Ransomed Fiancée (Michaeng) ✔️

Chapter 45: Whispers of Love and Loss Part 2

Mina

I waited at the dining table, something I had gotten used to doing. The front door opened, and she walked in. Typically, I'd wait until 9 p.m and if she hadn't returned by then, I'd leave the meal on the table and head to bed. She often came home late, but in the morning, I'd notice she had eaten the dinner from the previous night.

However, today was different. She arrived earlier than usual. After entering, she headed straight to her bedroom and then came downstairs about half an hour later, looking fresh as if she had just taken a shower with casual outfit. She sat across from me at the dining table, and I stood up to reheat the meal before serving it. She looked up at me and managed a small, exhausted smile. "Thank you for the meal," she said.

It was our first interaction since that day.

I took the seat opposite her, and we began eating in silence. I noticed how worn-out she looked, with dark bags under her eyes from countless sleepless nights. Her cheeks had sunken in, a clear sign of the stress she was under, and her collarbone was more prominent.

Seeing her like this filled me with worry. I wanted to help and offer her comfort and support, but she didn't seem to want it. I couldn't force myself on her, and I wasn't shameless enough to push when she clearly didn't want me involved. If she ever needed me, she'd have to ask.

Her heavy load of duties and responsibilities stemmed from her decision to keep me at arm's length in the project. As much as I was concerned for her, I felt a mix of frustration and anger. She deliberately excluded me.

"I'll be flying to Japan the day after tomorrow. According to the project requirements, you'll need to come with me. Are you okay with that?" she asked, breaking the silence.

I paused, chopsticks halfway to my mouth. Why bother now when you didn't want me involved in the first place? Was it just for formality? Besides, I couldn't leave this place. With a sigh, I replied, "I can't."

She looked at me, "Why not?"

"I can't leave my sister alone here, even for a day," I explained.

She nodded and set down her utensils, "About your sister, I've made arrangements. I'll have someone personally look after her, and Dahyun will check up on her too. As for Ray, the Hirai will take care of him," She reassured.

I frowned, "Who's this someone?"

"Someone trustworthy," she stated firmly.

"And you've made these arrangements without telling me?" I countered.

"I spoke with your sister, and she gave her approval," she replied.

"Without involving me?" I emphasized. I was irritated that Sana hadn't informed me about anything. It seemed like they were making decisions without considering my input. Since that birthday celebration, Sana had become closer to her, and I didn't like it. I didn't like my sister having someone she favored more than me. Now, they seemed to be ganging up on me, and even Ray wasn't on my side lately.

"Mina," she coaxed.

I abruptly stood up. "You've made your decisions and arrangements, so why bother asking now?" I said, walking away in frustration. Her calls for me fell on deaf ears as I stormed into my room. It felt as if I were an outsider, a mere doll, following her orders to be where she wanted me to be, to do as she pleased, to react as she saw fit. She expected unwavering obedience without granting me any say in the decision-making process.