The story is about a 19-year old girl who is about to meet her father for the first time. Lorraine is her name. She grew up in the states knowing only her mother as her relative. Her mother moved out of Korea to pursue her career in becoming a cello player in a famous orchestra in the US. Her mother was swallowed with greed for fame and ambition.

The parents were just 17 when something happened between them. They were classmates. Both were caught up in the rain then the next event was inevitable as each others’ heat filled both of them. They loved each other dearly. The girl was a prodigy in cello playing, recruited by various orchestras around the country. The boy was a straight-A student and plans to study business administration. He hopes to build his own business to secure his future with his beloved.

One day, the girl received a letter from Europe inviting her to a scholarship. In return, she needs to study music at the prestigious university. Blinded by her ambition and cravings for fame, she replied immediately, and talked to her parents about that matter. The hardest part was talking to her boyfriend. They were just teenagers. They met at a coffee shop near the bus station where they used to hang-out. The guy asked when she will go overseas, she answered “next week”. The guy tried to stop her reasoning that she also had chances of becoming the greatest using the local orchestras they have. She can be famous—but she wanted more. She said that if he loves her, he would let her continue her dreams. “It’s for our future” she added. Saddened by his girlfriend’s decision, he couldn’t argue more. She is very determined.

They bid farewell to each other—bid farewell to all that has flourished and lost. They lived their own lives. Continued living.

***

“Mr. Lee, can you please sign these documents regarding on the partnership deal with Dairy Farms and Goods?”
“I’ll sign it tomorrow”
“But Mr. Lee-“
“I said tomorrow. Which part of it you don’t understand?”
“Yes Sir. I’ll leave it to your office tomorrow”

He hurriedly went to the elevator ignoring every person around him. On the elevator, a girl from the marketing department joined him. She was attractive.

“Hello Mr. Lee”
“From what department are you?”
“Marketing Sir”
“If you have any questions regarding anything, here’s my number. Let’s talk about it and have dinner tomorrow” he hands out his business card and writes on it. The girl accepts the card. The elevator arrives at ground floor and the guy stepped out.
“My personal number is at the back of the card”
The girl smiles as the guy walks confidently. His car awaits him with his personal assistant. They’re driving on concrete jungles. Filled with buildings after buildings.
“Do I have any other appointments?”
“Business or Personal?” his assistant jokingly asked. The guy looked at him with a raised brow.
“Carla is supposed to meet you at seven then Mika nine o’clock at the usual Bar”
“Cancel them all; send them flowers the next day-early morning. Put on the card that I’m sorry and I am going to-”
“Contact them within the day. I’ll order the flowers right away Sir”
“I’ll be resting for a while”

Terrence Lee is a well-known business man. Studied at the most prestigious university in their country, he revolutionized the world of Hotel and Restaurant Management. Of course, he isn’t the goody-two-shoes. He pries on every attractive girl he meets. Having one-night-stands then he leaves. His assistant, Albert has been serving Terrence’s family for more than a decade. He used to work with Terrence’s father then after his father resigned, he took care of Terrence’s personal and business matters. Terrence lives in a lavish and care-free life where everything is provided. He can buy anything he wants and everything he desires.

They have arrived at the house. Albert got out of the car so as Terrence. The driver went to the family’s car lot. While they were on their way to the gate, they noticed something. Terrence saw a figure near their house’s gate. It was silent burdened with a bag and suitcase. The person looked at him so as Terrence and Albert.
“You’re late. You’re supposed to arrive here 30 minutes ago” said the unknown person. Terrence came face-to-face with the person.
“Who are you? Why are you waiting for me?” his deep voice shook the silence in the street
“Here, take this” she handed out a small book which is locked by a metal covering. The thing looked familiar to him.
“My mom said to give you this when we meet”
“Mom?” repeated Albert. He and Terrence looked at each other with a puzzling stare
“Yes, mom” she continued “My name is Briana Lee, your daughter from Clarisse Park”

He felt it. Terrence felt the ground moved as his heart skipped a beat from hearing “Clarisse”

“From now on, I am going to live with you”

It was the longest night Terrence had ever had in his entire life…