Heaven

Chapter 8

Irene felt so scared. Scared of anything that wants her to ruin. Especially Lee Ian. She knew her husband wants to ruin her life. She knew how much Ian despised her and the only thing he wanted to do with Irene was to make sure she didn’t live a life that she wanted. Ian will never let her live happily.

However, she didn’t expect something from Jamie. After that day where Jamie accused Irene for hurting her, Ian beat her. Fortunately, she still alive because when Ian hit and punch her, the only thing that came through her mind was ‘die’. She felt so weak. Ian didn’t have mercy on her even though she kept begging and telling the truth.

“I-Ian, please! I didn’t do that.” Irene pleads, tears streaming down her face. But, as expected from Lee Ian, he didn’t buy what Irene said. What did Irene expected? Of course Ian will believe Jamie, his girlfriend, his sweetheart and the one that he loves.

Who’s Irene to Ian? 

She’s no one so she needs to stop dreaming that Ian will hear her words. She’s just someone who was marrying with Ian due to their parent’s wish. Both married out of love except for Irene who’s day by day learn to love her husband despite the fact that she’s no one compare to Jamie.

“You f*****g hurt Jamie and you need to pay for it.”

With that she was hit so hard, more harsh and more violent than the first time. Irene cried and then she thought that she can’t feel any pain anymore because she’s just so tired to beg. What’s the point if she beg? She’s tired to beg. Ian will not listen to her.

Irene close her eyes, letting out the tears and just took the hit. What she wanted was that the t*****e will end soon. She’s so tired anyway. She wants to sleep and quickly erased those painful memories and the next morning she woke up was she woke with a smile on her face. She wish for all of that to happen. But she’s also felt scared if she close her eyes and sleep, she will not wake up the next morning. She’s so scared. She still want to give her love for Ian. She still wants to love Ian even though Ian will never look at her like the way he looks at Jamie. But still she wants to prove that she deserves to love Ian and to be loved by Ian even its mean to fight Jamie.

“We are here.” Ian’s voice snapping Irene out from her thought. Irene took a deep breath before exhaling a slow ‘okay.’

Its already weekend and that day, as promised, they were holding a small ceremony to celebrate Ian who’s come back from Italy after years he was staying there. Since Ian still has some works to finish, he send Irene to his parents house in the morning before he drove to office.

Irene went out from the car but she was stop by a warm hand on her arm. She tilts her head back and look at Ian.

“Don’t tell anyone about us.” Ian warned. His voice stern and the gripped on Irene’s arm tightening. Irene frowns, trying to endure the pain. Its hurt so much because the place Ian were currently squeezed still had bruised from the t*****e she got because Jamie accused her for  trying to hurt her the other day.

“O-okay.” Irene managed to stutter out. Then, Ian release his grip and Irene quickly went out from the car. Sbe waits till Ian drove off.

‘Don’t tell anyone about us.’ Those words kept repeating through her mind. Of course Irene won’t tell anyone. She didn’t want her parents to know her problem. Shee don’t want master Lee to get mad with Ian. And obviously she didn’t want Ian to get mad with her even more. She tried her best, she tried anything that she can do just to make sure she won’t make Ian mad and hates her even more.

“If you didn’t remind me, I still won’t tell anyone about us.” Irene whispers. “Its because I love you and I don’t want you to go away from me.” She continues and without she notices, hot liquid streaming down her face.

****

Ian was too focused doing his works. It was supposed to be submitted by the next week and currently he almost done with it. He never thought that this job was easy and he also never thought that it will be this difficult. He just work with his father for a few weeks and his father already gave him such a huge task. He was assigned to handle a very big job that give a big amount of money for the company. His father entrusted him to do it despite how new he was with this kind of work. He didn’t want to disappoint his father and he works really hard to settle his job. So, that was why he spend his time that day (not going for lunch and even picks up a call from anyone) in his office, sitting in front of his laptop.

Since that day was Saturday and on Sunday he had promised Jamie to spend time together at the her apartment and the next day he needs to submit the proposal first. So, that was why he struggled to finish it by that day.

Speaking of struggling. Yes he really struggle to finish it until he missed the time. The clock already showed 6.30 PM and in just one hour and half the party for celebrating him will start.

The knock on the door still didn’t let him to tear his focused on his laptop screen. He just let out a small ‘come in’ to let the person in.

“Yahh Lee Ian!” A small yelled attract Ian’s attention. He looks up and found that it was Yohan that coming.

“What you want? I don’t have time to play.” Ian said as he drew his attention back to his work.

Yohan rolled his eyes in annoyance. Ian looks so arrogant that moment and Yohan had an urged to strangle his own friend.

“I don’t want to play with you either.” Yohan retorts.

“Then, leave.” Ian said. There you go, the very arrogant Lee Ian and Yohan really wanted to do some crime but he held himself.

