Chapter 5: (Aaira's pov)

Her words hit me like a slap, even though she hadn't touched me. I stared blankly at a corner of the room, tears streaming down my face. How much longer could I lie to myself? I didn't want to trust her; I just couldn't. I wanted to stay in the bubble where I believed Jungkook only loved me.

But her words echoed in my mind, refusing to be silenced. My breath came in shallow gasps, the weight of her revelation pressing down on my chest. I felt like I was suffocating, my heart pounding harder with each passing second. Could it really be true? Could Jungkook have known all along and still chosen her over me?

My thoughts spiraled out of control. I couldn't imagine a world where Jungkook didn't love me anymore. The possibility that he had moved on, that he had fallen for Y/n, was unbearable. My heart felt like it was being torn apart, each beat more painful than the last.

I wanted to scream, to cry out and release the agony building inside me, but I couldn't. I was paralyzed by the fear and heartbreak that her words had triggered. My whole world seemed to crumble around me, the foundation of my love for Jungkook shaken to its core.

I left the basement, my footsteps echoing through the dimly lit corridor. I ignored everyone I passed, their concerned glances barely registering in my mind. My heart felt like it was breaking, the pain almost too much to bear.

I found a quiet corner under the stairs and sank to the floor, my back against the cold stone wall. My chest ached, each breath coming in shallow gasps. The pain in my heart was intense, almost unbearable, a sharp reminder of my already weakened state.

I pulled my knees to my chest, wrapping my arms around them as if trying to hold myself together. Tears streamed down my face, I sat there, feeling utterly alone, her words keep coming back to me. The fear and doubt they had stirred up refused to be silenced, leaving me with nothing but the painful truth of my shattered illusions.

As I sat there, trying to catch my breath, a sudden thought pierced through the haze of my pain: Y/n's foot needed to be treated. I tried to gather myself, wiping away the tears with the back of my hand.

Slowly, I stood up, feeling the persistent ache in my heart. The pain was genuinely too much, but I knew I couldn't leave her in that state. My hate for her was still there, but I had to push it aside, at least for now.

I searched desperately for the first aid kit. I checked room after room, praying to find what I needed to alleviate her pain. Each moment felt like an eternity, cause my heart was hurting endlessly. Finally, after what seemed like an endless search, I spotted the kit tucked away in a cabinet near the end of the corridor.

As I held the kit in my hands. I knew what it felt like to scream for help and feel utterly alone. I knew the deep ache of craving someone's care and the desperate yearning for someone to come and mend my wounds.

Grabbing the kit, I hurried back to the basement where she was held captive. Her cries had subsided into labored breaths by the time I returned, her defiance giving way to a vulnerable silence. Kneeling beside her, I set the first aid kit down and gently examined her injured feet. The sight of the raw, inflamed wounds made my heart ache.

I was grateful for the medical knowledge my family had instilled in me. This was how royal upbringing worked, preparing a child to be perfect for every situation, ready to handle any crisis. As I carefully cleaned the burns and applied soothing ointment, I could feel the tension in her body gradually easing.

Y/n flinched at my touch but didn't pull away. Her wounds were severe, clear evidence of neglect and suffering. With careful hands, I worked methodically to ease her pain. The room was silent except for the soft sobs coming from me.

Despite the harsh words she had thrown at me, I couldn't let her suffer. Yet, her accusations haunted me. I tried to push them out of my mind, to focus solely on the task at hand. Jungkook's love for me was not replaceable, wasn't it? He couldn't have been happy living with her, could he?

Aaira: This will help with the pain.

My voice was cracking. Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, but ignoring her, I continued to tend to her wounds, Though her words still haunted me, I vowed to hold onto my faith in Jungkook. He had only ever loved me, and no matter what Y/n said, I had to believe in that love.

With each bandage I wrapped around her injuries, I tried to wrap up my own doubts, to seal them away and focus on jungkook. For now, jungkook was all that mattered.

Y/n: I'm sorry.

Aaira: Doesn't matter.

Y/n: But I'm actually sorry.

Aaira: Stop saying sorry, as if what you said wouldn't haunt me for life.

Y/n: But what I said true.

I paused, feeling her words, they added more to my ache. She had managed to hit a nerve, shattering the last remnants of hope I clung to. She was enjoying this, wasn't she? Watching me suffer, seeing the cracks form in my resolve.

It was as if she reveled in my pain, taking satisfaction in breaking me bit by bit. Her words were like a poison, spreading through my veins and corroding the trust I had in my husband. The way she looked at me, with pity and triumph, made it clear she relished every moment of my anguish.

It felt like she was pulling apart the very fabric of my soul, scattering all my hopes for my marriage little by little. The pain was mirroring the wounds I was tending to. I struggled to keep me awake, to not let her see just how deeply she had wounded me.

Aaira: No matter what you say, You're still here wounded cause he thinks you hurt me, so what you said just doesn't matter to me.

