Future Me and My Love

Lee sat across from Joon in the empty hall. Her wedding dress felt heavier than ever.

Joon sighed. "So, you're really calling it off?"

Lee nodded. "I'm sorry."

Joon leaned back in his chair. "I knew something was wrong. You've been distant. But I didn't think you'd actually say it."

Lee looked down. "I didn't want to hurt you."

Joon gave a small smile. "I think we both knew this wasn't right."

Lee exhaled. "Yeah."

Joon stood up. "I hope you figure out what you really want."

Lee looked up. "You're not angry?"

Joon shook his head. "I'd rather this happen now than later." He gave her one last nod. "Take care, Lee."

As he walked away, Lee felt both relief and guilt.

Then the doors opened again.

Wang Yan walked in. She looked calm, but her eyes were sharp.

Lee sat up straight. "Mom—"

Wang held up a hand. "Sit."

Lee swallowed and stayed quiet.

Wang sat across from her. "You embarrassed the family today."

"I know."

"You walked away from a good man."

"I know."

Wang's face stayed serious. "And for what? For a woman?"

Lee met her gaze. "For myself."

Wang studied her. Then she leaned forward. "If you want to make your own choices, take responsibility. No more working as a doctor. You will take over the family business."

Lee's eyes widened. "What?"

"You heard me," Wang said. "No more hospitals, no more patients. You will step in and run the company."

Lee clenched her fists. "That's not fair."

Wang raised an eyebrow. "And leaving your wedding was?"

Lee stayed silent.

"You want to live life your way? Then prove it," Wang said. "Show me you can handle responsibility."

Lee took a deep breath. "And if I say no?"

Wang's face stayed cold. "Then I won't support you."

Lee gritted her teeth. "I need time."

Wang nodded. "One month."

Lee's head snapped up. "Only one month?"

"That's all you get," Wang said. "In one month, you decide—take over the business, or lose my support."

Lee's stomach twisted.

Then Wang added, "And before I accept her, I want to meet Gen."

Lee's heart stopped. "What?"

Wang crossed her arms. "If you think she's worth it, I want to hear it from her."

Lee swallowed. "She might not want to meet you."

Wang smirked. "Then she's not as strong as you think."

Lee exhaled. "Mom…"

"No more arguing," Wang said, standing up. "One month. And a meeting with Gen. That's my condition."

Lee sat there, her head spinning.

One month.

And Gen.

She wasn't sure how this would go.

Meanwhile, at Gen's apartment…

Gen sat on her couch, gripping the armrest.

Her head pounded.

A vision.

She saw Lee at her door. Same sad eyes. Same quiet voice.

"I have feelings for you."

Gen's hands clenched into fists.

No.

Not again.

She stood up fast, shaking the thought away. It wasn't real.

Lee wasn't coming here.

But the feeling wouldn't go away.

Gen took a deep breath.

Was it too late?

She wasn't sure if she even wanted the answer.