Chapter 28: (Aaira's pov)
2 August, 2025.

The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. The sound of soft giggles and a gentle thud against my bed. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I woke abruptly to the sensation of someone jumping on my bed. Blinking awake, I saw Azura, her small form bouncing excitedly on the mattress. She clutched her stuffed kitten tightly, her eyes sparkling with innocent delight.

Azura: Morning, Aaira!

Her voice was cheerful, My shoulder ached, the pain that flared more with each of her jumps. Despite the discomfort, I couldn't help but smile at her energy. I noticed the familiar sight of a blood transfusion pipe connected to my hand, the clear fluid slowly dripping into my vein.

Aaira: Good morning, Azura.

She started to think something, her English still forming.

Azura: Aaira, you up now! I play!

She said, her words jumbled but filled with earnest excitement. I nodded, despite the discomfort.

Aaira: How are you today?

I asked, trying to keep my voice gentle and engaging, Azura beamed at me, her smile was infectious.

Azura: Good, good! Play with me!

She patted the bed beside her, I winced slightly as she landed near my injured shoulder, but I tried to hide my pain. As Azura continued to bounce, I noticed a nurse setting up a small array of medicine on the side table. The nurse had a gentle English accent, and her presence was oddly comforting. Azura reminded me of my Aimin, and the ache of missing him surged anew.

I watched as the nurse carefully arranged the medications,

Azura: Daddy say I come wake you!

She continued to bounce, clearly thrilled by the simple task. I reached out a hand to gently steady her, trying to ignore the sharp pangs of pain radiating from my shoulder.

Aaira: He did, did he? You're very energetic this morning.

Azura giggled. I glanced at the blood pipe connected to my hand, a reminder of the injuries I was still dealing with. The sight of it made my heart ache even more, as i tried to distract myself, and look at Azura, she made me think of Aimin and how much he must be missing me as I missed him. The nurse finished arranging the medicine and approached me with a warm smile.

Nurse: Good morning, Miss Aaira. How are you feeling today?

Aaira: Morning. By the way, urs Misses.

Nurse smiled at me awkwardly.

Nurse: Mrs. Stark?

Now I was taken aback, was she thinking I was Ian's wife ? I quickly corrected her.

Aaira: Mrs. Jeon.

She nodded, there was a sudden silence in the room suddenly someone shouted.

Azura: Jeon.

The nurse and i both gave each other an awkward smile.

Nurse: How do you feel ma'am?

Aaira: I'm managing. Just a bit sore.

Nurse: I'll be here to check on you regularly and administer your medications. If you need anything, don't hesitate to let me know.

I nodded, Azura finally settled down beside me, her excitement fading to a more subdued curiosity.

Azura: You okay, Aaira?

Aaira: I'm okay, Azura. Just a bit tired.

Azura: Daddy says you hurt a lot.

Her words were simple but heartfelt, and they touched me deeply. I nodded.

Aaira: Thank you, Azura.

Azura nodded.

Aaira: You're quite the morning person, aren't you ?

Azura giggled, before nodding.

Azura: Daddy says I'm up before sun always.

I smiled, touched by her sentence.

Aaira: Well, You've definitely brightened my day.

Azura: Daddy says I'm cute!

Her innocent proclamation, delivered with the kind of genuine pride only a child could have, tugged at my heartstrings. It was a simple statement, but It reminded me of my own son, Aimin, everything she does reminded me of him. I wondered what he and Jungkook were doing, how they were coping without me.

Azura looked at me with wide, pleading eyes.

Azura: Aaira, come downstairs. I'm hungry!

I nodded, though the pain in my shoulder made moving a bit difficult. The nurse helped me, carefully carrying the blood bag as we made our way downstairs. Azura's small hand clutched mine tightly, her excitement palpable.

When we reached the dining area, the aroma of breakfast filled the air. Ian was busy in the kitchen, stirring a pot of jeonbokjuk, a Korean abalone porridge. The rich, savory smell was comforting, but my stomach twisted with a mix of hunger and sadness.

Ian looked up and smiled as he saw us.

Ian: Good morning, Aaira. Azura.

Aaira: Good morning, Ian.