Y/n: You think so, Then why are you crying.

My hands stopped.

Aaira: None of your concern.

Y/n: Why the hell are you blind to see what Jungkook does to you ?

Aaira: WHAT HE DOES TO ME, HUH ? WHAT DO YOU KNOW ?

I shouted with all my will, she can't judge us without knowing our relationship, she doesn't even know who I am and who Jungkook was for me, who have

I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper, even though my voice was cracking I just looked down, she just hummed in response.

Y/n: Then why the fuck are you helping ?

I started to tend her hand.

Aaira: Because no one deserves this.

She paused for two minutes, I didn't sense any movement coming from her side, I gently tended to her wounds, the room filled with an uneasy silence, soobin still looked down, what was up with him, I had no idea. The silence was interrupted only by my quiet sobs. But her voice broke the silence, suddenly.

Y/n: What did my parents do to you?

Her question stirred up memories I had long tried to bury. I hesitated, my hands pausing momentarily in their task. I Tried to stay calm and hide my trembling hands, I tried to hide my vulnerable state in front of her. So, I resumed cleaning and bandaging her burns.

Aaira: They...

My mind went blank, I stayed silent. I continued tending to her burns, focusing on the task to avoid confronting the painful past.

Y/n: Please tell me... who are they? How horrible could they be? I've heard different things from everyone about them. Now it's your turn.

Tears streamed down my face unstoppably, I couldn't hide the pain in my heart, forever. But this was just not the right time to confront it. I managed a strained smile, not saying a word.

Y/n: Aaira, I'm asking you something.

Aaira: PLEASE DON'T FORCE ME, I NEED TO FORGET IT.

I shouted, she nodded and looked down, for the first time soobin said something.

Soobin: Don't force her y/n, let her be, we don't care about her or her past.

Y/n: I want to understand, Aaira, Please. This is important for me, they are my parents. tell me what happened to you. How did all of this start?

Aaira: I SAID SHUT UP.

My anger flared. She was crossing all the limits to hurt me to the extent now. I quickly stood up and gagged her mouth with the cloth again, doing the same for Soobin, who still didn't say anything, and walked out.

Leaving the basement, I tried to ignore everyone around me. My heart aching unbearably. It had already been weak, and now it hurt even more.

As I walked upstairs, I saw Aimin, sleepy in Scarlet's embrace. I forced a smile, Aimin saw me and, with his usual energy, came rushing over. I quickly picked him up, holding him close.

Aimin: Mumma, cry you?

His innocent question tugged at my heart. I shook my head, not wanting my 3-year-old to know more than he needed to.

Aaira: No, sweetie, just a little tired.

Aimin's little eyebrows furrowed with concern as he studied my face, clearly not convinced.

Aimin: But Mumma, your eyes red. You sad?

I kissed his forehead and tried to sound reassuring.

Aaira: No, my love. Mumma is just a bit sleepy. No need to worry.

Aimin: Why sleepy? Bad dreams?

Aaira: No, Aimin, no bad dreams. Just a long day, that's all.

Aimin wasn't ready to let it go. His tiny fingers traced my cheek as he looked into my eyes.

Aimin: Mumma, no lie. Aimin see Mumma cry.

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my composure. His concern was genuine, and it touched me deeply, but I didn't want to burden him with my pain. He looks exactly like Jungkook, as he was admiring me, it was as if baby Jungkook was admiring me.

Aaira: Sometimes grown-ups get tired and a bit sad, but it's nothing for you to worry about, okay? Mumma will be fine.

Aimin pouted, still not entirely convinced.

Aimin: Promise?

Aaira: I promise, my love. Everything will be okay.

He wrapped his tiny arms around my neck, hugging me tightly. I held him close, finding solace in his warmth and love.

Scarlet, watching from nearby, offered me a sympathetic smile. She knew I needed a moment, so she gently placed a hand on my shoulder.

Scarlet: If you need any help or just want to talk, I'm here for you, Aaira.

I nodded, grateful for her support. For now, though, all I wanted was to hold Aimin and let his innocence and love wash over me, healing some of the pain in my heart.

Aaira: Thank you, Scarlet. I appreciate it.

I looked at Aimin, who was now resting his head on my shoulder, his small fingers still clinging to me.

Aaira: Let's go find a quiet place to sit, okay?

Aimin: Okay, Mumma. I stay with you.

I carried Aimin up to the seventh floor, to our floor. As I set him on the bed, I tried to make him sleep, but he was playing with his fingers, his eyes shining as he pouted, trying to say something. He looked so much like Jungkook, a miniature version of him.

Aaira: Aimin, what is it? Do you want to tell Mumma something?

He looked at me with those big, doe, innocent eyes, my heart melted a little.

Aimin: Mumma, why you cry? Aimin make Mumma happy?

I smiled softly, brushing his hair back from his forehead.

