Star-Crossed Lovers Of The 1850s (JJK ff)

CHAPTER 10

Louisa's head dropped, her forehead almost touching the ground as the weight of Jungkook's rejection crushed her. Her eyes, brimming with tears, still sought out his, desperately clinging to the faintest glimmer of hope. But Jungkook refused to meet her gaze, his resolve hardened against the vulnerability etched on her face.

"Sorry," Louisa whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of her own heartbeat. "I'm sorry to bother you. I'm sorry for my actions, for making you uncomfortable." The words tumbled out, a sorrowful apology for daring to reveal her feelings.

"I know it's hard to forget someone who gave them happiness," Louisa continued, her voice cracking beneath the weight of emotion. "But I'll try, Jungkook. I'll try to forget about you." The promise was a painful one, torn from the depths of her shattered heart.

The silence that followed was oppressive, heavy with unspoken emotions. Jungkook's lips remained sealed, his jaw set in determination. He couldn't afford to show weakness now, not when Louisa needed to move on.

With a quiet resolve, Louisa pushed herself upright, her eyes red-rimmed and puffy. She took one last look at Jungkook, searing his image into her memory before turning to leave. The soft rustle of her footsteps echoed through the air, a poignant reminder of her departure.

Jungkook's gaze remained fixed on the ground until Louisa's figure disappeared from view. Only then did he allow himself to look up, his eyes tracking her receding form. His heart ached, the pain a palpable thing.

But it was for the best, he told himself firmly. This rejection would ultimately save them both from a messy, impossible relationship. Jungkook's resolve hardened, his jaw set against the lingering emotions.

As the silence stretched out, Jungkook's thoughts turned to Louisa, wondering if she would find the strength to move on. He hoped she would, for her sake.

The sound of the door closing behind Louisa echoed through the room, a stark reminder of the chasm that now separated them.

Louisa stumbled into her room, the door creaking shut behind her as she collapsed onto the bed, overcome with emotion. Tears streamed down her face, her body wracked with sobs, as the weight of Jungkook's rejection crushed her.

She buried her face in her pillow, the soft fabric muffling her cries as she released the pent-up emotions of the past hour. Her mind replayed the moments she shared with Jungkook - his gentle smile, his infectious laughter, the way he made her feel alive.

Jungkook was different from the others, Louisa thought, her heart aching. He didn't view her as inferior or weak, unlike the men in her societal circle, including Edward. Edward, with his dominant demeanor, represented everything she despised about patriarchal norms.

But Jungkook...he made her believe in love again. His kindness, empathy, and genuine interest in her thoughts and feelings had awakened a part of her she thought was lost forever.

Louisa's thoughts swirled, memories of Jungkook flooding her mind. She recalled the way he listened to her, the way his eyes sparkled when he smiled, and the way his presence made her feel seen and valued.

The pain of his rejection cut deep, but Louisa knew she couldn't settle for anyone who didn't cherish her for who she was. Jungkook may not love her back, but he had shown her that true love was possible - love built on mutual respect, trust, and understanding.

Louisa lay on her bed, a crying mess, her body wracked with uncontrollable sobs. Her face was stained with tears, her eyes red-rimmed and puffy. The weight of Jungkook's rejection crushed her, leaving her breathless and shattered.

Just then, Ema entered the room, carrying a gentle smile and a warm invitation to dinner. But her expression faltered as she took in Louisa's distraught state. Shock registered on her face.