39

JAKE POV

"Where are you? Let's have lunch together." I texted her, standing outside her workplace, hoping she wouldn't ignore it.

I chose to text instead of call, I didn't want to look desperate, even if I was. I stood there, waiting, while people around me whispered and took pictures.

Jake is so handsome.

He's such a husband material!

He must really love his wife. Look, he's waiting for her!

Do I?

Do I really love my wife?

I glanced back at my phone, still no reply.

Then I saw it, Heeseung, stepping out of a luxury car and opening the passenger door.

Jina got out with a smile on her face, laughing at something he said before they walked into a nearby café together.

That image burned into my chest.

Without thinking, I stormed into the café.

—

JINA POV

"Thanks for accompanying me today, Han Jina,"

Heeseung said with a smile, handing me a small box.

"It's just work, Heeseung,"

I chuckled, accepting the gift.

"Don't open it here. I'll get shy,"

he added, rubbing the back of his neck.

I laughed softly and nodded, slipping the box into my bag.

Then I heard it.

"Jake Shim is here!"

"Jake!"

My breath hitched. I turned my head and there he was, rushing toward us, out of breath. Without a word, he grabbed my hand.

"What are you doing here?"

I asked, startled.

"Let's have lunch," he said, tightening his grip as he glanced at Heeseung.

"But I'm with Hee—"

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but I'm taking my wife to lunch." He spoke to Heeseung coldly before pulling me outside.

—

The silence in the car was loud.

"Why didn't you reply to my text?" he asked, eyes fixed on the road.

"You should be with Yurim. Focus on your wedding, Jake."

"My parents already planned it. I'm just waiting for the day," he replied blankly.

I stayed quiet, pulling out the gift box from my bag and opening it slowly.

Inside was a ring.

"A ring?" Jake's voice cut through my thoughts. I flinched, trying to hide it, but he suddenly pulled over.

"Show me," he demanded.

I didn't move.

He snatched it from my hands and opened it, fury flashing in his eyes. "What the hell, Lee Heeseung."

He was about to throw it out the window. I stopped him.

There was a letter tucked inside.

Han Jina,I know it sounds wrong, but I've never been happier than knowing your husband is letting you go. Call me selfish, I won't care.

I prayed for you even when you married him. I hoped I'd get a chance to be the one beside you.God must have heard me, he gave me the chance to kiss your lips. (Kidding. Almost.)So here's my truth.

Will you marry me?

I'll be the husband who stays, the one who listens, the one who holds you when you cry.

The father of your future children.I've loved you for a long time, but I was too afraid to say it.Wear the ring if you accept me.

– Lee Heeseung

I stared at the letter, my hands trembling.

Jake's voice came next, strained and low.

"Don't wear it. Please."

He reached for the ring again, but I held it tighter.

"Are you going to accept his proposal? Tell me. The kiss, did it happen? I want to hear it from you."

I turned to face him.

"Jake, please."

"I told you to focus on your life. So stop asking about mine."

"Whether I accept his proposal or kissed him or not,none of it concerns you anymore."

"I didn't interfere with your relationship with Yurim. You should respect that."

He was silent, eyes stinging.

"You're really going to forget me?"

he whispered.

"Do you really not love me anymore?"

"Why would I still love you?"

My voice cracked. "It just hurts more."

"I'm trying to move on from you, Jake. Please let me."

"You're lying," he said, his voice breaking.

"You'll always love me. You're just trying to forget, but you can't."

Tears welled in his eyes.

"Don't leave me. My life is nothing without you."

I stared at him. My voice shook.

"What happens if I stay, Jake? You'll leave me again. You'll go back to Choi Yurim."

"I'll be the fool staying behind, watching you love someone else while I disappear into nothing."

"You're selfish. You never once asked if I was okay."

"You never wondered if I was tired. If I cried when you came home late. If I was hurting."

"You only came to me when you were sad and you left me when you were fine again."

"I know you never loved me, Jake. You just needed someone to lean on."

"I'm not your safety net."

He sat frozen, speechless.

"Let me go," I whispered, tears running down my cheeks. "I don't want to suffer anymore."

Jake reached out, but I pulled away.

"Okay," he said softly. "Let's end this here."

And for the first time, it felt like he meant it.