Aaira: You always make Mumma happy, Aimin. It's just...sometimes grown-ups have a lot on their minds. But seeing you happy makes everything better.

Aimin: Aimin stay with Mumma forever. No cry, okay?

His earnest declaration touched me deeply. I pulled him closer, hugging him tightly.

Aaira: Okay, my love. No more crying. Just happy times with you.

He snuggled against me, his little fingers tracing patterns on my arm. As I watched him, I couldn't help but admire how much he resembled Jungkook. The same bright big eyes, the same determined pout, same bunny alike face. Even in my heartache, his presence brought peace.

Aaira: Do you know how much Mumma loves you, Aimin?

Aimin: Lots and lots?

Aaira: Yes, lots and lots. More than you can imagine.

He giggled softly, a sound that brought a genuine smile to my face. I lay beside him, holding him close as he slowly drifted off to sleep. His breathing became steady, I could feel his warmth seeping into me, easing some of the ache in my heart.

As I lay there, watching him sleep, I reminded myself that no matter how complicated things were with Jungkook or Y/n, Aimin was all mine.

Aaira: Sweet dreams, my little one.

I whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. As he slept, I kept looking at him. Holding his tiny hands firmly in mine. I couldn't shake the feeling that my time was running out, I had a feeling for no reason, that I was about to die. The thought terrified me, but I couldn't bring myself to tell anyone. It was a burden I carried alone.

Just then, Jungkook came into the room. My eyes flickered to him, and her words echoed in my mind, stirring me up inside. He gave me a small smile, then walked over and kissed my forehead tenderly before heading to the closet.

Jungkook: Hey, how's our little one?

Aaira: He's sleeping now.

I tried to keep my voice normal, though it still cracked somewhere, my throat made it difficult to form a sentence without breaking it. Jungkook noticed something was off and paused, turning back to look at me.

Jungkook: You okay, Aaira?

Aaira: Yeah, just...tired.

He frowned slightly, concern was etched on his face. He came back to the bed, sitting down beside me and taking my hand in his.

Jungkook: Are you sure? You can tell me if something's bothering you.

I looked into his eyes, the same eyes that held so much love and care for me, but also the eyes that Y/n too had looked into. I just shook my head, I couldn't let him see how deeply it affected me, How deeply it was hurting me.

Aaira: I'm fine, really. Just a lot on my mind.

Jungkook: What a lot my love ?

Aaira: Nothing to worry about.

Jungkook: How not to worry, tell me ?

His persistence made my heart ache even more. I wanted to tell him everything, to lay my fears bare, but I couldn't bring myself to burden him anymore.

Jungkook: Please, Aaira. You're not yourself. Let me in.

Aaira: Jungkook, it's nothing, really. Just... some old memories resurfacing, I guess.

Jungkook: Memories? What kind of memories?

I hesitated, feeling trapped. His eyes bore into mine, pleading for honesty. But how could I tell him that I felt my life slipping away? That Y/n's words had stirred something deep and unsettling within me? That no matter what I do her word would never leave me.

Aaira: Just... the past, you know? Things that happened before. It's hard to forget sometimes.

Jungkook: You don't have to carry that alone, Aaira. Whatever it is, we'll face it together, tell me ?

I looked away, tears threatening to spill over. His sincerity was a knife to my heart, cutting through the walls I had built around my fears.

Aaira: I know, Jungkook. But some things are just too painful to share right now. I don't want to hurt you.

He took my hand, his touch gentle.

Jungkook: I'd rather be hurt by the truth than be comforted by a lie. Please, Aaira. Trust me.

His words hit hard, and I took a shaky breath, trying to gather my thoughts. But I couldn't do it. I couldn't bring myself to speak the words that actually needed to be confronted.

Aaira: I... I just need time. Please understand.

Jungkook nodded, though the worry in his eyes didn't fade.

Jungkook: Alright. Just know I'm here for you, always. Now, scoot over. I'll sleep hugging you too.

I shifted slightly to make room for him, and he gently lay down behind me, wrapping his arms around me in a comforting embrace. His familiar scent surrounded me, it always made me feel safe. Aimin was still asleep beside us, his small breaths were steady and peaceful.

Jungkook: I love you, Aaira.

I wanted to cry, to let out all the pain and fear that had built up inside me, but I couldn't let him see my tears. I couldn't let him see my bleeding heart. Instead, I focused on his embrace, the way his body fit perfectly against mine. His presence was a medicine, even if it couldn't heal everything.

Jungkook: Remember, you can always lean on me.

I nodded, though my throat felt tight with unshed tears.

Aaira: I know, Jungkook. I know.

He held me tighter, and I closed my eyes, willing myself to find some measure of peace in his arms. As we lay there, i finally drifted back to sleep.

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"Each word she told me was a dagger to my heart, and now I bleed from wounds I never saw coming."

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