“Yeah right I will leave after I tell you this.” Yohan said annoyingly. “In just one hour and half the dinner will start and the person that should be celebrated is not there. What a good dinner it is. That’s all thank you.” Yohan said in one breath. He was about to leave when Ian yells ‘wait!’

“What you said just now?”

Yohan sighed, feeling annoyed to repeat again.

“The dinner will start soon and I’m coming here to go with you, you asshole!” Yohan shorten his explanation.

“Ahhh I forgot about it!” Ian half yelled.

With that, he quickly packed his belonging, grabbed his phone and car key before dashed out from the room. Yohan only shook his head before following the raven haired male from behind.

****

Irene was wiping the kitchen counter as she’s already done cooking. Only a few things left like serving the meal on the dining table. The dinner will start at 8 so Irene thought that she will do it all when the dinner almost start.

Actually, it was supposed her mother to cook dinner but Irene insisted that she wants to do it since its for her husband.

“Done?” Her mother asked when she steps into the kitchen. With a brighter smile on her face, Irene answered ‘Yes’ while her hand busied on cleaning the counter. “Irene, sit here.” Her mother said, motioning for Irene to sit in front of her. Irene quickly wipe her hand before took her place in front of her mother.

“What is it mom?” Irene asked.

“How’s your life?” Her mother asked.

Irene smiled. She wasn’t sure if it was the sincere smile or she just fake it just for the sake of Ian and for her mother to believe that she’s fine living with Ian.

“I’m fine. Why?” Irene answered while let out a small chuckled. However, her expression change when her mother didn’t respond to him. Why? She starts to feel anxious.

“Glad to hear that.” After almost one minute of not responding anything, her mother finally replied. Irene let out a relieved sighed because just a few seconds ago she was feeling anxious of what will happen next. Did her mother already knew? She can’t imagine if her mother knew about it. She didn’t want to worry her. She didn’t want to burden anyone with her problem. She just want to endure it all alone because in the end no one can help her. She’s the one that should help herself.

Sure, she should help heeself to fight Ian. She should help herself to get away from her miserable life, she should run away from Ian but she didn’t do it. Irene can run away, far from everyone who dragged her into this but instead she fight the urge to do so because right that moment she was fighting for Ian’s love. Yes, she had fell in love with Ian. Maybe its too early but she tried to learn to love Ian the first time she confess that she will marry him. Despite the harsh treatment she got, she still not give up. Irene already gave all her life to Ian and she should take it. She regret nothing.

“I know you are hurting because you had to marry young master.” Her mother starts.

“I-its nothing mom. I love him and he loves me.” Irene said, faking a sweet smile. Its the half truth. Its true she loves Ian but it was a lied when she said Ian also loves her.

Irene tried to reassure her mother with her smile. Irene was worried again when her mother didn’t seem to convince with her reassuring statement.

“Are you lying to me Irene?” She asks, her face frowning, sending Irene a very caring look that every mother in the world would give.

“I’m not-”

Her words was on halt when she hears a familiar car engine. Its probably Ian, she thought.

“It must be Ian. I will open the door.” Irene said, standing up from her chair and gave her mother a reassuring smile before walking to the door.

She hears her mother was sighing. She didn’t mean to lie but she had to. Its the best she could do.

“Ian home?” Her mother-in-law asked as she was coming down from upstairs. Irene nods and she follows behind.

Once she’s already in front of the door, she took a deep breath. Her heart was racing and she had a feeling that something will happen. She just wasn’t sure either its the good or bad one.

She threw the door open and she was greet with Ian’s oh-not-so-fond expression but then he suddenly carved a wide smile. Irene knew why. Its because his mother behind her, waiting for Ian to come in as well.

Irene carved a smile as well but soon its faltered once her gaze met with the figure behind Ian. She widens her eyes, shocked plastered on her face when she saw that person. It was Kim Yohan, the man that bring the smiles on her face when she was drown in her sorrowful life.

“Finally, you are home.” Madam Lee said, bringing Irene back into reality.

“I’m sorry. There’s a lot of work at the office.” Ian apologized.

Irene didn’t expect it but Ian just suddenly came closer to her and kissed her cheek. Her face flushed red with that sudden action of Ian. Irene didn’t want to think about it but she saw the hurt expression painted on Yohan’s face.

Meanwhile at the back Madam Lee cooed at how much cute and sweet they were.

“Ohh who is this young man?” Madam Lee asked suddenly. Ian looks back only to remember again that Yohan was following him from office.

“This is my friend from Italy, Kim Yohan.” Ian introduced.

Yohan carved a small smile and bowed.

“Hello, I’m Kim Yohan. Its nice to know you Madam.” He said politely while showing his boxy smile.

“Just call me aunty.” Madam Lee reassured. Yohan nods before turning his gaze to Irene. Irene flinched a bit.