Ian: I'm making some jeonbokjuk for breakfast. It's supposed to be good for recovery.

I smiled weakly, feeling a bit better seeing his effort to help. Azura was practically bouncing as she waited for the food. The nurse set up a seat for me, and I tried to relax despite the pain.

As Ian continued cooking, Azura tugged at my sleeve.

Azura: I want to eat now!

I chuckled softly, trying to push aside the ache in my shoulder.

Aaira: I'm sure it will be ready soon. Let's just wait a little bit.

Ian looked over, nodding.

Ian: It should be ready in a few minutes. I'll make sure you get a good portion.

As we waited, I watched Azura play with her stuffed kitten, her earlier excitement now replaced with impatient curiosity about breakfast. The warmth of the kitchen and the smell of the porridge provided a small comfort amidst the lingering pain and worry.

Finally, Ian brought out bowls of jeonbokjuk, the porridge steaming and fragrant. He placed a bowl in front of me and Azura, who immediately dug in with delight. I took a spoonful, Ian sat down with us, with a small smile on his face.

Ian: How is it, Aaira?

Aaira: It's really good. Thank you.

Ian nodded, his eyes softening.

Ian: I'm glad you like it.

As we finished our breakfast, Azura's face lit up with a new idea.

Azura: Aaira, movie day today? Just us!

I blinked, trying to understand what she meant. My knowledge of the 1800s left me bewildered by her suggestion. Movies? I had no idea what they were. I had heard of plays and performances, but this concept was foreign to me. I tried to mask my confusion with a smile.

Aaira: Oh, that sounds... interesting.

Azura's eyes widened with excitement.

Azura: We sit and watch it. I have big screen!

Pretending I fully understood, i just nodded. Though my mind was racing with questions. A screen? Watching a story? I couldn't let Azura see my confusion. But honestly I didn't get a single word.

Aaira: That sounds wonderful, Azura. I'd love to join you for this... movie day.

Azura clapped her hands excitedly, and I followed her as she led me to a cozy room. There, I saw a large box with a glass front, and some chairs arranged in front of it. I sat down, trying to appear intrigued as Azura turned on the machine. The room darkened, and images began to move across the glass, accompanied by sounds I had never heard before.

I stared at the screen, my eyes wide with fascination. The images were vibrant and colorful, and the stories unfolding were like nothing I had ever imagined. I could feel a mix of wonder and awe, but I kept my expression calm, not wanting to reveal how utterly bewildered I was.

Azura settled beside me, her excitement palpable as she pointed out various things on the screen. I nodded, trying to keep up with the fast-moving images and sounds. The concept of moving images telling a story was both mesmerizing and confusing.

I tried to grasp the mechanics of it all, though it was clear that this was an entirely new and astonishing experience for me. As the movie played on, I watched with a sense of wonder. I was eager to learn more about this strange new world of movies and screens, all while keeping up the pretense of familiarity.

The whole day went by in a blur of colorful images and sounds from the strange box Azura had called a TV. We watched various things-stories, music, and people talking. Each new show brought with it a fresh wave of fascination and confusion. I found myself getting lost in the moving pictures, trying to piece together how such magic was possible.

Azura's excitement never waned. She pointed out her favorite parts, giggled at funny scenes, and snuggled closer to me during the more emotional moments. As the day turned to evening, Azura's energy finally started to fade. Her eyelids drooped, and she leaned heavily against me, her small body was warm and comforting. I stroked her hair, as she finally slept. Ian entered the room, He smiled as he saw us on the sofa, Azura was half-asleep in my arms.

Ian: Looks like someone had a busy day.

He sat down beside us, his gaze softening as he looked at Azura. He gently lifted her from my arms, cradling her.

Ian: I'll take her to her room. You wait here. I'll be back in a moment.

I nodded. As Ian carried her away, I let my thoughts wander back to Jungkook and Aimin. The day had been a strange mix of distraction and longing, and now, with the room quiet and the TV off, the ache of missing them returned with full force.

A few minutes later, Ian returned, settling himselft back on the sofa beside me. He looked at me with concern, his eyes searching for mine.

Ian: Aaira, do you want to go out and eat ice cream?

