Jay opened the door to his apartment, the quiet click echoing in the stillness of the night. The rain had softened to a drizzle outside, but its coldness still clung to Riele’s soaked clothes and skin. She stood silently at the entrance, shivering, her arms wrapped tightly around herself.“Come in,” Jay said softly, stepping aside.Riele entered slowly, her steps unsure. Her dress clung to her, her hair dripping. Jay locked the door gently behind her, then walked quickly into the bedroom. He came back holding a clean sweatshirt and a pair of joggers.“They might be too big,” he said, handing them to her. “But they’ll keep you warm.”She nodded, unable to meet his eyes. Her voice seemed lost somewhere in her chest. Taking the clothes, she walked into the bathroom.Jay exhaled and rubbed his face with both hands. He glanced toward the window, where the city lights blurred through raindrops. Everything felt like it was floating in some heavy silence.When Riele came back, her damp hair w
The living room buzzed with soft laughter and warm smiles. The celebration was modest but filled with love. A small gathering of close family and friends filled Kim’s house with a joy that hadn’t visited in a long time. Baby Minho, just a few days old, slept peacefully in a crib set near the couch, unaware of the many eyes that adored him.Charlotte sat beside the crib, humming a soft tune while rocking Hope on her lap. Harry helped Utter bring in some fresh fruit juice from the kitchen, and Jane — now visibly exhausted but content — leaned into the couch, eyes fixed on her child with a mix of awe and relief.Riele had been quiet most of the evening. She had smiled when she first held the baby. She had congratulated Kim and Jane, her voice steady, her face calm. No one could tell what storm brewed behind her soft eyes. After some time, the noise became too much. The closeness, the smells, the unspoken truths. She needed air.She slipped away unnoticed and stepped out onto the balcony.
The early afternoon sun streamed gently through the hospital windows, casting soft light over the white walls. The air buzzed quietly with distant footsteps and the soft beeping of machines. Kim sat by Jane’s bedside, his fingers nervously tapping against his thigh. For the first time in months, his eyes held something different—concern that ran deeper than duty. His phone was silent in his pocket, and his mind refused to wander. Today wasn’t about yesterday. It was about what was coming.Jane let out a sharp cry, clutching her stomach as the contractions intensified. The nurse quickly adjusted her bed and called the doctor. Kim stood up, instantly by her side, taking her hand without hesitation.“You’ll be fine,” he said, voice low but firm. “I’m here.”Jane’s eyes searched his face, sweat lining her brow. “You mean that?”He gave her a short nod, even as his own heart thudded painfully in his chest. “Yes. For the baby’s sake, I do.”Soon, they were wheeling her into the delivery roo
The morning was quiet. A stillness hung in the air that felt less like peace and more like restraint—like the world was holding its breath for what was to come. Kim stood in front of the mirror in his room, dressed in a gray suit that fit him well, though his reflection looked like a stranger. His face held no joy, only the weight of a decision that had altered everything. He adjusted his tie with slow fingers, eyes dull and heavy.Downstairs, the hall had been set up for the small ceremony. Just a few chairs lined the rows, and a modest bouquet of white flowers rested at the altar. Only close acquaintances had been invited. No fanfare. No celebration. Even the cake stood on the table like an afterthought, its frosting plain, the writing simple: “New Beginnings.”Jane was in the guest room, her dress ivory and elegant, though her eyes were swollen from the night she spent crying. She hadn’t slept well. Every time she closed her eyes, she imagined Kim walking out the door again. This w
