Chapter 12

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That I need to let you go 

(Need to let you go)

Hard to say goodbye, 

but I can' run

┗━•❃°•°❀°•°❃•━┛    

When you arrived at your office after an hour of driving, your emotions were intact. You were exhausted and wished to check into a hotel to relax and return home the next day, but you gathered yourself, girded your mind with courage, and drove back to the office in the heart of Ulsan.

You made sure to listen to some K-pop music to distract yourself from Mr. Jeon. You really hope he doesn't interfere with your business dealings with Mr. Lee. You like Mr. Lee and would like to get to know him better.

You can't remember the last time you enjoyed male company. You didn't want to get involved with other guys after your breakup. There was a lot of interest, and you were regarded as one of the most attractive advertising executives in the industry.

Maybe you're still grieving the loss of a loved one and your child. You shook your head, attempting to steer it away from the unsavory path your thoughts desired. You just wanted to forget about your ordeal. Losing your mother, lover, child, job, and best friends such as Taehyung and Lalisa. By far the most difficult two years you've ever had.

You called Jihyo back, and your spirits rose again when she told you that you'd be leaving for Paris in a week. The cosmetics company will pay for everything, including your first-class flight.

Your hotel accommodations will be arranged. They'll send you three luxury five-star hotels near their corporate headquarters to choose from. You will be provided with a driver. You grin as you reflect on how your life has turned out. From adversity to success.

When you walked into Jihyo's office, she was busy packing her briefcase. She rushed to you and hugged you tightly, congratulating you on another lucrative account.

She laughed. She exuded happiness and confidence. "you received an invitation?" She presented you with an envelope.

"For what?" you squint as you take it from her outstretched hand.

"Oh, it's a banquet invitation..." She looked up at your perplexed expression. banquet?

You tear open the lovely gold and white embossed envelope. Your name was engraved in gold. MANDATE advertising agency celebrated its 15th anniversary with a dinner. Wah!

"It's from Lynxs' main competitors. I'm not sure why I was invited." You furrow your brows as you examine the lovely and very classy invitation.

Jihyo smirked, "I believe you are on every gossiper's mind in the industry. They were actually interested in learning about your dismissal from Lynx Advertising. Oh my goodness, this is your moment. I want everyone to know what a strong woman you are. Not giving up after defeat."

You chuckled bitterly, "They were quick to think the worst of me because of that sly Jeon matriarch."

Jihyo arched her brows and began to laugh "You'll never believe it. Rose, your friend, told me a very amusing story. I wanted to send the coffee shop draft proposal to Mr. Kang first for his approval, but she told me that Lalisa had told her that the big Matriarch... Her mother-in-law is visiting the family at the Jeon mansion, and they were at odds even at work. The big Matriarch seems to dislike her daughter-in-law—-"

"Oh my gosh... the grandmother of Jungkook's is here in Seoul?" you exclaim.

"Do you know her?" Jihyo asks, surprised. "She is a steamy romance author. I've heard a lot about her new book. It's about college sweethearts. I've already read a couple of her books. My personal favorite is "Nights in Morocco." I like her writing style, but she has a thing for intrigue and raunchy scenes."

You burst out laughing. "Yes, Jihyo, Lady Jeon Soomin, is a peculiar character. I first met her two years ago. Jungkook agreed to let her meet me at her hotel. She is eccentric and blunt. I liked her. She invited us to dinner at her hotel. "Then your eyes became solemn "Before we split up, she made me promise never to leave Jungkook...that her grandson loves me with all his heart...that I should never hurt him. And... I broke that promise. She even stated that she would build us a beach mansion in Busan and that my first daughter would be named after her." You felt a stinging sensation behind your eyelids. Mrs. Jeon will despise you after learning what happened in the aftermath.

"She would understand if you explained to her why you did what you did," Jihyo came around her desk and drew her into her arms.

You wrapped your arms around your sister's waist as you reflected on your most painful experiences two years ago. It's a sensitive subject. This is a bridge that will never be crossed again. Jungkook despises you to the core.

"Oh Jihyo, I'm sick of fighting the Jeons. Why must I be the one to make the sacrifice? Jihyo, I don't want to see the big Matriach...she'll kill me. She threatened to make me a villain in her next best-selling novel if I ever left her grandson alone. And if you say she's writing or intends to publish a college novel...I don't want to think about what's written between those pages." You wept on her white suit.

You pull yourself away from your sister's arms and take tissues from her table to wipe your tears and blow your nose.

Jihyo smiles and pats your shoulder, saying, "It looks like his grandmother liked you very much."

"I liked her too, but she's scary, and she adores Jungkook so much because he and his twin Eunjin are the split images of her late son, Jungkook's father," you sniff.

