IS IT TIME FOR ME TO GIVE UP?

29

Jennie's POV

I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Their faces were so close that it seemed like Irene's face was almost covering Lisa's. My mind raced, trying to make sense of it all, every thought more painful than the last.

Were they really...

No way...

Irene was always so determined to follow through on her words, but why was she in such a hurry to get Lisa away from me?

Had she already confessed to Lisa?

Had Lisa realized that she actually liked Irene too?

Were they meant for each other all along?

No way... Please, no.

I was so consumed by my chaotic thoughts that I didn't notice I was already making eye contact with Lisa. The intensity of her gaze felt like it was pulling me under, drowning me in a sea of emotions. Mustering all my strength, I commanded my feet to move. Once I found the energy, I took a step back, our eyes still locked, before quickly turning around and walking away.

I stumbled through the crowd, receiving glares and curses. Some people even yelled at me as I carelessly bumped into passersby, but I didn’t care. I was desperate to get away from there, away from the painful sight.

I kept walking, my feet seemingly unwilling to stop despite my growing exhaustion. The world around me became a blur as I moved mechanically, my thoughts spiraling into a dark abyss. Eventually, I reached the company building, just a few steps away from my office, when I saw Bambam and Seulgi heading in my direction.

"I'm happy for you and Sana..." I heard Seulgi say to Bambam from distance. They seemed to notice me as our paths were about to cross.

"Well, I wish our Lisa would soon find her happiness too. She's been miserable for years..." Seulgi said again, raising her voice slightly to make sure I heard. "Mina and her look perfectly great together," she added, shaking her head in apparent disappointment.

Their words cut through me like a knife. I kept my eyes forward and continued walking until they passed me. I quickly entered my office and slumped into my chair, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on me.

A mirthless laugh escaped my lips as I realized just how much everyone hated me. I thought it was just my father, but now even our friends despised me. Lisa was the only one who stayed by my side, and yet I had managed to make her hate me too.

So funny, Jennie Kim.

So funny.

"Rubyjane," a familiar voice called, making my body move automatically as I stood up from my seat and met my father's stern eyes.

"D-Dad." I didn't know the reason for his visit, but his unpleasant demeanor made it clear that it wasn't good.

"Aren't you done showing how worthless you are?" His words hit me like a punch to the gut. My nerves intensified, even though I was puzzled by his accusation.

"W-What do you mean, Dad?" His stern gaze made me even more nervous as he took a step towards me.

"Marco told me his daughter is still pushing for the divorce," he said. I gulped before speaking.

"Dad..." But he quickly cut me off.

"If necessary, kneel down or kiss her feet, Rubyjane. I won't let you waste everything I've done for this company. Be useful for once." His harsh words echoed in my mind, each one a reminder of my failures. I accepted his tirade without protest, knowing I wouldn't win this argument. Assuming my dad was done venting his frustrations, I raised my head and saw him exiting my office, leaving his heavy words behind.

I wished I had stayed with the life I had years ago, a time when I was genuinely happy, laughing without a care in the world. I could easily escape everything and be with the person who made me the happiest despite my imperfections.

I wished I could turn back time to when I was used to be happy...

"Uh... Ms. Kim?" a voice interrupted my thoughts, bringing me back to reality. I looked at the person who knocked on my door and saw Lisa's secretary.

"C-Come in." I sat up properly and composed myself as she walked towards my desk.

"Here are the files from Ms. Lisa," she said, handing me the documents she was carrying. After placing them on my desk, she was about to leave when I asked if Lisa was back.

"Ms. Lisa informed me that she wouldn't be able to return today," the secretary explained.

"Did she tell you the reason?" I asked. The secretary politely shook her head, saying Lisa only mentioned she had something important to do.

'Oh, she's that important,' I thought bitterly.

"Thank you, you may go," I said with a forced smile as she bowed and left.

I started wondering what they were talking about, what they were doing, and where they were. Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice I was creating different scenarios in my head where Lisa and Irene were holding hands, smiling at each other, and planning to go far away from me.

Argh! Damn.

Just thinking about it made my heart throb with fear. I was merely imagining it, but Lisa had already experienced everything because of me and Kai.

I had no right to stop Irene. If I did before, it's different now. Hurting Lisa was like giving someone else a chance to take her away from me.