You Don't Own Me | 18+

Chapter 26

Jisoo wakes up early as her usual time and comes downstairs to help Aunt Jihyo in the kitchen. “Good morning, Aunt—” she stops her greeting as soon as she spots a new presence among the workers.

Jennie turns around and grins. Jisoo notices she has an apron wrapped around her body with a bowl in her hands. Aunt Jihyo looks at her and gives her a light smile. “Good morning, Jisooya. Come in.”

“Wait.” Jennie stops her. “Jisoo is going to be the house’s lady, isn't she? So why are you making her do houseworks?” She blinks innocently at her. “You can just relax and sit down on the sofa, Jisoo. You are not needed here. Leave.”

Inhaling deeply, Jisoo makes eye contact with the other maids and notices them whispering to each other with confused faces. She thinks for a moment and comes to conclusion that Jennie is not wrong. After all, Jennie is the rightful lady after she married Taehyung. Her role as a fake fiancée ends here.

“Alright.” She doesn't complain and heads to set the table.

The rest of the maids speak with their eyes and ask what is going on but no one dares to make a noise as they proceed their works.

***

When Grandma comes, Jisoo goes to pull the chair for her but Jennie has already occupied her space and grabs the chair instantly. “Grandma!” She chirps. “Let me do it for you.” She is about to guide her, Grandma shoots her a sharp look.

“Did I ask you?” 

Jennie, feeling embarrassed by her question, drops her head and back away. 

“Jisooya, come and sit.” Grandma calls Jisoo who doesn't find pleasure in seeing her friend like that, listens to Grandma and takes her seat. 

Taehyung sees what happened and sighs. Jennie walks to him and whispers. “Tae, I made breakfast together with Aunt Jihyo.”

Scratching his neck, he casts a quick peek over the table and is impressed by her skills. She knows his family's favourite meals. Lifting her bandaged hand, Jennie tucks her hair strands behind her ear. Taehyung catches it and frowns. “You shouldn't work when you're hurt.”

She smiles, her face drooping with despair. “I've to win over your family so it's okay.”

Taehyung realizes she's trying to earn their love even though she's hurt and looked down by his Grandma. He then wonders if he's also being too harsh on her because of her mistake.

“Why are you all standing? Come on. Take a seat.” Sohee says with a wide smile as she sits down. “Jennieya, come here.”

Everyone at the table turns to her. Jisoo’s suspicion is not wrong. Taehyung's mother definitely has something to do with Jennie's return. Did she find out about their plan already? If so, why didn't she tell it to everyone?

“Jisooya, this dish is delicious. Did you make it?” Sohee tastes the beef stew.

Jisoo is about to open her mouth to deny it but Grandma answers it instead. “Of course she did. Didn't you, Jisooya?” She shakes her head, the awkwardness is beginning to swallow her whole. Grandma notices Jennie is staring at her.

Sohee snorts. “Ah, you made this Jennie? Wow, didn't know you'd be a good cook.”

Jennie shy away and nods.

Jisoo doesn't want to meet Grandma's disappointed look so she instead focuses on her plate and never raises her head once for the entire breakfast.

***

Choosing what outfit to wear for the dinner, Jisoo stands before the huge closet. She plans to meet the Detective who has been looking after her brother and treats him a dinner. Mrs. Bae contacted her this morning and said the man also wanted to meet her. She's really excited to see him and show him the gratitude. She also thinks of making up with Seokjin slowly after that.

Her brother's face appears in her mind and she smiles to herself. Although Jin’s hatred maybe big, but she knows deep down, it is not unforgivable. 

Grabbing the navy blue long dress, she opts for a quick shower and turns around to meet Jennie and Taehyung entering the room, hands on each others. Taehyung notices her and instantly tries to remove his hands but Jennie stays the same.

“Awn, are you dressing up? What for?” Jennie puckers her lips as if she is talking to a child.

Jisoo doesn't answer to her and looks at Taehyung instead. “Don't wait for me for the dinner.” Is all she says before she heads to the bathroom.

***

As soon as she steps out of the shower, she spots Taehyung on the bed alone. She ignores his existence as usual and sits before the mirror to put on light makeup. She is not that keen to pamper herself like that but meeting a stranger with barefaced is not a good impression. She needs to be at least presentable.

While she is engrossing on applying lipstick, Taehyung stands behind her. She narrows her eyes at him through the mirror.

“Where are you going?”

“Why do you want to know?” She can't understand his question and continues to apply the gloss on her lips.

Taehyung explains. “To let Grandma know that you won't be at the dinner table. She will be upset if she didn't see you, you know.”

Jisoo rolls her eyes. “That won't happen. She will be fine with you and Jennie there. I'm sure I am not even needed.”

“Don't say that. She loves you, Jisoo.” He puts his hand on her shoulders but she leans forward and dodges it swiftly.

“I don't want her to love me anymore. I'm already planning to cut ties with her and everyone here. It's better I do it sooner.”

“What's wrong?” He holds her shoulder again. “Are you still mad at me for—”

Jisoo gets up and faces him. “Please refrain from touching me. I told you my role here is over. I don't need to act like your girlfriend so you also do the same. Excuse me.”

“You're going to meet that Detective, aren't you?” He halts her steps and chuckles when he guessed it right.

“And so what if I am? I don't think I have to tell you what I do or who I meet from now on. Don't be ridiculous, Taehyung.” She turns to leave the room but he again stops her with the next sentence.

“The Detective you're going to meet is no other than Jungkook.”

Her body freezes on the spot.

Author Note

Sorry for the late update. Right after I told one of the readers to be careful as they caught a cold, I also got sick that night. 😄 I guess it's because of seasons change.

And y'all...next chapters are going to get intense...and spicy.