lauren was paying at the counter while her head is lowered. She really doesn't want to get recognized, the cashier girl handed her the change and Lauren quickly said thank you and left. She spotted Leslie, Dowon, and Dohyun who's currently buying some suits for her soon-to-be wedding.
She sighs "It really is happening"
It was already confirmed that the wedding will be in 3 days, It was quick because Leslie was really excited and her soon-to-be spouse's parents. At least, she will have her alone time for two more days. Lauren came close to them looking at some suits
"Darling, Is this fine?" Leslie asked her Daughter while the girl looked around seeing Dowon in his suit. Lauren smiled and fixed the necktie
"It looks good but I prefer if the suit is dark blue" Dowon nodded in agreement as her Mom gathered some dark blue suits.
Lauren decided to be alone on this night, she was on a rooftop of a building that she was familiar with. She has some beer and wine for herself. She's really thinking hard about why her life should be like this more on like why can't she just be best friend with her soon to be spouse, she knows friendship wouldn't break that easily. But, faith didn't let her be, she needs to marry that person and she has to because it was her only Man's wish. Lauren drink the beer in one sitting but ended up cursing how bad it taste. She opened the wine and drink it in the bottle while there are tears forming in her eyes.
"Noona" Lauren jumped a bit but relaxed when she saw her step-brother looking at her worriedly she wiped her tears
"What are you doing here? How did you know that I'm here?" She asked as she also motioned him to sit beside her, Dohyun handed his handkerchief before he sits beside her sister
"I was looking at you on the way home and you were sad, don't have any energy. When we got home I saw you left so I decided to follow you because I got worried" Lauren nodded
"How'd you get in here? she asked knowing the place is a bit far from home.
"I used my bicycle. I managed to come here by just using my bicycle" Lauren chuckled as Dohyun smiled "What's in your mind Noona?"
He asked curiously "Oh, you know adult things. Most likely how in the world would I start my life again especially I'm getting married to a person who I don't even know" Lauren said tears coming down from her eyes but wiping them quickly using Dohyun's handkerchief. Dohyun smiled sadly.
"You know, I thought I'll be here just because of the auditions and the survival show but I think Dad also bought me here because he has really a plan for me to get married to a person who I don't even know, start my new life here. I don't even know if I should be upset at them. I just want to live happily. I want to find my own love but they didn't even get the chance" Lauren said while sobbing.
Of course, she has mixed emotions. Even though it was her Dad she doesn't;t know if she should be mad or be disappointed in him.
"But I love my parents, I love Dad, I love Mom. I love them both, I still couldn't get over to the chance to explore new things, what love really feels like, I don't even know if that person will be goo, I don't know if I will really feel love towards that person, I want everything to be true, I really want someone who really wants to grow old with me, someone who's head over heels towards me. Someone who wants to have a family with me, Someone who will take care of me"
Dohyun hugged her tightly Lauren buried her face in Dohyun's shirt while still sobbing.
He realized what her sister is saying, she might be thinking that the person wouldn't love her, wouldn't take care of her like she's a Gem, Wouldn't protect her at all costs, and wouldn't have the spark at each other. All her sister wanted is to have someone who is true to her someone who's really sure that the person will love her nonstop and doesn't want to happen to her father and mother, she wants to have her own happy family. He understands her, It's not like she doesn't want to marry the person is just that her sister just wants some real love because he realized that her life was all about business.
"Nonna, whoever that man is I'm sure someday he will love you, he will learn to love you, learn to love each other, love needs patience, effort, and making each other comfortable. Both of you need to work for it, to know each other more. I know being in an Arranged Marriage is hard but I guess Uncle Ben is showing what your future will be like, she is your father maybe you're on the right path following that and because Mom is also there, also wants that you could trust them or it because they were the ones who choose it they know it will be good for yourself and for your future. You know Nonna, you just have to think that if this person hurt me I will surely need to call my little brother named Dohyun and he will surely kick that man ass off" Lauren couldn't help but giggle while Dohyun is laughing.
"but seriously Nonna, you just need to trust your parents for this don't do this because it was their wish but do and think that it was from you own good and future. It might be hard to think at first but once you get used to it and know that person really well you will just thank Uncle Ben and Mom" Dohyun rubbed her sister's back.
Lauren on the other couldn't help but be thankful that her brother understand her situation. He was good in his own words like her Mom, I mean their Mom. She pulled from the hug and looked at him "Where did you get that words? Are you like in love?"
Lauren pinch his cheeks cutely causing Dohyun to chuckle and shake his head "Mom told me that I should be good in words and thinking like you. Most especially, I'm following your footsteps you want someone who is really professional and good thinking. But, also she reminded me that I should not just use it for business I also need to use it if someone is struggling with something more probably has a lot of problems in life, wanting to end their life. I also learned that whatever you have or someone gave it you just need to be thankful for it even though it turned bad or good" Lauren smiled, Dohyun was a smart and kind boy. she remembered how her Mom teach her to utter a few good words when she was still a baby and now she managed to make someone grow in a kind and smart way.
"Thank you. It was a really big help. You know someday soon I will really need an employee like you" Dohyun smiled and nodded while Lauren drank the wine "But, Nonna when you get married. You wouldn't leave the country yet right?" Dohyun asked while Lauren stopped to drink "You'll stay right?"
Lauren felt that Dohyun was finding an older one to give him some attention because Daeun was busy being an idol and she couldn't look out for him and talk to him. She remembered her conversation with her Mom that Dohyun spends his time alone in his room because he needs to do his homework, he used to be alone in school because he's a quiet guy. he has a best friend but he was from Daegu, he wants someone who will be there for him more on like her sister because he was a family-oriented like Dowon.
Leslie also told that Dohyun was so happy that he knew that she has an older sister which is Lauren. Lauren hugged Dohyun, she also felt this to Daeun knowing her Mom and Dowon are busy sometimes because they are at work they don't have any company sometimes.
"I'm gonna be staying, I'll be there for you and Daeun whatever it takes. You both have me now. You don't have to worry" Dohyun hugged her tightly "Even though you will get married? Lauren smiled "I promise I will be here forever" Dohyun sighed and closed his eyes. Laurene was just hoping that her future husband will be close to her family and love her like her dad loved Leslie.
'I can live with this, I still have a family' Lauren said to her mind