Amour-propre

Capitulo Disisais

At the Hospital

The soft hum of the machines and the sterile scent of the hospital filled the room where Irene sat by Jin's bedside. The tension in the air was palpable, a silent testimony to the secrets Irene had kept buried deep inside. Jin was awake, his recovery progressing well, but there was something heavy in the air between them—something unsaid.

Irene looked at Jin, her younger brother, who had always been the one she fiercely protected. His face, though still pale from his recent ordeal, bore a quiet strength. But now, it was Irene who felt weak, uncertain about how to approach the conversation she knew they needed to have.

Jin noticed his sister's unease. He had always been able to read her emotions, even when she tried to hide them. "Irene," he called softly, his voice filled with concern, "you've been quiet for a while now. Is something bothering you?"

Irene sighed, her eyes meeting Jin's. She tried to muster a reassuring smile but failed. "Jin," she started, her voice barely above a whisper, "there's something I've been meaning to tell you. I've been holding back because I didn't want to burden you, especially not while you were recovering."

Jin frowned slightly, sitting up a bit straighter. "Irene, you've never been a burden to me, and nothing you say could ever change that. We've always faced everything together, haven't we? Whatever it is, you can tell me."

His words, filled with such genuine care and affection, caused a lump to form in Irene's throat. She took a deep breath, struggling to find the right words. "I know, Jin, but this... this is different. It's about me, about something that happened recently. I didn't want to worry you because so much has been happening. But now, I realize I can't keep it from you any longer."

Jin's frown deepened, a mixture of curiosity and worry creeping into his expression. "You're scaring me, Irene. Just tell me what's going on."

Irene hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest. "Jin... I got married."

The room seemed to still, the only sound the rhythmic beeping of the machines. Jin stared at Irene, his eyes widening in shock. Of all the things he had expected her to say, this wasn't one of them.

"Married?" Jin echoed, his voice filled with disbelief. "Irene, when did this happen? How... why?"

Irene bit her lip, trying to steady herself. "It happened quickly, Jin. I know it seems sudden, and it was, but it was the right decision. The person I married is someone who has been there for me, for us, in ways I can't even begin to describe."

Jin's mind raced as he tried to process what Irene was telling him. "Someone who's been there for us... Are you talking about Lisa?"

Irene nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Yes, Lisa. She's been my rock through all of this. When things got too overwhelming, she was the one who stood by me. I didn't plan on getting married, but... but I knew it was the right thing to do."

Jin looked down at his hands, his thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and surprise. "Irene, this is... a lot to take in. I noticed you two were close, but marriage? That's a huge step."

"I know," Irene said quickly, her voice filled with emotion. "I know it's a lot. But Jin, Lisa... she's different. She's kind, understanding, and she cares about you as much as she cares about me. She's been helping us in so many ways, even behind the scenes. She's the reason you were able to get the best care possible."

Jin looked up, his eyes searching Irene's face for the truth. "Lisa's the reason? You mean... all this time, she's been the one helping us financially?"

Irene nodded, her voice softening. "Yes, Jin. She comes from a wealthy family, the Manoban family. They've supported us because Lisa asked them to. But she didn't want to make a big deal out of it because she knew how proud we are. She's been quietly helping us, making sure we're okay."