Chapter Five

Ho/pi/al (s,t) - trigger warning.

***

“Something isn’t right here!”

“It looks thoroughly planned! Someone planned to kill Jisoo!”

“We don’t know that! We can’t jump into conclusions, mother!”

“The evidence is there, Jackson!”

Voices drifted around, distorted, I couldn’t make out the words or who they belonged to. I felt a cool hand caressing my cheek and slowly the voices started becoming at least familiar to me. But my eyes kept shut, they wouldn’t open to my command, a heaviness floated on them.

A soft sob came from the side, perhaps from one that was caressing my cheek, “Will she be alright?” Hearing mother’s voice, relief flooded through me and for a few seconds I forgot the words she had said to me.

I heard someone shifting their feet; walking towards me from the other side, “She will be alright! She’s a fighter!” My father’s words floated in the air, lacing with such pride. If it was a few or more years back, I would have happily accepted the words, like any little girl eagerly wanting to make her father proud, but I was no longer that girl, I learnt of my father’s ways; I will not fall for little tricks and lies anymore, I have grown to learn them.

“She must be exhausted.” Audrey’s voice suddenly sounded. If she was here, Jackson wasn’t far off, “We should leave her to rest.”

“She hasn’t even woken up yet, Audrey.” Slight annoyance laced through mother’s voice, I guess she always had a love-hate relationship with her daughter-in-law. But hearing mother’s voice was music to my ears, there was some underlying fear within her voice; a trembling terror for my survival. If it was any other day... if that dinner hadn’t happened, or if she wouldn’t have said those words, I would have accepted her concern and allowed it to be my fight to open my eyes, but I didn’t, therefore allowing the exhaustion to win and take me back into the darkness.

Throughout the time, I was in a blissful state of sleeping, but the consciousness was bordering every so often. A feeling of being able to hear everything around me, but not having the energy to open my eyes just yet. Hazy and sleep filled questions drifted through my head in a confusing storm. All that I remembered was the flash and the death-gripping pain... and Tristan.. a name from the dream. Everything else was a blurry mess.

I tried opening my eyes again, only to be weighed down by my heavy eyelids. The constant beating of the monitors was starting to annoy me, I kept wanting to sit up and knock the damn thing over, but the numbing pain and sedative I was under made it impossible. My body laid still.. unmoving, but my mind was awake.

“When will she wake-up?” Mother’s voice filled my ears again and this time I fought the urge to embrace it.

“The doctor did say it will take a while.” My father let out a tired sigh as he spoke the words.

“Who could have done this?” Mother sobbed again and I felt the soft caressing of her fingers on my hand, before she grabbed hold of it, wrapping her fingers around mine.

“It had to be Antonio Venturi.” My father grumbled the name he once praised, now said with hatred and disgust.

“But why would you think that?”

“Who else would it be?” My father almost snapped at her. It was easy to point fingers at the Venturi, at this very moment he was the most suspicious. I had rejected him after the date, when my father and Jackson were planning to marry me off to him and become a Venturi. The rejection is probably what pushed him to plot against Jackson and run away with the money. But the messages he sent afterwards, with dinner invites and others as such told me he didn’t accept the rejection, in his eyes I was still a trophy to be won, like many men did.

“She denied the marriage, Venturi obviously wanted some sick revenge.” My father shifted, moving further and further away from where I slept.

I almost laughed at his words, while Venturi looked the type ‘if I can’t have you, no one can’ something still didn’t add up right. If Venturi was hiding from Jackson and his men, he wouldn’t come out his way to try kill me or kidnap me, though highly likely, but like I said, right now it was easy to point fingers at Venturi.

“I heard from Cameron, he tried to contact her again...” Mother’s voice faded away slowly, like she was unsure of how my father would react.

