Silent Vows

Part 31

The air was thick with tension, heavy with the weight of unspoken words. The only sounds were the gentle hum of the engine and the rhythmic rise and fall of their breaths.

Yn sat in quiet stillness, her expression unreadable, her gaze lost in the passing world outside.

Her silence spoke louder than words. He could sense the storm brewing within her, and it unsettled him.

Without a word, he reached out, his fingers gently wrapping around hers, offering a reassuring squeeze as his eyes searched for hers.

Yn flinched slightly, snapping out of her thoughts as she met his gaze. “You okay, love?” His voice was gentle, laced with worry. She gave a small nod.

“Yeah… I’m okay. Don’t worry.” A faint, fragile smile curved her lips, and his heart clenched at the sight.

Minutes stretched like hours until they finally arrived at their destination—the hospital. Jungkook pulled into the parking lot, turning off the engine before they both stepped out.

Locking the car, he reached for her hand once more, his thumb tracing soft circles against her skin. With a reassuring nod, he guided her inside.

Yn remained quiet, her palms clammy, her heartbeat drumming in her ears. The weight of uncertainty pressed down on her, making each breath feel heavier.

Stepping inside, they approached the reception desk. With slightly trembling fingers, she pulled out her phone, dialing the familiar number.

Seo-jun’s voice came through, as he gave her the details. She ended the call and hurried towards the elevator, Jungkook by her side.

The ride to the upper floor was quiet, tense. And when the doors finally slid open, her eyes immediately found him—Seo-jun, standing a short distance away, just outside the operation theater.

Her feet felt heavier with every step as she made her way toward him, her chest tightening with apprehension. “Uncle Seo-jun…”

Her voice wavered, barely above a whisper. He turned at the sound, his gaze softening as he took in the worry etched across her face.

“W-where’s Appa? What happened to him?” The words left her lips shakily, each syllable laced with fear.

Seo-jun sighed, stepping closer, his hand reaching out to gently pat her back. “He’s fine, Yn. Don’t worry too much. You’re here now, and that’s what matters. Your Appa will be perfectly fine.”

But she shook her head, her eyes searching his, unwilling to accept the comfort he offered. “He’s not fine. Stop lying to me.”

Her gaze swept across the dimly lit corridor, desperate, searching—until it landed on the one person she had been looking for. Without another word, she walked past Seo-jun, her movements slow but determined.

Jungkook instinctively stepped forward, ready to follow her, but Seo-jun reached out, stopping him with a shake of his head.

Yn walked toward her, each step measured, heavy with emotion. As she neared, Sophia finally took notice, turning to face her with a raised brow.

Yn stopped just in front of her, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, her voice barely above a whisper. “What did you do…? What did you do to him?”

Sophia let out an exaggerated sigh, rolling her eyes as she crossed her arms over her chest. Her gaze was sharp, cutting straight through her. “What are you talking about? I did nothing.”

Yn’s hands clenched into tight fists at her sides as she struggled to stay composed. “Don’t play innocent. What did you do to my dad? Didn’t I warn you to stay away from him? To keep your filthy tricks far from him?”