The Escort S2

Part 81: Promise me you'll leave me

Taehyung's POV

Lisa and I meet with Mia at her home. We chose this location because we want her to feel comfortable. We still have to gain her trust because what we are asking her to do will not be easy. She loves Saeji and I believe she also loves her brother-in-law, Teoki.

We are delicate as we share what we believe is true about Saeji being alive. It is for her to deny it or not.

"So, you know the truth," Mia says diverting her eyes downward.

"Yes, we found out about Saeji," Lisa says in a soft tone. "Mia, we get it."

"What are you going to do with the truth?" Mia says as her voice trembles.

I lean forward and speak. "Nothing. We are going to do absolutely nothing Mia. Your secret is safe with us." She lets out a soft gasp and I watch her shoulders sink. She nods and directs her gaze between me and Lisa.

"I don't understand. You could crush Teoki and destroy him." Fear coats her voice.

"We want to destroy his power only, so he will stop hurting others," Lisa says in a caring tone. "But we won't deepen the hurt he's brought you, Mia."

Mia scoffs, "Don't you mean Saeji?"

"No, we mean you," I say. "I thought what it must be like to not see Saeji or your beautiful niece and know they're alive." Her body jumps as a sob escapes her. "You've been left here to care for Teoki. You've given up much of your life because you love your brother and Teoki."

Mia lets out a painful gasp as tears steam down her face. "No matter what I said, he was loyal to Teoki. To this day he still loves him. If not for his daughter, he'd be here in his prison." Lisa and I look at each other and allow Mia's tears to flow. She's been holding in so much for so long without anyone to trust. I pass her a tissue and take one for myself.

"When Saeji realized he had no connection to their child, he knew what had to be done. I-I set it up. I paid everyone off. And I'm so exhausted with this." Her voice hinges on anger, and I understand.

"I'm ready to do what needs to be done. But Teoki gets treatment, not jail. He grows more delusional each day. He's driven by his obsession for you, Taehyung." I startle hearing this. "He told me this morning Saeji was coming home. When I told him it was not true, he screamed at me. Reality has nearly slipped away, totally." She lowers her head into her hands and sobs loudly as Lisa moves closer to her. Mia turns and latches onto her arm. Without pause, Lisa pulls her into a sincere hug.

After about two minutes, Mia settles and sniffles. Her body and face is relaxed as if she's unloaded a ton on tension. "Teoki has a rare mental condition." Lisa looks over to me as our gaze meets.

"His mother had this condition. Teoki's dad knew he was ill too and he tried to deny it, until it was undeniable. But there were early signs. That's why he set the company up this way. Mr. Triton was the best and he loved Saeji as much as he loved his own son, if not more."

"More?" I speak.

"Yes, he saw how loyal Saeji was to his son. Saeji is smart and he learned the business fast." Mia swallows and looks down at a silver charm bracelet and slowly turns it on her wrist. "Teoki is going insane, just as his mother did. He needs to be institutionalized." More tears spill as she dabs her eyes softly with her tissue. Between myself, Lisa, and Mia I think we'll soon need a fresh box of tissues.

"Do you know where Saeji is?" Mia asks.

"Yes." Lisa says. "He's on a private island off the coast of Belize."