The Broken

Chapter 5 FIRST DATE

Sprawled on the cold floor, I lazily turned as a continuous buzz pulled me out of my deep slumber. “Where was that cursed sound coming from?” I groaned.

Slowly opening my eyes, I soon realized that it was my phone ringing. Now, who would have called during weekend? Unwillingly, I crawled towards the black sofa and picked up my phone that had a long line of c***k on the screen.

When I opened it, a glaring white light welcomed my eyes and I squinted automatically. The moment my eyes adjusted, the ringing stopped, so I put it down and didn’t bother finding out who was the caller. But then, my phone rang again. It was an unregistered number, but still I answered it just to stop its irritating buzzing sound.

“Where the hell are you?” A thunderous male sounded.

Still a bit hazy, I replied with a groan. I didn’t know who the man was or why he’s even screaming.

“If you’ll not get here right now, I’m going to drag your ass down here no matter what sh*t you’re in.” And then, he hung up.

Thinking it was a wrong call, I didn’t pay attention to it and dozed off. Then, my phone vibrated, waking me up again. There were too many messages coming from that same number:

‘You better be driving now.’

‘WHERE ARE YOU?’

‘You’re late.’

‘Answer my call.’

‘This is Luther.’

My eyes popped open and spoke loudly, “Mr. Kim.” Quickly, I dashed towards the bathroom, took a quick bath, dressed whatever I could grab, and put on a concealer and a lip balm.

After I ignited the car’s engine, I realized I didn’t know where was the venue of our date. So, I texted him and quickly he replied with the address, which I was certain was where the famous five-star hotel in Yeonghon City was located.

When I reached the hotel, a valet was already waiting, so I gave him my car’s key and walked fast towards the entrance. I was surprised to see Mr. Kim in a dark suit standing at the corner. The moment our eyes met, I halted while he quickly looked at me from head to foot.

“You look like sh*t,” he said in a cold voice.

I took a quick glance at myself and thought I looked decent enough but underdressed, I must admit. I wore an unprinted white t-shirt that was tucked messily inside my black fitted pants. It was paired with a baggy denim jacket with sleeves haphazardly folded down to my elbow and black open heels. Also, my curly hair was tied disorderly with some wild loose strands scattering all over. I did try to fix it even though I knew it was useless since my hair was still wet. It had to be thoroughly dried using a hair blower before it could look neat, but I didn’t have time to do that.

As I was preoccupied with my thoughts, Mr. Kim suddenly went closer to me, leaned down, and sniffed my mouth. “You also smell like sh*t,” he commented as he pulled back.

I did brush my teeth in a rush, but I knew it would not completely get rid of the alcohol stench in my mouth. But, why should I care?”

“If you don’t like how I dress or smell, I can just go back and cancel this date,” I said casually, showing him I wasn’t affected by his snide remarks.

He glared at me and then sneered. “Follow me,” he ordered.

This was just the first date and he’s already bossing me around. What did I expect? Men liked to impose their authority over women. In fact, male dominance was deeply embedded in Yeonghon’s culture that women practically accepted their submissive role. Thankfully, not me.

“Are you going to walk or should I carry you?” I heard his sarcastic voice.

Avoiding any drama, I followed him but did not trail behind him and walked next to him while constantly glancing at him to find out where exactly we’re going.

We marched the wide lobby in a straight direction and then turned left in a long narrow hallway. As soon as we’re getting nearer, I realized that what appeared to be a wall from afar was actually an elevator. Mr. Kim inserted a key and the elevator opened.

Hesitant to go inside not knowing where he’s going to take me, I remained standing outside the elevator. “Where are we going?” I asked.

“In a restaurant,” he simply replied.

Remembering that this hotel housed one of the fine dining restaurants that was awarded three Michelin stars, I stepped inside the elevator. I would have wanted to keep quiet since he still looked angry, but there’s just one question that’s been bugging me.

“How did you get my number?” I asked him.

“I have my ways,” was his short reply.

I didn’t ask anymore. When you have so much money, everything was almost possible. For one was this private elevator. I wondered whether this elevator was just intended for him or whether other few privileged people could also access it. I was willing to bet that my first assumption was more likely to be true.

I didn’t see what floor he pressed a moment ago, though I was aware that the said restaurant was on the uppermost floor. The view there they said was spectacular. I must admit, I was partly getting excited not on the idea of dining with Mr. Kim but having a chance of witnessing magnificent scenery.

The lift was taking so long that Mr. Kim was seemingly becoming impatient as he started tapping his black shoes on the floor while I remained standing like a statue.

Finally, the elevator opened when it reached the 82nd floor. When we stepped out, Mr. Kim suddenly spoke in a commanding voice, “Hold my arm.”

“No, thanks. I can walk by myself,” I replied coolly and strutted forward. But, I didn’t hear the man move, so I stopped and looked back.

“Either we stand here for how many minutes or hours, I don’t give a sh*t, or you take my arm and we head to the restaurant,” he said seriously.

