His Devious Love✓(Book 1)

"Revelations and Realizations"

Annie adjusted her phone on the table, trying to hide the weariness in her eyes. Somi's concerned voice came through the video call, breaking the silence that hung heavy between them.

"So, how's everything going between you two?" Annie asked, her voice tinged with a mixture of hope and uncertainty.

Somi shrugged, her expression a blend of frustration and contemplation. "It's complicated," she replied, her voice trailing off.

"It's been a year since you slapped him, Somi. Let it be. He seems nice," Annie said, her tone encouraging yet cautious.

"He is, actually, but-" Somi started, interrupted gently by Annie.

"It's okay, Somi. Just try to give it a chance," Annie said, though uncertainty flickered in her eyes. She knew all too well the struggle of trusting someone completely.

Somi hesitated, then continued, "Leave about me. You tell me about yourself. How are things between you and changmin?"

Annie took a deep breath, her thoughts scattered like leaves in the wind. "Not again, Somi. I've told you already. He's like a godsend to me, who saved me and my kids. He stood by me when everyone questioned us, when they doubted my pregnancy. I didn't trust him at first. It took a whole year to trust him. He gave up so much for me-his job, his career. I can't express how grateful I am," Annie said, her voice softening with emotion.

"But I don't see him like that," Annie admitted reluctantly.

"You don't love him?" Somi asked, her concern evident.

Annie paused, her eyes distant yet pained. "Of course, I do. But not every love is romantic. It's like how we love our family or friends-care, respect, gratitude. It's not romantic love," she explained, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness.

"I can't have those feelings anymore," Annie continued, her gaze turning inward. " You know He always used to say, 'You are mine.' He was right. Three years have passed, and I still feel tied to him. There's something about him that keeps me from moving on. I hate myself for it, but I think of him every day," Annie confessed quietly.

"But, Unnie, how does Changmin see this relationship?" Somi asked gently, concerned for her sister's well-being.

"I've asked him to move on so many times, Somi. But he refuses. There's this friend, Gracy, who has a crush on him. I've tried to push him towards her, but he insists they're just friends. And when Jae and Seol started calling him 'dad,' I wanted to resist, but I couldn't. He's done so much for us and continues to do so. If this brings him happiness, then I'll let it be. He might not be their biological father, but he's fulfilling every duty of a father," Annie explained, her voice tinged with both resignation and admiration.

"It sounds complicated, but it seems great in a way," Somi murmured, trying to grasp the complexities of Annie's situation.

"What's wrong? You look tense," Somi observed, noticing Annie's strained expression.

Annie sighed, a troubled expression crossing her features. "Nothing serious. Changmin's out for a meeting. I just don't feel right," she admitted reluctantly.

"Are you feeling sick or something?" Somi asked, her concern deepening.

"No, it's just... I don't know how to describe it. There's this uneasy feeling in my chest," Annie confessed, her voice trailing off.

"Don't overthink it, Unnie. You must be tired. Go and rest. You need it," Somi suggested gently.

"Yeah," Annie agreed softly, a weary smile forming on her lips as they ended the call.