The Broken

Chapter 3 THE PARTY

Opening my eyes slowly, I realized I was still alive and suffering from a terrible headache and exhaustion. I looked at the clock, it’s already past nine which meant I had already missed my first two classes. Still my body did not want to move, but as the image of spending an entire day here alone flashed into my mind, I quickly got up and prepared to go to the University.

Wearing dark shades and carrying coffee, I went straight to my third class. Feeling way better now, thanks to Aspirin, I was able to survive a one-hour discussion of two short stories. When I headed out, I was surprised to see the secretary of President Shin, standing along with the door.

“Professor Smith, I’ve been trying to find you. You have a class scheduled at 8 and 9 o’clock, haven’t you?” He asked in an annoyed tone.

“What do you need?” I simply replied.

“President Shin wants to see you in his office right now. He’s been waiting for you.”

“Is it urgent?” I asked in a matter-of-fact tone.

As expected, the man became more agitated. “The University President wouldn’t bother talking to you if it’s not an important matter, Professor Smith,” he uttered my name more forcefully.

“Urgent and important do not have the same meaning,” I pointed out. I never liked this man because of the way he’s bossing around most professors here.

“Spare me with your boring lecture and just follow me.” I heard him say in a bossy manner and walked with his long strides.

I turned in the other direction and went to the canteen to grab something to eat. When I finished eating, I went to the Administration Building where President Shin’s office was situated.

Taking an elevator to the 3rd floor, I started to think why would President Shin want to see me so unexpectedly. Could it be because I missed my classes today? But this was just the first time it happened. No matter how drunk I would be at night and how terrible my hangover when I woke up in the morning, I still attended my classes, except today.

The elevator opened, revealing an extensive marble hallway with white walls where the portraits of all previous university presidents hung. On the left was a tinted sliding door, which was leading to the reception area. I opened it, and there I saw President Shin’s secretary talking with a woman behind the arc-shaped glass reception desk.

“Does President Shin still want to talk to me?”

He did not bother looking at me, instead, he continued talking, no, more of flirting with the woman. But the woman who I guessed must be the new secretary of President Shin faced me and greeted me with a smile. “Good morning, Professor Smith. Yes, President Shin waits for you in his office.”

“Thank you, Ms. Park.” I read on the name tag of her dress. “I highly appreciate your professionalism.” I put stress on the last word.

We looked at each other and smiled. As I opened the door of President Shin’s office, my face contorted a grimace as a shimmering dark yellowish light overwhelming penetrated into my eyes. I squinted and had to blink a couple of times before I could see clearly.

Sitting sideways behind his executive desk, President Shin was talking to someone on his phone. He motioned me to sit down on the chair in front of his desk and continued his conversation over the phone. Thinking he would reprimand me for missing my classes today, I decided to remain standing up.

As I was not fond of eavesdropping, I turned all my attention to President Shin’s office since this was my first time to be here.

The entire room was paneled with dark chocolate walnut that complemented the wooden furniture. The massive and obscenely ornate gold chandelier that hung majestically above President Shin combined with the gold lampshade situated at each side of the leather sofa far behind me illuminated the vast room with dazzling light.

I doubt if President Shin could read any document or book with the lighting here. Well, what do I expect from someone who had a bunch of assistants doing everything for him? Besides, if not for his wife who was the governor of this city, he would probably not become a university president. Yes, connection and nepotism went hand in hand.

“Sit down, Professor Smith.” I heard his booming voice, prompting me to look at his plump white face.

“I’d rather stand.” I quickly replied.

“Whatever suits you. By the way, I’ve already arranged a meeting with the leaders of the teacher and staff’s union labor to have an open discussion regarding the compensation and some other issues,” he announced with so much pride as though he just achieved a milestone.

My mind seemed to refuse to process what President Shin had said, so I just stared at him with an empty expression.

Confused by my reaction, he leaned back, exposing his big round belly, and stared at me with a penetrating look. “Shouldn’t you be pleased, Professor Smith?”

I watched him quickly check out my body, and this infuriated me but I maintained my indifferent expression. “Is there anything else?”

“Since you’re one of the professors here, do you have any suggestions?” His gaze, this time, lingered longer on my chest.

I shrugged my shoulders and replied, “You have a lot of assistants who can come up with better ideas.”

This time, he leaned forward and tried to say in a low husky voice, “I highly value the opinion of my professors, especially a woman like you, Professor Smith.”

Now, that’s just some bullshit. I could not even remember him visiting our office and talking to us or asking how are we doing. Elongating my neck and staring him down, I thought of kicking this incompetent p*****t right down to his balls, not literally though.

“For a starter, why don’t you come to school regularly and start acting like a real, authentic leader and not some random tourist who is completely ignorant of his surrounding.”

His eyes bulged out of shock while his body froze as though cold water was splashed on him. I took his momentary shock as a chance to escape. “Have a good day, President Shin." Then, I quickly left his office.

When I was already outside the Admin. building, I started to walk slowly and held my head up high. Then, I heard a clattering sound of heels accompanied by a female voice calling my name. Looking back, I saw Ms. Park walking hurriedly towards me while waving her hand that’s clutching a thin piece of paper.