“And this is?” Yohan asked suddenly, pointing to Irene.

“Meet my wife, Kim Irene.” Ian introduced, pulling Irene close to him.

“N-nice to meet you Kim Yohan.” Irene smiled but her smile didn’t reach her eyes, the smiles that Yohan really fond of.

All of this was shocking to Irene. To know that Yohan is Ian’s friend was shocking to her.

“Nice to meet you too.” Yohan replied, his usual smile plastered on his face. 

Despite the bitterness that he felt right that moment, he still force himself to smile even though its hurt. His heart was ripped apart when Ian introduced Irene as his wife.

Once they were already inside of the mansion, Ian excuse himself to his bedroom as he wants to take a bath first while Madam Lee said that she wants to call for his husband who’s in his small office since a few hours ago.

Once both of them disappeared, suddenly the living room felt tense. Yohan already took his seat on the single couch while Irene, she didn’t know what to do. She suddenly felt uncomfortable near Yohan.

“Nice house.” Yohan comments, breaking the silence between them. Irene looks up. She was frowning while looking at Yohan. The blond didn’t look awkward at all but his action seemed like they were never met before. Yohan looks like it was their first time meeting with each other.

“It is.” Irene breath out. She fixed her gaze on her feet, not wanting to look at Yohan.

“So,”

“It was surprising to know that you are Ian’s friend.” Irene cuts off.

“Its surprising for me as well to know that you are his wife.” Yohan replied. “Do you know about Park Jamie?” Yohan asks suddenly. Irene nods slightly. “She’s everything to Ian. He loves her so much and-”

“Do you want a coffee?” Irene cuts off quickly. She knew where this conversation will lead to and she didn’t want to break in front of Yohan.

Yohan looks up and met with Irene’s slightly glassy eyes. He could see the frown on Irene’s face. He knew Irene was trying to hold herself.

“I will make a coffee for you then.” Irene said as she didn’t get any answer from Yohan.

When she wants to leave, suddenly she felt a warm hand on her wrist. She stares at the hand that was stopping her. She didn’t say anything. Both of them just kept silence and still with that position. Irene didn’t bother to pull her hand away from Yohan’s grasped.

“Tea. I want tea.” Yohan breaks the silence between them. Irene quickly recollects herself and nods while pull her hand away. She quickly leave but then she met with Ian who was standing not far away from where she was standing few moments ago. Ian was staring at her with his piercing gaze. Irene felt uneasy. Why Ian staring at her? He looks angry but Irene thought that she didn’t do anything that despise the latter.

Irene tear her gaze away from Ian and quickly leave to the kitchen.

****

The dinner went pretty well. The dinner only include the family and Ian’s best friend from Italy or Kim Yohan and Park Jamie to be precise.

During the dinner, Irene couldn’t eat properly. Sbe felt uncomfortable. Ian acts so romantically with her. There’s a moment where Ian ran his finger at the corner of Irene’s lips because there’s some sauce on it. Hir face flushed red. Everyone was staring at them. Their parents look at them with so much fondness but the two guests was glaring at them.

Yohan was gazing at her with the eyes that Irene couldn’t even understand. Its look like there’s a mix feeling. Meanwhile Jamie, she understand that look. She knew Jamie despised what she looks in front of her.

But she knew it was all acting. Ian just want to make their parents believe that they were living happily. She didn’t mind with their parents stare every-time Ian shows his affection even though she felt slight nervous. However, she mind about Yohan’s and Jamie’s gaze. 

Irene was sure Jamie was aware with Ian’s affection towards her. She’s sure that Jamie knew that Ian was acting but who wouldn't be jealous right? Ian, Jamie’s boyfriend anyway. Irene as well, it was a lie if she said that she didn’t feel jealous looking at how sweet Ian and Jamie could be. And she as Ian’s wife, obviously had the right to be jealous too. Yes sure she’s jealous.

But she wasn't sure with Yohan. Why the blond need to give that look to them? Was it hurt? Its not like her and Yohan have something between them. They just got to know each other last week, during their first official meeting instead of that unpredictable meeting at the groceries store. Sure, she was comfortable with Yohan. The latter treat her nicely. He always made Irene smiled every-time they were texting each other. It wasn’t surprise that Yohan was even more funny when they met again last week. Irene felt calm every-time Yohan text her. She felt at ease to have someone like Yohan and Irene treasured the latter as her best friend. But that moment, Irene wouldn’t lie that she did see the pain, anger and hurt in Yohan’s eyes. To think about it only made the pit of her stomach churned.

Despite all of that, she still treasured the moment she had with Ian. Even it just an acting just to assure both their parents that they were happy, but still, she appreciated it a lot and she always wish sometimes in the future it will be true.

