Chapter 40: (Aaira's pov)

The first light of dawn was barely beginning to touch the horizon when Jungkook left, really very early in the evening. I slowly rose from the bed, I was still not okay with the fact that Jungkook had left me like this, my legs trembling as I moved towards the kitchen. I needed something to occupy my mind with, something that might give me a momentary escape from everything that's happening in my life.

The kitchen was quiet, the birds were chirping outside, I took a deep breath as I approached the hearth, the cool morning air seeped through. I decided to prepare a simple French dish. I set my sights on making a classic crêpe.

My mother was French, so she used to make this dish for me when I was a child, First, I gathered the ingredients. Flour, eggs, milk, a touch of butter, and a pinch of salt. I took a bowl and sifted the flour into it, creating a small mound.

I made a well in the center and cracked the eggs into it. Using a whisk, I gradually incorporated the flour with the eggs, creating a smooth mixture. Slowly, I added the milk, bit by bit, until the batter was smooth and slightly runny.

In a small pan over the fire, I melted a small amount of butter, ensuring it coated the entire surface. Once the butter was hot but not smoking, I poured a thin layer of batter into the pan, tilting it to spread it evenly. The batter cooked quickly, turning golden brown on one side before I flipped it to cook the other. I repeated this process, stacking the crêpes as they finished.

With the crêpes made, I prepared a simple filling of fresh fruit and a sprinkling of powdered sugar. I carefully rolled each crêpe and arranged them neatly on a plate. As I set the crêpes aside, I turned my attention to making a refreshing, healthy drink to accompany them.

I reached for a few ripe apples, which I washed and peeled before slicing them into small pieces. I placed the apple slices into a mortar and pestle, grinding them into a coarse pulp. In a small saucepan, I heated water until it was just below boiling.

I then poured it over the apple pulp, allowing it to steep for a few minutes to extract the natural juices. I stirred the mixture occasionally, ensuring the flavors melded together. After straining the apple mixture through a fine cloth to remove any solids, I added a touch of honey for sweetness.

I poured the drink into a glass jug, adding a few fresh mint leaves for a hint of freshness. The resulting apple-mint infusion was a simple yet invigorating beverage, perfect for starting the day with a touch of comfort.

As I held the plate of crêpes and the jug of apple-mint infusion, I made my way down to the basement. The basement was cold and dimly lit, opposite to the warmth of the kitchen I had just left.

The door creaked open, and I stepped inside, my eyes immediately falling on Y/n. She was shackled, sitting against the wall, her posture tired but defiant. I approached her silently.

Without a word, I reached for the gag that was strapped tightly around her mouth. As I removed it, her eyes widened in surprise. She stared at me, her expressions were a mix of shock and curiosity.

Y/n: What happened to you? You look different...

I didn't respond. Instead, I placed the plate of crêpes in front of her, my gaze fixed on the food rather than on her face. I hated her-hated the way she had twisted my life, the pain she had caused. Yet, here I was, offering her food as if to somehow reconcile or justify my actions.

I crouched down before her, my eyes roaming over her form. Her wounds were healed now, the bandages gone, revealing skin that had mended over time. I had no idea how long she had been down here, the days blending together in a blur of suffering and numbness for me.

She picked up a crêpe cautiously, her hands trembling slightly. She took a bite, chewing slowly as she looked at me, her gaze scrutinizing.

Y/n: Why are you doing this?

Her voice was softer now, she ate quietly, her eyes occasionally flicking up to meet mine. I remained silent, unable to articulate the chaos within me, the confusion over why I was compelled to offer her something of comfort despite everything.

I watched her eat, the crêpes disappearing one by one.

Y/n: You're different now. I can see it in your eyes.

Her words cut through the silence, and I finally met her gaze. There was a sadness in her eyes, perhaps even a hint of understanding, but I couldn't tell. The hatred I felt for her was not enough for me to not help her, she has bought me here and i can't help but to be thankful over and over again.

As I leaned against the wall, finally sitting beside Y/n, tears began to stream down my face. The weight of everything I had been through, the pain and conflict, seemed to pour out with each sob. I had tried so hard to suppress these emotions, but now, in this dimly lit basement, I could no longer hold them back.

Aaira: How often Jungkook used to visit you here ?

I asked her slowly, she looked at me curious.

Y/n: He never did.

I looked at her shocked, what does she mean by he never did.

Y/n: The day you were brought here, by me and soobin, it was the last day, I had seen him.

Aaira: What do you mean?

Y/n: Means no one visit here, except of some maids, who brought me food, take me to the restroom, or give me a bath.

