Chapter 29

1.3K 32 12
                                    

Jennie’s POV:

My first few weeks in Paris were tough. The city was as beautiful as I’d imagined, but the distance, the newness of everything, made me feel more homesick than I anticipated. I missed my family, my friends, and most of all, I missed Lisa.

The apartment I’d moved into was lovely, with large windows overlooking the Seine and a cosy, modern interior, but it still didn’t feel like home. I knew it would take time.

Work was a welcome distraction. Diving into my interior design projects helped me focus on something other than the ache in my chest. Paris offered endless inspiration,the architecture, the history, and the culture-it was a designer’s dream. But even in my busiest moments, my mind would drift back to Lisa. I found myself checking my phone constantly, hoping for a message, a missed call, anything to show that she was thinking of me too.

But nothing came. The days turned into weeks, and the silence from Lisa’s end grew louder. I tried to push through it, telling myself that this was for the best, that we both needed this space to heal. Yet, the longing wouldn’t go away.

One night, in a moment of weakness, I tried to stalk her online to see if she was okay if she was moving on. But when I searched, I found nothing—she had deactivated all her social media. It was like she had vanished.

My heart sank. Maybe Lisa really did mean it when she said she needed to let go. Maybe she was serious about moving on, about leaving me behind. The thought made my chest tighten with a mix of anger and sadness. How could she just disappear like that? Did I mean so little to her that she could just erase me from her life so easily?

And yet, despite it all, despite the hurt and confusion, I hated how much I still liked her, how much I still wanted her. Every time I thought I was getting stronger, moving forward, something would remind me of her, and I’d be right back where I started, missing her all over again.

This whole experience, if nothing else, has taught me a lot about myself. I’ve realized how deeply I can care for someone, how much I’m willing to give in a relationship, even when it’s undefined, like what Lisa and I had. I’ve learned that sometimes, even when you want something so badly, you have to let it go—for your own sake, for theirs. I’m trying to accept that, to let go of the idea of what we could have been and focus on who I am now, here in Paris, in this new chapter of my life.

But the hardest lesson of all is accepting that just because you love someone, it doesn’t mean you’re meant to be together. Lisa and I were something special, but maybe we were just meant to be a part of each other’s journey, not the destination. And that’s a painful truth to swallow, but I’m working on it one day at a time.

The first month in Paris was tough, but by the second month, I was starting to find my rhythm. The city, once so foreign, began to feel more familiar. I had learned the best routes to my favourite cafés, discovered little corners of the city that felt like my own, and settled into a comfortable routine at work. The homesickness was still there, but it was slowly being replaced by a sense of accomplishment and excitement for what was to come.

Work kept me busy—busier than I had anticipated. My projects were progressing well, and I found myself closing deals and landing new clients faster than I expected. Each new project was a challenge, but I thrived on it. Designing spaces in Paris was a dream come true, and the inspiration I found in the city was endless. I was finally starting to feel like I was where I was meant to be.

Before I knew it, six months had flown by. It was hard to believe how fast time had passed. My career was on an upward trajectory, and I had closed several significant projects. Clients were happy, my portfolio was growing, and I was gaining recognition in the industry. The sleepless nights, the endless meetings, the meticulous planning—it was all paying off. I felt proud of what I had accomplished, and it felt like the beginning of something even greater.

Throughout this time, my family remained a constant source of support. I called my mom and dad regularly, sharing every little detail of my journey. They were so proud of me, and knowing that Ahyeon, my little sister, had graduated from senior high school brought me immense relief. At least I didn’t have to worry about my parents too much—Ahyeon was there with them, and they were doing fine.

Here in Paris, I started to build a new life. I made new friends at work, people who shared my passion for design and who quickly became my support system. Kurt was always around, too. He's there to support me all the time.We supported each other.

As the year mark approached, I found myself reflecting on everything that had happened. The highs and lows, the challenges, the growth,it had been a transformative year. I had achieved so much professionally, and even though I still thought of Lisa from time to time, the pain had lessened. It was still there, but it wasn’t as sharp. I was learning to live with it, to let it be a part of my story without letting it define me.

I missed home, of course. There were moments when all I wanted was to be back with my family, to feel the comfort of the familiar. But Paris was becoming home too, in its own way. I was building something here, something that was mine.

Tonight was special,we celebrated my one-year anniversary at work. Kurt, my teammates, and I went out for dinner, and it was a night filled with laughter and good company. But as we drove home, I found myself lost in thought. So much has changed in a year, and I couldn’t help but reflect on it all.

Kurt noticed, of course. He’s always been good at reading me. When we arrived at my place, he walked me to my front door. The city was quiet, and I could feel his eyes on me, concerned.

"Are you okay?" Kurt asked softly, searching my face.
I looked up at him, taking a deep breath.

"Kurt, I've been thinking a lot lately… and I feel like I’ve made a decision."

He waited, not pushing, just letting me speak when I was ready.

"I'm ready, Kurt," I said, my voice steady but my heart racing.




"I want a child."

A Jenlisa Fanfic: SituationshipWhere stories live. Discover now