Page 182 of My Ruthless Neighbor

“Gwenchanayo? Are you okay, dear?”

I nod frantically even though it takes a solid minute to stop coughing. “I-I’m okay.”

“I’ll get you some water.” The kind woman starts to stand but I stop her.

“I’m okay, Mrs. Kim, really.” She sits back down albeit reluctantly.

“Did my question startle you?” She asks in that cute accent.

“A little.” I blush, looking down at my lap.

“If you are not, I want you to be his girlfriend.” She says and my head snaps up. She is grinning. “You are very beautiful. Especially your eyes.”

“Thank you but I’m not—”

“It’s your personal matter. I shouldn’t interfere.” Then, “But I am happy he’s seeing someone.”

“I should call him and let him know you’re here.”

“Oh, no. Don’t do that. He would get angry.” Her smile turns sad. “He doesn’t like me dropping by unannounced. But I missed him.”

“He was volunteering at the dog shelter this morning, that’s why he left early,” I tell her to distract her because I don’t like the sorrow in her voice.

It kind of works. She begins telling me about the shelters he supports and the work he does by taking time out of his busy schedule. Her eyes shine with pride as she talks about her son.

I also learn about the properties he owns in Malibu. She and Archer’s father reside in the mansion there. Archer purposely moved here because he wanted solitude. She gets that somber look again.

“That’s why I come by sometimes, especially on weekdays so I can catch him for a few minutes.”

“I’m sure he wants to see you just as much but due to his hectic schedule he barely gets free time,” I say a white lie.

A genuine smile blooms on her face at that. When she reaches up and strokes my hair, my throat goes tight. Her tender touch reminds me of Mom.

We talk some more and an hour flies by. “I must leave now. His Abeoji might be wondering where I am.”

When she stands, I follow suit. “It was lovely meeting you, Mrs. Kim. Despite all this.” I motion at my robe, giving her a sheepish smile.

“Best things happen unexpectedly.” She grins.

“It sure does.”

“You eat the Kimchi and let me know how it is.” She reaches inside her purse and gives me a card. “This is my personal number.”

I take it and smile. “All right.”

“You said you watch Korean dramas, maybe we can talk about dramas over the phone.” She suggests and I can’t help my grin.

“Oh, really? I love talking about dramas! It’s my favorite pastime.”

We spend another few minutes chatting about the dramas we are currently watching.

We are at the door and I am sad that she has to go. She might be feeling the same because she turns to me and says, “We should do dinner.”

“Yes, please.” My response is swift. We grin at each other like two new besties.

“Are you free this weekend?” She asks, her voice hopeful.

I am booked throughout the weekend for shoots but I’ll make time. Because it feels like getting a second chance with my mother. I nod frantically. “I am.”

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