"I heard from my butler that the hospital staff had to sedate Jaemin. What happened?"

It was nighttime and you were eating dinner inside the hotel room. Jae Sook wasn't able to meet you because of his busy schedule. Since you couldn't speak the language, you contented yourself admiring the city view instead of braving the streets in a cold night.

"I wasn't able to talk to him. A lot of things happened earlier but I'm sure your butler already filled you with everything. I'm sorry, I'll come back tomorrow."

"That's alright. I already saw this coming, it's not as easy as we thought. I will send my butler to you tomorrow morning, same time. Have a good night."

When the phone call ended, you sighed and stared at the dark horizon.

Pushing yourself up, you got a notebook from the drawer you found and a pen you accidentally packed inside your luggage. Talking to him tomorrow would surely jam your brain and writing a guide of what you would say was the best idea you could ever do.

You couldn't help but feel the same way as Lia. You hoped that a miracle would happen and everything would stop.

You busied yourself writing the things you wanted to say, reminders, advices, and a farewell note.

Because no matter how much you tried to hold on, this little time you had will end soon and you wouldn't see him again.

Before you knew it, morning came and you were facing the mirror, waiting for the butler to fetch you and drive you to the hospital. Your eyes were void of any emotions, dark circles were even two shades darker than usual. The notes you wrote all night were safely tucked in the pocket of your coat. There was also a letter that you wrote for him. There was no guarantee what would happen after you talk to him. After all, only he had the power to save himself, his health at least. You had to talk to him as soon as possible before the knowledge about his health would reach his grandfather. Once the Chairman intervened, there was no hope for you.

Soon enough, the butler arrived and you were now inside the car, watching the scenery outside. It was beautiful but you couldn't fully appreciate it for you felt like you were walking to your own death. Or rather walking to a situation that would kill a part of you. You would be able to steal a little of his time then go back to your normal life, the world where you truly belong, and you'd never see him again. A part of you didn't want that time to come.

What if I jump out of the car? You thought.

"We're here, young lady," the butler called out your attention. You removed the seatbelt and stepped out of the car, the cold breeze was colder than yesterday. You hugged yourself to keep yourself warm as you followed the butler's track.

"Are you ready?" the butler asked.

"Ready as I can be."

"I'll be outside the room. You can call me if you need anything."

"I will. Thank you so much."

"I'm just doing what I have to do."

"No, really. Thank you so much. This might be the last time I will see you, or him. Then I will go back and bury everything in my memories."

The butler gave you a sympathizing look. He had served the Na family for long to witness what kind of situation Jaemin had been. He also saw how his young master struggled just to see you, be with you, to the point that his father had to personally ask for yourself. But that's all he could do, sympathize.

You twisted the handle and pushed the door open. You peeked inside and found Jaemin leaning on a stack of pillow while reading a thick book. He looked up to see who it was, expecting a nurse but instead he saw you. It took him a few seconds to process that it was you he was looking at. You closed the door behind you and took small hesitant steps, looking everywhere but him.

"Hi," you said awkwardly.

"You... you're here..." You closed your eyes at the sound of his voice. It's been so long since you last heard it and the butterflies that you thought were long dead were there again. "I want to touch you."

You looked up in shock. You saw him extending his arms to you, his eyes misty. "What?"

"I wanted to know... if it's really you... please?"

"I'm real, dumbass," you said but walked towards him. When you were close enough, he pulled you into a hug. You knew he lost so much weight but it was heartbreaking to feel that he was almost skin and bones. You closed your eyes and hugged him back.

After wandering for so long, you finally came back home.

"I missed you, stupid," you said and tears automatically cascaded down your cheeks as your shoulders shook.

"I'm sorry," he whispered softly and buried his face on your neck. After a few moments, you pulled away. You were itching to hit him but decided not to.

"What have you done to yourself? If you desperately wanted to die then you should've called me! I would've done the honor of killing you myself. We're both having a hard time but please, don't neglect yourself like that again. Look at what your addiction to coffee did to you? Who the fucking hell drinks twelve cups of espresso a day?"

"Me."

"Don't talk unless I say so!"

"Sorry," he apologized and gave you an adorable cheeky smile.

"Please," you begged. "Take care of yourself. You have no idea how worried your father was. He practically begged me to come here and talk to you because you wouldn't follow anyone. I'm not sure if I can change your mind but... but please..." The words you wanted to say were stuck in your throat as you tried not to cry.

