CLABC 39

“Kang-yoon… you know, there’s so much I want to say to you.” Could he hear her? Bora stared quietly at Kang-yoon’s large body, lying motionless in sleep, breathing in soft, uneven rhythms. Summoning her courage, she gently took hold of his arm. “You said it yourself, Kang-yoon. That our marriage was… a perfect contract.” The days they’d shared—far too thrilling and happy for something called a contract—flashed before her like a panorama. “You always talked about it as a contract, a contract… but in truth, you were far too kind to me. Even if it was just a contract, becoming your wife made me so happy.” Outside the large window occupying one side of the hospital room, shimmering neon lights painted the Dubai night in dazzling colors. “Han Kang-yoon. I’m asking as your contract wife.” Bora’s voice, heavy with tears, trembled softly. “Can love… be part of a contract too?”