I was shocked at her confession, I thought Jungkook had been torturing her all this while at nights.

Aaira: You mean he doesn't visit you ?

Y/n: Na...aa.. Soobin said he'll stay as a hostage here in return Jungkook wouldn't ever return here.

Aaira: And Jungkook agreed ?

She fell silent for two minutes, before continuing.

Y/n: Those times, Jungkook used to be so worried for you, and your health, I don't know i heard maids saying you were in coma, or something, I never believed them though.

Things make sense now, that's why soobin was kept hostage.

Aaira: Well...

Y/n: I thought you were faking to be in coma so that you don't have to confront me.

Aaira: It's not true.

Y/n: I didn't knew it before.

I chuckled.

Aaira: Where's soobin.

Y/n looked at the corner where soobin used to be, before she took a deep breathe.

Y/n: Well one night Soobin got really sick, so they had to move him out of this place, after all he is Jungkook's cousin brother.

I looked down, but a question came in my mind, i decided to ask her.

Aaira: Do you have feelings for Soobin ?

She fell silent for two minutes, I could see her eyes closing then opening afterwards, as she was searching for an answer.

Y/n: It's complicated...

I didn't want to press further, so I nodded.

Aaira: It's okay, you don't have to share.

Y/n: You never told me what my parents did to you.

I took a deep sigh, I never told her because I knew it would break her heart if I did.

Aaira: It'll break your heart.

She sighed.

Y/n: It's fine, I'm already broken enough, nothing hurts me anymore.

Aaira: I wouldn't like it.

Y/n: Say it, Aaira.

I stared at her for some brief moment to see if there was any denial in her eyes, but she was confident enough to listen it. I prepared myself for what I was about to say.

Aaira: You're not their real daughter.

Y/n: I know...

Aaira: You know ?

I was shocked to hear that she knows, if she does why was she pretending to be their daughter all these years ?

Y/n: Soobin told me.

Oh, now it makes sense.

Aaira: They kidnapped you or something, I don't know.

Y/n: I know.

Maybe she must know about the real Moon Y/n as well ?

Aaira: The real Moon Y/n, Died when she was four.

Her eyes wideneded, and in a blink of eyes, she shouted.

Y/n: WHAT ?

Aaira: It's true.

She was taken aback for some brief moments, she couldn't believe half of the things I was seeing.

Tears continued to stream down her face, the façade she had maintained for so long crumbled before my eyes. Her breaths came in shaky gasps as she struggled to process the gravity of what I had shared.

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

Her voice was barely a whisper, trembling with the weight of her curiosity and sorrow. Her eyes searched mine, desperate for answers, even as they shimmered with tears. I took a deep breath, steeling myself as I began to recount the horrors I had endured. My voice trembled, the memories of my suffering replaying vividly in my mind.

Aaira: They kept me there for weeks, locked away and isolated, they hurt me every way possible, nearly killed me. Their intentions were anything but kind.

Y/n: They never did that to me.

Aaira: You were different Y/n.

Y/n: What they exactly did ?

I looked down, trying to calm myself.

Aaira: They conducted brutal experiments, torturing me both physically and emotionally. They used devices to inflict pain and manipulated me into thinking I was someone I wasn't. They wanted to break me down, to force me into submission.

As I spoke, her face grew pale, her hands clenching into fists as she struggled to control her emotions. Her shoulders shook with silent sobs, and she tried to wipe away her tears, but they continued to fall uncontrollably.

Y/n: I'm so sorry, Aaira. I had no idea...

Her words were filled with genuine remorse, and they struck a chord deep within me. I nodded.

Aaira: I kept hoping for someone to come and rescue me, but the days turned into weeks, and I was left alone in my suffering.

She reached out, placing a trembling hand on mine. Her touch was both comforting and heartbreaking, a symbol of her empathy and regret.

Y/n: I can't believe they did that to you. I'm so sorry. I wish I could have done something to help.

I could see the depth of her remorse, and though it didn't erase the pain I had endured, it offered a small measure of comfort. After a while, I mustered the strength to ask the question that had been on my mind since our conversation began.

Aaira: What about Jungkook? What did he do to you?

Her expression shifted, and she took a deep breath before answering.

Y/n: Jungkook didn't hurt me directly until some last days. He kept himself away from me most of the time. I was told he was too busy to visit, that he had other concerns, he would stay out for his mafia job.

Aaira: Oh ?

Y/n: But I knew he was worried about you. The maids would lately talk about his anxiety at those times which was hidden for me. It seemed like he was doing everything he could to find you, even though I was led to believe otherwise that he believed I was you.

