Landing in Your Inbox

55 - the bitter with the sweet

December 27, 2020  9:28 AM
Seri's Apartment

Seri woke up to silence, in and outside her room. The kitchen was empty and all utensils were in their proper places. The sofa cold and unseated and Seri thought it foolish but she still opened the guest room as though expecting someone was in there. Jeong-hyeok cleaned up so well it didn't seem like he ever set foot in her place for two days.

"Get ahold of yourself, Seri." Seri told herself when she closed the door to his room—no the guest room. 

Seri checked her phone as she boiled some eggs. Maybe he was still asleep, no that was not likely. He always woke up earlier than she did. Maybe he was having breakfast with his parents, yes that's right.

She crossed the study, stopping when the piano crossed her view. And again, against all thought and reason, her feet dragged her to the piano bench. It was a wonder how it accommodated another person who was by no means small. 

"Tch, he should have recorded when he played..." Her fingers stroked the ivory keys that were last touched by him. Then recalling the tunes of his song, she played the first few notes when the doorbell sounded.

Seri hadn't even been able to close the lid of the piano when she flew to the monitor door viewer. But the appearance of her mother had summarily snuffed out all her excitement. This was a visit she did not want but could no longer run away from.

Both did not breathe a word when Seri unlocked the door for her. Her mother just slipped inside so naturally like she was at home. Seri uttered the first word when she offered coffee.

But her mother did not pay attention to the steaming mug when Seri set it down. "I'm surprised you're home."

It was at the tip of Seri's tongue to lash at that remark. Did her mother expect she was out golfing with the whistleblower like the "family traitor" she was? But something prevented her from speaking words with such vitriol. It was like he could be listening near and she didn't want him to worry. 

"Yes, this is my home after all." Was Seri's choice response, still laced with a bit of bitterness that did not come from caffeine. "What brings you here?"

"Gu Seung-jun," Her mother began without so much glancing at her, "Are you still in contact with him?"

"What kind of question is that?" Seri did not have the energy to speak it with disdain as she normally would, she only sounded tired. 

"You should go to him." Her mother's eyes veered towards her, saying the words as though it was the easiest and most uncomplicated thing, As though they have been discussing this topic casually over meals. "Se-hyeong has been unable to find him. He must be in hiding. You could use your existing connection to advantage and negotiate with him to drop the case." 

"Mom, are you even hearing what you are saying?" Seri asked with an exasperated tone, "There is no existing connection. I meant what I said I won't be dealing with him anymore."

But whatever Seri said her mother only seemed to irritate the latter with a roll of her eyes. "For once this is your chance to be useful. Do you know what kind of impression you give? Negative press surrounds Queens Group while here you are, launching a new service in the new year." 

"I knew this has something about my company again." Seri sighed, "My company has nothing to do with this."

"Of course it does, everything you do is calculated to outshine your brothers! This is the prime opportunity to hit where it hurts with the corruption case running." Seri was speechless with how her mother hurled the words with such conviction and emotion, "If you want to prove me wrong, talk to Gu Seung-jun and convince him then I will reconsider."