Lake trinity academy boo.., p.1
Lake (Trinity Academy Book 3), page 1
Copyright © 2018 by M.A. Heard.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written consent of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotation embodied in critical reviews and various other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
The resemblance to actual persons, things, living or dead, locales or events is entirely coincidental.
Cover Designer: Sybil Wilson, PopKitty Design
Cover Model: David
Photographer Credit: Wander Book Club Photography
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dedication
Songlist
Synopsis
Glossary
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Epilogue
Trinity Academy
Enemies To Lovers
Connect with me
About the author
Acknowledgments
Dedication
Allyson, Sarah & Elaine.
Ladies, thank you for always encouraging me. I appreciate everything you do for me!
I hope I’ll get to write many books with you by my side.
Songlist
The song Lake played for Lee
BTOB – For You
The music I listened to while writing
Emotions
Synopsis
His eyes have the power to undo all the hurt caused by my family.
“Don’t let them see you cry.”
After months of refusing, I finally agree to move to America, where my fiancé’s waiting for me.
Just like my mother, an arranged marriage lies in my near future.
Just like my mother, I’m probably going to be shoved aside in a couple of years after providing the Cutler family with an heir.
Being a Korean girl from a culture that’s very different from the west, it makes me stand out like a sore thumb. There’s nothing I can do but to accept the fate arranged by my father and his mistress. My marriage to Lake Cutler will be a business deal and nothing else.
My plan is simple. Make him hate me enough to break off the engagement so I can return to Korea.
But I didn’t account for those caring brown eyes.
What started as a mission to save myself from an unhappy arranged marriage soon turns into a battle to not lose my heart.
I dare him to walk away, but instead, he shows me any bridge can be crossed.
Glossary
Hello (informal) – Annyeong
Hello/Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening (formal) – Annyeonghaseyo
Hello (Answering phone) – Yeoboseyo
Nice to meet you – Mannaseo pangapseumnida
Thank you very much. (formal) – Jeongmal gomapsseumnida
I’m sorry/I apologize (polite) – Joesonghamnida
Boss, CEO, President – Sajangnim *See below
Sir - Ajeossi
Father – Abeoji
Mother (formal) – Eomeoni
Mother (informal) – Eomma
Love – Sarang
I love you – Salanghaeyo
Why? – Wea?
Yes. – Ne
No. – Aniyo
Oh my – Eomeo (sounds like ‘omo’)
Wow! (I can’t believe you did/said/asked that) – U-wa (Sounds like ‘whaa’)
Hey – Ya
Wow (That’s cool) - Daebak
Crazy Bitch – Michin Nyeon
Kimchi: Spicy cabbage.
Pajeon: Deep-fried pancakes.
Tteokbokki: Rice cakes in spicy sauce.
Gimbap: Korean-style maki sushi.
Mandu: Steamed dumplings.
*In Korean culture, respect for age and status are very important, with hierarchy affecting all aspects of social interactions. Everyone has a role in society as a result of hierarchy - therefore it is vital to respect it. Status is largely determined by someone’s role in an organisation, which organisation they work for, which university they went to, and their marital status.
Korean family names are mostly one syllable, while given names tend to have two. The family name comes first (Park Lee-ann). Until you are on very good terms with a Korean counterpart, it is best to use the family name preceded by an honorific (such as Mr), whether speaking directly to them or about them to another Korean. In settings that call for great respect or formality, you should use your counterpart’s formal title and surname (Chairman Park). Some also view their name as a very personal thing, so a suggestion to work on a first-name basis may be slow to be offered.
Source Credit: ASIALINK BUSINESS
PLEASE NOTE:
Read Falcon & Mason before continuing with Lake as they are all interconnected.
While trying to stay true to Korean culture, some traditions may get lost in translation.
Please see Glossary for explanations of terms and culture.
Prologue
Lee
(Sixteen years old.)
Placing the beverage on the counter, I say, “Enjoy!” Then my eyes dart to the next customer. “Welcome. What would you like to order?”
After placing the order, Kim Min-young comes to stand next to me. “I’ll take over.”
“Thank you,” I bow slightly, then walk to the back where the staff room is.
Taking my school uniform from my locker, I go to a cubicle and quickly take off my apron and work attire. I fold it, before placing them neatly in a plastic sleeve. Pulling on my school clothes, I make sure everything is in its place, then I go to put the plastic bag in the locker and grab my backpack. Closing the locker, I hear my stomach rumble and patting it, I whisper, “Hold out a little longer. I’ll eat when I get to the food stall.”
Glancing at my watch, I make sure I have enough time to hand in my application for another part-time job before I have to go to Dongmun market so I can help Mom until we close at midnight.
I shrug on my backpack, and with a slight nod at the other employees, I call out, “Thank you for working hard. See you tomorrow.”
