Second Chance

29

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room where Jisoo, Jennie, and Lisa sat huddled around a laptop. The screen displayed a flurry of headlines, each more damning than the last, about the Kim family. News of their criminal activities had spread like wildfire, and now the media was having a field day.

“Kim Family Scandal: Corruption Exposed!” one headline screamed.

“Illegal Deals and Family Betrayal: The Downfall of the Kim Dynasty,” read another.

Jisoo leaned back in her chair, a mix of relief and anxiety washing over her. She had given a statement to the press earlier, distancing herself from her family’s actions.

"I was kicked out of the family a long time ago and have nothing to do with their actions," Jisoo had said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

The public response was overwhelmingly supportive. People sympathized with Jisoo, seeing her as a victim of her family’s corruption. Her phone buzzed constantly with messages of encouragement, but also threats from her family, desperate and angry.

“Are you sure about this, Jisoo?” Jennie asked, her eyes scanning another article. “There’s no going back now.”

“I’m sure,” Jisoo replied firmly. “They deserve to face justice for what they’ve done.”

Just then, the door opened, and Chaeyoung entered, looking confused and concerned. “What’s going on? Why is the media here?”

Lisa, still recovering from her injuries but determined to stay involved, glanced at Jisoo before speaking. “Someone leaked the story about Jisoo's parents. It’s everywhere now.”

Chaeyoung’s face grew worried as she processed the information. “Do we know who leaked it?”

“No,” Jisoo replied, shaking her head. “But it doesn’t matter now. What’s done is done.”

The maids and butlers entered the room, looking anxious. One of them stepped forward and addressed Chaeyoung. “Ma’am, the press is behind the gates. They’re trying to get in.”

Chaeyoung nodded, her expression hardening. “Block out all the windows and increase security immediately. We need to keep this place safe.”

Turning to Jisoo, Chaeyoung’s face was unreadable. “We’re having dinner tonight. Be on time and dress nicely.”

With that, Chaeyoung left the room, the butlers following closely behind. Jisoo watched her go, feeling a mix of confusion and apprehension.

“What’s the dinner about?” Jisoo asked, turning to Jennie.

Jennie shrugged, equally puzzled. “I have no idea. She didn’t tell me anything.”

The rest of the day passed in a blur of activity and tension. Security was tightened, and everyone in the household was on high alert. Jisoo couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that hung over her.

When evening came, Jisoo dressed in a sleek black dress and joined Chaeyoung in the dining room. The table was set with fine china and candles, creating an atmosphere of elegance and romance. Chaeyoung was already seated, looking stunning in a red gown.

"Shall we eat?"

Meanwhile Lisa, needing fresh air, stepped outside to clear her mind. As she stood in the garden, a guard rushed up to her, his face pale with fear.

“Ma’am, someone has entered the premises,” he said, his voice trembling.

Lisa’s heart raced. “Inform everyone immediately. We need to lock down the house.”

Ignoring the pain in her body, Lisa rushed inside, stumbling in her haste. She bumped into Jennie, falling into her arms as her strength gave out.

“Lisa, what’s wrong?” Jennie asked, panic rising in her voice.

“Someone’s here,” Lisa gasped. “We need to inform Jisoo and Chaeyoung now!”

Jennie’s eyes widened. She quickly turned to the nearest butler. “Lock down the house and find Jisoo and Chaeyoung!”

Meanwhile, Jisoo and Chaeyoung stood on the balcony, looking out over the city. The view was breathtaking, but Jisoo’s mind was elsewhere. She turned to Chaeyoung, searching for reassurance in her eyes.

“Do you think we’ll be okay?” Jisoo asked softly.

Chaeyoung reached out, taking Jisoo’s hand. “We’ll be fine. We’re strong together.”

Just then, a rustling sound came from the bushes behind them. They turned around, their eyes widening in shock. Soo Ho stood there, a crazed look in his eyes and a gun in his hand.

“Soo Ho, what are you doing?” Jisoo demanded, fear gripping her heart.

“You ruined everything!” Soo Ho shouted, his voice shaking with rage. “I won’t let you take everything from me!”

He raised the gun, pointing it directly at Jisoo. In that split second, Jisoo’s life flashed before her eyes. She saw Chaeyoung, Lisa, Jennie, and all the moments that had brought her to this point. She shut her eyes, bracing for the impact.

And then, everything went black.