Her words were both a relief and a source of pain. Knowing that Jungkook had been searching for me and was worried about me, even while being kept in the dark, was bittersweet. It made me realize how much he had cared, but it also highlighted the cruelty of the situation.

Aaira: So, what really happened to you to get these scars?

Y/n: When it was it for him, he finally decided to confront me, he tortured me to say the truth about your disappearance, but I had no idea where you've been.

I examined the burning marks on her leg.

Aaira: Did you met Charashen ?

She fell silent before nodding, I got surprised out of a sudden, my hands found a way to my lips to close my mouth, as my eyes widened.

Aaira: You were a bait ?

She nodded again.

Aaira: I'm sorry.

I quickly hugged her as I let out the tears I've been holding for so long, she hugged me back. We both cried as much as we could. After a while of crying, the conversation shifted. Despite the sadness, we found ourselves sharing a laugh, a rare and bittersweet moment of relief. Y/n and I began to recount some of the lighter moments from our own lives.

Y/n: I remember the time when I tried to bake a cake with soobin and it turned out like a brick?

Aaira: Oh my goodness!

Y/n: And we were so proud of our 'creation,' thinking it was the best cake ever.

Y/n chuckled through her tears, a small smile breaking through her sadness.

Y/n: We really thought we were master chefs.

Aaira: Definitely. And then you would have to pretend it was delicious for your family, I know right ?

The laughter was a small but significant calm for our wounded hearts. As the laughter faded, we settled back into a more somber silence.

Y/n: Thank you for talking to me, Aaira. I needed to hear your side of things. It's been a long time coming.

Aaira: And thank you for sharing your story with me, Y/n. I'm glad we could finally talk.

Her expression grew serious as she hesitated before speaking.

Y/n: Would you mind if I ask you a personal question?

I shook my head, indicating that I didn't mind. She took a deep breath.

Y/n: Why does your mother hate you so much?

The question struck me with a pang of discomfort, and I fell silent for a moment, searching for the right words. I had never fully articulated the complexity of my mother's feelings toward me, but now seemed like a time to share.

Aaira: It's complicated. She hates me, and she doesn't. It's like she's been bearing a lot of resentment for years.

She listened attentively, as I continued.

Aaira: My mother was married off at a young age. She had dreams of becoming an actress or singer, but in high society, that wasn't acceptable. When my British grandfather came to Korea, they decided to arrange a marriage between my mother and my father. She was so young when she had to endure that. Being British, she struggled with the Korean customs and expectations placed upon her.

I paused, taking a breath as I relived the painful memories.

Aaira: Her in-laws were eager for a child, but for years she couldn't conceive. When I was finally born, after ten years of trying, I was a girl. Her in-laws were disappointed, and she felt like she had failed them. Later, she discovered that she couldn't have any more children. That only deepened the sense of failure and resentment she felt.

Her face softened with understanding.

Y/n: That must have been incredibly difficult for her. It's no wonder she struggled with her feelings.

Aaira: Yes, it was. And I think, over time, her frustrations and unmet desires became tangled up in her relationship with me. She resented me for things beyond my control, for dreams she couldn't fulfill, and for the disappointment her in-laws felt from her.

Y/n nodded, processing what I had shared.

Y/n: I can see how that would create such a complex and painful relationship.

Aaira: Exactly. And it's been a long, painful journey trying to understand and accept that. I've had to come to terms with the fact that her feelings about me are deeply rooted in her own story.

She reached out and placed a comforting hand on mine once more.

Y/n: Thank you for sharing that with me, Aaira.

Aaira: Thank you, Y/n. It means a lot to me that you're willing to listen and understand.

She was confused about what else to say further, as she looked at the dusty walls in the corners.

Y/n: Why are you being so nice today ?

What does she mean by that, I am always trying to be nice. I stared at her with side eyes, clearly telling her how irritated I feel with that question.

Aaira: Because, It's going to be the last day you're here.

I said softly, my voice trembling. Y/n looked at me with scared eyes. Her eyes widened, and she gulped nervously.

Y/n: Am I... am I going to die?

She asked, her voice barely more than a whisper. I shook my head, but before I could offer any reassurance or explanation, the basement door burst open with a loud crash. The sudden intrusion made both of us jump. I turned to see Soobin standing there. In his hand, he held a heavy ax, his shout echoed through the basement, jolting me from my grief.

Soobin: Aaira noona, get out of my way! I won't hesitate to hit you with this!

