Her Voice 2 [JENLISA]

Chapter 40

Jennie

“Won’t Seulgi be angry that you left without any guards?” I casually asked as we stepped out of the black Range Rover.

Irene rolled her eyes in exasperation while Rosé let out a loud laugh. “Angry? She’s going to be livid,” Rosé announced.

Oh shit. That didn’t sound good.

I knew Lisa worried endlessly about my safety, but she didn’t put any restrictions on me. She said I could go anywhere I wanted as long as I didn’t go alone. Over the last few weeks, I realized how paranoid the Kang women were. Seulgi didn’t allow Irene to step past the gates without any bodyguards at her side. It wasn’t controlling, but actually quite sweet to see how much she cared about her wife.

Who would have thought made women like the Kangs could be reduced to a puddle of mush at their women’s feet?

I had to fight a giggle at the thought. Irene grabbed my arm and pulled me forward. “Don’t worry about it. Marriage is more fun when you’re a brat once in a while. I learned that very quickly, and I love to keep Seulgi on her toes.”

We stepped over the curb, and I stared at the shop in front of me. Angel’s Coffee.

“Ta-da. My anniversary gift from Seulgi. It’s been a year since we opened.”

“I don’t have to work for a living. The credit card Seulgi gave me is limitless, and I’m pretty sure we have enough money to last us three more generations. But Seulgi thought maybe I needed something of my own. Something that would make me feel independent. When I became her wife, she promised me the world and she also vowed she’d let me spread my wings. Seulgi didn’t want me to feel trapped in our estate. So she gave me this. I’m a businesswoman and the proud owner of Angel’s Coffee.”

Rosé cleared her throat. Irene laughed. “And yeah, she’s my business partner.”

“Lisa thought that maybe you needed something to take you out of the house. We know after everything…you want to start slow. The shop is flourishing day by day, and we need a helping hand. So if you…” She left her sentence hanging, but I understood the meaning behind their unsaid words.

They were trying to help me find my feet again. I didn’t have to discover the meaning of my life on my own. I had these people beside me, holding my hand.

Lisa was right.

I wasn’t alone. Not anymore.

“I’d love to work for you. It’s an honor.”

Irene clapped her hands together. “Perfect! With a newborn and a toddler, I’m so glad you have decided to join us. I won’t be able to come to the shop a lot until I know Suho will be okay without me for a long period of time. I guess…I’m taking my maternity leave. You and Rosé can handle this place without me for a few weeks.”

I looked around the coffee shop. It wasn’t too small or too big. It was perfect and cozy. I continued to look around, moving from table to table, wall to wall, trying to get myself acquainted to the new place and new environment.

I have been caged for so long, it felt weird to finally taste freedom.

I suddenly froze, the pulse in my neck pumping as my ears perked up at a strange sound. A creak and soft whine in the floorboards. My head snapped up and stared at the closed door which was situated behind the counter. I had figured it was a door to the bathroom or a closet.

“Irene?” I called out softly, without looking away from the door. “I heard something.”

I sucked in a breath when she and Rosé came to stand behind me. “It’s so late…” Rosé mumbled.