The Traps of the Black Swan (Book 2)

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Three years ago, Lisa had bought something or the other thing for everyone when the day was nearing to return to the country after his studies. He had no experience in shopping for girls and Ariel had demanded a dress when he thought to pick a jewel or wristwatch for her.

She wanted him to learn it slowly for his Cupcake, so she made a video call to him, taught him how to pick dresses but when he returned to the country, she wasn't there to wear the dress.

In the afternoon, Ruby Jane had thought she might remind Ariel to the Manoban family members, which might make them sad, so she insisted on not wearing Ariel's dress. But Connor had coaxed her to use any of it.

Connor hadn't said anything to her, looking at Jisoo excited and happy, she was glad he liked it and she didn't hurt his emotions.

Jisoo took Ruby Jane to Ariel's walk-in wardrobe where everything was the same. It was obvious they weren't ready to let go of it easily. If they could keep everything the same in the room, Ruby Jane couldn't even imagine how Lisa had to convince himself and his family to give her the heart of Ariel.

Thinking of it, Lisa was an intern three years ago, 'How did he operate on me?' She thought. Lisa never let her think of the past so she never got a chance to ask anything.

Jisoo took a few seconds to locate where the dress was, before handing it to Ruby Jane. She saw a dress in three-piece on her hands. It was no extravagant dress as she had expected Ariel to like and Lisa to give.

It was too simple, the baby pink halter neck crop top was hand knitted in high-quality wool that gave a rich soft feel on her fingers. The circular high waist skirt was plain white. Her eyes fixed on the shrug, a loose-fitting, half-sleeved floral cover-up. It was long in the back and no buttons in the front. It had the colors of lavender, shades of pink, and green.

It was a typical girly style dress. It had been three years since Ruby Jane had walked away from that look. In her friend's words, she will look gullible and harmless in it.

She glanced at Jisoo, she wanted to turn down because imagining herself in it made her feel weak and helpless Jennie. But the hopeful look on his face created a lump in her throat, hard to reject his negligible wish.

The excitement of Jisoo thinking of Ariel shrunk and laughed awkwardly. For a moment he had forgotten, Ruby Jane still needs time to walk out of her darkness.

He thought to joke as his brother has no taste in choosing a dress for girls, Lisa's voice sounded, "Jisoo..."

Both turned to the door and Lisa cued Jisoo to give them a moment. However before he could leave, Ruby Jane tugged Jisoo's hand. "I will wear it."

No, she didn't decide it for Lisa. She wasn't wearing it for Lisa either but Jisoo. She decided because she wanted to define her emotions and mood but not the dress. If the dress would make her look innocent, she didn't care. What she feels should be in her control, not what she wears, not the color of the dress.

Lisa was surprised, and also Jisoo. The excitement swelled back, Jisoo pinched cheeks, "Then we will be downstairs."

He was running out, but paused at the door, "Yeah, you can use anything that's here. Nobody will mind it, they will be happier instead." He knew his parents would love to see her using them instead of throwing them away one day.

Ruby Jane smiled in resignation as she nodded her head, "Then I will loot your sis wardrobe."

Jisoo waved his hand as he went out, "You are welcome." She was welcomed to rob there.

Lisa made sure Ruby Jane was fine instead of forcing herself for Jisoo. He was thinking to let her change but she beckoned him with her finger.

Curious about her action, he had just taken two steps, she reached his arms, "What did you bring for me?" Since Lisa had brought gifts to all, she was sure he wouldn't have forgotten her so there was anticipation in her eyes.