The Heir (BBANGSAZ)

Chapter 13: Shadows of Jealousy

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Hanni walked into the Kim mansion, her mind still lingering on the evening she had spent with Jay. The night had been lighthearted, a brief escape from the complexities of her arranged marriage. However, the weight of her situation bore down on her as she stepped into the grand foyer.

"Minji?" Hanni called out softly, glancing around the dimly lit space. There was no answer, only the eerie silence of the empty mansion. She wandered through the halls, her footsteps echoing off the marble floors, until she reached the living room.

There, slumped on the leather couch, was Minji. An empty whiskey bottle lay on its side on the coffee table, and a glass teetered precariously on the edge. Minji's usually composed appearance was replaced by disheveled hair and a loosened tie, but even in her disarray, she remained undeniably attractive.

Hanni's heart clenched at the sight. "Minji," she whispered, rushing to her side. She gently shook Minji's shoulder, trying to rouse her. "Minji, wake up."

Minji stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She looked at Hanni with a mix of confusion and bitterness. "Hanni?" she slurred, struggling to sit up. "Why are you here?"

"I live here, with you." Hanni replied softly, helping Minji into a more comfortable position. "Why did you drink so much?"

Minji laughed bitterly, a sound that was more painful than mirthful. "Why do you think?" she muttered, her eyes glassy. "Out with Jay, huh? Must have been fun."

Hanni sighed, guilt washing over her. "It was just a dinner, Minji," she explained, her voice gentle. "He's an old friend."

"An old friend," Minji echoed sarcastically, shaking her head. "Do you know how it feels, Hanni? Seeing you with him, laughing, smiling. Like I don't even exist."

Hanni's heart ached at Minji's words. "Minji, I'm sorry," she said earnestly, reaching out to touch her arm. "I didn't mean to hurt you."

Minji pulled away, her expression hardened by jealousy and hurt. "Sorry doesn't change anything," she said coldly. "You're mine, Hanni. Not his."

The possessiveness in Minji's voice took Hanni aback. She had never seen Minji so vulnerable, so raw with emotion. "Minji," she whispered, trying to bridge the gap between them. "You don't have to feel this way. I'm here with you. I chose to come back."

Minji's eyes softened slightly, the alcohol loosening her usual stoic demeanor. "I don't want to lose you," she admitted quietly, her voice breaking. "I can't lose you."

Hanni's heart broke at the sight of Minji's vulnerability. She moved closer, wrapping her arms around Minji in a comforting embrace. "You're not going to lose me," she promised, holding her tightly. "I’m here, Minji. I'm not going anywhere."

Minji clung to Hanni, her façade of coldness crumbling as she allowed herself to be held. "I hate feeling like this," she murmured against Hanni's shoulder. "Jealous, scared... I hate it."

"It's okay to feel," Hanni whispered, gently stroking Minji's hair. "It's okay to be scared. But you don't have to go through it alone."

They stayed like that for a while, the silence between them filled with unspoken emotions. Finally, Minji pulled back slightly, looking into Hanni's eyes with a mixture of regret and hope.

"Can we start over?" Minji asked softly, her voice trembling. "Can we try to make this work?"

Hanni nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yes, Minji," she replied gently. "Let's start over."

In that moment, as they sat together on the couch, they both realized that their arranged marriage was beginning to transform into something real. The path ahead was still uncertain, but for the first time, they were willing to walk it together.