Cherri

Leave. Go rest. Be with his family. Live his life the way HE wants to.

Jeong Jaehyun (Finale)

Author’s Note: Hi Seoulmates! Sorry it took me so long to post this. I had an outline for it, but I didn’t know how to get in touch with how the storyline should flow to its conclusion. The way I write, I fall heavy into the universe to convey the vibes of the scenery and the personalities and emotions of each character. This time, it felt difficult connecting with it all for one final time. Thankfully, I managed. Now, that I’m done, I feel like a need a loooong smoke 🚬. I don’t even do none of that, but this took a lot outta me 🫩. I hope the ending is to your liking. Thanks for sticking with me through this! Enjoy 😉

(Friendly reminder, YOU DON’T HAVE PERMISSION TO COPY MY WORKS ANYWHERE.)

CEO! Jaehyun x Pianist! Black reader

Synopsis: After your untimely death, you learn the truth about the plot to sabotage you. Now reincarnated to an earlier timeline of events, you have 3 main objectives: break off your engagement with Jeong Jaehyun, strategically expose the plot against you, and get the fuck away from your family as soon as possible.

Content: Angst, themes of betrayal, hurt reader, time re-do, reader death, reincarnation, revenge plot, badass reader, Jaehyun is a PROTECTOR, manipulation, gaslighting, orchestrated violence, white lotus,Jaehyun still simping and yearning, happy ending— but FIRST total drama islaaaand

Word Count: 13.9k

Going home with Jaehyun was… different than how you had imagined yourself with him all the countless times in your previous timeline. Before, he crushed every ounce of respect you had for him getting tangled up in Stella’s web of lies. But this was a new timeline, one where you mastered your own fate. Pulling into his penthouse garage, he was every bit of the charming casanova he was revered as. Opening the car door for you, he gently ushers you out of the car. Making sure to cushion your head with his hand so you don’t bump it on the way out. 

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im going to say this with all due respect: i don't care if you don't feel included with my black readers. black women are constantly overlooked in fandoms. the majority of x reader fanfics are written with white readers in mind, which is why we read "you blushed" or "he ran his hand through your hair" in them.

black readers are not a majority at all. there are plenty of fanfics for non-black people, so i don't understand why you're coming to my inbox crying.

you sound like you're forced to read my work. if that bothers you, you can make your own fanfics with asian/latina/arab readers or read someone else's work. im not going to censor myself for a stranger.

we can do whatever we want with readers! plus-size, black, shy, baddie... just because one person doesn't like it, i'm not going to stop. if i hadn't specified that it was a black reader, i would have understood that it bothered you, but it's stated at the beginning of the fanfic.

black women deserve their safe place too. we wouldn't have needed to create black readers if white people didn't think they were the center of the universe and forgot everyone else when they wrote.

Jeong Jaehyun (Part Four)

Author's Note: We are so close to the finale, I promise. Thank you so much for being patient with me in writing this. I cannot believe it really takes so long for me to upload chapters. But I’ve also been bogged down with work. I had to travel for two weeks and some insanely jarring things occurred while on my travels. I’m okay though! Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the energy I’ve given this installment, Seoulmates! Lmk what you think 🫶🏾

(Friendly reminder, YOU DON'T HAVE PERMISSION TO COPY MY WORKS ANYWHERE.)

CEO! Jaehyun x Pianist! Black reader

Synopsis: After your untimely death, you learn the truth about the plot to sabotage you. Now reincarnated to an earlier timeline of events, you have 3 main objectives: break off your engagement with Jeong Jaehyun, strategically expose the plot against you, and get the fuck away from your family as soon as possible.

Content: Angst, themes of betrayal, hurt reader, time re-do, reader death, reincarnation, implied destiny swapping, revenge is served, badass reader, revenge, manipulation, neglect, gaslighting, Jaehyun as a man-written-by-a-woman, he YEARNS, fluff

Word Count: 17.6k

After the recital fiasco and Stella’s failure in hijacking your engagement date, you stick to your guns in preparation for the psychological warfare you were set to enact upon your tormentors. If karma were a middle name, it certainly would be yours. But before proceeding with your revenge tour, you had to ensure that you absolutely set yourself up for success. To you, that looked like cutting off any and all access Stella had to your private information. Your mail. 

In the previous timeline, Stella had been notorious for snooping. From eavesdropping on conversations, to rummaging in your room and taking your mail. And if her actions during the weeks prior were anything to go by, that behavior hadn’t changed. If she was going to live up to her thieving ways, you’d stonewall her before the opportunity arrived. 

From what you remembered, after the public humiliation of their engagement being announced on your engagement day, you would go home and fall into a depressive slump for weeks. Then, around August 20th, you’d decide that if no good deed can come to you through romance, then surely it’d come to you via opportunity. And you’d stop moping around, pulling yourself up by the bootstraps in favor of polishing your piano technique. 

While part of that reasoning was to cheer yourself up, the other part had everything to do with whose tutelage you could potentially be under. At this point of the timeline, application submissions were underway for the workshops scheduled at several famous conservatories over the course of next summer. All being overseen by your idol in the piano world. Laurent Símon Moreau. A true powerhouse in the pianist landscape. 

Previously, you had applied and been admitted to the program. But your opportunity had been robbed from you by the wicked ways of Stella’s scheming. It was your mistake to carelessly leave your acceptance letter lying around in your room. To be fair, back then you had no idea betrayal could run so deep and so close to home. However, now you know better. And you damn sure will see to it that any ounce of important paperwork is no longer mailed directly to your house. Instead, using Jeongyeon’s address as safe ground. 

Promising to hold parts of your future in her hands to help you succeed, Jeongyeon would go to any lengths to exact this just dessert of revenge. And school was going to be the perfect stomping grounds to achieve it.

September 1st marks the start of a new school year and the beginning of the second arc in your reincarnation storyline. Delivering you right to the grounds of SM University. The hell hole of this college campus reeking of the pain and misery of the injustice you once suffered in it. To say you missed your former college years would be a lie. Too many years of torment came from this place. And now knowing Stella orchestrated it all singlehandedly made your calculated moves all the more justifiable. She had been in quite a tizzy over breakfast that morning after learning you would not be arriving with her at school. This raised eyebrows and questions around the dining table. Stella herself had nearly pitched a fit in learning that you would be accompanying Jeongyeon. 

“Why can’t you just meet her at school?” She bats her eyes with faux innocence. Though the barely concealed rage lingers. Any time you mentioned the other, Stella seemed to seethe in jealousy. It was quite effective in getting her mask to slip.

“I didn’t realize it was a crime to desire walking with my friend to school.” You rebut over a steeping cup of peppermint tea. Behind his newspaper, your father coughs in surprise at your direct statement. Across the table, your mother stares impassively at you, as if she is making an assessment. Who cares though. Let her assess.

Stella sputters beside you. “Of course that’s not what I meant! It’s just…” and she grabs your arms as she puts on a charade of biting her lip nervously. “We always ride to school together no matter what. It’s tradition. Can’t you make a sacrifice for me?” She pouts pathetically. Metaphorically rolling your eyes, you steel yourself for the utter bullshit she was going to spin this narrative into.

“It’s not necessarily tradition if there were never other options in the first place.” From the corner of your eye, you see your mother set down her cutlery as she pierces you with her cool gaze. You could feel that storm brewing. But you’ll give her a moment to work up her ‘evil queen’ vibes before worrying about it knocking at your door. “Now I do. Besides, Jeongyeon and I are still patching up from our conflict last year. I’m trying to spend as much time with her as I can.” 

You know the words you’re saying are an excuse. Attempts at pushing Stella over the edge, your ultimate objective. Her eye practically twitches at your admission. Gripping your arm tighter, she grits out a response. “But you’ve been spending all summer with her. Shouldn’t it be my turn?” 

Ah, there it is. The scent of jealousy permeates off of her, wafting into your senses. One thing that has been hard for you to grapple with is Stella’s utter hatred toward you but her complete disdain at you removing yourself from her space to be in the presence of true companionship. People like her weren’t peculiar, nor sad, nor necessarily bitter. They were dangerous, erratic in ways which they would sacrifice themselves to make others miserable. Envy was an exploitative trait. Just as you move to respond another voice chimes in. 

“Conflict?” Your mother interjects. ‘And hello wicked witch. You’ve finally mustered up enough outrage to speak.’ Silence befalls the table save for the rustling of the newspaper your father continues to hide behind. Cowardly lion indeed. 

“Interesting word choice.” She folds her hands under her chin like a warden scrutinizing their prisoner. “And what exactly constituted this conflict, hm?” There is something accusatory in her eyes as she regards you with a faint smile meant not for encouragement, but disarmament. This lady wasn’t simply playing mind games. She was playing a game of chess you had never been privy to up until recently. And currently, she carries herself as if she knows she already has won. As if she is ready to deliver the crushing blow that crowns her victor in this symbolic checkmate. But the two of you were no longer playing the same game, were you? You were no longer playing on her terrain. With the weapons of the past now in your arsenal, you were playing Battleship. And she had no idea just how certainly she was going to lose. Because now… you know where to aim. 

Preparing yourself for response, Stella beats you to the punch. Turning to your mother, she puts on the act of a lifetime as if she were lining up for an Oscar worthy performance rather than sitting at breakfast. She reaches over to grab your mother’s arm. Here we go. You tense, ready to see how your mother feeds into the antics.

“Aunt,” she starts with faux hesitance. She looks back at you briefly, biting her lip in guilt, before addressing your mother once again. “An awful rumor spread around last year about Jeongyeon. I didn’t want to say anything about it before, but… it regarded her sexuality. It was a big issue that spiraled out of control. Rumors were going around that Y/N spread it.” She glanced at you again, rushing to add. “Not that I believe it! It’s just… the two of you were best friends. And she only told you, right? If you didn’t do it, how did the rumor spread?” 

It took everything within you not to reach across her space and choke the wench. How dare she try and spin this narrative in your parents face like she wasn’t the one who spread the rumor? What right did she have to speak on it? Your body trembles in outrage. At this point, your father has put down his newspaper with all eyes on you. Gauging their expressions, they were looking at you with contempt. Per usual, they’d feed into whatever nonsense Stella served if it meant they didn’t have to eat your bitter truths. 

“Is that so?” Your mother rebuts evenly. “I wasn’t aware I raised my daughter to be so callous.” The inner child inside of you flinches with her hardened gaze aimed at you. ‘Til the end your mother would hate you. Now, you are sure of it. Estella rushes to your defense trying to put out this fire she purposely set. But you know her actions only serve to fan the flame. 

“It’s not that I’m saying she did it! That’s what everyone else believes. No one knows the full story though. So I’m sorry if I made anyone jump to conclusions.” She fake cries. Feeling emboldened now to jump in the drama, your father placates Stella over the breakfast table. 

“Now, now, Stella. Not to worry. This isn’t your mess to clean up. You did nothing wrong.” 

Snapping your head to the side, you regard him with indifference. “And I did?”

He clams up at your remark. How he had made it this far as a businessman, you don’t know. He couldn’t even hold his own toe to toe with any of the women at this table. That much is for sure. He truly was the softest of the bunch. “W-w-well it’s not like—” 

Your mother cuts him off. “Evidently, most of the student body believes you did. Why is that?”

“You’d rather question me than question them?”

“If a resounding majority can form a conclusion that points them back to the same person, then what does that say?” Wintery words fall from her lips.  

“Would you have believed in me anyway?” Daddy dearest avoids your gaze as you look at him. Turning back to your mother, it dawns on you how sick this family has become riddled with the disease of hatred. Cruelly twisting the dagger in this act of severance, she regards you with silence. Shamefully, you hate to acknowledge the tears that well up in your eyes. 

“Right.” You whisper with understanding. Glancing at the perpetrator behind this morning debacle, you see a glint of satisfaction peeking behind her eyes before she schools her features. Grabbing your things, you stand up and head for the entryway. “I’m leaving first.”

Commotion follows as Stella moves to get up and follow you. “Stop.” Your mother commands. Swallowing your emotions, you turn towards them with disinterest. Your mother is back to sipping her coffee, eyes no longer even looking your way. 

“You will ride with Estella today. It’s the first day of school. I don’t see why you can’t. The driver is already outside waiting. Don’t waste his time.” Then Stella is bounding up to you, locking arms before ushering you outside. 

The entire car ride is spent with her narcissistic chattering as you dissociate into your text messages with Jeongyeon. A new pastime of the both of you was to refer to Stella as a wench. Jeongyeon’s use of the word followed by explicit emojis has you snorting in the small space. She was bummed out at not traveling to school with you. Beside you, Stella pauses realizing your attention hadn't been on her this entire time. Evidently, you had not been keen on listening to her drone on and on about the new tennis season or her friends. 

Upset with this knowledge, she leans over to see what you’re laughing about. Immediately, you recoil, regarding her with a look of distaste for encroaching upon your business and personal space. She flinches back in surprise, unused to seeing that type of look on your face. Something so chilly and irate directed towards her. Squinting in confusion, she wonders what the hell is going on with you. There's this suspicious feeling that you’d been icing her out for months. And she isn’t sure why. Why were you acting so unlike yourself these days? 

Then, something in your expression shifts, and you’re back to acknowledging her warmly, like you typically always do. “What’s up?” You inquire sweetly. Weird. There's no way she could’ve imagined that… right? She’d have to keep her eye on you. Pouting, she throws a fit at why you aren’t giving her attention. 

“Y/N, you were distracted. You weren’t even listening to me. What’s more entertaining than me anyway?” 

Faking cute was not a tolerable action to you. And it nearly made you sick watching her gesticulate about. But you had to put up with it if it led you closer to Stella’s psychological undoing. Time to fight fake with fake. Petting her pathetic, little head in reassurance, you assure her that she will always have your full undivided attention. Beaming obliviously at that double entendre, she delves right back into her ramblings. Getting out of this car couldn’t happen fast enough. 

Arriving at the university parking lot, you watch as every fanboy and fangirl within radius swarms the car waiting for Stella to grace them with her ‘glamorous’ presence. She was the tennis team’s star after all and a top academic performer. Rolling your eyes, you watch as she gets out, immediately surrounded by her friends. If Stella was the Regina George, then Kelly, Hana, and Eunyoung were her burn book possé. None of those girls had anything to live up to other than being her lackeys. Such a waste of time. Texting Jeongyeon on her whereabouts, you prepare to leave the car when Stella seems to remember you. 

Leaning back in, you can tell she’s excited to put you on display as her charity case. Offering her hand, she says, “Y/N, are you coming?” 

Glancing at her with an aloof gaze, you akin accepting her hand to signing one’s fate over to the devil. Highly unfavorable. Faltering at your hesitation, she begins to frown as your phone dings. A message flashes across the screen from Jeongyeon.

By the skool gate 🙂

Perking up, you grab your bag before responding to Stella. “Thanks, but I’m gonna catch up with Jeongyeon.” Then you’re exiting your side of the car before heading towards the direction of the school. 

Perplexed, Stella watches after you wondering why you were reluctant to accept her offer. People within the vicinity began whispering at your decline to hang out with Stella and her friends. Typically, people only ever acknowledge you when you are around them. And even then, it was mostly to sneer at you because your ‘shitty’ personality was bringing Stella’s character down. But she would always swoop in saving the day with assurance that you would always be her best friend. And they’d coo at her acts of kindness and good deeds. But you had gone and shattered that illusion early this morning. People were already gossiping, snickering at the slight. Stella was sure news would spread like wildfire by lunch. 

She could read the headlines now, ‘Loser Declines Campus Princess’s Companionship.’ It was totally cramping her charitable style. She had always used you as a means of showcasing her ‘good heart’ for associating with losers like you. You were her pawn. And now? With Jeongyeon back, you were getting beside yourself. How bold of you to think you no longer need her. You were beneath her, nothing more than a lowly dog. Surely she had extended your leash too far for you to think you were above needing her to boost your reputation. She’d just have to fix that haughty attitude for you. Let’s see how you survive the school year with what she has in store for you. 

Smirking secretly, she plays up the act of chasing after you to gain sympathy points from the crowd. “Y/N, wait up!” 

Ignoring her, you continue making your way over to Jeongyeon. The young woman in question lifts her brows in amusement. That’s when Stella catches up, her cronies not too far behind. 

“I was calling you.” She pants, as if she ran a marathon sprint to catch up with you. 

“Bet she ignored you on purpose.” Hana goads. 

“Such a bitch.” Kelly whispers under her breath. 

Beside you, Jeongyeon bristles, annoyed at the behavior but also frustrated with being in proximity to the main perpetrators of her smear campaign last year. Smiling, you step forward to smooth out the wrinkled collar of Hana’s shirt. “It’s unbecoming of a lady to step out of the house presenting herself any ‘ole kind of way.” You whisper to her in an advisory tone. 

Without even looking in her direction, you also address Kelly. “Kelly, you have spinach in your teeth.” 

Each of them gasps at your audaciousness as Kelly rubs her teeth in embarrassment. “Oh my God, let me see.” Eunyoung whines, trying to help Kelly preserve some semblance of respect.

Chuckling, you step back. Eating up proverbial mean girls filled you with mirth. You were so done with the bullshit. None of these women would receive grace from you. Nor would you ever let up off their necks. You’re coming out swinging arms and elbows to this dog fight. All gas, no brakes. Jeongyeon giggles beside you. 

“Is this funny to you?” Hana shakes with anger. Their ringleader, Stella, continues to stare in perplexity. This is the second time you’ve bit back in a social setting. First at the Wang’s mansion and now this. Was she going crazy, or were you making some declaration of war? 

Tilting your head, you play off a subtle smile. “Hana, relax. I was just trying to help. Let’s put the past behind us and spend the rest of the semester learning to get along. Okay?”

Then you turn to Stella, who tenses at the fleeting calculated expression that crosses your face. “See you later, right?” You ask, squeezing her shoulder lightly. “Happy first day.” Walking backwards with finality, you turn and saunter away. Jeongyeon in tow. 

“What was that?” Kelly seethes with agitation.

“That bitch is so dead.” Estella mutters under her breath where none of her friends can hear her. Then she turns, plastering on a fake smile to continue this sneaky ruse. “Don’t worry ladies. Y/N’s right. I would appreciate it if all my friends could get along this year.”

Eunyoung pouts, “But she’s not a good person Stella. She goes around spreading people’s secrets. What happens if she does that to you?”

“Not gonna lie, I’d gut the loser if she tried to sabotage you.” Kelly declares. Stella preens with delight on the inside. Grabbing Kelly’s hand, she pretends to scold her. 

“Don’t be like that Kelly. She’s my childhood friend and her family adopted me. I owe her my friendship.”

Hana chimes in, “You owe her nothing. Not after what you told us about the constant bullying behind closed doors just because she’s jealous you have better grades. You said it yourself, sometimes it feels like she hates you because her parents invest more into you than her recitals. It’s not your fault you’re more talented and skilled. When have you ever known her to be a fair friend? Wasn’t it you who told us how she always wants to date the guys you like? She’s so fake. That doesn’t deserve kindness.” 

The other girls nod in agreement. Stella sports a pouty contemplative look on her face. She really loved when plans wove themselves together so beautifully. Her friends were so brainwashed by her slanderous lies. They truly never questioned the claims she made without validity. Followers really are the loveliest surprise. “I just think everyone deserves some form of kindness. Maybe if I do better at sharing the spotlight…” she trails off. Eunyoung immediately jumps to cut that train of thought.

“No way! What more does she possibly deserve from you?! Why should it be up to you to make her feel better about herself? You earned the right to your spotlight with your accolades and your charisma. Y/N is just bitter because you have what she can’t lift her lazy finger to do. All she has at her disposal is sabotage since she’ll never amount to anything. Why else would she sneak behind your back to talk to the guys you like? She has to play dirty to succeed.”

At that moment, an idea dawns on Stella. Since they were already so worked up about the little lies she previously slipped into their ears, then why not sprinkle more drama into the mix? The first day of school is never too early to knock you off this pedestal. Especially since you wanted to embarrass her so publicly. So, why not open other avenues to embarrass you? Starting with the guy you never deserved even a morsel of attention from; the man who would soon be Stella’s. Jeong Jaehyun. 

“Well, now that you mention it… I always just thought we might’ve had similar taste in men. But I did find it strange that every time I had my eye on a guy, she supposedly would have a crush on him too. Is that normal?” She questions, biting her lip softly. 

Grasping her shoulders endearingly, Hana looks her in the face. “Definitely not normal. We’ve been telling you that she’s a snake! Why aren’t you listening?”

Pushing her hands away to scoop Stella in a hug, Kelly speaks up. “Stella’s just too sweet. She wants to see the good in everyone when they don’t deserve it.” Eunyoung nods in agreement.

“So… does that mean she purposefully interfered with the guy I liked this summer?” She mumbles coyly.

“What?!”

“Spill the beans!” Her friends shout simultaneously. 

And so, she puts the word out about how she liked Jaehyun ever since the first social gathering he attended. How she’s always liked Jaehyun, but decided to hand him over to you when you picked out his marriage profile. How she had bumped into him at the dinner and fell head over heels further in love with him. How your parents were willing to hand the engagement over to her… how you agreed with it. Then how you must’ve said something for him to reject her. Oh, she spun a web so conniving, the lies themselves had claws. 

Believing in this false narrative she has spewed, all hell breaks loose with vows of not letting you get away with this mistreatment. Inside, Stella chuckles, happy to know she has people to do her bidding. Truthfully, she had been irked over the course of events for the past few months. 

She didn’t know what you did to bewitch Jaehyun, but it was utterly embarrassing to have his family firmly decline to annul your engagement and reject a proposal with Stella. Unlike other men from the past that she had stolen from you, Jaehyun refused to fall in line. That made her livid. She’s someone who is more sought after than you! So what made you so special that you were the young CEO’s preference? 

Well, she’d just have to make him see reason. Crushing your reputation into a pulp should be easy. In this lifetime, you’ll never succeed. Because Stella deserved to have your life. And she’ll do everything in her power to get it. Especially if it means ruining you.

By September 3rd it’s no secret to you that the rumor mill starts up again. And this time? Stella’s little cronies have been employed with the task to spread propaganda against you regarding your insertion into Stella and Jaehyun’s supposed love story. Howso? By proclaiming that you forced your way into a marriage contract with the CEO. Everywhere you went people sneered at you as they whispered. Comment after comment. Conversation after conversation. 

“Bet she definitely paid his family to say yes.” Conversation number one. 

“I heard she snatched him right from under Stella’s nose.” 

“Stella’s always liked Jaehyun too.” Snort. How would they know that? Literally no one in your entire family is truly associated with him. Stella had to weasel her way into a conversation with him. Jokes really do write themselves. 

“Why would Y/N go out of her way to get engaged to him?” Conversation number two. 

“Simple. She’s a gold digging leech. She wants to be attached to the Jeong name. She’s only looking for his assets.”

“The Jeongs are a crazy rich family.”

“Yeah, richer than hers.”

“She’s such a snob thinking she’s better than everyone else. Bet that’s why she tried to force herself onto him. When you have no accolades of your own, I guess money will do the trick to get people to notice you.” The person shrugs.

“Poor Stella. It feels like Y/N totally takes advantage of her. And she’s such a kind person too. She’d never backstab or use anybody." That had been laughable, you’ll give them credit for the comedic relief. Other comments though? Not so much. 

“Honestly, she’s always given the vibe.” Ah yes, an irrelevant creature claiming to be that of the male species mutters. Conversation number three. 

“What vibe?” His friend whispers back in confusion.

“A whore.” He chuckles back. That had really pissed you off. Who were these people to inquire about your chastity? Turning to look at the commentator, he flinches back at your icy stare. 

“Funny how you’re poking your nose in my business when everyone knows you can’t pleasure a woman to save your life. Sweetie, the streets talk. You’re better off having said nothing at all. Not to mention you’re totally cheating with your best friend’s girlfriend. But yes, I’m the whore.” You rebut sarcastically, batting your lashes with humor. The guy in question pales as his friend registers the information you just revealed. Blowing him a kiss, you wish him luck, turning as his friend explodes on him.

“DUDE WTF?!”

Thirty minutes later Jeongyeon cackles when you relay the story to her. “So that’s what that commotion was about.” It felt good to deal people their hand in this game of karma. Momentarily, you thought you had doused the flames by giving people a taste of their own medicine. 

Ahhh, but lies never stray too far from public confrontation. And you know you are overdue for another when Stella’s possé approaches at lunch. You know you’re in for a low IQ conversation when none of the information they use relies on facts. 

Walking in formation like a flock of geese, they make a beeline for you. Their little ringleader, nowhere in sight as she was currently in a tennis meeting. More than likely being voted team captain for the season, per the previous timeline. 

There they stand, towering over you and Jeongyeon’s table in the cafeteria. People turn to stare, already whispering. At the helm of this self-proclaimed pack of she-wolves is none other than Hana herself. Hm, public admirer, secret envier of Stella’s “legacy.” It really wasn’t a secret to you that Hana wished she had the level of popularity Stella did. It hadn’t been lost on you the many times she assigned herself de facto leader in Estella’s absence. Hana was much like Charlotte Barboroux in that manner. While in completely separate aspects of Stella’s life, both women felt some form of resentment for her perceived riches in life. A life she stole from you. 

Taking the confrontation in stride, you smile politely up at them. “Anything I can help you ladies with?”

“Don’t act civil now. You’re not fooling anyone.” Kelly mocks from the back. Barely glancing her way, you continue to address Hana. This causes Kelly to bristle at your blatant disregard for her. She hated being treated as leftovers. To her, it was simply disrespectful. In her mind, she was just as important as the other girls in the group. But that’s who she was to you. Leftovers. And her personality showed it. So what was there to talk about? There was no interesting input she could ever add to a conversation with you. 

“Do you have a reason for standing over me while enjoying my perfectly good lunch whilst in the middle of a perfectly good conversation? Or do you just like wasting time?” You inquire more. 

“Trying to play innocent are we? We know all about you.” The de facto she-wolf leader sneers.

“Do you?” You question with amusement. 

Eunyoung speaks up from behind their wannabe leader. “Yes, we know all about how much of a liar you are. You’re even a little thief too.” She declares proudly.

Tilting your head, you contemplate her words. “Hm, did Stella tell you that?”

“It doesn’t matter who told us what. Don’t bring her up in a conversation about you. You don’t have the right to speak her name. She may be nice to save your reputation, but not us. We’re gonna ruin your life for what you’ve been doing to her.” Hana interjects. 

“Oh? Is that a threat?”