“Or it could be the countless men she’s been with. She’s a disgrace!” Jackson’s voice finally sounded through, grumbling the words with disgust much like my father did. From all the times I picked up on voices, Jackson never chose to speak up, even though I knew he was here. I didn’t know for how long I was out or how much time passed between the topics they discussed, but it was the first time Jackson made himself known, only to insult me, even in my injured state.

“Jackson, enough! She’s not well, keep your mouth shut!” Mother’s words were stern as she spoke to her son. I felt satisfied in no longer having to hear him. Before finding Audrey, he had many women in his life, he was free to date whoever he wanted, have anyone on his bed without causing any media acknowledgment or commenting, but when it came to me, a woman, the world didn’t sit still, they wanted to know every detail about my dating life. Men passed through my life but none of them stayed, they just weren’t the one.

In the back of my mind, I did wish for Tristan to be real, like a naïve little girl. But in moments like these, who didn’t wish to be carried away into dreams, and hopes for it to be reality.

I felt mother run her fingers over my hand again, I am not sure for how long she did so or how long they stayed again, but before I knew it, I was once again swept into darkness.

While I know I slept, allowing my mind to rest, I didn’t know for how long, but when I was finally able lift open my heavy eyelids, the light was blinding; the bright sunlight poured through the curtains in yellow and orange hues making me shut my eyes and for a low groan to leave my lips.

“Oh my God, she’s awake!” Audrey suddenly spoke and I cringed at her screeching, I blinked repeatedly trying to get rid of the tears that soaked my sensitive eyes and the blurriness invaded my vision. It took another few more blinks to let it melt away and for me to see clearly.

My mouth felt horribly dry and my body ached from exhaustion and a numbing pain. I tried to wet my mouth and chippy dried lips but it did no more good than my dry tongue to stick on the roof of my mouth.

“Sooyaa!” I heard mother as she rushed towards me. I tried to sit up but my body wasn’t ready to obey my commands; too exhausted to move the slightest.

I blinked, looking at the concerned faces above and shook my head despite the pain, “Everyone can leave now.” I croaked out.

“Jisoo..” Mother’s pained tone didn’t affect me like I thought it would.

“No, everyone get out!” I snapped.

“Jisoo, we have been worried sick about you! Do not raise your voice at us!” My father scolded me like a little child, raising his finger at me.

“I never asked any of you to be concerned! I need space, get out!” Ignoring the stupid pain rising up my body and the dryness in my throat, I screamed at them to leave my sights.

My father let out a deep tired sigh and gestured them to follow. I could feel mother’s eyes scanning me, shocked and pained, but I refused to look at her.

I heard them slowly stepping out one by one, before closing the door. I let out a deep sigh closing my eyes. While I didn’t know for how long I was out for, it was for a long time, and I was just exhausted; completely and utterly worn out.

The sound of the door opening and closing caught my attention, and I opened my eyes much easier this time. A man walked his way towards me, the white coat and stethoscope he wore was enough to tell me he was a doctor, “Good morning, Ms. Kwon, how are you feeling?” He asked, his eyes sharp and ready to analyse my next moves.

What would be the perfect word for annoying family members and others who annoys the shit out of you?!

“Fine..” I croaked, cringing at my voice. He immediately leaned over and grabbed the glass of water placed on the side table. My hand shot out to grab it and I greedily gulped the cold liquid down my throat. I sighed feeling the roughness in my throat melt away.

“Do you feel any pain?”

“Just numbness, and I’m exhausted. Though, it does hurt to move,” I sighed.

“What is the last thing you remember?” He asked. I frowned, remembering the night of the accident.

“Driving home,” I mumbled, “A flash of light and then pain... deep agonising pain.” I murmured towards the end, slowing rolling the glass in my hands, it reminded me of the shards of glass that pierced through my skin, making me inwardly cringe.

“Do you remember what hit you?” He frowned, ready to write down whatever I was going to say next. I shook my head, looking out the window. From what I heard in my hazy state, it seemed planned.. a planned attempted murder.

“Get rested. I’ll check up on you again, later in the evening.” He said, turning to leave.