I was stunned, the words hanging in the air as I tried to process the threat. Why was Soobin threatening me? I was here to help Y/n, not to cause any harm. What was wrong with him, he would never talk to me like that. Y/n's eyes widened in terror as she screamed at Soobin.

Y/n: What are you doing? This wasn't part of our plan!

I glanced at her, her panic only adding to my own. What plan was she talking about? I was lost in the chaos, unable to piece together the situation. Soobin's face was set in a grim line, his resolve unyielding. What was happening here that I was unaware of ?

Soobin: Aaira noona, get out of my way, I need to save her!

His words were harsh, but there was a frantic edge to them. I hesitated, my eyes darted between Soobin and Y/n, trying to gauge the best course of action.

Y/n: Soobin, please! This isn't what we agreed on!

I could sense a connection between them, some sort of shared plan that was unraveling in front of me. The realization that I was caught in the middle of something I didn't fully understand only heightened my anxiety. Was he actually going to hit me ?

Desperate to defuse the volatile situation, I realized I had to take a chance. My mind raced, and I shouted, trying to make myself heard over the chaos.

Aaira: I have the keys! I was here to help!

The effect was immediate. Soobin's grip on the ax faltered, and with a clatter, it fell to the ground. His eyes shifted from me to Y/n, her gaze snapped to me, her expression one of incredulous disbelief.

Y/n: Then if you had those keys all this while, why didn't you help me, huh?

I shook my head, tears welling up in my eyes as I tried to explain.

Aaira: I got them last night. I was waiting for Jungkook to leave. I didn't want to risk him finding out and stopping me.

The tension in the room seemed to shift, the immediate threat of Soobin's aggression momentarily abated. I could see the conflict in Soobin's face as he processed my words.

Soobin: You... you had the keys all along?

His voice was less certain now, the fury giving way to a dawning realization. I nodded, my own emotions a turbulent sea of guilt and regret.

Aaira: Yes, I had them. I was just trying to find the right moment. I'm sorry.

Y/n's eyes were locked on me, her anger giving way to a cautious hope. She stood up slowly, her shackles clinking as she moved.

Y/n: Soobin, please, let's just get out of here. We don't have time for this.

Soobin looked between her and me, he was visibly struggling with his emotions.

Soobin: Fine. But if you're lying...

He didn't finish his sentence, his eyes still holding a trace of suspicion. I quickly moved to Y/n's shackles, the keys in my trembling hand. With a quick twist, the shackles fell away, and Y/n rubbed her wrists, wincing from the relief.

Y/n: Thank you. Now, let's go before Jungkook comes back.

She moved towards the door with the help of soobin, but as she looked back at me, she quickly made her way towards me. As she threw her arms around my neck, her embrace both sudden and fervent. I was taken aback by her reaction, my own body freezing for a moment before I slowly returned the hug, my arms tentatively encircling her.

Y/n: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

She repeated the words over and over, her voice filled with a mix of relief and elation. Her joy was almost infectious, yet I found it difficult to join in her celebration. My face remained expressionless, I can't help but just stand there.

As she released me, as she turned to Soobin with a similar fervor. She rushed to him, enveloping him in a tight hug. Soobin's initial stiffness melted away as he hesitantly returned the embrace, his eyes softening as he held her close.

Y/n: Soobin, I thought I'd never get out of here!

Soobin: Yeah, we need to get out quickly.

His voice was low and serious, his gaze darting around the dimly lit basement as if expecting another threat. Y/n clung to him for a moment longer before pulling away, her eyes brimming with tears of gratitude.

Y/n: Let's go. We need to get out before Jungkook comes back.

Soobin nodded, his expression resolute. He turned to me.

Soobin: Are you coming with us, Aaira noona?

I hesitated, the offer to leave with them was tempting, but I was still bound by my own fears and uncertainties. I nodded slowly.

Aaira: Yes, I'm coming.

As we moved towards the storeroom, I had to make sure Y/n escaped. My heart knew what it wanted, i was focused on ensuring she was no longer trapped here, away from Jungkook. I tried to muster a smile, but it faltered.

Soobin helped Y/n walk, When we finally reached the storeroom, Soobin pushed open the door with a creak. A cloud of dust billowed out, making us cough and shield our faces. The air was thick and stale, the room itself cluttered with old, forgotten items.

I glanced around, searching for any sign of the portal. The room was filled with boxes and old furniture, their surfaces coated with layers of dust. It took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the dim light, but then I saw it-a large, ornate mirror standing against the far wall, its glass shimmering faintly with an otherworldly light.

Soobin and Y/n moved cautiously towards the mirror. I approached it as well, my heart racing. This was the portal, the key to Y/n's escape from this nightmare. Her eyes widened as she saw the mirror, she turned to Soobin.