“It’s a promise.” Kelly, once again. 

You giggle before assessing them with a straight face. Uneasiness fills the space at the abrupt shift in your demeanor. Something about you comes across as a need to tread carefully. None of the three women can identify what exactly it is about you lately that makes them apprehensive. Somehow you seemed more… threatening. “Believe what you want to believe. Say what you want to say. But I’ve seen this play out before. I know how it ends. This time, I’ll let it play out for my own personal entertainment. Enjoy the show while it lasts.” You purr knowingly. 

They are on edge at the confidence oozing from your body language. “What does that mean?” Eunyoung exclaims with bafflement as if she is entitled to know.

“It means you should run along.” Jeongyeon snaps. “We’re in the middle of lunch and your spit is flying everywhere, foaming at the mouth like a bunch of mangy mutts. Stop flapping your gums and get out of here.” 

All three women gasp in astonishment, completely blindsided by the insult. Coughing to cover up a laugh, you glance around to see other students laughing too. One look at the trio’s beet red faces brings so much satisfaction to you. They did not like that at all. But you didn’t care. Playing stupid games wins you stupid prizes. They excelled at that. 

Leaning closer venomously, Hana hisses, “This isn’t over.” Then, all three are stomping out of the cafeteria in a hissy fit. 

Shrugging your shoulders, you dig back into your food. Their threats no longer stick to your psyche. With access to their playbook, you now have the cheat codes to topple this social hierarchy one domino at a time. Your arsenal was equipped with different tools to be deployed against them. It is only a matter of time. 

As the days go on, hostility finds itself camping outside your door. As predicted, Stella heard all about the confrontation in the cafeteria. And she had made it her mission to scold you on the repercussions of unsportsmanlike conduct. Primarily in the presence of your parents. Innocently playing up the victim card in front of any audience who would listen. Basic Usurpation 101. And like most individuals who lack critical thinking, people fall for it… every. single. time. Because why should they have to consider any of the facts when Stella herself had to be speaking the truth? Propaganda under the guise of victim mentality was her strongest hand. And she played it so well. 

You could also tell Stella was getting restless, frustrated at your lack of rising to the bait. Frustrated at your disinterest in sucking up to her, or kissing her ass. She couldn’t believe you spent all of your time with Jeongyeon these days. Not only were you impassive, but you breezed right through every single one of her deliberate schemes with a level of unresponsiveness unlike yourself. She’d have to up the ante to make you see reason and force you back into your cage.

Despite the animosity you’ve amassed from your housemate’s following, blessings have come your way too. In the form of a letter you had been waiting to receive. A week or so after the lunchroom showdown, Jeongyeon arrives at school with a beaming smile painted on her face. You quickly brace for impact at her fastly approaching figure. You giggle as she pounces on you excitedly. 

“Guess what, guess what, guess what?!” She blurts energetically. 

“Hello to you too Jeongyeon. What made you grace us with your lovely presence today?” You question humorously. Rummaging through her belongings, she pulls a navy envelope from her bag. Immediately, you know what it is.

 “Someone got mail.” She states happily. 

“Omg.” Although you knew it was coming, you still grab the letter with excitement. Butterflies flutter in the pit of your stomach. You had been waiting for this moment, hoping to change the trajectory of fate from your past life. Observing the intricate design of the envelope, a sense of pride swells in your chest at the cursive font stamped to the front. Your name.

Y/n L/n. 

“Open it.” Jeongyeon whispers giddily, bouncing on the balls of her feet. Turning the envelope over, the red wax seal of the conservatory greets you. The Resonance National Conservatory. All of your wildest dreams at your fingertips. Removing the seal, an invitation greets you. 

‘Congratulations. You have been selected as a candidate to participate in several workshops with renowned pianist, Laurent Símon Moreau, at our esteemed conservatory. It is an honor and a privilege to be graced with your talent.’ 

Of course you had seen this letter before, but it still made no less of an impact on you now than it did then. Squealing with joy, both you and Jeongyeon fail to notice Stella’s intruding form. 

“What’s all the excitement about?” She questions innocently, though it is anything but. Immediately, the atmosphere grows tense. Sobering up from the high energy, you casually slide the letter behind your back. Stella notices it. Offering her as polite a smile as you can muster up, you respond. 

“Nothing interesting. Just something Jeongyeon was telling me.” 

Stella nods her head suspiciously at you. She gets the sense you’re lying if your stiff forms are anything to go by. Glancing down at your hidden hands, she deduces that something is there. “What’s behind your back? Seemed pretty important to me.” 

“Just a letter Jeongyeon received. Really nothing special.”

“Why are you holding it then?” The pesky young woman counters. Your eyes narrow slightly in aggravation. She was going to continue pushing the issue if you didn’t put a stop to it. “Stells,” you use her childhood nickname as a means of disarming her. “I promise it’s nothing. I would definitely tell you if it’s anything you need to know.”

The smile on her face is taut with dissatisfaction. She reaches forward to latch onto you. “Y/N,” she pouts. “Lately you’ve been so distant. I just want the three of us to get along. But you’re constantly pushing me away.” Jeongyeon cringes at her audacity.

“It’s not my intention to be distant. I’m just—” 

“Spending time with Jeongyeon to mend your bond. Yes.” She mumbles exasperated. “You say that every time.”

Through clenched teeth, you reply. “Is there a problem?”

Stella steps closer to you. “Yeah… you keep,” and without you realizing it, she snatches the envelope from you. Only moving closer to get access to it. “Hiding stuff from me. I thought we were friends. Sisters. And you’re lying too. Because this letter is addressed to you.” She waves it in your face. Stepping forward, you snatch it from her with a venomous look. 

“This is your one and only warning. Stay out of my things and stop snooping where your nose does not belong.” She freezes at the heat in your voice. Inside, you are livid. The audacity she had to think she had some kind of autonomy over you. If it weren’t a public setting, you surely would’ve slapped what little sense she had remaining right out of her system. Part of you trembles in rage that this storyline isn’t over yet. You know you have to wait out the time. But you were so sick of being her stepping stool. Justice couldn’t come sooner to collect her. 

Clenching her jaw, she regards you with petulance. “Are you mad at me? We’re supposed to be besties. Besties don’t fight.” 

Deep breaths. That’s what you tell yourself. “No, Estella. I am not mad at you. Just… listen when someone tells you to stop pushing something. If a person wants to tell you something, they will.” 

“So you are hiding something from me?” 

You roll your eyes. “I genuinely do not have time for this anymore.” You mumble under your breath. “I’ll see you at home Estella.” Then you’re turning to tell Jeongyeon goodbye as you head in the direction of the music department to tell Professor Kim the good news.

Still in the same spot that you left them, Stella and Jeongyeon have a stare off. Neither say anything as Stella's frame shakes at your bold behavior. It is noticeable how her facade begins to crumble. Your attack on her psyche is already forming cracks. In observation, Jeongyeon smirks and walks away. Seeing that stupid smirk on her face causes Stella to see red. She was going to ruin you. First, she needed to find out what was in that letter.

And find out she does…

You had slipped up one weekend, rushing out of the house for your piano lessons. It had been second nature these days to hide things from Stella carefully. Your notebook and the letters you took from Stella were now underneath your mattress, the most undetectable spot you could think of. Your letter should have gone there too. But you had been admiring it once again before you left, and in your haste, you just threw it in your desk drawer. After pilfering around in your room for a few minutes trying to find dirt on you after you left, Stella finds it. How could you get admitted to a highly esteemed workshop with such a famous pianist? Her mouth drops in disbelief that you keep coming back stronger, standing tall after she knocked you down. Why do good things keep happening to you? You don’t deserve it! Beneath her is where your place would always be. She would ruin your life to make sure you never forget it. 

Snapping pictures of the letter, Stella slides it back in your drawer. Creeping out of your room to not be suspicious, she relishes the victory she will get from this trump card now in her possession. While Stella concocts her scheme, school carries on. 

You had been waiting patiently for the next part of the storyline. With just a little over a week left until your birthday, you were preparing for the next show down. What you had not been prepared for however, was the attractive CEO currently leaning against his black sportscar in the parking lot of your university. You had walked to school with Jeongyeon that morning. Arriving outside the gates, you noted the crowd gathered at the entrance, girls squealing, and guys whispering. “What’s going on over there?” You wanted to know that too. But Stella and Co. beat you to the punch. 

“Omg, is that him?” Hana.

“He’s much more handsome in person.” Eunyoung.

“Stella, oh my god. He’s totally here for you. You have to go speak to him.” Kelly. 

Something about what you overhear stirs a weird feeling in the pit of your stomach. Bashfully, Stella brushes a piece of her hair behind her ear. “Stop it guys. He can’t be here for me. Maybe he’s got some business to tend to." 

“No way, why wouldn't he be? You said it yourself anyway. It was love at first sight the moment you looked into each other's eyes. He’s probably here to beg for a chance.” Hana practically coaches. 

Kelly gasps, jumping in excitement. “And he has flowers too! That’s it. We’re taking you to see your man.” 

It dawns on you at the exact moment Kelly turns to address the crowd that another unexpected outlier had entered the equation. “Everybody part like the Red Sea and move!” Kelly yells to the students in the way. It is slow motion the way students step aside and open up the space. Then, like a beacon, sunrays glint across the platinum blonde strands of a man you had not expected to see. The outlier in question. Jeong Jaehyun on your schoolgrounds visiting you.

He stood leaning against his vehicle with the practiced ease of a self-assured CEO. His stance was confident, legs crossed at the ankles. Sunglasses adorned his face. One hand rested in his pocket, and the other… held a lovely bouquet of white summer lilies. Nothing about this scenery should have been breathtaking to you. But every aspect of it was. Because there he stood waiting for you, reminiscent of an early 2000s romantic comedy. That didn’t deter you from your inquiries though. Many thoughts ran through your head at the same time. How did he know where you studied? What in the world could he possibly want? Why come to your school in the first place? And why was he holding a bouquet of your favorite flowers once again?

Your thought process is interrupted the moment he spots you. 

His posture straightens as he removes the sunglasses. Warm, honey brown eyes find yours standing amongst the sea of students. Dimpled smile on display, he makes his way towards you. But Stella is in his path too, and she makes her presence known to him in this instance. “Hi Jaehyun,” She mumbles shyly, blush dusting the apples of her cheeks. “It’s so unexpected to see you—” 

Then he is brushing past her to stop in front of you. Everyone freezes in bewilderment at his disregard for her. He had done it so casually too, like she didn’t matter. And the surrounding crowd quickly picked up on it. People whisper as phones snap pictures and record video footage to gossip about later. Stella stands frozen with a stiff smile on her face. Her eyes tear up in embarrassment at the cold-shoulder.  The burn book possé rushes up to her immediately. 

“What happened?” 

“I thought you said he was into you?” 

“What the hell is he doing with her?” They question simultaneously, matching glares tacked onto their resentful faces. 

Everything happens around you so fast, you can hardly register what is going on, ears ringing in shock at Jaehyun’s bold behavior. Beside you, Jeongyeon grabs hold of the skin of your underarm to pinch you into a reboot. Coming back to your senses, you stare up at the mischievous look on the man’s face. 

“What are you doing?” You hiss in alarm.

“Standing on a college campus holding a bouquet of flowers.” He states cheekily. You roll your eyes at his smart remark.

“Yes, I can see that. But that doesn’t answer why you’re here.”

“Can a man not visit his fiancée?” He shrugs disinterestedly at your confusion.

“Will you lower your voice?” You whisper in a panic. The man in front of you offers a lazy smirk. 

“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about, sweetheart. Everybody already knows that you’re mine.” This gives you pause, alarm bells ringing in your mind. 

“What do you mean by that?” 

He gestures around at the crowd of students recording this very public display of affection. “Well, I suppose the cat would already be out of the bag with them recording. But also… an official statement has already been released.” At least he had the decency to look a little sheepish at the admission.

“What?” Your voice is laced with dread.

Then Jeongyeon is making an exclamation of surprise as she whips out her phone to search. Within seconds, she finds his words to be true as numerous outlets have already reported the “groundbreaking” story. “CEO of Tech Conglomerate NCT Engaged to Daughter of Local Businessman." 

You balk at the words greeting you on the screen, hesitant to deem this to be true. Your entire world had just shifted on its axis. You had never wanted this information to reach the media. Sure rumors had floated around the college campus. But this? This was large scale and would cause much more public scrutiny than you had already endured. You thought about the Wangs, the Shahs, the Barbourouxs and the rest of the families. God, Jaehyun had just put an even bigger target on your back. Because while Jaehyun had always been a fan favorite in those social circles, you had always been regarded with sneers and subtle contempt. To people in that world, you never made sense in those settings. But Estella? She did. And this unexpected variable just made your mission several times harder than initially set.

“Jaehyun. What did you do?” You mutter, voice low and threatening. There is hesitation in his body language, as if he feels some form of guilt for delivering the news. ‘Good,’ you can’t help but think, ‘he should be.’ 

“That’s why I came to see you. Let’s talk in private.” Then he is ushering you through the school gates and on campus to an empty lecture hall.

“Speak.” You command once the both of you are shrouded in privacy. He chuckles darkly as he places the bouquet of flowers beside you. 

“You really like telling me what to do.”

“And you really have a hard time following directions. Now speak, Jeong Jaehyun. I’m not in the mood to deal with you.” The tremble in your voice is enough for him to sober up to the fact that something is making you emotional about the whole ordeal. 

“I gave you enough time. I really did. But my parents wanted to nip any more funny business in the bud. I’m obliged to follow that protocol since you’ve been trying to unhitch from me for months now.” He stands with his hands on his hips, speaking sternly to you as if you are a mere child. 

Your brows furrow in frustration at his statement. “Have you no regard for another person’s free will? How many times do I have to tell you that I’m not going through with this?” 

He scoffs at the words. “And how many times do I have to tell you that’s not an option? Y/N, I’m not trying to take away your free will. I’m literally honoring the agreement your parents set! You’re the one who wanted to marry me. You’re the one who picked up my marriage profile. It was of your own volition. Contrary to popular belief, I didn’t want to marry at all.”

“So why now?! Why can’t you just marry Estella?! The contract wouldn’t be null and void, because technically, under their guardianship, she has the right to claim being their daughter. If a contract is so fucking important, then just take her and leave me out of it!” You exclaim, unable to contain the rage coursing through your veins. He grabs your face in vexation.

“Because it’s you!” Then much gentler as he cups your face more softly. “It’s you.” It is his whispered truth, with eyes conveying so much more to his admission, that blazes panic over your skin. Jerking back, you chuckle wetly, on the brink of a nervous breakdown. 

“You’re ruining everything. All of my hard work.” Bitterness carries the weight of your words. Jaehyun looks on in devastation and confusion.

“What are you talking about? Ruined what?” He asks softly.

“Oh my god, it’s not even important anymore.” You mumble, pacing back and forth in trepidation. 

“It is important if it’s making you this upset.”

“Don’t—” you exclaim shakily, finger pointed menacingly back at him. “Don’t act like you know me. You don’t know anything.” At this moment, it is hard for you to keep your composure. You were so terribly angry at the cards stacked against you. What was the point of the universe throwing you back to an earlier point in your timeline if everything was going to be so challenging? Jaehyun raises his hands placatingly.

“I’m not trying to act like an expert on your personal life. Just— body language suggests that you are panicking about something. And I just want to help.”

“You can’t help when you’re part of the problem.” Your voice wavers. 

Jaehyun stalks towards you slowly, like you are nothing more than a deer close to being startled. “So help me figure out how not to be.”

You grit your teeth, stepping away from him bluntly. “You can start by leaving me alone.”

“Not an option.” His rebuttal is immediate in the fray. 

“Then you can’t help.” You growl, on the verge of hyperventilation. By now, Jaehyun has caged your fragile form between the lectern and chalkboard. 

“Hey. Hey.” Jaehyun whispers as he cups your cheeks once again in concern. “I don’t know what happened. But whatever it is we can figure it out together. I promise.”

“I can’t marry you. I can’t.” You really couldn’t. You were so afraid that something horrible was going to happen if you kept entangling yourself with him and your family. Terrified at the thought of dying again with this being your last shot. You wanted to wipe your hands of everything. But Jaehyun would not budge. And it frustrated you further to see the genuine concern in his eyes. The way he seemingly wanted to cater to you. 

“Listen. Something’s got you riled up. Whatever it is that’s scaring you, I promise I’ll take care of it for you—”

“You can’t!” The words loudly echo in the empty lecture hall. “You can’t, and there is nothing you can do about it except leave me alone.” You stare up at him with fresh tears running down your face. And Jaehyun… he caresses your face so forlornly, torn between your apparent despair and his need to surround you. 

He has no idea why he felt this compelling urge to be within the same vicinity as you since the moment you burst through his office doors. But he gets the feeling that he’s supposed to be with you, and knows that he can’t really exist the same prior to that initial meeting. And he’s trying so hard to help you see reason, to understand where you're coming from. But he’s frustrated too. Because he doesn’t understand why you’re so fearful, and you aren’t exactly helping him here either. So, he’s trying to take matters into his own hands to show you that he is more than capable of being what you need, of being a husband. But you won’t budge. In fact, you seem horrified to even be in his presence. And if that didn’t hurt… he didn’t know what else did. 

“I’m sorry, Y/N. But I really can’t do that. And I think you know it already.” And you did. Because Jaehyun hasn’t stopped looking at you like he’s looking through you. And it bothers you so much, makes goosebumps scatter across your flesh in a mosaic of art. He really isn’t going anywhere, and for you, that’s worse. Especially when your brain is telling you it’s a bad idea, and your heart… is trying to decide where it stands. 

You push his hands off of you delicately. Rubbing the tears from your face, you regard him impassively. You’ve got to regain your composure to set the narrative. You'll take the reins of fate your damn self. And nobody will have a say in it. 

“Then I’ll make sure of it.” Then you are shouldering your forgotten bag and bounding back out of the enclosed room. But what you don’t realize is how far gone Jaehyun is for you. Yes, he enjoyed this cat and mouse game initially. But now, seeing the way you allowed him a moment of your vulnerability, he vows to get to the bottom of this whole ordeal. But first, he needed to soothe his bruised ego.

“At least take the flowers.” He whispers dejectedly at the empty space you once stood.

An hour or so later, you are pent up in Jeongyeon’s apartment, eating ice cream to your heart's content. The both of you had decided to skip out on classes for the day after the jarring public encounter. Jaehyun, however, is still on campus visiting an old friend. He sits in one of the spare chairs in front of the professor’s desk. The man in question leans against the window sill, glasses perched upon the bridge of his nose and black coffee in hand. He analyzes Jaehyun with a sort of humor that displays his amusement at the turn of events. Seeing Jaehyun’s frumpy nature almost makes him chuckle. He’d never seen the CEO so brazenly dejected before. Much less at the expense of a woman. 

“So, it looks like Casanova isn’t invincible after all.” 

“Shutup.” The petulant man grumbles. A teasing smirk meanders across the older man’s face. Setting aside his coffee to properly address his friend, he fixes him with a knowing stare. 

“You can’t sulk away in my office all day, you know.” 

“I can if I try really hard.” The platinum blonde mumbles. The professor laughs at this, not too perplexed at the sheer level of childishness. It is moments like these, in the confined safety of their brotherhood, that Jaehyun allows the aloof nature of his business persona to slip. 

“Mr. Jeong, I assure you that my office does not have the… amenities for you to do so. Perhaps, you should call Jisung and request he prepare your office instead for… this state of heartbreak.” Every pause is reinforced with an air of smug haughtiness that Jaehyun is familiar with. His friend always did have a lecturing tone about him, even before his tenure. 

“Hyung,” he huffs. “You don’t understand.”

The man in question quirks a brow before taking a seat behind his desk. “If anyone understands, I can assure you it would be me. What I am having a hard time wrapping my head around though is why you are suddenly immobilized over one woman? Since when have they ever interested you for more than short periods of time?” 

The young CEO really had no explanation for it. He couldn’t very well tell the older man that he believes it to be an act of fate. It sounds preposterous just even thinking about it. Taking his silence as an answer, the black haired man leans forward, elbows splayed on desk with his fingers steepled underneath his chin.

“Jaehyun, let me ask you this.” He waits until he catches the younger man’s eye before continuing. “Knowing what you know and what you feel, what do you intend to do?”

For Jeong Jaehyun, the answer was two things, complicated and simple. 

September 18th knocks at your doorstep early one morning. It is a day that you had already prepared yourself for. One that was integral to the plot. Over breakfast, Stella asks the million dollar question to herald Act Two into fruition. “Aunt, Uncle, I was thinking about throwing a pool party for Y/N’s birthday. What does everyone think?”

Your mother smiles at Stella sweetly. “Leonard, we raised such a kind, young woman.” 

Your father chuckles heartily at the statement. “What can I say? Parenting comes easy with this one.” Your lip twitches at the sting of the implication. Does that make you hard to raise by default? “Well, it is Y/N’s big day. It would be up to her.” 

Then every head at the table turns to look at you. Your mother, with a cold stare that promises retribution if you steal Stella’s joy by saying no. Your father, looking on with nothing but dollar signs behind his eyes thinking about the more networking opportunities he’d make if he invited the richer families. He had done so in the previous timeline too. And of course, Estella, looking on with a cherublike face which all too carefully worked as a mask of deception. Underneath her disguise, you could practically see the cogs spinning. She was ready to initiate the next phase of her plan. If framing you before hadn’t worked, she would make sure of it this time. But while she was playing the game unawares. You were playing with the knowledge of another version of yourself. So, you’d play to win. 

“Sure. If it’s what Estella wants.” And there went another contract in which you signed everyone over to fate. 

The following week pans out just as you expected it to. Stella champions herself as your spokesperson as she delivers personal birthday invitations to as many people at school as she can. Obviously, she invites her gaggle of friends. Then she invites her teammates. People from various sports teams are extended an invite as well, some of your shared classmates, and… her rich friends from the business dinner. Courtesy of your father’s extension. Most people would have said no if it wasn’t Stella. They didn’t necessarily associate with the likes of you. Especially after that baseless rumour Stella had spread last school year. She was trying her damned hardest to make sure you suffered from her plight of bitter jealousy. She made sure to invite as many popular people as she could to climb the social ladder while securing your fate to being a social pariah. All of these people had the power to blacklist you one way or another. And that was exactly the formula she used the last time in squandering your social presence out of existence. 

The one birthday invitation you did pride yourself on hand delivering was the one to Jeongyeon. As your only true friend, this meant more to you than Stella’s performative actions. Jeongyeon had hugged you tightly when you’d given the card to her, making exclamations of being there one-hundred percent to support you. For you, in this moment, she was the only thing that mattered. True, unfettered friendship that couldn’t be substituted for anything. 

Finally, the climax of Act Two reaches its crescendo the evening of September 27th. Your birthday. Previously, Stella had faked almost drowning at your pool party and allowed everyone to insinuate you pushed her. This further stamps your reputation in the mud and leads up to you becoming injured. Indefinitely ruining your chances of playing piano. Jaehyun had been there too. And his anger had spilled over, believing the accusations against you. He had pushed you into the pool. Effectively ruining your entire birthday. But not this time. He had no reason to talk to Stella. And you certainly hadn’t given him an invite. So, he would not be there. This calmed your nerves a bit. But you still had to remain on the defense. Stella had various tricks up her sleeve, and your incompetent father paired with your devious mother would not help the case. That’s why Jeongyeon worked her ass off to help you. 

A security camera had been installed along the backside of the house, where the pool was. No one in your family had known about it. Only Seward and Lillian had been home when it was installed. You swore them to secrecy,  and since it was you who asked it of them, they agreed. The feed goes directly to your phone. Jeongyeon had gotten the installation services at a decent deal for you. She was great at bargaining when she put her mind to it. 

And so, with your swimsuit on, the party was underway. Stepping out in your bathing suit, Jeongyeon wolf whistles at you. “Hot mama!” You giggle as you push her away amusedly. You wore a black one piece, accented with white straps and trimming along the bust of the cleavage. The cups at the top of the suit dipped down between your breasts to accentuate mature sex appeal. A sheer, black skirt wrap topped your outfit off along with chunky th**ged sandals. You felt great in spite of the calamity destined to take place. Grabbing your arm, Jeongyeon ushers you outside to the deck. Music blasts in the late night air as your classmates swim and mingle. People noticed you and offered birthday remarks here and there. Earlier that morning, your parents had off handedly wished you a pleasant birthday. Then, they gave you gifts. 

Your father had gotten you tickets to see Laurent Símon Moreau as a guest pianist in a Parisian symphony next year. His thoughtfulness had actually surprised you the first go around from the previous timeline. But you had never been able to enjoy that gift. Because once your hands had been injured, you wanted nothing to do with the composition world. So you gave your tickets to Stella and Jaehyun, as gratitude for Stella always being there for you. Back then, you hadn't realized she orchestrated your predicament.

You mother… she had gotten you more piano lessons. Citing that it was the least she could do if you wanted to pursue a professional career in composition. “Besides,” she had said, “you were pitchy at your recital in July.” You would’ve commended her for the effort of at least getting a gift. But there was no way you were acknowledging messed up behavior any further. So, you’d just thanked her casually and continued eating your eggs benedict. The greatest gift that morning had been Seward cooking good food. 

And Stella? Well, you knew she wouldn’t give you your gift until the pool party in the evening. She wanted to publicly give you a gift to look like a saint. The gift in question, personalized sheet music named ‘Stella’s Sonata.’ So, that it could be something you would always remember her by. It made you gag just thinking about it. She somehow always found a way to reinforce the narrative to revolve around her. 

Speaking of the woman in question, she was standing off by the food table, nursing a drink as she fraternized with her rich friends, the Westwood, Shah, and Barbouroux spawns respectively. Her school friends stood off to the side simmering with contempt. The four rich heiresses did not mix well with “regular people,” thus they looked down on everyone at the party with disdain. The “burn book possé” hated not having an entry into Stella’s top-tier sphere of influence. So, they fumed silently at being tossed aside for the night. The sight made you and Jeongyeon snicker. It amazed you how people didn’t realize yet that Stella only used them for convenience. 

Just then, Lawan makes eye contact with you over Stella’s head. She nods in your direction. Stella’s head whips around to stare at you before donning her angelic mask and rushing towards you. Both friend groups follow behind her as she squeals with fake delight. “Y/N!” She throws her arms around you, more excited about this celebration than you are. Her exuberance and your dread all stemming from the same place. People watch and gush over Stella’s performative behavior. It takes sheer willpower to not roll your eyes or gag at the display of affection. Pulling back, she smiles at you. “I’m so excited for you. It’s your 22nd birthday, and what better way to spend it than with friends! I’m so glad I got to host this for you.” You can practically feel Jeongyeon’s dissatisfaction rolling off in waves beside you. None of these people were your friends. This whole entire party is a ruse to fit Stella’s agenda. 

