Jiwon might be physically present, yet her thoughts begged to differ.

Attention adrift, Jiwon's weary eyes wandered, her mind void of any thought nor comprehension. She sunk further into the comfort of the sofa, its smooth and silky upholstery caressing her bare legs. Jiwon squeezed her hands between her thighs and wished she wore something else than her white cotton shorts.

Although more than wishing she'd done better with her clothing choice, Jiwon wished she wasn't here, dealing with nonsense. Especially not at this time of the year, when all she wanted was a peaceful dwelling in respect to a memory forbidden to be uttered in this household.

"What about you, Ms. Jiwon. Who are you going to pick for your bridesmaids?"

Hyunjoo's voice snapped Jiwon out of her haze and Jiwon discreetly turned to her mother. Based on the pensiveness resting on her mother's face, she wondered whether Mrs. Kim was actually waiting for an answer, or merely being critical with her possible choices.

Jiwon shifted her attention toward the wedding planner. It took her seconds before the question fully sunk in, and Jiwon almost wheezed in mock laughter. Almost. Instead, she plastered an uneven smile to suppress her reaction.

She couldn't tell which reason she found more humor in - having no female friends or that the first people who came into her mind were So Eun and Yoongi's assistant, Hyangmi. Then, Ms. Geum also crossed her mind.

But Jiwon didn't want any of Mrs. Kim's icy and puzzled gaze that was always reprimanding. Especially not now.

So, with the lack of anyone else actually alive and breathing to suggest, and the fact that this planning was never important to Jiwon, she shook her head and glanced sideways at Mrs. Kim.

"I think my mother would have a better suggestion with the lineup," Jiwon replied.

"Is that so?" Hyunjoo hesitated and Jiwon nodded. "Alright, I'll take note. But you still have time to make revisions with everything."

Mrs. Kim was the one communicating with the planner instead of Jiwon herself - an advantage of not having to deal with everything and a disadvantage of abrupt schedules at the same time. Jiwon could only imagine how many more times the planner would visit their abode just to talk about never-ending wedding shenanigans. She could only imagine how many more times she'd have to feign interest whenever they'd talk about the fancy setup decorations and lightings for the setting, about the food to be served during the reception, about the giveaways for the guests at the end of the event.

Yet no matter how hard she tried to distract herself with all these thoughts, with everything she didn't really want to think about, the emptiness in her heart defiantly plunged back and this time, with a greater impact.

No, she could not divert her attention away from it. Not even for a minute.

↠

The stigma associated with this current society was the fact that one single representative of a group often automatically qualified as the basis of judgment for the whole.

This generalization had long diminished the possibility of fairness in giving opinions, especially when the face of such criticisms were the prominent people who carried the infamous reputations, unmindful of the marks they notch.

While it was true that the reason behind this marriage arrangement for the Kims rooted from their ideals towards business relations and the opportunity for growth, perhaps the same should not be assumed for the Mins.

Jiwon hated to admit it, but lately, she found herself using lunch as an excuse for her daily drive to Yoongi's office. Her father wasn't a man who could be swayed by an argument, let alone one who would even give you an opportunity to drag him into one. Definitely not.

Kim Jungsoo was quick enough to swerve every discussion not of his liking before anyone could even open it up with him. This left Jiwon with no choice other than to carry on faking this relationship she had with Yoongi.

But she still so badly wanted to do something about it, which only pent up her frustrations.

Keeping her head low, Jiwon ambled past the reception counter. The employees in the lobby did a perfect job of drowning her presence as they all waited for the lift. She inhaled steadily and released a sharp breath. The doors opened and in went the people. Perhaps Jiwon hadn't noticed there were more of them that when she glanced up, the lift was already full.

Unbothered, Jiwon simply stood still and glanced at the other elevator dashboards, one of them just three flights away from reaching the ground floor.

"Wait, don't close the door!" hissed a voice from inside the lift, and Jiwon whipped her head at its direction. "Isn't she Mr. Min's girlfriend? Someone give her space."

Inquisitive gazes landed on Jiwon, someone repeatedly hit a button, the employees exchanged knowing looks. Before anyone could step out, Jiwon refusingly waved her hand with a small smile on her lips.

"It's fine, I can take the next one," she assured, and when she saw their hesitation, she added, "It's really fine." Jiwon sent them an assuring expression and twisted on her heel toward the lift next to them.

Fiddling on her wristwatch, she glanced at the time, and just then, a new pair of doors opened. She dropped her hands back to her sides, yet stood frozen on her feet, eyes slightly widened at the figure that stepped out of the lift.

Min Hyo's eyes reflected the same bewilderment before they flashed with cognition and a pleasant smile broke on her lips.

"Dear!" she exclaimed, extending her arms whilst she approached Jiwon with a cheek-to-cheek kiss.

Employees entering the lift bowed at Min Hyo, and then, the doors closed, leaving Jiwon behind once again.

"What brings you here?" Mrs. Min asked. "Are you and my son going out for lunch? I heard from Hyangmi that Yoongi's been going out of his office to eat."

