Instant Regrets Book II

Chapter 16

The following morning marked their departure, the sun barely kissing the horizon.

Both sets of parents gathered for this bittersweet farewell, with the notable absence of Jennie's mother. Mrs. Kim's emotions got the best of her, she couldn't bear to see them leave for months.

Mr. Kim, struggling to hold back his own emotions, pulled Jennie into a tight embrace. "My dear, there are no words left to say, except that I pray for your safe arrival in Paris. That's all that truly matters to me."

Jennie, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, replied, "Thank you, Dad. We'll be back in just a month. I promise."

Her father hugged her once more, and just as they were about to part, Jiyong's voice rang out, signaling their imminent departure.

Jiyong joined them after a conversation with his parents, holding a peacefully slumbering Hyeong in his arms.

Jennie reassured her father, "Tell Mom that I'll call her the moment we arrive."

Jiyong chimed in confidently, "Don't worry, Mr. Kim. I'll take good care of my family."

Although Mr. Kim felt the weight of their sudden departure, he found solace in the knowledge that his beloved daughter had a loving family of her own now, and he was comforted to know that Jennie was in good hands.

The couple bid their emotional farewells and proceeded to the waiting private jet. As they settled into their seats, Jiyong revealed a heartwarming surprise he had planned for Jennie.

Jennie, her eyes widening with surprise, couldn't help but exclaim, "Why are you doing all this? I hope you didn't bother."

Jiyong gently shushed her with a finger to her lips and tenderly held her hand. "You deserve every bit of this, Jennie. You should always be treated like royalty."

With those heartfelt words, he snapped his fingers, summoning an attentive attendant bearing a bottle of fine red wine. But the surprises didn't end there, a group of talented musicians on board began playing a romantic melody that filled the plane's cabin, creating an enchanting atmosphere for their journey.

Eight hours into the flight, concern enveloped the couple as Hyeong began vomiting uncontrollably. Jennie's heart ached at the sight of Hyeong struggling to breathe and unable to stop crying. She feared that Hyeong's asthma, which had remained dormant for a long time, might have suddenly resurfaced.

Jiyong did his utmost to console Jennie, but his efforts fell short. Faced with the gravity of the situation, he made the difficult decision to request an emergency landing to get Hyeong to a hospital. However, the pilot's response brought disheartening news—there were no nearby countries where they could safely land at that moment. They had no choice but to continue for a few more miles until they reached Rome, where an emergency landing would be possible.

Feeling utterly helpless, Jiyong paced back and forth, consumed by worry for his son. The pitiful cries from the cubicle reverberated in his ears, and his frustration reached a breaking point. He clenched his fists and rubbed his face, overcome by restlessness and anxiety, eventually leaving the room to rush to the back of the plane.

Meanwhile, the air inside the plane grew calmer. Jiyong sat up, watching his son peacefully sleeping next to Jennie. He gently stroked Hyeong's hair, careful not to wake him, and tears glistening in the corners of his own eyes. He wiped them away, feeling immense gratitude toward Mr. Slyerth, one of the members of the musicians, who had assisted them. Mr. Slyerth had informed Jiyong that Hyeong's stomach distress was likely due to the extreme cold, reassuring him that it wasn't too severe but should be checked by a doctor immediately.

"We're going to land within 30 minutes, please prepare for landing," the pilot's announcement filled the cabin.

After a long flight, the couple had finally arrived in Paris. Jiyong gently caressed Jennie, waking her from her slumber. "Hon, we're about to land in a minute. I'll carry Hyeong first. I know you're exhausted from the trip. Once we're at the hotel, get some well-deserved rest. Don't worry, I've already called the doctor to check on him," he assured her.

As they rode in an RS7 Sportback Audi towards the hotel, Jennie appeared lost in thought, her gaze fixed on her sleeping child, who looked pale. She couldn't bring herself to look out at the city she had longed to visit. Jiyong, keeping an eye on her through the rearview mirror, understood the gravity of her emotions.

After a short ride, the couple arrived at the hotel. Jiyong swiftly got out and opened the car door for Jennie, then carefully took Hyeong in his arms before assisting Jennie.

The hotel staff warmly welcomed them as they approached, "Bonjour madame et Monsieur, welcome to Kimpton St Honoré Paris. We would be delighted to host you," the manager greeted, extending a hand in hospitality. He then gestured for them to follow him into the hotel. "Your luggage will be sent to your room, and your private staff will escort you there."

Jiyong expressed his gratitude, saying, "Dave, your hospitality is commendable. You never disappoint me."

"My pleasure, Mr. Kwong. Enjoy your stay. I'll inform you when the doctor arrives."

They shook hands before a staff member accompanied Jennie to their room, while Jiyong remained in the lobby, awaiting the doctor. He hid his frustration and exhaustion from Jennie, determined to stay calm in front of her.

Jiyong couldn't help but feel guilty about what had happened due to his hasty decision. If anything had gone wrong during the flight, he wouldn't have forgiven himself for his negligence. He hadn't informed his parents about it, knowing his father would scold him for it.

Jennie, feeling grateful, thanked the staff once they had placed all their luggage in the room. After they left, she gently laid Hyeong down on the bed and took a seat beside him. The sight of her child's condition weighed heavily on her, as if her heart were being crushed.

Jennie attempted to engage him in conversation, but Hyeong could only nod weakly, lacking the strength to respond, perhaps drained from his earlier vomiting.

"I'm so sorry, baby, if we left suddenly and you ended up like this. I'm so sorry, my love." Jennie cried softly as she kissed him, laden with an apology.

"Mommy..."

Hyeong's weak voice caught her attention. Jennie quickly wiped her tears away and took him into her arms. "Yes, my love, are you okay? Do you still feel sick anywhere? Please tell Mommy." Worry was etched across Jennie's face.

"Umm... Mommy, I had a bad dream."

"What was the dream, baby?"

Hyeong began to recount, his voice trembling. "There were a bunch of bad guys who wanted to take me. I was scared, Mommy. Please don't leave me, okay?"

"Jennie, please, don't leave me. I'm begging you!"

Jennie was taken aback, her heart aching as a wave of past memories washed over her. She quickly gathered her thoughts and whispered soothingly, "Shush... Mommy is right here. I won't leave you. It was just a bad dream, sweetheart, not real, okay?" Jennie held him close, comforting him and reassuring him of her presence to calm his fears, all the while haunted by her own emotions.