“Yeah, thanks Stella. I… really appreciate it.” You would just keep the compliment short to prevent further suffering. 

“Stella’s so nice.” You hear people coo in the crowd. God, you hate it here.

“Yeah, congrats on your birthday little L/N.” Jacqueline smirks as politely as she could at you. Rounds of fake congratulations resound from both groups. You thank everyone and step out of the circle, hoping to get away from their phony nature. But Hana grips your shoulder hard as you move to walk past. “Better hope you don’t end up face first in the birthday cake.” She giggles sinisterly. You snatch her hand off as you shove past. 

“Bitch.” You hear Charlotte mutter under her breath. Holding on to your resolve, you count down until the moment you can expose everyone. Stella comes bounding back up to you, pushing Jeongyeon out of the way. 

“Y/N, don’t you think it’s time for cake and your final present?” Wanting to get all this over with, you agree. You already know how this ends anyway. 

And so, Stella leads the happy birthday song as she urges Kelly over with the cake. Except, where Kelly is supposed to “trip” and shove the cake in your face, is now substituted for you moving just in time for the cake to land right on Hana, who stood just behind you.

 “AHHHHHH!” Hana screams in alarm. The crowd bursts into laughter at cake dripping down her face. 

“Oh my God, Hana!” Stella and Co. exclaim as they try to brush the dessert off her face. People pull their cameras out to record. Jeongyeon winks at you in amusement as you try to school your face. Kelly rounds on you in that instant. 

“You did that on purpose!” She shouts with anger. 

“Did what, Kelly? Are you saying that you intended for the cake to land on me instead of Hana? Are you insinuating that you tripped on purpose? Because if you are, that’s a horrible thing to do to someone on their birthday. You aren’t that malevolent… are you?” You aim all your accusations towards her as people start whispering in the crowd. This entire interaction was caught on camera for various people to see, putting Kelly in a precarious place. 

Wide eyed, Stella rushes up immediately and pulls the dumb woman away. “Y/N, it wasn’t like that. Kelly honestly tripped. Why would she do anything like that to hurt you? Accusations can be harmful without any evidence.” 

You tilt your head at her worried form. “But she just said it herself. She expected the cake to land on me, not Hana. Why else would she be foaming at the mouth right now?” 

“You—” Kelly goes to speak, but is interrupted by Eunyoung. 

“Come on Kelly, let’s take Hana home to clean up.” You can tell it is to defuse the situation. But also, you can see the fire in her eyes promising retaliation. You’re definitely equipped for that one already though. 

“Yes,” Stella ushers amicably. “Why don’t you all go home to get cleaned up and we can move on with the final present instead.” Then she is shooing them away from the premises. Jeongyeon and you make amused eye contact over the chaos that ensued. It is then that Stella makes her way back over with the gift in her hand. 

“Ugh, you’re such a sweetiepie Stella. Look how kind you are to her and this girl,” Daniella says with a sneer in that snobby British voice she has. It isn’t lost on you that she tries to infantilize you here as a form of degradation. “Can’t even pay you the same respect. Who makes accusations like that towards someone's friends that helped orchestrate this event? If it wasn't for Stella's genius ideas, you wouldn’t even be having a celebration for anyone to come to.” Jacquileine harumphs her agreement at her sister’s statement. Stella smiles sheepishly as the crowd jeers. 

“Yeah! We wouldn’t even be here if it wasn't for Stella. No one would have wanted to come anyway.” Someone shouts. Chuckles emanate around you. 

Calmly, you address the attendees. “You’re free to leave then. Literally nothing is stopping you from walking out that gate and off my family property. I promise I won't lose sleep over the majority of your nameless faces anyway.” 

People gasp at your bold statement. Several jaws drop. Jeongyeon cackles at the reactions. Stella is practically shaking in realization that something is definitely wrong with you. You just publicly confirmed to her that something in you shifted in the last few months. But not to worry. She’d make sure to stomp you into oblivion. 

“Don’t be so hasty, Y/N.” She grabs your arm once again. “It’s just a joke. That’s all. Right everyone?” She turns as the crowd cheers in agreement at her question. “See? Nothing to worry about. Now, why don’t you open your last gift? It’s from me.” 

It is then that Jeongyeon cuts in. Stella seethes beside you at being interrupted. “Actually, I have a gift too. So, I guess mine would be the final.” Part of you would disagree. Upstaging Stella was a gift in and of itself. Subconsciously, Stella grips your arm harder in disapproval. 

“Well,” she grits out. “If that’s the case, why don’t you go first?” 

“Eh, I’m cool with being last. You’ve already got your gift out in your hand. Wouldn’t want to disrupt the flow of things.” 

“Or, you could—” 

“Estella,” you interject. Her eyes dart to you with negative emotions swirling along their horizon. You loved seeing her nearly crack. The plan was working as it should. “Jeongyeon’s right. We’re already here. So, just go ahead.” Sulking, she heeds your words and sucks it up. Handing over the decorative gift bag, she waits with baited breath as you open your gift. As expected, it's sheet music. 

“Happy birthday!” She hollers enthusiastically, more focused on her “good deed” than your reaction to it. “It’s sheet music with a personal composition to remind you of our friendship. It’s called ‘Stella’s Sonata.’ So, any time you feel lonely, you can play it and think of my love for you.” She bats her eyelashes as party attendees wax lyrical at her thoughtful action. ‘Cue eyeroll here.’ Jeongyeon gives a half assed clap as Stella clings onto your neck like she's more saintly than Mother Teresa.

“Thank you.” You pat her back briefly before pulling away and turning to Jeongyeon. Behind you, Stella bristles at the blatant dismissal. She can’t help but hate Jeongyeon from stealing your spotlight from her. If the two of you weren’t friends, Jeongyeon wouldn’t have been invited anyway. And then there would be no room for anyone upstaging Stella on her— your big day. 

You were eager to open Jeongyeon’s gift. Before, you didn't get to celebrate your 22nd birthday with her. Stella’s wrath had already sunk its claws into the friendship. Therefore, there had been no gift in the past. But now, you were excited to receive an emblem of this renewed friendship. 

Gingerly taking the gift bag from your friend, you thank her. She lets off a radiant smile at your acknowledgment. Opening it up, you find a 3-dimensional piano themed card. On the front read “players gonna play.” You chuckled at the absurdity behind it. Then, wrapped delicately in wrapping paper is a limited edition Funshine bear mug, with a half completed heart. There was clear indention on the side where its companion, an accompanying mug, was supposed to fit. This limited edition mug came in a set, with its remaining piece being Grumpy bear. Jeongyeon’s favorite character. You both had joked in the past that if you were Funshine, she was Grumpy. The mug set was supposed to fit in place like a friendship necklace. Except, it was both carebears faces squished together with a heart down the center that said “Best Bear Friends 4 Life (BBF4L).” You gasp in awe. 

Gently setting the mug back in the bag, you turn to hug her. Jeongyeon embraces you back. You had wanted this mug forever and had scoured the internet for it. It was just your luck that Jeongyeon was able to bid for it on e-bay. You started to say something before Stella cut you off. “Alright, that’s all folks! Gift giving is complete. Let’s all clap for my bestie’s big day and go back to the partaaaaaay!” She pumps her fist in the air. Disbelief washing over you, you could hardly comprehend that she just interrupted the sweet moment because she was no longer the center of attention.  

The crowd, ever ones to fold under peer pressure, was about to follow suit. When another voice broke through the commotion. “Technically, I suppose I’m the last gift of the night since I brought a present too." Heads turn to whip around at the intrusion of a voice that belongs to none other than Jeong Jaehyun. 

“What the fuck?” You whisper under your breath as Jeongyeon reacts at the same time. 

“Holy shit.”

Stella and her rich cohort of friends stare in astonishment. There is no way Jeong Jaehyun was here at your loser party in the flesh. Jaehyun smiles his boyishly charming smile as he makes his way over to you. But Lawan and Charlotte stop him in his place. “Jaehyun, fancy seeing you here. Did Estella give you an invite?” The crowd murmurs at his presence. 

“Wait, didn’t he come to campus because of Stella too?” 

“No. That was to visit Y/N. He hardly looked at Stella." 

“That’s strange. I thought everyone said he was infatuated with her.” 

“Well… not everyone said that. Stella’s friends said that. And I assume that’s because she said that.” 

“How odd. That doesn’t seem to be the case.” 

‘Yes,’ you think gleefully. ‘People are starting to pick up on the lies.’ However, you had no time to revel in those revelations, still stuck on the fact that Jaehyun was here when you hadn’t sent him an invitation. And Stella didn’t have his number either this time around. So, how in the world could he possibly be here? 

“Actually,” Jaehyun’s voice booms over the crowd. “Mr. L/N told my father who then told me. And since Y/N is my fiancée, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Oh god, your eye just twitched. Beside you, Jeongyeon wheezes at the irony. Glaring at her, she makes herself scarce as Jaehhyun pushes past the pack of rich hyenas to get to you. Silently, you stare up at his handsome form towering over you. 

“Happy birthday, sweetheart.” He whispers meaningfully. Oh no, part of you was going to be sick. Him standing in front of you did nothing to quell the nervousness from early. In fact, it made it worse. He looked so handsome, and smelled it too. “I brought you something. I hope that’s okay.” 

In one hand, he holds up a matte black gift bag with gold embellishments. In the other, a singular lily. This time, a soft pink. ‘Devotion.’ That’s the descriptor that jumps out at you regarding the meaning of the flower. Jaehyun was showing how irrevocably devoted he was to you no matter the circumstances. Swallowing the lump in your throat, you take the gift bag with irresolute finality. 

“Thank you.” You whisper. He grabs your hand and kisses it. Your body tenses, but he just soothes you by rubbing his thumb down the back of your hand. ‘Now is not the time to cause a scene.’ You have to remind yourself. Removing your hand from his, you delve into the bag for the gift. Anything would serve as a distraction to the heart eyes he was currently giving you. 

“Well,” Lawan puffs her chest out in arrogance, trying to save face for the humiliating way Jaehyun dismissed every single last one of them. “What’s in it?” She questions with impatience. Rolling your eyes, you go to pull out the item. It is then that Stella stops you with a spectacle unlike herself from the first timeline. 

As usual, she had found a way to sidle up to Jaehyun, and began actively causing a scene while staring at the pink flower still nestled in his hand. “Oh my god.” She hyperventilates as she fans her face. Everyone turns in alarm. She is actively coughing, eyes tearing up as she backs away from the offending flower. 

“What kind of flower is that?” She practically heaves. “I feel like I can’t breathe. I think my throat is closing up.” 

Various people gasp as someone jumps into action and throws the flower to the ground, stomping on it. Jaehyun nearly chokes the guy into oblivion. But you just hold up an arm to silence him. Watching with an eerie level of calm as Stella reaches out to you in a panic. “Y/N, I think I’m allergic.” Her friends fan her face shouting for someone to call an ambulance or bring an epi-pen. 

“Why are you just standing there?” Daniella shouts at you, “Do something!!!” 

Unperturbed, you watch on, before a tiny smile graces your face. “That’s interesting. Stella, I never knew you to be allergic to lilies. They’ve always been my favorite and they’ve always been in the house. So, how are you allergic all of a sudden?” 

Charlotte hands Stella a cup to drink from as the woman in question tries to gather her thoughts. “People can develop allergies out of nowhere you know!” Jacqueline screeches back, still blindly believing Stella’s display of on set anaphylaxis. 

“That might be the case, but how come she didn’t have an adverse reaction when Jaehyun brought a bouquet to her recital inJuly or to school the other day. You guys might not have been there. But everyone else was. We all saw her. She was perfectly fine then, and now you’re saying she’s not?” Jeongyeon comes in clutch with the analysis. 

Everyone who had been outside the school gates on the day Jaehyun arrived begins putting two and two together. Now waking up to the fact that Stella’s reaction genuinely doesn’t make sense. 

“Valid point.” Jaehyun states, hands tucked in the pockets of his rolled up linen pants. “Especially considering in each instance I brought a dozen lilies, while today... I only brought one. How is it possible to have a reaction over one, when you showed no sign of uncomfortability over the other twenty-four?” Hm, even Jaehyun was developing a penchant for sniffing out Stella’s lies.

The manipulative girl you grew up with clams at his suggestion. You see when it registers to her just how close she is to getting caught. Now, she has two choices. Either give up willingly or be caught in the charade. Backed against a wall, indeed. Deeming it easier to play it off, than get caught, she chokes on a few more coughs before straightening up. 

“Actually, I think maybe it’s not causing a deathly reaction, but rather just slight allergies.” Then, to solidify her case, she sneezes. “Sorry everyone. I really panicked because I was so scared.” Then she turns to you as her bottom lip wobbles. “I hope I haven’t ruined your birthday.” People coo at the dismissal of her blatant scheme. You practically snarl at the sheer stupidity surrounding you. 

“That’s okay. If you’re still feeling ill, then you’re more than welcome to leave and stay overnight in the hospital. I’m sure the party can go on without you. That way you won’t feel like you’re disrupting the celebration.” There is a challenging ferociousness to your gaze. In that moment, Stella begins to see just how much she underestimated you before. In her mind’s eye, she now understands you to be prepped for war. She’d have to play more strategically for now. But soon it won’t matter. Because after tonight, your reputation will be in the dumpster. 

“Of course not! I wouldn’t miss this for the world. I should be fine if I just drink some more water. Please don't mind me, continue opening your gift.” 

For a split second, you see her gaze flit to Jaehyun. You can tell she is trying to search for any indication in his eyes that he believes her, as if she can still find favor from him. But he just regards her dismissively before turning his gaze back to you. You bite back a laugh. 

“Go on.” He urges you with a serene smile. 

God, his duality really needed to be studied. Because the way he just effortlessly went from aloof to soft within several seconds had to be a world record. But you press on. Anything to avoid his tender gaze. Wordlessly, you pull out a trinket the size of your hand. The item renders you breathless. In the palm of your hand is a piano shaped music box. It was a white grand piano, reminiscent of the one from your recital. 

“Play it.” Jaehyun mumbles beside you. Turning the key, a haunting melody of ‘Sonnet 18’ croons its lullaby. The gift leaves you speechless. 

“It’s the sheet music you played at your recital. The melody has been playing in my head on repeat for the past few months. I thought it would be nice to commemorate that.” 

“Jaehyun, I… don’t know what to say.” Shell-shocked by the turn of events, you pay no attention to Stella’s envious face. She bites at her nails glaring daggers at you. ‘Why the hell are you trying to ruin her life? Tonight was NOT supposed to be about you!’ 

Just then, Jaehyun gestures towards the gift. “Do you like it?” 

Horrified at the raw vulnerability in his eyes, you take several steps back. This was not good. Here Jaehyun was declaring some form of love for you. And he was so careless enough to let his cold facade drop in public at the expense of professing his Shakespearean laced romantic intentions. This shouldn’t be happening. To you, it was unacceptable. And you had no idea what to do now. Because something in your gut is telling you that there is no coming back from this new path you are on. Overwhelmed by the magnitude of that realization, you falter. 

“I need a moment.” Setting the bag down, you walk stiffly back to the sliding doors. Jaehyun calls out to you. Not good, you were going to be queasy.

Then you are racing back inside the house to the lower level bathroom. Hurling yourself onto the floor, you throw up the contents of your stomach into the toilet bowl. Afterwards, you sit in silence processing everything. Somehow, you know that you are resigned to your fate. With Jaehyun and Stella derailing every facet of your gameplan, you begin to understand that the only way out…. is through. A gentle knock disrupts you from your thoughts. 

“Babes, are you alright in there?” Jeongyeon. 

“Come in.” You croak hoarsely. Jeongyeon peeks her head through the door. 

“Hey,” She closes the door and sits next to you on the floor. Silence envelopes you once again. “I know you’re probably not going to want to hear this, but— damn, girl. This is not going the way you intended.” 

“Yeah, Yeonie. I’m starting to see that too.” Dejectedly, you chuckle. 

She looks at you inquisitively. “What are you going to do?” 

There was hardly any patience left that you could muster towards this tonight. So, you’ve decided. You’d go out there, let this chapter run its course, and take a well deserved sabbatical at Jeongyeon’s for a couple of days. “Despite everything I’ve done to steer this storyline off course, fate has somehow found a way to alter events to still lead down the same road. It’s like, no matter the different scenarios, there is still this definite conclusion. So, if fate wants to play. Fine. Be my guest.” Glancing to the side, you face your friend’s stare head on. “Now, we follow the plot. Let’s kick some ass.” 

After freshening up, the both of you return to the party. Jaehyun is sitting in a patio chair as Estella yaps his ear off. He nods stiffly at her words, sipping his drink. Snorting, you can’t help but be amused at his awkward state. Part of you was elated to know he felt some uncomfortability after publicly doing so to you. If he wanted to continue operating off his instincts, then you would operate off yours too without a smidgeon of remorse. So, you giggle at his plight. Evidently, the man had some type of spidey sense that went off whenever you were in his direct vicinity. Immediately, his eyes find you across the way. Straightening himself out, he goes to get up when Stella pushes him back down. The rich hyenas swarm as Stella rushes towards you for the umpteenth time tonight. ‘Let’s get this show on the road.’ 

“Y/N! Where did you go?” She all but shoves Jeongyeon out of the way. “Ow!” the other yelps. Stella disregards her as she stares up at you with glee. It is astonishing how much of a 180 she presents you with. Just thirty minutes ago she was faking a sickness. Now she was back to her jovial nature as if that entire altercation should be written off. Not a soul had questioned her regarding that other than you, Jeongyeon, and… Jaehyun. Unsurprising on everyone else’s part. Surprising on the latter’s though. 

You already know what’s in store for you next. Stella’s figured out her master plan for the finale of the night. She had already been embarrassed once called out on her lie. Then another when Jaehyun practically paid her dust. Now, she absolutely intended to make erratic, rash decisions as envy rears its ugly head. Thus, you were both bound to end up in this pool. And she certainly was hell bent on blaming you. 

“Where did you go?” She berates, tugging you towards the edge of the body of water. 

“I needed a moment to myself.” You try to pull away. She pulls harder. Annoyed, you can’t help but think this girl believes you to be in a match of tug-o-war.

“How come she was with you and not me?” Exasperatedly, you push her arm off of you. 

“What is your obsession with this? It’s not like I invited her. Jeongyeon chose to check on me. If it was that big of an issue, then maybe you should’ve done it also instead of trying to blame me.” She reaches for your hand again and jerks you dangerously close to the pool's edge. 

“Are you trying to call me a bad friend? After everything I did for you? You wouldn’t even be having a party if it weren’t for me. Where’s her contribution?” 

“No one is saying that.” You try to fend her off, as nails practically break the skin of your arm. Stella was so good at making confrontations look like casual conversations that no one really registers there is a struggle. Except Jeongyeon. But she knows it has to play out this way as part of your grand scheme to catch her in another lie on camera. 

“You’re hurting my feelings Y/N. Why aren’t you considering that? We grew up together. We’ve been best friends for a long time. Do my feelings not matter?” She glares at you with false tears in her eyes. This conversation was giving you whiplash. Last time, it hadn’t happened like this. She’d just coaxed you towards the pool with a fake accusation about something else before dragging you in with her. With Jeongyeon here, however, she was nearly beside herself at being replaced in your life. It seemed like she had vulnerabilities to exploit. So, you decide to push one of those buttons that inevitably will send her over. 

“Jeongyeon isn’t the one acting crazy right now. You are.” You hiss at her vehemently. Her eyes momentarily glaze over at your harsh words. ‘Ah, yes. Here it comes. The tipping point.’ Stella hated the use of the word crazy to describe anything pertaining to her. Why? Because it reminded her of her temperamental father. Since his arrest over a decade ago, she’d done everything in her power to curate a carefully composed persona. But that mask was starting to slip. 

Offended by your word choice, she finally succeeds in pulling you over the edge. With a yell, you both are submerged into the water. Everyone is up in arms immediately. Most people are standing in concern for Stella. Jaehyun and Jeongyeon were the ones concerned for you. Fighting to break to the surface, a pair of arms grab at you, pulling you further down. You turn to look as Stella glares at you underneath the water. A look of horror dawns your face as you realize she is genuinely trying to drown you. Just like when you were kids. You push her arms off you as you kick back up for air. She claws at your leg this time, dragging you down once again. Panicked at the lack of air, you have no choice but to do what is best for your survival. So, you kick her, directly in the nose. 

Her response is immediate. She recoils as blood floods the pool. You glance back at her one last time as you swim back to the top. Breaking the surface, you breathe gulps of air as two pairs of hands pull you back from the chlorine-filled water. “Where’s Estella?!” Jacqueline screams at you with outrage. 

One of the male athletes from the swim team jumps in to save her. You shiver under the mess of towels Jeongyeon has retrieved for you. Jaehyun looks at you with worry. “Are you okay?” He questions gently, cupping your face. Your eyes close briefly at the warmth before several gasps resound on the patio. Pulling away from Jaehyun, you watch as the swimmer brings Stella to the pool’s side. Several other men hoist her up as they take in her bloody state. Her friends rush to gather her in their arms. 

“What the hell is wrong with you?!” Daniella screeches bloody murder at you. “How could you push her into the pool?! After everything she’s done for you! And why is she bleeding?!” 

Stella shivers beside them as tears run down her face. “Y/N, I know you didn’t mean it. But why did you do that? Why’d you drag me into the pool and kick me? You know I can’t swim. I would’ve drowned if Anton didn’t save me.” She sniffles. 

“Oh my gosh, she kicked her?” The crowd whispers. 

“She’s so evil. Why would she push Stella into the pool?” 

“Sounds like she was scheming against her.” 

Although you had heard the words before in the previous time loop, it didn’t hurt less that people still believed that of you. That you could be a cruel person. That wasn’t your character at all. But it was Stella’s. Chuckling bitterly, you take it all in. Some of your classmates glower with disgust at the turn of events. Jeongyeon squeezes your hand as encouragement. Tears pool down your face. 

“When have I ever done anything so conniving?” You whisper shakily. Anger consumes you in this very moment, red coating your vision. “How dare you accuse me of what you intended to do.”

Everyone gasps at the accusation. Stella stands caught like a deer in headlights. “W-w-what do you mean?” She stutters. “I fell into the pool because of you. And you did kick me in the face.” 

“Maybe I should rearrange your face so you know how it feels.” Daniella threatens. Lawan and the others hold her back. 

Admittedly, you can understand how anger, frustration, and exhaustion can consume a person after inhabiting their bones for so long. Maybe that’s the primary reason you snap on the younger Westwood twin. 

“Daniella, shut the hell up. No one is afraid of you when your father is a washed up reject and one failed business project away from bankruptcy. The Westwood name doesn’t hold as much weight as it used to. Your whole family just likes to keep the charade going because it’s all you’re good at. After all, your parents have been lying to you for years. They’re literally two secretaries away from divorce, since your father can’t keep it in his pants.” Knowledge from your reincarnation is what fans this flame. In the old timeline, a few weeks after your college graduation, media outlets reported the shocking split of Ian and Claudette Westwood. Evidently, the man of the house loved fostering private relationships with his revolving door of secretaries. Knowledge is sweet in the face of some victories. 

A startling gasp of surprise befalls the patio deck. Beside you, Jaehyun nearly chokes on his spit with laughter. Nobody had expected you to say that. “Take that back!” The latter twin shrieks. But you are far past caring about them and focused solely on Stella now, who realizes she’s a target that cannot get away. You aim your words directly at her. 

“You say I pushed you into the pool, but you’re the one who fell and then dragged me in. You say I kicked you purposefully, when you kept dragging me down in the water. So, I did what I needed to escape. You say you can’t swim and that you almost drowned when you’re proficient at swimming. Or have you forgotten, Estella… we met as children at swimming lessons.” You all but growl at her. All of your classmates are in shock at your poisonous spiel. Stepping forward, you fix the cowering girl with a deadly stare. “So, which one is it, Stella? Which one of us is lying?” 

Lawan steps in front to shield the babbling woman grasping for straws. “You’re a liar!” The Thai heiress points. “You’re just trying to cover your ass from all your years of torment and bullying.” 

Scoffing, Jeongyeon pushes herself forward. “If anyone’s being untruthful, it’s Stella! You may be too blinded to see it since you attend a “higher caliber” university. But Stella isn’t a damn saint. If anything, it’s the other way around!” 

Gasping, Charlotte steps up next. “Are you suggesting Stella is a bully?!” 

“Well I can tell you one thing, she’s certainly a liar.” Jeongyeon spits with finality. It is then that Stella emerges from her shielded circle. 

“Y/N, please.” She reaches forward to grab your hands. You jerk them away. Pausing, she frowns before continuing. ‘This was not going according to plan. But she’ll fix it. She has to in order to succeed.’ 

“I know you think ill of me now. But it seems to be an honest mistake. I misspoke just now. Of course I can swim. I just panicked. You’ve always been a better swimmer than me, so I clung to you in a frantic state. You’ve always looked out for me since we were kids. So, it’s natural for me to cling to you when I’m scared.” She wrings her hands as she puts on this pitiful performance. It pains you to see people buying it. Tears well up in your eyes as people visibly begin to feel bad for Stella. 

“I really didn't mean any harm. It’s harsh for any of us to call someone a liar without proof. But Y/N,” she grabs for you again. This time you don’t jerk away, frowning at her with apathy. Taking your still nature as a sign that she has won your favor once again, she presses forward. 

“You still kicked me in the face. It hurt so bad. My nose bled. How is that fair to me? I’m not saying you’re a bully, just… it hurts my feelings, ya know? I don’t want anyone to fight. So, if you just apologize, maybe we can put all this in the past? It’s your birthday after all.” She squeezes your hand desperately, glancing up underneath wet lashes. Beside you, Jaehyun sucks in a breath. All you can think at the moment is that this will be the determining factor where he defects to her side. The old version of him that you knew never could resist her teary-eyed nature. However, you were going to crush any innocent impressionability she had on everyone. Walking right into your trap, she doesn’t realize how doomed she is. 

“Really?” You question calmly. “Is that the story you’re sticking to? That I should apologize because I pulled you in? That I purposely hurt you? To what reason would that have been the case?” 

