THE BITCH CEO (Im Nayeon)

53

Nayeon went back inside the mansion after regaining her composure. Her steps were measured, but her mind was a whirlwind of emotions.

The moment she entered, she saw Haven sitting cross-legged on the carpet in the living room, a doll nestled in her lap.

"What are you doing, baby?" Nayeon asked softly as she lowered herself onto the couch near her daughter.

"Mommy.! I'm playing tea party with my doll." Haven chirped, her small face lighting up as she looked at Nayeon.

Nayeon smiled faintly, though her chest still felt heavy. She reached out to stroke Haven's hair, grounding herself in her daughter's innocence.

"Did Hans leave?" Nayeon's mother voice cut through the room, calm yet cautious as she approached with Haven's breakfast tray in hand.

"She asked." Nayeon murmured instead of directly answering, her gaze fixed on Haven.

Her voice was distant, but the weight of those two words filled the space with unspoken tension.

Mrs. Im froze for a moment, her eyes widening slightly as she processed Nayeon's words.

"Did you tell her?" She asked hesitantly, placing the tray on the coffee table with deliberate care.

"No. Of course, I denied it, Mom. And she has no right to Haven. She's my daughter, and I'm the only one who has the right to decide what's best for her." Nayeon replied firmly, finally meeting her mother's gaze.

Mrs. Im sighed, sitting down in the armchair across from her daughter.

"Nayeon, I know I have no place to interfere in your life anymore, but have you ever considered talking to Hans? To clear the air, for your own sake, if not hers?"

Nayeon's head snapped toward her mother, her eyes narrowing.

"Mom, it's been almost three years. Please don't bring that up again. It's suffocating."

"Hiding Haven from her isn't something you can do forever. The truth always has a way of coming out, whether you like it or not. And you know Hans, how persistent she is. She won't stop digging until she uncovers everything." Mrs. Im said gently but firmly.

Nayeon's jaw tightened, her eyes blazing with defiance.

"I will protect Haven, even if it costs me everything." She said, her voice steely with determination.

Mrs. Im sighed again, her gaze softening as she looked at her daughter.

"I know you will. But Nayeon, sometimes the things we think are protecting us are actually the things that hurt us the most."

Nayeon looked away, her throat tightening.

Mrs. Im hesitated for a moment, then spoke quietly.

"You love Haven more than anything, I know that. But I've also seen how much you loved Hans. And I've seen how much she's suffered since you left. She's not the person you think she is, Nayeon. She deserves a chance to explain her side of the story."

"What side are you on, Mom?" Nayeon's head snapped back toward her mother, disbelief written across her face.

"I'm not taking sides. I'm trying to help you. To give you some advice that might spare you regret later. Don't let pride or fear keep you from hearing her out. You might find that things aren't as black and white as they seem." Mrs. Im said gently but firmly.

"Mom, what are you trying to say? What aren't you telling me?" Nayeon scoffed, shaking her head in frustration.

"I'm saying you should give her a chance to talk. For her sake, for your sake, and for Haven's." Mrs. Im answered, her expression turned unreadable, her lips pressing into a thin line.