Hi 👋, My name is Mohammad, and I’m reaching out in a moment of desperate need. I’m a father of three young children living in Gaza, and we are caught in the midst of a catastrophic war. Our home is no longer a safe haven, and the future here seems increasingly uncertain. 💔
I’ve launched a fundraising campaign with the goal of raising $40,000 to relocate my family to a safer place where my children can grow up in peace and have a chance at a brighter future.
Unfortunately, my previous fundraising efforts were abruptly halted when my account was terminated without explanation. However, I remain determined to keep fighting for my family’s safety and well-being. 🫶
If you could take a moment to read our story, consider donating, or simply share our campaign with others, it would make an incredible difference. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to safety and a new beginning. 🙏
Thank you for your time, compassion, and support. ❤️🩹
https://gofund.me/fd1faea2 🔗
guys everybody please help this man as you can see his in desperate need. If you are human then you would understand what the people in Gaza are going through right now and not only them also people in Lebanon, Congo etc. so please help this man and his family and many others who are in need of urgent care. 🩷
Summary: To ensure his position in the company, Jake proposed to you in front of his dad. What started of as a fake marriage, slowly turns into real romance with a bit of drama.
Contents warning: Cursing, mention of 'kys', implied sh, may or may not make you puke due to the fluff, suggestive, mention of third party, a tiny bit of angst (like as big as one virus)
Word Count: 16k
A/n: Ngl, this is the first time I wrote so much for a fanfic. Even I was surprised I managed to go passed 10k lmao. Anyway, I hope you enjoy reading it ^^
There you go - a sentence that Jake has been waiting to hear from his dad.
Jake was born with a golden spoon in his mouth. Despite being wealthy, he chose to live just like the others. He would prefer to do a lot of things by himself. He finds satisfaction in it.
Sim family is known to have one of the largest businesses in Asia and the examples for others. So, when Jake has finally reached 'the age', it's natural to expect him to become the next successor.
Jake has an older brother. However, he chose to venture into different field, leaving Jake as his dad's only hope to take over the company.
But, in order for his dad to grant the status to Jake, he has to get married. It was his dad's main condition.
His dad had always been living with the principle of behind every successful man, there is his wife. According to his dad, being married motivates him to be better both personally and career-wise so that he can provide more for his wife and his children.
On the contrary, Jake believes in independency. No, it's not that he hates love or relationship. In fact, he was in a relationship back then. Unfortunately, things happened, and they drifted away from each other. Nobody really knows about it and Jake wished to keep it that way.
"Is it really necessary, dad," he asked his dad.
"Of course. Getting married and loving your wife with all your heart will help you in gaining people's trust better - rather than be single. You will appear more... capable and trustworthy."
"But-"
Just as Jake was about to say something, his dad cut him off by placing a file on the coffee table between both of them.
"This is Kim's eldest daughter. I heard that she graduated from fashion designing with good result. Personally, I think that she is a perfect woman to be your wife."
Jake looks at the file and at his dad with a raised brow.
"Really? A blind date?"
Mr. Sim just shrugs his shoulder. "Well, it's not like you will ever introduce anyone to me, right?"
Jake leans his back against the couch and let out a deep sigh. God, one thing he doesn't like is going on a blind date which is arranged by others without his consent.
He don't like it when people tell him to do stuff that he doesn't want to do. It makes him feel like he is being force to do things. Last thing he wants is to hurt an innocent woman.
As Jake is in deep thought, there's a knock coming from outside Mr. Sim's office.
"Come in," his dad said.
You turn the knob and enter the room with a tray of coffee cups in your hand. You bow your head slightly at both Jake and Mr. Sim before walking towards the table and place the cups on it.
"Is there anything else I can do for you, Mr. Sim?"
Jake's dad shakes his head at you. "That's all for now. Thank you, Ms. Y/LN."
You bow your head for the second time before walking away from both of them. But just as you were about to turn the knob, Jake calls out your name.
"Ms. Y/LN."
You turn your head to him.
"Yes?"
Jake flashes a small smile to you.
"Can you come here for a while, please?"
Your head tilts slightly but still turning your heels around and walk towards Jake.
"Yes, Mr. Sim. May I help you?"
A few seconds passed by before Jake looks up at you with a wider smile. He then turns to his dad.
"Dad, actually, I'm planning to marry Ms. Y/LN."
"WHAT?!"
Both you and his dad said in unison. As if on cue, both of you also look at each other with eyes widened.
"I-"
"Y/n..."
Jake cut you off by calling your name softly, making you turn to him with the same widened eyes.
"I'm sorry I had to propose to you this way when I already had plan to surprised you. I promise I'll make it up to you, okay."
You and Jake are not really strangers. Both of you went to the same high school back then and reunited when you first entered the company as Mr. Sim's - his dad's - secretary.
The difference is that both of you barely talk to each other. You only know each other's name, and that's it. So, when Jake suddenly confessed to his dad that he wants to marry you, it makes you dumbstruck.
"I never knew you and Jake are dating, Ms. Y/LN."
You turn your head to Mr. Sim and open your mouth to say something. But nothing seems to come out.
"I asked her to keep it private since it had only been a few months since we got together."
Jake told another lie. You turn to Jake to say something. But, before you can do anything, he reaches out to hold your hand and flashing a soft smile to you.
"But every time I'm with her, I felt nothing but love, warmth, and comfort. That's how I know she's the one for me."
God, if you didn't know any better, you would have said that he's telling the truth. Anyone would coo at how adorable Jake is despite he is telling a lie. That is how good all of this is.
To tell the truth, you have always found Jake attractive just like other girls. Although both of you have never talk to one another, you did observe him from time to time.
Just like any other schools, there will always be at least a heartthrob - and Jake happened to be one of it during high school along with his other two friends.
As much as you would like to mind your own business, you can't help your eyes to look at him from afar. Every time he's around his friends, he will always have that big happy smile that can melt any hearts around him.
You find it cute and adorable at the same time. But that was it. He was only your eye candy back in high school.
Yet, here you are, in his car as his out-of-nowhere fiancé.
After he - somehow - proposed to you in front of his dad, he asked for Mr. Sim's permission to bring you out for the day, saying that he wants to make it up to you.
Of course, being the loving understanding dad, he allowed it without knowing that it was all just a scam.
"Where are we going, Mr. Sim?" You asked.
"Somewhere other than the office." Jake gave a simple answer.
Just like that, both of you are back in the silence. You turn your head to look out the window as Jake continue to focus on his driving. As much you want to say something, you feel like it's best to give each other some space.
You don't know how long have passed by but the way the cityscape suddenly changed into beach view proved to you that Jake has brought you somewhere far. Probably an hour or two.
Jake slows down the speed as the car reaching to its destination. He pulled the hand brake and turn the gear into 'P'. He let out a deep sigh before unbuckling his seatbelt and open the door.
You watch as Jake exits the car and walk towards the sandy area. After a while, you decide to follow him. You open the door and walk towards the man, standing beside him.
You were about to speak when suddenly Jake cut you off.
"I'm sorry."
You just keep quiet, allowing Jake to continue his words.
"I'm sorry I pulled you into this mess. I dislike the idea of anyone forcing me to date, let alone get married."
"Then, why didn't you say so?"
Jake bites his lower lips. "I can't. I know I'm the only heir that my dad has left. If I didn't take over, God knows what will happen to the company."
You turn towards Jake. "Then, why me? Am I not being forced to get married with you?"
Jake's eyes soften at your words. You're right. He did force you to do something you don't want to when he himself hate when someone did that to him.
What a hypocrite.
"Y/n. I know we don't really know each other that much. But I need your help. Just this once. After I become the CEO, we will discuss the next step. Is that okay?"
You look into Jake's eyes. This is the first time in your whole life have you seen him looking so desperate. His demeanour used to be confident. It's almost as if he got everything under control.
But today, today is different. He looks like someone who is willing to do anything just so he could keep his title. Just the thought of it makes you scoff lightly.
"Okay, I will help you just this once. You owe me big time, Mr. Sim."
You held out your hand for Jake to shake.
"You won't be disappointed, Ms. Y/L/N."
Flashback:
Finally, lunch hour, students' favourite time of the day. As usual, Jake would spend his time with his best friends - Jay and Sunghoon.
"Should we go on a trip during summer?" Sunghoon asked.
"What about Jeju?"
"We've been there a lot of times, Jay," Jake said.
Jay poked his rice using the spoon as a pout formed on his face.
"But I like it there. The view is beautiful."
Jake and Sunghoon looked at each other before laughing together.
"You're so cute when you're sulking," the youngest among them teased.
As Jay and Sunghoon were having their normal banters, Jake's eyes fell upon a girl. A girl in her ponytail, eating her food with her friends around her. From time to time, she would engage with the conversation as well by joining them or simply laughed at her friend's joke.
Jake saw her for the first time when he was walking out the infirmary. He was not feeling well that day, so he decided to take a rest.
Coincidentally, she was walking towards the infirmary as well. She stopped on her track when she saw him.
"Are you okay," she asked.
Jake nodded his head at her. "I'm good."
She smiled softly at him. "That's a relief. Take a break when you need it. Don't push yourself too much. You deserve some break."
She walked away after conveying her message, leaving Jake at the hallway.
