Faking It

5. Distracted

"You're distracted"

Jisoo blinked into reality, seeing Jennie brushing her hair. She met the eyes of curiosity while Lisa was steaming Jisoo's dress.

"Sorry, I was thinking..." Jisoo answered, looking away.

"You were gone for two days," Lisa pointed out, her back turned to them. "Did you find her yet?"

"Yes, she agreed," Jisoo said. "She's informed about everything, and when Friday arrives, please treat her like the others."

"Very well," Jennie replied. "Is she pretty?"

"Yeah..."

"Hmm?" Lisa looked back, confused. "You don't seem happy?"

"How can I be? I've lied to my family." Jisoo sighed, leaning forward away from Jennie's touch.

"But—"

"No discussion. I have to fulfill my duties for the day." Jisoo stood up and walked out of her room.

Jennie and Lisa exchanged concerned glances.

Jisoo walked out of the mansion with a grim expression. The guards followed her out as she stepped into the garden. She walked along the flower pathway with her hands behind her back, wishing all of this to be over very soon...

Her phone buzzed.

Jisoo pulled out her phone from her pants' front pocket and opened the message. It was from Chaeyoung.

Hank got his first bath today.

It was a photo of Hank covered with soap, looking happy.

Jisoo giggled at the message, which was noticed by the guards. They saw the youngest Kim smile like the sun, a stark contrast to the darkness of her family's demeanor.

Despite her family's cold and demanding nature, Jisoo found solace in her interactions with the household staff. She often helped the maids and butlers study in the library, guiding them through their lessons with patience and encouragement. Her kindness and willingness to assist made her a beloved figure among the staff.

In the afternoons, Jisoo helped wash the family dogs, enjoying their playful antics and the simple joy they brought to her life. The dogs adored her, and she found comfort in their unconditional affection.

Jisoo also chatted with the guards outside who watched over her. They appreciated her friendly demeanor and often shared stories and jokes, providing her with a sense of normalcy that her family couldn't.

Despite the negativity from her family, Jisoo was a light in the household, a beacon of warmth and compassion in an otherwise cold environment.

Dinner with her family was always a formal affair, filled with conversations about their successful lives and thinly veiled remarks aimed at Jisoo. Her siblings, Soojin and Minseok, took every opportunity to boast about their jobs and marriages, while their parents nodded in approval.

Jisoo, however, paid little attention to their words. She discreetly texted Chaeyoung under the table, finding comfort in their ongoing conversation.

Chaeyoung: How's your day going?

Jisoo: The usual. Helping out here and there. How about you?

Chaeyoung: Busy day at the café. We're adding new items to the menu soon. Can't wait for you to try them.

Jisoo: I can't wait either. Sounds exciting!

Her family continued their self-congratulatory chatter, but Jisoo's mind was elsewhere, focused on her connection with Chaeyoung. Jennie could see that during the family's dinner. 

As the evening drew to a close, Jisoo found herself looking forward to the next day. The thought of seeing Chaeyoung and working together at the café brought a sense of purpose and excitement to her otherwise monotonous life.

She knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but for the first time in a long while, Jisoo felt hopeful. With Chaeyoung by her side, she believed she could navigate the challenges and prove her worth—not just to her family, but to herself.

As she lay in bed that night, Jisoo's thoughts lingered on the message from Chaeyoung.