Silent Vows

Part 19

Excusing themselves, they made their way through the crowd, heading toward him. Yn could feel her nerves intensifying as they got closer.

Jungkook glanced at Yn, whose eyes were fixed on the figure seated ahead. "Appa..." At the sound of her voice, both heads turned to see them standing behind.

Rising from his seat, he smiled warmly at her. "Annyeong, appa." He walked over, pulling her into a gentle hug. "Annyeong, my dear. How have you been?"

She smiled softly. "I'm fine." He then turned to Jungkook, exchanging smiles and greetings, while Yn's gaze fell upon another figure glaring at her. She sighed quietly and looked away.

"You didn’t greet me, dear..." came the voice, causing Yn to shift her gaze back. Jungkook was already looking at her, offering a reassuring smile.

Steeling herself, Yn offered a subtle smile. "Annyeonghaseyo! How are you?" The woman responded with a mockingly sweet smile, stepping forward to pat her shoulder.

"I'm doing pretty well!" she said, before turning to Jungkook. "Mind if I talk to her for a bit? You can go attend to your guests."

Jungkook glanced at Yn, who gave him a slight nod. He hesitated, exchanging a silent look with her instead of speaking. "I'll be back soon, don’t worry..."

He tried to protest, but stopped when he saw the pleading expression in her eyes. With a resigned sigh, he nodded and walked away, leaving her with the two of them.

Yn sat down, engaging in light conversation with her father, making sure he was in good health and catching up on small details.

After a while, Sophia interrupted with a seemingly innocent request. "Yn, I need to use the washroom. Could you show me the way?"

Aware of her true intentions, Yn sighed quietly and nodded. "I'll be back soon, appa. I'm sorry," Yn said, excusing herself as she led the way out of the hall.

She guided Sophia upstairs to their room, wanting to avoid causing any scenes. Sophia’s eyes roamed the space with an irritated expression.

Meanwhile, Jungkook stood with his group, engaging in conversation, but his gaze kept drifting toward Yn, keeping a close watch.

When he noticed her leaving, he let out a frustrated sigh, clenching his fists in annoyance.

Yn opened the door and they walked inside, with her closing it quietly behind them. Sophia stepped closer, eyeing her.

"Looks like you're pretty happy here, aren't you?" she remarked. Yn gave a small smile and nodded. "I am."

"Hmm… good for you. Enjoy it while it lasts, before the real game begins..." Sophia said cryptically, her words leaving Yn confused as she tried to read her expression.

"Oh, don’t overthink it, dear," Sophia added with a sigh. "You’ll find out soon enough."

Yn let out a soft sigh, her gaze fixed on Sophia. "What’s going on in your mind this time? Why can’t you just leave me alone? What have I ever done to you?"

"I’ve put up with you and your schemes just to keep things peaceful. Is that where I went wrong? Just tell me already!

I’m tired of your unreasonable, confusing hatred toward me... please," Yn pleaded, her voice heavy with frustration.

Sophia grinned, her hand resting on Yn's shoulder, her gaze icy. "You’re always so curious... Just keep doing what you do best—stay quiet, don’t fight back.

If you really want peace in your family, if you don’t want to lose your father... no daughter would ever want that, right?"

Tears welled in Yn's eyes, her heart sinking at the thought of her father being in danger. She took a sharp breath, her hands trembling as she spoke shakily.