Jiana is new.
After getting adopted by one of the country's wealthiest couples, she is steeped into high society full of people who have everything. As she struggles to shake that feeling of being completely out of depth with her new environment, Ji...
The woman hooked a finger under the little girl's chin, forcing her to look at her. Her fingers tightened ever so slightly, and the girl stiffened.
"I love you," she repeated forcefully. "I don't want anything to happen to you. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Eomma," she mumbled.
"Only I will ever love you this much." The woman drew the girl closer to her. "Outside is cold, Bora. It's full of bad people. I keep you safe here. Do you hear me?"
"Yes, Eomma." Bora kept her eyes downcast.
The woman drew back, took the girl by her shoulders. "Nobody will love you like I do. Nobody will protect you like I do. You are unlovable to everybody but me. So you have to promise." She looked the girl deep in the eyes. "Promise me that you'll never run away again."
Bora was silent.
The woman increased her vise-like grip. "Promise me."
"Yes, Eomma," Bora finally said. "I'll never run away again."
They just stood there, staring at each other for a long time. Eventually, the woman pulled the girl into an embrace once more. "Good girl," she murmured, stroking Bora's hair. "You're such a good girl."
now
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Genevieve paused outside the door to the café, peeking through the large window to see Jiana settled at a table for two, thin-rimmed, large square glasses perched on her nose as her eyes swept across the pages of a rom-com novel with a cheerful illustrated cover. She looked peaceful, pausing occasionally to sip her latte.
Genny grinned. It wasn't often just the sight of someone lifted her spirits. Then her eyes narrowed. Including the barista, at least four different guys were subtly checking Jiana out. Genny couldn't blame them. Her friend wasn't just pretty; she also had this vibe she emanated that was just so attractive. Genny was glad that, despite her earlier prejudices (which she wasn't proud of), they'd become close.
Genny pushed the doors open. Jiana glanced up at the jingle, face lighting up. Genny strode over and gave her two cheek kisses, making Jiana flush a little, then Genny turned to the ogling guys and smirked at them in a you wish this was you kind of way.
"Is the book good?" Genny settled into the opposite chair.
Jiana nodded, placing the bookmark inside. Then she got out her phone. I always love being with you, but did you have a specific reason you asked to meet?
Genny shrugged off her sweater, slung it over her seat's back. She leveled a gaze at Jiana. "You might not like this."
Jiana smiled a little, propping her elbow up on the table. We'll see.
