Her, His, & Roses

HER – Final Chapter: All You Do (1 of 2)

Valentine’s Day was a Monday and the start of my finals week so Hera and I decided to celebrate it on Saturday instead by having a 1-week trip to Paris and come back to Seoul before his brother’s graduation.

It was Friday and I’m done preparing my luggage for my trip tomorrow morning with Hera but before I leave the university, my friends and I decided to have a dinner before we all parted and meet next month for the start of our 4th year in college.

I just got out from the dorm and about to meet up my friends for dinner but I saw Zeus standing outside, waiting for me.

“This is an unexpected visitation from my brother-in-law.” smiling at him. “If you’re here to tell me to call off the engagement with Hera, then it’s a NO. If you’ll excuse, I’m meeting up my friends for dinner.” walked right past by him. “Our finals just ended so we’re going to celebrate before we go separate ways.”

“Stop right there!” Zeus said in a commanding tone. “I didn’t come here to be ignored by you.” walk towards my position. “Here.” handing me an envelope. “You’re a medical student so you’ll understand what’s in there.” smiling at me. “If you want to know the details, follow me, I’ll enlighten you, we could also have dinner together brother-in-law.” walked towards his car and get in at the backseat.

“What are you trying to pull off this time?” opened the envelope and took out the document inside. “DNA test result??” reading the details written. “Hera is Hebe’s mother?? Who is Hebe??” recollecting my memories of the familiar name.

I recalled Hera calling Kwon Yuri, Hebe, when she saw her alive after the fire incident in Goyang orphanage.

A lot of thoughts already going in my head when I noticed there’s another paper in the envelope, at first, I assumed it was just a copy but Zeus’s name was written on it instead.

Hebe’s name on it too, and their DNA matched too like Hera’s result, but what I don’t understand is how on earth did it happened?!!

A 99.9% matched DNA is only applicable to child’s parents and it’s not that high when compared to relatives.

I’m completely stunned with what I’ve just read but before I totally lost it, I walked up to Zeus’s car and knocked on his window.

“You think I’ll believe this preposterous document??!” sneering at him.

“Ride your own car, I don’t want you here in mine, we’re not that close to share a seat.” smiling at me. “Let’s go.” telling his driver to drive.

“Fine, let’s hear your lie, you piqued my interest anyway.” follow his car until we reached his chosen destination.

In the French restaurant, we were alone together at a VIP room and having a dinner while getting on each other’s nerves.

“Can we talk now?” done eating my dinner.

“Let me finish my dessert first before we talk.” savoring his dessert.

“I hope it block your throat.” watching him eat while crossing my arms and leaning my back on the chair.

“That’s not a good wish for your brother-in-law.” eating with gusto.

“Making up stories to your sister isn’t good either.” sneers at him.

“I’m a liar indeed.” nodding at me. “I always lie to everyone when Hera and I are having an affair 7 years ago, because we can’t get caught.” wiping his mouth after finishing his dessert.

“Ahh, you’ve been obsessed to your sister for 7 years.” leaning on the table. “I’m once a teenage boy too, had i*********e with girls in high school, but I never think of my older sister as a girl.”

“Then you know that girls bleed on their first time.” smiling at me. “I’m Hera’s first and she’s my first too, on the night of her 17th birthday. We were crazy for each other after we had the taste of being one. And we’ve been making love every day and night except for her time of the month.” having wild thoughts in his mind.

“Alright, p*****t, I’m not interested with your wild imagination!” slammed the round table between us.

“10 days before Christmas of ’69 when Hera told me that she’s pregnant with our child.” he continued. “We decided to eloped together so we’re saving up money before we runaway from our family. 9 days after New Year, our parents found out that Hera’s pregnant but they didn’t know that I’m the father. But I got caught by the end of the month, both Hera’s ladies and my men sold us out to our parents.”

“If that’s true, then parents must have done something about it.” not buying his story. “A family like yours won’t tarnish their reputation.”

“My parents almost killed me and they forced Hera to abort our baby. Hera and I supposed to runaway together on Valentines’ Day but we’re both in the hospital that day. I’m under treatment in a VIP room while she’s having an abortion in the operation room.” drinks water.

“Then the documents you showed me is a lie.” rubbing my forehead with my fingers. “Your story and the props you used are too lame.”

“If you don’t believe me and that evidence then asked the person who halted the operation and exiled Hera to Goyang for a year. I may not be trustworthy for you, but what do you think about the Head of the Nevaeh clan? … I’ll bring you to him right now if you want.” resting his chin at the back of his hands while leaning on the table.

