speak. （jenyong）

Prologue

JENNIE

        "JENNIE, ARE YOU sure you'll be alright here? You know you can always come with us," said her mom, the worried tone ever so evident in her mildly-trembling voice.

Jennie forced a smile and nodded. She assured her mother that it was alright even though she wanted to come with them, however she subconsciously figured that she'd just make their business trip harder for them. And that's exactly what she doesn'f want to do.

"Alright, princess.. I know you're strong, and you can handle yourself while we're away, right?"

She nodded again, wanting to assure her mother. Jennie wanted them to leave without any bother, without having any second thoughts, hence she was tying so hard to look fine. She supposed that she's already failing miserably with that one. Her mother's face showed it all.

On the other hand, she was confused of as to why she had to stay here, out of all places. Because in spite being close, Jennie knew that her mother can't fully trust the Lee family, taking into account that, ever since that night, the youngest Lee is not particularly fond of the Jennie.

With that said, she still couldn't help but to feel nervous just by the thought of it: Living under the same roof with Lee Taeyong.

Unfortunately, Taeyong is not aware of her inability to speak, and it became one of the reasons why Taeyong had come to despise her. He always thought that Jennie didn't want to talk with him anymore ever since what happened. But this time, Jennie was keen on letting him know..

Because he should know.

But, she doubts that he'll understand.

As her parents began to walk away from the mansion's exquisite doors and to their car, she watched them with an assuring smile. Her mother kept looking back, and Jennie could see it in her father's face that he was confident that she could handle it.

She supposes it's reassuring. Knowing that her father always trusted her, Jennie had felt a little bit confident. After all, all she ever wants is for her father to think that she's tougher than steel, but that's only because she likes it when he gets proud of her.

But it had turned into some kind of disadvantage now, her father had set up high expectations that in which Jennie knows she'll struggle reaching.

And her mother has always been aware of that burden Jennie carried ever since the day she was born.

"See you, Jennie," said her dad, with a firm tone. Jennie automatically stood straight and kept her chin up, she waved them good bye as she watched the van pass by the large gates and when they were finally on the road to the airport.

As soon as they left, she sighed. Ever since that night happened, she couldn't live a day without seeing her parents' face.

Now she will have to endure a whole month.

"Jennie?"

Upon the call of her name, she looked back; her lips immediately forming a soft smile the moment she saw Mrs. Lee. Jennie took note of how she had matured quite wonderfully, she still looked like the model she was ages ago. Meanwhile, the sight of the familiar young girl made Mrs. Lee's day a lot brighter. Frankly, she thinks of Jennie as the daughter she never had.

Every birthday, she would buy her beautiful designer dresses and shoes, knowing that Jennie always had fondness over fashion.

"Is that you?" she cooed, lightly gasping as she released a heartwarming smile. "How have you been?"