Totally unfamiliar with the hall having few turns and wanted so desperately to get over this stupid date, I went back to him and pressed his arm with as much force as I can. “Now walk,” this time I ordered, to which he chuckled. Now, my feistiness amused him.

While we’re walking this close, I couldn’t help but feel we’re somehow mismatched probably because of our dress. His was formal, neat, exclusively tailored, and deluxe while mine was casual, unpolished, ready-to-wear, and moderately costly. Oh well, it’s just one date.

When we reached the restaurant, an attendant opened the tinted door and welcomed us with a greeting and a warm smile. That simple gesture somehow improved my mood, but then my face wrinkled in a scowl the moment I saw the restaurant.

“You don’t like it?” Mr. Kim was scrutinizing my face.

I didn’t answer but looked at him with my brows deeply furrowed and my lips pressed tightly. He simply shrugged and continued to walk on a red carpet leading to the table at the center while almost dragging me since I was unwilling to take steps forward.

The restaurant was set up in the grandest and most romantic possible way. The spacious room that I bet was occupied with tables and chairs was now replaced with some artificial cherry blossom trees that were brightly dazzling as fairy lights were dangling from its branches. As though the lights weren’t enough, the ceiling and posts were also decorated with the same strands of tiny yellow lights. There were scattered cherry blossom petals all over the floor, which I presumed to be artificial too because the scent that lingered in the entire room may be floral but not definitely from a cherry blossom.

How breathtaking might be the scenery, it only served as a background. The centerpiece was the dining table set under a towering red canopy tent draped with red curtains that were tied in a ribbon style. Inside the tent hung a small but exquisite gold chandelier, illuminating radiantly the oak table and two gold-coated chairs. On the table were a candelabra and some cherry blossom petals along with expensive dinnerware.

Everything about this massive room was too extravagant for my taste. Then a realization suddenly hit me: he’s showing off. From the five-star hotel, private elevator, three Michelin star restaurant, to this lavish set-up were screaming his billions of money. Nonetheless, it didn’t impress me at all.

The moment we sat down, a male attendant greeted us and announced that we would be having a shrimp stuffed dumpling with a clam stock for the entrée. Two waitresses then served us while the attendant was proudly describing the said dish. Feeling annoyed with his exaggerated description, I cut him off by asking the cost of the dish.

The attendant blinked a few times before he answered. “That’s roughly 35,000 won, Miss.”

As I expected it would amount to more than 4 digits, I simply nodded while one word flashed in my mind: show-off.

“Leave us,” Mr. Kim ordered. When we’re alone, he asked me, “What do you not like about this place?”

“Everything,” I replied honestly, eyeing the gold spoon.

“Why? Isn’t it enough?”

“On the contrary, it’s too much.”

Mr. Kim’s face remained impassive. “Let’s eat.” He again commanded.

I tasted the broth and it was too rich for my taste that I couldn’t help but slightly scrunched my face. This place was consistently over-the-top. “Mr. Kim, is this—”

“Luther,” he corrected. “We’re not anymore in the school and we’re dating, Faith.” He uttered my name more prominently.

Thinking his name rhymed with loser, I did not argue anymore. “Luther, is—”

“Yes, Faith,” that annoying smirk was again plastered to his face.

“Is this how you usually take a woman on a date? Dazzle them with all that glitters?”

As I anticipated his smirk disappeared, though he didn’t look upset or angry. “And what’s wrong with that? I have more money than I need or want. Spending it on a date to impress a woman isn’t a terrible idea, do you think so?”

He had a point, a good point I just didn’t like how he put it—too arrogant. “Now, I understand why women chase you,” I commented.

He shrugged as though implying he’s well aware of it and couldn’t do something about it. And for that, I concluded that his self-conceited behavior was beyond tolerable for me. I really couldn’t wait for this stupid date to end.

After we’re done with the entrée, the main course was served, which according to the attendant was a braised beef short ribs in a sweet sauce. I was hoping it would taste good as it looked.

Taking my chopstick, I picked one piece and found it delicious. Now, I wished the dish could have more than four slices since it was not sufficient for my appetite. That’s pretty obvious with my not-so-slim-body.

“Is your father or mother not from here?” He asked, looking expectantly at me.

I remained quiet and continued to savor the braised beef.

“You do know this is a date, Faith. We’re supposed to get to know each other,” he pointed out.

“Tell me about yourself first.” I countered.

“What do you want to know?”

“What’s your work?” That’s the first question that popped up in my mind.

He let out a roar of laughter. “We’ve met three or four times but this is the only time you’ve asked me about my job.“ His smirk and grey eyes were both mocking my stupidity. “But, to answer your question, I’m a businessman.”

Yeah, everyone knew you're a multi-billionaire businessman. Why did I even ask that? It was indeed a stupid question. Well, I wasn’t interested to know anything about him.

“Now it’s your turn to answer my question,” he said, pointing his chopsticks to me. “Whose parent of yours is not from here?” That question again.