“No need, he’s an old man, don’t involved him with your lousy game.” stand up. “You should be a writer instead of an engineer, I think it suits you better. We’re done here, right? Thanks for treating me to dinner and the story telling, you should’ve ended it with the words, ‘and they lived happily ever after’, that’s how fairy tales always end.” smiling at him. “Have a good evening, brother-in-law.” leaving the room first.

I could’ve said yes to his offer and asked the old man myself about the truth but it felt like I’m admitting defeat to him.

When I got in to my car, I saw the envelope he gave me at the passenger seat, so I did my own investigation and went to the hospital where he got the DNA results.

“Evening, I’m looking for Dr. Byun Taein, is he still in at this hour?” talking to the receptionist.

“Yes, sir, his office is at the left wing of the 2nd floor.” she said.

“Thank you.” climbing the stairs to the 2nd floor of the building. “Left wing.” going straight to the left side as I follow the signages hanging at the ceiling until I reached the nurse station. “Uhm … excuse me, is Dr. Byun Taein in his office right now?” asking one of the nurses.

“Yes sir, do you have an appointment with Dr. Byun Taein?” she asked.

“I’m not here for his services, I’m from Jong Hyun Medical Center, I have a package for him.” showing her the envelope.

“I see, give me a minute.” nurse giving Dr. Byun a phone call. “He said he’s from Jong Hyun Medical Center and have a package for you, should I let him in? … He’s a handsome young man probably on his early 20s.” glancing at me. “Alright … yes Dr. Byun … hahaha.” hanging up the phone. “Dr. Byun’s office is at the end of the hallway.” she said to me.

“Thanks.” walked towards the end of the hallway and knock on his door.

“Come in.” Dr. Byun said. “You really are a handsome young man.” laughed a bit. “Is that for me?” pointing at the envelope in my hand.

“Yes.” handing him the envelope.

“Are you the new messenger of JHMC?” glancing at me as he opens the envelope. “Huh? It’s DNA results.” frowning at me. “Who are you??”

“Someone who wants the truth. Did you really performed the DNA tests for the names written in those documents??” leaning on his table.

“Yes, these weren’t fabricated if that’s what you mean.” leaning his back on his chair. “My signature is authentic and the child’s name here is their biological daughter.”

“You know you’re going to lose your license if you fabricate documents, right?” doubting his words.

“Why would I fabricate these documents??” laughed at me. “The results here are real, who are you seriously??!” getting worked up.

“You’re a liar! He must’ve paid you to make me believe with his lie!!” walking out from his office.

I never want to believe anything that Zeus told me earlier but the more I think about how Hera treats Yuri, I couldn’t help but to consider the facts about their relationship.

Driving on the road while getting lost in deep thoughts almost made me have a car accident if I didn’t avoid the truck right in front of me just in time, I should’ve died at that critical moment.

I headed back home instead of the dorm that night because I don’t want to be bothered by anyone else.

After taking a half bath and brushing my teeth, I climbed up my bed and lay down to get some sleep and trying hard not to think about what happened earlier but there’s no helping it.

It’s already 7am but I haven’t slept a wink throughout the night, if not for my mother who knocked on my door and reminded me that I should be at the airport to meet Hera, I would’ve forgotten about our plan.

“Where’s your luggage??!” Mom looking at me worriedly. “My boy, are you alright? You don’t look like your usual self, Jun.”

“I’m fine, mom.” faking a smile for my mother not to worry. “I’m heading out now, bye dad.” glancing at my father on the couch.

“Mmm. Enjoy your Paris trip with your fiancée, son.” father smiling at me as he put down his newspaper. “Take care of Hera and your baby.”

“Of course, dad.” smiling back at him before I head out from the house. “Take care of Hera and our baby, but what about me?” mumbles.

I arrived at the airport just in time but I had to drag my feet to get to the VIP room where Hera is waiting for me.

“You’re late!” Hera frowning at me. “You were never late on our dates; did you have a party with your friends last night?”

I wished I just went with my friends last night and ignored her brother, but he got me.

Seeing her down on her knees as she cries breaks my heart the most, I knew I love her but at that moment I despised her.

She should’ve told me that it’s all lies but instead of denying it she confirmed that everything is true.

I wanted to get her up from the floor but I couldn’t bring myself to touch her, as I only felt disgust thinking about what she had done.

She used to break my heart before when she’s pushing me away before we dated, but this time the heart ache she given me, completely broke my heart into pieces after she tears me up.