Ever since then, he would see her almost everywhere at school. Wherever he went to, she would be there as well. It was as if fate was trying to match them together.
"You're staring again," Jay said as he nudged Jake's shoulder.
"You should really just talk to her at this point."
Jake shook his head lightly. "No, I like it like this. It's better like this."
Sunghoon let out a sigh and Jay shrugged his shoulder before both of them continue eating their foods.
Jay, Sunghoon, and Jake had always been together ever since they were little. Yet, ever since Jake met her, it was as if a new side of Jake appeared right before their eyes. Surprisingly, it only appeared whenever the girl was around. Whenever you were around.
Jake claimed that it was him admiring someone. But to Jay and Sunghoon, it was definitely more than that.
—
“I never knew this day would come.”
You just smile at your dad’s words as you continue to eat your food with Jake beside you.
Two weeks after the so-called-proposal that Jake pulled in front of his dad, both of you decided to visit your parents to lay out the message. Well, technically you told Jake to meet your parents. If they approved of him, then you’re good to go.
“Thank you, uncle and auntie, for allowing me inside this beautiful house of yours.”
Your mom let out a soft laugh. “Our house is small compared to yours. It is our honour that you are willing to come to our house instead.”
True to your mom’s words, you were not born with golden spoon. Compared to Jake’s family, yours are more of in the middle class. Your family didn’t gain as much as Sim’s family, but it's already more than enough.
“How do you find the foods, Jake?”
Jake looks up to your mom and flashes her a happy grin.
So cute, just like a kid, you thought to yourself.
“It’s so delicious. It’s true what they said. No foods can ever be compared to a mother’s cooking.”
Everyone including you laugh at his words. You missed being in this environment. So warm, so full of love and affections. No, you don’t have bad blood with your family. You were just rarely home due to your work.
But now that you’re here, you aren’t going to miss a chance to spend more time with your family as much as you can.
As the night came, your dad and Jake decided to spend their time together at the backyard of your house, giving you a chance to spend time with your mom.
Your dad sips on the coffee that he made earlier.
“Why did you choose Y/n?”
Jake turns his head to look at the elder man beside him. With a small smile on his face, Jake lifts his head to the sky.
“Y/n is a nice woman. She cares for others a lot. She would do anything to make everyone around her happy. She will give her 100% towards something that matters to her.”
Jake lets out a soft sigh, almost dreamily.
“Before I know it, I want to be with her. I want to be there for her. I want to do things for her. I want to care for her. I want to protect her.”
Jake swallows his saliva, trying to maintain his composure in front of his soon-to-be father-in-law.
“So, you want to marry my daughter just because she is nice?”
Your dad’s question makes Jake look at him, who is already looking at Jake. Jake smile to himself before shaking his head.
“No, I did not ask for her hand simply because she is nice. I want to marry her because she makes me better as a human being. Everything seems smooth every time we are together. Before I know it, I can’t imagine myself with anyone but her. She is the only woman I want to have a future with. No one else, but y/n.”
Your dad considered his words carefully. He then put his hand on Jake’s shoulder.
“Y/n… she is our only child. She had always done things by herself. There are times where we would feel worried for her. Well, up until now, we still are. So, when she brought you back home, her mom and I felt better. At least we know that she won’t be alone forever.”
Jake just smiles at your dad’s words. Oh, how would he feel if he knew our marriage is only for a while, he thought.
“Thank you, Jake, for looking after our angel. She is everything to us. I hope you feel the same as well.”
Jake just nods his head at your dad’s words before both of them drink the coffee from their own cup.
Making you as his everything; will Jake be able to do that?
Flashback:
Jake had lost count on how many drinks he had tonight. As he tried to reach for another one, Jay hit his hand, making him groaned in pain.
“What the fuck is wrong with you, Jake? You looked like a mess.”
Jake just scoffed at Jay’s words. He looked up at his friends and gritted his teeth.
“Easy for you to say. You didn’t go through what I went through. It hurts. It fucking hurts.”
Sunghoon sigh for the nth times for the night. Both him and Jay had been trying to understand Jake's situation. But the only thing Jake revealed was that he broke up with his girlfriend. That was it. He didn’t say how nor why. No matter how many times they asked him, he kept his mouth shut.
“I really love her, guys. I don’t think I can live without her.”
Jay rubbed his forehead, trying to calm himself down from exploding to the drunken man. The words “he’s my friend” keep on chanting in his head. He was about to open his mouth, but Sunghoon cut him off.
“Die then.”
Jake looked up at his friend’s words. His eyes widened, surprised at the sudden reaction.
“The fuck did you just say to me?!”
Sunghoon shrugged his shoulder. “You said you can’t live without her. So, go on and die. It’s easy.”
Jake’s eyes that were filled with tears turned into anger. He stood up from his seat and grabbed Sunghoon’s collar, making everyone including Jay surprised.
“You think you are better than me?!”
Sunghoon held Jake’s hand with his before smirking at him.
“I am. I’m not the drunk one here.”
Jake’s hand turned into a fist. God, he hated Sunghoon at this moment. He fucking hates the guy in front of him. He was about to punch Sunghoon, but Jay managed to stop it by pushing his fist away and broke off his grip from Sunghoon’s collar.
“Enough! Both of you, out!”
They stared at each other angrily before walking out of the premise with Jay following behind.
Minutes have passed since they were sitting outside of a convenience store. Not long after, Jay walked out of the store with canned coffees and a water bottle in his hands. He gave one of the coffees to Sunghoon and the water bottle to Jake.
The three of them continued to stay in silence before Jake decided to break it first.
“Sorry. I shouldn’t lash out to you.”
Sunghoon pursued his lips. “I’m sorry too. It was immature of me trying to stir you up.”
Jay just looked at both of his friends with a smile. This is the friendship that the three always had. Countless of fights, countless of apologies. It’s hard sometimes, but this friendship is important to them, and they knew they need each other.
“I just… I don’t know if I can love other person the way I love her.”
Jay reached out to pat his friend’s back.
“You will bro. You will. Trust me.”
Jake just nodded his head, too tired to even say anything at this point. All he knew was that he loved his now ex-girlfriend with all his heart. He gave her everything that he could give. Time, presents, everything.
Yet, it still ended this way. Four years of relationship, ended just like that. Jake really thought that she would be his forever. Well, he thought wrong. Maybe it’s time for him to focus on himself. He had been focusing on others for too long. He deserved his own peaceful time.
“Ah, right. We heard that y/n got into your dad’s company as his secretary.”
Sunghoon’s words interrupted Jake from his own thoughts. Jake’s brows frowned at the sudden mention of your name.
“Yeah, why?”
Jay who was silent suddenly sat up straight on his chair and looked at Jake.
“Really?! Y/n is working with your dad? The y/n?”
Jake nodded his head slowly.
“Yeah. It’s almost a month now if I’m not mistaken.”
Jay let out a relief sigh before patting Jake’s shoulder.
“That’s nice. You get to work with the one you admired before.”
Right. You were the woman that he admired up until the end of high school. After both of you graduated, you and Jake parted ways, following your own dream. It’s not like both of you had special connections anyway. The interactions that you had with him were not enough for both of you to be considered as a friend.
But now that Jay and Sunghoon mentioned about it, Jake was reminded of the first day you stepped into the company.
He would never admit in front of his friends that he actually got excited when he saw you walking into the office. It had been so long since he last saw you.
You looked more mature than when you were in high school. The outfit that you had on was professional, yet it made you look beautiful. As beautiful as Jake remembered.
You might slowly lose your teenage features, but you still managed to turn Jake’s head effortlessly – just like when both of you were in high school.
—
Three months after the proposal and a day after the wedding ceremony, you found yourself entering an unfamiliar house – Jake’s house. It's official. You are now Mrs. Sim Y/n.
You look around the living room. You did not expect his house to look neat and cozy at the same time. With all the furniture being white in colour, it made the interior looks more spacious than it already is.
You never thought of him as a guy who would pay much attention to the interior. He looked like the type of guy that might hire any designer and let them do their magic.
"Having fun?"
You whip your head to the voice behind you. There he is, standing in all his glory, your - now - husband.
"You have good eyes."
Your compliment makes Jake's lips curl up into a smile. A smile that you used to see since high school.
"Thanks."
He walks towards you. Before you could do anything, his hand reaches for yours and he bring it up to his face, enough to look at the ring on your finger.
He looks at how it sparkles with a small smile before kissing it softly, a small gasp escapes your lips but not enough to reach Jake's ears.
“Thank you for marrying me, y/n,” he said sincerely.
Your heart soften at his words. Unconsciously, you rub his hand that is holding yours since earlier.
“It’s nothing. Besides, it will only be for a while, right?”
Jake just hums softly at your words. Of course, he didn’t forget about it. Heck, he was the one who came up with all of these. Contract marriage – and it will last up until he got his title as the CEO.
"Just so you know y/n, although it is only for a while, I will still perform my duty as your husband until the end of it."
You look into Jake's eyes, trying to see if there is any hidden agenda. But all you can see is honesty and sincerity.
Jake is known as a man of his words. He is not someone who would turn away from his promise, let alone lying. Heck, he doesn't even know how to lie.