"So that's why you're here..." he said. "You didn't want to see me? You just wanted to tell me to take care of myself? You could've just texted me," he said in a low voice, almost a whisper.

"Now you became even more stupid! You think I would travel for miles in a country I don't know and entrust myself to a man that I haven't seen in almost a decade if I don't want to see you? Hell, I wanted to smack you right now for being the dumbest piece of shit! Your mother would've done the same if she's still here."

Jaemin didn't speak and bowed his head low. He kept disappointing his mother over and over again. You instantly felt guilty for bringing his mother up so you hugged him once again and spoke in a softer voice this time.

"I... I really miss you. More than you know. But... but I'm doing okay now. The first two weeks were miserable. I could barely eat and sleep and I would cry first thing in the morning. But I survived. And so should you," you said and pulled away from him. "I realized that there's more to life than this. You should realize that as well. Don't waste your precious time and harming yourself. You can grieve, but do not let yourself get consumed by sadness."

Jaemin nodded, not taking his eyes off of you. You dragged the chair beside his bed and held his hand while looking into his eyes. You wanted to remember him, etch his features in your mind.

"I talked to Lia yesterday," you said. "She's a nice girl, very sweet. She told me about her ex-girlfriend. She was in love too. I could see it in her eyes when she was talking about the girl yesterday. But you see... if... if you would just give it a thought, you can fall in love with Lia. She's not hard to like and she's concerned about you. Why don't you give it a try? It may not be as bad as you think?"

Jaemin shook his head. "I could never love someone as much as I love you."

His words pinched your heart but you fought against the urge of being selfish. You shook your head. "I love you, but, let's be honest. There's no way we'll be together again. It's impossible. There's no miracle that will come and save us from this mess."

You leaned towards him and pressed your forehead on his. He closed his eyes and savored the moment, time ticking, nearing its end.

"Just know that I love you so much and I will always be here for you. Our story may end but I will love you from afar."

"I'm not ready to be without you," he whispered and let himself crumble.

All the notes you have written was forgotten in your pocket. Never mind the script, you spoke what's inside your heart, the words you had been dying to say, for one last time.

"So am I. But this is where it ends. We both know where this will lead. I didn't regret anything with you. I'm so glad that I was able to meet you again after a long time."

"No, I'm supposed to be the one who's saying that," Jaemin said. "You made my life bearable. You got me out of that miserable life. You gave me something to look forward to every day. You changed my life for the better. So how do you expect me to accept this? I know... I know that I should've been prepared for this but fate wouldn't let us meet again if we're not meant to be."

"I was just an important character in your life, but not the endgame," you answered. "I was only there to teach you something. I am just another character in this chapter of your life. Life is preparing you to be the best for the person who's meant for you."

"There's no one for me but you."

Even by only saying those words, you felt as if your heart was being ripped apart, bleeding in excruciating pain.

"You are the chapter that I don't want to end."

Silence fell between the two of you as you embraced each other, hearts beating in sync. The silence was loud but so much had been said. You knew exactly what you wanted to say to each other without opening your mouths. Right now, being at peace in each others' arms were important.

Not until the door opened.

"Young lady, you have to go," the butler said and there was urgency in his voice. You hesitantly pulled away from Jaemin's arms and looked at the butler in confusion.

"What? Why?"

"The Chairman is coming. He shouldn't see you here. The Master has alarmed me about the situation and told me to take you away before he sees you."

That's right, the Chairman still didn't know about Jaemin's condition and Lia's father accidentally let the information slipped during one of their dinners. Now, he was storming to the hospital to see his grandson.

"Will I see you again?" Jaemin asked and didn't let go of your hand.

"I'm not sure but I have to go!" you said. It broke you to pull your hand away and ran after the butler but the door of his hospital room opened.

The Chairman walked inside, half a dozen of bodyguards walking alongside him, the stepmother walking behind him like an obedient lamb.

He was puzzled when he saw you, then the butler who instantly masked his panic into an impassive expression, and to his grandson who was weakly sitting on his bed.

"Who are you?" the Chairman asked. His voice was low and dangerous and his presence was intimidating.

"Chairman," the butler interrupted and bowed. "The Master has---"

"Why did Jae Sook not inform me about his son's condition?" the Chairman asked.

