Till Death Do Us Part

the open doorway of the ballroom where she’s standing guard for our arrival. I squirm, hating that we are always forced to in

since we got into our young teen years, and my heart sinks. His skin contact and warmth don’t remove the chill from the air between us and I look away from him, gazing at m

as always.” She chirps at us, tweaking his bow tie and smoothing

e title she prefers, given one day I will be her daughter in law. I try to correct my posture and stand t

irritation in her tone evident and then glances over

oesn’t move, just awaits her approval befor

in hand. You’re older and shoul

is lateness will definitely not be his fault. He’s a sweet and caring boy who looks after me continuo

. Enjoy your birthday.” She leans in and air kisses him and then finally let’s us move

that d

nds me to the core. My heart aches and I swallow a knot that forms in my throat, nodding his way without showing him that his w

e whole affair is completely fake. I grin and bear it and play the p

e aside while unlatching our hands. “Don’t worry, I’ll save you both from forced romantics. Your parents really like to shove it in everyone

l eyes. I find myself drawn to watching his mannerisms, that over the past year or so have changed from awkward child into more of a bro type of demeanour. He’s grown taller, filled

their VIP lounge upstairs, and then we young uns can get a party started.” Bryant winks, moving

ook like a ten year old in that.” He disappr

initiated from deep inside when away from the watchful eye of the seniors and Bryant leans in and pinches my cheek. Grinning at

ing had culled the tomboy spirit and turned out something tolerable.” Bryant tr

wn parents have turned this way. My eyes following his gaze and I catch my fathe

nd.” He jests at me and then sticks his hands in his pockets and looks at his feet when Jyeon glares

n, that our future had already been mapped out and we would be officially engaged when I turn seventeen, he’s turned aloof and cold toward

e’s obedient to a fault though and would never refuse what’s expected of us. Our family decided when we were born that they would put

Bryant changes the subject fast and looks around for him, takin

some responsibility of being a Park son.” Jyeon moves to a passing waitress and picks up two fruit cocktai

binet. How come we have to wear tuxedo’s and hang out with your family’s business associates. This isn’t a birthday party, it’s a social engagement to create beneficial contacts.” Bryant has always been a little

is eldest son’s birthday.” Jyeon’s tone is bitter, and he raises his glass to his mother across the room who ha

stomed to so it’s nothing new

aller than him still. He’s slower to hit puberty than Jyeon ever was and still looks like a cute little tanned and pudgy Park boy. All big brown eyes, and pouty lip

t jests and pokes h