"Have you ever paid her a visit at her home?" Jihyo inquired, intrigued. The Jeon big matriarch is a billionaire.

"Yes, a few times...during our university breaks. She even caught Jungkook and me in an awkward situation." When you recall that particular moment, you shake your head.

She smirks, "I'm curious about everything. Why didn't I know about all these juicy deeds?" She shoves your shoulder as she pouts. You just smile, even though it's difficult to talk about "him."

You made your way down your hallway to the office foyer. Oh Sehun, your new receptionist, is a recent graduate of the secretarial school who is proactive and quick. She is a huge help with all of the extra duties at your office.

"Ms. Song, can I send a confirmation reply to Mandate whether you are going to attend this banquet?" Sehun asked cheerfully.

You took a deep breath and considered not attending. Jihyo seemed to understand what you were thinking.

Jihyo grinned, "Yes...she'll go...but without a date...she'll go stag."

"Oh, hell no!! I'd rather stay at home than have the industry's judging eyes on me... I've always attended these events with Lynx staff, and missing them makes me sad... so please decline, Sehun." You smile at your secretary. Jihyo interjected tensely.

"No, Sehun. Do not RSVP right now. Allow Ms. Jenna to deliberate clearly. This is the time to put Moonflower Consulting on the map. Perhaps I can accompany my sister and do the networking," she smirked. "I'm good at conducting business with strangers."

"O-ok, Jihyo will be my plus one then," you nod deeply." Can Sehun please find out if Lynx would be there?"

Sehun nods and returns to her desk as she was told and sends your reply.

You turned to face your sister, "It's nearly 2 p.m. Are we going to the nearby mall for lunch or..." You ask your sister a question.

Jihyo beams "Near our complex, there is a cute coffee shop. We can go to that adorable, eclectic neighborhood. My child is still with her father. So we can pay Eomma a visit tonight and bring her some of her favorite fruits." You both nod as you bid Sehun goodbye because, after lunch, you and Jihyo will visit your Eomma at the private clinic. 

Fear wanted to enter your heart because she appeared frail the last time you saw her. Jihyo had a conversation with her doctor, and the news was not good. You don't know what you'll do if she leaves you.

"I don't want to lose Eomma, Jihyo," you inhaled deeply". I still didn't do enough to repay her for fostering me. I want her to live and be healthy." You strangled it. You already picturing the worst-case scenario.

"She is strong, Jenna," Jihyo said with a nod. "Eomma was always a fighter. It's just a shame Dad abandoned us at such a critical juncture. But one day he'll get what he deserves, leaving us with all the medical bills."

"At the very least, we can now afford it. Jihyo, Eomma must improve. She has to!!! I need her to come home."

"She will, sis... let us hope and believe, okay?" Jihyo smiles at your concerned expression. Mrs. Song is your only mother, and losing her will be the icing on your "heartbreak" cake.

When you arrive at your designated parking spot, you hand Jihyo the keys.You  thank her for borrowing you her car.

You've already looked into dealers online in order to purchase a vehicle for yourself. You'll be able to buy a car with the two new accounts. At the very least, you'll have a substantial deposit.

Jihyo drove you to Caffe Bene, a cute coffee shop in a cute shopping center.

This shopping center has a convenience store, a pharmacy, a beauty spa, a few take-out restaurants, boutiques, and a bookstore.

"It's just as cute on the inside. It was discovered two days ago by Sehun and me. This location was recommended to us by one of the attorneys." Jihyo inquired when you arrived at the coffee shop.

"This complex is amazing. I really need to go check it out one Saturday. I didn't even have time to see the sights". You regretfully sigh.

The waiters were very attentive when you entered the establishment and led you and Jihyo to a cute, secluded table.

You took a deep breath of contentment. All you needed to do was unwind and forget about your emotional rollercoaster of a day. You pushed Jeon Jungkook's face to the back of your mind, telling yourself that thinking about him would set you back emotionally. 

You simply desire peace and quiet. Ulsan will become your new refuge from the stress and high expectations.

Jihyo set her bag on the chair beside her. Some tables have enclosures to keep them private. There were even books for reading on the shelves. You have a table in the corner. The coffee shop wasn't crowded, but with such a nice establishment, it had to be during the 12 p.m. lunch rush. You and Jihyo are going to have a late lunch. You had a cheesecake at Mr. Lee's shop this morning. However, you chose to order a sandwich and a cafe latte. Jihyo ordered a chicken salad, a soda, and dessert.

You were so happy to be with your sister. The shop had a very peaceful atmosphere. Relaxing music and interesting conversation.

You and Jihyo finished your food and were just drinking your beverages.

"So, tell the truth. Tell me more about how the Lady Jeons found you with 'he who shall not be named.'" She smirks sarcastically.

