Protect Her, My Heart

the first ray of sunlight

To say Jennie was tense would be the understatement of the century. Her pulse was going a mile a minute, her hands were clenched into fists and she had to try hard not to cry.

It had taken a few seconds until the news of Ellie being missing had caught up with her brain. And it had taken all of Jennie's willpower to not break down right there in that moment. But after all, the fundraiser was still going on and she was surrounded by people who had no idea what was going on.

Lisa had looked at her with worried eyes which made Jennie even angrier. She didn't need pity; she needed her daughter!

"The security cameras show Ellie leaving the building with an unknown woman. They got into a van and drove away," Lisa explained quietly. "Right now, we're looking for it everywhere in the city. They can't be far away."

Jennie gulped down the lump that had formed in her throat and raised her chin, trying to look a little more put together.

"How long ago was that?" The shaking of her voice was barely noticeable.

"Only a few minutes, they really can't be far." Jennie nodded quickly and then grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter with a tray. She gulped it down all at once, which turned out to be a horrible decision. She coughed a little, but managed to keep it all inside.

"Maybe it's best if I'll take you home?" Lisa suggested. By now she was looking seriously worried.

"I still have to give my speech."

"Jennie, we can make up an excuse, you don't have to."

The CEO took a deep breath and put on her best professional smile. "I've been taught to never leave the job, no matter what the emergency is." Her face was stone cold, while her insides boiled hot.

"Okay, but only if you really think it's a good idea."

But Jennie didn't listen to her, she was already on her way to the stage. Breathing calmly while she read over her notes once again.

///

Right after Jennie's speech, which was delivered perfectly professional, Lisa and Jinyoung drove Jennie home. It had taken a short argument, as Jennie didn't want to leave without Ellie. Especially Jinyoung was more than worried that something would happen to her as well, so the CEO eventually gave in.

As they stepped into the house, the atmosphere was quiet, almost too cold. Jennie had no idea what she was supposed to do now. What she was supposed to feel now. Lisa was wearing the same worried look on her face and Jennie silently begged for her to stop.

The blonde dropped her keys onto the table and breathed in heavily as if she wanted to say something but it didn't come out. Jennie only looked at her expectantly.

"Don't say you're sorry."

"I wasn't planning on it."

And suddenly Jennie had this weird urge again. She wanted to free her anger. Cry and scream. Get it all out of her system. But before her hand could connect with Lisa's face, she was stopped by the blonde. She tried to free her hand from Lisa's grip but she couldn't. It didn't even seem to take the bodyguard a lot of effort to hold her wrist like that.

Slowly, Lisa dropped Jennie's hand. "Okay, go ahead."

This time there was nothing that stopped Jennie's hand from slapping Lisa across the face. The sound echoed through the empty hallway, louder than Jennie had expected.

Lisa didn't look hurt, she hadn't even winced at all. The only thing painted on her face was worry and Jennie wanted to slap her even more for that.

But instead she felt her legs give out and silent sobs escape her lips. Strong arms caught her, slowly letting her down to the floor. Jennie had never felt so helpless in her entire life. She had no plan, not even a single idea what to do now. So for now, she stayed on the floor with Lisa holding her tight as more sobs shook her body.