The Escort S2

Part 37: It feels like freedom

Tae's POV

I arrive at the Jeon family estate at 11:45 a.m. I've put it off long enough and now I have to tell Jin the truth. I owe it to him. I know Jin cares about me, and I also know that a past like mine can be insurmountable for many. I swipe beads of sweat from my forehead as I maneuver around the large estate grounds.

Jin told me to enter through the outside garden where he will be with the twins and their nanny, Jung Li. Jung Li has been helping Jin with the babies for two months now and Jin adores him.

"Hi, Tae!" Jin calls out when he sees me approaching. I wave, quickly walking forward. The twins are playing with Jung Li and, from the noise I hear, they don't sound happy.

"Hi, Jin! Look how cute those babies are in their matching outfits."

"Tae, it's not a good day," Jin says gritting his teeth. "The twins are crabby and fighting. The good news is it's nap time."

"Hi, Tae!"

"Oh, hi, Jin Li. How are you?"

"I'm doing really well, but it's fight night here. Just two normal toddlers in that 'It's mine' phase," Jin Li says as he oversees the babies.

"Ryug, don't hit your sister! Kwan, please share!" Jin shouts. Oh my, a little brawl starts and both babies cry at the top of their lungs. Jung Li gets right in there trying to settle them down.

"Jin, I'll get them and take them up for their nap," Jung Li says, as he tries to gather two resistant and screaming children. Jung Li gets the two crying, crabby, and tired babies off for their nap. Jin and I retire to the sunroom for tea. Mrs. Min, the housekeeper, brings the tea service in as we sit.

"Mrs. Min, you can leave it," Jin says, as he softly smiles at the older grey-haired woman as she turns to leave.

"Mrs. Min, how is your granddaughter doing?" I ask with genuine concern.

"Oh Mr. Tae, how nice of you to ask. She's in remission and we are so very grateful for the doctors and Mr. Jin's generosity."

"Mrs. Min, Jungkook has shared several warm memories about you and growing up here. I hope to see your family and grandchildren dancing at our wedding. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers."

"Mr. Kim, I cannot tell you enough what your concern and prayer mean to me. Thank you very much." As Mrs. Min turns to leave, a single tear slowly travels down her cheeks.

As she closes the door behind her, I look at Jin who slowly shakes his head.

"Tae, this form of cancer is aggressive and hard to beat."

"But she's in remission, that's good, right?"

"Yes, it is, but she's been here before to only have it come back. However, we're hopeful and she's a little fighter. She's only a 6-year-old," Jin says as his voice cracks, and he wipes away tears. I cover my mouth and gasp hearing this shocking news.

"Please let me know how I can help. I want to help," I say desperately.

"Tae, I will. Thank you. I cover all her treatments and give Mrs. Min any time off she needs. I had suggested that she just not work until her granddaughter is well, but, as you can see, here she is. She says she loves her work here and it keeps her body and mind active." Jin is the best. He's certainly a friend I hope never to lose. There's an awkward pause for a moment and we sit in silence.

Jin looks over to me with a soft smile. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?" Why is this so hard? I guess it's that part of me that hopes he doesn't change towards me. I pull in a breath and proceed.