The Dragon Lover

by Maialen Alonso

  “You want to be quiet, Lucy?” Emily growled, embarrassed. “Don’t pay attention to her she spends all day watching telenovelas. Besides he isn’t interested in any of us,” She finished, whispering.

  Mira couldn’t help but smile. This woman of strong character reminded her of herself, but she could see in her face and eyes an immense tenderness. The attitude that she used to protect herself was the same one she had used herself.

  “He’s very handsome. I’m not surprised that you like him,” Mira said.

  “What?” The doctor held out her arms in a non-threatening manner since she was dealing with a victim. “You’re taking her side? And what do you say about your friend?” The doctor winked at Mira.

  Mira closed her mouth and tightened her lips but the laughter escaped and the women joined her in laughing.

  After their laughter Inspector Evans smoothed down Mira’s hair, and let her know that they had finished. Thanks to their joking the uncomfortable moment had passed quickly.

  14. A New Beginning

  When they left the police station and Mira breathed in the fresh outdoor air she couldn’t help but smile. She’d done the right thing and she felt great. There were no words to describe how great. Dan would not be able to attack another woman and even though she felt guilty for thinking it, she wanted him to go through the same hell that he caused.

  “He won’t be so tough when he goes to jail,’ Amanda commented, almost as if she had read Mira’s mind. “I hope he drops the soap.”

  “I’d almost swear that you like that thought,” Kwon said, jokingly.

  “Of course, I’d like to see two men together, but he won’t be one of them. I have better taste. Come on, I’ll invite you both to lunch,” Amanda said.

  ┼

  The door closed behind them and Kwon sighed as he continued walking. Taking of his jacket he threw it on top of the chair where he had sat to read Mira’s manuscript.

  “By the way.” He turned to look at Mira. “It was an excellent book.”

  “You read it?” Mira said, surprised.

  “Yes, Amanda sent me one of the first printed copies.” Kwon continued, serving two glasses of wine.

  “The truth is I was very nervous.” Mira saw him arch an eyebrow. “I wasn’t sure if I was a little too explicit,” Mira said, sincerely.

  “Not at all, if someone buys an erotic book. That’s what they wanted. Otherwise, they would simply buy a romance book, right?”

  “True,” Mira, agreed, taking the glass of wine that Kwon offered her.

  “Come here.” Kwon had put on some soft music and they both sat down on the white couch. They sat there quietly drinking their wine.

  After finishing his wine Kwon sat back on the couch and placed his arm around Mira’s head. She laid her head back on his arm. It was inevitable that she would smile when she felt that they fit perfectly. The silence continued, but never grew uncomfortable.

  That moment of peace and harmony was simply marvelous. However, Mira began to think about everything that had happened in the past half year. So many things had happened, and so many emotions experienced, it seemed almost like a soap opera. Mei didn’t take long to appear in her thoughts. Mira sighed thinking about the beautiful woman and for a moment she tried to imagine the suffering that she must feel.

  If Kwon died tomorrow, Mira thought looking at him, he had his eyes closed enjoying the moment.

  I would go crazy.

  Mira had experienced many bad feeling towards Mei, but now she only felt a deep sadness and understanding. How could she blame her? Mei was already suffering a lot by living without the love of her life.

  “Hey,” said Mira. When she saw that she had his attention she continued speaking, “Is there anything that we can do for Mei?”

  “Maybe,” Kwon sighed, annoyed. “I’ve tried for the last two years, but I only seem to make things worse.”

  15. Foreign Pain

  That night due to the stress she had experienced after all the recent events Mira slept better than she had ever slept before. After a timid goodnight kiss she slept entwined in Kwon’s arms. She could definitely become obsessed with sleeping like this every night. Determined Mira got up before daybreak as she knew that Kwon would be waking up in half an hour. With how much he had helped her, the least she could do was make him a breakfast fit for a king.

  The smell of homemade tortillas didn’t wake him up. Neither did the sound of the coffee maker. The dark color of the coffee stood out among the white kitchen. The kitchen didn’t look like it got much use. He probably didn’t cook very often. She looked through a drawer for a dishcloth, but instead found a small folded piece of paper. It looked to have been forgotten there for a long time.

  Mei, Mira read the first sentence, it’s her address.

  When she heard the sound of the sliding door Mira was alerted that the dragon had woken up. Reflexively she grabbed the small piece of paper, crumpled it, and hid it in her bra and hoped that Kwon hadn’t woken up wanting to have sex.

  “Are you spoiling me?” Kwon asked, walking towards her. “I can get used to it.”

  “I hope that you do,” Mira replied, mischievously. She had seen his face as he slept looking as sweet and innocent as a child, it had touched her heart. He almost looked like a little angel.

  They both sat down to enjoy their breakfast. Mira gave him a long glance to make sure he enjoyed the food as she wasn’t an star in the kitchen, although she hadn’t been interested much in cooking until then.

  “Do you have a meeting with Amanda today?” Kwon asked, finishing his coffee.

  “Yes, we’re going to eat together.”

  “I’ll be out all day long. I have several meetings,” Kwon told her, a bit tired but we can go out for dinner.

