WHAT IF???

Chapter 45: Guarding Secrets

As Mon was left alone, tears streaming down her cheeks, her phone rang with an unknown number. She hesitantly answered, only to hear Neung's voice on the other end.

"How did you get my number?" Mon asked, surprised.

Neung chuckled. "Sam gave it to me," she replied casually. "I saw the news, so I thought I'd check in on my favorite sister-in-law. Ready for the battle ahead?"

Mon's sobs choked her words, prompting Neung's concern. "Mon, are you crying?" she asked, her tone softening with worry.

Between sobs, Mon struggled to articulate the conversation with Sam's grandmother to Neung. As she poured out her heart, recounting the weight of the grandmother's words and the uncertainty of their future, Neung listened attentively.

"Mon, don't overthink this right now," Neung interjected gently, her voice a soothing balm to Mon's troubled mind. "You need to rest. Take care of yourself."

With a heavy heart, Mon nodded, grateful for Neung's support in her time of need. As the call ended, she was left to wrestle with her emotions in solitude, finding solace in the simple act of being heard and understood, if only for a fleeting moment.

Neung's worry lingered long after the call with Mon ended. Concerned that Mon might give up, she knew she had to act fast. With a deep breath, she dialed Sam's number.

Sam answered the phone, and Neung wasted no time in recounting the conversation with Mon, emphasizing the weight of the situation. "Mon is reconsidering her relationship with you," Neung explained solemnly. "And I've told you before, Sam, you shouldn't have agreed to the wedding in the first place. I don't want you to go through what I went through."

As she spoke, Neung's voice wavered with the weight of her concern for her sister. She knew that Mon was the key to Sam's happiness, and she couldn't bear to see either of them suffer.

Sam's heart raced with worry as she frantically searched the house for Mon, her calls going unanswered. Panic rising, she dialed Tee's number, her hands shaking as she waited for a response.

"Tee, is Yuki with you?" Sam asked urgently as soon as Tee answered.

Tee's voice came through the phone, confirming Sam's fears. "Yes, and Mon is also here with us," Tee replied, her tone concerned. "She needed some company, so we're all together."

Relief flooded over Sam as she heard Tee's words, grateful that Mon wasn't alone. "Thank you, Tee," Sam breathed, her voice shaky with emotion. "Please take care of her."

With a sense of urgency, Sam hurried to join them, her only priority now to comfort Mon and assure her that they would get through this together.

As Sam reached Tee now with Jim and Kade, she found them alone, Mon and Yuki nowhere in sight. Concern etched on her face, she approached them hastily.

"Where's Mon?" Sam asked, her voice filled with urgency and worry.

Tee sighed heavily, her expression reflecting the gravity of the situation. "She left," she explained softly, her gaze meeting Sam's. "She was exhausted from crying, Sam. We tried to comfort her, but she needed some space."

Sam's heart sank at the news. "What happened?" she pressed, desperation creeping into her voice. She needed to know what had transpired in her absence, and what had caused Mon to leave in such distress.

Sam listened intently as Tee explained the situation, her heart heavy with guilt and concern for Mon. When Jim asked about her plans, Sam took a deep breath, trying to steady her thoughts.

"I need to talk to Mon," Sam replied, her voice determined. "I need to make things right. I won't let her go through this alone."

As Sam made her way to leave, Kade stepped in Sam's path, her expression filled with concern.

"Sam, wait," Kade said gently, her voice calm but firm. "Give Mon some time to process everything that's happened."

Sam hesitated, torn between her desire to fix things and her understanding of Mon's need for space. She nodded slowly, realizing the wisdom in Kade's words.

As Sam settled into the chair, Tee took a deep breath, initiating the conversation about Sam's plans regarding her grandmother and the company's situation.

"Sam, we need to talk about what happened," Tee began, her tone serious. "What are your plans regarding your grandmother and the company?"

Sam leaned forward, her brow furrowed with concern. "I'm not sure yet," she admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "But I know I need to address both issues head-on."

Kade's voice was tinged with doubt as she posed the question to Sam. "Are you sure you're ready to go against your grandmother this time?" She asked cautiously.

Sam's gaze hardened with determination as she met Kade's eyes. "I've followed my grandmother's wishes before, and it never brought me happiness," she replied firmly. "Isn't that reason enough to stand up for what I want this time?"

Jim nodded in agreement, her expression thoughtful. "Maybe it's time for you to prioritize your own happiness, Sam," she chimed in, offering his support.

"What about finding a new job?" Tee asked, her voice gentle but probing.

Sam's expression turned blank as she shook her head slightly. "I haven't found a replacement yet," she admitted, her disappointment evident in her tone.

Jim's concern mirrored Tee's as she inquired further. "Have you had any luck in your search?" She asked.

Sam's determination flickered to life as she straightened in her seat. "I'll figure something out," she assured them, her resolve firm. "I'll find a job."

Kade interjected with a thought. "Maybe your grandmother is using her influence to block your opportunities," she suggested, her words prompting agreement from Tee and Jim.

Tee's agreement with Kade's assessment resonated with the group, her voice thoughtful as she considered Sam's credentials and skills.

"I have to agree with Kade," Tee said, her tone serious. "With your qualifications, Sam, it's hard to believe you wouldn't be able to find a job. What company wouldn't want someone like you on their team?"

Sam's determination flared anew at Tee's words. "I won't give up," she affirmed, her resolve unwavering. "Especially now that I have Mon by my side."

Jim's concern deepened as he turned to Sam. "Does Mon know about this?" he asked, his brow furrowed with worry.

Sam shook her head, her expression troubled. "Not yet," she admitted.

Tee's shock and insistence that Mon must know about Sam's job situation.

"Mon shouldn't know about this," Sam replied sharply, her tone defensive. "She's already doubting our relationship because of everything that's happening. I know she'll leave me as soon as she finds out I'm struggling."

As Sam rose to leave, a sudden wave of dizziness overwhelmed her, causing her to stumble and fall back into her seat. Jim rushed to her side, concern etched on her face as she assisted Sam.

"Sam, are you okay?" Jim asked anxiously, her worry evident in her voice.

Sam waved off their concerns, forcing a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, just a bit stressed," she assured them, brushing off their worries as she tried to push through the discomfort.

Despite her protests, the group remained vigilant, their concern for Sam's well-being weighing heavily on their minds.