"Gosh, Jihyo," you grumbled "It was extremely humiliating. "J" and I were assigned rooms that were far apart, but the young master "J" snuck into my room after 11 p.m. that night. So...blah blah occurred that evening. We were so preoccupied with romancing each other that we both fell asleep, and he was so tired that he forgot to sneak out, and our famous Lady Jeon discovered us still sleeping in bed. That was very awkward. "J" found it amusing when his grandmother said that if she caught us again...she'd know a thing or two...she'd know a priest who would marry us right away. I made certain that Mr. "J" did not touch me again for the rest of our vacation. My room was restricted."

"That must've been something to behold," Jihyo exclaimed.

You sulk, "Yes, ideal blackmail material. It's not funny, Jihyo. Eomma had no idea 'J' and I had gotten that far in our relationship until I got pregnant!"

You almost gasped when you realized how sexy Jungkook is, and now two years later, he's transformed into a hot stud. You couldn't stay away from him or have enough of each other. Your relationship was extremely passionate and filled with love. How many nights have you longed to be with him in your dreams? You tried to forget for months, but in the privacy of your room...memories will flood your mind like a tsunami, and you'll wake up with tears on your cheeks.

You loved him... You still do, and that is by far the toughest and most heartbreaking situation you could be in.

But you quickly dismissed those distressing memories. He's almost a married man. He is the property of that devious heiress, Sullia, his best friend, who has been jealous of your relationship since the beginning, but the book of the past is forever closed, and you will move on. You have no choice; you have no other option. You must let go, no matter how painful it is.

Jihyo pursed her lips, trying not to snort again. "It's no surprise you got knocked up."

You simply shook your head and stated, "It's a time in my life I'd like to forget, Jihyo. I'll need at least more than two years to recover from a shattered life. It made me realize that our worlds were as far apart as the east was from the west. Chaebol families and poor families are constantly at odds. Our love couldn't withstand the test of time." You bit your lower lip, recalling the year you spent alone and pregnant in Tokyo. You studied online, but when your mother's health deteriorated, you returned discreetly and gave birth to a child, but he died two days later.

"Hold on," Jihyo said, rubbing your hand on the table. "I had to learn to forgive and move on from Yang's betrayal after five years of divorce. I'm now free. "

"Oh, Jihyo. When it comes to happy relationships, the Song family is cursed. Appa had abandoned Eomma for a younger waitress and ran off with all the funds. After two years of marriage, you filed for divorce. After two years of a happy relationship, I was dumped. Even our brother Joon-ki's fiance abandoned him because her family did not approve of a poor man. It prompted him to enlist as a soldier. It's as if we're doomed in "Love and loss." You answer quietly. Jihyo simply nods her head in agreement. You all messed up in love.

You had just heard a frantically whispered yell. Small feet were running toward you.

You and Jihyo laughed as you observed a small baby boy, no more than 18 months old. He was giggling as he ran away from his mother.

"Oh gosh, he's so cute!" you exclaim. He was open-mouthed laughing.

Jihyo looked around for his mother, alerting her that her son was nearby.

"Allow me to check. This coffee shop is very big. His poor mother must be in agony." she looked around.

You smile at the adorable baby as you caress his soft cheeks. His big doe eyes reminded you of someone.

"Kwan! Kwan!" You heard a distraught voice.

Jihyo quickly picked up the baby and stood up so his mother could see her. You smile as you play with his soft hands......then you notice something that causes your face to flush... You blink several times...no, it can't be—-impossible! 

Just notice how a relieved mother took "Kwan" from Jihyo's arms. She expressed her gratitude by bowing several times. When she noticed you behind Jihyo, your gazes locked. You both freeze simultaneously.

"Eunjin!" you exclaim, stunned.

"Jenna?!" She was terrified when she saw you. Her eyes were wide as she bowed, abruptly turned around, and disappeared around the corner with her baby in her arms.

Jihyo turned around and noticed how pale your face had become.

"Do you know her? I had no idea you knew anyone in Ulsan." She was perplexed by your frozen expression.

You just nodded softly. "It's... it's Jungkooks' twin sister," you choked out.

Your mind was jumbled. What is she doing in Ulsan? Did she accompany the Bangtan-maknaes to Ulsan? "Kwan," her child, was born with a distinctive birthmark. Is it inherited?

Your heart was racing... Does a family inherit the same birthmark in the same location?

You just shook your head at the absurdity of this whole situation.

......

A/n Hi my lovely readers, another update after a long time. I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Kindly vote or comment on your thoughts. 

A big shout out to the new readers, as well as those who added the book to their readers' lists.

NancyDaniels5 Lilo_Sakura Aliyah589

1. Do you think Jenna has an alley in the big Matriarch?

2. Do you have any theories about why Eunjin appeared in Ulsan?

3. Why did she look so terrified?

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