I Fell In Love with a Nerd | Jenlisa

Chapter 14

Over the past two years, life had changed for Lisa and Rosé. Despite being together, they lived almost separate lives. Lisa, dedicated to her expanding winery business, spent her days preparing for the opening of a new branch in New York. Her days were filled with meetings and strategic. Even when she was physically present in Korea, her mind was often miles away, entangled in business concerns.

Rosé, on the other hand, faced her own set of challenges. After being repeatedly rejected by ballet companies due to her past records, she chose to forge her own path. She established a ballet class for children, pouring her heart into nurturing young talent. Despite her professional success, her personal life felt adrift. The love she and Lisa once shared now seemed strained and distant. Their rare dates, meant to be an escape, often felt like mere formalities, filled with polite conversation and strained smiles. Rosé couldn't shake the feeling that Lisa was slipping away, even though Lisa remained tight-lipped about her struggles.

Rosé and Lisa were set to get married, but the excitement seemed one-sided. Rosé took on the responsibility of planning the wedding, immersing herself in the details and preparations. Lisa, preoccupied with her work and business commitments, leaving Rosé to handle everything on her own. She had insisted to Lisa that she was now ready to be her wife, reflecting on the times she had rejected Lisa's proposal. Lisa didn't respond with enthusiasm but accepted it, feeling a sense of being locked into this path with Rosé. She convinced herself that this was her fate, gaslighting herself into believing that marrying Rosé had always been the first plan.

Jennie's transformation was nothing short of remarkable. When she first arrived in New York, her life was still shackled by the echoes of her past-the pain of losing her child, the relationship with Lisa and the struggle to find her footing in an unfamiliar city. Yet, Jin's presence became a catalyst for change, guiding her through the tumultuous sea of her emotions.

At first, Jennie grappled with the weight of her memories and the challenges of adapting to a new environment. The bustling cityscape of New York was a far cry from the life she had once known, and her lingering grief cast a shadow over her every step. But Jin, with his support and encouragement, helped her navigate.

Jin's thoughtful gift of pottery became more than just a new skill-it became a means of catharsis. He nicknamed her "Ruby Jane," a moniker that marked the beginning of Jennie's rebirth. This new identity was not merely a change in name but a profound shift in her self-perception and confidence. The eyeglasses she had once relied on were replaced with a fresh, confident look. Her wardrobe evolved, reflecting a newfound sense of self-assurance and style.

Jennie immersed herself in her art classes, driven by an inner resolve to redefine her life. Her talent quickly became evident. She was not just another artist in the crowded field but a standout, swiftly climbing to the top of her class. Her mastery of the craft, coupled with her resilience, earned her the admiration and envy of peers and mentors alike.

As her skills flourished, so did her spirit. The once nerd and innocent Jennie Kim, who always hid her pain behind, had transformed into the intelligent, confident and assertive Ruby Jane, now guarding herself with a new strength and a more determined outlook. The past had been a chapter, but the future was now defined by her strength and the new beginnings Jin had helped her embrace.

Jin watched her as she emerged from her cocoon of pain, finding joy and success in her new life. For Jin, seeing Jennie's transformation was a source of immense happiness. He had played a pivotal role in her journey from a place of heartache to one of achievement and self-fulfillment.

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Rosé, in an effort to reconnect and bring some normalcy back into their lives, suggested a trip to Paris-the city they had once dreamed of visiting together. During one of their rare conversations, Rosé broached the topic with hopeful anticipation. "Lisa, remember how we always talked about going to Paris? I think it's time we make that dream come true. It could be the perfect escape for us."