"He didn't want to add to any of your worries, Chairman."

The Chairman scoffed. "He can't even manage a young boy. This could negatively affect the upcoming wedding," he said then remembered that you were still there. "What's your name, young miss?"

You realized you had no escape and the butler couldn't cover up for you. "I'm (Name)."

"Surname?"

"(Last Name)"

"Are you perhaps related to the owner of the (Surname) Insurance Company? They are quite prominent in the Netherlands."

You shook your head. "No, I am not related to them."

"Then who are you?"

"She's none of your business," Jaemin spat while glaring at his grandfather. You were puzzled at his behavior because according to him, he would only always stay quiet and not cause any distress to his grandfather.

"Don't talk to your grandfather that way!" the stepmother meddled but the Chairman pushed her back behind him where she belonged, hidden in the shadows. "Did I tell you to speak?" he asked his wife and the stepmother shook her head and whimpered.

"Jaemin," you called his name and glared at him then you turned to his grandfather. "I'm sorry. I'm just his schoolmate. I visited him after I learned what happened." You couldn't meet the Chairman's eyes while speaking. You focused yourself to not tremble in fear.

"Oh, so you study in that pathetic excuse of a school," the Chairman said.

This time, you looked up and glared daggers at the old man. You felt insulted when he called your dream school pathetic.

"NeoU is one of the most prestigious universities in that country, Chairman. They produce globally competitive professionals and it's not impossible that you have employees working in your company that attended in that university."

The Chairman didn't say anything further about the university and targeted you in a different aspect instead. "Why are you hanging out with my grandson? Don't you know that he came from a wealthy family? To think that someone like you would have the guts to even step in this room and breathe the same air disgusts me. Are you perhaps, dating each other? If that's the case then I am telling you to leave my grandson alone!"

His words stung but you were more angry than hurt. You were about to say something when Jaemin ripped out the IV and grabbed the collar of his grandfather. His bodyguards were quick to push him away and you and the butler werr quick enough to catch Jaemin's weak body before it hit the ground.

"Insolent brat!" the Chairman bellowed. You helped Jaemin on his feet who was breathing heavily, trying to control his anger.

"I lost all the tiniest respect I have for you. All my life, I never understand why you are so awful to me when I did nothing wrong to you!"

The stepmother butt in once again. "I said don't talk to your grandfather---"

"Shut your mouth, homewrecker! Nobody wants to here your shit!"

You had never seen Jaemin so furious. Everyone's mouth was agape and it would be futile to try and stop him. But on the other hand, you thought it was good thing that he was fighting back instead of following blindly.

"I tried so hard to be the grandson you'll be proud of. Even if you're a horrible person, my mother taught me to respect you and understand you. And I fucking did! My mother did nothing wrong to you! We did nothing wrong to you! You despised us for what?"

"Your mother is a low-class woman!" the Chairman yelled and the veins on his neck and forehead were about to pop.

"And what about your second wife? Is she filthy rich? Is she a billionaire? She's not! Money can't buy dignity. She ruined this family and tried to steal what's meant for us! Our family didn't care about your wealth but you dragged us back in your hellhole and manipulated us!"

Jaemin was crying and his eyes were full of pain, all the unsaid words were spilling out. You couldn't help but cry for him. He kept quiet and obeyed, even when it was breaking him.

"I did everything I could to make you proud even though you hated me. I just wanted to feel your love as my grandfather. Yet all this time, all this fucking time, you never even treated me like a living person. You're selfish and horrible and I'm done with your bullshit."

The room was quiet and only Jaemin's painful sobs were heard. The butler helped him sit on his bed.

The Chairman was looking at his grandson in a different light. He looked at his weakened state, his pallid skin, cheekbones cutting on his smooth skin, his left hand bleeding from ripping off the IV. He watched as Jaemin leaned on your shoulder, completely exhausted. Despite the pain he was feeling, he looked peaceful knowing he was with you. Still, a part of the Chairman who was attached to the tradition did not accept it.

"Nothing will change. The wedding will push through."

Jaemin looked helpless. He couldn't find the voice to speak anymore.

Luckily, someone did it for him.

"I don't think so."

From behind, Na Jae Sook emerged. He was holding a briefcase followed by a dozen bodyguards clad in black. He faced his father, the Chairman, who was now red in anger.

