Lake (Trinity Academy 3)

(Eighteen years old)

Sitting on the floor in my bedroom, I stare at the only photo I have of Mom.

I last saw her on my eighteenth birthday. It’s been almost three months, and I’m only allowed to call her twice a week after I’ve spoken with Mr. Cutler without doing anything to shame the Chairman.

After the Chairman came to see us the first time, Mom told me she was married to him, but he got a mistress, and Mom divorced him. Because I wasn’t a son, he let me go with her until he needed me.

The Chairman said he gave Mom enough money so she won’t have to work anymore, for which I’m grateful because her health keeps deteriorating.

I tried to run away after the first week I was brought to the mansion, and my punishment for wanting to see Mom was to be locked up in this room.

I’m only allowed to interact with four people. The maid who brings me my meals. The tutor who provides my lessons on Western culture and the English language. Chairman Park’s mistress, Jo Yoon-ha who bore a son out of wedlock for the Chairman. And Mr. Cutler, my fiancé.

I hear the key turn in the door, and quickly get up from the floor. Placing both hands over my stomach, I lower my head as Jo Yoon-ha comes in with the phone.

“Read the messages I’ve exchanged with Mr. Cutler on your behalf. You have thirty minutes until you video call with him.”

My eyes dart up. “Video call?”

She raises her hand so fast, I don’t have time to duck before her palm connects with my cheek. The sting is fleeting, leaving a hot sensation in its wake.

“Read the messages and fix your face,” she snaps and shoves the phone against my chest before she goes to sit in the chair by the window.

I unlock the screen, and my eyes scan over the messages.

Mr. Cutler: Just four more days. Are you looking forward to coming here?

Park Lee-ann: Yes. I’m lucky to be marrying a handsome man like yourself.

Mr. Cutler: Besides liking going to the spa, shopping, and horse riding, what would you like to do when you get here?

Park Lee-ann: Anything that pleases you. I will do my best as your wife.

Mr. Cutler: Is there nothing specific you would like to do, or a place you would like to visit.

Park Lee-ann: I would like to spend time with your mother to learn what will be expected of me on our wedding night. I don’t want to be a disappointment due to my inexperience.

Mr. Cutler: Don’t worry about that. Let’s first get to know each other better. I will call you tomorrow at 10am your time.

Park Lee-ann: Thank you for understanding. I look forward to talking to you.

I close my eyes as shame ripples over me. I don’t get time to process it, because Jo Yoon-ha snaps, “Fix your face. Mr. Cutler will call in ten minutes.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” I whisper. I walk to the dressing table and sitting down, I struggle to lift my eyes to the mirror. Knowing I don’t have time, I force my gaze up and reach for the powder. When my makeup looks perfect, my eyes lock with the reflection staring back at me.

I hate that you’re pretty. I should cut off your hair and scar your cheeks so no man will look at you.

If I had my freedom, I would throw you into the Han river. I would rather die a thousand deaths than bear a child to a man who will discard me the same way my mother was discarded.

My arm is grabbed, and I’m yanked up. “You’re so pathetic. To think Chairman Park’s business deal depends on you is absurd. Unfortunately, the only way Chairman Park can guarantee a return on his investment is for you to marry this man. Smile and don’t bring shame to Chairman Park, or you will never speak to your mother again.”

The phone begins to ring, and I force a smile to my mouth as I lift the phone up. I don’t take in the face on the profile picture as I swipe up.

Mr. Cutler smiles when the call connects, and says, “Annyeonghaseyo, Park Lee-ann.”

I stare at his face, taking in his brown eyes, his light brown hair, and the stubble on his jaw.

Jo Yoon-ha comes to stand in front of me, giving a dark glare filled with warning.

“Hello, Mr. Cutler. Thank you for calling me,” the words fall automatically over my lips.

“Are you okay?” he asks, which has Jo Yoon-ha crossing her arms.

I force a wider smile around my mouth. “Yes, I’m fine. How are you?” My words are much slower than his, but at least my pronunciation is clear enough for him to understand.

“I’m good, especially now that I get to talk to you. Only three days and then you’re here.”