“How about your parents?” I started to rack my brains on many possible ways to stall from answering that question.

It took him a moment before answering. “My father’s from here and my mother’s a French.”

He might have tried to answer it casually but I could sense his discomfort. His opening up to me had somehow motivated me to also share about my parents. “My mother is from here too while…” A lump seemed to have formed in my throat while my grip on the chopsticks tightened. “Dad is a British, ” I added.

He did not press further on the topic as we both became occupied with our own thoughts. I never imagined we would share at least one thing in common. And I perfectly understood his hesitance in sharing about his mother’s different nationality.

Yeonghon might be one of the progressive cities in Asia, but its traditional beliefs were embedded deeply in its core. One of those beliefs was to marry of the same race. Few from here might be opened to the idea of interracial marriage—marriage between two different races—but many preferred not to.

Compared to me, Luther was luckier not because of his social status but his appearance. He looked exactly from here (except for his grey eyes which he probably inherited from his mother) whereas I was clearly not. My dark complexion, stoutly built body, and big curly hair I got from my… from him were the reasons of me getting constantly bullied and feeling a sense of unbelonging. Even though I had lived here for more than 12 years, most people here considered me a foreigner based on my appearance and surname.

The attendant announcing our dessert pulled us out of our deep thoughts. The waiters served us a traditional shaved ice dessert. Its combination of sweet and cold seemed to have eased out whatever discomfort we felt a while ago.

“Faith, let’s date again.” Clearly, he wasn’t asking but demanding.

The man was really insufferable. Why did he have to ruin this moment of simply enjoying this delicious dessert? “No,” I replied firmly.

“Why? Still waiting for your ex?” He was obviously toying me.

“Yes,” I answered seriously. After what happened at the party, it gave me hope that Howard would still come back to me. Even if we hadn’t met or talked since then, I just had this feeling that he was just taking some time to process everything, and he would eventually choose me in the end.

Luther looked at me with a dark expression. “He’s getting married,” he emphasized each word in a way that such idea would finally sink in my mind.

I shrugged my shoulders. “He wouldn’t.”

He smiled bitterly. “You’re an intelligent woman, Faith, but your judgment right now is unsound.”

This was the first time I heard him speak with some sense without being arrogant, but I quickly shook my head. “I know him better than you.”

“But he’s a f*cking coward,” his voice raised, losing his patience. “And if I were in his position, I would have—”

“Stop it,” I snapped back. Then, I uttered slowly and heavily, “You’re not even half the man of who he is.”

We glared at each other for how long I didn’t know, but he gave in at the end. Though, I had a feeling he wouldn't give up that easily.

“How about a deal?” I heard him speak in a low voice after taking a spoonful of the sherbet.

“I’m not interested,” I wanted to quickly get rid of him in my life.

He disregarded my answer and continued, “Let’s have three more dates and I’ll help you get your promotion.”

“Don’t you dare,” I said through gritted teeth. If I would be promoted, it’s because President Shin finally realized that I passed all the requirements and therefore, deserving of a promotion. I just didn’t know when would that happen.

“How about donating to the church where your father formerly served,” he suggested.

The silver spoon almost slipped from my hand out of shock. Then, my body froze but my mind was racing with so many thoughts. Did he find that out through President Shin? I doubt that. President Shin wouldn’t bother finding out my background or any of the professors at all. So, he probably had me investigated. But how much did he know? Still uncertain, I decided to play along.

“What if you stop investigating me, and I’ll think about it.”

“Okay, whatever you want,” he easily agreed while waving his hand.

His answer just confirmed my intuition. But I needed to find out one more. “So far, how are you doing with your investigation?” I asked casually.

“Not much,” he replied in disappointment. “But you know, I could dig deeper,” he spoke without blinking his eyes.

I knew he wasn’t bluffing especially with so many resources he had in his hands. Still, I felt relieved that he hasn’t found out any…

“But, why did you have to ask me about my parents?” I asked.

“I want to know if you’ll be honest with me.”

“I see. But I just wanted to make this clear. I’ll consider having three more dates with you as long as you hold up your end.” I badly needed to hear his reassurance.

Now, he’s grinning again. “Still not trusting me, Faith. I’m a man of my word unlike your ex.”

I couldn’t help but snort in annoyance. At least, Howard was not arrogant and most importantly, not domineering like him.

“We need to relax now.” He then quickly stood up and offered his hand to me.

“Where are we going?” I looked at his empty cup while mine had still some sherbet.

“You’ll find the view very relaxing from here. Come, now,” he sounded more like calling a dog than asking a woman.

Nonetheless, I stood up before eating up the remaining sherbet, but I didn’t take his hand. “Lead the way,” I told him.

This man, obviously not used to rejection, held up my hand anyway and led me to the glass window. The view was indeed spectacular. Buildings and houses looked like a cluster of dancing lights having varied colors. I couldn’t help but smile and get lost in the view.

However, a booming sound accompanied by sparkling light thundered one after another over the sky. And I started to panic.