The quiet in Riele’s home was overwhelming. It wasn't the kind of peace that settled the soul, but the kind that wrapped around her like a thick fog, leaving her breathless. She sat curled on the couch, holding a throw pillow close to her chest. Her eyes were puffy from crying, but they stayed dry now, heavy and hollow.She hadn't spoken much since that hospital visit. The words she said to Kim played in her head over and over. “Go to your new family.” She meant every word. But meaning something didn’t make it hurt any less.The sound of the doorbell startled her. She turned slowly, frowning. She wasn’t expecting anyone. For a second, she thought about ignoring it. But the bell rang again—this time, longer.Riele stood up, her feet dragging slightly across the wooden floor. She opened the door and froze. Jane stood there.Her hair was tied back neatly. Her clothes were plain. She looked different—like she hadn’t slept in days. Her eyes searched Riele’s, almost begging for her not to s
The air inside the hospital waiting room was still, heavy, like it had absorbed every silent prayer and anxious heartbeat that had echoed through its walls. Riele sat with her hands clenched tightly in her lap, her knuckles pale from the pressure. Across from her, Kim sat equally still, his fingers nervously tapping against his knee, his gaze darting between Riele and the closed door of the doctor’s office. Charlotte and Utter were close by, talking quietly with Harry in the hallway, giving Riele the space she needed.Jane stood off to the side, arms folded, face unreadable. She hadn’t said much since arriving, and Riele had made no attempt to speak to her either. The cold distance between them was as obvious as the weight in the room.Finally, the door creaked open, and the doctor stepped out, holding a file in his hands. His expression was gentle, but his eyes gave away the certainty of his words even before he spoke.“We’ve confirmed the results,” he said quietly, glancing at every
The tension in the living room could be sliced with a knife. Riele sat at the edge of the couch, her fingers entwined tightly in her lap. Beside her was Charlotte, holding baby Hope in her arms. Utter stood near the wall, arms crossed, his face unreadable. The air was heavy. Every ticking second from the old clock above the television felt like a warning bell.Kim stood by the window, his back to them all. He had invited Jane, but even he wasn’t ready for what was about to unfold. He hadn’t spoken much since the hospital discharge, and now that they were all here, he had barely said a word.A knock came at the door. Everyone froze.“I’ll get it,” Utter said, already moving.The door opened, and there she was—Jane. Her dress was neat, face painted carefully, smile barely hiding the smugness in her eyes. She stepped into the room slowly, scanning everyone, her gaze settling last on Riele.“Thanks for inviting me,” Jane said, her voice sugary.Riele gave no reply. She looked straight ahe
Kim walked into his office like a man in a fog, barely acknowledging the greetings of his staff. His shirt was creased, the buttons uneven. His face had lost its usual color, and his hair stuck up like he hadn’t touched a comb in days. The receptionist offered him a small smile and a polite “Good morning,” but he passed her without a word, his shoes heavy on the tile floor.He entered his office and closed the door softly behind him. The blinds were down, dimming the sunlight that tried to pour through the glass. The room felt cold and impersonal, and for a moment, Kim just stood there, unsure what to do. His hands hung at his sides, and his shoulders slumped as he made his way to the desk.He dropped into the chair, letting his head fall into his hands.A soft knock at the door broke the silence. Amber, one of the senior staff, peeked in, holding a file.“Sir, I’ve got the report on the charity accounts, and also some notes from the last board meeting. Do you want—?”“Leave,” Kim said
Jay sat by the window of his hotel suite, watching the lights blink across the skyline. He had been waiting all day to hear from Kim. He knew the wedding was supposed to happen, and by now, it should’ve been over. He had expected pictures, at least a short call. But nothing came.He picked up his phone and tried again.After a few rings, Kim finally answered. His voice was low, almost tired.“Hey,” Kim said.“Man,” Jay replied, standing up and pacing. “I’ve been calling. What’s going on? How did it go?”There was silence.Jay paused. “Kim?”Kim let out a long breath. “It didn’t happen.”“What?” Jay stopped pacing. “What do you mean?”Kim’s voice cracked a little. “She didn’t marry me. The wedding got interrupted.”Jay sat down again, slowly. “By who?”“Jane.”Jay blinked. “Jane? Why? What did she do?”“She stood up in front of everyone. Said she’s pregnant... and that the baby is mine.”Jay’s jaw dropped. “She said that at the altar?”Kim’s voice was hollow. “Just as the priest was ab