Running out of the coffee shop, I almost bump into an elderly man. “I’m sorry, Sir,” I quickly apologize with a bow while I keep running.
I make it to the restaurant on time, and stop to remove my application from my bag before I walk inside. I approach the first employee I see, “Where can I hand in my application for the dishwashing position?”
He points toward the back before he turns to welcome new customers.
I walk to where he gestured and stand on my toes, so I can see over a counter. There’s a constant buzz of clattering pans, clanging pots, and sizzling heat. A chef walks by, and I quickly ask, “Where can I hand in my application for the dishwashing position?”
He shoots me a glare before he yells at one of the waiters who just dropped a plate of food.
Walking to my left, I peek down a hallway before I walk down it. Seeing an office to my left, I knock on the door and bow to the man behind the desk. “Where can I hand in my application for the dishwashing position?”
“Leave it there,” he grumbles, pointing to the corner of the desk.
I bow again and quickly dart into the office. With both hands, I place the application where he indicated and bow again as I move backward. “Thank you.”
When I’m out of the office, I jog down the hallway and dart to the side when a waiter comes out of the kitchen, carrying a tray of food. I wait for him to walk first, and when he turns left to walk to a table, I rush out of the restaurant and run as fast as I can.
I make it in time for the bus which goes to Dongmun market and climbing up the steps, I swipe my card and sit down in the first empty seat. Shrugging off my backpack, I hold it on my lap as I rest my forehead against the window. I have ten minutes to rest and letting out a sigh, I close my eyes. Seconds later they pop open when my phone begins to ring.
I quickly dig it out of the front of my bag and answer, “Hello?”
“Park Lee-ann, come home,” Mom says, sounding short as aways because she hates talking over a phone.
“Why? Are you feeling sick again? I can still go manage our food stall on my own.”
“No, come home. I closed the stall. Don’t take long.”
I let out a sigh, thinking about the money we’re going to lose because we’re not open tonight. “Yes, Mom.”
I put the phone back in my bag and getting up, I press the button for the bus to stop. I move to the door and hold onto the pole, and when the doors open, I quickly step off the bus.
I shrug on my bag as I begin to jog in the direction of my neighborhood. Mom struggles with asthma and working with the burners all day long, isn’t good for her health. If I can get a part-time job at the restaurant, then Mom won’t have to work so hard. With the two jobs, I’ll have then, I will be able to make
When I reach our neighborhood, I weave through narrow alleyways and dart up painted stairs. Nearing my home, I notice two men dressed in suits standing out front. As I turn up the short path and head to the steps, leading up to the rooftop where our room is, I nod slightly. When they ignore me, I pull a face, and mumble, “Rude rich people.”
I let out a tired breath when I get to the top and kick off my shoes before I open the door and walk inside. “Mom, I’m home. Why did –”
My eyes widen when I see a man sitting across from Mom by the table in our small room. Mom climbs up from her knees and gestures with both hands to the man, “This is your father.”
I frown and pull my backpack off, but bow low, before I ask, “My father?”
“Come sit, Park Lee-ann,” he barks.
My eyes dart to Mom, but she’s already sinking down to her knees. I walk closer and kneeling, I place my hands on my legs and glance at my mom.
“You will be eighteen in two years,” the man says. “I have arranged a marriage for you with an American man.”
“What?” The word explodes from me. It takes a moment for my tired mind to catch up with what the man said. I turn to my mom. “What is this?”
Her shoulders slump. “Chairman Park Je-ha is your father. He allowed me to raise you. You need to listen to your father.”
I shake my head and climb back to my feet. Pointing at Chairman Park, I say, “I don’t know this man. How can you tell me to listen to him?”
“Please forgive her behavior, Chairman Park,” Mom says hurriedly, bowing her head even more.
“Mom!” I cry as a desperate feeling crawls into my heart. Grappling for reasons why this is happening, I kneel back down and grab Mom’s arm. “Is this about money? I applied for another job. If I get it, you won’t have to work anymore.”
She shrugs my hands off and gives me a strict glare. “Your place isn’t with me any longer.” Even though her face is set in hard lines, I don’t miss the heartache in her eyes.
“You don’t mean that,” I whisper. My heart begins to pound in my chest as worry and fear swirl inside of me.
“You have to go with the Chairman,” she says, sounding so very exhausted.
I shake my head and fight to keep the rampant emotions from swallowing me whole. “You don’t mean that,” I repeat. “He’s a stranger. You won’t let me go with him.”
“He’s your father.”
I want to fall to the floor and cry until I can drown myself in my own tears, but pride keeps me from giving in to the emotion.
“If you swear to marry the man of my choosing, I will leave you with your mother until you are eighteen,” the Chairman says.
That will give me two years to find a way to save both Mom and myself.
