Affection's Facade

When turns meet

Elera's pov

I once heard a story about a bird. A creature, small and fragile, known for its freedom, yet caged by circumstance. It's ironic how, in a world vast and boundless, one can still feel trapped, pinned down by the weight of their own choices and the memories of yesterday. Much like that bird, I found myself encaged, not by bars, but by the chains of a growing love of vengeance.

It had been two days since I last spoke to Mrs.Hwang. I don't know why I was ever surprised about the access to things that the wealthy had. Somehow here I was watching, sitting.  I took a moment to breathe, taking in the sight before me: Mrs. Kim, lying motionless in the bed, her once fierce and domineering presence now subdued. Here I was now, I felt slightly confused, despite not showing it. There lied a woman I despised. Now, vulnerable but I was still. As I sat there, lost in the maze of my own thoughts, I couldn't help but wonder if, like that bird, I'd ever truly find my way out of this cage.

Maybe I didn't care to, at least not until I had my fill. Her still form lay there, an eerie calm that was unsettling. It was almost a challenge, sitting there, staring at her and not taking any action. But I had a plan, a performance of sorts. And it was vital that Mrs. Kim was awake to witness it.

The door to the room creaked open, and Tae-Hyung entered. "Is she still...?" he began, but I interrupted him with a nod.

Jae-Hoon, following close behind, eyed me with a piercing gaze. "What do you plan to do?" he questioned, his tone almost demanding.

I was about to respond when So-Yeon, with her familiar air of arrogance, walked into the room. Her eyes darted between us, visibly confused. "Why are you all here?" she queried, her voice dripping with suspicion.

"I was allowed in," I said simply, not deeming it necessary to look her way. " They asked that I looked after her."

" Why would they..."

My eyes shifted deliberately from Jae-Hoon to So-Yeon, letting the silence stretch between us.

"Jae-Hoon, I believe you and So-Yeon might want to have a little chat on the way to the station," I remarked, a hint of suggestion in my tone. "The officers outside aren't known for their patience." He understood my insinuation immediately, nodding in agreement. But as he began to leave, he shot So-Yeon a pointed glance.

As realization dawned, So-Yeon started, "Why are the officers—" but Jae-Hoon's whispered words silenced her mid-sentence.

Then, turning to Tae-Hyung, I gently said, "Can you give me a moment alone?" There was a hint of hesitation in his eyes, a silent question as to whether I was sure about what I was about to do. But I nodded in affirmation, and he reluctantly stepped out.

Even though he had left the room, I felt the weight of Tae-Hyung's presence just outside the door, guarding, and waiting. It was reassuring.

I softly bit on my bottom lip, my fingers tapping a nervous rhythm on my thigh. Time seemed to stretch, each second feeling like an eternity. My gaze never wavered from Mrs. Kim, tracking every minute movement, every rise and fall of her chest.

After what felt forever, her eyelids fluttered, and she slowly blinked back to consciousness. As her hazy gaze met mine, a mixture of confusion and realization clouded her eyes. She tried to move her head, taking in her surroundings, her throat working as if she was trying to swallow down fear or formulate words.

"How did I..." Her voice was raspy, weak, trailing off as she tried to piece together her last memories before the sedation.

I leaned forward, tears pooling at the edge of my eyes, making them glisten with genuine-looking concern. "Eomma! You're okay!" I exclaimed, my voice quivering with a delicate mix of relief and trepidation.