A Lie Meant to Protect

“Yes.”

“…….”

“Hello?”

The other person said nothing.

What was this?

“Mom?”

“Oppa….”

It was Jaeyoung.

Hearing the voice of his younger sister for the first time in so long, Jaekyung jolted awake and shot up from his seat.

“Jaeyoung.

Is that you?”

“Yeah, it’s me.

It’s Jaeyoung.”

“My god.

Are you healthy?

Are you doing well?

How’s your body?”

“I’m doing well… hic… I’m staying healthy.”

Her voice trembled.

Realizing she was crying, Jaekyung grew anxious.

“Why—why are you crying?

What’s wrong?

Are you hurting?

Where’s Mom?”

“Oppa… I heard you got married because of me.

Because of me… you had an arranged marriage, right?”

“Jaeyoung, what are you talking about.”

“I heard from Mom.

Well… Mom didn’t say it outright.

She just said you married someone you love and you’re happy, but I’m not stupid.

And I’m not clueless.

You got married exactly around the time NI invested in the treatment I received…

It lines up.

You were forced to marry because of me, weren’t you?

Right?”

“Jaeyoung.

No.

Absolutely not.”

“Why do you always do this?

Why do you always sacrifice your life for me?

Because of a sick sister, a useless father, and a weak mom, you’ve always suffered.”

“Don’t say that.

I didn’t sacrifice my life for you.

I just did what I had to do.

And I don’t regret this marriage.

Didn’t you hear?

I ate dinner with him today and I’m just resting now.

If you want, I’ll let you talk to him.

Believe me.”

He wasn’t here.

Even if he were, he wouldn’t take this call.

And Jaekyung had no intention of handing the phone to him anyway.

But he lied because he didn’t want his sister to feel guilty.

He wanted the wounds to stay only with him.

That selfish wish.

“Oppa.

Are you really okay?”

“Yes.

I told you I’m fine.

I’ll come to Canada soon with him.

You’ll see.”

“…Is he a good person?”

“Yes.

A very good person.

Handsome, and kind.”

“Really…?”

“Yes….”

“…Oppa, I’m really sorry.

I’m sorry I was born an Alpha.

I’m sorry I was sick.

You should’ve been the Alpha… I’m so sorry….”

No one must have explained anything to her.

But she had figured it out anyway.

He couldn’t burden someone already struggling with guilt.

So Jaekyung kept smiling, speaking softly, insisting he was happy.

All while staring at the flowers Han Taeseok supposedly sent.

He told himself, I’ll be happy at least until these flowers wilt.

He soothed his sister until she finally fell asleep.

When her breathing became steady, he hung up.

At that moment, the door opened with the sound of the card key.

He walked in.

Jaekyung froze.

Han Taeseok also stopped mid-step, seeing Jaekyung standing there.

Jaekyung swallowed.

He had to turn around.

He had to say something.

Thank him for the flowers.

Ask if he returned safely.

It had been a month since they last spoke—he was afraid, trembling, but he wanted to try.

He steeled himself and began to turn.

But Han Taeseok finished removing his shoes and walked straight upstairs.

Jaekyung hurried after him in surprise.

“Um, excuse me.”

Han Taeseok paused on the stairs.

“Ah… the flowers, thank you.

And the cake too.

If you don’t mind… or maybe it’s too late at night…”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Huh?”

Han Taeseok turned slightly to look at him.

“Flowers?

Cake?”

Those two words were enough to freeze Jaekyung to the core.

Ah.

So that’s how it was.

Of course.

When Jaekyung didn’t respond, Han Taeseok continued up the stairs.

Jaekyung stared into the living room.

The space that had just moments ago been colored beautifully now returned to dull earth tones, staining even the flowers.

What was he so excited for…

He should’ve just thought, Oh, I guess that’s all it is.

Then it wouldn’t hurt this badly.