Love in the Shadows || Vsoo

|5|

Jisoo's heart skipped a beat as she bumped into the person and recognized her. Shock and surprise washed over her. "Raven?!" she almost shouted, her emotions swirling.

Raven, one of her most responsible student, stood before her, equally taken aback by the encounter. "Jisoo? Is that really you?" 

Raven's voice trembled with emotion as she reached out to embrace her friend. Tears welled up in Jisoo's eyes as she pulled Raven into a tight hug. 

"Yes, it's me," she whispered, feeling an overwhelming flood of emotions. Seeing Raven after so long, in this surreal place under the purple moon, felt like a miracle.

As they held each other, the years of separation melted away, and they both knew that they had to catch up on everything that had happened. 

Raven's presence brought a sense of comfort and familiarity that Jisoo desperately needed in this strange and challenging time.

With Adrian by her side and Raven back in her life, Jisoo felt an unshakeable sense of hope and strength. 

As Jisoo held her face, she realized just how much she had transformed over the years. The innocence that once characterized her had given way to a newfound strength and resilience. 

Her eyes, once innocent and gentle, now held a fierce determination that could command respect and instill fear in those who crossed her path. 

The thin eyeliner accentuated her gaze, adding to the intensity of her presence.

Her hair, once a soft brown, had taken on a darker shade of red, symbolizing the changes she had gone through and the fire that burned within her. 

Her slimmer figure reflected not just physical changes but also the inner strength and courage she had developed over time. 

The challenges she had faced had shaped her into a force to be reckoned with, someone who no longer allowed others to bully or manipulate her.

"Where is Dalia?" Jisoo asked, and Raven was taken aback by the question. Sensing that something was amiss, Jisoo became concerned. 

"What happened, Rav? Is something wrong?" Raven hesitated for a moment before replying, "She is with her fiancé."

Jisoo's eyes twinkled with happiness. "Dalia and Lucian are finally getting married!" she exclaimed. However, Raven held back her tears and hugged Jisoo, whispering, "No."

"Rav, what do you mean 'no'?" Jisoo asked gently, worried for her friend. Raven hesitated before finally speaking, her voice trembling with emotion. 

"Dalia is not marrying Lucian. She's being forced to marry Euan." she confessed, her eyes filled with sadness.

"Mom" Jisoo looked down at Adrian, his innocent plea breaking through her intense emotions. She realized that he had been through a lot already and needed some comfort and reassurance. 

Nodding gently, she replied, "Of course, Adrian. Let's go back to the room, and we can talk there."

Raven understood the importance of giving them some space and nodded in agreement. "Take your time. I'll be here if you need anything, I still live where I used to. You can find me there," Raven said, giving her a smile, and then she walked away.

Together, Jisoo and Adrian walked back to their room. Once inside, Jisoo hugged him tightly, sensing his need for comfort. "It's okay, Adrian. We'll figure things out. I promise you"

"Mom, I want to take a bath," Adrian said. "Sure, Adrian. I will prepare it for you," Jisoo replied with a warm smile, glad to see her son seeking comfort in the familiar routine of a bath. 

She quickly set up the bath, making sure everything was just right for him. Adrian climbed into the warm water, and Jisoo watched him with a mix of love and protectiveness.

After ensuring that Adrian was comfortably settled in the bath, Jisoo quietly walked out of the bathroom, leaving him to enjoy his moment of relaxation. 

As she stepped outside, she took a deep breath, trying to calm her thoughts and emotions. The events of the day had been intense and emotionally charged, but she knew that she had to stay focused and strong for Adrian.

"How are you, darling?" Jisoo turned around, feeling a sudden rush of surprise and fear as she looked toward the source of the voice. 

Standing there was a figure from her past, someone she had hoped to never see again. Her heart raced as she tried to steady herself and respond calmly.

"I-I'm fine," Jisoo replied, her voice trembling slightly. She tried to keep her composure, not wanting to show any signs of weakness or fear. 

The memories of their past interactions flooded her mind, reminding her of the dangers that this person represented.

"But you don't look fine" The person said. He moved closer to her, pinning her to the wall. He buried his head in her neck and started to sniff her. 

Jisoo knew that going against him will cost her son's life. She just stood there and let him do whatever he wanted to. He slowly kissed her skin and the bit it a little. Jisoo whimpered. "Tae-"

"You really thought I would harm my own son? Didn't you?" he questioned, a hint of betrayal in his voice.

Jisoo remained silent for a moment, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. The memories of their past and the hurt he had caused resurfaced, but she couldn't ignore the complexity of their connection. 

She knew that he was Adrian's father, and despite everything, there was a part of her that still cared for him.

"I don't know what to believe anymore," Jisoo finally replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "But I won't let anyone, including you, hurt Adrian. He is my son, and I will protect him at all costs."

She couldn't ignore the fear that still lurked within her, knowing the power he held over her and the consequences of defying him. 

But Jisoo was determined to find a way to keep her son safe and break free from the chains of the past. 

"I won't hurt any of you, princess. If I wanted I could have killed on the spot that night but I didn't, right? Don't underestimate me, even I have heart like you."

Jisoo listened to his words, her emotions still conflicted, but she couldn't deny the truth in what he said. 

Despite the pain he had caused in the past, he hadn't taken their lives when he had the chance. She understood that there was more to their complicated relationship than she could comprehend.

"I don't underestimate you," Jisoo replied calmly, her gaze steady. "But I won't let the past repeat itself. Adrian is my priority, and I will do whatever it takes to protect him."

She knew that she couldn't trust him completely, given their history, but she also couldn't deny the complexities of their connection. 

"I won't let anyone threaten my son, no matter who they are." she said, her voice firm. He simply hummed in reply and attached their lips together. 

His scent lingering in the air as he gave her one last kiss on the forehead before heading towards the washroom.

Jisoo watched him walk away, her mind still reeling from the encounter. She couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions – fear, confusion, and a strange sense of longing for what could have been. 

Their complicated past had left scars on both of them, and she knew that healing would take time, if it was even possible.

Jisoo tried to gather her thoughts and emotions. The encounter had left her shaken, but she knew that she had to stay focused on protecting her son and finding a way to help Dalia. 

With a deep breath, Jisoo reminded herself of the strength and determination she had found within herself. She couldn't let the past hold her back or dictate her future.