𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥-𝗜𝗡-𝗟𝗔𝗪

part 35 (A heart of guilt)

Chapter 35: A Heart of Guilt

Taehyung sat in the therapist’s waiting room, his hands trembling as he stared at the door to the consultation room. The air was thick with unease, and every second felt like an eternity. He had finally convinced Jisoo to come here, to seek help, but the weight of everything still loomed heavy over him. This wasn’t just about the company anymore. This was about Jisoo, and how far she had fallen into the darkness that seemed to consume her.

The therapist had insisted on speaking with Jisoo alone first, leaving Taehyung with nothing but his own thoughts and the suffocating silence of the waiting room. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, trying to steady his breathing. The past few months had been a whirlwind of emotions, decisions, and consequences that seemed to spiral out of control, no matter how hard he tried to keep everything together.

“Jisoo,” Dr. Lee began gently, “thank you for coming today. I know this must be difficult for you, but it’s a good first step. We’re here to help.”Jisoo said nothing, her eyes fixed on the floor. She seemed detached, lost in her own thoughts. Dr. Lee continued speaking softly, asking Jisoo questions about how she had been feeling, about the choices she had made that led her to this point. Jisoo answered in short, clipped sentences, her voice void of emotion.

After what felt like an eternity, Dr. Lee gently guided the conversation to the topic that Taehyung had been dreading. “Jisoo, I understand that you’ve been trying to conceive, but things haven’t been working out the way you’d hoped. Is that right?”Jisoo flinched at the mention of it, her hands trembling slightly. “Yes,” she whispered. “It’s not happening. I’ve tried everything, but… nothing.”

Dr. Lee nodded, her expression sympathetic. “Jisoo, I know this is hard to hear, but I need to be honest with you. I’ve reviewed your medical records, and I’m concerned about the impact of the treatments and medications you’ve been using. They’ve taken a toll on your body, and…”She paused for a moment, choosing her words carefully. “Unfortunately, the damage may be irreversible. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to conceive naturally anymore.”

Jisoo’s eyes widened in shock, her breath catching in her throat. “What… what are you saying?” she stammered, her voice trembling with fear. “Are you saying I can’t… I can’t have a baby?”Dr. Lee’s gaze softened with compassion. “I’m so sorry, Jisoo. I know this is devastating news. But your body has been through a lot, and the treatments you’ve used to prevent pregnancy in the past have caused some serious complications. I wish I could give you better news, but I think it’s important to be realistic about what’s happening.”Jisoo’s face crumbled, tears streaming down her cheeks as the weight of Dr. Lee’s words sank in. “No… no, this can’t be true… I was supposed to have a baby… I was supposed to fix everything…”

The door finally opened, and the therapist, Dr. Lee, stepped out. She was an older woman with kind eyes, but her expression was grave as she motioned for Taehyung to join them in the room.

Taehyung’s heart raced as he entered the room. Jisoo sat on the edge of the couch, her eyes downcast, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. She looked fragile, as if the weight of the world was pressing down on her, and Taehyung felt a pang of guilt twist in his chest.

Dr. Lee took her seat across from them, her voice calm but firm. “Mr. Kim, I’ve had a long conversation with Jisoo. She’s been through a lot, emotionally and mentally. What she’s experiencing isn’t something that will simply go away with time. She’s in a very delicate state.”

Taehyung nodded slowly, his throat tight. “I know… I could see it. But I didn’t realize how bad it was.”

Dr. Lee sighed softly, her eyes filled with understanding. “She’s been struggling with severe depression and anxiety, and the events of the past few months have only intensified those feelings. The pressure she’s placed on herself—both professionally and personally—has led to a mental breakdown. It’s important that she gets consistent therapy and support.”