24

JINA – POV

"I'll kiss you again if you talk."

Jake's voice was low and cold. He gripped my shoulders firmly, stopping me from moving. His eyes locked on mine, sharp and unwavering.

I could feel the tension in his body, the way his jaw clenched and his breathing quickened. It scared me, he looked like he was about to snap.

He leaned in again, his face only inches from mine. I froze, unsure of what to do.

Before he could get closer, his phone rang.

He paused, jaw tightening, then stepped back and answered the call without moving from my room.

"She was in an accident?"

he said, voice suddenly stiff.

I watched as he quickly threw on his jacket and grabbed his keys.

Was he leaving again? After everything that just happened?

I ran after him and grabbed his wrist.

"Are you leaving me again?" I asked, trying to meet his eyes.

He looked down at me briefly. "Choi Yurim was in a car accident. I can't leave her alone right now."

He slipped from my grip and walked out the door.

Once again, I was left behind.

⸻

It was nearly midnight.

Jake still hadn't come back. I sat in the living room, glancing at the clock every few minutes, wondering why I even cared. I wasn't supposed to feel anything.

But something had changed. Since yesterday, since that night in his room.

I missed him.

Was I falling for him?

I shook my head.

No. I couldn't.

Jake and I were going to divorce in two months. This wasn't real. It couldn't be.

I had always loved Heeseung. He was my first love. Wasn't he?

Before I could think more, a knock startled me.

I opened the door without checking.

That was a mistake.

A man lunged forward, grabbed me, and dragged me toward a van. I kicked and screamed, but he was strong.

He slammed me to the pavement and punched me in the face. Pain burst through my cheek, and I couldn't move.

"Just die,"

he growled, tightening his grip around my neck.

I gasped for air, my fingers clawing at his arms.

"Jake," I whispered. "Help me."

I was stupid to think he'd come. He was with someone else.

But then someone did come.

A man tackled the attacker to the ground and struck him repeatedly until he stopped moving.

Then he turned to me, lifted me into his arms, and ran toward a car.

I barely registered what was happening. Everything was a blur.

When we were safely away, the car pulled to a stop. I blinked slowly, and when my vision cleared, I saw his face.

It was Heeseung.

"You're safe now," he said gently.

I tried to sit up, but the pain made me wince. He pulled out a small first aid kit and leaned closer.

"Let me help."

He dabbed ointment on the cuts on my arm and cheek, supporting me with his other hand.

I couldn't hold back the tears. Not just from the pain but from seeing him.

Why was he here? Why now?

"Thank you for helping me," I whispered.

He raised his finger and gently touched my lips to hush me.

"You're hurt, Jina. You don't need to talk."

But I stopped his hand.

"Please don't. Namjin will be angry if she sees this."

His eyes narrowed. "Is that why you were avoiding me today? Because of her?"

I hesitated. "You shouldn't hurt her. She really likes you."

Before I could finish, he leaned in and kissed me.

My eyes widened in shock. When he pulled back, his voice was quiet but firm.

"I don't care about her. I care about you."

"Heeseung," I whispered. "I'm married. I'm Jake's wife."

"You think I don't know that?" he said.

"But it's a contract. Namjin told me everything. You were forced to marry him because of a scandal."

He looked straight into my eyes. "I know you loved me. I still love you. Come with me. Leave him."

I looked down, heart pounding.

"That was the past."

He didn't move.

"I think I'm starting to love Jake," I said softly.

"He's my husband."