before | lisrene

IX

"I'm sorry that this is happening to you." Wendy said as she laid a cup of tea in front of Irene. Irene knows that Seulgi is at the office and Wendy is on her last month of her maternity leave, their baby is with the nanny at the park while the oldest is at the daycare. Irene's encounter with Jisoo prompted her to look for someone to talk to.. someone who is impartial with everything that's happening to her. She's been friends with Wendy since highschool, they've had serious spats those years because of Seulgi but Irene never had any romantic interest with Seulgi. It's just that they grew up together and they're best of friends.

Irene exhales before lipting her cup and tried sipping. Everything that she had taken since this morning were tastless. Jennie's fury is still lingering in her head.

Wendy sat on the chair in front of Irene and reached for the now worn out manila folder. The Kang's residence is far from the house that Wendy grew up with. Like Irene, Wendy was also alienated from her siblings. The Shon's of Busan lost their glory five years ago and was crushed by M Industries to the ground. Wendy was expected to jump and help them since she is now working under the second largest law firm in the country. Her ability not to give a shit about her family that went on smudging her name in the local news for dating Seulgi and outing them both made Irene admire her. Wendy lost her chance to become a partner but was able to pull through when she left her company and joined Chou and Park.

"I didn't hear about the papers but when I heard that Tzuyu is the one taking care of it, all of us know how high profile this case is. Tzuyu doesn't do family law but she personally handles this one." Wendy said, flipping the pages of the papers that Irene has been carrying around these days.

Irene sat straighter.
"I just want someone to look through it, Wan.. Someone that I trust. I-I tried.. but I just can't make it past the first page..
I know I am asking for a big favor but I don't know anyone who can help." Irene pleads.

Wendy reached for Irene's right hand that is lying on the table. Over a week ago, the woman's eyes is full of fire.. but right now, she'd never seen anyone so lost and defeated.
"Have you tried reaching out to her?"

Irene shook her head. "She didn't leave any contact number and Tzuyu said she's will not give me any."

Wendy nodded. She and Tzuyu doesn't have a personal relationship outside the firm. Since she joined the company, she haven't met all of the partners aside from Tzuyu who signed her up. It is known that you will meet everyone once you become a partner but since she and Seulgi decided to have kids, the thought of becoming one lost its appeal. She'd rather see her kids grow up and be happy unlike her who never had a happy childhood.

"I'll take a look and read every line here, Irene. Don't worry."

"I am not crossing a line, am I?" Irene asked.

"No.. Let's just say you are just seeking for a professional opinion but-" Wendy hesitates, "do you have any plans to sign these?"

Irene shook her head. "No."

"But what if-"

"I-. I just want to see her again, Wan." Irene fidgets. "Did you know that Jennie didn't want me to leave her house the other day without signing them?"
"It's Lisa we're talking about."

Wendy didn't reply.

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Heavy rain is beating Irene's window as she carefully sips the scotch that's been hidden in her cupboard for years. The said drink was supposed to be for her wins but this time, she just want to feel that there's still something to look forward to.. Something that is worth living another day for. The alcohol and Jennie's words left a bitter taste in her mouth. She didn't like what they have become.

"We all have suffered enough, Irene. Let her go." Jennie said, before closing her door.