2012- PRESENT DAY
LISA
I was busy stacking all the papers that needed to be brought to work when a two pairs of arms wrapped it's way around my legs. I smiled and looked down.
Staring at the two adorable creatures right before me. I sigh.
"Good Morning my babies! How are you? Did you sleep well?"
I crouched down to their level and hug both of their tiny bodies.
"Mommy, Jihyun won't let me play with his bunny. He says I'll just destroy him. That's not very nice. " The little girl pouted while pointing at his brother.
I looked at my son at he said "But Jia has lots of dolls to play with. Why can't she just play with them instead? " He was glaring at his sister.
I just sighed.
"Baby, remember when Mommy told you that sharing is caring right? Why don't you let Jia play with Bunny and you can both play in the living room?"
The two just stared at me. And pouted. The little boy stomped and sulked.
Such stubborn children. I wonder where you get that from? I thought.
I was about to speak when a voice cut me off.
"Mom, you know they won't listen right? These two are weird. I don't know why I'm even related to them. " She continued on while slumping on my bed.
"No we're not. " Jia stuck her tongue out to the older girl. Then she faced me and said "Mommy, Unni Hayul's being mean again!"
I faced the older sibling and eyed her.
"What? I'm sorry ok? Unni is just messing with you right baby J? " She faced the younger ones and smiled so brightly.
The scene in front of me melted my heart.
Yes, it's been 8 years since I left HIM...
And yes, I do have kids. My oldest, a very bright and beautiful young 7 year old named Hayul.
She's spunky and very lively. A trait which she obviously have gotten from me. My first born, my dearest princess.
It was 8 years ago when I found out that I was pregnant and had to marry at such a young age. It was a very heart wrenching experience- the marriage that was. But I never regretted having this little ball of sunshine.
Hayul but I mostly call her Ella. She was the reason why I left HIM. I didn't want her to grow up being unloved by her father. It wasn't right at all.
When I left, I decided to leave the divorce papers along with the ring and everything I had gotten from my marriage. It was too painful. I packed my bags and decided to live here.
Where is here? FRANCE. The city of love. At least I felt loved here in this beautiful city. I didn't need to be reminded of what I left behind in Seoul.
It was a few months since I started living in Paris when I found out that I was expecting. It shocked me to my core...
Not only will I remember HIM through Ella but also bring 2 innocent souls to the world. Yes, I had the twins when I was moving on. It was a hard process.
Ah, my twins. My babies. I could never say thank you enough to God for giving me these spitfires.
They are a year younger than Ella. And very energetic indeed. Let me tell you, raising three kids is tough especially because I was living away from family and away from home.
My only boy- Jihyun or Sky as people would call him is older by 7 minutes. He is very protective with his sisters and surely a ladies' man when he grows. I can already tell.
Sky is quiet and gets very shy around people. He is usually in the corner reading books. He hates crowds. He is exactly like HIM except that he is living and very funny when he wants to be.
The total opposite to my Jia or Lia as many know. Lia is very outgoing and adventurous. She's loud and likes to talk to many people. I swear the kid can start a conversation and she's very good in the arts. She idolizes Ella a lot.
All in all, my little family was what I really needed at that time. They were my light.
I sometimes wish our story was a different case. One in which we were a Happy family but live never gives you exactly what you want right?
Going back to th situation at hand.
"Mom? Are you really going to work now? " Ella said.
"Yes honey. I need to. Don't worry. Mrs. Steinberg will be here to accompany you while I'm out. Be good ok? Take care of the twins. Will you?" I looked into Ella's eyes.She nodded.
" Oh and Ella. I do not want a repeat of last week's mayhem ok? You almost destroyed the kitchen. Do you understand me young lady?"
She just smirked at me. This kid really. Acting like her father sometimes. Tsk.
"Yes Mom. I promise." And she hugged me and gave me a wide toothy grin. Oh my sweet little lady!
I faced the twins.
"And you two, behave ok? Listen to Unni ok? Be good. I love you guys so much. " I patted their heads and gave them a kiss.
"I love you Mommy. Come back soon. " Lia spoke while hugging me tightly.
Sky was just staring at us. And then he gave me the biggest bear hug I could possibly have. Such a cutie I tell you!
I left the house and went to work.
I am a chef at a fine dining restaurant here in Paris. It's called THE PENINSULA. It's famous. I have been working here alongside my sister- Rose. She is also a famous chef.
My sister has been a huge part of my decision to leave. She was very supportive and very persistent in us starting anew. My parents knew about us leaving and they hid our location from everyone especially HIM. I still keep in touch with them every single day about our whereabouts. My parents love and adore my kids. That is why they are hiding information about us.
At THE PENINSULA
As I entered, I was greeted by my adorable older sister Rose.
"Good morning Lili! " In a sing song manner.
"Someone woke up on the right side of the bed. Tell me Ro, did you get a good night's rest?" I asked teasing her.
"Yes, I did sleep perfectly. I always do."
"It is wrong that I wanna smack that smile on your face right now? " My comeback to her smirk.
"Oh my darling Lilibear! Why so grumpy? Tell me, did you not get laid last night? " I gasped smack her shoulder.
"OMG! Will you just shut up? Really? It's too early for your nasty thoughts Ro. Sometimes, I just wanna cover your mouth with duct tape to shut you up. Too vulgar! " I exclaimed.
"Ouch! You are so violent. And what is wrong with what I said? We are adults now. You have kids so it's normal to say such things. Live a little sissy!" She laughed like it was the funniest thing in the world. Gosh!
I left her in her own bubble and decided to start a long day at work. After all, this restaurant isn't just my workplace. It's my other baby.
Me and Ro worked hard to put up THE PENINSULA for ourselves. It was our dream. And I thought to myself. My life is totally Ok with or without HIM.