Y/n: This is it. This is the way out.

Soobin nodded. As I stood near the basement door, my heart raced uncontrollably. The portal was the gateway to another world, the one I would never ventured near and one that I had always feared. The very thought of stepping closer made my legs feel weak.

I took a deep breath. My gaze remained fixed on Y/n and Soobin as they approached the mirror. His firm grip on her arm was tight, I could see the tension in Y/n's body as she moved closer to the mirror, her eyes reflecting a mix of hope and fear.

The room seemed to hold its breath, the silence punctuated only by the occasional rustle of dust and the distant sound of birds chirping outside. As they drew nearer to the mirror, anxiety gripped me. I couldn't bring myself to approach the mirror, the very thing that had long been a symbol of my deepest fears. I found myself standing halfway between the basement door.

Suddenly, unable to bear the pressure of the situation any longer, I shouted out, my voice echoing in the stillness of the basement.

Aaira: Aaar, Soobin!

Soobin halted immediately, turning his head towards me with a look of confusion and concern. Y/n, too, glanced back, her face a canvas of worry and confusion. My voice cracked as I spoke, tears welling in my eyes.

Aaira: No matter what, take care of her, and... don't let her go back to her parents.

Her eyes widened in shock at my words. Her expression shifted from one of surprise to intense scrutiny as she tried to decipher any hint of insincerity in my eyes. But all she could see was the sincerity of my plea.

Soobin's face softened as he took in my request. He nodded firmly, his eyes meeting mine with a promise, I didn't want her to suffer either like me.

Soobin: I will. I promise.

Y/n's gaze lingered on me for a moment longer before she slowly nodded. It was clear she had expected nothing from me but anger and resentment, but my words had shown her a different side of me-a side that was still capable of compassion and concern.

I took a step back, my eyes never leaving them as they approached the mirror. Soobin helped Y/n position herself in front of the mirror, their figures now framed by its eerie light.

As Soobin and Y/n stood close to the mirror, I saw Y/n take a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly as she reached out towards the reflective surface. The mirror's light grew brighter. Soobin placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Soobin: Are you ready?

Soobin asked softly, Y/n nodded.

Y/n: I'm ready.

My heart ached as I took one last look at them. The sight of Y/n moving towards freedom, with Soobin by her side, was a bittersweet reminder of the choices and sacrifices that had led me to this moment. I felt a pang of regret and sorrow, but also a strange sense of relief.

As Y/n and Soobin disappeared into the mirror, the light grew dim, leaving the room shrouded in an eerie silence. The dust settled around me. I quickly made my way upstairs, I was alone now, with no one left but the remnants of my choice. As I reached the top of the stairs, I closed the basement door behind me, and locked it forever.

Once I was in my bedroom, I collapsed onto the bed, my body shaking with silent sobs. I buried my face in my hands, tears streaming down my cheeks as I prayed fervently. I prayed that Y/n would never have to face her parents again, that she would find a new beginning with Soobin.

I hoped that she would be free from the pain and torment that had plagued her life here. I wished for her to live a life of happiness and peace, away from the darkness of the past. The house was still, the only sound was the muffled echo of my grief.

As the tears slowly subsided, I found myself lying still, staring at the ceiling. The room was dim, illuminated only by the faint glow of the moon filtering through the curtains. It was already night, and with each passing minute, my worry for Jungkook grew more intense. I had no idea what he might do or where he might be.

Suddenly, I heard the distant clatter of hooves and the rattle of a carriage approaching rapidly. My heart leaped in my chest. I sprang from the bed, as I hurried down the stairs, the thought of Jungkook's possible return made me want to go and welcome him.

In my haste, I barely managed to keep my footing. On the fifth floor, I slipped and tumbled down a few steps. Pain shot through my feet as I landed awkwardly on the stairs, the force of the fall making me gasp. I tried to get up, but the throbbing in my feet was too intense. I ended up sitting on the stairs, clutching my aching feet and trying to catch my breath.

The noise from the carriage grew louder, and the sound of the wheels skidding to a halt outside filled the air. I struggled to my feet, wincing with each step, and managed to make my way to the door. I peered through the small window, my heart racing.

I tried to peek from the railing, i managed to see two figures standing, one was the carriage driver. The carriage driver was frantically talking to someone. The scene outside was chaotic, and I could barely make out the figures rushing about. The driver's face was etched with worry.

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"Under the cover of night, my wish is for your safe return. I am alone, but your thoughts make me feel less isolated."

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