“Professor Smith, this one is for you,” she handed me an elaborate green fancy paper. “It’s an invitation to President Shin’s birthday this Friday.”

Only high-ranking officials or distinguished persons were usually invited to his birthday. I didn’t and wouldn't want to know his purpose of invitation. “Tell him I''m not interested.”

“Professor Smith, I just started my job so I really want to create a good impression on my boss. Please, help me,” she said sincerely.

I sighed and uttered, “Fine, I’ll go.” Then, I quickly turned around as I silently cursed because I hated parties. But, I felt a bit better when I heard Ms. Parker shouting thank you while I was walking away from her. Yes, women should have each other’s back.

Days quickly passed in a blur. I wasn’t even aware that today was already Friday, President Shin’s birthday. If we hadn’t contributed buying a birthday gift for him, I definitely would have forgotten it.

And now, I was standing alone at the side of this grand and exquisite hotel while staring blankly at these people I barely knew. If not for this expensive wine I was drinking now, I probably headed home.

“Professor Smith I’m glad you’re here,” uttered Ms. Parker with a smile.

“I’ll not stay for long,” I answered back.

“Can you please greet President Shin before leaving? He’s been asking me why you haven’t approached him.”

I’m starting to get annoyed in making favor for Ms. Park or maybe it’s just the environment. “Do you like your job, Ms. Park?”

She lightly shrugged her shoulder and offered a gentle smile. “It does pay my bills."

“Then, you better stay alert and guard yourself at all times.” Remembering Mr. Shin’s p*****t behavior, I thought it’s best to warn Ms. Park.

Seemingly understanding my warning, she nodded. I, then, set aside the empty glass, and we went to Mr. Shin who was conversing animatedly with a group of men.

“President Shin,” I said in a louder voice to get his attention. “Happy birthday.” I tried to make my voice more lively.

Upon seeing me, he went to my side and hooked his arm around my shoulder. “Gentlemen, this is Faith Smith, one of the best professors in my university,” he uttered enthusiastically.

They all gave a courteous nod but at the same time eyed my chest longer than was necessary. Though what bothered me the most was President Shin’s constantly caressing my shoulder using his thumb, nonetheless my expression remained unfazed. “I’m flattered with your complement, President Shin, even though you probably knew a few members of our faculty.”

He laughed boisterously, catching the attention of some guests nearby. “Professor Smith is indeed a humble person. Of course, I knew all of my professors, and I’m certain you’re one of the best.” He then put pressure on my shoulder.

“Well then, let me return your compliment, President Shin,” I turned my attention to the men in front of us. “President Shin is very hardworking that he sometimes overworked and suffered from fatigue, which explained his frequent absence to—”

“Thank you, Professor Smith,” he said with a grin and removed with subtlety his hand from my shoulder. “But there’s really no need of giving such praises now.” He might be grinning but he’s eyeing me with a warning look.

I was about to answer him back and exposed him furthermore when a soft female voice suddenly butted in.

“President Shin, my fiancée and I wish you a happy birthday.”

Feeling annoyed, I searched for the owner of that voice and I wished I did not. I might have seen that angelic face once and only in the newspaper, but I was certain she was Howard’s fiancée. Before I could even recover from shock, I saw Howard whose arm was wrapped around her waist.

Again, I felt that pain in my heart, and I knew what was bound to happen next. No, I would not disintegrate...not this time...please.

“Professor Smith, how about we eat something,” I heard Ms. Park’s breathy voice.

However, I looked at her desperately as I was not sure if I could walk without stumbling down. Understanding my concern, she tried to grab my arm but President Shin suddenly grasped my other arm, trapping me in this helpless situation.

“Thank you, Ms. Lee. By the way, I’d like you to meet, Professor Faith Smith. And Professor Smith, this is Nancy Lee and Howard Moon. You know him, right?”

Whatever emotional pain I was going through was immediately set aside and my stubborn ego took the upper hand. If this was President Shin’s way of getting back at me, then I would never give him the satisfaction of seeing me crumble. So, I shove President Shin’s hand, then looked at that woman, and even forced a smile. “Pleasure meeting you.” I said.

The woman stiffly nodded and then moved closer to Howard who was, thankfully, looking away as though embarrassed by the situation.

“Ms. Lee, may I just say that you are breathtakingly beautiful. Howard is, indeed, lucky to have you,” President Shin uttered in an extremely annoying loud voice.

“Thank you,” the woman simply replied.

Quickly glancing at her, I couldn’t agree more with him. Her off-shoulder red dress flowing just below her knee was paired with golden stilettoes while her hair was tied in an elegant low bun with some loose tendrils of hair, framing her white angelic face and long slender neck. Howard was as equally as aesthetic in physique as her. His boyish looks—as comprised of a long fringe with messy top hair suited well his round face with softer angles and just no particularly hard lines—plus his light blue unbutton suits without ties, exposing his white fitted shirt that highlighted his muscular body, exuded irresistible charm.

Indeed, they were perfectly matched, and before I knew it, my confidence was slowly but steadily dwindling.

“Let’s go,” Ms. Parker whispered.

