Second Chance

How it all started

In the dimly lit living room of Lisa's apartment, Jisoo lay on the couch, her body wracked with sobs. Lisa held her tightly, whispering comforting words into her ear. The betrayal Jisoo had experienced felt like a knife to her heart, and she clung to Lisa, seeking solace in her friend's embrace.

"I caught him, Lisa," Jisoo choked out between sobs. "I caught Soo Ho cheating on me with Soo Mi. I tried to tell my parents, but they wouldn't listen. They think I'm making it up to get attention."

Lisa sighed, rubbing Jisoo's back gently. "I'm so sorry, Jisoo. You don't deserve this."

"I don't know what to do," Jisoo whispered, her voice breaking. "I'm going to divorce him and expose him to my father. He's the only one who might believe me."

Lisa pulled back slightly, looking into Jisoo's tear-streaked face. "Are you sure about this? It's going to be tough."

Jisoo nodded, wiping her tears away. "I have to. I can't stay in this marriage, and I can't let them get away with this."

After some time, Jisoo left Lisa's apartment and walked to a nearby café. She needed a moment to herself, a moment to reflect on her life.

The café was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside her. She ordered a coffee and sat by the window, staring out at the bustling street. Tears streamed down her face as she thought about everything that had happened.

People in the café glanced at her, their hearts aching for the beautiful girl who seemed so broken. They whispered among themselves, wondering what kind of person could cause such pain.

A soft voice interrupted Jisoo's thoughts. "Are you okay?"

Jisoo looked up to see a girl with dark brown hair standing in front of her, concern etched across her features. The girl had been performing on the small stage with her guitar just moments before.

"I...I'm not sure," Jisoo replied, her voice trembling. "My life feels like it's falling apart, and I don't know what to do."

The girl pulled out the chair and sat across from Jisoo. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Jisoo hesitated but then nodded.

She found herself pouring out her heart, telling the stranger about her unfaithful husband and her family's disbelief. The girl listened intently, her eyes filled with empathy.

"You know," the girl said gently, "sometimes, when everything seems to be falling apart, it's actually falling into place. You have to trust that things will get better. You're strong, and you'll get through this."

Jisoo managed a small smile, touched by the girl's kindness. "Thank you. I needed to hear that."

The girl smiled back. "You have a beautiful smile. Don't let anyone take that away from you."

They chatted for a while longer, the conversation bringing Jisoo a sense of comfort she hadn't felt in a long time. As the café prepared to close, they found themselves outside, standing in the cool evening air.

"Thank you for listening," Jisoo said. "I hope we meet again someday."

The girl nodded, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a guitar pick. "Here, take this as a reminder that you're stronger than you think."

Jisoo accepted the guitar pick, holding it tightly. "I'll treasure it. And by the way, I think you'd look great as a blonde. It would really capture people's attention."

The girl laughed, her eyes twinkling. "I'll keep that in mind. Take care."

As the girl walked away, Jisoo watched her, feeling a glimmer of hope for the first time in days. She tucked the guitar pick into her pocket and made her way home.

When Jisoo arrived at her apartment, the darkness inside felt oppressive. She moved quietly, not wanting to alert Soo Ho or Soo Mi to her presence. She decided to pack her things and leave, determined to start a new life away from the toxicity that had consumed her.

In the bedroom, as she packed her clothes, a sharp pain suddenly exploded in her head. She fell to the ground, clutching her skull. The light flicked on, revealing Soo Mi standing over her, a bat in her hands.

"Did you really think you could get away?" Soo Mi sneered.Jisoo tried to move, but her body wouldn't respond. She heard Soo Ho's voice, smug and triumphant.

"Our plan worked perfectly. The company will be mine." He took the bat from Soo Mi and stood over Jisoo, his eyes cold and unfeeling.

"I never loved you," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "You were just a means to an end."

Jisoo looked up at him, rage and pain burning in her eyes. She tried to speak, but the words wouldn't come. Soo Ho laughed, a cruel sound that echoed through the room. He raised the bat and swung it down, hitting her with a sickening thud.

Outside the apartment complex, the mysterious girl from the café stood, a bad feeling gnawing at her. She had been unable to shake the sense that Jisoo was in danger. She hesitated for a moment, then made her way inside, her heart pounding with urgency.

Upstairs, the brutal assault continued, each blow pushing Jisoo closer to unconsciousness. She fought to stay awake, her mind racing with thoughts of escape and survival. Just as her vision began to fade, she heard a commotion outside the door.

The mysterious girl burst into the apartment, her eyes widening in horror at the scene before her. Without thinking, she rushed at Soo Ho, knocking the bat from his hands and shoving him away from Jisoo.

"Get away from her!" she shouted, her voice filled with fury.

Soo Ho stumbled back, momentarily stunned. Soo Mi lunged at the girl, but she dodged, her movements quick and precise. She grabbed Jisoo's arm, pulling her to her feet.

"We need to get out of here," she said urgently.

Jisoo nodded weakly, leaning on the girl for support. They stumbled out of the apartment, leaving Soo Ho and Soo Mi behind. As they made their way down the stairs, Jisoo felt consciousness slipping away, but she clung to the girl's hand, trusting her to keep her safe.

Outside, the night air was cool and refreshing. The girl hailed a cab, helping Jisoo into the back seat. She climbed in after her, giving the driver an address.

"Hang in there," she said, her voice gentle. "You're going to be okay."

Jisoo nodded faintly, her grip on the guitar pick tightening. She didn't know what the future held, but for the first time, she felt a glimmer of hope. As the cab sped away, she closed her eyes, trusting the girl to guide her to safety.