Chapter 22 - - The Lake and the Golden Ax, Part 2 (1/2)

&“Actually, how is it that you have never had your fortune read before in your life?&“ Lee JiHan asked. &“Most people usually go see a fortune teller at least once in their life, especially when things don't seem to be going right.&“

&“Because it seems like a waste of money.&“

Lee JiHan grew quiet at my statement. He stole a glance at me and drove on with a sad look on his face. Maybe I shouldn't have answered so honestly. A woman who was short on luck and money seemed to be a poor choice for the wife of his beloved brother. His reaction toward me seemed to have surpassed anger and evolved into sadness.

I was afraid his sadness would revert back to the insane version of Lee JiHan from a month ago and I clutched nervously at my seatbelt, but upon hearing this, JiHan answered in a completely normal way.

&“I hope the man will have as much money as my brother.&“

&“What?&“

&“Your real husband.&“ A man that has lots of money like my brother but will love you a lot more. I hope he shows up soon.&“

He said this like a prayer. His sudden pious manner scared me out of my wits and I started to tear up. What was he suddenly acting like he was actually hoping for my happiness? He would never wish for my happiness. But why did it sound like it was sincere?

Although I was still scared of him, I gripped the seat belt harder and got up the courage to speak.

&“No. JiKyung is enough for me. If I have him, I have no further expectations…&“

&“What do you look for in a guy? Physically speaking?&“

&“What?&“

&“Does he have to look similar to my brother?&“

In a very forward manner, JiHan started interrogating me about my ideal type of man.

&“A healthy tan, deep set eyes, a gentle face. Like...the Mediterranean Sea?&“ he began listing characteristics.

Like the Mediterranean Sea. The description reminded me of JiKyung.

If Lee JiKyung was the Mediterranean Sea then JiHan was the Okhotsk Sea, with floating ice, and fierce winds.

JiHan had a pale milky skin tone, with sharp eyes, and a no nonsense attitude about his face. I compared the two drastically different brothers in my head. For a moment, I felt like I was in a trance. I couldn't believe I could see such a face outside a television screen.

&“Tell me. What kind of face do you like?&“ JiHan demanded.

&“The Okhotsk Sea…&“ I answered obliviously, still in a daze from my imagination.

&“The Okhotsk Sea?&“ Lee JiHan turned to look at me upon hearing my strange answer. &“What does a face like the Okhotsk Sea look like?&“

&“Oh, uh, what I meant is…&“ Finding my sanity a bit too late, I wracked my brain to make sense of what I had said. Within that time, JiHan had slowed to a stop at a red light. He turned his head towards me. I was still beating around the bush until I could find an adequate answer.

&“What I meant was that, I would love JiKyung even if he didn't look like the Mediterrean Sea and was the complete opposite, like the Okhotsk Sea. I find what's inside is more important than what is on the outside.&“

&“That's a relief. I didn't feel confident that I could find a man that would have a lot of money and is good looking.&“

&“I told you, you don't have to go looking for him.&“ I opened my eyes wide to gain my composure. &“I've already found my husband. And no matter who shows up later in my life, my heart will not change. Because there is no man in this world that's better than JiKyung.&“

&“I'll make you change your mind.&“ JiHan announced confidently, as he looked straight into my eyes.

He didn't laugh or flinch, but was serious and steady. His eyes seemed to promise me that he would make sure that happened.

&“I…&“ For a moment, I was at a loss for words and breath.

In silence, I numbly watched Lee JiHan, but he checked for oncoming cars, then returned his attention to the front and started to drive again. Gradually, he pressed on the accelerator and passed the green light.

It might have been due to the increasing speed, but my heart was beating wildly. I clutched hard at the seat belt in front of my chest.

&“While I go looking for a good man, you just keep that lucky talisman safe. That way, you can meet a man better than my brother.&“

Oh...is that it? He's planning to make me change my mind by playing matchmaker? That's what he meant? Having unraveled the mystery at last, I felt like I could finally breathe freely. For some reason, however, it felt more like a sigh. My body deflated as all the energy seemed to be sucked out of me. Why do I feel disappointed? As I was wondering about this, my phone rang inside my purse. I grabbed the phone and checked to see who the caller was. Seeing that it was HeeKyung, a coworker from the theater, I answered the call.

&“Uh, HeeKyung, how are you?&“

[AhJung, we're in trouble!]

&“What? Why?&“

[Today's play, I don't think we can go on! It's two hours before show time and the lead actress shot one measly text message and is not answering! She's not coming today!]

&“What are you talking about? The lead actress is not coming? What about the show?&“

[That's what I'm saying! What do we do about our show? We will have a full audience because the college group is coming. If we have to refund all of them, we'll go broke!]

&“Just send up the understudy.&“

[AhJung, can't you come?]

&“What?&“

[You played this lead before. And you did the reruns also.]

&“That was two years ago!.&“

[This play was your first lead so you practiced your lines a million times. You could recite it in your sleep. And let's be truthful, you wanted to do it this year also. If it wasn't for that sponsor…]

It was not a pleasant topic so HeeKyung's words faded out. Just listening to it made me embarrassed so that I bit my lower lip and stared at the ground.

[Anyways, there isn't anyone that could fill the part better than you. No one. AhJung, save us. You can't go ditching at a time like this just because you're going to be the daughter-in-law of a rich family.]

HeeKyung's ongoing appeal gave me conflicting feelings. I wanted to help, but this was so sudden. My feelings of wanting to help battled with my lack of confidence, when HeeKyung let out a cry of desperation.

[AhhhJunng…..!]

Battle or not, I decided I needed to save them.