The 4th CRIME

Chapter 16

This was supposed to be one of the happiest moments of my life as I stood there looking at the newly purchased ring that I was going to give to Mee on her birthday.  I was going to propose to the love of my life. 

A woman who was kind, giving and dedicated. If she put her mind to something she made sure she followed through with it. She's intelligent, and was always the top student in her classes. She's stood behind me every step of the way and I've stood behind her all her life, supporting each other in everything that we do. 

I found her when she was broken, when she had gotten her heart shattered and I promised her something better. I promised her love and commitment and I knew I was going to follow through with it. 

I love Mee with all of my heart and with all of my being. She's the first person I would call if something happened to me and she's the first person to congratulate me when I achieve something. She loves me for me and I love her for her.

She's always wanted a family, a "happily ever after" life with one child and a beautiful home filled with love and joy. She deserved this ring, after everything she's been through. After everything she and I have been through together as a couple. 

She's been patient, loving and has proven more than once that she was what I wanted in a wife. 

Then why the hell am I standing here, looking down at the ring thinking about my wife but a lingering thought in the back of my head about a certain young girl. 

Paedophile. 

The word crawled up on me and I shuddered at the accusation. I hated that word and I never thought anyone would call me that. I never thought I would be the one to be called "paedophile". I was quick to call other men that but here I was, being called that and I hated it. 

It made me sound like I was sick. Like I was lusting after her for her age. Like I was a man who wanted one thing and one thing only. 

I despised it. 

I can't believe she thought I was that person. But the more I thought about it, the creeping realisation crept up to me and swallowed me whole, telling me about the kiss but telling me about it in a different way than it happened. 

But I know that when I had kissed her, I had anticipated it. I didn't think it was going to happen, I thought she was going to push me back and call her parents on me or something. But she didn't, instead she kissed me back. 

It was a simple move on her part. I was taking the lead because I could feel that she was unsure and inexperienced. I enjoyed it, and so did she because when I pulled back and looked down at her, she had turned a shade of red. 

She had quickly excused herself and left and I was left standing there, smiling like a fool and feeling like it was the best birthday present. Even when I got home and Mee had pulled all kinds of s****l moves in the bedroom, I enjoyed it, hell, God knows I enjoyed it. But I still thought that innocent kiss with Natalya was the best part of my day. 

Does that make me a paedophile? Probably...

"Mr Kim?" I lifted my head to look at the consultant and smiled at her as I nodded, giving her the ring to place inside the box and put it in the bag so that Mee wouldn't see. 

I took the bag from the lady, paying with a card for the expensive yet beautiful ring. I'd saved up for months for this, and here it was, with the least bit of excitement on my part. 

I hate myself for feeling this way. I wish I just felt so much more, for Mee, she deserved so much more. She didn't deserve what I was thinking and she didn't deserve what I was doing to her. She needs to be treated with the same level of respect she gives me. 

I look around the huge mall and look around the well-known brand stores. I watch my reflection as I walked past the stores and then something catches my eye. I stop and stare at the dress being displayed from inside the shop. 

I tilted my head, looking at the deep dark red material of the dress and I wonder. I wonder how the dress would look on a certain person, a certain person who's been on my mind for some time. 

I love the colour of red on a woman because it’s such a sensual and provoking colour. I know she must look good in any colour, but imagine red. It was made for her, red lips, with those beautiful eyes of hers, that skin tone, that sass and all of that beauty. 

A deadly combination. 

I cleared my throat, shaking my head as I looked around to make sure no one had heard my thoughts. I put my hands in my pockets as I stood up even straighter and strode out of the mall.