You've seen his attempts to lie during high school and it always ended with him stuttering and his cheeks slowly turning crimson. His lips jutted out into a cute pout, resembling a puppy sulking.
Everyone was telling you that ‘you're so lucky to have him as your husband’, not knowing that this marriage has its own expiry date. Sooner or later, both of you will put this into an end. You know that.
And yet, you can't help but feel a little tug on your heart when Jake said the last few words.
Refused to let your emotion to get the best of you, you flash him a small smile.
"I will do my best as Mrs. Sim as well while it last."
Ever since then, Jake and you have done nothing but keep your words.
Every morning before going to work, you would prepare him breakfast and eat together with him. Then, both of you would go to the office together. When both of you are done with your job, he would wait for you in the car to go back home together.
After you’re done with your shower, you would prepare dinner while waiting for Jake to finish washing up. Then, both of you would sit together and have dinner while having a small talk in between.
During the weekends, Jake will ask you if you have any plans. Sometimes you would tell him that you want to go out, sometimes you just want to stay at home.
If you chose to go out, he would go with you, spending his time and money for you the entire day. Not gonna lie, you've made countless attempts to pay for yourself. But Jake will always be two steps ahead from you. Guess it's the perks of marrying the Sim Jaeyun.
If you decided to stay at home, he would be there as well. Sometimes he would help you cooking – or more like purposely disturbing you. When you are reading a book, he would join you with cup of teas in hand.
Before you know it, you and Jake have become closer and more comfortable with each other. What used to be only standing side-by-side turns into walking together while holding hands. During grocery shopping, he would stand behind you and push the trolley together with you in front of him while walking through aisle by aisle. When you are watching a movie in the living room, he would lay his head on your lap and ask for your attention – just like a puppy would.
Everyone with eyes is envious of your relationship. Both of you totally looks like a happy couple. It’s as if the world belongs to both of you, and only to both of you.
Honestly, you would say the same thing to yourself as well. Jake had been nothing but a loving caring husband. He takes good care of you, always be there for you. He’s really the man of his words.
However, there are times where he can be an annoying ass. Such as right now.
You are putting on your make up to go out with him and he’s just… there, staring at you since God knows when. It was something that he would do every single time you’re getting ready be it to go to the mall or to the office. As you are finishing your touch on your blush, you let out a soft sigh and turn your head to him.
“Yes, is there anything I can help you with, Mr. Sim?”
Jake just shakes his head lightly. His lips curl up into a small smirk.
“Nothing. Just admiring my beautiful wife.”
There he goes again, teasing you. These past few weeks, he had been calling you names and giving you compliments. And he would say it with affections. Every time he did that, your heart beat for him.
God, am I in love with this man?
You roll your eyes, trying to hide the fact that he made you shy. Thanks to your blush as well that he won’t notice that your cheeks turn red because of him.
“Enough with that, Jake. Let’s go. We’ll be late.”
Jake bites his lower lips to avoid grinning too widely. Obviously, he knows how he makes you feel. You are not the only one who have been watching him since high school. He also did the same to you. Probably a tad bit more than you did – and you don’t need to know that.
So, he would know how you look when you’re happy and upset. He knows the difference between your real and fake smile. He knows about it.
He might not say it out loud but ever since he told you he would do his part as your husband; he didn’t think it will be this far. At first, he thought he would just provide for you and that’s it.
But he was wrong. The more he spends his time with you, the more he knows the real you. The more he talks to you, the more he craves for your affection. He used to sleep on his side the first few days after marriage. Now, he can’t imagine not having you in his arms at night. He might not even be able to sleep if you were not there for him to hug.
He knew it would be easy to get married to you. You won’t cause him troubles. You won’t stress him out. You know how to take care of yourself. You know how to do things on your own.
But he didn’t expect that it would be this easy for him to be himself around you. He didn’t know it would be easy for him to accept you into his new life. Most importantly, he didn’t know that he could love again like how he used to.
Actually, scratch that. He loves you more than he used to love anyone in his life. That speaks volume. If Jay and Sunghoon are here, they would give him the ‘I told you so’ look.
I love y/n. I really love this woman with all my heart.
“Y/n?”
You and Jake were walking with your arm around his when suddenly a voice called out for you. You turn to your back, and your jaw dropped instantly at your sight. Without second thought, you let go of your husband and run towards the person.
“Sunoo! What are you doing here?”
You pulled Sunoo into a hug, and he reciprocates by wrapping his arms around your waist. Your husband’s eyes widened at the sight.
Did she forget she has a husband?! Jake thought to himself.
You released Sunoo from the hug so that he can reply to you better.
“I was just walking around. Didn’t expect you to be here as well.”
You nod your head at him. After a few seconds, you turn to Jake and call him using your hand gesture.
Jake walks beside you. His eyes shooting hole into Sunoo’s face as his jaw tighten.
“I know you’ve met him before, but this is Jake, my husband.”
You introduced the man to Sunoo and lands your head against your husband’s shoulder, completely oblivious at how pissed Jake looked right now.
Unlike you, Sunoo as a man, can see how jealous the man in front of him is. I mean, which husband won’t be jealous when his wife hugs another guy right in front of his face. Smiling to himself, Sunoo politely held out his hand towards Jake.
“Hey, we met at the wedding but I’m Sunoo, y/n’s friend.”
Jake didn’t say anything but shakes Sunoo’s hand, for the sake of you. He pulls his hand away almost instantly, making the other man’s lips curl into a small smirk.
“Well, I’ll leave you two lovebirds behind. Don’t want to interrupt the date. See you when I see you, y/n.”
Sunoo pats your arm and give Jake a courtesy nod before walking away, leaving you together with your husband.
You were about to say something when Jake beat you to it.
“Is it fun being friendly with another guy in front of your husband’s face?”
You blink your eyes at the sudden burst of jealousy from Jake. You study his face properly. His cheeks are red as a result of him trying to hold back his anger. His lips forming a pout, the same one that you’ve witnessed since high school.
Jake looks so adorable right now that he makes you snort lightly.
“Oh? Is my husband jealous?”
Jake squints his eyes at you before turning his head away.
“Any husband would hate to see his wife being all over a guy other than him.”
He is jealous, you thought to yourself. You were about to console him, but before you could say anything, Jake decided to walk ahead of you, purposely leaving you as a sign of protest.
His action makes you scoff. Despite his height being taller than you and not to mention his status higher than you, he still acts like a kid. You shake your head before chasing after him.
“Where are you going~” you asked him teasingly.
“Away from you.”
You let out a soft ‘ooh’ before continuing to chase after him. When you are within the reach, you hold his hand, stopping him from his track. Although his body is facing you, his head is still facing the other side.
You bring his hand to your lips and leave a soft kiss against his knuckle. You can feel him stiffen at your sudden action, but he still refuses to face you. You let out a soft sigh before your lips curl up into a smile.
It’s usually the husband you have to persuade his wife, but now, it’s the other way around – and you are not complaining about it.
“You don’t have to worry about it, Jake. I’m not his type.”
Your words manage to make Jake faces you. His brows that were frowning earlier become deeper as he heard your sentences.
“Why? You are beautiful. You are nice. Anyone would want you. How can you not be his ideal type? Does he think that he’s better than y-”
Jake’s mouth was stopped by your finger against it. If only he’s not upset with you, he might as well kiss it. But his ego got the best of him, so he just stands there silently.
“It’s not like that. What I mean to say is… women are not his type.”
Your husband nods his head when you explain-
“Wait. So, Sunoo is…”
He doesn’t need to complete his sentence when you’re already nodding your head, knowing what he was about to ask. Unconsciously, Jake let out a loud sigh of relief. He thought that someone was about to sweep you off your feet.
Well, even if Sunoo did, he knows he will make sure to bring you back into his arms one way or another.
Jake looks at you who is now smiling innocently at him.
Fuck, how can she look so adorable.
Refused to back down, he clears his throat and pinch your nose lightly, making sure it won’t hurt you. You scrunch your nose at him. You were about to pinch his cheek as a revenge, but he managed to stop your hand.
He then leans his face close to yours.
“But I still don’t like how you left and hug him in front of me. Don’t do that again, alright.”
Your lips form a pout, but you nod obediently at his words. Of course, you should know that no matter how close you are with your guy friends, you must remember that you have a husband to take care of.
“Okay. I’m sorry for leaving you and hug him like that.”
Jake’s lips curl up into a smile, hearing your apologies. He takes your hand that was in his earlier and kiss it lovingly. Your eyes turn to the other side, an attempt to hide away your shyness. Jake just chuckles lightly at your actions before planting another kiss on top of your head.
“Shall we get going now?”
—
Two months later, you and Jake are attending the company’s annual gala night. However, this gala night is special because it is also the night that Mr. Sim, your father-in-law, will pass down the responsibilities as CEO to his son.
Although you are excited for Jake, you can’t seem to throw away the thoughts that your marriage will come to an end. Yes, both you and Jake are happy with each other. Happier than you had been in your life. But it still doesn’t change the fact that he got married to you just so he could gain the title as his dad’s successor.
A tap on your shoulder wakes you up from your thoughts. You look to your side, just to see your husband tilting his head slightly.
“What is this? Are you thinking about other man than me?”
He squints his eyes at you like how he would usually do. You hiss at him and hit his shoulder lightly.
