Haebaragi.nim🌻

Take a chance with me : 2. Fractured Harmony

#Flashback Aston Family Home (Author POV) The entire Aston family gathered to celebrate Letisha’s 22nd birthday. A wide array of food was laid out on the table to welcome their extended family. It was only in recent years that the Aston family began gathering more frequently. The main reason was that finally, a Lady Tanoko had been born into their family. Letisha wore a pastel pink dress, a gift from her fiancé. She looked stunning with her hair elegantly pinned up and a light touch of makeup that enhanced her natural beauty. Letisha smiled and occasionally laughed, enjoying the jokes from her cousins. Today felt like the happiest day of her life—as if everything was perfect. However, as the clear sky suddenly grew cloudy, a sudden heavy rain began to fall. The members of the Aston family, who had been busy chatting, turned to the window, and some of them commented on the unusual weather. “That’s Sonagi,” one of them said. Sonagi—in Korean—means a sudden heavy rain that comes when the weather is warm. The abrupt downpour seemed to symbolize Letisha’s future, a future she could not avoid. A future full of unpredictability. Jonathan, her older brother, suddenly asked everyone to be silent. On the television screen, unexpected news broke the lively atmosphere, turning the previously noisy house into sudden silence. A tragic accident involving the Tanoko Group’s heir family in London had claimed the lives of Eleanor Tanoko and the firstborn son of the Tanoko family, Jeffrey Tanoko. Everyone was silent upon hearing the news. Letisha felt a tightness in her chest, as if something was pressing there. Suddenly, the sapphire necklace she wore felt heavier, as though an invisible hand was pressing on her throat. Letisha held her breath, as if the necklace was a reminder of a fate she could not escape. When the news ended, the loud ringing of the house phone shattered the silence in the living room. Her mother immediately rushed to answer, and her expression turned deeply anxious. “Lady Tanoko… Letisha… you are requested to fly to London, now,” her mother said with a trembling voice. Letisha felt as if the world had stopped momentarily. Her heart pounded fiercely. Upon hearing the words “Lady Tanoko,” the sapphire necklace she wore tightened even more, as if warning her that the life she knew was about to change forever. A role she could no longer avoid.

***

Tanoko Sport and Wellness Club (Letisha’s POV) Lily and I had just finished our Pilates session, but she insisted I stay and wait while her husband finished his polo game. She kept whining nonstop—I honestly wanted to smack her—but her excuse was that I needed to relax. If I went home, I’d be immediately swamped with “Lady Tanoko duties” and a million other things.

So here I am, lying back, soaking up the warm morning sun. In front of me, a few men are playing polo. One of them is my husband, Elliot. Today, he looks incredibly handsome in his polo uniform. The way he rides his horse makes me blush a little. Does Elliot always look this good? I watch him with a mix of pride and something deeper, something I can’t quite explain.

The sunlight filters gently through my skin. As I absentmindedly play with my sapphire necklace—the one I wear every day—a group of women who just finished their yoga session suddenly block my view. They chatter loudly.

“Hey, isn’t that Young Master Elliot?” one woman says, apparently just finishing her protein shake. Another shamelessly steps right in front of me and stares at Elliot in a way that’s frankly inappropriate. “If only my husband looked half as good as Young Master Tanoko, I’d give him everything,” another woman gushes, swaying flirtatiously.

“Look at those thighs—he’s gotta be amazing in bed,” another teases, making me cough sharply in shock. What did I just hear?! I just witnessed women openly lusting after my husband! Suddenly, they turn around, startled to find me right behind them. They surely didn’t expect me to still be here after yoga or Pilates. Usually, I’d rush off to my next appointment.

After they leave, Lily arrives with detox tea and the book we’re discussing in our upcoming book club. She’s holding The Alchemist. It’s a family tradition in the Tanoko household—Grandmother Aurelia ensures her grandchildren, including grandchildren-in-law, read a book each month and share tea together.

“Why can’t we be like normal families who just gossip when they get together? Why do we have to discuss books?” Lily complains, settling into the lounge chair beside me. The book looks like it was just bought yesterday.

“You do know the main character's name is not The Alchemist, right?” I tease her.

“Ugh, Sister Cousin Letisha, please just send me the summary later, okay? That professor will definitely pick on me to explain first and then criticize everything I say. Like, can a teacher do that to their student? Isn’t that bullying?” she whines, tossing the book aside.

I chuckle quietly, amused by her antics.