"What nonsense are you sputtering? Look at your son! He's a mess! And the company is in the brink of bankruptcy because of your incompetence! Only the Chois can save it from falling and you're going to let it slip away?"

Na Jae Sook smirked, a dangerous one. You had never seen him look so menacing. "And who said that we need the Chois? And aren't you tired of blaming me for my so-called incompetence when you're truly the reason why it happened in the first place? Imagine being so stupid that you almost destroyed the company that our forefathers built for us."

"What are you talking about?"

Jae Sook handed the briefcase to the nearest bodyguard and motioned him to open it. "Oh father! You are so focused on keeping the tradition but failed to notice that the world is changing. People like you who make himself appear to know everything are idiots in disguise."

"Na Jae Sook!"

"Sorry, did I hit a nerve?" Jae Sook took an envelope from the briefcase and waved it in front of his father's face. "This is the financial statements of the company for the past ten years and guess what I just discovered? The accountant manipulated the data to look as if the company was doing well despite the great losses it incurred so the investors will not pull out their shares."

"What do you mean?"

"I salute you, Chairman, for keeping up that act. Do you think I will not know that ten years ago, you were scammed by the mafia disguised as an insurance company and persuaded you to invest a hundred million dollars? That investment never bore a fruit and instead, they took the money and run away. You never told that to anybody because you were afraid of being kicked out as the CEO. I know how much you love power. Then, you forced the accountant to cover up for your own idiocy."

The room was quiet and the Chairman was shrinking in shame.

"That's why you forced me to come back. Because you can't handle the embarrassment of your own failure and so you could pass the blame on me because I didn't marry into a wealthy family. And now you're doing the same thing to my son. Who says only the Chois can save us?"

"I don't care what you're trying to do but nothing will undo what happened! I said what I said! Only the Chois---"

"That's where you're wrong again, Chairman. You take me for an idiot, but you're much more an idiot that I am. You must have forgotten that I survived without your connections and resources. You were so consumed to your own beliefs that you were not smart enough to think of an alternative solution."

"What is you solution then if you're so smart?" the Chairman challenged.

"It's easy. While you're prattling about nonsense things, I was digging dirt about our competitors. What's the best advantage if not using your opponent's weakness against them? I called off Jaemin and Lia's engagement earlier. I bet you didn't know that the current CEO gambled all the profit last year in Las Vegas and the company was falling apart. If anything, it's the Chois that need us. You're not doing enough research before securing business deals that's why you got scammed."

You swore you wanted to give Jaemin's father a standing ovation. He was not the same person you knew. He grew fangs and learned to bite back. You remembered the last thing that the butler told you when you're at the car.

The Na family isn't someone you wouldn't want as an enemy. Specifically, not Na Jae Sook, an expert in manipulation, persuasion, and hounding.

"From now on, I am forbidding you to interfere with my family and the business. One word and I will let you get impeached and removed from the board of directors. You are to leave the manor together with your wife and her children."

His stepmother was shaking in anger. "How dare you kick us out of our home!"

"Home? What home? You're a homewrecker, have you forgotten?" Jae Sook asked sarcastically and his stepmother was so red then she turned to the Chairman. "Let one of my children takeover the business. My eldest son, I'm sure he'll do a better job than him. Please!"

The Chairman was silent.

"Oh, didn't my father tell you? None of your children owns a share in that company so even if they cry a river of blood, they can never take me down."

The stepmother looked at the Chairman in disbelief before storming out of the hospital room, feeling betrayed.

"Where did you learn all these from? You have become unprincipled and immoral."

"Call me what you want, but it worked. You raised a monster, father."

That day, the Chairman and his wife along with her kids, left the manor. Jaemin was still confined and he took a pretty bad scolding from the nurses for ripping his IV twice. You left the hospital room and let the father and son talk. Before you left, you saw Jaemin hugging his father tightly.

"A lot of things happened today. Do you want me to take you back to the hotel?" the butler offered. "I'm sure that the young master wouldn't wreak havoc this time."

You nodded and followed him to the elevator, too exhausted to talk.

"I'm so happy for them," the butler said out of the blue. You looked at him from the rearview mirror. "They both went through a lot and finally, they had the chance to reconcile once again."

You smiled weakly. "Me too..."

You closed your eyes and let sleep take over you. Your wish had been heard. A miracle happened.