“Why should I think about other people, when my husband is with me?”
You wrap your arm around his as your other hand rub against the spot that you hit earlier gently. Jake smiles softly at you before pecking your forehead softly, making sure not to ruin your make up and hairdo.
You and Jake continue to greet the guests. From time to time, you would join in their conversation but mostly you let Jake do the talking.
Suddenly, the hall light shuts down and a spotlight shine at the centre of the stage. There, stand Mr. Sim on the podium, getting ready to deliver his speech. Everyone’s attention diverts to the man.
He clears his throat and run his eyes across the hall.
“Good evening to everyone. I would like to thank all of you for your time tonight. I believe we already know the purpose of tonight considering that we did this every year.”
Everyone including you laugh at Mr. Sim’s greetings.
“As mentioned, we held the gala night annually without fail. Personally, it’s a way for me to appreciate everyone’s effort in making this business grow bigger each year.”
The hall is filled with claps.
“But tonight is different than before. Unlike the previous gala night, we are not only here to have fun. It is also the night where I will make an important announcement that will change the company into a better one.”
You look to your side, just to see that Jake is fidgeting and gulping nervously. You smile to yourself before leaning to his ear.
“You will be fine, Jake. I’m here with you.”
Jake turns to look at you, who is already smiling at him. Just like that, he can feel his anxiousness slowly tone down. It’s funny how before this Jake is so opposed to getting married just for the title.
Now, he understands why his dad said what he said to him before. True to his words, behind every successful man, there’s his wife. Jake never thought that he will see the day where there’s a woman behind him.
But with you supporting him directly, he believes that he can go through all the challenges and difficulties that he will face in the future. No matter how hard it is, he’s willing to go through it as long as you are with him.
Just like that, from this moment, Jake vow to himself that he will never, ever, let you go.
“Ladies and gentlemen. Without further ado, I present to you, the Sim’s new successor, Sim Jaeyun.”
The sound of claps filled the hall once again for the night. A spotlight pointed to Jake. He looks around the hall with a proud smile and bow his head politely. Before he walks up the stage, he turns towards you and hold your hands. Without second thought, he brings your hands and place a long kiss against it, making everyone looks at both of you with awe.
You nudge your hand lightly against his lips, making him look up at your crimson red face.
“Faster go,” you mouthed at him. He grins widely at you and flash you a wink before letting go of your hands and walks up onto the stage.
You just watch the view in front of you with a proud smile. Your husband is hugging your father-in-law so tightly. He is so proud of his own son, just like how he is proud with Jake’s older brother when he saw how successful he had become.
“Congratulations Mrs. Sim for your achievement.”
A voice said beside you, making your head turn to the owner. Turns out the owner of the voice belongs to Sunghoon as he stands next to you.
“You must be so proud of him.”
Another voice said on your other side, and you know it belongs to Jay. You just shake your head lightly at both of their remarks.
“Of course I’m proud of him. But I didn’t do anything for you to congratulate me.”
Jay looks at you for a short while before turning back to the stage. Both of his hands are in his pocket as he watches Jake giving his thank you speech.
“No, you deserve the wish as well. In fact, we must thank you for everything that you’ve done for Jake.”
You frown slightly at Jay’s words. You don’t quite understand what he meant by that. But, as you were about to ask, Sunghoon cut you off.
“Yeah, he’s a better man now, because of you.”
Despite your confusion, both of the men’s words still manage to soften your heart. Before you know it, tears escaped your cheeks. That was the nicest thing someone has ever tell you. You didn’t know that you needed until tonight.
Being recognized by Jake’s best friend just hit a certain spot in you. You made a mental note to ask about it later. But for now, you decide to focus on the man’s speech.
“… And to my wife, know that I will not be able to do this without you. You have been nothing but my strength and my support. You were there through ups and downs. I thank you so much. You are my woman and will always be my woman.”
Everyone howls at Jake’s words and the two men besides you whistle proudly. You just shake your head while letting out a chuckle and clap your hands. Jake is so silly. Your husband is so silly – and you will never ask for anything better than this.
After the end of the speech, you and Jake continue to talk to the guests with his arm circling around your waist the entire time. They all congratulate both of you for Jake’s achievements in becoming the new CEO. It is safe to say that the night went smoothly.
But nothing in this world is perfect, right?
“Congratulations, Jake.”
There, standing in front of you, a beautiful, mesmerizing woman in a gorgeous emerald green dress. She looks so breathtakingly beautiful to the point that your jaw drops slightly at her presence.
Unlike you, Jake’s smile falls upon seeing her. He clenches his jaw and tighten his grips against your waist. He forgot that her parents were invited to the gala by his dad. So naturally, she would be here as well.
“Thanks, Yunjin.”
The woman’s smile widens at the way Jake called her name. Her eyes then shift to you, who is still lost in her beauty. Yunjin let out a chuckle.
“Hi, my name is Yunjin, Jake’s friend.”
Bullshit, he thought.
You blink your eyes for a few seconds, trying to wake up from your own daze.
“Ah, I see. I’m y/n, Jake’s wife. He never mentions that he has such a beautiful friend as you.”
Yunjin looks at Jake for a few moments before letting out another chuckle. Her cheeks are now a bit red from your compliment.
Her laugh also sounds beautiful like her, you thought to yourself.
“Please don't say that. You are more beautiful, y/n. Besides, it’s been so long since we last met each other as well,” she said before her eyes fall upon Jake once again for the night, just to see that Jake is already looking at her.
Your eyes turn to look at Jake and Yunjin back and forth. Jake is staring at her with an expression that you don’t quite understand, while Yunjin is looking at him softly, exactly like a woman missing her partner.
That’s when it clicked in your head. You’ve heard that Jake had a girlfriend the first day you joined the company. If your guess is right, Yunjin is his ex-girlfriend. Saying that she is just a friend is a way of her being considerate of your feelings.
You don’t know what happened, but deep inside, you know that there are some unfinished businesses. You felt it through the tension that is slowly building up between them. Not even the sharpest knife can cut through it.
Before you know it, your gaze drops to the floor. Clearly, you are upset with the situation. But who are you to say anything. They had their own past. It was all just an old story. It was his past.
That’s what you keep telling yourself.
“Well, I better get going. You guys must have a lot of things to do.”
Yunjin’s words manage to pull you into reality.
“See you around, y/n.”
You try your best to smile sincerely, doing your best to show that none of these are affecting you.
“See you around, Yunjin.”
With the same previous smile on her face, she nods her head at you before once again turning to face Jake.
“Jake.”
She called out his name, but the only thing he did was nods his head towards her as his eyes turns somewhere else, refusing to meet her eyes.
Yunjin then walks away from you. You didn’t know how long it had been but the sigh that you let out indicating that you’ve been holding your breath for quite a while now. Your heart beats so loud as if it’s about to jump out of your body.
You swallow your saliva to calm yourself down before excusing yourself from your husband, saying that you need to go to the washroom.
Just like that, Jake is left alone in the middle of the hall. He frowns at the situation. Fuck, he said to himself. He should have handled it better.
Jake knows that you are upset. Going to the washroom was just a way for you to walk away from the previous commotion. As if meeting his ex-girlfriend is not the worse part of the night, his best friend came to him, probably to lecture him.
“What happened, Jake,” the older one asked.
Jake bites his lower lips.
“She came and greet us…”
“And?” Sunghoon encouraged Jake to continue his words.
“And I didn’t know how to react to it. I thought that if I said something, I might… I might…”
I might lose control and y/n might hate me for it, Jake continued inside his mind.
Jay drapes his arm around Jake’s shoulder, pulling him into a side hug in hopes it can at least comfort him after what just happened.
The guys know that it’s not easy for Jake to communicate with his ex, considering that they had a good time together just for it to end all of a sudden. But they can’t also invalid your feelings.
As a wife, they knew you must have figured out that they had something going on back then. It’s understandable that you would be upset over it even though it already ended long time ago.
“I don’t know what’s going on between you and Yunjin, but I want you to remember that you have y/n now. One thing I can see from her is that she’s loyal and sincere. She’s a woman, your wife. Whatever you want to do, consider her feelings as well.”
Jake nods his head at Sunghoon’s words. He inhales deeply and exhale, trying to calm himself down. He puffs out his cheeks as he collects his inner thoughts.
“Do you think I can be a good husband to y/n?”
Jay and Sunghoon steal a glance to each other before their lips curl up into a smirk.
“It’s up to you, man. But I think you have always been waiting for her. Ever since high school, you’ve wait for her. Now that she’s in front of you, why not grab your chance?”
Jake looks up at Jay as the older one encouraged him to move forward. Jay nods his head at Jake.
“And a little birdie told me that she is also waiting for you at the balcony just outside of the hall,” Sunghoon said as he pointed the place with his face to Jake.
Jake scoffs at himself. He can’t believe he is down bad for you. The fact that his best friends had been his witnesses made him feel even more dumb than he already is. He then pulls both Jay and Sunghoon into a hug.
They hug the man back and their hug last for quite a while. It was at this moment that reminds Jake once again just how important Sunghoon and Jay are in his life. His ride or die. The one who would be there to give him facts, no matter how hurtful it is. The one who would give motivations for him whenever he needs it. And he would gladly do the same to them as well.