Lily and I have been close since high school. She was the happiest person when I was chosen to be Lady Tanoko. As both a cousin and a friend, she’s been incredibly supportive. After I finished quarantine for the selection process, she and my brother even conspired to “kidnap” me to London. That short trip was one of the best vacations I’ve ever had. The highlight was definitely the masquerade ball—it was so much fun.

Lily waves toward someone I recognize—her husband, Zhong Chenle, the youngest son of the Zhong family’s Shanghai business empire. They met at Harvard, and according to Lily, it was love at first sight.

Chenle sits beside her, and Lily promptly hands him a towel, which he returns with a gentle kiss on her forehead. I smile watching their affection. But inside, I wonder—if Elliot and I married for love, would we have that kind of closeness?

Suddenly, Elliot arrives with Jeno. Elliot sits across from me, and I take a close look at him, having not seen him for days. They just returned from a business trip to Dubai.

“Brother cousin Mark, after book club, can I and Isha go shopping at the mall together?” Lily asks. Her question surprises me—after the book club, I’m supposed to attend a Tanoko Annual Ball meeting.

I was about to protest when Elliot cuts in, “Sure, Lily. How about you use your car?” Elliot replies casually. I’m silent, uncertain. I never break my schedule, and what if the meeting is postponed?

“I... I have a meeting for the Tanoko Annual Ball,” I answer quietly. Elliot leans in to hear me better, then smiles. Why is he smiling like that?

“Oh... I thought otherwise. That’s okay, Letisha. I’ll ask them to move the meeting to tomorrow. Have fun with Lily!” he says effortlessly. How can he be so relaxed? What am I supposed to do? I’ve never changed my schedule since becoming Lady Tanoko.

“Yes! Then how about we hit the usual bar tonight?” Chenle suggests.

“There you go, always finding an excuse to drink,” Lily pouts.

“Let’s go to the one near the mall, and we’ll pick up the girls afterward,” Elliot says casually, standing up to change out of his polo shirt and into his bathrobe. I notice some of those women from earlier peeking over. What’s up with him? How can he be so carefree?

“Come on, sha, let’s get ready. Don’t be late for book club, especially not for the boutique—I already booked us for shopping later. Brother cousin Mark, Letisha has no limits when it comes to shopping, right?” Lily shouts, making me lightly hit her hand. Elliot gives a thumbs up as he walks toward the communal club.

I sigh deeply. Part of me is glad to enjoy a relaxed moment, but another part worries grandmother might come and lecture me again.

Elliot POV I focused on driving, while Letisha hummed softly along with the song playing on the radio. After a long shopping session with Lily and Chenle—who threw a tantrum because his credit card bill was getting out of control—we finally decided to head home.

I glanced at Letisha, who was staring out the window, her eyes following the changing scenery outside. It had been two years since our marriage, and this was the first time I truly paid close attention to her. Today, she wore jeans paired with a white Celine t-shirt and a brown leather jacket. I suddenly realized just how petite she was, especially wearing flats like this. Every time she sat next to me, I felt a distance between us that I hadn’t noticed before.

I chuckled, remembering how she nearly got lost amidst her countless shopping bags earlier. That had become her habit—looking cheerful, a bit anxious, but always with unstoppable enthusiasm while shopping. Everything she did was filled with passion. That side of her was always endearing, a side I’d never truly noticed before.

Yet, for some reason, today felt different. I watched Letisha longer than usual—not just as my wife, but as the woman who had been by my side all this time. Why had I only now realized how beautiful she was, even in such simple clothes? Her sweet smile that often appeared during light conversations, her eyes filled with confusion, even the way she laughed so carefree—all of it felt more vivid to me today.

I knew I should focus more on the road, but every time I glanced at her, my heart felt uneasy. A deeper feeling was growing—something more than this formal marriage. But I didn’t know how to express it. I knew my feelings ran deeper than I could say, yet somehow I was stuck in this silence, watching her without being able to say a thing.

I kept driving, but my thoughts and feelings grew more tangled. Letisha, sitting beside me, unintentionally drew more attention than I should have given. Every detail I noticed—her simply flowing hair, her meaningful eyes that often hid everything behind a sweet smile—all of it began to change how I saw her. I didn’t know if this was just my anxiety or something bigger blossoming.

I glanced at her again, this time longer. Letisha remained silent, but now I could see she seemed a bit more relaxed, as if she wasn’t burdened by the world spinning so fast around her. I felt, somehow, that there were deeper things she kept inside—things I’d never asked about, that I’d let slip by without much thought.

“Letisha…” My voice sounded deeper than usual, making her turn with a curious look.