“I will also allow you to move into one of my buildings, so you don’t have to live in this…” disgust ripples over his face as he looks at our precious few belongings, “room.”
“We don’t –”
Mom slaps the back of my head. “Forgive her Chairman Park. She’s still young. We will be grateful for the two years.”
His eyes settle hard on Mom, his mouth pulling down at the corners. “My secretary will be in touch. Park Lee-ann will have to be groomed, so she doesn’t bring shame to my name.”
“Yes, Chairman,” Mom obediently answers.
I always thought my biggest problem would be making sure Mom and I don’t starve. But as I watch the man stand up, and his cold eyes glare down at me, I realize dying should’ve been the least of my fears.
(Eighteen years old)
Sitting on the floor in my bedroom, I stare at the only photo I have of Mom.
I last saw her on my eighteenth birthday. It’s been almost three months, and I’m only allowed to call her twice a week after I’ve spoken with Mr. Cutler without doing anything to shame the Chairman.
After the Chairman came to see us the first time, Mom told me she was married to him, but he got a mistress, and Mom divorced him. Because I wasn’t a son, he let me go with her until he needed me.
The Chairman said he gave Mom enough money so she won’t have to work anymore, for which I’m grateful because her health keeps deteriorating.
I tried to run away after the first week I was brought to the mansion, and my punishment for wanting to see Mom was to be locked up in this room.
I’m only allowed to interact with four people. The maid who brings me my meals. The tutor who provides my lessons on Western culture and the English language. Chairman Park’s mistress, Jo Yoon-ha who bore a son out of wedlock for the Chairman. And Mr. Cutler, my fiancé.
I hear the key turn in the door, and quickly get up from the floor. Placing both hands over my stomach, I lower my head as Jo Yoon-ha comes in with the phone.
“Read the messages I’ve exchanged with Mr. Cutler on your behalf. You have thirty minutes until you video call with him.”
My eyes dart up. “Video call?”
She raises her hand so fast, I don’t have time to duck before her palm connects with my cheek. The sting is fleeting, leaving a hot sensation in its wake.
“Read the messages and fix your face,” she snaps and shoves the phone against my chest before she goes to sit in the chair by the window.
I unlock the screen, and my eyes scan over the messages.
Mr. Cutler: Just four more days. Are you looking forward to coming here?
Park Lee-ann: Yes. I’m lucky to be marrying a handsome man like yourself.
Mr. Cutler: Besides liking going to the spa, shopping, and horse riding, what would you like to do when you get here?
Park Lee-ann: Anything that pleases you. I will do my best as your wife.
Mr. Cutler: Is there nothing specific you would like to do, or a place you would like to visit.
Park Lee-ann: I would like to spend time with your mother to learn what will be expected of me on our wedding night. I don’t want to be a disappointment due to my inexperience.
Mr. Cutler: Don’t worry about that. Let’s first get to know each other better. I will call you tomorrow at 10am your time.
Park Lee-ann: Thank you for understanding. I look forward to talking to you.
I close my eyes as shame ripples over me. I don’t get time to process it, because Jo Yoon-ha snaps, “Fix your face. Mr. Cutler will call in ten minutes.”
“Yes, Ma’am,” I whisper. I walk to the dressing table and sitting down, I struggle to lift my eyes to the mirror. Knowing I don’t have time, I force my gaze up and reach for the powder. When my makeup looks perfect, my eyes lock with the reflection staring back at me.
I hate that you’re pretty. I should cut off your hair and scar your cheeks so no man will look at you.
If I had my freedom, I would throw you into the Han river. I would rather die a thousand deaths than bear a child to a man who will discard me the same way my mother was discarded.
My arm is grabbed, and I’m yanked up. “You’re so pathetic. To think Chairman Park’s business deal depends on you is absurd. Unfortunately, the only way Chairman Park can guarantee a return on his investment is for you to marry this man. Smile and don’t bring shame to Chairman Park, or you will never speak to your mother again.”
The phone begins to ring, and I force a smile to my mouth as I lift the phone up. I don’t take in the face on the profile picture as I swipe up.
Mr. Cutler smiles when the call connects, and says, “Annyeonghaseyo, Park Lee-ann.”
I stare at his face, taking in his brown eyes, his light brown hair, and the stubble on his jaw.
Jo Yoon-ha comes to stand in front of me, giving a dark glare filled with warning.
“Hello, Mr. Cutler. Thank you for calling me,” the words fall automatically over my lips.
“Are you okay?” he asks, which has Jo Yoon-ha crossing her arms.
I force a wider smile around my mouth. “Yes, I’m fine. How are you?” My words are much slower than his, but at least my pronunciation is clear enough for him to understand.
“I’m good, especially now that I get to talk to you. Only three days and then you’re here.”
