Diamond nation

Chapter 43: The heart wants what it wants

Jungkook dashed out of the car as he ran into his house. The minute Alison had called him, he abandoned his work and rushed home. It was a relief his parents and uncle and aunt were away to Paris for a distant relative's wedding and weren't aware of the mess that Jaehyun had made.

"Where's Alison? Where is Esther?", he immediately asked one of house maids who uncomfortably answered "Ma'am is in her room. She is sleeping and said she wanted to be left alone until she came out herself. Miss Esther is in the lounge on floor one. She is sitting with Ma'am's friend"

Jungkook was confused for a second before he realized who it was. He immediately rushed upstairs to the lounge. Just as the room came into sight, he saw Esther sitting with Chaerin as the duo read one of Esther's books. For a second he stood there as he took in the sight before him. A soft expression on the woman's face as Esther sat on her lap. The older listening intently as the younger read the princess story out loud. They were so engrossed in the story that neither of them saw Jungkook standing by the door.

He cleared his throat and both of them immediately looked up. "Dadda", Esther yelled in excitement as she stood up and rushed towards the man. With her small hands she immediately hugged Jungkook's legs as the latter picked her up in his arms.

"Hi princess", he said to Esther and hugged her tightly before giving her cheek a kiss. A sense of relief took over him to see Esther safe. He looked over to Chaerin next, who was already looking at him. Almost as if sensing the confusion on his face, she answered. "I was here for some business when the interaction happened", she spoke, avoiding spilling too much so Esther didn't understand. "Alison needed some time so I volunteered to stay home for a bit till you came back and could take care of Esther"

"Thank you. I appreciate you staying back. Just a minute", he replied while putting Esther down. "Miss Wong", he looked out of the room and called to someone. An older lady came out from one of the rooms as she made way to the lounge.

"Looks like its time for Esther's piano classes. Can you please get her ready. Also, can you call the teacher and ask him to come home and teach this week. Princess", he turned attention to his daughter. "Please go with Miss Wong and get ready for your classes. Dad will see you after the class"

Esther followed the older lady out of the room. "I am just going to check on Alison. Be back in a second", he said to Chaerin who nodded and waited patiently for Jungkook to be back. Jungkook walked towards his bedroom, his mind clouded with thoughts. He opened the room which was dark as the curtains were closed in the middle of the day. He saw Alison sleeping peacefully and a little note addressed to his name by the nightstand.

I am okay, just sleeping for a bit. Dr Lim gave me some relaxants so I could sleep well. Chaerin is taking care of Esther, please thank her for me.

He heard soft snores coming from her and sensed she was resting peacefully. Adjusting her blanket to cover her properly, he left the room to chat with Chaerin who was waiting in the lounge.

Chaerin stopped scrolling through her messages when Jungkook walked in. He grabbed a seat across her. "Thanks again", he started. "Alison wanted to thank you as well for looking after Esther. And I am sorry you got dragged into this mess"

"Its okay", Chaerin replied. "I had a lovely time with her. It was also very informative and educational. I always thought I was a well read person but turns out I am not. Especially when quizzed about Princess Koko and her rainbow kingdom"

Jungkook chuckled as he heard this. "Esther doesn't play about Princess Koko. You better remember every word she told you. Especially about the pet unicorns. And just a little advice from a veteran. If asked who the best unicorn is, always say Miss Blueberry. Doesn't matter who you like — PinkSherbet, Bubbles or Lady Belle. If you want to be in Esther's good books, the answer is always Miss Blueberry"