“Yes, Elliot?” she asked, her voice light but filled with curiosity. Her beautiful face looked so natural, though behind it I knew she hid many things I couldn’t just read. And damn, she keep calling me Elliot eventhough i told her to call me Mark.

I wanted to say something, but the words caught in my throat. I wanted to talk about feelings that were harder to keep silent—the jealousy that often disturbed me when I saw her laughing with others, or how I was starting to feel trapped in this quietness. But all I could do was stay silent.

“Is something bothering you?” she asked again, this time softer, as if trying to feel what was on my mind.

I looked at her for a moment, trying to read her eyes, but I couldn’t find the answers I sought. I couldn’t say what I felt. It seemed like words wouldn’t be enough to describe how complicated my feelings were right now.

“No… it’s just… I think we need to talk more,” I finally answered, trying to sound normal.

Letisha nodded slowly, then looked out the window again, as if pondering something deeper. I watched the increasingly blurred scenery outside, but I knew deep in my heart something was beginning to change. That feeling, which I’d hidden for so long, was growing harder to contain.

The car moved steadily, but inside me, many things kept swirling. I felt trapped, and the words I wanted to say seemed too difficult to express. Something more than this formal marriage was growing, yet part of me held back. What was it that I truly felt?

Is it okay for me to love her now? After everything that happened last year?

I wanted to reach for Letisha’s hand, pull her closer, and tell her I wanted more than this formal arrangement. But I knew those words would change everything. And I wasn’t sure I was ready to face that. Not after all that had happened—the feelings, the accident, and everything that made us who we are now.

I sighed, feeling more trapped in questions I couldn’t answer. Finally, I decided to stay silent, hoping that someday I’d find a way to express everything—without fearing the loss of what we’ve built together.

Epilouge

The church was located in the heart of the city, surrounded by beautiful gardens that offered a breathtaking view of the cityscape. The interior of the church was adorned with large paintings depicting sacred stories, while the high, vaulted ceilings and the light streaming in through the stained glass windows created a dramatic atmosphere, filling every corner of the room. Every detail in this church had been meticulously designed, offering a classical yet majestic impression that still invited a sense of tranquility.

The altar, decorated with fresh white and gold flowers, shimmered under the soft glow of the candles arranged neatly along the sides of the church. Lilies and white roses adorned every table, while tall candles cast a soft light that added to the sacred and romantic atmosphere surrounding them. A long red carpet stretched down the aisle toward the altar, guiding the bride and groom toward their sacred vows before God and all who had gathered.

At the back of the church, important guests from the Tanoko and Aston families had gathered. Esteemed individuals from the world of business, art, and politics were present, dressed in formal attire that reflected their high status. The Tanoko family dominated the crowd, with the elders and older relatives wearing luxurious suits and gowns that signified the wealth and power of the family. Aurelia Tanoko, the family matriarch, sat in the main chair, wearing an elegant black gown with sparkling diamond jewelry adorning her neck and hands. Her eyes were sharp and observant, watching every movement with the meticulous care of a woman who had endured many difficult times in her life.

On the other side, the Aston family, although somewhat more modest in their attire, still displayed grace and pride. Michael Aston Suh, Letisha's father, wore a perfectly tailored black tuxedo that matched his tall and upright stature. Beside him, Arusha Hong, her mother, wore an elegant maroon gown that radiated natural beauty, despite her age. They sat beside Jonathan, Letisha's older brother, who sat with a serious expression, ready to witness his sister take the altar in a marriage filled with expectation and responsibility.

Other guests, including Tanoko family friends and business associates, wore luxurious gowns and tuxedos, engaging in enthusiastic discussions and admiring the grandeur of the event. Some women, hailing from aristocratic families, wore haute couture gowns adorned with lace, pearls, and stunning gems. The men wore black tuxedos made from the finest materials, with equally elegant bow ties. Everyone was here, not just to celebrate this marriage but also to reinforce the long-standing ties between the Tanoko and Aston families.

"Do you take Letisha Aruan Aston as your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?" asked the priest.

"Yes, I do," Elliot replied firmly, his voice full of certainty. However, deep in his chest, there was a profound sadness—as if he had just locked the door to a life he had once imagined, a life that should have been different.

The man looked dashing in his perfectly tailored black Ralph Lauren tuxedo, which exuded a masculine elegance. The satin fabric that clung to his body shimmered subtly under the light, making him appear both commanding and gentle. The tuxedo was paired with a black tie that rested perfectly at his neck, and a crisp white shirt with slightly gleaming cuffs that added a classic touch to his appearance. His neatly slicked-back hair conveyed a sense of maturity and control, creating a strong image of a man facing the world, yet beneath that exterior, a deep uncertainty lingered.