After dinner, Ian, Irene, Jamie, Yohan and both Irene’s and Ian’s father sat in the living room. At first, Irene insisted to help clean the dishes but her mother and mother-in-law shook their head and pushed Irene out of the kitchen to join all of them in the living room.

Now, here she was, sitting beside Ian with two pairs of eyes staring straight to them. Of course Irene felt uncomfortable with those piercing gaze. She looks anywhere around the living room but Jamie and Yohan. The conversation they had didn't really registered in Irene's mind.

Irene felt suffocated in that room. She wants to get away. She wants to avoid those gazes. So, she quickly got up and bowed to them.

“I'm sorry. I need to do something.”

And leave the living room.

She brought her step to the mansion's garden. It was peaceful there. She looks up to the sky and took a deep breath. Everything that happened made her felt sick. There's too much things that happened.

“Its nice here.” A voice made Irene snaps her eyes open. She turned behind and saw Yohan was standing a few feet away while his eyes staring to the sky and a hint of smile on his handsome face. Irene didn't bother to reply and she turns her head away from Yohan and look up to the sky. The sky was beautiful, the stars shone along with the moon.

“I'm sorry about earlier. I shouldn't mention about Ja-”

“Its okay. You don't need to apologized.” Irene cuts off. She didn't want to hear it. As much as its hurt, Irene didn't want to blame Yohan.

Silence engulfing them. No one was talking after that. They just enjoyed the night scenery together.

“Do you happy with him?” Yohan's question broke the silence. At the same time, that question made her felt like her heart had stopped. She hates that kind of question. She wasn't sure how to answer it. What's the definition of happy? Irene question herself because she wasn't sure with the answer either.

“I'm happy with him.” Irene breaths out. She was glad that she didn't stutters.

“Tell me honestly Irene, do you happy with him?” Yohan asks again, but this time there's a hint of anger in his voice.

“I'm happy with him.” Irene repeats again.

“No! Don't lie to me! You are not happy with him!” Yohan shouts.

“What's wrong with you? I told you already, I'm happy with him! Stop asking me that question!” Irene half yelled. She was staring at Yohan with angered. She didn't have any intention to yell at Yohan but the latter was pressuring her.

“Why? Why you don't want me to ask you that question?” Yohan asks while trying to calm himself.

“Because I already answered your question!” Irene cried out.

“No!” Yohan said. His eyes staring deep into Irene's innocent brown eyes. “Its because you are not happy. You are suffering. You hates to lie that's why you want me to stop.” Yohan continues.

“Its none of your business.” Irene replied flatly. She turn her gaze away from Yohan. She clenched her fist tightly and was biting her lips, trying to hold back her tears. Yohan was right. She couldn't deny it.

“Its my business. I know Ian. I know Ian didn't give a f**k about you at all because he has Jamie. I know it all Irene. Stop lying!” Yohan's words definitely right. She hates to admit it but it hurts so much. To think again that Ian didn't give any f**k about her made the tears that she was holding suddenly streamed down her face.

She was crying. And its in front of Yohan, the person that she just knew but he acts like he knew everything about Irene. And Irene hates it. She hates at the facts that Yohan could read her.

“It's hurt so much.” Irene choke a sob.

Yohan drew closer to her.

“Don't t*****e yourself Irene. You deserve someone better.” Yohan said, turning Irene around to face her. Irene winced when Yohan grasped on her arm, the place where she had so much bruises. Yohan was shocked. He pulls up Irene's sleeves and he stares in horror at the sight in front of him. Bruises on Irene's arm.

“Was it Ian?” Yohan asks. Irene didn't answer. She didn't want to answer. “That bastard!” He gritted his teeth.

“Please don't.” Irene pleads, as he knew what Yohan wants to do. Yohan's eyes softened once Irene pleads him. Its replace with pitied. He stares at Irene who's face already wetted with tears. He couldn't stand to look at Irene like that. He wants to comfort the rosy haired female, he wants to hug her, he wants to kiss her and he wants to assure Irene that she deserve someone better.

He caressed Irene's cheek, wiping the tears away. Irene looks up, staring at Yohan with the trembling lips.

Yohan knew his feeling. He loves Irene so much and he didn't want to let Irene go. Its now or never, he thought and without thinking twice, Yohan leaned in and pressed his lips on Irene's soft one. He could feel that Irene froze but he didn't give up. He still kissed Irene even though the beautiful woman didn't kiss him back.

On the other hand, Irene was utterly shocked. She wants to push Yohan away but her mind and body didn't cooperate with each other.

She just let Yohan kissed her while she close her eyes.

Once Yohan pulls away. Irene opens her eyes and she was shocked at the figure behind Yohan.

Ian was standing there, arm crossed over his chest. His eyes darkened and its staring deep into Irene.

***

Note : This story will only have 25 to 27 chapter long.