Biting her lip, she turns to Jaehyun with a pouty face. “Jaehyun,” she blushes up at him. “Maybe you can help her see reason. I don’t want to cause a scene.” He tenses next to you. But you don’t need to see his face to know where his head is at. Deciding to nip it in the bud, you unveil your trump card.

“Don’t bother answering Jaehyun. I’ve got just what we need to dispel any discrepancies. Jeongyeon.” Then your friend is reaching over and handing you your phone, which she has kept on her person throughout the duration of the night. 

People stare in confusion as you click the home installation camera app. Pulling up the security footage, you turn the phone to Stella as she watches a broader view playback of herself pull you in after yanking your arm. She blanches in horror at this loaded ammunition you have just procured. Taking your phone, she watches on repeat as her lie blares through the speaker of your phone. The audience in attendance now has a front row seat to her wicked ways. Whispers spread amongst the crowd. 

“Dude… was she lying?” 

“Seems like Stella actually pulled Y/N in.”

“Maybe it’s a misunderstanding.”

Shakily, Stella addresses you. “What is this?” 

Tilting your head, you respond coolly. “It’s security footage of the incident.” 

“When did you install cameras?” 

“Not too long ago.”

“Do aunt and uncle know?” She stammers. 

“Why does that matter? Why not address the elephant in the room, Stella? You lied. You pulled me in and tried to drag me down. You were so adamant on an apology before… where’s mine?” 

Charlotte snatches the phone from Stella's trembling hands. The other three crowd around her and review the footage again. Stella’s lip quivers as tears slip down her face. “Y/N, you know it wasn’t like that. Maybe I tripped, but it felt like you pushed me in.” 

“Pushed. Pulled. Which one is it?” Jeongyeon interrogates. Silently, you thank her for the support. 

“I wasn’t talking to you!” There are aghast reactions to her outburst. Finally, dominos begin to tumble down. “Y/N,” she pulls a pitiful face at you. “This is so distressing. I’m really scared. Are you going to let this misunderstanding ruin your night, or our friendship?” Then she shifts gears once again. “Jaehyun, surely you know it’s a misunderstanding. We’ve had plenty of conversations. You know that’s not my character, right?” Jaehyun looks between the both of you impassively. Jeongyeon scoffs. You nod your head in disappointment at his prolonged silence. 

“I don’t blame him,” someone states loudly. “Nothing is really clear.”

In disbelief, you practically lash out at the stupidity. “Even with the evidence in front of your faces, none of you can say definitively what’s occurred?” 

“Just give it a rest!” Charlotte shouts, tossing your phone on the ground. It shatters with the weight of her anger. “You’re just trying to frame Stella again. The camera angle doesn’t even clearly indicate whether she pulled you in or not.” 

“Yeah!” The remaining trio heckles. The hairs on the back of your neck stand up at the pure spite and vitriol emanating from within them. These women were f**king insane. That much was evident. Across from you, Estella subtly smirks as if to boast about winning this battle. Hating her comes easily after reincarnation. 

Vision blurry with tears, you gaze vacantly at the remnants of your cellular device. Chuckling wetly, you clap. “Wow, round of applause for such a stellar performance. Honestly, I could actually care less whether any of you believe me. I already know how this plays out. It’s impossible for any of you to believe what you won’t. You’re choosing not to. That’s the path you’ve chosen, and I’ve chosen mine.” With that speech behind you, you turn tail back to the house. 

Storming up the stairs, you bust through your bedroom door to pack a duffle. You’d spend the next few days at Jeongyeon’s place to cool your anger. Outside, Jeongyeon gathers your gifts before chasing after you. Jaehyun follows suit. Shoving items in your bag, you take a moment to compose yourself. Pacing helps you clear your mind as you try every breathing technique under the sun. That’s how the both of them find you. 

Jaehyun waits respectfully at the threshold when Jeongyeon knocks and enters. You don’t even have time to process anything, more concerned with calming your nerves as Jeongyeon hugs your shaking frame. Obviously you knew you’d re-live this part again. Still doesn’t make it hurt any less. After several deep breaths, you pull away and glance at Jaehyun who regards you solemnly. Sighing, you anticipate a conversation you can’t run from. 

“Jeongyeon, can you give us a minute?” Nodding, she exits, closing the door behind her. Silence encapsulates the air around you. 

“I”m sorry.” Jaehyun professes, gazing so tenderly. You hum. 

“What are you sorry for?” 

In your opinion, you find it slightly comical that he is here making excuses to you when he should be entertaining Stella. After all, he seemed so interested in her phony tears standing poolside. Crossing your arms defensively as a form of protection grounds you at the moment. He was probably extending apologies now for the presumed ditching that was about to occur. Typical Stella, able to get people to believe her even with conclusive evidence to say otherwise. Unsurprising to say the—

“Sorry for not being by your side all this time.” That has your inner monologue screeching to a halt. What did he mean by that? 

“What?” You croak perplexed. 

Moving closer to you, he gives a sad smile. “Being brave must be so exhausting. Especially having to deal with lies all your life.” 

Your hands drop at the prospect of his words. “Jaehyun, what are you saying?” 

By now, he is so close, you practically breathe the same air. “It’s evident she’s been lying your entire life without any remorse. And yet, you still boldly exist in the face of that adversity.” A whimper falls from your lips. 

“You… believe me?” No one had ever believed you before.

Reaching for your hands, he navigates them to his face, before placing a kiss upon both wrists. Your heart leaps out of your chest. “Of course, Y/N. I saw the whole thing.” 

“But you were so silent.” You rebut. 

“Because I was assessing how to handle the situation. And also, I needed to watch Stella dig her own grave further. I’ve had my suspicions about her for some time now. Seeing the aftermath of tonight, I’m confident in my stance.” Blinking in confusion, you let him steer you to the lone desk chair as he kneels in front of you. “I know it’s confusing but, I have something really important that I need to tell you. But I don’t think it would be wise to share it here.” Kissing your wrist again, he squeezes your hand. 

Your mind is jumbled by the turn of events. Having Jaehyun kneeling on your bedroom floor in front of you only exacerbated the issue. “Wait, wait. I’m so confused. You’re not here to profess your unwavering devotion for Stella?” 

It was Jaehyun’s turn to be confused. “When have I ever expressed any interest in her for anyone to believe I was devoted to her?” 

“But—” 

“Uh uh.” He interrupts. “Y/N, I have focused all my time and energy on developing a relationship with you. Don’t act obtuse. This entire time you've been trying to pawn me off onto Stella as if it’s what I want. The only person I want to give my attention to is sitting right here in this very room with me. But you keep fighting this.” Earnest eyes shine up at you. 

You know his words to be true. In your haste to stay alive and beat the storyline before its termination, you had pushed away and disregarded the older man. And he had proven every single time that fleeing wasn’t an option. But still… you had thought… “Sorry, I’m generally used to people jumping at the chance to be in her presence. Most people tend to overlook me.” 

The blonde haired man caresses your face. “Not me. I’ve seen you this entire time. When are you going to stop running?” 

Tears spill from your lash line at the sincerity of his words. Shakily, you release a somber truth. “I’m terrified. There are things I know that I’m afraid will consume me. I just want to protect myself.” 

“So, let me help you.” You try to push his hands away. 

“Jaehyun please—” but your cries fall on deaf ears as a pair of warm lips rest against yours. Your body stills with the realization that Jeong Jaehyun is kissing you. His lips move fervently with passion. Every feeling he could not convey laced into the magnitude of that kiss. Hands running along his forearms to grasp the ones cupping your face, you kiss back. A level of euphoria you never thought you’d experience drapes over you serenely. So, this is what it’s like kissing Mr. Valentine. Chuckling, Jaehyun pulls back, his forehead coming to rest against yours. 

“You don’t have to carry the brunt of this by yourself. Please come home with me and let me take care of you.” 

In this moment, you finally accept the fact that fate has humorously tied Jaehyun to you. No matter where the cards may land. So for once, fatigue gnawing at your bones, you veer off script and decide to let him. 

P.S. I promise Jaehyun will have more of an integral part in the last chapter. I had to establish the timelines, motive, and personality to build the world. And if there are typos… just know I typed half of this at work 🥹

Taglist: @ellelabelle @vixensss @jobskdj @yourblackiequeen @lonenymphaea

Stella makes me sick 🤮 crazy how she can’t keep her lies straight and people are still falling for it 🙄

overthinker? intrusive thoughts? nothing to worry about when 𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐔 fucks them all out of you.

“you with me baby?” he huffs a laugh. sweat sticking his white strands to his forehead and framing that cocky grin. he's over you, supported by two tense forearms stiff on either side of your head. caging every thought—

if you even have any by now. you're dazed. aching. begging. head rolled back, thighs wretched on open. sticky, messy, and with your eager boyfriend still pumping you full despite the thick creaminess splattering out of your twitching cunt.

you've long since drowned in the wet, rhythmic plaplplaplap! and satoru's insatiable praise.

“oh?” he grunts, hips slamming forward to hump on that devastating spot that sends your eyes rolling back. static. nothingness. but him, him, him.

“is my sweet girl gone? yeah?” an excited thumb swirls on your clit and he grins wide at your pathetic little cry. “awww, is she my stupid girl now instead?”

satoru hunches over, gaining a thrusting angle that curls your fingers helplessly in his hair.

“not a single thought behind those eyes— fuck, huh sweetheart? just toru and his cock splitting that pretty pussy open? yeah? oh babbyyy,”

the bastard mocked your whines and whimpers. flicked your clit until you arched with a sob and squirted all over him for the umpteenth time.

“toru— torrruuuu,” you croaked.

“mhhm,” he bit down on his smirk and pistoned his cock at a blinding beat. he catches your whining moans by sucking on your tongue. groaning into your spit.

“that's it, just toru, just me. focus on me. my stupid, sweet girl.”

Jeong Jaehyun (Part Three)

Author's Note: I experienced a bit of writer's block with this one while undergoing some pressures from work. So, I hadn't been writing the way I wanted to. Typically, when I get restless, I tend to start other projects to ease the lack of creativity. But LUCKILY, my friend fussed at me to finish one story before starting the next. She was NOT playin' about this story lmaooo. So, we eatin' good today. Hope you enjoy Seoulmates! Lmk what you think 🫶🏾

(Friendly reminder, YOU DON'T HAVE PERMISSION TO COPY MY WORKS ANYWHERE.)

CEO! Jaehyun x Pianist! Black reader

Synopsis: After your untimely death, you learn the truth about the plot to sabotage you. Now reincarnated to an earlier timeline of events, you have 3 main objectives: break off your engagement with Jeong Jaehyun, strategically expose the plot against you, and get the fuck away from your family as soon as possible.

Content: Angst, themes of betrayal, hurt reader, time re-do, reader death, reincarnation, implied destiny swapping, revenge plot, badass reader, Jaehyun isn't a bad person he's just really stupid, manipulation, gaslighting, brief mention of su*c*de, Jaehyun YEARRRRNS

Word Count: 11.9k

Pt. 2

With you, you should’ve been well aware that disaster was always imminent. It was practically attracted to you. And of course it was. Would it be your life if not for the nerve wrecking sprinkle of it looming overhead? Of course not. Because how else could you explain the biggest fumble of your life? The whole purpose of you going to Jaehyun, instead of letting fate play out, was to persuade him of your unsuitability to be a bride. That way, you wouldn't suffer from a miserable life due to your association with him. Cutting ties would make it easier to dismantle nearly twenty-two years worth of lies your so-called ‘family’ had entwined you in. However, instead, you’ve only convinced him that you’re someone he could potentially be attracted to. And it wasn’t because of your looks. No, it was your stellar fucking personality that interested him. Because what woman in their right mind would make the time to come all the way to his company just to break off an engagement, when said woman chose him as the groom in the first place? In Jaehyun’s world, it was simply unheard of. 

Which brings you to the present day, forty-eight hours after your conversation with Jaehyun. You are lying face first on the table of the booth you and Jeongyeon are currently occupying. Relaying the encounter to her over milkshakes, she cackles at your unlucky nature. 

“The universe must hate me.” You bemoan.

“Or it just has a sense of humor.” You glare at her from your position on the table top. 

“Yeonie, he sent a package to my house. Like, literally the next day.” Your friend slurps her milkshake in anticipation. Her eyes bulged from her head, curious to know more about the elusive bachelor.

“What was in it?”

“A rectangular, white box,” you grumble. “Inside was a petite, white rose. A card was attached to it. It said something like, ‘See you soon,’ with a winky face or whatever.” 

Jeongyeon gasps at the information. “A petite, white rose?” She parrots back. “Do you know what this means?” 

Of course you knew what it meant. You would’ve paid to not know if it erased the image of his smug expression out of your mind. A lover of flowers, you knew that they all had an associated meaning to them. Which is ironic, considering your favorite flower was white lilies. The universe had too much of a sense of humor, you feared. Because white lilies, ever the popular selection at weddings and funerals, symbolize purity, commitment, and rebirth. All of which correlates to the span of events concerning your current predicament. As a floral symbol of soul rejuvenation, you know this can’t just be mere coincidence. Because you yourself had undergone that massive shift in time. 

Thus, you were well aware of the meaning behind the flower Jeong Jaehyun had delivered to your house. Which was impressive considering he did it in less than twenty-four hours of your meeting. 

Petite roses were often referred to as “sweetheart” roses due to the affection they symbolize for a potential romantic partner. Jaehyun had taken to calling you sweetheart right when Jisung ushered you out of his office. The delivery to your house was his way of teasing you. Not only that, he had specifically sent a white rose as a way to convey that he was thinking about you. White roses were significant for marriages and new beginnings. He was practically tipping his hat off as if he were paying homage to the prospect of a future with you. 

In the back of your mind, you scoff. He’s got another thing coming if he thinks you intend to marry him. 

“I know what it means, Jeongyeon. He’s toying with me, trying to get in my head.” You mutter darkly. She giggles, finally through with her shake.

“No, no, no.” She wags her finger. “He’s flirting. You must’ve done a number on him when you bust into his office guns blazing. Because this is clearly a man intent on claiming his woman. And that just so happens to be you currently.”

You sit up in alarm at her analysis. “Absolutely not. I am not his woman, and he should know that by now. I made it perfectly clear I wanted nothing to do with him.”

“And that excited him. You said it yourself, he practically told you he didn’t do well with rejection. You personally went to his office to reject him to his face. Why the hell wouldn’t he be curious to know why? He’s attractive, he’s charming, he’s got money, he’s responsible, and most importantly, he’s intelligent. In his opinion, you should be groveling at his feet.”

“And that’s the problem. The bastard was so cocky when I met him. He’s nothing like the kid I used to write to.”

“Y/N, babes. People change. And they’re allowed to. I’m not excusing his conceit by the way. I’m just saying that maybe what we know is surface level.”

“Jeongyeon, whose side are you on?”

She bats her lashes at you. “Yours of course, darling.”

“Then why are you sticking up for him?” You chuckle humorlessly with betrayal blossoming in your chest. “You don’t know what it was like in the original timeline. Yeon, he— he was horrible to me. He fell for Stella’s lies and made my life miserable. What I thought to be a caring, loving boy, turned out to be an aloof, intolerant man. Do you know how hard his harsh words cut deep every time Stella staged an accusation against me? Right now, he’s not the thirteen year old boy who wrote me warm letters. He’s the prospect of all my nightmares potentially manifesting. So forgive me if I don’t give a damn about surface level knowledge. Fuck him.”

The both of you sit in silence from the tense atmosphere your words have created. Jeongyeon purses her lips as she nods. Choosing her words carefully, she observes you. 

“I acknowledge that I don’t understand how you feel. I didn’t live in your shoes. So I don’t know what it’s like. But you and I both know how easy it is to fall for Stella’s lies. We can’t help that she's a master manipulator. But we can help the next person she sinks her claws into. Wouldn’t that be Jaehyun? Look, I’m not saying he deserves forgiveness. But I do think we should approach this from a different perspective. Are second chances only meant to be awarded to you and me? Why else are you back here?” 

Her perspective sparks more questions than answers. She was right. And she knew that you understood that. Right now, you are angry. But you would do your best to right all the wrongs Stella had orchestrated in your life. You had to. 

“Okay,” you nod to your friend. 

“You’re right. The man I experienced was influenced by Estella. He doesn’t exist currently. But that doesn’t mean I still won’t go through with my plan. I absolutely cannot marry Jeong Jaehyun. I have to let my family convince the Jeong’s to set up an arrangement between Jaehyun and Stella. Then, once they’re engaged, I'm going to rip off that perfectly tailored mask and show everyone the true face hiding behind her lies. After that, I’m going to publicly smear my own mother’s name with proof of her illegitimate pregnancy. Once the drama unfolds, I’m sure the Jeong’s will want nothing left to do with us. My entire family’s social status will be squandered, and I’ll finally be able to sever ties. Everyone will get the karma they deserve. And Jaehyun will get the least of that wrath… depending on how he cooperates in this timeline. But I swear Jeongyeon, the moment he wrongs me…” 

You trail off, indicating that it would not be a great end if he meddles with you this time around. Jeongyeon nods at the details of the plan. But what should be a smooth process is easier said than done. Especially when met with persistence from certain forces.

July 12th creeps around faster than you’d care to admit. The night of the famed business dinner. The one in which Stella ruthlessly begins the process of your destiny swap. 

Currently, you stand in your bedroom eyeing your attire for the night. You had a walk-in style closet with a built-in mirror. It was spacious for the luxurious grandeur of garments your mother made sure you wore on special occasions such as tonight. You adjusted the satin, pleated dress so that it framed your chest and hips comfortably. You weren’t overly shapely like your mother, but you still had a nice feminine figure. To you, it was simple and enough. 

Tonight, you wanted to portray the allure of summer beauty. 

The long maxi dress brushed against the floor; the pleated, satin fabric adorned with splotches of earthy green, cream, and yellow. The cowl neckline draped down your collarbones elegantly. The low back exposed the skin just beneath your shoulder blades. You wore gold strap heels to match the assortment of pearls and gold jewelry decorating your accessories. You had smoothed your curls into a classy, low bun with curly wisps for a voluminous effect. A lily flower clip sat perched in your bun to top off the look. 

You looked more glamorous than you felt. Which was starting to become a track record any time you were slated to meet Jaehyun. Per the timeline of events, he would be attending the dinner. You know for sure what your intentions are, but you aren’t sure about his. Fraternizing with him in any capacity was out the window. You wanted that ship to sail as quickly as it could get out of the metaphorical harbor. But you also did know that Estella would try to sink her claws into him the moment she got him alone. So, you couldn’t entertain the idea of completely cutting him out. You had to at least interact with him to some degree to keep your name clear of any accusations that could smear your name with the facade Stella was bound to portray. It would be vicious on your spirit, but it would be well worth the fight in the end. 

With your father at the helm of the wheel, your family arrives at the gated Wang estate with dramatic flair. You mentally roll your eyes at the glitz and glamour of your father’s newly minted Rolls Royce. He always did like to go “big or go home” on special occasions like these. Stepping out of the car, you gaze up at the luxurious spectacle. The Wang family, hosts of the evening, were notorious for the extravagant business dinners tied to their wealth. They were one of the richest families in Hong Kong, with stakes in the automotive and technology industries. Your father was always so eager to attend these gatherings to crowdfund for investments. Your mother liked the benefit of what other people’s riches could do for her. And Estella? Well, she was as equally obsessed with climbing the social ladder as she was with using you as a step stool. Birds of a feather, you supposed.

Securing the valet, your father takes your mother’s hand and escorts your family inside. You take up the back, savoring the little calm you had before the storm. Servers ushered the four of you through the foyer and down the grand staircase leading to the lower level. The Wang Estate was truly a display of wealth your family had yet to touch. With ties to old money, it made sense the air of gravitas they carried themselves with. Even though you had been here on numerous occasions, it still amazed you at the extent and level of detail Wang Mei, the hostess, went through to make sure everything was held to a certain standard. 

At the end of the carpeted staircase, the lower level opened up to a miniature sized ballroom. While meant for more intimate gatherings, the small space still did well to capture the essence of refined regality. Overhead, a crystal chandelier glistened like a dream, casting refractions of light against the polished wood flooring. Decorative mouldings accented the burgundy walls, giving off the illusion of rectangular floor to ceiling framing. As if part of an exhibit in a gallery. Each wall frame was decorated with plaster, exuding a three-dimensional effect. The aforementioned plasters depicted various flora and fauna reflective of Chinese culture. The Wangs were unapologetically proud of their heritage and roots. Forest green curtains draped along the extended windows, as green foliage added extra accents to the room. To the right, was an alcove in the wall, set with a barspace. Several associates stood around the bar with drinks in their hands. To your left, the curved archway led to an outdoor patio. The terrace overlooked Madame Wang’s lustrous garden. It was evident what she took pride in. 

Stepping further onto the polished floor, you analyze the seating arrangement for the night. Nine tables were spaced out across the room with name cards placed about for each respective family. All ranging from various nationalities. Tonight’s gathering would include: the Wangs, Qians/ Huangs, and Zhongs, all of which are of Chinese heritage. Then the Shahs (Thai), the Mcleods, Antonellis, Barbarouxs and Westwoods (European descent). The Kims, Lees, and Jeongs (of Korean descent.) Finally, the Ashbridges and your family (of black heritage). Thirteen families across industries. Most being powerhouses and staple sources to the economic growth of communities. Your family was low hanging fruit on the tree. Everyone knew it. Which is why each gathering was extremely important to your mother and father, both chasing riches and success. They would grasp any chance to keep their seat at this theoretical ‘table.’ 

Finding your seats, you place your things down as your parents trek off to sidle up to the smarmy elite. Stella too bounds off to undoubtedly gossip and conspire with her aristocratic social circle. That left you to brainstorm a gameplan. Stepping out onto the terrace, you contemplate the expected sequence of events against the backdrop of a blood orange evening sky. A warm summer breeze brushed against petals to kiss your skin. The flowers welcomed the setting sun like a friend. In a way, you felt like they were welcoming you too. You never truly fit in at social events such as this anyway.

Taking a deep breath, you mentally navigate through what is set to transpire tonight. For starters, Stella and her friends were bound to entrench you in whatever minute conversation they could. All under the guise of belittling and insulting you. It happens at every function, and this time is no different. You were baffled at how unaware you had been before at how eloquently Stella weaponized people against you. In the past, you had no idea that she was orchestrating lies to boost herself in society. She had always been the one to rebuke any form of bullying that came your way. Just to cast stones and hide her hand. Now you understood the lengths she would go to keep up this angelic ruse. 

In dealing with her friends, the Jeongs would then arrive. Which would cause everyone in the circle to gossip about how attractive Jaehyun was and how desperately they wanted to date him. Because Jaehyun was an unattainable bachelor who did not seem to have public interest in long term relationships. This was common knowledge. Yet, your parents had successfully done what others could not, secured this joint partnership amongst your two families. Which further fueled Estella’s need to slither her way into Jaehyun’s path. It seemed she had a knack for snatching what other people coveted. You now understood this to be because she felt it made her more established; increased her popularity. That was her secondary reason to plot on driving the wedge between the relationship you thought you had wanted. The first being simply because she hated you. Outwardly, you roll your eyes at the logic. Her cunning nature was obvious now. 

Peeved at their lustful remarks surrounding Jaehyun and their cruel commentary towards you, you would step away to gather yourself. That way you would be composed for your official meeting with Jaehyun. But Stella would beat you to the punch. Which then spirals out of control with Jaehyun accusing you, his family disliking you, you shouldering the blame for offending them, and so on and so forth. 

The best case scenario at the moment, would be to let everything play out as it should, while strategically toying with Stella. From that point, you could manipulate her into revealing her true colors, so long as you stayed several steps ahead of her. You would play the long game. Content with that idea, you fail to notice the set of footsteps approaching.

“Well, don’t you look beautiful.” 

You startle at the deep timbre of the voice, pulling you out of your reverie. Turning, you catch sight of an amused Jaehyun.  He leans against the open doorway, hands in the pants pockets of his tailored suit. Begrudgingly, you had to admit that he looked good standing there basking in the remaining sunlight. The tan, linen suit complimented his glowing skin. Underneath, he wore a white button down, unbuttoned at the top to accentuate his collarbones. A navy handkerchief tucked away in his left breast pocket accompanied the look. Suave, per usual. 

“Jaehyun?” You exclaim in surprise. He was not supposed to be here this soon. Last time, his family had arrived fashionably late, as they tend to do most functions. This window of time was meant to be your only shred of peace before the evening devolved. So, why the hell was he so early? He was disrupting the ebb and flow of your plan.

Smugly, he saunters up to you. “So, you do remember my name.” There goes that insufferable smirk. For several moments you gawk at the man, wondering how he found you. Then you snap out of your trance. 

“What are you doing here?” 

He chuckles. “Was I not invited?” 

Flustered, you stammer out a response. “That’s not what I meant. I just—  aren’t you a bit early?”

Stepping closer, his musky scent invades your space. “I think I’m right on time.” 

The low rumble of his voice does something it absolutely should not in the pit of your stomach. Nope. No way. This was not a good idea. Clearing your throat, you create space between the two of you. “Mr. Jeong, I don’t think it’s appropriate for us to be speaking like this in private. You wouldn’t want to have to quell any rumors further down the line.” 

He closes the distance between the two of you once again. “What’s inappropriate about making casual conversation with my fianceé? Besides,” he glances back through the open doorway at the busy room. 

“This is hardly a private place. If it was,” his eyes take their time caressing your frame. “Talking would be the least of my interests.” 

In that moment, you conclude two things. One, Jeong Jaehyun is determined; two, he is also alluringly dangerous. Removing yourself from his space helps you retain your steel resolve. “I’m afraid you have the wrong person, Mr. Jeong, I’m not betrothed to anyone.” 

A languid smirk appears on his face, tongue peeking out at the corner of his mouth. Mr. Charming, indeed. “Come on, sweetheart. We’ve already established that you know my name. And I don’t recall agreeing to annul this arrangement between us.” 

“Well, unfortunately for you, women in this day and age are allowed to make their own decisions.” Your response accompanies a miniscule pout meant to goad him. He picks up on the air of satisfaction in your retort. What you don’t realize is how much he likes this banter between you. Interest swirls in his psyche at this predator and prey play. 

“As a businessman, I really don’t like being told no.”

“You and all the other men. Seems like a hard concept for you to comprehend.” You hum in acknowledgment.

He lets out a deep bellied laugh, surprised at the sharpness of your tongue. “Witty, I like that about you.”