  “Okay.”

  “And we’ll have dessert here,” he said, with a lopsided smile.

  A bit uncomfortable Mira frowned analyzing his words. She could expect anything from Kwon, and with his words everything was clear, she would be the dessert.

  “You don’t even have a small bit of shame,” Mira said.

  “You have enough for the both of us.” Kwon stood up to give her a kiss.

  Their kiss tasted of the morning coffee. It was more enjoyable than Mira had expected and she became a little addicted.

  “Don’t tempt me. I only have ten minutes,” Kwon told her, backing up to give her an accusing glare.

  ┼

  It was almost 10 a.m. when Mira got out of the taxi. She was in a large housing development, with large supervised houses, that had gorgeous gardens. It wasn’t easy getting past security, but she managed it with a few little white lies.

  Mira looked at the small crumpled piece of paper and looked for the address. She walked a few meters and found a large, stunning, white house.

  She lives here alone.

  Mira was surprised. The house had to be more than a thousand square meters.

  In front of the door Mira’s nerves increased. She didn’t know what she was going to say or do, but she felt an immense desire to speak with Mei and even to apologize for falling in love with Kwon.

  A melodious sound was heard when she pressed the doorbell. After a few second Mira heard a buzz telling her she could open the door and enter. Mira crossed the threshold and walked into an oriental style garden. The sound of running water managed to calm her down. Mira took a few minutes to look at the beautiful and mystical garden and at the same time Mei observed her from the main door.

  “I thought about not opening the door when I saw it was you, but I have to admit that I am curious,” Mei said, when Mira’s honey colored eyes finally looked at her.

  “I’m sorry to bother you at your house,” Mira said, getting closer, “but I have to talk to you.”

  “I’m listening.” Moving aside Mei let Mira enter her ho
me. Mei’s face let Mira know she wasn’t a fool.

  Inside the house everything was pure elegance and the photographs of a man who looked like Kwon filled each nook. Mira looked at them carefully and the man in the photograph had an innocent good natured smile completely different from Kwon.

  To others they would look exactly the same, but she could see the differences Mira thought with pride as she walked towards Mei, entering the living room.

  After several minutes of them seated in silence, while sipping a high quality tea, Mira felt pressured under Mei’s steely gaze. Mira had come here with good intentions. She understood Mei’s pain and needed to tell her everything regarding her feelings.

  “I…”

  “You’re in love. I know,” Mei cut her off, finishing her sentence. “Have you come to rub it in my face that your feelings are returned? You could have saved yourself the trip.”

  “Oh! No,” Mira shrieked, in horror. “I would never do that. I have come here because Kwon told me what happened.”

  “How sweet, you feel sorry for me,” Mei said, sarcastically.

  “Stop being like that for a moment and let’s talk like adults,” Mira replied, seriously. “I know it hurts you. Surely it must even hurt when you wake up each morning, but I’m convinced after seeing your husbands’ photographs that deep down you know that they are completely different.”

  Bingo.

  Mei’s eyes looked away and she frowned, her face twisting in anger and pain. Mira didn’t want to appear aggressive, but she also didn’t think that Mei should continue to suffer. Of course she would always be Kwon’s sister-in-law, but if she didn’t try to change her attitude and if Mira’s relationship with Kwon continued to get serious Mira would have to keep her away until he forgot about Mei.

  “I can’t even imagine how you must suffer each day, Mei,” Mira continued speaking, softening her voice, “But the person that you want isn’t Kwon and you know that they aren’t the same person. Your husbands face… just looking at one of the photographs I can see how wonderful he must have been. His gaze looks completely pure. Kwon is a great person, but I have noticed he isn’t the same type of person.

  “He was,” Mei whispered, lowering her head, “He was always helping people who needed him. He didn’t deserve to die. He didn’t have the right to leave me.”

  “No, no he didn’t, but Mei think for a moment. Would he have liked to seen you like this?” Mei denied this shaking her head. “Kwon also doesn’t like it. He suffers because of you?”

  “I know but every time I see him I feel like someone stabbed me in the heart.” This time Mei lifted her head. Her eyes were glassy and smile was childlike. It pained Mira in her soul. So much suffering wasn’t right.

  “I don’t know how I can help you,” Mira admitted.

  “You love him?” Mira asked. “Really love him?”

  “Yes.”

  “Will you tell me all about your relationships history?” Mei begged.

  Mira was surprised by her request, but perhaps it was good that she see how different they were. Timidly she began to tell her how they had sent notes to each other. Soon Mei’s surprise was evident. Mei had known Kwon since she was a child and knew of his enjoyment of women, but this new information was new and unexpected, and also entertaining.

  Mei knew just how different the brothers were. After all they had all grown up together, but admitting that her husband was gone forever was very painful, so painful that her mind had created an altered history.

  “I’m sorry I’m causing you pain,” Mei said, after Mira finished telling her story. “After hearing your story I’m convinced that you’re perfect for each other.”

  “Thank you.”

  “But I’ll need time to get used to this.”

  “Take all the time you need and if you need anything don’t hesitate to call us.”

