As Seulgi and Irene sat in the car outside the construction site's gate, Seulgi’s thoughts drifted to the past. It had been four long years since she last saw Lisa, but the memories were as sharp as ever. She remembered the fear, the helplessness, and the deep pain of watching her friend lying unresponsive in a hospital bed.
**Flashback - Four Years Ago**
Lisa had been confined with a severe subdural hematoma, the result of the mistreatment she endured while in prison. Seulgi could still vividly recall the first time she saw her—pale, fragile, and hooked up to machines that kept her alive. The image of Lisa, motionless, with tubes running across her body, haunted Seulgi to this day. She spent every day at the hospital, refusing to leave her friend's side, praying desperately for her recovery.
For a month, Lisa remained in a coma. Seulgi had held her breath through each passing day, hoping for even the slightest sign of improvement. When Lisa finally opened her eyes, the relief was overwhelming, but the battle wasn’t over. Lisa’s recovery was slow, and the damage from the brain injury made every small step forward feel like a marathon.
It was during this time that Dr. Amanda, who was still a resident at Kang’s General Hospital, had taken over Lisa’s care. Dr. Amanda was meticulous, gentle, and unwavering in her dedication to Lisa’s recovery. Seulgi remembered watching Amanda tend to Lisa with care that went beyond just duty—it was clear that Amanda truly cared for her patient. In those quiet, fragile moments, a connection began to form between Lisa and Dr. Amanda.
As the months passed, the bond between Lisa and Dr. Amanda deepened. Seulgi could see it in the way they looked at each other, in the unspoken moments of tenderness that passed between them. A love began to bloom—gentle, patient, but undeniable. Seulgi had felt a bittersweet twinge of sadness and joy watching it unfold. Lisa had been through so much pain, but here was someone who genuinely cared for her, who could give her the love and care she deserved.
When Dr. Amanda eventually suggested continuing Lisa’s treatment in her hometown in Thailand, Seulgi had known it was for the best. Lisa needed a fresh start, a place where she could heal fully, away from the ghosts of her past. It had been heartbreaking to say goodbye, but Seulgi knew Lisa had found a chance at real happiness with Amanda.
**Present**
Seulgi blinked, returning to the present moment, her heart heavy with the memories. The car sat still outside the gate, and Irene watched her quietly, sensing her turmoil.
“You’ve been thinking about her, haven’t you?” Irene asked softly.
Seulgi nodded, her voice thick with emotion. “It’s just… I haven’t seen Lisa since she left for Thailand. So much has happened since then. It feels like a lifetime ago.”
“I know,” Irene said gently. “But maybe it’s time to reconnect, especially now. Hyeong needs all the help he can get, and Lisa might be his only hope.”
Seulgi stared out the window, her mind swirling with emotions—guilt, hope, fear. “I just don’t know how she’ll react, Irene. After everything… can we really ask this of her?”
Irene placed a reassuring hand on Seulgi’s arm. "Lisa has a good heart. No matter what happened in the past, I believe she’ll do the right thing. For Hyeong."
Seulgi sighed, her shoulders still tense with uncertainty, but Irene's words gave her the strength to move forward. For Hyeong’s sake, they couldn’t let past wounds dictate the future. After all, they were running out of options. Lisa might be their last hope.
At the construction site
After dropping Irene off at the entrance of the massive project Lisa was working on, Seulgi watched as Irene stood outside, dwarfed by the unfinished structure towering above her. The skeleton of the building loomed against the backdrop of the city skyline, a symbol of the progress Lisa had made since leaving Korea. Workers moved about with purpose, the hum of machinery blending with the clatter of tools and the occasional shout of foremen.
Irene steeled herself, taking a deep breath. Seeing Lisa again after all these years felt overwhelming, especially considering the circumstances. She had rehearsed this moment in her head countless times, but nothing could prepare her for the real thing. Slowly, she approached the gate, her heart pounding in her chest.
The gate was massive, reinforced with steel and adorned with a prominent sign bearing the project's name. Irene pressed the intercom button, the sound of the doorbell echoing in the distance.
After a moment, a guard approached, his expression professional but firm. "Good afternoon, ma'am. How can I assist you?" he asked, his tone courteous but guarded.
Irene straightened her posture, trying to convey a sense of calm despite her nervousness. "Hello, I’m here to see Architect Lisa Manoban. Is she available?"
The guard shook his head, his expression apologetic. "I’m sorry, ma'am, but Architect Lisa doesn't allow any visitors during work hours. It's a strict policy she has in place to ensure productivity and safety on the site."
Irene's heart sank, but she wasn’t ready to give up. "I understand, but it's really important. Could you please just let her know I'm here?"
The guard's expression remained unchanged. "I wish I could help, but those are the rules. I'm sorry, but I can’t make any exceptions. If you’d like, you can leave a message and I'll make sure she gets it."
Irene shook her head, determination hardening her features. "Alright, I’ll wait. I’m not leaving until I speak with her."
The guard hesitated, clearly unsure how to proceed. "Ma'am, I really can’t allow that. It’s against our protocol."
Irene set her jaw, planting her feet firmly. "Then I’ll wait outside the gate if I have to. I’m not leaving until I see Lisa."
The guard sighed, clearly frustrated but also sympathetic. "Ma'am, it's going to be a long wait. Architect Lisa usually works late into the evening."
Irene nodded, resolute. "That’s fine. I’ll wait as long as it takes."
Seeing the determination in her eyes, the guard finally relented. "Alright, but please stay clear of the construction area for your safety. There’s a bench over there by the gate. You can wait there if you’d like."
"Thank you," Irene replied, her voice softening with gratitude.
She walked over to the bench and sat down, her mind racing with thoughts of what she would say to Lisa. The urgency of the situation propelled her forward, even as the minutes ticked by and the sun began its slow descent.
Hours passed, and the construction site hummed with the constant activity of workers and machinery. Irene stood nearby, her eyes fixed on the unfinished building. Every passing minute felt heavier as she reminded herself of the reason she was there—this wasn’t just for Jennie, but for Hyeong, a young boy whose life depended on finding a match.
Suddenly, the bell rang, signaling break time for the workers. Irene’s eyes scanned the crowd emerging from the building. Then, she spotted her—Lisa. She walked with a commanding presence, her stride confident, her attention focused on the plans in her hand, a look of concentration on her face.
Irene’s heart raced. This was the moment she had been waiting for. Taking a steadying breath, she stood up, ready to approach Lisa. No matter how difficult this conversation might be, she had to try. For Hyeong. There was no turning back now.
YOU ARE READING
Instant Regrets Book II
Fanfiction( You're reading Book II ) When Jennie family discovered the truth about her relationship with a married woman, they were unable to accept it, and she brought shame upon them. To preserve the Kim family's reputation and status, her father made a dra...