Jake let go of his friends. With a deep breath, he walks towards the balcony where you are leaning against railing.
Although your back is facing him, he can’t deny the fact that you look glowing in your white dress. The way your head tilted slightly to the sky, allowing the moon to shine its light to you. You look better than his dreams.
With careful steps, he walks towards you.
“What are you thinking, princess?”
You turn your head slightly at the voice, before facing forwards again.
“Nothing important.”
“Then, why do you look like a damsel in distress, my lady?”
The closeness of his voice startled you. You didn’t realize when it happened, but his arms are already on your side, trapping you against the balcony. Slowly, you turn your back towards him. Your eyes move from down and up to his face.
You’ve always thought Jake as a handsome man. But right now, he looks even better than before. His face is so close that you can see the length of his eyelashes. His nose that would occasionally bump into your head and cheeks as he leaves pecks here and there. His lips… the same lips that would kiss you everywhere but your lips.
The last time you felt it against yours was when you were pronounced as husband and wife. It was a short one, but you can still feel it tingling against yours. You would do anything just to feel that lips once again.
However, you know you can’t. Not when he was about to divorce you right here, right now. Mustering your courage, you look into his eyes. Although your tears are threatening to escape, you’re trying your best to hold it in by burying your nails into your hand.
“Jake, congratulations. You’re finally where you want to be now. You’ve been working so hard to prove that you’re worth it. Now, you got it.”
Jake’s eyes soften at your words and his grip weakens. You sniff before continuing your words.
“Thank you for being a husband for me. A real one at that. I didn’t know anyone would do anything for me aside from my parents. There is not a single moment where I regret having you as my husband. Thank you for everything that you did for me. I will cherish all the memories until the end of my life.”
As you finished your sentence, the tears that you’ve been holding back finally roll down your cheeks. You have said everything that you want to say. Whatever happens after this, you will accept it with all your heart. When Jake decides to stop everything with you, you will have to be ready to let him go.
Jake’s hands move up to cup your face. You close your eyes at what about to happen.
Do it. I’ll be fine. I can take it.
You can feel his thumbs brushes your tears away, but then you feel his lips against your forehead. You open your eyes and look up at him, just to see him looking at you with a loving smile. His tears run down his cheeks, mirroring yours. Jake takes a deep breath. He then looks at you again with the same smile.
“Let’s end this.”
He said it. He finally said it. The words that you were waiting to hear from him. He said it. You thought that you could handle it, but your reaction proves you wrong.
You burst into crying in his hands. Every emotion that you’ve been holding back are showing itself. You are not okay. You will never be okay. Call you selfish, but you want to be with him always and forever. You need Jake, even if he didn’t need you.
Or so you thought.
“Let’s stop pretending, and love each other for real.”
His words managed to make you look at him with your eyes widened. The expression of your face clearly shows Jake that it was not what you expected to hear tonight. You thought that he would divorce you. After he got the position as CEO, he would put this to an end. That’s how it should be.
You try to breath properly. Looking at how difficult it is for you to calm down, he moves one of his hands and rubs your back while his other hand caressing your cheeks softly. Jake inhale and exhale along with you, in hopes for you to follow his breathing pattern.
When you’ve finally calm down, you blink your tears away from your eyes, trying to see Jake in a clear view.
“But you told me that you would end this marriage after you get the title.”
Jake looks at you for a few seconds before letting out a soft laugh. He didn’t miss the pout that is forming on your face, making you look like a little girl crying for her lollipop. He shakes his head.
“I may have implied that, and I’m so sorry.”
Your eyes never leave Jake as you wait for him to continue his words.
“I thought that whatever we had between us will merely be another fleeting moment. But the more I’m with you, the greedier I became. What started of as pretending, I want it to be real. All of the moments that I had with you was everything I could imagine. Hell, it was better than my imaginations. You made it so easy to be with you. To cherish you. To care for you. Before I knew it, I want you all to myself.”
Jake’s arm that was on your back quickly circles your waist, pulling you close to his body. Slowly, he leans to your face, just enough for his lips to brush against yours.
“You are my lady. You are my woman. You are my wife. You are mine, and I’m not letting you go, ever.”
You gasp at his words. You can’t think straight after what you just heard. Who knows a guy like Jake can also be this romantic towards someone. Even more towards you. You, who just happened to study in the same school and work in the same place as he is. There are thousands of women he could go for, and yet he chose to settle down with you. At this point, you can die happily.
“So, what do you say, Mrs. Sim? Are you in for it, or you want to run away? But just so you know, I will chase you to the end of the world if you choose the latter.”
Your eyes search for his, just to see that he’s already gazing at you with sincerity, passion, and a hint of something you’ve never seen before. The guy that you’ve been watching and only watching are in front of you with his arm clinging onto your waist protectively.
You know that if you try to say anything, your voice will betray you. So, you opt for the easier choice – nodding your head, indicating that you’re saying yes to him.
The corner of Jake’s lips curls up into a small smirk before he claims your lips with his. After holding back for so long, he finally has you in his arms as his one and only. Good things always come to those who wait. Jake might have to study more about the philosophies considering that it had been proven real to him.
The kiss that both of you shares are filled with a lot of passion and affections. All the restrains that you and Jake put onto yourself are now broken. His hands are now rubbing on your side as he turns his head to the other side, deepening the kiss. You let Jake lead the kiss as you circle your arms around his neck to prevent you from falling.
You are not surprised that his kiss will make you weak at your knees. You have always known he would be a good kisser. But you didn’t expect that he will kiss you as if his life depends on it.
A moan escapes from you when Jake purposely bites your lower lips. Both of you pull away slightly to take a breath. Looking at Jake’s expression, you finally understand the meaning behind his gaze earlier.
As for Jake, he is staring at you. You look more beautiful than you already are with your lips slightly swollen because of him – and he takes pride in it. He was planning to tease you when he bit you earlier. He didn’t know that you would make a sound that could awakened something in him. He knew that he won’t be able to take it if he didn’t control himself, so he put your kiss into a halt.
Jake brushes his nose gently against yours, making you look up to him. His hand moves up to caress your cheek once again.
“All the time spent of me looking at you from afar back in school, I knew it’s going to be worth it.”
Your cheeks turn bright red at his words, but it didn’t fail to make you frown in confusion.
“Looking at me? You were looking at me the whole time?! I thought I was the one doing that to you?”
Jake chuckles at your words before placing a soft peck against your nose.
“You weren’t the only one who have great eyes.”
He winks at you, making you laugh along with him. You didn’t know that he was doing the same thing that you did to him. Maybe you are fated for him, just like he thought when he met you for the first time.
“I love you, Mrs. Sim Y/n.”
“I love you too, Mr. Sim Jaeyun.”
Both of you stay in silent, just admiring each other before Jake decided to break it.
“So, shall we go and continue this somewhere else? I don’t think I can hold myself longer.”
Your jaw dropped at his words before hitting his chest. He winces in pain and rubs the spot before turning to you and steals a kiss on your lips. He then picks you up bridal style and bring you back home, where you will be spending time with him all night long, skin-to-skin.
—
It had been months since Jake was announced as the new CEO of the infamous Sim’s company. The business starts to grow even more. A lot of international clients are interested to work alongside with Jake. He is compatible, responsible, and most importantly, he knows what he wants, and he knows he will get it.
But of course, you were there with him the whole time. Ever since you and Jake confessed to each other, both of you are becoming more and more clingy and loving towards each other. Nevertheless, you know the difference between professionalism and personal, considering that you are now working as your husband’s secretary.
You tried to deny his offer a lot of times before, saying that it will be a talk of the office if she becomes his secretary. But knowing Jake, he wants to make sure that you are with him all the time. Well, he wishes for you to be with him every time.
Until he has a business trip to attend to.
“Are you sure you don’t want to follow me? You can rest there,” Jake tried to persuade you for the nth times to follow him to the trip. His lips keep on placing kisses to yours with his arms around your waist, an attempt to melt your down.
“But you will be working, my love. I don’t want to go anywhere without you. It will feel incomplete without you by my side.”
Jake groans softly at your words, but he can’t deny it as well. You are telling the truth. He will be working all day and will only come back at night. If he were at your shoes, he would refuse to go as well. What’s the point of going on a trip with your spouse if you can’t spend time together properly.
But it doesn’t change the fact that Jake is still sad, thinking about not having you with him for three days straight. Naturally, a pout forms on his face, showing that he’s still upset.
You let out a soft sigh as you look at your husband. You then stand on your toe and kiss his pout away.
“Let’s put it this way – the sooner you take off, the sooner you will be back with me. Does that sound better to you?”
Jake just nods his head obediently, once again resembling a puppy. He then pulls you into a tight hug.
“I love you, Mrs. Sim. Remember that, okay?”
The corner of your lips curls up into a smile as your rub your husband’s back up and down.
“I love you too, Mr. Sim. Always and forever.”
Both of you let go of each other, yet your hands are still intertwined with one another. The sight makes you chuckle a bit.
“You need to go. Don’t want you to miss the flight.”
Jake nods his head once again. After leaving kisses on your head, down to your forehead, eyes, nose and lips, he finally walks into the gate, waving his hand at you. You wave back to him with a reassuring smile on your face.
