Wishing For Your Love

Chapter Nineteen ~Enter... Ji-Yoon~

At around 4 PM, Jae was getting out of school. Since their usual ride was unavailable, he and Mona walked to the bus stop to wait.

As they stood there, Jae turned to her, his expression troubled. "Are you going to help me if my mom tries to take me back to America?"

Mona met his gaze. "How do you want me to help you?"

Jae shook his head. "I don't know. Just... promise me you won't let her take me back. Please."

Mona sighed, trying her best to spare his feelings. "Jae... I don't have control over that." She hesitated before adding, "I can't promise you anything, but I can help convince your dad not to let her take you. That's all I can do. I really wish I could do more."

She reached over, gently patting his hand resting on his lap.

Just then, the bus pulled up.

"Come on, let's go." Mona grabbed his hand, leading him onto the bus.

After the ride, they walked back home at a slow pace. As they approached the front door, Mona turned to see Jae dragging his feet.

"What's wrong?"

Instead of answering, he just stared at the ground.

Mona softened. "Why don't you go rest in your room? I'll let you know when your parents come home."

She guided him inside, walking him to his bedroom before heading to her own.

A sharp voice suddenly pierced through the house.

"Jae! Jae! Where are you?"

Mona rushed out of her room, her heart pounding. In the middle of the living room stood an elegantly dressed woman, her presence commanding attention.

The woman turned to Mona and, without a hint of warmth, ordered, "Get me a glass of water."

Startled, Mona quickly obeyed, rushing downstairs to the kitchen. As she was heading back with a glass in hand, Ivan stepped in front of the woman and took the cup from her.

"Here," he said coolly. "She's Jae's nanny, not your maid." He handed her the water himself.

"It's okay," Mona murmured, bowing politely.

Ivan, however, wasn't having it. He grabbed Mona's hand and led her upstairs.

"Stay here," he instructed firmly before shutting the door behind her.

From the hallway, Ji-Yoon's sharp voice rang out again.

"She's just a nanny. Why are you so protective of her?"

Ivan descended the stairs, his expression darkening. "Mind your own business. You can't just barge into my house like this. I told you—I'll bring Jae to your hotel when he agrees."

"And what if he never does?" she challenged, eyeing him defiantly.

"Then he doesn't," Ivan said flatly. "I'm not forcing him."

Ji-Yoon rolled her eyes and turned toward the staircase, her heels clicking against the floor. Ivan followed as she began opening doors, searching for Jae.

Jae had heard everything.

The moment the yelling started, he ran into Mona's room while she was downstairs. Heart pounding, he climbed into her closet and pulled the door shut.

Mona, now peeking from the doorway, watched as Ji-Yoon stormed out of Jae's room. Their eyes met.

Ji-Yoon wasted no time, marching straight toward her. She shoved Mona's door open and stepped inside.