Before we could even move, a different male voice called my name. “Professor Smith, are you walking out on me again?” Then, I saw that man who challenged me in a drinking contest confidently striding toward me.

“You look…” he stared at me from head to foot, “…dashing.” And a grin flashed to his face.

I was simply wearing black pants that flared out from my waist down to my ankle, an unbuttoned black half-sleeved blazer, and a loose V-neck white spaghetti top. But then, for whatever reason, the man’s intense stare stirred a feeling, probably annoyance.

“Mr. Kim, I’m glad you came,” there again that booming voice of President Shin.

“Why would I miss this precious chance of meeting you again, Professor Smith?” His eyes were not leaving mine at all.

Then, Ms. Parker cleared loudly her throat and addressed President Shin. “You’ll be having your solo dance with Governor Linda, your wife, any moment now.”

President Shin quickly excused himself and went away along with Ms. Parker, leaving the four of us and turning the situation more awkward. Yet, not any of us moved nor talked. I would have wanted to go, but then I thought, why should I? I hadn’t wronged them, so why must I leave like a guilty person

After a few moments, the orchestra played a classic song from the 70s, which was followed by Mr. and Mrs. Shin’s slow dance. When the song ended, everyone clapped, probably except me. Then, another mellow song was played, and couples soon filled the dance floor.

“Dance with me, Mr. Kim,” I said to the man next to me and offered my hand.

“With pleasure,” he took my hand and we marched going to the dance floor.

Mr. Kim put his hand on my waist while mine on his shoulder and our other hands clasped together. He did have rough callous hands.

Keeping my eyes fixed on his shoulder as he was taller than I even though I was wearing a 6-inch stiletto, I decided not to talk with him. He, however, had a different thought as he pinched my chin, forcing me to look at him. “I’ve kept my bargain,” his face was so close to mine as he spoke.

His minty breath irritated me, even his masculine perfume, I found displeasing. Still, I did not back down as that would mean being intimidated by him. “What bargain?” I asked stiffly.

“In the bar, remember?”

Now, the corner of my lips twitched as the memory of him passing out flashed in my mind. “You mean me beating your ass down.”

He chuckled. “Yeah, you did. But, I held up my word, though.”

Now, I remembered our deal. That’s why President Shin told me about the meeting with the union labor leaders. “And how did you persuade President Shin?”

“You’ll find it out the next couple of days. But, as of now, let’s just enjoy this moment.” Then, he quickly moved closer, crashing my head into his chest.

I could have pushed him or stumped on his feet just to break free, but seeing Howard’s painful expression from afar, I shied away whatever disgust I was feeling and even put my hand to his back.

However, he reacted to my action as he leaned down and smelled my exposed neck since my hair was tied in a high ponytail “Hmmm, you smell divine, Faith.”

Automatically, my body jerked away but he quickly pulled me back and held me tightly. “Not so quickly, Faith,” he uttered in a sexy low voice. Then, his hand that was once on my back ran southward, way southward.

Still, I did not panic and simply whispered in his ear, “If you dare move your hand more, I will kick your groin so hard your balls wouldn’t feel anything for three days.”

He again chuckled but finally rested her hand on my waist. Searching for my eyes, he pulled back and gazed at me intensely with her grey eyes. “Your feistiness always turns me on.”

Before I could lose deep into his grey eyes, I quickly looked away. “I need rest,” I told him.

Without arguing, he guided me to one of the empty tables, and I became relieved upon sitting down. But, it was soon replaced by anguish and pain when I saw Howard and that woman were intimately dancing.

“You don’t deserve a man like him,” Mr. Kim stated.

“You know nothing, Mr. Kim,” I hissed.

“Call me Luther.”

“Let me just make this clear, I don’t know you as much as you are to me, so let’s stop pretending like we’re some friends or whatever. I call you by your last name and you do exactly the same,” I said it rather in a harsh manner. I knew it isn’t fair to vent out my frustration to him, but it’s better be angry than hurt.

Mr. Kim simply shrugged and did not insist anymore. I, however, suddenly felt exhausted. “I’m heading home, now,” I slowly stood up.

“I’ll drive you home.” He also stood up.

“No need. I have my car,” I quickly rejected him.

He stared at me for a long time before speaking. “Until we meet again, Professor Smith.”

I didn’t reply and went out from that d*mned hotel, wishing I shouldn’t have come.

When I reached the parking lot, I heard running footsteps behind me. I was surprised when I saw Howard standing and panting just a few steps away from me. Slowly, he strode towards me and gently hugged me. Next, I heard him say softly, “I miss you, Faith.”

Before I could even think, my body responded instinctively. I wrapped my arms around him and replied, “I miss you too, Howard.”

At this moment, I didn’t give a d*mn if people would see us like this, even if it was his fiancée. I even hugged him tightly as I longed for his gentle warmth to fill up all this cold emptiness that had been my lone companion for the past months. Oh, how I wished we could stay like this forever, but then…

Howard broke free from our embrace and kissed my forehead. “Drive safely, Faith.” And just like that, he left.

Though this time, there wasn’t pain nor sorrow, but hope… hope for brighter days ahead.