Once he is gone from your sight, you start to miss his presence. This is the first time you had to separate with him ever since your marriage. He was always there with you, whether to comfort you, love you, or even annoy the hell out of you.
But as his wife, you know he needs your full support for him to move forward and bringing you along with him on this journey. You need to be in your optimum energy to help him achieve his dreams.
That is why you are currently in the bakery nearby your house. You can’t be energetic if you are hungry. You were scanning through all of the options when someone called your name from behind.
“Y/n?”
You turn to the owner of the voice, just to see Yunjin, looking effortlessly beautiful like she always does.
“I never thought I would bump into you here. Are you alone?”
Her question bothers you a bit, not going to lie. But you remind yourself that it was all in the past. Jake is yours, and only yours.
With a genuine smile, you look up at her. “Yeah. Jake is on a trip for a few days. I’m just running a quick errand.”
Yunjin nods her head at you. Her eyes soften at the sight of you.
“Jake is so lucky to have a wife like you. So beautiful yet so diligent.”
You look down at Yunjin’s sudden compliments. Your cheeks are slowly turning into crimson red. It makes it impossible for Yunjin not to find you adorable.
“Ah, how about we hang out whenever we have time. Here’s my number.”
Yunjin holds out her business card. You look at it. Huh Yunjin, the owner of YJ Fashion House. You knew Yunjin is an amazing woman, and her status just increase her level in your head. You take the card and keep it safely in your bag.
“Sure. Thank you for the offer Yunjin.”
She just nods her head to you. As you were about to bid her goodbye, she put you into a halt.
“Oh also, can we take a picture together? I’ve been dying to have one with you ever since we met that day.”
Your eyes twinkles at the thought of a brilliant woman such as Yunjin, wanting to take pictures with you, who are just merely a secretary to your husband. You then nod your head at her, giving her your approval.
She grins widely, showing how happy she is. Using her phone, she flips the camera so that you and Yunjin can take a few selfies.
“I will send the pictures to you later. It was nice meeting you again, y/n.”
“It was nice meeting you as well, Yunjin.”
Just like that, both of you part your ways to your own destinations, not knowing that a storm will be coming your way soon.
—
After three full days of dealing with works, Jake finally returns to your arms during the weekends. At first, Jake insists to bring you out. But you don’t want him to force himself as he needs rest.
So, during the weekends, you decided to just stay inside and pamper Jake to the fullest. Of course, being the clingy needy husband he is, he don't mind it at all. For two days straight you pay attention to him and only him, and he did the same to you.
No talking about work. Just small talks from time to time. Most of the time though you spend your time with Jake snuggling and cuddling you. You love the fact that he is not afraid to show his vulnerable side to you. He may look like he got it together in front of people, but with you, he’s still a kid stuck in a grown-up body.
But of course, that doesn’t last longer. There are times when he wants more than just be close to you – and he did just that. You don’t know how you can handle it considering that his drives are quite high.
Just like that, the weekends passed by quickly and you are back to being his secretary once again. As usual, you would inform his schedule and relay messages that you received on behalf of Jake while he was away. The files that are in need of his actions had been laid out neatly on his table.
“Can I get you anything, Mr. Sim?” You asked after you’ve finished conveying everything that he needs to know.
Jake hums softly. “Can you tell Mrs. Sim that she looks ravishing today?”
You roll your eyes at his remarks as he flashes an innocent smile at you.
“I will let her know, Mr. Sim. If there’s nothing, I will make my way.”
You bow your head respectfully before sending him a playful wink and walk out of his office.
Jake being Jake decides to follow you – specifically your butt – with his eyes until you are out of his sight. This have happened countless times before. If he ignores the professionalism between both of you, he knows he would have you in his office any time he wanted.
Without wasting any more time, Jake’s hands move across the files and papers on his tray. He lets out a soft sigh looking at the amount of works that he needs to review. Well, he did ask for it so he can’t say anything about it.
But what really catches his attention is a brown envelope, sealed perfectly. The only thing written on the envelope is Jake’s name. He takes the envelope and turn it. There, he could see the word ‘private and confidential’.
He tilts his head to the side. He doesn’t recall any agreements that he needs to sign that is confidential. With a shrug of his shoulder, he unseals the envelope. He inserts his hand into it and take out what seems to be pictures.
His curiosity changed into anger as fast as lightning at the view in front of him. His eyes are brimming with tears, threaten to fall. With shaking hands, he pressed the intercom and called you into his office.
He doesn’t sound good. You’ve known him long enough to know that he is upset just by his voice through the speaker. Without a second thought, you knock on his door and enter his office when he approves of you.
You look at his state with a frown. His face is hidden behind his arms that was connected as he clasps his hand together. If you could make a guess, you would say that he looks miserable. You were about to ask him, but he decided to speak up first.
“What were you doing when I wasn’t around?”
Your frown grows deeper at his question.
“I was at the office in the morning and went back home in the evening. I didn’t go anywhere except for grocery stores to buy a few stuffs for our home.”
Jake scoffs at your last two words. Our home.
“Our home, where you were fucking someone else in our bed?”
Your jaws dropped at his words. This is unfair. Did he really think that low of you? That you would simply having fun with other guys when he’s not around? This is ridiculous.
One thing you can’t stand is when people falsely blaming you on something that you didn’t do. Slowly, you can feel yourself getting fired up.
"You, out of people, accused me of cheating on you?"
Jake lifts his head up to look at you. His eyes are red from all the crying that he did before you stepped into the office.
"Well, explain these then?"
Jake threw the pictures in his hands on the table. You bend down to get a better view of it. In those pictures, it was you and a man, tangled to one another in various positions.
Your eyes widened at the images in front of you. You knew it wasn't you. Although it was your face in there, but you didn't do all of that. You would never betray the trust of the man in front of you. You didn’t even think of betraying him in the first place.
But how, how can the woman in the picture looks a lot like you, when you know you have never slept with any man other than him.
"I don't know about this Jake, but I swear I have never done all of these. Please, believe me."
Your eyes are glistening with tears as you look at him, begging for him to trust you.
But you know it was no use. The way he looks at you is no longer like how he used to. It was filled with love and affection ever since the day both of you said, 'I do'.
Now, it was as if whatever he felt for you has vanished. The only emotion that he could feel is numbness and emptiness. He thought that you would be different than others. Turns out you're just the same.
You're just another woman, staying by his side just for the benefits.
Without saying anything, Jake grabs his blazer and walks out of the office, leaving you standing in the room, crying your heart out.
This isn't what you imagined how it's going to be. You thought everything would be fine the moment Jake kissed you that day. That you would finally experience your first and true love.
You didn't expect for all of these to happen. Your mind suddenly drifts off to the night of the gala. Were you and Jake not supposed to have your happy ending? If only one of you end this marriage like how it should, would any of this still happened?
Right, this all happened because of you. You selfishly want to be in this marriage despite knowing that it has to come to an end. You have no one to blame but yourself.
You thought that you finally had him for yourself. The man that you have always been attracted to. The man that never fails to make your heart feels full. You were stupid enough to believe that.
As you are left alone in the office, you thought to yourself, ‘I should’ve let my fairytale remain as a fairytale'.
—
“Huh, it’s surprising to see that you are not drunk. Guess you really changed.”
Jay’s disclaimer receives a glare from Jake. His expression clearly shows that he is not in the mood for jokes or anything stupid.
“And what do you mean by that?”
“When you broke up last time, you almost got into a fight with me,” Sunghoon answered on behalf of Jay.
Jake turns to Sunghoon before letting out a scoff.
“In my defence, you started it.”
Sunghoon raise one of his brows. He decides to ignore the remarks to avoid any arguments... again. He raises his glass to his lips and drink from it.
“So, what is it this time?”
Jake sigh at Jay’s question. He contemplates whether to tell his friends the truth or not. His friends on the other hand, knows him too well.
Despite getting hurt or betrayed, Jake had always been selective in giving out details about his personal life. For him, it’s supposed to be kept in minimal. Whatever happened inside the house, stays inside the house.
As much as his friends respect him for that, sometimes they wish that Jake could open up just a bit, so that they can help him in any way they feel necessary.
“Let’s just say that our marriage is getting too... crowded.”
Jay and Sunghoon look at each other. It wasn’t that direct, but it’s not indirect either. Everyone has their own interpretation. In this case, Jake seems to imply that there is a third party involved in their relationship.
However, Jay and Sunghoon found it hard to believe because you don’t look like someone who would go out there and cheat on a man that truly love you for who you are. But then, they might be wrong as well.
“Are you sure y/n would do that to you?”
Jake shrugs his shoulders at Jake’s question. He lifts his glass to his lips and gulp down the remaining liquid.
“As much as I would like to deny it, I’m not sure if I can do that with the evidence that I have.”
Sunghoon nods his head in understanding manner. He then pats Jake’s shoulder and flash him a small smile.
“You do what you got to do man. We’ll be here for you, always.”
Jake replies Sunghoon with a smile. He’s truly blessed for having such understanding best friends. He might not be lucky in love, but he knows he won lottery with friendship. So, it’s okay.
He’s going to be okay.
He’s going to be okay.
I'm going to be okay.
