Captive Obsession

Chapter 25: The thin line Between Jennie and Ruby

The room was so silent that even the faint hum of the air conditioner seemed deafening. Jennie's last words hung in the air, heavy and unyielding. Her challenge was not a mere taunt; it was a declaration. It sent a shiver down my spine and made Uncle stiffen in his seat. Aunty clutched her chest, her trembling hands revealing her fear.

Jennie stood at the center of the living room, her presence larger than life. Her sharp gaze darted between us, her body coiled as if preparing for an attack. Yet, there was something else-a flicker of vulnerability buried beneath the menace. It was a crack in Ruby's armor, a sliver of hope that perhaps Jennie was still in there, fighting to regain control.

Uncle cleared his throat and took a tentative step forward. "Jennie, we're not here to fight you," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "We're your family. We just want to help you."

Jennie tilted her head, a cruel smile tugging at her lips. "Help me?" she echoed, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Do you think I need your help? I've been doing just fine on my own. In fact, I've been protecting what's mine. Isn't that what family is supposed to do?"

Her words struck like a whip. Aunty flinched, tears spilling from her eyes. "Jennie, please," she pleaded. "This isn't you. This is Ruby talking. We know you're still in there. Fight her, sweetheart. Fight her for us."

Jennie's smile faltered, and for a brief moment, her eyes softened. It was as if Aunty's words had pierced through Ruby's control, reaching Jennie's true self. But the reprieve was short-lived. Ruby surged back with a vengeance, and Jennie's expression hardened once more.

"You don't know what you're talking about," Ruby snarled, her voice cold and unfeeling. "Jennie and I are one. You can't separate us. So stop trying."

I couldn't stay silent any longer. I stepped forward, ignoring the warning look Uncle shot me. "Ruby," I said, keeping my voice steady. "You think you're protecting Jennie, but all you're doing is isolating her. You're hurting the people she loves, the people who love her. Is that really what Jennie would want?"

Ruby's eyes narrowed, her jaw tightening. "Don't pretend you understand me, Jisoo," she spat. "You're nothing but a bystander, watching from the sidelines. You've never had to fight for what you want, for what's yours. You wouldn't last a day in my shoes."

Her words stung, but I refused to back down. "You're right. I don't know what it's like to be you," I admitted. "But I do know Jennie. I know her heart. And I know she wouldn't want this. She wouldn't want you to destroy her life, her relationships. She wouldn't want you to hurt innocent people."

Ruby's lips curled into a sneer, but I caught a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. It was fleeting, but it was there. I pressed on.

"Jennie," I said, my voice breaking slightly. "If you can hear me, please fight. You're stronger than this. You don't need Ruby to protect you. We're here for you. I'm here for you."

For a moment, the room seemed to hold its breath. Jennie's posture wavered, her fists unclenching. Her eyes fluttered shut, and when she opened them again, I saw a glimmer of recognition-a faint spark of the Jennie I knew and loved.

"Jisoo?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

"Yes, Jennie. It's me," I said, relief washing over me. "We're going to get through this together. You don't have to do this alone."

But before I could take another step toward her, Ruby roared back with a vengeance. Jennie's body jerked violently, her head snapping back as if she were in pain. When she looked at me again, her eyes were pitch black, devoid of any warmth.

"Enough!" Ruby screamed, her voice reverberating through the room. "You think you can save her? You're fools-all of you! Lisa belongs to me. And I will destroy anyone who tries to take her away."

The lights in the room flickered, and a chilling wind swept through the mansion. Ruby's presence seemed to darken everything around us, as if she were drawing power from the shadows.

Uncle stepped forward, placing himself between Ruby and Aunty. "We're not afraid of you, Ruby," he said, his voice steady despite the fear in his eyes. "You may think you're in control, but Jennie is stronger than you. She will overcome this, and we'll be here to help her every step of the way."

Ruby let out a guttural laugh, the sound sending shivers down my spine. "You're delusional," she said. "But if you want a fight, I'll give you one. Just remember-you asked for this."

With that, Ruby lunged forward, her movements unnaturally fast. Uncle barely had time to react, shielding Aunty as Ruby grabbed the nearest vase and hurled it across the room. It shattered against the wall, the sound echoing like a gunshot.

"Jennie, stop!" I shouted, desperation clawing at my throat.

But Ruby was relentless, her fury consuming her. She overturned furniture, smashed picture frames, and screamed obscenities, her voice a horrifying blend of rage and anguish. It was as if she were trying to purge Jennie's identity, to erase every trace of the girl we knew and loved.

Aunty broke down in tears, clutching Uncle's arm as he tried to shield her from the chaos. I felt helpless, my heart breaking as I watched Jennie spiral further into darkness.

"Ruby, please," I begged. "Don't do this. You don't have to do this."

For a split second, Ruby paused. Her chest heaved as she turned to face me, her expression twisted with pain and anger. "You don't understand," she said, her voice cracking. "I'm not the villain here. I'm the only one keeping Jennie safe. Without me, she's nothing."

"You're wrong," I said, stepping closer despite the danger. "Jennie is everything. She's kind, she's strong, and she's loved. She doesn't need you to define her. She doesn't need you to protect her. She needs us. And we're not going to give up on her."

Ruby's eyes filled with tears, a storm of emotions raging within her. For the first time, she looked uncertain, vulnerable. It was a small victory, but it was enough.

"We're going to help her," I said softly. "Whether you like it or not."

Ruby let out a guttural scream, the sound filled with frustration and despair. She staggered backward, clutching her head as if she were fighting an internal battle. And then, with a final, anguished cry, she collapsed to the floor.

We rushed to Jennie's side, our hearts pounding. She lay still, her breathing shallow but steady. When her eyes fluttered open, they were no longer black. They were filled with tears, her gaze darting around the room in confusion.

"Jisoo?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"I'm here," I said, taking her hand in mine.

"I'm scared," she said, her voice trembling.

"We'll get through this," I promised. "Together."

As I held her, I felt a glimmer of hope. Jennie was still in there, fighting to break free. And no matter how long it took, we would be there to help her find her way back. . .

----

First of all, I want to thank all of you for your patience and continued support. I know it's been a while since my last update, and I truly apologize for taking so long. Being a Grade 12 student comes with its own set of challenges, especially as I prepare for college and work on my research. The pressure of balancing schoolwork, research defense preparation, and personal responsibilities has kept me busy, but your enthusiasm and love for my story have never been forgotten.

With the holiday season approaching, I've decided to dedicate this month to catching up and bringing you the updates you deserve. Consider these updates my Christmas gift to all of you-because you've been such a gift to me through your encouragement and understanding.

Thank you for staying with me on this journey. I hope my story continues to bring excitement and inspiration to you all. Advance Merry Christmas and Happy new year y'all!

Warm regards,
- JLKIM