Second Chance

26

The next morning, Jisoo found herself feeling a mix of anticipation and dread as she prepared for the day. After the emotional turmoil of the previous night and the disturbing revelations in the notebook, she was unsure how she would keep her composure. Chaeyoung had planned a whole day for them, and Jisoo was determined to make the most of it, if only to distract herself from the chaos swirling in her mind.

Chaeyoung had gone out early to pick up some things for their day together, leaving Jisoo alone with her thoughts. She clutched the necklace with the guitar pick, finding some semblance of comfort in the small token.

“Ready to go?” Chaeyoung’s voice broke through her reverie. Jisoo looked up to see her wife standing in the doorway, a bright smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye that spoke of excitement and anticipation.

“Yes, let’s go,” Jisoo said, returning the smile. She pushed aside her worries, determined to focus on the present and the woman she loved.

The day was perfect. Chaeyoung had planned a series of activities, starting with a leisurely breakfast at a charming seaside cafe. They walked along the beach, collecting seashells and enjoying the warm sun on their faces. They rented bicycles and rode through scenic trails, stopping to take in the breathtaking views of Jeju’s coastline. Jisoo found herself laughing more than she had in a long time, the weight of her troubles temporarily lifted by Chaeyoung’s infectious joy.

As the sun began to set, Chaeyoung led Jisoo to a secluded spot on the beach. Jisoo’s breath caught in her throat as she saw the scene before her: candles lined the sand, casting a soft glow over a blanket strewn with rose petals. A small table was set up with a bottle of champagne and two glasses, and the sound of the waves provided a soothing background melody.

“Chaeyoung, this is beautiful,” Jisoo said, her eyes filling with tears of gratitude and love.

“I wanted to do something special for us,” Chaeyoung said, taking Jisoo’s hand and leading her to the blanket. “We’ve both been through so much, and I wanted to remind us both of the love we share.”

They sat down, and Chaeyoung poured them each a glass of champagne. They clinked glasses, their eyes locking in a moment of shared intimacy.

“To us,” Chaeyoung said softly.

“To us,” Jisoo echoed, her heart swelling with emotion.

They talked about their dreams and plans for the future, their hopes and fears. Jisoo felt a deep sense of connection with Chaeyoung, a feeling that transcended time and space. She knew she had to protect this love at all costs, even if it meant facing the demons of her past.

Their moment was suddenly interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Jisoo’s heart sank as she saw Soo Ho and her mother walking toward them, their expressions a mix of disdain and determination.

“What are you doing here?” Chaeyoung asked, standing up and placing herself between Jisoo and the unwelcome visitors.

“We came to talk,” Soo Ho said, his voice dripping with arrogance. “It’s time we settled some things.”

“We have nothing to settle with you,” Jisoo’s mother added, her tone cold and dismissive.

Jisoo stood up, her body tense with anger. “Leave us alone. We don’t want anything to do with you.”

Soo Ho stepped closer, his face inches from Jisoo’s. “And what are you going to do about it? You’re just a pathetic little girl who doesn’t know her place.”

Before Jisoo could react, Chaeyoung stepped between them, her eyes blazing with fury. “Back off, Soo Ho. You have no right to speak to her like that.”

Soo Ho laughed, a cruel sound that sent chills down Jisoo’s spine. “And what are you going to do about it, little girl?”

Jisoo’s rage boiled over. She pushed past Chaeyoung and punched Soo Ho square in the face, the impact sending him staggering back. The imprint of her wedding ring was visible on his cheek as he clutched his face in shock.

“Get away from us!” Jisoo shouted, her voice trembling with anger. “Leave us alone, or I swear I’ll make you regret it.”

Her mother stepped forward, her expression twisted with anger. “You can try, but it won’t matter. We have plans for you, Jisoo. And Lisa won’t appreciate your interference.”

Jisoo’s heart skipped a beat. “What do you mean? What have you done to Lisa?”

Her mother smirked. “Let’s just say she’s being taken care of. You should have stayed out of this, Jisoo.”

Panic surged through Jisoo. She turned and ran, her mind racing with fear for her friend. She had to find Lisa and make sure she was safe. She couldn’t lose anyone else.

As Jisoo disappeared into the night, Chaeyoung turned to face Jisoo’s mother, her eyes filled with defiance. “You never change, do you? No matter how many times you try, Jisoo will always see you for what you are. And she will always hate you for it.”

Jisoo’s mother glared at her, but Chaeyoung stood her ground, refusing to back down.

"How many times do I have to deal with you over and over?"