8 Years [ENGV]

#33

JISOO

My heart was filled with joy; it felt like it was expanding in my chest and about to burst with so much happiness. Haeji was finally mine, and no one could take her away from me.

Haein and I walked hand in hand to the room where she was with the psychologist. My eyes welled up with tears and a sudden urge to cry washed over me — she was real, she was there, and a nightmare seemed to have come to an end — it was a cry of relief, of complete happiness.

She lifted her head when she noticed the movement and stood up, running to the door and opening it. Seeing her run to us, jump into Haein's arms, and pull me in for a hug felt like a cure for the despair that had taken over me before the final verdict — one more confirmation that it was real.

Hyejin was indicted for extortion, defamation, and threatening Haeji. I thought she'd make a scene and refuse to accept the court's decision, but she seemed to accept it. She only cried, defeated, sitting at her desk — I didn't know if she was faking or angry — but that didn't concern me. She didn't concern me; Hyejin had lost and knew she couldn't fight us in any way.

We thanked our lawyer and psychologist and left. Haeji held both mine and Haein's hands, skipping with joy, all the way to the car. Our happiness could be seen from miles away, and the feeling that everything was in its rightful place wasn't just ours — it was Haeji's too.

Even so young, she was already absorbing her surroundings, understanding and feeling the significance of that day.

♡

"I'm really your granddaughter!" Haeji said to Haein's parents over video call on the tablet while Haein drove us home. I was in the backseat with her — I wanted to enjoy every moment.

"Sweetheart, we're so happy." Haein's mother's voice was emotional. "Haein, son, how about we celebrate with a dinner?" Haein chuckled, focused on the road, stopping as the light turned red.

"I'll come, mom, but we want to enjoy this moment a bit first. Can it be tomorrow?"

"That's fine, dear, we understand. Take your time." Haein's father replied.

"Hey, now that it's all over, can I ask something?" Haein's mother returned to the conversation. "Jisoo, dear, are you really pregnant?" Haeji turned the tablet to me, and I smiled, embarrassed.

"Yes. I am." They sighed in happy surprise.

"Oh! That's wonderful..." She couldn't hold back tears. "Then we have to celebrate double." I smiled faintly, feeling a bit guilty they'd found out about the pregnancy through rumors.

Haeji took the tablet again, continuing to chat excitedly with her grandparents, while my thoughts drifted — had my own parents heard the rumors? Of course, the news had spread quickly and was everywhere. They must have known about the hearing, must have known what was going on, and surely heard about the pregnancy. I couldn't help but wonder how they were reacting, if they cared, or if they just ignored it as if they didn't know me.

I pushed those thoughts aside and focused on being with my family, celebrating our victory at home. Haeji seemed to be on cloud nine — and so was I.

When we got home, we stayed in the living room to chat and laugh. We played board games, watched a favorite cartoon, and listened to music, dancing — and forcing Haein to dance with us. Our house filled with voices, sounds, and smiles.

To prepare lunch, Haein helped cut vegetables, I seasoned the salad, and Haeji tasted the sauce. The meal was simple but made with love, and at the table, we filled the kitchen with more laughter and chatter.