However, what captured more attention was Letisha, standing before him, looking like a goddess descending from the heavens. Her wedding dress, a custom-designed satin off-shoulder gown by Vera Wang, was graceful and flawless. The dress gently hugged her body, showcasing her smooth, pale shoulders, while the satin layers fell beautifully to the floor, creating a mesmerizing silhouette. Her long veil, extending two meters behind her, swirled gracefully with every movement, adding a mystical and profound aura to her presence. Her hair was simply styled, with a few strands left to fall loosely, giving an effortless yet perfect touch of elegance.

Her gaze briefly flickered toward the emergency exit at the side of the altar. Beneath her graceful gown, there was an unspoken tension, a doubt only she could feel. Her heart raced, not just because of the wedding, but because of the expectations she was carrying. She glanced at Elliot, the man standing before her— a man who had everything, yet somehow, in his eyes, there was uncertainty. Elliot squeezed her hand a little tighter, a reminder of the responsibility she had to bear as the daughter of the Aston family.

"Do you take Elliot Mark Lee Tanoko as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?" the priest asked again.

Letisha hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering once more to the emergency exit, but this time, something changed. There was a sense of calm in Elliot's grip, something that steadied her. Her moral duty as a woman, as the daughter of the Aston family, jolted her back to reality. With a deep breath, she looked into Elliot's eyes, his face full of hope that she knew she had to fulfill.

"Yes, I do," she replied softly but firmly, her gaze unwavering as she met Elliot's eyes.

And with that, their life together as a couple began. As Elliot cupped her face and kissed her lips, the world around them seemed to disappear. The applause around them echoed, but for Letisha, it became nothing more than a background to the deeper feelings within her—unspoken emotions, tears falling uncontrollably. Everything she had felt, everything left unsaid, filled her heart in that moment.

Thus, their lives together began. As Lord Elliot and his Lady Tanoko. A marriage that not only united two souls but also two worlds that conflicted—and now, they must learn to live the life that had been determined for them.

***

(Letisha POV)

I had just finished changing into my attire for tonight's event. Earlier, I met with Mrs. Alaya Hussein, the third wife of a wealthy businessman from Dubai. She shared a lot about her marriage, how her husband had to divide his time among four wives. But she seemed very happy, even telling me that she and the other wives were planning a vacation to Hawaii without their husband.

Hearing all of this, I felt a genuine culture shock for the first time. She also asked about my marriage, and I always responded with the standard answers that Lady Tanoko gives when asked about marriage. It's all in the book How to Become Lady Tanoko 101, so I just repeated it. I joked—there's no such book, but it seems that in this past year, I've gotten better at lying.

"The staff told me to call you Lady Tanoko, it's a shame because you have such a beautiful name, Letisha, right?" Mrs. Alaya asked when we reached the last course of our meal.

"Well, I like being called Lady Tanoko. But you can just call me Letisha, I believe my husband won't mind." I replied. Mrs. Alaya chuckled and pulled out a small black box with a gold ribbon, handing it to me.

"Open it, Letisha," she instructed. When I opened it, I almost choked on the tiramisu I had just eaten. Inside the box was an emerald green lingerie set, which I had to admit was beautiful, and a bottle of perfume with Arabic writing I couldn't understand.

"Lady Tanoko, the lingerie is not even the fun part yet. You see the perfume there? It's a charm, actually..." Mrs. Alaya explained. "My family's tradition, it has herbs that we believe... well, I can assure you that you won't sleep at all if you wear it tonight for Mr. Elliot. The perfume contains something that only a man who loves you can smell. It's different for every man. My husband swears he smells a really fragrant nectarine coming out of me." She added with a raised eyebrow.

Honestly, I was still shocked by the scanty outfit and even more so by Mrs. Alaya's explanation about the perfume. If she knew the state of my marriage, she might have felt awkward giving me such a gift.

"Thank you, Mrs. Alaya. This is very pretty. I will make sure to test it." I answered, smiling, and quickly closed the box. If I kept looking at it, I wouldn't be able to face Elliot tonight.

After changing and applying makeup for my schedule today, the Tanoko PR team arrived to take some photos for my social media account. Then, I waited in my office while watching several Tanoko Cherish employees pass by, since it was already after office hours. I wondered, if I weren't married, would I be like them? Working and chatting over coffee, exchanging goodbyes and joy when it was finally time to leave work?

If I weren't married, would I have a normal life like theirs?

(Elliot POV)

After we arrived home, Letisha immediately took off her heels and walked barefoot into the house. I furrowed my brow. Why was she in such a hurry?

