26

My mind was in turmoil after seeing her arrive at the hospital with Heeseung. I hadn't asked her to come, nor did I want to see her face at that moment.

My thoughts were consumed by Choi Yurim, my childhood friend, who was lying in a hospital bed, connected to wires. The sight of her in such a condition was heartbreaking.

I missed her smile, the way she made me happy, and how she helped me stay strong. No one could replace her in my heart, even though she never reciprocated my feelings.

loved her deeply.

I had hoped she would accept my love, but she rejected me multiple times. I felt foolish for continuing to love her wholeheartedly.

After my mother died and my father married his mistress, I changed.

I became a playboy, dating anyone who showed interest, frequenting clubs, and seeking solace in fleeting relationships.

Despite this, my heart remained the same. I couldn't forget Yurim, no matter how hard I tried.

Regarding Han Jina, I was confused. Kissing her earlier was a mistake, driven by emotions I couldn't control.

I was stupid for creating such a mess, especially in public. Now, news about me and Jina would spread, damaging my reputation and popularity.

"You shouldn't treat your wife that way," someone said to me. Turning to Yurim, I asked,

"Are you okay?"

I approached her, gently rubbing her cheek, my eyes filled with concern.

I was truly worried about her, and only God knew how grateful I was to see her alive after the accident.

"I'm okay, Jake. Why are you still here? You should go home. She'll be waiting for you,"

she replied, removing my hand from her cheek and adjusting her seat.

"Don't mention her. She's not important to me. You're the one I care about," I told her. She smiled weakly and said,

"I'd be happy if you stayed with your wife now. I'm begging you, Jake. Let me rest tonight."

"I'll visit you tomorrow," I promised.

When I finally arrived home around 1 a.m, I was surprised to see a police car parked in front of my house.

I quickly turned off the engine and ran toward the officers, who were speaking with Heeseung.

"What happened? Why are you here?"

I asked anxiously, gasping for breath.

"Your wife was almost kidnapped earlier. Thankfully, Heeseung intervened and saved her."

"Don't worry, everything is okay now. Thanks to Heeseung for calling us promptly,"

one of the officers said, patting Heeseung's shoulder before leaving.

I glanced at Heeseung and glared at him before walking into the house, trying to act as if nothing had happened.

However, he quickly grabbed my shoulder, forcing me to face him.

He held my collar and pushed me against the wall, causing me to groan in pain.

"If you don't want her, just give her to me. I'll take better care of her than you ever did. Stop this now. She's suffering terribly. Are you happy seeing her like this?"

Heeseung shouted, tightening his grip on my collar.

"What does that have to do with me? It's her problem for being weak," I replied.

He suddenly punched me hard in the face, causing me to fall to the ground.

"You're selfish. Do you know how worried she was about you? She waited for you while you were at the hospital with another woman."

lShe thought you were the one knocking on her door, but instead, she was attacked."

"She screamed your name, hoping you'd come to her rescue, but you were with someone else. If she gives up on life, it's because of you. If you can't make her happy, then let me do it," he said angrily.

"Just go home and mind your own business,"

I retorted, changing the subject and entering the house without looking back.

My steps halted when I saw Jina sleeping on the couch, wrapped in a blanket.

She looked exhausted and pale, her body trembling from the cold. I approached her quietly, kneeling beside her to examine the bruises and wounds on her body.

Gently, I rubbed her cheek, causing her to wake up.

She looked at me with wide eyes and turned away.

"Don't touch me," she said softly, surprising me with her cold tone.

"Why are you sleeping here?"

I asked, trying to act nonchalant.

"Why do you care? Just go,"

she replied, pushing me away and walking into the kitchen.

"Han Jina, I'm sorry. I was too angry earlier,"

I called out, following her into the kitchen.

Suddenly, she grabbed a knife and pointed it at her stomach, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Her eyes locked onto mine as I stood frozen, unsure of how to stop her.

"You're right. I should stop breathing to make you happy. I should have died earlier. I have no one in my life, so why should I continue living?" she sobbed.

"Han Jina, don't do this!" I pleaded, stepping closer to her.

"Why? What difference would it make? Everyone leaves me eventually. They hurt me. It's better if I end it now. I'm not okay," she continued.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scold you. Please don't—" I began, but she interrupted me.

"It's too late now," she said loudly, stabbing herself. Blood poured from her mouth, staining her shirt.

I quickly caught her before she collapsed, holding her tightly as her eyes slowly closed.

"Don't do this. Oh my God, please don't," I cried, embracing her as tears streamed down my face.