Answer (Love Yourself Tour - Book 3)

Chapter 11

⚠️ Trigger Warning ⚠️
Stalking
Abuse (Past)

Namjoon's POV:

I was nervous as I stepped out of the taxi in front of the two-story house that I knew to be Adeline's home. She had no idea that I was coming. She thought I was still in Europe with my own family. I cut it a couple days short with my parent's encouragement so that I could do what I planned on this visit because the plans I had for when Adeline got back home hinged on it. I closed the door to the taxi and took my first step to the front door. My nerves elevating with each step I took. By the time I had my hand raised to knock on the door I was a mess but knocked regardless. I held my breath as I heard steps coming towards the door from behind it before it opened.

"Namjoon." Nora smiled brightly before she stepped forward and hugged me instantly dispersing my nerves making me relax straightaway.

"Hi Nora." I smiled returning her hug.

"Come in." She said waving me inside. "Adeline and Tomas should be back shortly. I added a couple more things to the list to give you time to get here before they did." She grinned over her shoulder as she ushered me further into their home.

Nora was the only one who knew that I was coming having been my confidant in said plan to surprise Adeline with a visit. Adeline despite everything that happened with Eunji assaulting her and threatening me was determined to not let Eunji interfere in our plans with me going to Europe and her going to stay with Ella before coming back home for a week. I agreed despite the small part of me that, for the first week, was constantly on edge waiting for Eunji to do whatever it was she had planned but three weeks later nothing has yet to happen.

"How was your flight?" Nora asked taking my suitcase from me as we walked into their living room from the hallway.

"It was long." I said looking around taking in the space.

"I can imagine. How are you doing? Honestly." She asked sitting down on the cream-colored couch that matched the rest of the various cream to light brown tones throughout the living room.

"Honestly." I began sitting in the chair opposite her. "Okay. I'm still a bit on edge with everything that happened."

Nora's smile turned to an understanding one.

"Yes, Adeline told us everything that happened."

I looked down at my lap feeling ashamed as I sat there in front of Nora still feeling at fault for everything. Even though everyone said it wasn't my fault and I knew it really wasn't, but I still couldn't help feeling like I was to blame.

"Namjoon." Nora said in a tone that made me look up. "It's not your fault. It never was."

"I feel guilty though. That mayb-"

"Did you tell Eunji to do those things to Adeline?"

"Of course not. I would never do that to her let alone anyone for that matter." I said defensively without meaning too.

Nora smiled, "then you have no reason to be guilty."

For some reason hearing Nora, Adeline's mother, say that to me I could feel the burden of my still feeling guilty lift somewhat. Maybe it was from who I needed to hear those words to forgive myself for what happened. Even so I wouldn't feel the relief completely until I knew whether Tomas blamed me.

"Tomas doesn't blame you either." Nora said with a knowing smile as if she could read my thoughts.

I gave her a small smile in thanks when I heard the front door open followed by laughter. Adeline's laughter which instantly had me standing up and smiling wider. Nora chuckled across from me as she too stood up walking into the hallway.