“Doctor,” I called, gaining his attention again, “If my assistant, Cameron Hale, is out there, let him in.”

“I wouldn’t recommend getting back to working immediately, Ms. Kwon.” He frowned at me.

I rolled my eyes answering, “That isn’t any of my concern, doctor. I need to know what happened and what has been already found! I will not rest until I do!” I snapped, narrowing my eyes at him; a deep scowl.

Letting out a disappointed sigh he left, leaving me alone to think through in silence.

While it was Antonio Venturi’s name that hung suspiciously in the air, I couldn’t jump into any conclusions and make decisions of my own just yet. But it was highly tempting to add another crime to his list. The Venturi men never stood right with me, they were all working on deadly schemes and dark secrets. And my father’s family was no better. My father alone held the image of a well respected businessman -the most respected in fact- but really the truth wasn’t that at all. He had dirt under his fingertips and built himself up with a fake image, manipulating others. While he did cover up every mistake, I was always one thing he struggled to cover up but even then he found ways to hide it, bribes and schemes worked in his favour to cover up his affair.

The price he was supposed to pay, I had paid it. Through his mistakes, it was me taking the toll and became to be treated like an outsider. My father was the core reason I moved away. I built myself up. Mother had become a person in life I wanted to impress and have her become proud of me, but I guess people and their opinions change over the years... nothing lasts forever.

I sighed hearing the door open and close again after a light knock, soft footsteps approached me, “Ms. Kwon?” I heard Cameron’s voice. My eyes roamed until they landed on his figure, his face was worn down with stress and worry. The man in his late thirties looked tired and stressed out due to my absence, his face seemed to have aged, making him appear forty or over.

“Cameron,” I sighed, “I..-.. what happened?” I asked, running a hand over my face.

“I’m not too sure, ma’am. I was on my way home when I heard the news.” He said, keeping his eyes on me, “I saw you being taken into hospital. They doctors were worried you wouldn’t make it. It’s a miracle, really.” The concern and fear in his voice highlighted the danger I was in.

“How long have I been out?” I asked. I could have been out from days to months, time is unpredictable when accidents such as these occur.

“A week.”

My eyes widened, “A week?” I squeaked, “But the Williams-”

“They have understood the situation and are willing to put back the meeting, the date is yet to be decided.” Cameron cut me off.

“You told them I would wake up?” I questioned with a frown.

“Ms. Kwon, I know the fighter you are. I’ve been working alongside you for a long time; I had faith.” He smiled.

My lips stretched in a small smirk as I let out a little chuckle, “If it’s been a week then..” I trailed off.

“Yeah, ma’am,” Cameron quickly answered, catching onto what I was saying, “There’s only six days left for the gala, but we can move that-”

“Absolutely not!” I cut him off, “This gala will be held on time, no delays whatsoever! It must be perfect!” I told him sternly.

“Yes, ma’am.” He answered, clearing his throat, “But will you be able to recover in that short amount of time?”

I smirked, “Like you said, Cameron, I am a fighter.”

“Yes.” He smiled, nodding. “But the doctor did advice to take it easy. It was your head that got the worst of it.”

Listening to his words, I slowly raised my hand to touch my head and cringed painfully. A soft bandage had been wrapped around my head. Pain coursed through my head from a slight touch. My mind flashed back to the accident, I had hit my head against the steering wheel before I had passed out. My head must have hit somewhere else after I did.

“Your arms too.” Cameron said, gesturing to the cuts and stitches on my arms. I cringed at the sight, wondering what it was like to stitch two ends of my skin to close a cut. Every cut or stitch was a clear reminder of the sharp shards of glass piercing through the skin.

“Perfect,” I muttered, “Yet another thing to cover for the gala.”

“Might I recommend you a long-sleeved dress, ma’am.” He chuckled. Finding my struggles amusing.

I sent a slight glare his way, but he was right I had no other choice than to have full-sleeved dress or a half at least, “Whoever did this... they are in deep trouble.”