Batting your eyelashes mockingly, you respond. “How can I make you dislike it?” 

For a fraction of a moment, Jaehyun sobers up. He regards you with a look you aren't entirely sure how to interpret.  “I don’t think I could dislike anything I’ve learned about you.” 

You scoff in bewilderment. Shaking your head, you let out a deep sigh. There was literally no reason for Jaehyun to somehow become this attached to you in such a short amount of time. Every interaction was causing further confusion and fracturing what you knew about Jaehyun of the past compared to Jaehyun presently. 

Acutely aware that you were absolutely failing at this shit, you concluded a need to develop a better game plan that potentially involves making him dislike you. Turning your attention back to the peaceful view of the garden, you map out your next best move. Sensing your exasperation, Jaehyun decides to scale back on his teasing. He too turns to gaze over the deck at the scenery. 

“Nature must be comforting to you.” 

“What?” You glance at him in confusion.

He indicates towards the incessant chatter coming from the ballroom. “The hustle and bustle of socializing can be over-stimulating. I know the feeling, so I assume that’s why you're out here instead. Because nature is calming.” 

You are surprised at his attempt to engage in casual conversation. Previously, you had fumbled badly enough for him to have complete disinterest in you in favor of Stella. So, there had not been much to discuss outside of the scathing remarks and chastisement you received from those around you. And your conversations since your soul reincarnated had been nothing short of a true test of patience at best. 

So, Jaehyun actively working to provide small talk warmed your heart a little. “Yeah, it’s my happy place.” 

“Madame Wang invests a lot of time in the upkeep of appearances. The expenses are… quite extensive.” 

Smirking amusedly at his assessment, you raise a brow, “Are you judging?”

He raises his hands in mock surrender, “Not at all.” 

The air settles into a sense of ease around you two. The sun barely winks over the horizon, nearly finishing its descent. Maybe it was a sense of comfort that propelled your further engagement in this conversation.

“You know, I like this garden in particular.” That was true. The few times you had been to this estate, the garden had always captured your interest. Jaehyun hums, urging you to continue. 

“I had this weird phase as a kid where I was obsessed with learning individual flowers' meanings. It lasted for a whole month before I became disinterested. But I found other ways to enjoy them without immersing myself in the scientific names and properties. I realized I really enjoyed exploring garden displays. And this one houses some of my favorite flowers. See those over there?” You point to an assortment of lilies. 

“Those are lilies. They blossom prettily in the summer time and smell heavenly in the rain. There’s this extra hint of spiciness that becomes more potent when the floral sweetness permeates through the air. It’s amazing. One day, I want to be buried in the scent of lilies so that’s what people can remember me by.” You stare forlornly in the distance at the thought of not having the privilege of a decent burial in your last life. You’re certain that nobody probably cared enough to do anything other than cremate you to avoid the expense of a proper burial. 

Beside you, Jaehyun stiffens. Something about what you said gave him pause, scratching a memory deep in the recesses of his mind. There was something distinct about your characterization of the smell of lilies. The exact verbiage being something he swore he had heard verbatim from somewhere else before. For the life of him, he could not jog his memory.

“Repeat what you just said.” There is a desperation in the way he says it. Like he is hoping to grasp something he has lost. In your confusion, you comply, despite instinctual alarms telling you not to.

“I said, I want to be—”

“Buried in the scent of lilies so that it’s something people can remember you by.” He interjects. 

“Right,” you drag out the syllable, nodding your head in concern at his unique behavior regarding the statement. “That’s what I just said.” 

He stares at you like he is just now seeing  you for the first time. It leaves an unsettled feeling in the pit of your stomach. Perhaps you had made a mistake by partaking in this conversation. This amount of attention from him was unfathomable. Especially after last lifetime's rejection. Uncomfortable, you resort to the only other option you have in your arsenal. Retreat. 

In his stunned stupor, you escape back into the crowded ballroom. He stares at your retreating figure before chasing behind you. Lucky enough for you, he is cut off by several investors inquiring about the quarterly progress report. Which successfully diverts his attention from you. Something felt tight in your chest after that conversation, wrong. You couldn’t quite put your finger on it. But you were certain you made an error out there. The best thing to do now was to avoid him until further necessary. 

Sighing a breath of relief, you snatch a glass of champagne from a server making rounds. Except what you hope to be a moment of tranquil bliss is interrupted by Estella and Co. Of course. You really have to stop letting encounters with Jaehyun blindside you from the original plot. Several women of socialite status encircle you in an attempt at an informal trial. 

The Westwood twins, Jacqueline and Daniella, were thick as thieves when it came to Estella. The three were always attached at the hip when it came to networking events. Likewise, Charlotte Barboroux and Lawan Shah, French and Thai heiresses respectively, relished in whatever opportunity they could to make you sweat. You truly never understood where the boredom stemmed from for them to collectively gang up on you. Either way though, this time, you were ready to fend off the ravenous cohort of gossipers. You regard the swarm of estrogen coolly. 

“Ladies.” You acknowledge. 

“Well, well, well, look who it is.” Jacqueline crooned sardonically.

“I’m surprised you decided to show your face after the last fiasco.” Lawan comments over her glass.

The last fiasco in question, being a birthday celebration your family had been invited to attend. Someone had tripped you during the birthday speech, prompting you to fall into the waiter, knocking his entire tray of champagne onto another guest. It was embarrassing to say the least. But you were certain one of the ladies in this very circle had been the culprit behind that. Daniella snickers at the memory.

“How embarrassing.” One of them murmurs. Stella chooses this moment to play the ‘hero’ and chime in.

“Girls, don’t be rude. I’m sure Y/N feels bad enough at the reminder. Don’t embarrass her.” She smiles gently as she links her arm with yours. You itch to snatch it away. How performative of her.

“Awww,” Charlotte coos, “you’re so sweet Stella. It’s nice to see that some people still know how to carry themselves with poise and grace.” She eyes you momentarily before sending a fake smile. The entire group was full of My Little Phonies.

Deciding to play along, you nod your head. “I agree, Stella really is the best. I don't know what I would do without her.”  

Stella’s smile tightens a bit at her analysis of you. Your demeanor is calm, collected in a way that is much different from the typical anxiety you experience in these circles. Somehow, she picks up on this. So, she decides to throw you to the wolves as a means of shaking you up. Squeezing your arm briefly, the metaphorical dark cloud above her head dissipates. She’ll put a stop to whatever bout of cockiness you've been exhibiting lately if it means putting you back in the place she feels you belong. Beneath her.

“Y/N,” she starts innocently. “I saw you on the patio with the Jeongs’ son earlier. You looked deep in conversation. What were you talking about?” 

You fight the knowing smile creeping upon your face. However innocently she tried to portray herself, you knew the pretense behind her questioning. She wanted to bring awareness to the group that someone as sought after as Jaehyun was fraternizing privately with you. She wasn’t an idiot. In her mind, you were still set to be engaged to him. It naturally made sense that you would speak to him from an outside perspective. Her friends however, did not know that bit of information. Which was the reasoning behind her commentary. She was strategically mobilizing her minions against you in ritualistic humiliation. 

Charlotte ruffles her feathers at the mention of Jaehyun. It was no secret that every young woman at this event, at some point or another, had the hots for Jaehyun. It was like a rite of passage at this point. But no one was as much of a die hard fan as Charlotte was. You liked to equate her mannerisms to that of a stalker. Her parents had inquired on numerous occasions, on her behalf, about the nature of Jaehyun’s relationship status. As much as she played it off in the past life, you knew that she was tormented by Estella’s engagement to him. But she had to pretend to be happy despite her secret despisement of the couple. Inwardly, you giggle at the notion of watching her spiral again. 

“Jaehyun? What were you doing talking to him? You weren’t pestering him, were you?” Rich coming from her.

“Do you have a crush on him or something?” Lawan interrogates.

“As if,” Daniella chortles uglily. “Jaehyun would never pay her the time of day.” 

“What makes you think he would pay you the same?” You inquire, eyebrows raised in a clear sign of judgement. This gives the group momentary pause. 

“What the fuck did you just say?” Daniella’s eyes narrow at you. 

You just shrug, downing the last of your champagne before placing the empty glass on the nearest table. “I just think it's funny how everyone seems to be mentally staking claim to a man that hasn’t shown outward interest in any of them thus far.” 

Stella is stunned at your clapback. It seems the other girls are too. It delights you in knowing that you’ve caught them off guard. 

Jacqueline steps forward dangerously, “Watch your fucking mouth, bitch.”

“Or what?” 

You step closer, daring her to make a move. Estella pulls you back in alarm. Why the fuck are you not letting them walk all over you this time? She has to do damage control to save face.

“Y/N,” she whispers, “please don’t provoke them. I apologize if I made you mad. I was just asking. We’re all friends here.”

“Don’t apologize to her, Stella. She picked a fight first.” Biased and untrue. These women really were the dredges of society.

“I picked a fight? Your sister was the one who insulted me first. If she can’t handle it, why dish it out then?”

“You—” Just as Daniella steps forward, Stella pulls you back. 

“Ladies, this is not the place to argue. Let’s take a step back to give each other some time to cool off. Okay?” 

The rest of her friends mumble disgruntledly as Stella leads you away from them. Of course, she’s going to give you her typical spiel. She has to keep riding that fence, lest she fall. Once you both find a more quiet place, she leans forward to engulf you in a hug. She gives the same performative speech, being apologetic for her friend’s actions while simultaneously scolding you for provoking them. Maybe if you did this, maybe if you did that. Blah, blah, blah. 

You were done diminishing your light trying to fit into a group that was already designed to be against you. Stella saw to it to manipulate anyone within radius into hating you. All while forcing you to rely on her for comfort when things went awry. Textbook narcissistic abuse; sabotage and isolate the victim. Little did she know, you weren’t that version of yourself anymore. You wouldn’t fully reveal that just yet though. 

So, you accept her apology and apologize profusely for your own actions, as is within range for your character. This gives Stella relief that you are finally behaving in typical fashion. You can see her don that smug energy once more at thinking that she has successfully placed you back under her rule of thumb. It is going to bring you immense pleasure toying with her mind. The shifting nature of your personality was sure to give her whiplash. 

You excuse yourself to the bar to cool down as she sashays her way back over to her friends. They all kiss up to her, claiming their respect for how maturely she handles conflict. You roll your eyes as you sip the Mai Tai the bartender made for you. To your left, a feminine voice snorts. Finding the source of the noise, you come face to face with Nicolette Wang, Wang Mei and Wang Fu’s only child. From what you recall, Nicolette was a fierce person. She was lethal, practically ruthless in her business transactions. Success ran in her bloodline across several branches. One half of the family tree included the Wang clan, courtesy of her father. The other half belonged to the Zhong clan, courtesy of her mother’s side. A subsidiary of that was the Qian clan, which her aunt married into. Thus, tying the three families to each other. Each being a household name in their own right. As stated before, old money ran deep with them.

“I cannot stand these gatherings, too many fake people scrambling around like cockroaches." She mutters in distaste, gazing pointedly at the young men and women crowding around Stella’s circle. While you may not have aligned strongly with the way she worded her statement, you still could get behind the sentiment.

“Amen.” You drink to that. She trains her curious gaze on you. 

“I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure of making each other’s acquaintance." That’s how you find yourself surprisingly bonding with the stoic woman. 

Halfway through your conversation though, her cousins interject, something about an ongoing poker bet getting rowdy in the side room. She excuses herself to deal with it. That leaves you mulling over the main course of the night, watching Stella work her magic. Currently, your parents are speaking to Jaehyun’s. You gauge their position in the room from the corner of your eye. Any minute now, your parents will start making their way over to you with the Jeongs. But by that point, Stella will have sunk her claws into Jaehyun. 

Lo and behold, the show begins. 

Jaehyun finally disentangles himself from the horde of businessmen that anchored him in place throughout the evening. Except, the moment where you expect him to make his way towards the bathroom is now substituted for him making eye contact with you. He perks up when he catches your attention across the room. You blanch in horror as he makes a beeline for you. What the hell was he doing? Why was he going off script? He’s supposed to be heading the other way. 

But before you could panic, Stella “trips” her way into his path. Just in time too. Her timeliness was impeccable. She had been eyeing him down all night, waiting for the perfect opening. You were thankful that she had been. 

You breathe a sigh of relief as he grabs onto her to prevent her from falling. There is a brief pause between the two where they stare into each other’s eyes. She smiles shyly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. 

Oh this was getting good. 

She was really working the floor with this act. Yet somehow, the man in question that she is trying to seduce is not getting with the program. Instead of being enamored with her cute demeanor, as most men ensnared in her trap typically become, Jaehyun just… grimaces a smile. 

Literally where is the dramatic flare, the spark, the pizzazz, the umph? Why is he not taking the bait dangling in front of him? Stella needs to hurry up and bring out the waterworks or something. 

Once steady on her feet, Jaehyun moves to pass her. She grabs his arm to keep him rooted in place. In her mind, you know she won’t let this slide without a fight. 

‘Good,’ you can’t help but think. ‘Give him a run for his money. My plan is contingent upon your success.’

To your right, you see your parents and the Jeongs looking around for both you and Jeahyun. Thankfully, with the crowded room, you still have some time before they discover you. Turning back to ‘scene one: act two’ across the room, you watch as Stella splays a palm across Jaehyun’s chest. She bats her lashes at him.

‘Okay, bold move. That’ll surely secure his interest. People can’t resist once she does that.’

However, Jaehyun just furrows his brows and grabs her hand in what appears to be an attempt at removing her from his space.

‘What on earth is he doing? Follow the script, Jaehyun!!!’

Stella clings to his hand in an attempt to further coax him into fraternizing with her. Smiling sweetly, she engages in conversation. Whatever she’s saying, must work to some degree. Because Jaehyun smiles politely and nods his head at whatever tricks she has up her sleeve. 

You glance back towards your parents just as they clock your position in the room. Your father points as he says something to your respective parents. Panicking, you turn your attention back to the romantic tango in the center of the room, hoping that they speed it along. So that you can interject right where you’re supposed to. Except… something has clearly gone wrong. Because Jaehyun’s body language is now rigid and stiff. Stella herself fidgets nervously. Sharp words now seem to be spoken in a heated exchange. Then, in a daring act, Jaehyun storms off as Stella calls out to him. 

Several people in the vicinity turn towards the commotion. Whispers begin floating around the room at the spectacle. Stella flushes in embarrassment. Jaehyun’s parents, receiving word of the debacle, turn to your parents and exchange a few terse words. Then they leave the room rushing after their son. 

Oh my. It wasn't supposed to turn out like this. He was supposed to storm away from you, not Stella.

Your parents rush over towards Stella. You set down your glass with a smirk. Well, it wasn’t what you expected. But it was a show nonetheless. Schooling your facial expressions, you carefully make your way towards your family as your mother tries to console Stella.

“Stella.” You call out to her. She startles, as if in the act of being caught red-handed. 

“Everything alright?” You question smoothly. She looks shaken up at the events that transpired. People are still gossiping around the room. Your family will have to pack it up soon to save face.

“Y/N,” she whimpers. “I don’t know what happened! I was just trying to suss him out  like a good best friend.”

You hum in acknowledgement, although you know it is a lie. “And how did that go?”

“I thought it went great, but then… he stormed away when I mentioned you. Maybe he doesn’t like you…?” She pouts, looking up from under her lashes at you in an air of innocence. 

But you know her, don’t you? Voice a bit too shrill, jumpy, fidgeting anxiously. All signs of nervousness. She was lying. You are certain that she did not bring you up in that conversation. Per this point in the previous timeline, she had donned the cape as Toothless. So what the hell could have changed this time for Jaehyun to respond that way?

Either way, you knew she was trying to maintain her image, in front of business associates and your parents. Your mother rubs her back as a means of placating her. Hilarious, indeed. 

After pulling her aside for comfort, your family finally heads home to fend off the wave of public embarrassment. Riding along in the back seat, you can’t shake this foreboding feeling. 

In the previous timeline, Jaehyun eagerly believed Stella to be his longtime pen pal, Toothless. But this time… had he not? Why else would Stella lie about his reaction? Evidently, it seemed like the current present events were showing signs of fracture. It made you wonder. Could meeting Jaehyun ahead of schedule have diverted the timeline of events? Maybe that’s why Stella looked a bit nervous. Perhaps Jaehyun didn’t bite onto the hook of lies she was selling. 

Several days later, you and Jeongyeon catch up during a sleepover at her place. She agrees that Jaehyun’s reaction was weird. 

“It’s like physics. Newton said it best. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Perhaps, Jaehyun is reacting differently because you’ve changed the circumstances surrounding your initial meeting. Maybe you should’ve never met with him.” Her last few words trail off as more a question than a statement. 

You groan at your misfortune. Maybe that's why he latched onto the idea of you so quickly. Because you showed up in an area you previously hadn't before. Thus, causing the timeline to bend in reaction towards you. You were the catalyst. Screaming into a pillow, you kick your legs out in a tantrum. Jeongyeon rubs your back in understanding. 

While you do feel hopeless, navigating conversations with Jeongyeon does give you clarity. Focusing on Jaehyun shouldn’t be a concern for now. Right now, he’s just an obstacle. What you need to do is focus your efforts on dismantling your mother and Stella’s lies. If you let the relationship with Jaehyun and Stella run its course, without you interfering with Jaehyun in any capacity, then he’ll take his focus off of you. That will give you one less problem to worry about. You would just have to operate in a way that prevents him from becoming an enemy, and rather set him up to be just an extra in the plot. The best way to do that would be to encourage Stella to pursue him and indicate your disinterest in him. It’ll confuse everyone and give you more time to plot while they’re all discombobulated. Yeah, that should be nice. 

And fate lines up exactly as it should, because a few days shy of your recital, Stella makes her move. Seeing as Jaehyun did not fall for the propaganda she was selling, she devised a plan to take matters into her own hands by making demands of your mother. They have a family meeting. Without you. Which was a true testament to their character. How did you find out? You had overheard them talking one evening when you came home from rehearsals. Your recital was just three days away, and you spent more time at the concert hall than you did at your own residence. Taking your shoes off in the doorway, you overheard voices trailing from the living room. 

“Leonard, don’t you understand what this means? We can still be tied to the Jeongs, just in a different way.”

“Vivian, we can’t just drop an engagement. Not only does that make us look weak, but it signifies that I am not a good businessman. If I can’t even keep the commitment of marrying my daughter off, what makes you think they’ll want to do business with me? It’ll look like I am not honorable or trustworthy.” There is a rustling of fabric, as if someone has shifted.

“But honey, think about it. It’s not really canceling if we put Estella in her place. Y/N doesn’t even care for the family business anyway. She’s just fulfilling an obligation to us as her parents. Stella really likes him. She couldn’t help but fall in love once caught in his embrace.” There is a slight pause before your father speaks again. 

“Estella, is that true?” He addresses her.

Stella shyly speaks, “Yes, uncle. Ever since he caught me in his arms, I couldn’t stop thinking about him. He was so nice when he interacted with me. I couldn’t help but think how gentlemanly he was to me. I think I felt butterflies.”

“See, Leonard? Love at first sight. I’m sure Jaehyun feels the same.”

“If that’s the case, why did he run off that day?”

An awkward pause fills the space. It seems like the woman in question was caught off guard by your father’s assessment. You smirk into your hand as you lean against the wall out of sight. You didn’t want them to know you were here just yet, eager to see how this plays out.

“Well, to be honest… I didn’t want to say this when Y/N was around, so as not to hurt her feelings. But… Jaehyun only stormed away when I mentioned her. Our conversation was going fine, and he was so sweet to me up until I told him that we were practically sisters. You know, since you adopted me. And I mentioned how excited I was for him to join our family. He frowned after that. He told me not to bring those things up. Confused, I asked him why, stating that they were going to get married anyway. He huffed in disagreement and stormed out. I… don’t think he likes her all that well.”

In the hallway, you fight to keep your composure. Her blatant lies were astounding. Part of you wanted to be mad, another part entertained by the theatrics. She truly was a cunning individual, and your fucking parents were eating it up. 

“Honey, don’t you think this would be for the best? The engagement hasn’t been announced yet, so we have plenty of time to doctor up some things. Stella’s a sweet girl. You know the Jeongs would love her. Plus, Stella doesn’t come from the same socioeconomic background as we do. Her childhood was hard. Without us, she would not have the same resources and financial backing that she does currently. She deserves a happy life, don’t you think we should do our best to give it to her?”

You scoff quietly at her words. It pains you to some degree to hear your mother passionately fight to undermine you if it means propping Stella up. Her disdain towards you knew no end. What kind of mother disregards her own child but has no problem fostering another? So are you meant to give up everything in your life just to placate Estella?

“What about Y/N? Would she agree to this?”

“Of course she would. She never cared for these things anyway.”

“I agree uncle. When she first found out about her arranged marriage, she confided in me that it was something she did not want. She doesn’t view it favorably.”

And that had been true. You didn’t feel it was fair to marry you off to the highest bidder just for your family’s financial sake. You were a woman capable of independent thought. You were autonomous to no one but yourself. So, it had not been fair that they had decided something so archaic for you. But that was before you realized Jaehyun was in the lineup of men for you to pick from. For Stella to use a statement you made under duress against you… she was the lowliest of the low. She played dirty. You would give them a few more minutes for this discussion, then you would sweep in and wrap it up.

“Exactly, beloved. She doesn’t care for it anyway. So we can just set her up with somebody else on the list and form multi-partnerships across the board. Imagine what type of resources that would give us access to.”

“Well…” your father really seems to contemplate.

“You won’t even have to tell Y/N. We can schedule a meeting with the Jeongs ourselves, and when it’s solidified, I’ll tell her myself. That way you won’t feel forced to.”

That is the moment you decide to step in, sensing that this would be the perfect opportunity to interrupt. And the reactions did not disappoint. The moment you came around the corner, several things happened at once. Your father immediately sits up straight, spluttering out your name. Your mother, who was resting her hand on your father’s arm, jumps back slightly in surprise. And Estella… well, she clams up as if guilty, caught in the act of doing something. 

‘God, these people were so unserious.’

“Tell me what?” You inquire as you lean against the wall of  the entrance. Amused, you stare at the shocked expressions of being caught in the act. Several seconds go by where your family sits in silence. Then, your bold-faced mother decides to speak up.

“Y/N, I’m glad you're here. We were just discussing an important matter brought to our attention.”

You move further into the room, plopping down on one of the accent chairs. “What were you discussing?”

“Your marriage. To Jaehyun. We’ve decided to make some changes.” Your mother continues.

Tucking your feet underneath your legs, you stare at your mother as if you hadn’t overheard the conversation at hand. “Oh? Is everything alright?”

Remembering himself as the head of the house, your father finally speaks up. “Well, we thought that it might be best if we rethink your marriage to Jaehyun.”

Wracking your brain for the best response, you still had a part to play. These are still your parents. While you can be more brash with outsiders, you know you can’t be so loose with your parents. That would raise too many alarms too quickly. You wanted to ensnare them in your trap slowly, then let it catch up to them all at once.  So, you approach this like the old version of you would. 

“Oh,” you play with a strand of denim on your distressed jeans. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No,” your father is quick to placate as if you were a bomb to diffuse. Considering the tense atmosphere, you suppose it was valid. But it is a bit hilarious to see him act this way when he is primarily passive in his wife’s dealings with you. Not this time though, you suppose. “It’s just that…”

“Estella has fallen in love with Jaehyun.” Silence awaits, as your mother does not sugar coat. She meets your surprise dead on, unrelenting and uncaring of how her unwavering support of Estella might be viewed. 

“What does this have to do with me?”

“Stella wants to marry him instead.” Blunt per usual. Turning to stare at the star of the hour, you watch as she pretends to cower from your gaze. 

“You do?” You question, like you don’t already have your answer. Her bottom lip juts out as she begins to pout. ‘Lord, here comes the water works.’

“Would you hate me if I said I did?”

“Is that what you want? Is it something you can handle?” You rebut, question more reloaded than it appeared.

Scoffing, your mother interjects. “Stella is more than capable of handling something like this. She can’t help that she’s fallen in love. It’s something she’s always dreamed about. She wouldn’t seek marriage if it wasn’t something serious.”

A beat passes. You watch your father shift in uncomfortability, you watch Stella play up her role of innocence, and your mother lead the charge against you. All you saw was the cowardly lion, the brainless scarecrow, and the heartless tinman. A band of characters indeed. Leaning back in confirmation that this is the path they chose, you utter your decision. 

“Well, if it’s what Stella wants.” Calm and poised, you agree. Your family seems surprised to hear this, although you aren’t sure why. You suppose it does make sense to be confused at the switch up since you had been adamant on selecting Jaehyun in the first place. But your decision really wasn’t so far from how you acted typically. You had always been subjected to submitting when your family ganged up against you in favor of Stella. It was the natural way of the household by now. So your agreement shouldn’t come as that big of a surprise. Yet here your family sat, mouths practically agape.

“There will be other suitors, right? So, I shouldn’t have to worry too much. I’m fulfilling my obligation to you, right Dad? Besides, you’re the man of the house. Your word is final. I’ll do what you want me to do.” 

“You’re not gonna make a fuss about this like you always do? You always were so dramatic.” Your mother rolls her eyes at you. The dramatic one was Stella, not you. Whatever floats the boat though. 

“I don’t have strong feelings about this. I’m sure you all made the perfect decision based on what you thought was best. I’m just corroborating your opinions.” You shrug. 

Meanwhile, your friend can’t believe what she is hearing. She thought you would’ve fought back for Jaehyun. Especially knowing that he is the penpal you so desperately had missed. She had banked on that. Which in turn would’ve upset your parents and started an argument amongst the three of you. Instead, knowing her intentions, you refuse to play into her game. Saying she is pissed would be an understatement. So, she tries to play into it more, hoping to set you up with some kind of failure tonight.

She throws herself out of her seat to grab your arm, “Y/N, I know you’re upset about this. You can be mad at me if you want to. I didn’t mean to fall in love with him. He was just so handsome and nice to me. Aunt and Uncle mean well by this. I hope you can understand.” 

Again with the theatrics, you practically sneer at the act. This girl was as persistent as a grown man annihilating a claw machine at the arcade. There are so many other hobbies she could have invested her time into than trying to ruin your life. With a quickness, your mother gets up and pushes you away from Estella, sweeping her up in a hug as she fakes her cry.

“You don’t have to apologize to her.” Your mother sneers. How your mother found the time to blame you in this situation needed to be studied by psychologists, because it was beginning to border on crazy. 

