Instant Regrets Book II

Chapter 55

Jennie stood at the sink, watching the water flow over her hands as if it could somehow wash away the confusion and heavy emotions she'd been wrestling with. Her second meeting with Lisa had stirred up things she thought she'd buried, and the sight of Amanda, standing confidently beside her, only added to the weight. Jennie couldn't deny Amanda's striking beauty-she was elegant, with a commanding presence that was impossible to ignore. There was something about her that made Jennie feel uneasy, but she couldn't put her finger on it.

She shook her head, trying to push those thoughts away. *Focus on Hyeong,* she told herself. But as she looked up into the mirror, trying to compose herself, she heard the door open. Jennie's stomach twisted as she saw Amanda step into the restroom.

The air between them instantly felt thick, suffocating, as if the room had shrunk. Amanda's eyes met Jennie's in the mirror, and for a moment, neither of them said anything. The tension was palpable, and Jennie could feel the possessiveness radiating from Amanda-her protective shield over Lisa, a reminder that Jennie was the outsider here.

Amanda broke the silence, her tone calm but tinged with an underlying edge. "So... how serious is your son's condition?"

Jennie turned slightly, trying to keep her emotions in check. Amanda's presence was intimidating, but Jennie wouldn't let herself be shaken. She took a steadying breath, choosing her words carefully. "Hyeong is in critical condition," Jennie said, her voice soft but steady. "The doctors have tried everything, but he needs a bone marrow transplant. We've been through the registry, but no match has been found."

Amanda crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing slightly as she absorbed the information. "And now you're asking Lisa to be tested because... she's his biological father?" The words hung in the air, loaded with more meaning than the simple question conveyed.

Jennie nodded, feeling the weight of Amanda's gaze on her. "Yes. The doctors believe she could be a potential match. That's why we're here."

Amanda's lips pressed into a thin line, her expression hard to read, but there was a flicker of something-perhaps annoyance or frustration-behind her eyes. "I just don't understand how this could happen," she said, her voice tightening. "With all the resources available, no donor, no match? It's hard to believe."

Jennie could feel the subtle accusation in Amanda's words, as if she was questioning the legitimacy of the situation or Jennie's motives. But Jennie remained calm, refusing to rise to the bait. "Believe me, we've exhausted every option. This isn't something I would put Lisa through if there was another way. I'm here because my son needs her."

Amanda's eyes softened slightly, but the tension between them lingered. She uncrossed her arms, stepping closer, her voice low but firm. "I understand Hyeong is your son, but Lisa... seeing her drawn back into your life like this-it's not easy for me, Jennie."

Jennie nodded, her heart tightening at Amanda's words. "I get that. I didn't come here to disrupt anything. I came because I had no other choice."

The two women stood in silence for a moment, the unspoken history between them filling the room. Amanda's possessiveness was clear, but Jennie could see the concern in her eyes too-concern for Lisa, for the situation, for everything that had suddenly resurfaced.

Jennie finally met Amanda's gaze directly, her voice quiet but resolute. "All I want is for my son to have a chance. That's it."

Amanda studied Jennie for a moment longer, her expression softening ever so slightly. She nodded, though the tension between them remained. "I understand," she said, her voice quieter now. "But this... it's a lot."

"I know," Jennie whispered, glancing down at the sink, trying to steady herself. "It is for all of us."

With that, Amanda gave a small, tight nod before turning and walking out of the restroom, leaving Jennie standing there, her heart heavy with the weight of everything left unsaid. The encounter had rattled her, but Jennie knew she couldn't let it distract her. She had to stay strong-for Hyeong, for whatever came next.

Jennie stepped out of the restroom, her mind racing from the tense encounter with Amanda. Her heart was pounding, and she could still feel the weight of Amanda's words hanging in the air. As she walked down the hallway, she struggled to shake the feeling of unease that had settled in the pit of her stomach.

The confrontation had been unexpected. She hadn't anticipated Amanda's overprotective stance, nor had she expected to feel the sharp sting of guilt that accompanied their conversation. Amanda was beautiful, confident, and had clearly built a life with Lisa. Jennie couldn't deny that. But knowing this didn't make things easier.

She paused by a window, the natural light pouring over her as she tried to calm her thoughts. The moment she saw Lisa again, it had brought back emotions she had buried for so long. And now, with Amanda in the picture, everything felt even more complicated.

Jennie leaned her forehead against the cool glass, her reflection staring back at her. "Focus on Hyeong," she whispered to herself. "That's all that matters."

But even as she said the words, the image of Amanda's concerned expression lingered in her mind. It wasn't just about Hyeong anymore. It was about the ripple effects that bringing Lisa back into her life had caused. The guilt of involving Lisa, the tension it created in her relationship with Jiyong, and now, the undeniable presence of Amanda-all of it was overwhelming.

She took a deep breath, pushing the thoughts aside as best as she could. For now, her priority was her son. That's what mattered. Everything else-Amanda's jealousy, Lisa's return, and her own unresolved emotions-would have to wait.

N/A I'll announce once I already add photo's to each chapter 🤧