  “There is something that you can do.” Mei smiled affectionately. “When you have your first I’d like for you to name him Yesung.”

  “The first?”

  “Your first child.”

  Mira turned pale on hearing this. How was Mei so convinced that something like that would happen? Mira didn’t know how to respond and when Mei saw her shock she started laughing.

  They talked almost until twelve in the afternoon and then Mira had no other option but to leave for her lunch date with Amanda. Before closing the door, when Mira was leaving, Mei asked Mira to visit her every once in a while without Kwon. She still needed to get used to seeing him without seeing her husband. Mira accepted because although the visit had started uncomfortable it had ended well.

  Once again she took a taxi, she felt rejuvenated, and the sense of having done the right thing made Mira happy.

  It would take time for Mei to adjust, but she would adjust, Mira thought while looking at the passing buildings, she’ll have a fresh start.

  16. Today, Tomorrow, and Always

  Mira was home by late afternoon and concentrated on writing ideas for her next book. The cell phone on the table made a sound, she had received a message. When she opened the message Mira saw that Kwon had sent her the time and place where they would have dinner.

  “This restaurant is very elegant,” Mira mumbled, rereading the message. “I don’t think I have anything to wear. I’ll have to go out and buy something.”

  Mira sighed tiredly. Having to spend two hours going from store to store looking for something to wear was not how Mira had wanted to spend that afternoon. She would prefer to stay lying on the couch reading a book, but going to a restaurant with Kwon at her side with her looking like an eyesore was unthinkable. It was necessary to sacrifice her time shopping.

  Just as she was getting ready to leave her doorbell rang. When she opened the door she saw a delivery man holding a package. Mira signed for it and went inside her apartment.

  There was no note.

  Mira opened it. She couldn’t ignore her curiosity.

  “What?”

  She removed the packaging paper and took out a beautiful full length burgundy colored dress. A note fell out.

  I know that you’ll find it bothersome to

  go buy a dress and quite frankly I don’t trust

  your taste in fashion.

  “Oh, he just said I have bad taste.” Mira felt a bit angry but later smiled.

  He knew better than anyone that fashion wasn’t her strong suit and saving herself hours of shopping time was definitely worth a little embarrassment.

  Mira fixed her hair and applied makeup as best as she could and got into a taxi. On her arrival at the restaurant the Maître d’hotel gave her all of his attention and when Mira said that perhaps her dinner companion was waiting for her. He checked his book and confirmed that Kwon was waiting for her. Her made a gesture for her to follow him and took her to her table. Mira wasn’t sure if she was imagining things but she felt uncomfortable almost as if she were being observed. She thought that maybe people were staring at her because of the beautiful dress. It stood out even amongst the wealthy diner that were used to high fashion.

  It wasn’t long before she noticed Kwon seated looking at the wine list. He looked up and smiled at her. His mischievous smile made her smile, without warning. She suddenly felt out of place.

  “Enjoy your evening meal, miss,” The Maître d’hotel left her at her table.

  “I think that from now on I’ll have to be in charge of your clothes,” Kwon commented, helping Mira to her seat.

  “Don’t think so much of yourself. Clothes don’t make the person. Anyway, you know I don’t care much about fashion.”

  “Yes, I know. Well,” Kwon mumbled, peering at Mira. “We can talk about that later, but when we go out to eat or another place I’ll take care of it. The rest of the time you can wear a sack if you want.”

  “A sack?” Mira was bothered. She kne
w she wasn’t a fashionista but his comment had hurt her feelings.

  “You can wear whatever you want, Mira,” Kwon responded indifferently and once again looked at the wine list. “I’ll take it off of you anyway.”

  “Kwon!” Mira scolded him when she heard someone laugh from the next table. The woman seemed to enjoy hearing their private conversation.

  “I’m only telling the truth. Don’t get upset. A sack, a clown costume, a raggedy dress, it’s all the same to me.”

  “Okay, okay, let’s talk about something else,” Mira said urgently, noticing that the woman enjoyed listening with rapt attention.

  ┼

  Kwon lifted his eyes from the wine list to see how an embarrassed and blushing Mira fought with her cloth napkin. Kwon sighed wondering how Mira was able to bewitch him in such an obsessive manner. Although, if he had to tell the truth he would let himself be bewitched all over again.

  The dinner was nice and entertaining. Mira had never been on many dates. The exception had been going to the movies with a friend, but she could easily get used to going on dates. That way she could see another side of Kwon on these dates. The closeness between them grew each day and while she was finishing her second plate Mira thought how difficult if not impossible it would be to live without him by her side.

  “Oh, I almost forgot to tell you something.” Mira remembered when they walked towards Kwon’s car.

  “I know. Mei called me and told me everything.” Two feet in front of her he stopped walking.

  “Did I do something wrong?” Mira asked, watching his tense back.

  “Not at all,” Kwon said, turning around. His eyes were glassy. “I will never be grateful enough. Mei is like a sister to me, you know, and it was very frustrating that I couldn’t help her. My presence always made things worse and you accomplished in a few hours what we have been trying for two years.

  “Truthfully, I didn’t do much.”