“But Auntie, I don’t want her to hate me for breaking up her engagement.” She wails. 

“Honey, she said it was okay. And she would be wrong to lie if that were the case.” The venomous look shot your way would have no sooner put legions of men in the ground. No wonder your father sat silently in moments like these. He was silent even now, genuinely a lost cause. 

So it's decided, your parents set up a meeting for you to no longer be engaged to Jaehyun. Stella corners you that night, laying in your bed shedding her crocodile tears of ‘woe is me-isms.’ The fact that she wanted you to comfort her through her actions was enough to show how sociopathic she was after all. Because who actually does that? But you fight through it as you console this level of fake guilt she exudes. One day soon, it will no longer be your business. You just had to stick it out. 

July 26th is a day that should bring you utmost peace, but it instead awards you with more confusion. It was the day of your recital, a day you were sure would be free of any drama your family or the Jeongs could bring. But the “secret” meeting your parents had scheduled with the Jeongs on the day of your recital, instead does not play out that way this time around. In fact, not only is Jeongyeon in attendance, but your family is too. Which should not be happening, because Jaehyun is supposed to be meeting with them currently to discuss his engagement to Estella. 

However, you become acutely aware of that not being the case when you step out on stage for your performance in the lineup. You were the last act of the night. Your instructor purposefully set it up that way to showcase the essence of the theme through your raw talent. 

“Because you understand the emotion behind the melody, Y/N. I want the crowd to walk away from this show with a part of you still in their minds.” He had said. 

It was designed to be memorable. But for a split second, you falter at their presence in the crowd. Your only saving grace is Jeongyeon’s supportive face, sending you a thumbs up of encouragement. Smiling gratefully, you glide across the stage floor, with the train of your purple gown parting the mist of the fog machine. Approaching the piano bench, you take a deep breath and claim your seat on this symbolic mount of virtue.  

If you asked anybody from the crowd, the view was breathtaking. A fairytale laden background created a beguiling atmosphere around you. The stage set was draped in foliage to mimic that of an enchanted forest, with the pinks, purples, and blues of hyacinths interwoven like ornaments. The backdrop was riddled with a starry sky. White pillarous columns framed the stage, bringing the focal point to the lone white piano standing at the center. And there you sat, underneath the soft blue spotlight, akin to the moon. 

You wore an embellished deep purple gown with a strapless bodice that accentuated the silhouette of your body. The crystal beads sparkled beautifully underneath the light. You truly were a vision. A collective hush fell over the room when you began to play. A soft, melodious cacophony danced in tendrils around the room, enrapturing your listeners like the croon of a siren’s lilting song. Your caliber of enchantment, reminiscent of a gleaming star. 

One thing you loved most about music was your ability to get lost in it. As you played, the room disappeared into a foggy background. All that was left was you, the piano, and the sheet music. So absorbed in the melody, you hadn’t realized that you closed your eyes. You were immersed in the ‘what could have beens’ of the song, deeply attuned to the element. It wasn’t until the last note you played that you came back to yourself. Opening your eyes, you are regaled with a standing ovation. 

Bowing in thanks, you make your way backstage, giddy at the reception of the crowd. Once the show is officially over, you gather your belongings, making your way to Jeongyeon. Along the way, you are stopped by several attendees, complimenting you for the development of your craft. You smile gratefully before finally spotting Jeongyeon. There she stands, a big smile on her face, a bouquet of flowers in her hand. Squealing, you both rush into each other's arms. 

“I’m so freaking proud of you!” She exclaims with pride, bouncing on the balls of her feet. One thing you had missed once the two of you stopped talking, was her unyielding support in your personal endeavors. Jeongyeon was a true testament to what healthy friendship looked like. Beaming, you thank her for sharing this moment with you. Just as you extend your hand for the flowers, a throat clears. Ah, you forgot about them. Reluctantly, you turn to acknowledge your family. 

“Mother, Father, Estella.” 

“Good job today, kiddo.” Your father greets tersely. He seemingly had not been comfortable with you for years now in the wake of Stella’s addition into your family. 

“Yes, glad to see my money didn’t go to waste.” Your mother regards you coolly. Grimacing a nod, you thank them for coming. 

In the midst of your acknowledgment of your parents. Stella assesses your close proximity to Jeongyeon. Her face flushes seeing the content demeanor surrounding you. She was pissed. The two of you should have never rekindled your friendship. It should have been impossible. Stella made sure of that. So, why the hell was she around? In the last month alone, you have spent more time with Jeongyeon than ever before, leaving Stella to the wayside. She didn’t get it. Why the fuck weren’t you as adamant to speak to her anymore as you were with Jeongyeon? 

You’ve started changing too, subtle, but noticeable. At first she thought it was a fluke, but you’ve definitely pulled away more. What the fuck was so good about Jeongyeon that you couldn’t find in her? And why the fuck was she buying you flowers when Stella didn’t bring any herself? Embarrassed was an understatement. Stella hated how Jeongyeon always upstaged her. She didn’t deserve to be friends with you and was fucking up the plan. With her around, it would be harder to make you an easy target for her plot. She had to get rid of her again somehow. Shaking off her feelings of resentment, Stella throws herself at you, clinging to your arm. 

“You played so well! Soooo many people were complimenting you. I had to tell them that we were sisters. After all, you always said that we would be.” She states smugly. 

Inside, you and Jeongyeon both cringe. It seemed like Estella had to up the ante to make it about her once again. She never liked when you were the center of attention. That’s why she always went behind your back to date the guys you liked. She can’t go one moment without the spotlight on her. Patting her arm knowingly, you pull away. 

“Thank you Estella. I’m sure people were delighted to know that about you.” Your father coughs, while your mother raises a brow.

“What do you mean?” Stella pouts. Jeongyeon tries her hardest not to snicker, she swears. 

“Of course it’s obvious we’re sisters. There would be no me without you. I’m always wherever you are. Remember?” Part of you gags a little at the saccharine facade of your words. There is no universe ever, in which you could fall for her bullshit again. But still, you breadcrumb her, letting her believe in your faux naivety. 

You are still confused as to why they are actually here when they shouldn’t be. The chronological timeline of events absolutely indicated that they should be in a meeting with the Jeongs by now. You aren’t sure what they’re doing, but you just hope it doesn’t interfere with your carefully crafted plans. 

Except, fate has no intent of letting you prosper peacefully. Because the biggest surprise of the night decides, in that moment, to make themself known. 

“Congratulations.” A silky, smooth voice remarks. 

Spinning on your heels, you come face to face with Mr. Valentine himself, Jeong  Jaehyun. Decked out in black slacks detailed with a black Prada belt, a fitted creme rib knitted shirt (which definitely accentuated his arm veins), and black dress shoes, Jaehyun carried every bit of that debonair flair people associated him with. But perhaps, the most striking feature of the night was his newly dyed platinum blonde hair. Oh God. In his hand, a bouquet of lilies. Your favorite. Smirking, he holds them out to you. Everyone regards him with incredulity. A sense of dread sinks in the pit of your stomach. Somehow this is a bad omen of sorts. You just know it. You accept the flowers in bewilderment. 

“What are you—” Suddenly, you are cut off. 

“Jaehyun! Fancy seeing you here today. I thought you had an important event to attend.” Your father chuckles in an attempt to cozy up to him..

“This is an important event.” And he says it without breaking his intense stare from you. 

“Ah yes, well I just assumed—” Your mother cuts your father off before he can begin rambling.

“Thank you Mr. Jeong for attending our daughter’s recital. That was very thoughtful of you. Are you perhaps… here to speak with Stella?” She asks, with a glimmer of hope bordering on blatant disrespect towards you.

You practically snort as Stella forces her way into your space, batting her over exaggerated heart eyes at his towering figure. 

“Hi, Jaehyun—”

“Actually,” he cuts her off, eyes boring into your soul.  "I came to speak with you. Privately." 

“Me? Um… I don't think that's a good—” 

“I wasn’t asking.” There is a serious quality to his voice that causes your affrontedness to taper off. You hand both bouquets off to Jeongyeon. Intrigued by his intent, you follow as he leads you to a quiet space. Curiosity is the only way to prevent you from not cussing him out at the demand. 

Once far enough away from prying eyes, he pulls you into a side hallway and turns to address you. You, however, beat him to the punch. 

“Speak.” The carefully curated mask you’d been wearing around your family, finally deciding to slip. 

Mirth dances in the pools of his whiskey brown eyes at your command. “Still the same woman I met weeks ago, I see.”

“Yes, I felt as though you needed a refresher.”

Jaehyun chuckles at your assertiveness. Eyes drinking in the silhouette of your body, he smiles lazily. In a manner in which you know that he knows the allure he possesses. “I appreciate the reminder, sweetheart."

Cutting to the chase, you ask him of his intentions for pulling you aside. “Do you actually have anything important to say? Because if not, I’ll leave. The only reason I entertained you in the first place is because it looked like a serious matter.”

“That’s why I’ve come to see you.” He crowds into your space, tone shifting from the light playfulness he displayed moments prior. 

“Have you lost your mind?” He hums darkly.

“Oh wow, this is new. Even for you.” You retort as he cages you in against the wall. His deep eyes bore into yours. 

“Who told you to go and do that, hm? You had to go behind my back crying to mommy and daddy ‘cuz you don’t wanna marry the big, bad wolf anymore?”

“Watch your mouth.” You hiss in annoyance at his cocky demeanor. His body pushes yours further into the wall. The forced proximity put a fire in your belly and pulled breath from your lungs in the same manner it had always done before in the previous timeline. And you were desperate to purge this attraction from your skin.

Heatedly, you whisper. “Move.” 

“What happened to our agreement?”

“We didn’t agree on shit.” He grabs your chin after the exclamation, thumb brushing against your bottom lip. 

“Such a potty mouth.” Jerking from his grasp, you push him away. He complies, holding his hands up in mock surrender. That stupid cocky smile ever present upon his face.

“Never do that again.” You mutter angrily. You were more panicked than mad. Definitely upset with yourself for feeling as frazzled as you were. And Jaehyun seemingly had no care in the world propped against the wall across from you. 

“I don’t appreciate you trying to undermine me. I had to find out after the fact that you went to our parents trying to revoke our engagement. Then you had the nerve to try and set me up with your sister? I thought you were better than that.” Let it be known that he was quite attractive when provoked to anger. Let it also be known that it was insufferably annoying. 

“Who cares if I don't want to marry you. I made it vehemently clear the first time we met that I wanted nothing to do with you. And I meant it. Stella is a better opportunity for you anyway.”

He scoffs under his breath. “That’s not the first time we’ve met though… is it?” 

His tone is heavy with a sort of implication that you don’t even want to read into. So, you don’t. Jaehyun was playing one too many games anyway. The best-case scenario was to get your point across and leave.

“I would really prefer it if you stopped wasting my time.” You huff in exasperation.

“What do I have to do to convince you?”

“Nothing. I’m not the one for you, but I really think Estella could be. If you just give her a chance—” 

“Bullshit. How do you know you’re not the one for me? Because from where I’m standing, I’ve never been more enamored with a woman before in my life the way I am with you. You don’t even want to try. There’s no valid excuse.”

“I’m not marrying you, Jaehyun. End of discussion.” You had to put your foot down and close the chapter on this conversation. You couldn’t afford anymore petty distractions that could potentially ruin the trajectory of the plot. It has to work out the way you anticipated it to be.

He sniggers, nodding his head in amusement. “Mmkay, here’s what I think.” Stalking towards your alert form, he leans down to make soul piercing eye contact with you. “You’re running away, from this, from me, for whatever reason. And I refuse to let you slip through the cracks. So, here’s how this is going to go. You’re gonna put on your pretty, white dress when it’s time. I’m gonna put on my tuxedo, and we’re going to walk down the aisle and get married. I’ll see to it that my parents are made aware of this. And if you try any underhand tactics again, I guess I’ll have to figure out what to do with you myself.” 

“Is that a threat?” You sneer.

“It’s a promise.”

“You don’t own me.” You whisper angrily.

“And I have no desire to. I just want you to stop running from me.” He mutters sincerely. And for a fleeting moment, you are afraid of the leap your heart makes. Because this man is standing here delivering his heart on a silver platter in hopes that you will accept, and you know you cannot. It wasn't supposed tom be like this. Now, you have no choice but to find a way to make him hate you. 

"Do not contact me again, Jaehyun.” Then you are turning on your heels, fleeing out of the corridor. 

“Whatever you say, sweetheart.” He calls softly after you. And if you looked back, you would see the way he looked at you with a yearning to rival even the moon’s longing for the stars. 

After that eventful encounter, July comes and goes. And with it so does August the 2nd, the day in which Jaehyun and Estella were supposed to announce their engagement. Except, no such announcement is made. Instead, the Jeongs scheduled a meeting with your parents to let them know exactly what Jaehyun’s intentions are. He wants to go through with his engagement to you. But they would prefer to wait to announce it to… give you time to sit with it. 'AKA, Jaehyun was giving you a little freedom before locking you down.' With a new school year about to start, you know there will be plenty of opportunities to force his hand in hopes of publicly denouncing you. All you had to do was wait. 

Taglist: @ellelabelle @vixensss @jobskdj @giiayujeon57 @yourblackiequeen 

1. Dad - trash

2. Mom- mega trash

3. Stella- trash boat

I’m so glad reader & Jeongyeon were able to reconcile because I would’ve crashed out if reader didn’t have at least one person in her corner.

Jaehyun is soooo down bad and desperate and I live for it. I love how he hints at the familiarity and leaves it to reader to decide whether or not she’ll lean into it but I also love how he’s basically telling her “you’re not getting rid of me. Ever”

I can feel every bit of readers annoyance of things not going the way she’d hoped but she’s trying so hard to fuck shit up so she can move on 😂

The shadow clones that Stella have can go to hell.

Donghyuck is so messy 😂😂

Jisung was adorable as ever 🥹

I know reader is trying to escape but I want Stella’s feelings HURT.

I want that bitch to try so hard with Jae and he let her down roughly. I want her crying, screaming, back sliding down the wall and throwing up.

Stella needs to understand:

(idk if you’ve ever seen this. I might’ve just aged myself for real 😭)

I had to give reader an alley-Oop by giving her a friend back. It would be crazy reliving a timeline like this w/ no support.

Yes! I love my men down bad. Jaehyun really ain’t going NOWHERE. He likes it there too much 🤣. We will delve deeper into this in pt. 4.

LMAO reader is trying so hard to do her big one and get out of dodge. But the cards keep flipping and tricking the way they’re stacked against her.

Shadow clones— 😭 I’m crying.

Donghyuck is ALWAYS at the scene of a crime. He just don’t give a damn.

Jisung really is a cutie patootie. He was my fave to write. He’s so squishy 🥺.

Oh, Stella will have the reckoning of a lifetime. LOL, not the Color Purple. Yes, I know Ms. Ceily. You ain’t old at all!

Jeong Jaehyun (Part Three)

Author's Note: I experienced a bit of writer's block with this one while undergoing some pressures from work. So, I hadn't been writing the way I wanted to. Typically, when I get restless, I tend to start other projects to ease the lack of creativity. But LUCKILY, my friend fussed at me to finish one story before starting the next. She was NOT playin' about this story lmaooo. So, we eatin' good today. Hope you enjoy Seoulmates! Lmk what you think 🫶🏾

(Friendly reminder, YOU DON'T HAVE PERMISSION TO COPY MY WORKS ANYWHERE.)

CEO! Jaehyun x Pianist! Black reader

Synopsis: After your untimely death, you learn the truth about the plot to sabotage you. Now reincarnated to an earlier timeline of events, you have 3 main objectives: break off your engagement with Jeong Jaehyun, strategically expose the plot against you, and get the fuck away from your family as soon as possible.

Content: Angst, themes of betrayal, hurt reader, time re-do, reader death, reincarnation, implied destiny swapping, revenge plot, badass reader, Jaehyun isn't a bad person he's just really stupid, manipulation, gaslighting, brief mention of su*c*de, Jaehyun YEARRRRNS

Word Count: 11.9k

Pt. 2

With you, you should’ve been well aware that disaster was always imminent. It was practically attracted to you. And of course it was. Would it be your life if not for the nerve wrecking sprinkle of it looming overhead? Of course not. Because how else could you explain the biggest fumble of your life? The whole purpose of you going to Jaehyun, instead of letting fate play out, was to persuade him of your unsuitability to be a bride. That way, you wouldn't suffer from a miserable life due to your association with him. Cutting ties would make it easier to dismantle nearly twenty-two years worth of lies your so-called ‘family’ had entwined you in. However, instead, you’ve only convinced him that you’re someone he could potentially be attracted to. And it wasn’t because of your looks. No, it was your stellar fucking personality that interested him. Because what woman in their right mind would make the time to come all the way to his company just to break off an engagement, when said woman chose him as the groom in the first place? In Jaehyun’s world, it was simply unheard of. 

Which brings you to the present day, forty-eight hours after your conversation with Jaehyun. You are lying face first on the table of the booth you and Jeongyeon are currently occupying. Relaying the encounter to her over milkshakes, she cackles at your unlucky nature. 

“The universe must hate me.” You bemoan.

“Or it just has a sense of humor.” You glare at her from your position on the table top. 

“Yeonie, he sent a package to my house. Like, literally the next day.” Your friend slurps her milkshake in anticipation. Her eyes bulged from her head, curious to know more about the elusive bachelor.

“What was in it?”

“A rectangular, white box,” you grumble. “Inside was a petite, white rose. A card was attached to it. It said something like, ‘See you soon,’ with a winky face or whatever.” 

Jeongyeon gasps at the information. “A petite, white rose?” She parrots back. “Do you know what this means?” 

Of course you knew what it meant. You would’ve paid to not know if it erased the image of his smug expression out of your mind. A lover of flowers, you knew that they all had an associated meaning to them. Which is ironic, considering your favorite flower was white lilies. The universe had too much of a sense of humor, you feared. Because white lilies, ever the popular selection at weddings and funerals, symbolize purity, commitment, and rebirth. All of which correlates to the span of events concerning your current predicament. As a floral symbol of soul rejuvenation, you know this can’t just be mere coincidence. Because you yourself had undergone that massive shift in time. 

Thus, you were well aware of the meaning behind the flower Jeong Jaehyun had delivered to your house. Which was impressive considering he did it in less than twenty-four hours of your meeting. 

Petite roses were often referred to as “sweetheart” roses due to the affection they symbolize for a potential romantic partner. Jaehyun had taken to calling you sweetheart right when Jisung ushered you out of his office. The delivery to your house was his way of teasing you. Not only that, he had specifically sent a white rose as a way to convey that he was thinking about you. White roses were significant for marriages and new beginnings. He was practically tipping his hat off as if he were paying homage to the prospect of a future with you. 

In the back of your mind, you scoff. He’s got another thing coming if he thinks you intend to marry him. 

“I know what it means, Jeongyeon. He’s toying with me, trying to get in my head.” You mutter darkly. She giggles, finally through with her shake.

“No, no, no.” She wags her finger. “He’s flirting. You must’ve done a number on him when you bust into his office guns blazing. Because this is clearly a man intent on claiming his woman. And that just so happens to be you currently.”

You sit up in alarm at her analysis. “Absolutely not. I am not his woman, and he should know that by now. I made it perfectly clear I wanted nothing to do with him.”

“And that excited him. You said it yourself, he practically told you he didn’t do well with rejection. You personally went to his office to reject him to his face. Why the hell wouldn’t he be curious to know why? He’s attractive, he’s charming, he’s got money, he’s responsible, and most importantly, he’s intelligent. In his opinion, you should be groveling at his feet.”

“And that’s the problem. The bastard was so cocky when I met him. He’s nothing like the kid I used to write to.”

“Y/N, babes. People change. And they’re allowed to. I’m not excusing his conceit by the way. I’m just saying that maybe what we know is surface level.”

“Jeongyeon, whose side are you on?”

She bats her lashes at you. “Yours of course, darling.”

“Then why are you sticking up for him?” You chuckle humorlessly with betrayal blossoming in your chest. “You don’t know what it was like in the original timeline. Yeon, he— he was horrible to me. He fell for Stella’s lies and made my life miserable. What I thought to be a caring, loving boy, turned out to be an aloof, intolerant man. Do you know how hard his harsh words cut deep every time Stella staged an accusation against me? Right now, he’s not the thirteen year old boy who wrote me warm letters. He’s the prospect of all my nightmares potentially manifesting. So forgive me if I don’t give a damn about surface level knowledge. Fuck him.”

The both of you sit in silence from the tense atmosphere your words have created. Jeongyeon purses her lips as she nods. Choosing her words carefully, she observes you. 

“I acknowledge that I don’t understand how you feel. I didn’t live in your shoes. So I don’t know what it’s like. But you and I both know how easy it is to fall for Stella’s lies. We can’t help that she's a master manipulator. But we can help the next person she sinks her claws into. Wouldn’t that be Jaehyun? Look, I’m not saying he deserves forgiveness. But I do think we should approach this from a different perspective. Are second chances only meant to be awarded to you and me? Why else are you back here?” 

Her perspective sparks more questions than answers. She was right. And she knew that you understood that. Right now, you are angry. But you would do your best to right all the wrongs Stella had orchestrated in your life. You had to. 

“Okay,” you nod to your friend. 

“You’re right. The man I experienced was influenced by Estella. He doesn’t exist currently. But that doesn’t mean I still won’t go through with my plan. I absolutely cannot marry Jeong Jaehyun. I have to let my family convince the Jeong’s to set up an arrangement between Jaehyun and Stella. Then, once they’re engaged, I'm going to rip off that perfectly tailored mask and show everyone the true face hiding behind her lies. After that, I’m going to publicly smear my own mother’s name with proof of her illegitimate pregnancy. Once the drama unfolds, I’m sure the Jeong’s will want nothing left to do with us. My entire family’s social status will be squandered, and I’ll finally be able to sever ties. Everyone will get the karma they deserve. And Jaehyun will get the least of that wrath… depending on how he cooperates in this timeline. But I swear Jeongyeon, the moment he wrongs me…” 

You trail off, indicating that it would not be a great end if he meddles with you this time around. Jeongyeon nods at the details of the plan. But what should be a smooth process is easier said than done. Especially when met with persistence from certain forces.

July 12th creeps around faster than you’d care to admit. The night of the famed business dinner. The one in which Stella ruthlessly begins the process of your destiny swap. 

Currently, you stand in your bedroom eyeing your attire for the night. You had a walk-in style closet with a built-in mirror. It was spacious for the luxurious grandeur of garments your mother made sure you wore on special occasions such as tonight. You adjusted the satin, pleated dress so that it framed your chest and hips comfortably. You weren’t overly shapely like your mother, but you still had a nice feminine figure. To you, it was simple and enough. 

Tonight, you wanted to portray the allure of summer beauty. 

The long maxi dress brushed against the floor; the pleated, satin fabric adorned with splotches of earthy green, cream, and yellow. The cowl neckline draped down your collarbones elegantly. The low back exposed the skin just beneath your shoulder blades. You wore gold strap heels to match the assortment of pearls and gold jewelry decorating your accessories. You had smoothed your curls into a classy, low bun with curly wisps for a voluminous effect. A lily flower clip sat perched in your bun to top off the look. 

You looked more glamorous than you felt. Which was starting to become a track record any time you were slated to meet Jaehyun. Per the timeline of events, he would be attending the dinner. You know for sure what your intentions are, but you aren’t sure about his. Fraternizing with him in any capacity was out the window. You wanted that ship to sail as quickly as it could get out of the metaphorical harbor. But you also did know that Estella would try to sink her claws into him the moment she got him alone. So, you couldn’t entertain the idea of completely cutting him out. You had to at least interact with him to some degree to keep your name clear of any accusations that could smear your name with the facade Stella was bound to portray. It would be vicious on your spirit, but it would be well worth the fight in the end. 

With your father at the helm of the wheel, your family arrives at the gated Wang estate with dramatic flair. You mentally roll your eyes at the glitz and glamour of your father’s newly minted Rolls Royce. He always did like to go “big or go home” on special occasions like these. Stepping out of the car, you gaze up at the luxurious spectacle. The Wang family, hosts of the evening, were notorious for the extravagant business dinners tied to their wealth. They were one of the richest families in Hong Kong, with stakes in the automotive and technology industries. Your father was always so eager to attend these gatherings to crowdfund for investments. Your mother liked the benefit of what other people’s riches could do for her. And Estella? Well, she was as equally obsessed with climbing the social ladder as she was with using you as a step stool. Birds of a feather, you supposed.

Securing the valet, your father takes your mother’s hand and escorts your family inside. You take up the back, savoring the little calm you had before the storm. Servers ushered the four of you through the foyer and down the grand staircase leading to the lower level. The Wang Estate was truly a display of wealth your family had yet to touch. With ties to old money, it made sense the air of gravitas they carried themselves with. Even though you had been here on numerous occasions, it still amazed you at the extent and level of detail Wang Mei, the hostess, went through to make sure everything was held to a certain standard. 

At the end of the carpeted staircase, the lower level opened up to a miniature sized ballroom. While meant for more intimate gatherings, the small space still did well to capture the essence of refined regality. Overhead, a crystal chandelier glistened like a dream, casting refractions of light against the polished wood flooring. Decorative mouldings accented the burgundy walls, giving off the illusion of rectangular floor to ceiling framing. As if part of an exhibit in a gallery. Each wall frame was decorated with plaster, exuding a three-dimensional effect. The aforementioned plasters depicted various flora and fauna reflective of Chinese culture. The Wangs were unapologetically proud of their heritage and roots. Forest green curtains draped along the extended windows, as green foliage added extra accents to the room. To the right, was an alcove in the wall, set with a barspace. Several associates stood around the bar with drinks in their hands. To your left, the curved archway led to an outdoor patio. The terrace overlooked Madame Wang’s lustrous garden. It was evident what she took pride in. 

Stepping further onto the polished floor, you analyze the seating arrangement for the night. Nine tables were spaced out across the room with name cards placed about for each respective family. All ranging from various nationalities. Tonight’s gathering would include: the Wangs, Qians/ Huangs, and Zhongs, all of which are of Chinese heritage. Then the Shahs (Thai), the Mcleods, Antonellis, Barbarouxs and Westwoods (European descent). The Kims, Lees, and Jeongs (of Korean descent.) Finally, the Ashbridges and your family (of black heritage). Thirteen families across industries. Most being powerhouses and staple sources to the economic growth of communities. Your family was low hanging fruit on the tree. Everyone knew it. Which is why each gathering was extremely important to your mother and father, both chasing riches and success. They would grasp any chance to keep their seat at this theoretical ‘table.’ 