The question caught me off guard. I blinked, trying to understand what ice cream could be. It sounded like a dessert or treat, but I had no idea what it was. I hesitated and then shook my head, unsure of how to express my confusion.

Ian: What do you like?

I struggled to find the right words, feeling overwhelmed and unsure. Finally, I simply said.

Aaira: Nothing.

He couldn't provide me what I wanted, Ian just nodded, seemingly understanding my hesitation. After a moment of silence, he spoke again.

Ian: Aaira, I'm sorry for last night.

His words surprised me, and I looked at him, unsure of what he was apologizing for. The awkwardness of the situation made it hard for me to speak, but I managed to nod in acknowledgment.

Ian: I know it must have been difficult for you. I didn't mean to bring up anything that might hurt you.

I appreciated his attempt to make amends, and nod again.

Aaira: It's alright.

After some moments, he led me towards my room as he left for his, I managed to get some rest through the night, The bed was soft, and the room was quiet, but sleep didn't come easily. I kept shifting sides until I finally fall asleep

***
3 August, 2025.

When I finally woke up the next morning, my head pounded with a fierce headache. I lay there for a few moments, trying to shake off the throbbing pain that seemed to pulse in rhythm with my heartbeat. As the day started, the ache in my head was accompanied by a deep, dull pain in my heart.

My thoughts were consumed by Jungkook. I couldn't stop picturing his face, his expressions, and the way he had looked at me before everything had changed. My mind was filled with the fear that, if Jungkook ever found out about my situation, he would never forgive me or even spare a glance my way.

Tears began to fall uncontrollably as I lay in bed, the pain and worry was overwhelming me. My emotions were raw, and I felt utterly alone, despite the comforting surroundings and Ian's kindness. The weight of the reality that Jungkook might never understand or accept what had happened to me was almost too much to bear.

I buried my face in the pillow, trying to muffle my sobs. The room felt too quiet, too still, and the more I thought about Jungkook and my situation, the more intense the ache in my chest became. I longed for his presence, for his love, and the comfort of knowing that he cared for me.

As I cried, I wished for a way to bridge the gap between my current situation and the world I had left behind. The pain of separation from Jungkook and the uncertainty of what he might think of me gnawed at my heart, making it difficult to breathe through the sobs.

Eventually, my tears subsided, but the aching emptiness remained. I lay there, feeling drained and hopeless, hoping that the day ahead would bring some clarity or comfort, even as the thoughts of Jungkook continued to weigh heavily on my heart.

A soft knock on the door pulled me from my spiralling thoughts. Startled, I quickly wiped my tears, attempting to compose myself. I couldn't trust my voice, so I hummed in response, a faint sound that barely reached the other side of the door. It was Ian. He entered the room quietly.

Ian: Are you feeling alright?

I nodded again, he walked over to the bed and pulled a chair beside it, sitting down with a gentle grace. His eyes were filled with worry as he looked at me, searching for some sign of how I was truly feeling. I tried to avoid his gaze, focusing on random objects in the room-the pattern of the wallpaper, the folds in the curtains, anything but his eyes. I didn't want him to see the raw vulnerability that was etched on my face.

Ian: You sure, you're feeling alright?

Ian asked how I was feeling again, his voice soft and careful, as if he were afraid that anything louder might shatter me. I felt a lump form in my throat, but I managed a small nod, still avoiding his eyes. The effort to keep up appearances was exhausting, and I could feel my facade starting to crack. He leaned in closer.

Ian: Are you crying?

He asked, his voice laced with a tenderness that almost made me break down again. I shook my head quickly, the movement jerky and unconvincing.

Aaira: No, there's something in my eyes.

I replied, my voice cracking despite my best efforts. It was a poor lie, and we both knew it. Ian didn't press further. Instead, he reached out and gently placed his hand on mine. I didn't want to burden him with my pain, but at the same time, his presence was the only thing keeping me from drowning in it.

The truth was cruel, but true, I didn't want him, I didn't want to use him either, I was Jungkook, I want to go back to him. We sat in silence for a while, the room filled with the quiet hum of the morning.