“If I take it all out on you, I don’t know what I might do.” pulled my hand away from Hera. “Let’s not see each other for the time being.”

I’m furious but still I couldn’t say that I don’t want to see her ever again, and I just let out that frustration when I shut the door when I left her alone crying on her knees at the floor.

Because I don’t want my parents to worry, I went to Busan instead, pretending that I went with Hera to Paris.

After a week of stay in a hotel, I went back home with a made-up story for my parents and fortunately they were out to California.

Two days later, my parents came back home because of the phone call they made to Hera’s parents.

“Is it true the wedding has been postponed??!” Mom barged into my bedroom as soon as she gets home with Dad.

“Welcome home, mom.” coming at her to embrace. “I miss you mom.” hugging her tight. “Who told you about the wedding??”

“Hera’s mother.” patting my back. “Stop hugging me and start explaining.” pushing me away from her. “What’s happening, Jun??!”

“I thought they’re calling it off, since I made Hera down on her knees while crying in front of me.” stepping away from her.

“Huh?? What do you mean?! Did you hurt Hera physically??!” frowning at me. “You were never into violence, Jun, why would you hit a woman?!”

“I can’t do that, Mom.” laughed at her. “I’m the victim here and not her, she hides something important and I found it out from another person.” sits on my bed. “She was apologizing to me but I can’t forgive what she has done. You’re on my side, right mom?” tearing up.

“Of course, I’m on your side.” Mom embracing me in her arms. “I’m always on your side.” patting my back. “My poor baby, what did that woman do to you to make you cry like this??!”

“It hurts mom, I feel like I’m dying inside, I love her with all my heart but she can’t be honest with me. I told her everything about me but she won’t do the same. Why is she so selfish?! She’s so cruel, mom!” bursting in tears as I letting all my frustrations out. “It’s so unfair, I’m good to her but she’s a bad woman!”

After crying like a kid in my mother’s arms, I somehow felt relieved that I’ve got people in my side too, the first man and woman who really love me, my dad and my mom.

Hera and I supposed to be married on the 1st Friday of March, although it’s just a civil wedding and only our families and close friends were invited, it’s still a shame that it didn’t happen.

2 days after the 1st semester of my 4th year started, Uncle Cronus, came to visit me at the dorm.

Almost everyone in the university knows that he’s the CEO of Nevaeh Construction Company since it’s the best in the nation.

Aside from the fact that he’s the 3rd son of the legendary aeronautical engineer and businessman, Uranus Nevaeh, he’s one of the most famous civil engineers in the world.

“Uncle Cronus, what are you doing here?” calling his attention while being surrounded by other male students who’s idolizing him.

“Jun.” looking back at me. “Excuse me, I’m here for my future son-in-law.” making his way through the crowd. “Can you spare me a bit of your time, please?” glancing at me sincerely.

“Is it alright if we talk inside my dorm room?” taking him to my turf.

He followed me inside the dorm and met my dormmates inside the room, who are currently preparing to go to our first class.

I didn’t tell them to leave us but they moved out as fast as they can to give us space and be alone together.

“They’re going to be mad at you for bring me here.” Uncle Cronus laughed. “How are you doing, son?”

“Trying to be fine, Hera must have told you what happened that’s why you postponed the wedding.” holding onto my cup of tea.

“Do you want to call it off instead?” looking at me with his gentle eyes.

“Shouldn’t you be forcing me to marry your daughter since I got her pregnant? Like what you did with your 1st son-in-law.” confused with his calmness. “I don’t understand why you’re so calm right now.”

“I already released my rage on my 1st son for what he did so I’m all cool now. True, I forced my 1st son-in-law to marry my eldest because he has to take responsibility for his past actions, but your case is different. I can’t force you into marriage.” shaking his head.

“Then it’s alright for me not to take responsibility of your daughter and the child? I’m free of any charges and got nothing to do with your family, you’re giving me out just like that??” doubting his intentions.

“Yes, it’s all up to you.” nodding. “You’ve got the upper hand in this matter and no one in our family will tell you what to do, you can make your own choice. If you want the wedding off, it’s completely fine with us. You can do whatever you want, whether you cut off ties with our family and forget everything, you’re free to walk away.” he said calmly.

“Uncle Cronus, I love your daughter, I still do, but I can’t accept her past so easily, it’s a lot for me to take.” wiped away my tears immediately. “She should’ve honest with me from the start but she hid the truth from me. Now, I don’t know what to do anymore.”

“I understand son, it’s hard to accept the truth about her past, and I can’t blame you for that. I’ve experienced it before too, with Rhea.”

... To be continued ...