My Precious Family [Jenlisa]

Chapter 117: Turning fall backs as opportunities

Lea was the first person Jennie run to when the latter came to know her pregnancy. At that time, Jennie was a rising star after winning the most prestigious award an actress could get. Projects and endorsements were flooding Jennie's agency, making one think she was unstoppable.     

Thus, Lea felt secretly happy when Jennie cried a river, revealing her pregnancy to the person she thought was her real friend. A friend who was akin to a sister.     

Lea's first thought back then was to convince Jennie to continue the pregnancy. She remembered using all the right terms, arguing she shouldn't listen to her agency, which was telling Jennie to get rid of the child.     

The agency kept everything a secret, telling Jennie if she got rid of the child, everything would fall back to normal. Jennie would get to keep her career and attain her dreams. Meanwhile, Lea fought for what was 'moral.' However, Lea had a different reason than what she claimed.     

Lea wanted Jennie to keep the child, knowing this child would be her downfall.     

This happiness, however, was short-lived when Lea came to know the man who got Jennie pregnant. It was as though the world was mocking Lea. How could Jennie, even her misfortune, be far better than hers?    

How could she carry Lisa's child? Of all people, why would it have to be Lisa Manoban? The man whom Lea never thought of reaching because he was just far beyond anyone's reach.    

Still, Lea's schemes became an opportunity for her.     

Upon learning how Lea convinced Jennie to keep the child, Lisa rewarded her with kindness and generosity, and that was the start of a long-standing rumor circulating Lea and Lisa.     

People started talking, noticing that the network and agency had suddenly given extra care to a small-time actress. Given the LYON Group wasn't discreet about it, people assumed malicious conclusions. Lea wasn't ugly, after all. In fact, she was very pretty.    

From then on, Lea's life changed.    

Those in the industry who didn't pay her attention in the past started currying favor for her. She knew about the rumor, but she kept quiet and led them to believe it. After all, Lisa didn't care much about any rumors about him.     

It wouldn't even be a surprise if he didn't know such rumors existed, knowing he had more important things to deal with.    

Moreover, what was so bad about it?    

Jennie and Lisa were married in papers only, and Lea believed if she works hard enough, these rumors could become true. Unless Lisa broke his silence, Lea planned to carry on with this lie.     

Everything was perfect up until now... so how could things turn out like this?    

How could Lisa, even after all these years, wouldn't even cast her a quick look?    

"Miss Jung, what — why did Mr. Manoban and Jennie look like they were..." Hanbin's puzzled tone brought Lea back to the current lapse. "Don't tell me... Mr. Manoban's son was Jennie's...?"    

Lea's knees felt as soft as tofu, wobbling back to her seat. 'No! This isn't happening!' she denied in her head, only to see Hanbin looking at her as if he was seeking enlightenment.     

'Lea, Lea... get a hold of yourself!' she mentally scolded herself, telling her this could be an opportunity. 'Turning your fall back into opportunities are your specialties! Get yourself together!'    

Lea sighed deeply, massaging her temple slightly.     

"Long story," she said weakly, sporting a bitter smile. "I don't want to say more, Senior Kim, because it's a long and complicated story. Saying more will put her in a tight position after all."    

"What do you mean by that?" Hanbin furrowed his brows, sitting down on the chair.     

"I can't, Senior." Lea shook her head, keeping her lips tight. "It's not something I should tell anyone."    

"Lea." Hanbin sighed, leaning closer to the table. "This... I admit, this is something that I didn't expect. However, I'm getting worried. What you do mean by you telling me more will put her in a tight spot?"    

Reluctance could be seen in Lea's eyes, biting her lips as if she was pondering whether to tell Hanbin of the real story behind Jennie and Lisa. She didn't need to think much about it, though. She already planned to twist the truth from the beginning.     

"Please don't tell anyone about this. Especially to Jennie." Lea huffed helplessly, looking straight into Hanbin's eyes. "I don't want her to be in trouble or make her think I'm betraying her by letting you in her secret."    

Hanbin opened his mouth, but his voice was stuck in his throat. His heart thudded, thinking of the worse of why Lea was acting this way.     

"You're right. Jennie was the mother of CEO Manoban's son. It was the reason she had to leave the industry without a word." Lea lowered her eyes as if she was recalling a painful memory. "It was also the reason she had to stop her communication with you."    

She slowly lifted her gaze, but this time, there was a layer of tears coating her eyes. "You know Jennie couldn't stop talking about you back then. She would even wait for your messages or calls. But all of a sudden, she told me she got pregnant and had to leave everything."    

"I know rumors about me and Mr. Manoban were circulating, but I didn't have the heart to clear things up." Lea pressed her lips into a thin line, acting like a victim. "Because keeping my silence was the least I can do to protect her."    

"Why..." Hanbin was confused. "... do you need to protect her?"    

Lea didn't answer but sported this inexplicable look that could lead to various conclusions. And it did because Hanbin couldn't help but jump to an ugly conclusion of a man in power, excising his authority to get what he wanted.     

Hanbin had seen those types of men.     

Men, be it businessmen, celebrities, politicians, and people in the industry who had a perfect public image, but a rotten personality behind the camera. Being at the top of the food chain, Lisa could do whatever he wanted without consequence. Therefore, it was easy for others to create an image of him based on his status alone.     

Little did Hanbin know, as he was deep in thought, a sneer appeared on Lea's face.     

'I don't know why she suddenly changed her tactic,' she thought, mentally scoffing as she recalled how Jennie acted towards Lisa. 'But one thing is for sure, she still likes Hanbin. It was obvious with how she reacted. If Hanbin made more effort, I'd just push her a bit for her to make a stupid decision.'