78. A Covenant to Hell

ASHLEY’S SECOND RETURN—FLASHBACK

“You've finally home. Sit down. And read this,” Ashley’s mother commanded as soon as she saw her daughter’s arrival at the house.

Ashley had literally just arrived from a long flight from Auckland to Korea. Although she knew her days ahead would not be as easy as before, since the trip from the airport the only thing in her plan was that she could immediately sleep and relax her muscles that had been very stiff.

Of course, that plan didn't come out of nowhere.

She landed during the daytime. So it was obvious that neither of her parents were home during that time. That's why she dared to make such a plan. Especially when Mrs. Go, her assistant, said that she didn't have anything scheduled that afternoon. The most likely time she would see her parents was at dinner.

It was then that she would probably know the exact reason she was called home—after a very long period of time, after all those long years she was sent away from home for the second time.

Such a long distance doesn't just separate her body. But her communication with her entire family and her parents was cut off instantly.

Everything she needed always went through Mrs. Go. And everything she wanted to say to her parents also went through Mrs. Go first.

It was as if they—her parents, and the people in the Song extended family—didn't want anything to do with her anymore. It was as if they no longer had any reason to accept her as a part of them.

But everything felt like a dream when Mrs. Go informed her that she had to return to Korea. Ashley was secretly happy, even though she didn't know why she was called. And Mrs. Go is also as clueless as her. But, Mrs. Go had said that this time she might stay in Korea for a while. 

Of course she had no objection to that.

Even though she knew very well that living with her parents did not guarantee that she would be happier than when living alone in Auckland. Memories of her unpleasant life years ago when she went to school here, was also enough to confirm that what she would face later might be even worse than those times. But Ashley still couldn't lie to herself if there was a sizable sense of relief creeping into her heart. 

She wanted to put aside all the pressure and tightness that the Song family had created in her, just to get this impossible opportunity. For the sake of that one sentence of command that told her to return to her real home.

Even if when she walked into the house and her nap plans were ruined by the sight of her mother's figure in the living room, Ashley might not have been that disappointed. Instead, perhaps, there was a sense of emotion and happiness at being able to see her mother's face again after so long.

But unlike a normal mother-daughter relationship, Ashley still couldn't just rush over and hug that woman. She could never and was not allowed to do such a warm thing. There was an unseen and unspoken boundary between her and her parents. Also between her and the rest of the Song family.

And she was too scared to even approach that boundary, let alone dare to cross it.

Ashley walked slowly towards her mother, obeying the order that the woman had just spoken in a stern and cold tone.

She sat directly across from her and stared at a bright red folder that was previously pointed out for her to read. There was a momentary hesitation that crept up on her, before her hand stretched out to take the folder and open it.

“Read it carefully. Everything written there should answer any questions you might have.”

Ashley still hadn't read the contents of the first page that was in front of her. But her mother's words brought up a strange flutter in her stomach. As if signaling that she should probably prepare herself for any unpleasant possibilities as soon as possible.

Her gaze automatically shifted from the sheet full of neatly typed letters to her mother. Understanding, but not understanding.

“I don't accept rejection, because it's not a request. Your father and I have decided and organized everything very well. He has also given his signature there, it's just waiting for your approval to be legalized.”

Curiosity about the contents of the document filled Ashley's head instantly. She averted her eyes and began to carefully read through the sentences.

“Give it to Mrs. Go after you sign it.”

Ashley almost didn't hear her mother's last words because she was too focused and too surprised by what she read.

“Get her ready and make sure there are no problems at all. I already told Mr. Seo the location he should go to later,” Ashley's mother looked at Mrs. Go to direct her. “I made a reservation at the salon at five o'clock. Come early if you can.”

“Yes, Ma'am,” Mrs. Go nodded, understanding her employer's wishes.

Ashley's mother glanced at her, who was still busy reading and analyzing each sentence very carefully.

“You can rest for a while if you want,” she then got up from her seat and picked up her handbag, preparing to leave. “You can also read it over and over again until you understand exactly what the advantages and disadvantages are. Looking at your face right now, I doubt you'll miss the opportunities we have for you.” The tone of her voice changed to one of mockery.

Ashley, who realized her mother's words, suddenly stopped reading and raised her head to look at the woman. Her surprised expression was now mixed with other feelings that she could not translate. But clearly, Ashley really didn't like the meaning of the whole sentence she had just read a few pages earlier.

“Be a good daughter. Maybe this is the way you can be truly devoted to your mother,” there was a long pause filled with their gazes returning to each other—one implying triumph, and the other slumped in misery. “And to me.”