𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞 |Taelisa|✓

35 |Betrayal|

LISA POV

As Taehyung's gaze bore into mine, a silent exchange of emotions passed between us, his eyes conveying a depth of feeling that resonated within me. "Take care," he uttered softly, his voice carrying a blend of concern and affection before he departed with his guards.

Left standing in the wake of his departure, I couldn't help but watch him go, a mixture of longing and uncertainty swirling within me.

My stepmother's presence nearby caught my attention, her serene expression masking a subtle undercurrent of emotion that piqued my curiosity.

I approached her tentatively, sensing there was more to her demeanor than met the eye. "Is everything alright, Mother?" I inquired gently, searching for any hint of what lay beneath her composed facade.

She offered me a small, reassuring smile, though her eyes betrayed a hint of sadness. "Everything is fine, dear. Just take care of yourself," she replied cryptically, her words laden with unspoken meaning that left me pondering long.

With a gentle smile, she beckoned me closer. "Lisa, my dear," she said, her voice carrying a warmth that softened the edges of her words. "Can we talk for a while? There's something important you need to know, my love."

I nodded, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension swirling inside me. "Of course, mother," I replied, trying to keep my tone steady despite the turmoil within. "I've been meaning to speak with you too. I understand it's a taboo subject, but I've come to realize... I can empathize with your perspective."

Her chuckle was like a melody in the stillness of the hallway. "Ah, my dear Lisa," she said, her eyes twinkling with a mixture of fondness and understanding. "It's comforting to hear you say that. But there's something Taehyung needs to grasp—a truth that must be acknowledged. We can't discuss it here. Please, come with me to my room."

With a sense of both anticipation and trepidation, I followed her down the hallway, each step feeling like a journey into the unknown.

I nodded, following my stepmother into her room. As she closed the door behind us, she motioned for me to sit on the bed before joining me; her expression was weighed down by sadness, sending a ripple of unease through me. "Mother, what's wrong?" I asked, my voice tinged with concern.

Tears welled up in her eyes, and she pulled me into a tight embrace, a gesture so unexpected it left me stunned. "I'm sorry, Lisa," she whispered between sobs, her words muffled against my shoulder. "I've treated you poorly, my dear. Please forgive me."

Her apology caught me off guard, melting away the barriers of resentment I had harbored toward her. "Mother, I already have," I assured her, my heart softening at the sight of her vulnerability. "But why are you crying?"

She released me from the embrace, her gaze searching mine with a mixture of anguish and determination. "Lisa, you can't marry Taehyung," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

My confusion quickly turned to anger at the thought of losing Taehyung, my love, and soon-to-be husband, igniting a fierce protectiveness within me. "What do you mean, Mom?"

As my stepmother held my hand tightly, her words sent a chill down my spine. "Lisa, he killed your father for the property, and now he wants to eliminate you too, so no one will suspect."

She confessed, her voice filled with a mix of sorrow and desperation. "I know it was all part of the game we played to get your property, I admit, but Lisa, I can't bear to see you hurt. Taehyung will stop at nothing for that property."