19

I stared at the dinner table, the food growing cold. I had spent hours preparing it perfectly plated, carefully seasoned, untouched.

A bitter mix of sadness and frustration built up in my chest. I wasn't even sure who I was angry at anymore him, or myself for always hoping. For trying.

Tears blurred my vision as I sat down and tried to convince myself that it was fine. That I didn't care.

But I did.

I cared too much.

Suddenly, a loud noise shattered the silence.

Someone was banging on the front door. The thudding was sharp and forceful, like metal striking wood.

I froze.

Jake wouldn't knock. He had the passcode.

I crept toward the window, heart racing. I could see the shadow of someone standing outside, holding what looked like a bat. Maybe from a softball set.

Panic hit me.

I grabbed my phone with trembling hands, tried calling Jake, but his phone was turned off.

The banging grew louder. The stranger's voice cut through the door, chilling and aggressive.

"Shim Jake, come out."

"Give your wife to me."

"I'll kill your wife."

I dropped the phone.

My knees buckled as I stumbled behind the curtain and crouched down, hugging my arms around myself. My body trembled violently. I pressed my hand over my mouth, trying not to make a sound.

But I couldn't stop the tears. I couldn't stop shaking.

I stayed hidden, frozen in fear, until the voice faded and the pounding stopped.

--

JAKE's POV

It was two in the morning by the time I made it home. The day had been nonstop photoshoots, press interviews, more filming.

When I turned on my phone, I noticed a few missed calls from Jina. I rolled my eyes, already too tired to deal with anything emotional.

As I walked into the house, something on the dining table caught my attention.

Dinner.

Untouched. Still neatly set with candles. She had really done this for me.

For a second, guilt scratched at my chest. But before I could process it, I heard something.

A sound. Faint, broken.

Crying.

I followed it cautiously.

As I neared the curtain near the hallway, the sound grew clearer. I reached out and gently pulled the fabric aside.

Jina was curled up, clutching her knees, face streaked with tears.

When she saw me, she panicked screamed, covered her ears, and sobbed harder. It took her a few seconds to recognize me.

Then, without saying a word, she stood up and wrapped her arms around me.

Her entire body shook.

"Where were you?"

she cried, her voice breaking.

"I was so scared. I thought something was going to happen to me."

I froze, unsure how to respond at first. Slowly, I lifted my hand and placed it gently on her back.

"What happened?"

I asked quietly.

"There was a man. He came with a bat and started hitting the door. He screamed your name, he said he wanted to kill me."

She broke down again.

I didn't say anything. I just held her closer.

"You're safe now," I whispered.

"I'm here."

Her sobs softened, but the fear still clung to her expression. I took a step back and looked her in the eyes.

"Don't cry, okay? You're not alone."

She nodded faintly.

"Have you eaten anything?"

She shook her head.

"Then let's eat together," I said, guiding her toward the kitchen.

The meal was quiet. She sat across from me, still holding her fork, not touching her food. Her eyes were distant, lips slightly parted like she was holding her breath.

I glanced at her in between bites.

Guilt slowly settled in.

This was my fault. Leaving her alone. Not answering. Ignoring every small thing she tried to do for me.

When we finished, I stood and collected our plates.

"You should get some rest. It's late," I said quietly.

She didn't move.

Even after I washed the dishes and turned back around, she was still there staring at the table, eyes unfocused.

I walked over and knelt beside her.

"Jina?" I said gently.

She didn't respond.

I didn't know what else to do. So I helped her up, carefully placed an arm around her shoulder, and led her to her room.

"It's going to be okay."

I closed the door behind me and returned to my room.

After a shower, I finally lay down.

But I couldn't sleep.

Her voice kept replaying in my head.

"I was scared, I thought I was going to die..."

What kind of husband lets that happen?

Then a soft knock came at the door.

I sat up and walked over.

Jina stood there in her pajamas, clutching a pillow to her chest. Her eyes met mine, tired and unsure.

"Can I sleep here tonight?" she asked quietly.

And for once, I had no words.