“Ms. Kwon, that reminds me,” Cameron started hesitantly, “I know, I have no right to comment on this, but I would like to let you know my thoughts.”

I frowned, looking over his face, before I nodded for him to continue, “Go on.”

“Ma’am, I think this could have been planned.” He chose his words carefully as he spoke slowly. Mother had suspected the same thing and I think my father was starting to think along the same lines too.

“Planned?” I asked.

“I didn’t tell this to Mr. Kwon, or anyone else.” He sighed. Cameron knows of the dispute of my family. He knew of the dirt; he knew the picture perfect family shown in the media was fake. It wasn’t told to Cameron or anything I trusted him with, he had simply walked in on an argument between myself, Jackson and my father. Cameron had accidentally heard Jackson’s words:

“She’s not my sister! She was just born out of your dirty affair!”

I pitied Cameron as my father threatened him not to tell a soul what he had discovered, because my father would do absolutely anything to keep his image perfect. He would go out of this way to make sure every crack was filled and nothing would fall.

“What is it?” I asked.

“From the hours of CCTV I watched, I noticed how the roads have been blocked from both sides, soon after you left your company building, ma’am.” He gulped.

I frowned at his words, “What?!” I could feel my anger slowly rising up from the pit of my stomach, ready to roar into flames.

“I feel like it was very well planned, Ms. Kwon. Like Princess Diana’s accident in Paris, I know there’s still a controversy over it, but if you think about it, no other people were harmed in that accident, only the ones in two cars that collided. Here, the roads on your way home were blocked on both sides and there are reports of another person harmed- the driver of the other car, but according to the police and investigators, the driver left the scene almost immediately after the accident. It can’t be a coincidence.” He stressed. “I’m not trying to lead you into believing something, these are just thoughts that have been really bothering me lately.”

I nodded unable to find a reply to his words, sighing I said, “Keep this between us, Cameron. Don’t allow anyone else to access anymore findings without my permission.”

“Understood, ma’am.” He nodded, before taking out a tablet, “I thought you would like to see what happened,” handing me the device, “If you are ok with that?” He frowned, suddenly pulling it away before I could take into my hands.

“Yes, Cameron.” I said, taking the tablet.

Unlocking it, I nervously pressed play on the video that had been selected with a shaky hand. I knew what had happened, but to actually see the event.. I didn’t know how to feel.. nervous? Uncertain? Or maybe even scared, but I didn’t allow fear to take hold of me. Fear will shake away your confidence!

I let out a shaky breath watching the black and white blurry video, the darkness made it hard to see what was exactly happening. I gasped, when I saw my car suddenly crash into a tree.

I had missed it!

“It took me a while to catch what was happening. It’s too dark.” Cameron said as he replayed it, slower this time, “Another reason why I think it’s planned. The intersection from where the other driver's car is coming from is too hard to see, because it’s so dark. And the cameras could barely pick it up.”

I watched closer this time and the sudden flash of light I remembered appeared and in that same second it hit my car, causing me to skid, lose control and crash. Cameron suddenly paused at a specific point, “See here?” He said, pointing to the other car, black and very easy to miss, “The driver suddenly turned off the lights.” Cameron slowed down the video further.

“The sudden flash was a distraction..” I mumbled and shook my head, “Oh my God!” I groaned into my hand.

“I don’t mean to overwhelm you, Ms. Kwon.” His voice held a great deal of sincerity and guilt.

“It is alright, Cameron. I need to know of these things.” I sighed, replaying the video as his phone suddenly went, “Sorry, ma’am, it’s one of the investigators.” He apologised after looking down at his phone’s screen. I nodded approvingly while watching the video. He attend the call as I rewatched, thinking of what he had said.

Could it actually be planned?

“Ms. Kwon,” The urgency in Cameron’s voice made me tear my eyes away from the screen, “They have found that car and the license plate number!”