When Jake enters the dark room, suddenly everything feels empty. It feels like his life is crumbling down again. The thought that he kept repeating like a mantra before vanished just like that.
He knows he can’t possibly go back home. Not with his current state. He needs to get away from all of these. He wants to forget about everything.
Unconsciously, he walks towards his office desk. The pictures were still scattered like how he left them earlier. The pictures are enough to ignite his anger. He has never felt so deeply disappointed in someone before.
He thought that he knows you enough to not be suspicious of you. But he never knew that you’re just another wolf in sheep’s skin.
Jake picks up one of the pictures. If only he could get hold onto the man in the picture, he knew he would beat him up until no one could recognize him ever again.
Maybe he should’ve ended their relationship according to the original plan. Jake sighs to himself. He has no one to blame but himself. He trusts you too easily. In the end, he is the one who got fooled.
He examines the picture one last time for the night as he’s thinking of a solution to all of this.
When he finally found an answer, the corner of his lips curls up into a smirk. Bingo.
—
Hundreds of calls, thousands of messages, and you still haven’t heard anything from Jake.
You know that he needs some time to calm down. Yet you can’t help but to feel worried for him. The least you want to know is where would he spend the night and if he’s eaten anything.
But there is nothing you can do. You must let him be for the night. To be fair, no one would be okay if out of nowhere there’s a picture of your partner being intimate with another person – let alone tons of pictures of it.
Your tears had dried down from all the crying that you did earlier. As soon as Jake stormed out of the office, you made the decision to empty out his schedule for the day, claiming that he was on sick leave.
As for you, you requested to take a week leave and informed Mr. Sim – your father-in-law – about it. You didn’t say for what but by the look on your face, he could guess there is something going on between you and Jake.
“Things are bound to happen. Take a break. I promise you it will be fine. Sooner or later, it will get better.”
You smile at his words. You are not sure if you and Jake will ever be fine after the incident but at least your father-in-law's words managed to bring up your spirit.
As much as you are still upset about everything, you want to get everything right. You will make it right again.
You are sitting on the couch in the living room with a picture in your hand. You managed to steal one of it from the pile in Jake’s office earlier.
Biting your lower lips, you lift the picture to your face so you can see it more clearly. That’s when you notice something different about the picture.
Without second thought, you grab your phone and dial a number. After a few rings, the receiver picks up the phone.
“Hey, can we meet up tomorrow?”
—
“So, what do you think?”
Sunoo hums to himself and look at you. He hands the picture that you gave earlier.
“You’re right. It’s edited. Most probably AI.”
You tilt your head in confusion.
“AI?”
“Artificial Intelligence. It was programmed to help human in various ways – workforce, study, music – you name it.”
You nod your head before a frown form on your face.
“But what does that have to do with my case?”
Sunoo smirks to himself. He pulls out his phone and type something on his phone before showing you a picture. You take his phone and identify it. You don’t know why but the picture looks very familiar to you. It was as if you have been there.
That’s when it clicks in your head. You look at the person’s face closer and you see that the person resembles Sunoo but he’s wearing the outfit that you used to wear back in college.
“Isn’t this my picture? Why does this look like you?”
Sunoo smiles at your reaction.
“That’s also an AI. I just chose a picture of my face and replaced it with yours. It didn’t copy my face 100% but the resemblance is there.”
His smile fades away as he leans forward to you.
“The same thing with your case. Whoever edited it must have your picture as well. Yes, AI can be helpful to us. But some people use it for other purposes – framing, blackmailing, humiliation. At the end of the day, it depends on the person’s intention.”
You think to yourself, trying to figure out the possible suspect. As far as you know, none of the people in your circle is suspicious considering. There’s only Sunoo, few of your college friends, and-
Your eyes widen at the realization. You look up at Sunoo.
“It couldn’t be…”
—
“Jake!”
Jake turns his head towards the owner of the voice. There, stand his ex-girlfriend, looking like how she normally would.
“It’s been a long time since we last talk to each other, right,” she said before inviting herself to sit across him.
Jake didn’t do anything except following her movements with his eyes.
“So, what’s the sudden occasion? I thought you blocked me already.”
He let out a soft chuckle at Yunjin’s remarks before shaking his head and flashing her a small smile.
“Nothing. Just thought that it would be nice to meet you again.”
Yunjin bites her lower lips, holding back herself from smiling too widely at the possibility of Jake missing her like how she missed him.
“Don’t say it like that. If your wife heard you, she would think that we had something going on.”
Jake’s face fell at the mention of his wife, and Yunjin didn’t miss that. Her expression changed to worry when she saw Jake frowns his brows.
“Hey, did anything happen?”
Jake swallows his saliva, a bit too loud for her liking. He then shakes his head, trying to not make Yunjin ask further questions about it.
She sighs softly at Jake. He’s always so nice. Yunjin was used to this side of Jake. Just like his friends, she too knows that Jake isn’t someone who would simply talk about his life to anyone.
But looking at his state now, Yunjin wishes nothing but for Jake to at least share a bit of the burden with her. She wishes that she can take care of him, like how she used to back then.
Yunjin reaches her hand to Jake’s on the table, making the guy lifts his face to look at her. She flashes him a soft smile as she caresses his hand.
“Don’t worry. I’m here for you, Jake. You don’t have to be strong all the time.”
Jake looks down at her hand. Without thinking, he holds her hand and bring it close to his face.
Yunjin was stunned at the sudden gesture. She could feel his breath against her skin. Oh, how she missed it. She missed Jake so much. She missed being loved by him. She missed loving him as well. If only he knows that she would do anything to have him back.
“I thought you don’t like tattoo.”
Jake’s remarks pull Yunjin out from her daydream. Her eyes then fall onto her inner forefinger where she planted her tattoo. Her lips curl into a soft smile.
“I got it after we broke up. I was devastated so I did it.”
Jake nods his head and flashes her a smile before his eyes fall back onto the tattoo.
Both of them stay in silent, with Jake still gazing at her tattoo. She thought that it was cute how Jake never seems to take his eyes from it. Not to mention her pride when he notices the small details about her – just like when they used to be together before.
Before Yunjin could stop herself, she confessed to Jake.
“I miss you, Jake. I always have.”
—
It was raining heavily outside. Today, marks the third day of Jake not coming back home. You’ve tried to reach him, but it seems like he has blocked you.
You asked Jay and Sunghoon about Jake, yet the only thing that they could say was to give him space and time. Speaking of loyal friends, huh.
You miss Jake a lot. You miss Jake so much to the point that you still cooked for him, even though the chance of him coming back home to you is thin. Aside from meeting Sunoo, you didn’t go anywhere else.
You only wait for Jake, day and night, without fail. You didn’t bother to sleep in the bedroom anymore. You just stay in the living room, wanting to greet him whenever he chooses to come back home.
Turns out, your effort does not go in vain.
As the clock strikes 12 midnight, Jake opens the door and enter the house. He takes off his shoes and put it in the cupboard.
“Welcome home, Jake.”
He didn’t say anything. Instead, he chooses to ignore you and walk up the stairs. You stand up from the couch and call his name, stopping him on his track.
“Where were you?”
He stays silence.
“Have you eaten?”
Again, nothing.
“Did you meet Yunjin-“
“It’s none of your business.”
You look at Jake, whose back is facing you before letting out a scoff. Of course, he will only talk to you if you mention her name. The name that he can’t seem to let go. The name that used to be his sweetheart for four years.
Betrayal and hurt dominates your heart. The softness in you is now gone. You did not just wait in the house, waiting for him to come just to find out that he’s out there with his ex-girlfriend.
“I knew it. You can’t forget about her, right? After all these years, she’s still the one in your mind.”
Your eyes slowly tear up.
“I’m just the replacement. A woman you used to climb up to your title.”
That’s not it.
“A woman that you can use as your trophy.”
That’s not true.
“A woman that you will throw away once you’re done using her to fulfil your needs-”
“Enough!”
You gasp at the sudden scream from Jake. The head that were facing the opposite side is now looking straight at you. His hands form into fist, with his thumbs hiding against his palms. His lips tremble from the anger that build up in him.
It was wrong. It was all wrong. Whatever you said about yourself, it was wrong. Jake has never seen you as trophy. He never wants to take advantage of your kindness. He loved you with all his heart and soul.
The worst part is, he still does.
“Jake…”
Jake’s face softens at the sound of your voice calling his name for the second time tonight. He missed it. He missed you. A lot. He wants to be with you again like how it used to be. He wants to get pampered by you. He wants to give you all the loves and affections that you deserve.
But he can’t because he promised himself he will end it tomorrow.
“Do you still love her?”
His breath hitched at your question. His eyes move to look at you, just to see that your eyes are red from all the crying that you did for the past few days. The thought of you crying for him while he wasn’t around makes him sick.
He can’t help but blame himself for putting you in such situation. You didn’t deserve all of these. You deserve to be with a man that can make you happy and showers you with all the things the world could offer.
Not with a guy like him who will only make you sad and cry all the time. You shouldn’t be here. He didn’t deserve you at all.
Without any words, Jake turns his head back to the stairs. He continues to walk up the stairs and into the bedroom, leaving you standing in the living room with tears falling down your cheeks.
As soon as you hear the door closes, you fall on your knees to the floor. You’re tired. You’ve reached your limit. You don’t think you can keep up with this any longer.