I could hear the distant sounds of the house waking up, the faint clinking of dishes and the low murmur of voices. Ian stayed with me. He didn't try to force me to talk, didn't demand answers or explanations. He simply sat with me, his hand on mine, though I want to pull my hand away but it might seem rude.

I could see a worry attached to his features, he slowly withdrew his hands from mine, i felt relieved inside, He looks here and there for mere seconds, before her hesitated for a moment, he finally asked.

Ian: Aaira, if I may ask you something personal?

I nodded, unsure of where his question might lead. I just stayed calm, hoping it would be nothing related to the old couple.

Ian: Are you missing the same guy you were missing the other day?

His question took me for a moment, I stopped thinking about everything for two seconds, My mind went blank, he remembered it. I nodded again, my heart aching at the mere mention of Jungkook. Ian's gaze was gentle, yet probing.

Ian: May I ask, who is he?

Ian asked softly, his voice careful not to intrude too much. I stayed silent, my thoughts swirling. How much could I reveal? How much should I trust him? How much can I trust him with, it's not that he's a bad guy, but he doesn't know me that well either.

I thought about Jungkook, totally forgetting the world around me, I kept staring at the ring I was wearing for brief moments. I remember the day we got engaged he placed a ring on my left hand and said.

"You're mine mark that, from now on. Every time you feel fascinated towards some attractive men, look at this ring and remember you're marked Jungkook's wife."

I thought of the countless moments we had shared, and the pain of being away from him was almost unbearable. But i guess Ian deserves to know about him, even if a little, he does. Finally, I spoke, my voice barely above a whisper.

Aaira: He's my husband.

I said, trying to sound as normal as I could,

Aaira: I miss my husband.

I couldn't quite read Ian's reaction when I said that, he just stared at me for mere seconds. He chuckled before trying to speak. Why was his voice crackling now ?

Ian: You... you're married?

He stuttered, seemingly caught off guard. I just nodded, the reality of my words settling heavy, I can't afford to reveal more for the sake of my life, what the old man said was still haunting me, I didn't want to be a part of another lab test. He sighed, running a hand through his hair.

Ian: Those maids were talking...

He paused.

Ian: Was it true?

I looked at him with wary eyes, wondering how much the maids had gossiped about. I kept staring at him, expecting an answer about what the maids could have told him or gossip about? Did they tell him about Aimin. He sighed once more, clearly struggling to find the right words.

Ian: Do you have a son?

He asked, trying to sound as appropriate as he could. I felt a pang in my heart at the mention of Aimin. My heart ached, but I nodded, my voice soft and trembling.

Aaira: Yes, I have a son. His name is Aimin.

Ian nodded slowly, digesting the information. The room fell into a heavy silence, the only sounds being the distant hum of activity elsewhere in the house. I avoided looking at him, my gaze fixed on a spot on the floor, as I tried to hold back the torrent of emotions threatening to spill over.

Ian: Where is your husband?

His question hung in the air, piercing through the quiet. I hesitated, choosing my words carefully.

Aaira: He's not here.

Ian seemed to pity me. His expression softened, and he reached out a hand as if to offer comfort, but he stopped short, unsure of what to do.

Ian: I'm sorry, Aaira. I didn't realize...

I shook my head, cutting him off gently. I paused, taking a deep breath before continuing.

Aaira: He's alive, but he's not here right now. He's with our son. I'll go back to him soon. I can't reveal further.

Ian nodded in understanding, respecting my boundaries. The silence resumed, but it felt less oppressive now, more like a shared moment of reflection. I glanced around the room, taking in the soft hues of the morning light filtering through the curtains. The gentle rustling of leaves outside the window created a soothing backdrop.

Ian: If there's anything you need, or if you ever want to talk, I'm here.

His offer was sincere, and I appreciated his kindness. I nodded, managing a small smile.

Aaira: Thank you, Ian. You've been very kind.

He smiled back, though it was tinged with a hint of sadness.

Ian: I just want to help. You're going through so much, and I wish there was more I could do.

I appreciated his sentiment, but there were things he couldn't understand, things I couldn't share. The pain of separation from Jungkook and Aimin was a burden I had to bear alone, at least for now.

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"I tried to live my best, pushing past my fears, even the terror of you never returning, yet it all felt stifling."

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