CHOICES AND CHANCES (DaraGon FANFIC)

Chapter Forty-One

"Mom, I'm flying home tomorrow."

"What's wrong, son?"

"Nothing."

"I know it's not nothing so don't give me that answer."

"I'll tell you when I get there."

"What happened to the project with the Parks?"

"It's going well. We're just waiting for the revised agreement."

"If it's not about work, then... should it be? But you said we don't have any problems with the project so far. I'm confused."

"It's complicated, Mom. I promised you that personal matters won't get in the way of this business project. And I'm being true to my promise."

"Dara? Is it because of her?"

"More than that."

"Tell me, son."

"Not now. Not over the phone."

"Fine. I'll wait for your return."

"Thanks, Mom."

"You know I'm just here if you need anything, right?"

"Yes." He answered, nodding.

"Rest well. You'll have a long flight tomorrow."

"See you soon."

"Yup. See you."

Jiyong's conversation with her mother ended. He sat on the couch inside his room and stared at the ceiling.

'A month. That's all I'm giving her.'

Image of Dara while she was crying and holding his hand to stop him from getting inside his car suddenly appeared in his head.

He closed his eyes and placed one arm over his forehead.

"Stop messing up my head, Dara. Stop it!"

'I needed to keep the truth from you... to keep you safe.'

He opened his eyes and shook his head. "Enough! Enough!"

He stood up and went down to the mini bar to get himself a drink.

"I need this." He said after pouring brandy on a glass that he filled with ice and took it in one gulp.

**************

"Dara..."

"We've already discussed this a million times, Jae."

"This is not the only way. I mean..."

"What? Should we wait another year?... or two?... or three? This is our chance, Jae. You know for a fact that there are a lot who's hoping for this to end now."

He hit the steering wheel and tightened his grip on it.

"We'll all be fine after this." She tried to assure her.

"You still don't realize how dangerous it is that's why it's easy for you to decide."

"I know how dangerous it is. And I know how much more it will be dangerous for the people around us if this goes on."

He sighed.

Dara held his forearm and squeezed it. "Think about Seulbi. Your life with her after this. Think about your mother."

"You're so good with this encouragement thing." He looked at her and she gave him her sweetest smile.

"We should be thankful we are given this chance."