Ruby(Red 2) JC [Revised]

12: Who's The Real Devil

Aerin watched as her mother's hands clenched into fists, her voice cracking with emotion. "Eunae, I'm warning you for the last time, that's my husband!"

Eunae's expression softened, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "I can't, Nicole. I'm sorry but I can't now."

"It's been years, Eunae." Nicole's voice wavered with frustration. "I have his child, he needs to concentrate on his family."

"I understand, Nicole." Eunae's voice remained steady. "That's why I can't leave him."

"What do you mean-" Nicole began, her voice trembling with confusion.

Aerin watched her mother's eyes widen, but why? And why can't this Eunae woman leave her father?

"He's Joowon's son," Eunae stated, her voice tinged with sadness.

Nicole's mind reeled at the revelation. "Jeonghan's real father is Joowon?"

Eunae nodded solemnly, her hand gently resting on Jeonghan's shoulder.

Aerin's shock turned to anger as she processed the implications. "So that's why my father never really paid attention to me," she muttered, more to herself than anyone else.

Aerin felt a surge of anger coursing through her veins as she stared at Jeonghan, her newfound step-brother, with a mix of disbelief and resentment. How could he stand there, looking so innocent, while dropping bombshells about their intertwined parentage?

Aerin's anger flared as she stared at Jeonghan, her fists clenching at her sides. How dare he not only insult her but also flaunt his arrogance in her face?

"You are my step-sister? But you aren't pretty," Jeonghan remarked casually, his tone dripping with disdain.

Aerin felt a surge of indignation rise within her. How dare he judge her based on her appearance alone? She had always prided herself on her beauty, and to have it questioned by this arrogant boy only fueled her rage.

"You think you are very good looking, right?" Aerin retorted, her voice tinged with sarcasm.

"Of course I am. I can get anything and anyone with this face," Jeonghan boasted, his confidence unwavering.

Aerin's lips curled into a smirk as an idea formed in her mind. "What's your favorite thing, Jeonghan?" she asked, her tone deceptively sweet.

"I love expensive gems, like rubies," Jeonghan replied, a gleam of excitement in his eyes.

Aerin's smirk widened into a malicious grin as she made her vow. "Then I promise, one day I'll take your most precious thing. I'll take your precious Ruby when I get older."

Aerin locked eyes with Jeonghan, her gaze filled with determination. She would show him that her worth was not defined by her appearance, and she would make him regret underestimating her. With that vow hanging in the air, Aerin turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Jeonghan to ponder the threat she had just made.

                                         _

Joshua and Jeonghan froze in place as Seokmin's voice pierced through their conversation like a dagger. The shock on their faces was palpable as they turned to face him, their expressions a mix of disbelief and apprehension.

"So you are going to poison her cigarettes?" Seokmin's tone was calm, but there was an undeniable edge to it.

"B-babe?" Joshua stammered, his nerves getting the better of him as he struggled to form a coherent response.