Jake doesn’t care about you anymore. You’ve been worried sick about him. He didn’t come back home. He didn’t go to office either. Sunghoon and Jay also said that they didn’t know where he is.
But he doesn’t care. After all these times, the only thing that he spoke to you was in the form of anger.
You feel pity for yourself. You’re worthless. You can feel your body slowly fall on the ground, and you just let it happen.
Right at that moment, your eyes fall upon the ring at your hand. The sparkles are still there, as if it’s still new.
Will it still look the same if it was on her hand, or will it look better?
As your eyes close for the night, you thought to yourself, I will end it tomorrow.
It will end tomorrow.
—
“Did I make you wait too long?”
Yunjin was drinking from her cup before you appear in front of her. She put down her drink and shakes her head with a smile on her face.
“No, I don’t mind. I understand you must have business to attend to.”
Despite looking all innocent, you can sense the sarcasm behind her voice. Your eyebrows lift slightly in amusement.
Huh, so this is the real Yunjin.
You sit across Yunjin as she picks up her cup and drink from it again.
“So, what do you want to talk about?”
You pursue your lips at her. You think to yourself to decide the method that you want to go for.
After a few seconds, your hands move to unzip your bag to take out a picture of ‘you’ and the unknown man. Without hesitation, you place the picture on the table and slide it to her.
“I will cut to the chaste. That woman… it’s you. Am I right?”
Yunjin takes the picture in her hand before letting out a historical laugh, enough to get everyone’s attention.
Humiliation. That is how Yunjin wants to play.
“Are you blind? It’s your face in the picture. Not mine.”
You can hear people starts murmuring about the scene that is about to unfold in front of them. But you pay them no attention. You are determined to end everything today. Right here, right now.
“The face does belong to me. But not the body.”
Yunjin’s eyes twitch at your counter. You tilt your head to the side, studying her reaction.
“Look at it properly. That tattoo on the inner side of the finger; it matches yours, right?”
Her face fell when you mention about it. Yunjin bring the picture closer to her and scan the picture. That’s when she saw the tattoo.
How could she forget to remove it before printing it? How could she be so careless? The fact that you even know the tattoo belongs to her… How can it be possible? You’ve only met her twice. That’s not enough for anyone to actually notice something as small as this.
“I’ve always been good in observing people. It doesn’t take me long to notice your tattoo considering that it’s on the same hand that you shook mine with back at the gala night.”
Yunjin feels like a huge rock has hit her head. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid!
The whispers around you increase more and more as time passed by.
I can’t believe someone as beautiful as her can be so ugly deep inside.
So pathetic. Slept with a guy and blame others for it.
She’s nothing but a whore.
Yunjin’s lips tremble at the words thrown to her. This is not how she planned it to be. She wants to humiliate you, but it went to her instead. It doesn’t make sense. If only you didn’t marry Jake, none of this would happen and she would still be with him by his side.
She is supposed to hold the title of Mrs. Sim. She is much more worthy as his wife. But it all went down because of you.
However, she didn’t plan to give up. At least not today.
Yunjin gathers her composure before leaning her back against her chair.
“You could’ve purposely placed the tattoo in the picture. Isn’t it easier that way?”
With only those sentence, the people’s opinion suddenly changed.
Why can’t she leave the woman alone?
She must be hungry for attention. That’s why she purposely blames the other woman.
A woman who betrays its own kind should not be labelled as a woman at all.
The corner of Yunjin’s lips curl up into a smirk. People are easily manipulated. All you need to do is to say a few things and they will instantly believe you whether it’s real or fake.
She has won. The victory is hers.
Unfortunately for her, the success doesn’t last long. You knew she would say that which is why you’ve been keeping another strong evidence to prove that it’s not you in the picture.
As you reach inside your bag, you felt a hand on your shoulder. You look up at the owner of the hand. Your eyes widened at the sight of Jake.
You didn’t expect him to be here - so does Yunjin. He is not supposed to know you’re here. What is he even doing here? Did he make another appointment with Yunjin?
“You want another proof that it’s not her? Here, I bring the real guy from the picture.”
Jake said to Yunjin before moving to the side slightly, revealing a man named K standing behind him. Her eyes instantly widened at the sight of him. The exact same guy that she paid to frame you. The exact same guy that she slept with, just for the sake of destroying your marriage with Jake.
Yunjin shakes his head to herself.
“No. I don't know this guy. I didn’t do anything.”
“You slept with me, and you said you didn’t do it? Did you forgot that I also have the original picture?”
Yunjin’s eyes move to K, and she stood up from the chair.
“I paid you to keep quiet!”
K scoffs at her.
“No. You paid me to sleep with you. That’s it.”
Yunjin bites her lips before letting out a frustrated groan. She turns to Jake and tries to grab his hands, but Jake avoided her advanced towards him.
“Jake, I have a reason. I did all of this for you. I love you, Jake. I love you so much.”
You don’t like the view in front of you. As a woman, you feel pitiful towards Yunjin. One would never think a beauty such as herself would go low just for the sake of love. Refusing to witness how pathetic Yunjin is, you hug yourself and look to your side.
Jake on the other hand can read your body language. He knows you want to run away from the commotion. As your husband, he wants nothing more than fulfilling your wish and needs. So, he must end it now.
“Do you know why I broke up with you, Yunjin?”
Jake’s question makes Yunjin frown in confusion. Jake clears his throat, and his lips form a straight line.
“That day, I just got back from studying. When I walked into our room, I saw you sleeping soundly, with another guy next to you. I don’t need to know that you both are naked under the blanket considering that clothes were scattered on the floor. You claimed that you love me, but you still had the guts to cheat on me. That’s why I broke up with you...”
Jake turns to look at you for a few seconds before facing Yunjin once again.
“... That’s why I will never ever be with you.”
At that, Jake pulls you up and circles his arm around your waist, before bringing you out of the place, leaving Yunjin faced the humiliation that she created.
—
As soon as you enter the house, Jake closes the door behind you and bring you to sit down in the living room. He then excuses himself to the kitchen to get two glasses of water. He brings the waters to the living room and put it on the table before sitting down next to you.
Both of you stay in silence for a while. You puff your cheeks before grabbing the glass and drink the water.
“How did you know I was there?”
Jake clears his throat. Now, it’s his turn to drink the water before answering your question.
“I... followed you?”
You turn to face Jake, blinking your eyes at his words.
“Really? You followed me? Since when?”
Jake rubs the back of his neck and flashes you a sheepish smile.
“Well, that day when I stormed off from office, I came back later that night. When I wanted to throw away the pictures, I felt something was off. That’s when I realized that the face does resembles you, but not totally you. Not to mention the hint of tattoo on the finger...”
His hands move to hold your hand gently. He brings up your hand to his face before smiling to himself.
“...I’ve kissed this same hand countless times to know that you’ve never had tattoo, my love.”
All emotions come at you at the same time when he called you, my love. Tears brimming at your eyes as you suddenly recalled those nights without Jake in your arms. The way he raised his voice for the first time at you are still fresh in your mind, considering it just happened yesterday.
“You hurt me, Jake. You hurt me so much.”
Jake looks at your teary eyes before leaning his forehead against yours, making you burst into tears as soon as it touches. He had always known that you are a soft person, and you prove him right.
He knows that he has hurt you so bad. Although it was only a few days, the pain in your heart will still need time to heal. He won’t blame you for hating him or anything. He deserves it.
“I know baby, I know. I left you alone, crying to yourself for days. I am a bad husband, and I am sorry for the way I behave. I should’ve believed you because you are my wife. My wife will never cheat on me, and I should know better.”
You just nod your head, agreeing to his words as tears still flowing down your cheeks.
Jake’s hands move up to caress your arms to your shoulder and up to your face. His thumbs wipe away your tears, even though a lot are still threatening to fall.
“Please, forgive me. You can take as much time as you need, but please, don’t leave me, y/n. I want no one but you to be my wife. You are the only one for me. No one can change that.”
You open your eyes to look at Jake, just to find out that he is quietly sobbing. You can’t believe that there will be a day where Jake would cry in front of you. It just shows that he truly cares for you and whatever he said earlier is nothing but the truth.
Although a part of you is still upset with him, you can’t deny that your heart yearns to love and be loved by him. Just like him, you can’t imagine any other man as your lover, let alone your husband. You want him, and only him.
Your hand reaches up to cup his face, his eyes are now looking into yours. You could feel his breath against your skin, and that’s enough to tell you that he’s in front of you.
Without wasting time, you lean to Jake, pressing your lips against his, in which he responds with open heart. Both of you could taste each other’s tears, but you don’t care.
You and Jake have been spending time away from each other for too long ever since you got married to him. All the pent-up emotion and frustration can be felt with the way you and Jake can’t seem to let go of one another.
Suddenly, everything feels right all over again. The pieces that were scattered are now together once again. Your life had always been normal. But somehow, being together with Jake makes your life more colourful than it already is.
Deep in the heart, you and Jake promise to not leave one another anymore for both of you can’t live without each other. Jake needs you as much as you need Jake. No one in the world can ever change that.
As you are lost in Jake’s arms, you thank the universe for shaping you into Jake’s one and only, Mrs. Sim, forever.