Jiwon smiled sheepishly and Mrs. Min reached for her cheek, a certain fondness flickered through her gaze. The gesture akin to a mother over her treasured child, and perhaps too endearing for Jiwon.

Jiwon's heart clenched.

"Aigoo," cooed Mrs. Min. "You know, I've always dreamed of having a daughter. But look at you, you're now part of the family. It's truly a blessing!"

Something built and instantly broke inside Jiwon. Mrs. Min was being a little bit too much of everything kind and caring, throwing her off guard. Jiwon desperately hoisted the last of her vulnerability, as if to stop the wall from plummeting further to the bottom of her gut.

But how could she when the person in front of her reminded her of a certain someone who once showered her with the same affection? How, when today highlighted the painful memory Jiwon could never let go off.

Jiwon swallowed hard pushing the lump on her throat and the tears threatening to brim on her eyes. She breathed, remembering where she was.

"You know, forget about my son," Mrs. Min said with a look. "I've been meaning to spend time with my soon to be daughter-in-law, and I believe lunch out is the perfect opportunity."

Unable to find her voice, Jiwon sported a small smile and nodded. Thereafter, the two ladies headed for their destination.

Mrs. Min was a natural at leading conversations without the pressure on the other end to contribute; not one who'd pause and expect you to comment once she finished her part as if it were mandatory. Instead, she'd read the atmosphere first, analyzing whether you were more of the listener or the speaker type of a person, and she'd respect you for that.

"You seem really tired, dear," Mrs. Min began once the waiter had left with their orders. Her lips twitched into a frown. "Not that I can see it on your physique, but it's like you're... somewhere else. I couldn't help but notice how troubled you were back in the car."

Jiwon's eyes rounded in realization, a soft gasp escaped her lips and she dipped her head down. "I'm really sorry, Mrs. Min. I'll pay more attention from now on."

"Oh no, I wasn't implying anything," Mrs. Min flourished her hand to assure Jiwon. "I'm only worried about you. More so, you have been handling the planning by yourself. My son keeps leaving it you, doesn't he?"

"Only because he is busy," Jiwon meekly answered. "But it's alright, I understand."

"My son, really." Mrs. Min sighed exasperatedly. "He is so serious with work, he always skips on his meals. Now he is even neglecting his duties towards you."

Jiwon remained silent.

"This is not alright. He can't leave everything to you. Have you been getting enough sleep? You're even taking care of him and making sure he eats. I can't believe he's being irresponsible over this."

At this, Jiwon composed herself, deeming it was time for her to straighten up and get back to her senses. She took a deep breath in and sported a lively facade. If her distracted state went on and Mrs. Min continued blaming Yoongi, it might be prejudicial to their plans.

"It's actually my fault," said Jiwon, pursing her lips. "When he makes time, I tell him I prefer to handle most of it. I just ask input from him time to time. Yoongi likes what he is doing and I understand that. Frankly speaking, he has been giving me more than enough time. I've been dragging him with me a lot lately."

"What are you talking about?" Mrs. Min's eyes were once again bright. "Dear, you deserve all of his time."

Upon hearing those words and seeing the shift in Mrs. Min's tone, Jiwon was somehow assured she had the situation back in order. Shortly, their meal arrived and Jiwon listened with heightened attention this time.

"So, how did you and my son meet? It's so surprising." Mrs. Min dabbed a napkin on her lips.

"It's really... complicated. And well, chaotic," answered Jiwon, wrinkling her nose, and Mrs. Min chuckled.

"We had to send him to marriage meetings because he is so focused with work. We didn't have any other choice," said Mrs. Min.

Jiwon nodded. "I think it's because he really cares for what you and Mr. Min built. He wants to take care of it as much as he could."

"And we know that," Mrs. Min responded thoughtfully. "Which is why my husband would never let go of his position unless he was sure Yoongi would take care of himself despite the work."

Jiwon stared at her glass, remembering the time she had told Yoongi to figure this out on his own. Back at the hotel, it was a mere guess of hers, but now, Mrs. Min had confirmed it herself.

Mrs. Min continued, "But our son always tells us he will show us someone worthy when the time comes. But it didn't seem like he actually has time for that."

"Sounds just like him," commented Jiwon, her smile widening at the thought of Yoongi and his beloved workaholic habits.

"But we are glad that you two are going out, arrangement or not. We are more than ready to accept anyone into the family as long as our son loves the person."

Gratitude glowed in Mrs. Min's eyes, a sincere affection dwelled in her gaze, and a sharp sensation struck Jiwon's heart, leaving an awfully tangible sting right through it.

Jiwon could feel her facial muscles faltering as she forced her smile to stay on her lips. Her whole life might have been fabricated that not even the most abhorrent lies should make her flinch. But the guilt slithering on her spine down to her fingertips wounded her; a bitter sensation flooded her mouth.

"I must admit, it really surprised us. Who could have imagined?" mused Mrs. Min. "I suppose we have been blessed with a gem who really loves and cares for our son. And I know with you by his side, there is nothing more to worry about."

Jiwon gave up trying to hold her expression, prepared to dash off any opportunity given. Except that she was frozen on her seat. And she could barely feel anything but remorse towards herself.

"Thank you, Jiwon."