Finding your seats, you place your things down as your parents trek off to sidle up to the smarmy elite. Stella too bounds off to undoubtedly gossip and conspire with her aristocratic social circle. That left you to brainstorm a gameplan. Stepping out onto the terrace, you contemplate the expected sequence of events against the backdrop of a blood orange evening sky. A warm summer breeze brushed against petals to kiss your skin. The flowers welcomed the setting sun like a friend. In a way, you felt like they were welcoming you too. You never truly fit in at social events such as this anyway.

Taking a deep breath, you mentally navigate through what is set to transpire tonight. For starters, Stella and her friends were bound to entrench you in whatever minute conversation they could. All under the guise of belittling and insulting you. It happens at every function, and this time is no different. You were baffled at how unaware you had been before at how eloquently Stella weaponized people against you. In the past, you had no idea that she was orchestrating lies to boost herself in society. She had always been the one to rebuke any form of bullying that came your way. Just to cast stones and hide her hand. Now you understood the lengths she would go to keep up this angelic ruse. 

In dealing with her friends, the Jeongs would then arrive. Which would cause everyone in the circle to gossip about how attractive Jaehyun was and how desperately they wanted to date him. Because Jaehyun was an unattainable bachelor who did not seem to have public interest in long term relationships. This was common knowledge. Yet, your parents had successfully done what others could not, secured this joint partnership amongst your two families. Which further fueled Estella’s need to slither her way into Jaehyun’s path. It seemed she had a knack for snatching what other people coveted. You now understood this to be because she felt it made her more established; increased her popularity. That was her secondary reason to plot on driving the wedge between the relationship you thought you had wanted. The first being simply because she hated you. Outwardly, you roll your eyes at the logic. Her cunning nature was obvious now. 

Peeved at their lustful remarks surrounding Jaehyun and their cruel commentary towards you, you would step away to gather yourself. That way you would be composed for your official meeting with Jaehyun. But Stella would beat you to the punch. Which then spirals out of control with Jaehyun accusing you, his family disliking you, you shouldering the blame for offending them, and so on and so forth. 

The best case scenario at the moment, would be to let everything play out as it should, while strategically toying with Stella. From that point, you could manipulate her into revealing her true colors, so long as you stayed several steps ahead of her. You would play the long game. Content with that idea, you fail to notice the set of footsteps approaching.

“Well, don’t you look beautiful.” 

You startle at the deep timbre of the voice, pulling you out of your reverie. Turning, you catch sight of an amused Jaehyun.  He leans against the open doorway, hands in the pants pockets of his tailored suit. Begrudgingly, you had to admit that he looked good standing there basking in the remaining sunlight. The tan, linen suit complimented his glowing skin. Underneath, he wore a white button down, unbuttoned at the top to accentuate his collarbones. A navy handkerchief tucked away in his left breast pocket accompanied the look. Suave, per usual. 

“Jaehyun?” You exclaim in surprise. He was not supposed to be here this soon. Last time, his family had arrived fashionably late, as they tend to do most functions. This window of time was meant to be your only shred of peace before the evening devolved. So, why the hell was he so early? He was disrupting the ebb and flow of your plan.

Smugly, he saunters up to you. “So, you do remember my name.” There goes that insufferable smirk. For several moments you gawk at the man, wondering how he found you. Then you snap out of your trance. 

“What are you doing here?” 

He chuckles. “Was I not invited?” 

Flustered, you stammer out a response. “That’s not what I meant. I just—  aren’t you a bit early?”

Stepping closer, his musky scent invades your space. “I think I’m right on time.” 

The low rumble of his voice does something it absolutely should not in the pit of your stomach. Nope. No way. This was not a good idea. Clearing your throat, you create space between the two of you. “Mr. Jeong, I don’t think it’s appropriate for us to be speaking like this in private. You wouldn’t want to have to quell any rumors further down the line.” 

He closes the distance between the two of you once again. “What’s inappropriate about making casual conversation with my fianceé? Besides,” he glances back through the open doorway at the busy room. 

“This is hardly a private place. If it was,” his eyes take their time caressing your frame. “Talking would be the least of my interests.” 

In that moment, you conclude two things. One, Jeong Jaehyun is determined; two, he is also alluringly dangerous. Removing yourself from his space helps you retain your steel resolve. “I’m afraid you have the wrong person, Mr. Jeong, I’m not betrothed to anyone.” 

A languid smirk appears on his face, tongue peeking out at the corner of his mouth. Mr. Charming, indeed. “Come on, sweetheart. We’ve already established that you know my name. And I don’t recall agreeing to annul this arrangement between us.” 

“Well, unfortunately for you, women in this day and age are allowed to make their own decisions.” Your response accompanies a miniscule pout meant to goad him. He picks up on the air of satisfaction in your retort. What you don’t realize is how much he likes this banter between you. Interest swirls in his psyche at this predator and prey play. 

“As a businessman, I really don’t like being told no.”

“You and all the other men. Seems like a hard concept for you to comprehend.” You hum in acknowledgment.

He lets out a deep bellied laugh, surprised at the sharpness of your tongue. “Witty, I like that about you.”

Batting your eyelashes mockingly, you respond. “How can I make you dislike it?” 

For a fraction of a moment, Jaehyun sobers up. He regards you with a look you aren't entirely sure how to interpret.  “I don’t think I could dislike anything I’ve learned about you.” 

You scoff in bewilderment. Shaking your head, you let out a deep sigh. There was literally no reason for Jaehyun to somehow become this attached to you in such a short amount of time. Every interaction was causing further confusion and fracturing what you knew about Jaehyun of the past compared to Jaehyun presently. 

Acutely aware that you were absolutely failing at this shit, you concluded a need to develop a better game plan that potentially involves making him dislike you. Turning your attention back to the peaceful view of the garden, you map out your next best move. Sensing your exasperation, Jaehyun decides to scale back on his teasing. He too turns to gaze over the deck at the scenery. 

“Nature must be comforting to you.” 

“What?” You glance at him in confusion.

He indicates towards the incessant chatter coming from the ballroom. “The hustle and bustle of socializing can be over-stimulating. I know the feeling, so I assume that’s why you're out here instead. Because nature is calming.” 

You are surprised at his attempt to engage in casual conversation. Previously, you had fumbled badly enough for him to have complete disinterest in you in favor of Stella. So, there had not been much to discuss outside of the scathing remarks and chastisement you received from those around you. And your conversations since your soul reincarnated had been nothing short of a true test of patience at best. 

So, Jaehyun actively working to provide small talk warmed your heart a little. “Yeah, it’s my happy place.” 

“Madame Wang invests a lot of time in the upkeep of appearances. The expenses are… quite extensive.” 

Smirking amusedly at his assessment, you raise a brow, “Are you judging?”

He raises his hands in mock surrender, “Not at all.” 

The air settles into a sense of ease around you two. The sun barely winks over the horizon, nearly finishing its descent. Maybe it was a sense of comfort that propelled your further engagement in this conversation.

“You know, I like this garden in particular.” That was true. The few times you had been to this estate, the garden had always captured your interest. Jaehyun hums, urging you to continue. 

“I had this weird phase as a kid where I was obsessed with learning individual flowers' meanings. It lasted for a whole month before I became disinterested. But I found other ways to enjoy them without immersing myself in the scientific names and properties. I realized I really enjoyed exploring garden displays. And this one houses some of my favorite flowers. See those over there?” You point to an assortment of lilies. 

“Those are lilies. They blossom prettily in the summer time and smell heavenly in the rain. There’s this extra hint of spiciness that becomes more potent when the floral sweetness permeates through the air. It’s amazing. One day, I want to be buried in the scent of lilies so that’s what people can remember me by.” You stare forlornly in the distance at the thought of not having the privilege of a decent burial in your last life. You’re certain that nobody probably cared enough to do anything other than cremate you to avoid the expense of a proper burial. 

Beside you, Jaehyun stiffens. Something about what you said gave him pause, scratching a memory deep in the recesses of his mind. There was something distinct about your characterization of the smell of lilies. The exact verbiage being something he swore he had heard verbatim from somewhere else before. For the life of him, he could not jog his memory.

“Repeat what you just said.” There is a desperation in the way he says it. Like he is hoping to grasp something he has lost. In your confusion, you comply, despite instinctual alarms telling you not to.

“I said, I want to be—”

“Buried in the scent of lilies so that it’s something people can remember you by.” He interjects. 

“Right,” you drag out the syllable, nodding your head in concern at his unique behavior regarding the statement. “That’s what I just said.” 

He stares at you like he is just now seeing  you for the first time. It leaves an unsettled feeling in the pit of your stomach. Perhaps you had made a mistake by partaking in this conversation. This amount of attention from him was unfathomable. Especially after last lifetime's rejection. Uncomfortable, you resort to the only other option you have in your arsenal. Retreat. 

In his stunned stupor, you escape back into the crowded ballroom. He stares at your retreating figure before chasing behind you. Lucky enough for you, he is cut off by several investors inquiring about the quarterly progress report. Which successfully diverts his attention from you. Something felt tight in your chest after that conversation, wrong. You couldn’t quite put your finger on it. But you were certain you made an error out there. The best thing to do now was to avoid him until further necessary. 

Sighing a breath of relief, you snatch a glass of champagne from a server making rounds. Except what you hope to be a moment of tranquil bliss is interrupted by Estella and Co. Of course. You really have to stop letting encounters with Jaehyun blindside you from the original plot. Several women of socialite status encircle you in an attempt at an informal trial. 

The Westwood twins, Jacqueline and Daniella, were thick as thieves when it came to Estella. The three were always attached at the hip when it came to networking events. Likewise, Charlotte Barboroux and Lawan Shah, French and Thai heiresses respectively, relished in whatever opportunity they could to make you sweat. You truly never understood where the boredom stemmed from for them to collectively gang up on you. Either way though, this time, you were ready to fend off the ravenous cohort of gossipers. You regard the swarm of estrogen coolly. 

“Ladies.” You acknowledge. 

“Well, well, well, look who it is.” Jacqueline crooned sardonically.

“I’m surprised you decided to show your face after the last fiasco.” Lawan comments over her glass.

The last fiasco in question, being a birthday celebration your family had been invited to attend. Someone had tripped you during the birthday speech, prompting you to fall into the waiter, knocking his entire tray of champagne onto another guest. It was embarrassing to say the least. But you were certain one of the ladies in this very circle had been the culprit behind that. Daniella snickers at the memory.

“How embarrassing.” One of them murmurs. Stella chooses this moment to play the ‘hero’ and chime in.

“Girls, don’t be rude. I’m sure Y/N feels bad enough at the reminder. Don’t embarrass her.” She smiles gently as she links her arm with yours. You itch to snatch it away. How performative of her.

“Awww,” Charlotte coos, “you’re so sweet Stella. It’s nice to see that some people still know how to carry themselves with poise and grace.” She eyes you momentarily before sending a fake smile. The entire group was full of My Little Phonies.

Deciding to play along, you nod your head. “I agree, Stella really is the best. I don't know what I would do without her.”  

Stella’s smile tightens a bit at her analysis of you. Your demeanor is calm, collected in a way that is much different from the typical anxiety you experience in these circles. Somehow, she picks up on this. So, she decides to throw you to the wolves as a means of shaking you up. Squeezing your arm briefly, the metaphorical dark cloud above her head dissipates. She’ll put a stop to whatever bout of cockiness you've been exhibiting lately if it means putting you back in the place she feels you belong. Beneath her.

“Y/N,” she starts innocently. “I saw you on the patio with the Jeongs’ son earlier. You looked deep in conversation. What were you talking about?” 

You fight the knowing smile creeping upon your face. However innocently she tried to portray herself, you knew the pretense behind her questioning. She wanted to bring awareness to the group that someone as sought after as Jaehyun was fraternizing privately with you. She wasn’t an idiot. In her mind, you were still set to be engaged to him. It naturally made sense that you would speak to him from an outside perspective. Her friends however, did not know that bit of information. Which was the reasoning behind her commentary. She was strategically mobilizing her minions against you in ritualistic humiliation. 

Charlotte ruffles her feathers at the mention of Jaehyun. It was no secret that every young woman at this event, at some point or another, had the hots for Jaehyun. It was like a rite of passage at this point. But no one was as much of a die hard fan as Charlotte was. You liked to equate her mannerisms to that of a stalker. Her parents had inquired on numerous occasions, on her behalf, about the nature of Jaehyun’s relationship status. As much as she played it off in the past life, you knew that she was tormented by Estella’s engagement to him. But she had to pretend to be happy despite her secret despisement of the couple. Inwardly, you giggle at the notion of watching her spiral again. 

“Jaehyun? What were you doing talking to him? You weren’t pestering him, were you?” Rich coming from her.

“Do you have a crush on him or something?” Lawan interrogates.

“As if,” Daniella chortles uglily. “Jaehyun would never pay her the time of day.” 

“What makes you think he would pay you the same?” You inquire, eyebrows raised in a clear sign of judgement. This gives the group momentary pause. 

“What the fuck did you just say?” Daniella’s eyes narrow at you. 

You just shrug, downing the last of your champagne before placing the empty glass on the nearest table. “I just think it's funny how everyone seems to be mentally staking claim to a man that hasn’t shown outward interest in any of them thus far.” 

Stella is stunned at your clapback. It seems the other girls are too. It delights you in knowing that you’ve caught them off guard. 

Jacqueline steps forward dangerously, “Watch your fucking mouth, bitch.”

“Or what?” 

You step closer, daring her to make a move. Estella pulls you back in alarm. Why the fuck are you not letting them walk all over you this time? She has to do damage control to save face.

“Y/N,” she whispers, “please don’t provoke them. I apologize if I made you mad. I was just asking. We’re all friends here.”

“Don’t apologize to her, Stella. She picked a fight first.” Biased and untrue. These women really were the dredges of society.

“I picked a fight? Your sister was the one who insulted me first. If she can’t handle it, why dish it out then?”

“You—” Just as Daniella steps forward, Stella pulls you back. 

“Ladies, this is not the place to argue. Let’s take a step back to give each other some time to cool off. Okay?” 

The rest of her friends mumble disgruntledly as Stella leads you away from them. Of course, she’s going to give you her typical spiel. She has to keep riding that fence, lest she fall. Once you both find a more quiet place, she leans forward to engulf you in a hug. She gives the same performative speech, being apologetic for her friend’s actions while simultaneously scolding you for provoking them. Maybe if you did this, maybe if you did that. Blah, blah, blah. 

You were done diminishing your light trying to fit into a group that was already designed to be against you. Stella saw to it to manipulate anyone within radius into hating you. All while forcing you to rely on her for comfort when things went awry. Textbook narcissistic abuse; sabotage and isolate the victim. Little did she know, you weren’t that version of yourself anymore. You wouldn’t fully reveal that just yet though. 

So, you accept her apology and apologize profusely for your own actions, as is within range for your character. This gives Stella relief that you are finally behaving in typical fashion. You can see her don that smug energy once more at thinking that she has successfully placed you back under her rule of thumb. It is going to bring you immense pleasure toying with her mind. The shifting nature of your personality was sure to give her whiplash. 

You excuse yourself to the bar to cool down as she sashays her way back over to her friends. They all kiss up to her, claiming their respect for how maturely she handles conflict. You roll your eyes as you sip the Mai Tai the bartender made for you. To your left, a feminine voice snorts. Finding the source of the noise, you come face to face with Nicolette Wang, Wang Mei and Wang Fu’s only child. From what you recall, Nicolette was a fierce person. She was lethal, practically ruthless in her business transactions. Success ran in her bloodline across several branches. One half of the family tree included the Wang clan, courtesy of her father. The other half belonged to the Zhong clan, courtesy of her mother’s side. A subsidiary of that was the Qian clan, which her aunt married into. Thus, tying the three families to each other. Each being a household name in their own right. As stated before, old money ran deep with them.

“I cannot stand these gatherings, too many fake people scrambling around like cockroaches." She mutters in distaste, gazing pointedly at the young men and women crowding around Stella’s circle. While you may not have aligned strongly with the way she worded her statement, you still could get behind the sentiment.

“Amen.” You drink to that. She trains her curious gaze on you. 

“I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure of making each other’s acquaintance." That’s how you find yourself surprisingly bonding with the stoic woman. 

Halfway through your conversation though, her cousins interject, something about an ongoing poker bet getting rowdy in the side room. She excuses herself to deal with it. That leaves you mulling over the main course of the night, watching Stella work her magic. Currently, your parents are speaking to Jaehyun’s. You gauge their position in the room from the corner of your eye. Any minute now, your parents will start making their way over to you with the Jeongs. But by that point, Stella will have sunk her claws into Jaehyun. 

Lo and behold, the show begins. 

Jaehyun finally disentangles himself from the horde of businessmen that anchored him in place throughout the evening. Except, the moment where you expect him to make his way towards the bathroom is now substituted for him making eye contact with you. He perks up when he catches your attention across the room. You blanch in horror as he makes a beeline for you. What the hell was he doing? Why was he going off script? He’s supposed to be heading the other way. 

But before you could panic, Stella “trips” her way into his path. Just in time too. Her timeliness was impeccable. She had been eyeing him down all night, waiting for the perfect opening. You were thankful that she had been. 

You breathe a sigh of relief as he grabs onto her to prevent her from falling. There is a brief pause between the two where they stare into each other’s eyes. She smiles shyly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. 

Oh this was getting good. 

She was really working the floor with this act. Yet somehow, the man in question that she is trying to seduce is not getting with the program. Instead of being enamored with her cute demeanor, as most men ensnared in her trap typically become, Jaehyun just… grimaces a smile. 

Literally where is the dramatic flare, the spark, the pizzazz, the umph? Why is he not taking the bait dangling in front of him? Stella needs to hurry up and bring out the waterworks or something. 

Once steady on her feet, Jaehyun moves to pass her. She grabs his arm to keep him rooted in place. In her mind, you know she won’t let this slide without a fight. 

‘Good,’ you can’t help but think. ‘Give him a run for his money. My plan is contingent upon your success.’

To your right, you see your parents and the Jeongs looking around for both you and Jeahyun. Thankfully, with the crowded room, you still have some time before they discover you. Turning back to ‘scene one: act two’ across the room, you watch as Stella splays a palm across Jaehyun’s chest. She bats her lashes at him.

‘Okay, bold move. That’ll surely secure his interest. People can’t resist once she does that.’

However, Jaehyun just furrows his brows and grabs her hand in what appears to be an attempt at removing her from his space.

‘What on earth is he doing? Follow the script, Jaehyun!!!’

Stella clings to his hand in an attempt to further coax him into fraternizing with her. Smiling sweetly, she engages in conversation. Whatever she’s saying, must work to some degree. Because Jaehyun smiles politely and nods his head at whatever tricks she has up her sleeve. 

You glance back towards your parents just as they clock your position in the room. Your father points as he says something to your respective parents. Panicking, you turn your attention back to the romantic tango in the center of the room, hoping that they speed it along. So that you can interject right where you’re supposed to. Except… something has clearly gone wrong. Because Jaehyun’s body language is now rigid and stiff. Stella herself fidgets nervously. Sharp words now seem to be spoken in a heated exchange. Then, in a daring act, Jaehyun storms off as Stella calls out to him. 

Several people in the vicinity turn towards the commotion. Whispers begin floating around the room at the spectacle. Stella flushes in embarrassment. Jaehyun’s parents, receiving word of the debacle, turn to your parents and exchange a few terse words. Then they leave the room rushing after their son. 

Oh my. It wasn't supposed to turn out like this. He was supposed to storm away from you, not Stella.

Your parents rush over towards Stella. You set down your glass with a smirk. Well, it wasn’t what you expected. But it was a show nonetheless. Schooling your facial expressions, you carefully make your way towards your family as your mother tries to console Stella.

“Stella.” You call out to her. She startles, as if in the act of being caught red-handed. 

“Everything alright?” You question smoothly. She looks shaken up at the events that transpired. People are still gossiping around the room. Your family will have to pack it up soon to save face.

“Y/N,” she whimpers. “I don’t know what happened! I was just trying to suss him out  like a good best friend.”

You hum in acknowledgement, although you know it is a lie. “And how did that go?”

“I thought it went great, but then… he stormed away when I mentioned you. Maybe he doesn’t like you…?” She pouts, looking up from under her lashes at you in an air of innocence. 

But you know her, don’t you? Voice a bit too shrill, jumpy, fidgeting anxiously. All signs of nervousness. She was lying. You are certain that she did not bring you up in that conversation. Per this point in the previous timeline, she had donned the cape as Toothless. So what the hell could have changed this time for Jaehyun to respond that way?

Either way, you knew she was trying to maintain her image, in front of business associates and your parents. Your mother rubs her back as a means of placating her. Hilarious, indeed. 

After pulling her aside for comfort, your family finally heads home to fend off the wave of public embarrassment. Riding along in the back seat, you can’t shake this foreboding feeling. 

In the previous timeline, Jaehyun eagerly believed Stella to be his longtime pen pal, Toothless. But this time… had he not? Why else would Stella lie about his reaction? Evidently, it seemed like the current present events were showing signs of fracture. It made you wonder. Could meeting Jaehyun ahead of schedule have diverted the timeline of events? Maybe that’s why Stella looked a bit nervous. Perhaps Jaehyun didn’t bite onto the hook of lies she was selling. 

Several days later, you and Jeongyeon catch up during a sleepover at her place. She agrees that Jaehyun’s reaction was weird. 

“It’s like physics. Newton said it best. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Perhaps, Jaehyun is reacting differently because you’ve changed the circumstances surrounding your initial meeting. Maybe you should’ve never met with him.” Her last few words trail off as more a question than a statement. 

You groan at your misfortune. Maybe that's why he latched onto the idea of you so quickly. Because you showed up in an area you previously hadn't before. Thus, causing the timeline to bend in reaction towards you. You were the catalyst. Screaming into a pillow, you kick your legs out in a tantrum. Jeongyeon rubs your back in understanding. 

While you do feel hopeless, navigating conversations with Jeongyeon does give you clarity. Focusing on Jaehyun shouldn’t be a concern for now. Right now, he’s just an obstacle. What you need to do is focus your efforts on dismantling your mother and Stella’s lies. If you let the relationship with Jaehyun and Stella run its course, without you interfering with Jaehyun in any capacity, then he’ll take his focus off of you. That will give you one less problem to worry about. You would just have to operate in a way that prevents him from becoming an enemy, and rather set him up to be just an extra in the plot. The best way to do that would be to encourage Stella to pursue him and indicate your disinterest in him. It’ll confuse everyone and give you more time to plot while they’re all discombobulated. Yeah, that should be nice. 

And fate lines up exactly as it should, because a few days shy of your recital, Stella makes her move. Seeing as Jaehyun did not fall for the propaganda she was selling, she devised a plan to take matters into her own hands by making demands of your mother. They have a family meeting. Without you. Which was a true testament to their character. How did you find out? You had overheard them talking one evening when you came home from rehearsals. Your recital was just three days away, and you spent more time at the concert hall than you did at your own residence. Taking your shoes off in the doorway, you overheard voices trailing from the living room. 

“Leonard, don’t you understand what this means? We can still be tied to the Jeongs, just in a different way.”

“Vivian, we can’t just drop an engagement. Not only does that make us look weak, but it signifies that I am not a good businessman. If I can’t even keep the commitment of marrying my daughter off, what makes you think they’ll want to do business with me? It’ll look like I am not honorable or trustworthy.” There is a rustling of fabric, as if someone has shifted.

“But honey, think about it. It’s not really canceling if we put Estella in her place. Y/N doesn’t even care for the family business anyway. She’s just fulfilling an obligation to us as her parents. Stella really likes him. She couldn’t help but fall in love once caught in his embrace.” There is a slight pause before your father speaks again. 

“Estella, is that true?” He addresses her.

Stella shyly speaks, “Yes, uncle. Ever since he caught me in his arms, I couldn’t stop thinking about him. He was so nice when he interacted with me. I couldn’t help but think how gentlemanly he was to me. I think I felt butterflies.”

“See, Leonard? Love at first sight. I’m sure Jaehyun feels the same.”

“If that’s the case, why did he run off that day?”

An awkward pause fills the space. It seems like the woman in question was caught off guard by your father’s assessment. You smirk into your hand as you lean against the wall out of sight. You didn’t want them to know you were here just yet, eager to see how this plays out.

“Well, to be honest… I didn’t want to say this when Y/N was around, so as not to hurt her feelings. But… Jaehyun only stormed away when I mentioned her. Our conversation was going fine, and he was so sweet to me up until I told him that we were practically sisters. You know, since you adopted me. And I mentioned how excited I was for him to join our family. He frowned after that. He told me not to bring those things up. Confused, I asked him why, stating that they were going to get married anyway. He huffed in disagreement and stormed out. I… don’t think he likes her all that well.”

In the hallway, you fight to keep your composure. Her blatant lies were astounding. Part of you wanted to be mad, another part entertained by the theatrics. She truly was a cunning individual, and your fucking parents were eating it up. 

“Honey, don’t you think this would be for the best? The engagement hasn’t been announced yet, so we have plenty of time to doctor up some things. Stella’s a sweet girl. You know the Jeongs would love her. Plus, Stella doesn’t come from the same socioeconomic background as we do. Her childhood was hard. Without us, she would not have the same resources and financial backing that she does currently. She deserves a happy life, don’t you think we should do our best to give it to her?”

You scoff quietly at her words. It pains you to some degree to hear your mother passionately fight to undermine you if it means propping Stella up. Her disdain towards you knew no end. What kind of mother disregards her own child but has no problem fostering another? So are you meant to give up everything in your life just to placate Estella?

“What about Y/N? Would she agree to this?”

“Of course she would. She never cared for these things anyway.”

“I agree uncle. When she first found out about her arranged marriage, she confided in me that it was something she did not want. She doesn’t view it favorably.”

And that had been true. You didn’t feel it was fair to marry you off to the highest bidder just for your family’s financial sake. You were a woman capable of independent thought. You were autonomous to no one but yourself. So, it had not been fair that they had decided something so archaic for you. But that was before you realized Jaehyun was in the lineup of men for you to pick from. For Stella to use a statement you made under duress against you… she was the lowliest of the low. She played dirty. You would give them a few more minutes for this discussion, then you would sweep in and wrap it up.

“Exactly, beloved. She doesn’t care for it anyway. So we can just set her up with somebody else on the list and form multi-partnerships across the board. Imagine what type of resources that would give us access to.”

