The Traps of the Black Swan

79

Mino and Zain too admired Lisa like Jisoo. Their respect for him was above par especially after hearing Jisoo. They couldn't even imagine how strong he had to stand and perform surgeries after surgery on the woman he loved.

However, both had regrets too. Mino hadn't believed Lisa completely and Zain had raised Lisa's problems.

Even though Ruby Jane understands and doesn't hold any of them responsible for her ill fate, they couldn't stop blaming themselves.

On the other hand, Lisa couldn't understand why he kept hearing a hum of a song from the kitchen that was at quite a distance from the living hall. But it made him more miserable.

Lisa had a long list to blame himself. If he had cared more about Jisoo in country S instead of drowning himself in the study by ignoring the world, he probably would have met his Cupcake there. If he had shown little interest in social media and checked Jisoo's post, he would have got to see her. If he had tried to know Little Heart who Jisoo always adored nonstop, he probably would have known her.

The worst part of everything was, he numerous times knew Mino and Little Heart of Jisoo were at his apartment door or parking lot whenever Jisoo visited him on his birthday or other days.

All he needed to do was peek out or agree to celebrate his birthday with Jisoo's friends or ask him to call his friends inside or attend Jisoo's birthday party.

She was so near him yet so far. If he hadn't shown his back to the world, would they be living better? He had thought he showed his back to the world for his Cupcake but he forgot his Cupcake is one in that world.

But all of those were ifs of the past and nothing can be changed.

Lisa broke the silence after some time, "Were you guys fooled with the work, or were they successful?"

Zain was more composed than the other two so he responded, "Apparently, nothing was fake. I got to meet the doctor, Jisoo registered the first branch, Mino got the project. It wasn't suspicious back then. I got no proof even when I investigated ."

Again silence was enveloping, Ruby Jane exited the kitchen holding a big tray of four glasses and light snacks. "Lisa..." She called being careful of the tray's weight, taking short little steps.

Her melodious voice stretching a word instantly calmed the four men pulling them out of their endless distress.

The past is over, Jennie Ruby Jane, a sly, scheming woman who is too alert of her surroundings. All they need to do is just stand beside her while she rules.

Lisa quickly reacted seeing her carrying the four tall highland glasses and different snack plates in a large tray that looked bigger than her. He reached her and chided. "Why are you carrying heavy? You should have called me or maids?" He quickly carried the plate leaving her relieved from the weight.

Ruby Jane just giggled and followed him to the living hall to see all having fake smiles and ready to tease her. She guessed what they might have talking but she didn't want to make them awkward.

So she cheerfully asked, "Why don't you guys help me in the kitchen?"

Jisoo and Mino raised their hands, folded the palm down at the wrist, facing the backhand to her, and waved as they uttered together, "Shoo... Shoo... Shoo shoo..."

Ruby Jane: "..."

Zain chuckled seeing her at a loss of words looking at two men who were shooing her away like a dog on the street.

She looked around and grabbed the vase before jumping over the couch and chased after two, "Germless men, stay right there if you dare."

Zain and Lisa could only smile seeing her purposefully changing their mood, The former reminded her after a few seconds, "Pumpkin, kitchen..."