Psychopath Billionaire | BBANGSAZ

xxxix

I barely saw Haerin since the birthday party. The few times I did see her were when she visited to check on my ankle. And when she did, she spoke like a doctor and then left.

When my ankle improved, we bumped into each other occasionally, but all we exchanged was a smile or just a greeting.

I was disappointed and relieved at the same time.

Disappointed because I wanted to see her more, and relieved because I didn't want to deepen this feeling and get involved in something I shouldn't.

One night, Minji and I had a fight and, unlike normal couples, our fights didn't end in silence; they simply got worse and ended with me having bruises or cuts.

I was emotionally exhausted.

Sometimes I couldn't even breathe in the same room as Minji, I felt suffocated, so I put on my silk robe and went downstairs to the kitchen.

I didn't bother turning on the lights when I took a bottle of cold water from the refrigerator and took a sip. I coughed a bit, but managed not to spill.

I nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard a noise in the room.

I turned to find Haerin taking things out of the refrigerator. A jar of mayonnaise, a tomato, and some cheese. She saw me at the counter stool.

Her eyes crinkled as her lips turned into a smile. "Hi."

"Hi," I said, adjusting my robe properly. I was aware once again of the scars she would see. "What are you doing here?"

"Making myself a sandwich," she said while struggling to cut the French bread. "I get midnight cravings when I'm studying in my room."

I smiled as I jumped off the stool and walked over to her. "Let me help you." Haerin stepped aside and watched as I cut the bread and decided to prepare the sandwich for her.

I started slicing the tomatoes and lettuce, all the while feeling her eyes on me. After I finished, she said, "Thank you," and I knew she meant it.

I had never heard those words come out of Minji's mouth before.

She placed the plate of food on the counter. "What's Minji doing?"

"She's asleep," I said.

Haerin patted the stool next to her. "Would you mind joining me for a chat?"

"Once she's asleep, she doesn't wake up often, so I guess it's okay." I sat next to her and watched her eat.

"How's your leg now?" she asked.

"Better," I said. "All thanks to you."

Haerin waved her hand as if it was nothing. "I like helping people."

I let those words sink in.

Haerin liked helping people.

That was so different from Minji, who enjoyed hurting those close to her.

Why do I keep comparing Haerin to Minji?

It was quite clear that they were completely different sides of the same coin.

When I looked at Haerin, I saw a bit of Minji there, maybe because I knew they were sisters.

Or maybe I had some trust issues that made me see the bad even in the good.

Minutes passed in silence, but it wasn't uncomfortable or forced.

I felt strangely comfortable in her presence.

Haerin was the first to break it. "I heard you screaming tonight."

I shrugged. "It was a nightmare."

"I heard you scream a few more times, and I've been here for a week," she said. "Daehan came to my room and told me how bad the situation is right now. He wants me to help you, Hanni. I want to. Will you let me?"

I couldn't hold it in anymore; I covered my face with my hands and a rough sob escaped my lips. I was so tired of crying all the time and now I was that weak woman in front of Haerin.

Haerin continued, "It's none of my business, but I know my sister. She can screw up someone's life incredibly. I don't know you well, but I can tell you're an amazing woman. I want to know how someone like you ended up with Minji."

I shook my head. "I can't say anything."

Haerin moved a bit closer, looking into my eyes as if she could see deep into my soul. She brought her hand to my cheek and wiped my tears with her thumb.

No one had ever touched me so tenderly.

I froze as her hand reached for my robe, and I watched her lower it without stopping her.

What was wrong with me?

Her expressions told me she was upset by the marks on my body, her jaw tensed, and suddenly she changed from looking sad to furious. "I'm going to ask you something, and I want you to answer with a yes or no."

I remained silent.

Haerin asked, "Has Minji abused you?"

"Haerin, you don't understand..." I said.

"Did she tell you not to trust me?"

I stared at her, astonished.

How did she know?

"You're not answering, so I'm going to take that as a yes to both questions." She took my hands in hers and slowly stroked them. I liked it when she touched me. And I liked the way she looked at me despite all those scars.

I know I shouldn't trust anyone after all I've been through, but the gentleness and concern I saw in her for me were not fake.

"Do you love her?" I met her unwavering gaze and shook my head.

"No. My love for her died a long time ago. I just... I can't divorce her because of Daehan. Minji would never let me go, and even if she did..." I didn't even want to think about it, "I would be away from my baby. Minji knows a lot about my past and would use it against me. I can't take any risks."

"I can help you, Hanni."

"You don't know Minji..."

Haerin laughed. "Believe me, I know her better than anyone. And you're underestimating me. I'm capable of a lot."

"I'm so scared," I confessed. "Minji says she loves me, but I know she doesn't."

"This isn't love because love doesn't hurt like this, Hanni. When you're in love, you're supposed to be happy."