I watched her run to the kitchen, then emerge holding a box, heading toward the backyard. Was she going to eat cereal? Was she still hungry? I had to admit, the fine dining earlier didn't satisfy me either. Letisha ate only a little; she drank more white wine than anything else during our dinner.

I followed her and saw Letisha crouching in the backyard garden. Lily had transformed the area into a home garden that had been featured in AD Magazine this year as the most beautiful home garden. All my guests who came here always praised it, and it was all Letisha's idea. Originally, this backyard was meant for barbecues and to be a basketball court. But now, it had become a place that calmed me after work.

"What are you doing, Isha?" I asked, slightly leaning forward, inadvertently walking closer and crouching next to her. I finally saw what she was doing—feeding the cat that often roamed around our backyard. I knew about this cat, and I had already been informed that we would be moving it elsewhere, but I didn't know Letisha was so fond of it.

"Ah! Elliot, when did you...?" she said, half shouting. Letisha immediately stood up when she realized how close we were. The cat, who had been eating contentedly, quickly hid behind her. "Sorry, I know we're not allowed to keep cats in the house, but I never brought Markie inside. He only comes here when it's time to eat..."

"Markie? That's the name of this chubby cat?" I teased, pointing at the Calico cat that was glaring at me, probably upset its meal had been interrupted. I could see the same frown forming on Letisha's face, mirroring the cat's expression. 

So cute.

"The vet said Markie isn't obese, This is the sign of a healthy and well-maintained cat. The name Markie comes from the pattern on its head, like it's been drawn on with a marker," she replied, irritated, pointing at the cat's head.

"Hmmm, so you've even taken it to the vet?" I asked.

"Does this mean I have to get rid of Markie?" she asked, looking down, holding the cat in her arms.

"No, Letisha. You can continue to take care of Markie... I don't mind," I said, gently petting the cat as well.

"Really?" she asked again. I nodded. Letisha smiled, caressing the cat, who seemed very comfortable in her arms. What a lucky cat. I wish I could be looked at with that much affection by Isha.

"Are you going to Lily's opening?" Letisha suddenly asked, staring at me. I smiled slightly, wiping the cat fur that clung to her blushing cheek.

"Floristique, right? This Saturday? Sadly, I'm going to Seoul," I replied, putting on a melancholic face. "For a business trip," I added.

"Again?!" Letisha blurted out. I stared at her, surprised. This was the first time I had heard Letisha raise her voice, and somehow, I liked it.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt your work, especially not to mess up the family business... What I mean is... I'll go and represent you later," she clarified, flustered. She lowered her gaze, trying to hide her overly honest expression. But her eyes, which lingered on me for just a moment too long, made me wonder: was she disappointed?

Letisha was always like this—holding herself back. She was so afraid of being perceived as an obstacle to Tanoko's successor's work, and I understood why she panicked just by speaking her mind. Although, I was happy, because maybe she did miss my absence, and if I were to speculate, I might be missing her too.

"Do you like flowers, Isha?" I asked again, and Letisha glanced at me before nodding.

"Sunflowers," she answered, smiling. And what I noticed was that when she smiled even wider, I could see a small dimple on her cheek. Without realizing it, I smiled too.

Alas, that's why there are so many sunflowers in this house.

Markie

A glimpse of their garden

Elliot Mark Lee Tanoko

Elliot Mark Lee Tanoko is a man bound by his family’s legacy, yet he silently yearns for a deeper connection with Letisha. His heart is conflicted between the demands of family and his personal desires. He is not one to express his feelings openly, often hiding behind a mask of professionalism and composure. As the head of Tanoko Group, Elliot is driven to succeed, but his personal happiness feels elusive. The tragic losses in his life have made him distant, both from his own emotions and from those around him. His tall, confident stature may suggest strength, but his internal struggles reveal a man who feels isolated and emotionally weighed down.

Summary :

In the world of old money, legacy, and unspoken expectations, Letisha Aston finds herself bound to Elliot Tanoko in a marriage defined by duty rather than love. Letisha, born into the prestigious Aston family, never imagined she would become Lady Tanoko, the wife of the heir to Tanoko Group. But as she navigates her new life, she begins to feel the weight of her role. While Elliot is burdened by the responsibilities of running the Tanoko empire, Letisha struggles with the constraints of being a Lady and living up to the family’s expectations.

The tension between them becomes palpable when a tragedy strikes, testing their marriage. As they face loss and uncertainty, their bond starts to unravel, revealing deep insecurities, unspoken fears, and a growing emotional distance.