“Well…” your father really seems to contemplate.

“You won’t even have to tell Y/N. We can schedule a meeting with the Jeongs ourselves, and when it’s solidified, I’ll tell her myself. That way you won’t feel forced to.”

That is the moment you decide to step in, sensing that this would be the perfect opportunity to interrupt. And the reactions did not disappoint. The moment you came around the corner, several things happened at once. Your father immediately sits up straight, spluttering out your name. Your mother, who was resting her hand on your father’s arm, jumps back slightly in surprise. And Estella… well, she clams up as if guilty, caught in the act of doing something. 

‘God, these people were so unserious.’

“Tell me what?” You inquire as you lean against the wall of  the entrance. Amused, you stare at the shocked expressions of being caught in the act. Several seconds go by where your family sits in silence. Then, your bold-faced mother decides to speak up.

“Y/N, I’m glad you're here. We were just discussing an important matter brought to our attention.”

You move further into the room, plopping down on one of the accent chairs. “What were you discussing?”

“Your marriage. To Jaehyun. We’ve decided to make some changes.” Your mother continues.

Tucking your feet underneath your legs, you stare at your mother as if you hadn’t overheard the conversation at hand. “Oh? Is everything alright?”

Remembering himself as the head of the house, your father finally speaks up. “Well, we thought that it might be best if we rethink your marriage to Jaehyun.”

Wracking your brain for the best response, you still had a part to play. These are still your parents. While you can be more brash with outsiders, you know you can’t be so loose with your parents. That would raise too many alarms too quickly. You wanted to ensnare them in your trap slowly, then let it catch up to them all at once.  So, you approach this like the old version of you would. 

“Oh,” you play with a strand of denim on your distressed jeans. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No,” your father is quick to placate as if you were a bomb to diffuse. Considering the tense atmosphere, you suppose it was valid. But it is a bit hilarious to see him act this way when he is primarily passive in his wife’s dealings with you. Not this time though, you suppose. “It’s just that…”

“Estella has fallen in love with Jaehyun.” Silence awaits, as your mother does not sugar coat. She meets your surprise dead on, unrelenting and uncaring of how her unwavering support of Estella might be viewed. 

“What does this have to do with me?”

“Stella wants to marry him instead.” Blunt per usual. Turning to stare at the star of the hour, you watch as she pretends to cower from your gaze. 

“You do?” You question, like you don’t already have your answer. Her bottom lip juts out as she begins to pout. ‘Lord, here comes the water works.’

“Would you hate me if I said I did?”

“Is that what you want? Is it something you can handle?” You rebut, question more reloaded than it appeared.

Scoffing, your mother interjects. “Stella is more than capable of handling something like this. She can’t help that she’s fallen in love. It’s something she’s always dreamed about. She wouldn’t seek marriage if it wasn’t something serious.”

A beat passes. You watch your father shift in uncomfortability, you watch Stella play up her role of innocence, and your mother lead the charge against you. All you saw was the cowardly lion, the brainless scarecrow, and the heartless tinman. A band of characters indeed. Leaning back in confirmation that this is the path they chose, you utter your decision. 

“Well, if it’s what Stella wants.” Calm and poised, you agree. Your family seems surprised to hear this, although you aren’t sure why. You suppose it does make sense to be confused at the switch up since you had been adamant on selecting Jaehyun in the first place. But your decision really wasn’t so far from how you acted typically. You had always been subjected to submitting when your family ganged up against you in favor of Stella. It was the natural way of the household by now. So your agreement shouldn’t come as that big of a surprise. Yet here your family sat, mouths practically agape.

“There will be other suitors, right? So, I shouldn’t have to worry too much. I’m fulfilling my obligation to you, right Dad? Besides, you’re the man of the house. Your word is final. I’ll do what you want me to do.” 

“You’re not gonna make a fuss about this like you always do? You always were so dramatic.” Your mother rolls her eyes at you. The dramatic one was Stella, not you. Whatever floats the boat though. 

“I don’t have strong feelings about this. I’m sure you all made the perfect decision based on what you thought was best. I’m just corroborating your opinions.” You shrug. 

Meanwhile, your friend can’t believe what she is hearing. She thought you would’ve fought back for Jaehyun. Especially knowing that he is the penpal you so desperately had missed. She had banked on that. Which in turn would’ve upset your parents and started an argument amongst the three of you. Instead, knowing her intentions, you refuse to play into her game. Saying she is pissed would be an understatement. So, she tries to play into it more, hoping to set you up with some kind of failure tonight.

She throws herself out of her seat to grab your arm, “Y/N, I know you’re upset about this. You can be mad at me if you want to. I didn’t mean to fall in love with him. He was just so handsome and nice to me. Aunt and Uncle mean well by this. I hope you can understand.” 

Again with the theatrics, you practically sneer at the act. This girl was as persistent as a grown man annihilating a claw machine at the arcade. There are so many other hobbies she could have invested her time into than trying to ruin your life. With a quickness, your mother gets up and pushes you away from Estella, sweeping her up in a hug as she fakes her cry.

“You don’t have to apologize to her.” Your mother sneers. How your mother found the time to blame you in this situation needed to be studied by psychologists, because it was beginning to border on crazy. 

“But Auntie, I don’t want her to hate me for breaking up her engagement.” She wails. 

“Honey, she said it was okay. And she would be wrong to lie if that were the case.” The venomous look shot your way would have no sooner put legions of men in the ground. No wonder your father sat silently in moments like these. He was silent even now, genuinely a lost cause. 

So it's decided, your parents set up a meeting for you to no longer be engaged to Jaehyun. Stella corners you that night, laying in your bed shedding her crocodile tears of ‘woe is me-isms.’ The fact that she wanted you to comfort her through her actions was enough to show how sociopathic she was after all. Because who actually does that? But you fight through it as you console this level of fake guilt she exudes. One day soon, it will no longer be your business. You just had to stick it out. 

July 26th is a day that should bring you utmost peace, but it instead awards you with more confusion. It was the day of your recital, a day you were sure would be free of any drama your family or the Jeongs could bring. But the “secret” meeting your parents had scheduled with the Jeongs on the day of your recital, instead does not play out that way this time around. In fact, not only is Jeongyeon in attendance, but your family is too. Which should not be happening, because Jaehyun is supposed to be meeting with them currently to discuss his engagement to Estella. 

However, you become acutely aware of that not being the case when you step out on stage for your performance in the lineup. You were the last act of the night. Your instructor purposefully set it up that way to showcase the essence of the theme through your raw talent. 

“Because you understand the emotion behind the melody, Y/N. I want the crowd to walk away from this show with a part of you still in their minds.” He had said. 

It was designed to be memorable. But for a split second, you falter at their presence in the crowd. Your only saving grace is Jeongyeon’s supportive face, sending you a thumbs up of encouragement. Smiling gratefully, you glide across the stage floor, with the train of your purple gown parting the mist of the fog machine. Approaching the piano bench, you take a deep breath and claim your seat on this symbolic mount of virtue.  

If you asked anybody from the crowd, the view was breathtaking. A fairytale laden background created a beguiling atmosphere around you. The stage set was draped in foliage to mimic that of an enchanted forest, with the pinks, purples, and blues of hyacinths interwoven like ornaments. The backdrop was riddled with a starry sky. White pillarous columns framed the stage, bringing the focal point to the lone white piano standing at the center. And there you sat, underneath the soft blue spotlight, akin to the moon. 

You wore an embellished deep purple gown with a strapless bodice that accentuated the silhouette of your body. The crystal beads sparkled beautifully underneath the light. You truly were a vision. A collective hush fell over the room when you began to play. A soft, melodious cacophony danced in tendrils around the room, enrapturing your listeners like the croon of a siren’s lilting song. Your caliber of enchantment, reminiscent of a gleaming star. 

One thing you loved most about music was your ability to get lost in it. As you played, the room disappeared into a foggy background. All that was left was you, the piano, and the sheet music. So absorbed in the melody, you hadn’t realized that you closed your eyes. You were immersed in the ‘what could have beens’ of the song, deeply attuned to the element. It wasn’t until the last note you played that you came back to yourself. Opening your eyes, you are regaled with a standing ovation. 

Bowing in thanks, you make your way backstage, giddy at the reception of the crowd. Once the show is officially over, you gather your belongings, making your way to Jeongyeon. Along the way, you are stopped by several attendees, complimenting you for the development of your craft. You smile gratefully before finally spotting Jeongyeon. There she stands, a big smile on her face, a bouquet of flowers in her hand. Squealing, you both rush into each other's arms. 

“I’m so freaking proud of you!” She exclaims with pride, bouncing on the balls of her feet. One thing you had missed once the two of you stopped talking, was her unyielding support in your personal endeavors. Jeongyeon was a true testament to what healthy friendship looked like. Beaming, you thank her for sharing this moment with you. Just as you extend your hand for the flowers, a throat clears. Ah, you forgot about them. Reluctantly, you turn to acknowledge your family. 

“Mother, Father, Estella.” 

“Good job today, kiddo.” Your father greets tersely. He seemingly had not been comfortable with you for years now in the wake of Stella’s addition into your family. 

“Yes, glad to see my money didn’t go to waste.” Your mother regards you coolly. Grimacing a nod, you thank them for coming. 

In the midst of your acknowledgment of your parents. Stella assesses your close proximity to Jeongyeon. Her face flushes seeing the content demeanor surrounding you. She was pissed. The two of you should have never rekindled your friendship. It should have been impossible. Stella made sure of that. So, why the hell was she around? In the last month alone, you have spent more time with Jeongyeon than ever before, leaving Stella to the wayside. She didn’t get it. Why the fuck weren’t you as adamant to speak to her anymore as you were with Jeongyeon? 

You’ve started changing too, subtle, but noticeable. At first she thought it was a fluke, but you’ve definitely pulled away more. What the fuck was so good about Jeongyeon that you couldn’t find in her? And why the fuck was she buying you flowers when Stella didn’t bring any herself? Embarrassed was an understatement. Stella hated how Jeongyeon always upstaged her. She didn’t deserve to be friends with you and was fucking up the plan. With her around, it would be harder to make you an easy target for her plot. She had to get rid of her again somehow. Shaking off her feelings of resentment, Stella throws herself at you, clinging to your arm. 

“You played so well! Soooo many people were complimenting you. I had to tell them that we were sisters. After all, you always said that we would be.” She states smugly. 

Inside, you and Jeongyeon both cringe. It seemed like Estella had to up the ante to make it about her once again. She never liked when you were the center of attention. That’s why she always went behind your back to date the guys you liked. She can’t go one moment without the spotlight on her. Patting her arm knowingly, you pull away. 

“Thank you Estella. I’m sure people were delighted to know that about you.” Your father coughs, while your mother raises a brow.

“What do you mean?” Stella pouts. Jeongyeon tries her hardest not to snicker, she swears. 

“Of course it’s obvious we’re sisters. There would be no me without you. I’m always wherever you are. Remember?” Part of you gags a little at the saccharine facade of your words. There is no universe ever, in which you could fall for her bullshit again. But still, you breadcrumb her, letting her believe in your faux naivety. 

You are still confused as to why they are actually here when they shouldn’t be. The chronological timeline of events absolutely indicated that they should be in a meeting with the Jeongs by now. You aren’t sure what they’re doing, but you just hope it doesn’t interfere with your carefully crafted plans. 

Except, fate has no intent of letting you prosper peacefully. Because the biggest surprise of the night decides, in that moment, to make themself known. 

“Congratulations.” A silky, smooth voice remarks. 

Spinning on your heels, you come face to face with Mr. Valentine himself, Jeong  Jaehyun. Decked out in black slacks detailed with a black Prada belt, a fitted creme rib knitted shirt (which definitely accentuated his arm veins), and black dress shoes, Jaehyun carried every bit of that debonair flair people associated him with. But perhaps, the most striking feature of the night was his newly dyed platinum blonde hair. Oh God. In his hand, a bouquet of lilies. Your favorite. Smirking, he holds them out to you. Everyone regards him with incredulity. A sense of dread sinks in the pit of your stomach. Somehow this is a bad omen of sorts. You just know it. You accept the flowers in bewilderment. 

“What are you—” Suddenly, you are cut off. 

“Jaehyun! Fancy seeing you here today. I thought you had an important event to attend.” Your father chuckles in an attempt to cozy up to him..

“This is an important event.” And he says it without breaking his intense stare from you. 

“Ah yes, well I just assumed—” Your mother cuts your father off before he can begin rambling.

“Thank you Mr. Jeong for attending our daughter’s recital. That was very thoughtful of you. Are you perhaps… here to speak with Stella?” She asks, with a glimmer of hope bordering on blatant disrespect towards you.

You practically snort as Stella forces her way into your space, batting her over exaggerated heart eyes at his towering figure. 

“Hi, Jaehyun—”

“Actually,” he cuts her off, eyes boring into your soul.  "I came to speak with you. Privately." 

“Me? Um… I don't think that's a good—” 

“I wasn’t asking.” There is a serious quality to his voice that causes your affrontedness to taper off. You hand both bouquets off to Jeongyeon. Intrigued by his intent, you follow as he leads you to a quiet space. Curiosity is the only way to prevent you from not cussing him out at the demand. 

Once far enough away from prying eyes, he pulls you into a side hallway and turns to address you. You, however, beat him to the punch. 

“Speak.” The carefully curated mask you’d been wearing around your family, finally deciding to slip. 

Mirth dances in the pools of his whiskey brown eyes at your command. “Still the same woman I met weeks ago, I see.”

“Yes, I felt as though you needed a refresher.”

Jaehyun chuckles at your assertiveness. Eyes drinking in the silhouette of your body, he smiles lazily. In a manner in which you know that he knows the allure he possesses. “I appreciate the reminder, sweetheart."

Cutting to the chase, you ask him of his intentions for pulling you aside. “Do you actually have anything important to say? Because if not, I’ll leave. The only reason I entertained you in the first place is because it looked like a serious matter.”

“That’s why I’ve come to see you.” He crowds into your space, tone shifting from the light playfulness he displayed moments prior. 

“Have you lost your mind?” He hums darkly.

“Oh wow, this is new. Even for you.” You retort as he cages you in against the wall. His deep eyes bore into yours. 

“Who told you to go and do that, hm? You had to go behind my back crying to mommy and daddy ‘cuz you don’t wanna marry the big, bad wolf anymore?”

“Watch your mouth.” You hiss in annoyance at his cocky demeanor. His body pushes yours further into the wall. The forced proximity put a fire in your belly and pulled breath from your lungs in the same manner it had always done before in the previous timeline. And you were desperate to purge this attraction from your skin.

Heatedly, you whisper. “Move.” 

“What happened to our agreement?”

“We didn’t agree on shit.” He grabs your chin after the exclamation, thumb brushing against your bottom lip. 

“Such a potty mouth.” Jerking from his grasp, you push him away. He complies, holding his hands up in mock surrender. That stupid cocky smile ever present upon his face.

“Never do that again.” You mutter angrily. You were more panicked than mad. Definitely upset with yourself for feeling as frazzled as you were. And Jaehyun seemingly had no care in the world propped against the wall across from you. 

“I don’t appreciate you trying to undermine me. I had to find out after the fact that you went to our parents trying to revoke our engagement. Then you had the nerve to try and set me up with your sister? I thought you were better than that.” Let it be known that he was quite attractive when provoked to anger. Let it also be known that it was insufferably annoying. 

“Who cares if I don't want to marry you. I made it vehemently clear the first time we met that I wanted nothing to do with you. And I meant it. Stella is a better opportunity for you anyway.”

He scoffs under his breath. “That’s not the first time we’ve met though… is it?” 

His tone is heavy with a sort of implication that you don’t even want to read into. So, you don’t. Jaehyun was playing one too many games anyway. The best-case scenario was to get your point across and leave.

“I would really prefer it if you stopped wasting my time.” You huff in exasperation.

“What do I have to do to convince you?”

“Nothing. I’m not the one for you, but I really think Estella could be. If you just give her a chance—” 

“Bullshit. How do you know you’re not the one for me? Because from where I’m standing, I’ve never been more enamored with a woman before in my life the way I am with you. You don’t even want to try. There’s no valid excuse.”

“I’m not marrying you, Jaehyun. End of discussion.” You had to put your foot down and close the chapter on this conversation. You couldn’t afford anymore petty distractions that could potentially ruin the trajectory of the plot. It has to work out the way you anticipated it to be.

He sniggers, nodding his head in amusement. “Mmkay, here’s what I think.” Stalking towards your alert form, he leans down to make soul piercing eye contact with you. “You’re running away, from this, from me, for whatever reason. And I refuse to let you slip through the cracks. So, here’s how this is going to go. You’re gonna put on your pretty, white dress when it’s time. I’m gonna put on my tuxedo, and we’re going to walk down the aisle and get married. I’ll see to it that my parents are made aware of this. And if you try any underhand tactics again, I guess I’ll have to figure out what to do with you myself.” 

“Is that a threat?” You sneer.

“It’s a promise.”

“You don’t own me.” You whisper angrily.

“And I have no desire to. I just want you to stop running from me.” He mutters sincerely. And for a fleeting moment, you are afraid of the leap your heart makes. Because this man is standing here delivering his heart on a silver platter in hopes that you will accept, and you know you cannot. It wasn't supposed tom be like this. Now, you have no choice but to find a way to make him hate you. 

"Do not contact me again, Jaehyun.” Then you are turning on your heels, fleeing out of the corridor. 

“Whatever you say, sweetheart.” He calls softly after you. And if you looked back, you would see the way he looked at you with a yearning to rival even the moon’s longing for the stars. 

After that eventful encounter, July comes and goes. And with it so does August the 2nd, the day in which Jaehyun and Estella were supposed to announce their engagement. Except, no such announcement is made. Instead, the Jeongs scheduled a meeting with your parents to let them know exactly what Jaehyun’s intentions are. He wants to go through with his engagement to you. But they would prefer to wait to announce it to… give you time to sit with it. 'AKA, Jaehyun was giving you a little freedom before locking you down.' With a new school year about to start, you know there will be plenty of opportunities to force his hand in hopes of publicly denouncing you. All you had to do was wait. 

Taglist: @ellelabelle @vixensss @jobskdj @giiayujeon57 @yourblackiequeen 

1. Dad - trash

2. Mom- mega trash

3. Stella- trash boat

I’m so glad reader & Jeongyeon were able to reconcile because I would’ve crashed out if reader didn’t have at least one person in her corner.

Jaehyun is soooo down bad and desperate and I live for it. I love how he hints at the familiarity and leaves it to reader to decide whether or not she’ll lean into it but I also love how he’s basically telling her “you’re not getting rid of me. Ever”

I can feel every bit of readers annoyance of things not going the way she’d hoped but she’s trying so hard to fuck shit up so she can move on 😂

The shadow clones that Stella have can go to hell.

Donghyuck is so messy 😂😂

Jisung was adorable as ever 🥹

I know reader is trying to escape but I want Stella’s feelings HURT.

I want that bitch to try so hard with Jae and he let her down roughly. I want her crying, screaming, back sliding down the wall and throwing up.

Stella needs to understand:

(idk if you’ve ever seen this. I might’ve just aged myself for real 😭)

Jeong Jaehyun (Part Two)

Author's Note: Y’all remember when I said it would be 3 parts? LOL it’s def gonna be 4 now. Bear with me please 🙏🏾. This is the long awaited continuation of the story. I did a lot of research for this to convey certain themes in a manner that made sense. Honestly, I’m really excited to portray the reader’s personality post reincarnation. Annnnd for our lovebirds to meet! Lmk what you think 🫶🏾

(Friendly reminder, YOU DON'T HAVE PERMISSION TO COPY MY WORKS ANYWHERE.)

CEO! Jaehyun x Pianist! Black reader

Synopsis: After your untimely death, you learn the truth about the plot to sabotage you. Now reincarnated to an earlier timeline of events, you have 3 main objectives: break off your engagement with Jeong Jaehyun, strategically expose the plot against you, and get the fuck away from your family as soon as possible.

Content: Angst, themes of betrayal, hurt reader, time re-do, reader death, reincarnation, implied destiny swapping, revenge plot, badass reader, Jaehyun isn't a bad person he's just really stupid, manipulation, gaslighting, brief mention of su*c*de

Word Count: 11.9k

Pt. 1

There is something daunting about the inexplicable nature of the predicament you find yourself in. Why wouldn’t it be? You were absolutely certain that just moments ago you were lying on that cold dressing room floor, dying with the knowledge that nobody cared for you the way you had for them. Then, within a split second, your life flashed before your eyes and brought you back here. 

Call it insanity, but your intuition clawed from the confines of your spirit to whisper in your ear, “Nah baby, you ain’t crazy. This here is something different.” And you were inclined to believe it. Now here you were evidently living a moment that should be impossible to relive.

Gaining your composure from the shock of death, you pick yourself up off the floor to gently lay yourself back on the bed. Staring at your alarm clock, the date and time weighed down like a heavy presence. Thursday, May 15th, 2025. 6:30 AM. You don’t remember the specifics of this particular date, but you do remember the time frame slightly. This was just a few days after you had sealed your fate in picking Jaehyun. 

How… interesting. Why would your consciousness be transported back to this day and time? Why specifically this portion of the timeline? After you had already picked Jaehyun. Was this a cruel joke of fate? Or, was this do-over supposed to be a way to keep you from dying such a miserable death? It definitely would make sense, seeing as it had been undeserved. Being nothing but kind the majority of your life, selflessness paid an ugly price. 

Lured from your thoughts, the smell of bacon and eggs waft up the stairs to your room. 

Right. You had more pressing matters to worry about than just Jaehyun. More specifically, your family. Cursing under your breath, you stand and make your way to the bedroom door. But something makes you pause. 

Suddenly overcome with grief, you get the impression that you wrongfully spent your entire life worried about monsters under your bed, when you should’ve worried about the ones living freely in your home. Your mother, your father… Estella. 

It takes a moment for you to notice the way your body begins to shake at the implication of their involvement in your plot. Funnily enough, the body remembers a lot of things. And trauma from a past life seemed to be no exception. The body really did keep the score. Boy, astrology girlies would have a field day with your birth chart. 

Taking a deep breath from the internal freak out, you go downstairs to see the trinity seated at the dining room table. The cook had prepared breakfast. Your father sits at the head reading a newspaper. You were familiar with the routine enough to know he was hyper fixated on the economics section, obsessed with generating more money. Meanwhile, your mother and Stella sit scrolling away at their phones. Almost identical in their action. Standing in the doorway, you confront the deja vu of it all. The scene depicted is a normal one, but you are left trying to grasp the concept of the ‘how’ and ‘why.’

Noticing your figure in the doorway, your father acknowledges your uncanny behavior. You just stare, like a crazy person. It is interesting seeing them this way when your final memories of them were full of deception, misplaced anger, and hate.  “Are you not going to school today?” Your father questions, eyeing your unkempt bed hair peeking out from your askew bonnet and baggy pajamas. Care Bear. You shuffled in place uncomfortably. Even your yellow house shoes displayed the love you had for the cartoon. Funshine Bear, your favorite. 

“Uh… no.” You answer hesitantly. “I’m feeling unwell. Queasy.” 

Visibly so, your face is ashen. The color drained from it. Seeing your family sitting at the table like this left an unsettled feeling in the pit of your stomach. It is as if what you dreamt about didn’t upend your entire life in a matter of moments. At this admission, your mother and Stella both look up from their doom scrolling. 

“Aw,” Estella pouts. “Does that mean we won’t be going together today?” 

Nodding in confirmation, you head to your seat. Seats are hardly assigned in this household, but this had been your seat since you were a kid. It was the only thing that felt familiar to you at the moment. The feel of the cushion and wood underneath you serve as an anchor to keep you rooted in the sanity you felt slipping away.

Impassively, your mother observes you. Intimidated by her sharp, eagle-like gaze, you avoid the contact. It had been instinctual, the way it was ingrained into you. Throughout the years, your mother had weaponized her love as an influence. Afraid you would lose it, you often did what she requested, no questions asked, just to feel a sliver of it. However, after everything you believe to have seen, losing the few ounces of affection you had for her seemed easy. You would just have to train the subconscious well to remember what she withheld from you previously. 

“Then you should at least eat something. That way you won’t spoil an empty stomach.” Ah, so she was going to play the ‘nice mom act.’ Makes sense, considering your father and Estella don’t truly know her deep-seated roots. But you do. You hold a lot of cards now. Leverage. And you won’t let her get away with this charade she seemed to play. Not for long. 

Reaching for a piece of buttered toast, you nod your head silently. Her gaze penetrates the side of your face as she waits for you to take the first bite. When you do, she finally looks away. The food tastes like cardboard in your mouth. You really feel like you're going insane. Chewing slowly, you fall inward toward your mind. The atmosphere feels awkward to you. Everyone is eating normally, functioning normally. You’re the only one on the cusp of being out of the ordinary. 

Hand shaking nervously, you sit on it to gain some peace of mind. Being confronted with familiar faces and alarming emotions all while trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy was no easy task. Luckily, Stella soon breaks the tense atmosphere. 

“Auntie, Uncle,” The moment she addresses them, all distractions are out the window. It is comical how quickly they give her attention. Your brow twitches slightly at this. “I was invited to a tennis gathering with my teammates tonight. But… I’ll probably be out late. You wouldn’t mind, would you?” She bites her lips in the kicked puppy sort of way, playing her hand of innocence. Quite the actress she was. 

Your father grunts. “How late is late?” 

“Leonard,” Your mother interjects. “Stella is twenty-one years old now. She’s a grown woman capable of making smart decisions. It wouldn't hurt to let her enjoy her life. This is what we’ve always wanted for her anyway. At least she’s enjoying her youth.” Her gaze cuts towards you momentarily before looking at your father again. He didn’t catch it, but you certainly did. 

Wow, being back in this body was truly a test of ultimate willpower. Because this lady was really pushing the boundaries in your stronghold of patience. Clenching your jaw, you sit back and continue to nibble on your piece of bacon. Anything to distract from the conversation at hand.

“Yes, but I don’t want any reckless activity going on that could tarnish the family reputation.” Of course he was worried about his social standing. A true businessman you supposed. 

“Oh honey,” grabbing Estella’s hands, she joins her in pouting. “Estella’s a good kid. We raised her to be that way. We can trust her.” There has never been a moment such as this in which you strongly wanted to roll your eyes. Evidently, Stella and trust should not be in the same sentence. 

Deep in thought, your father finally concedes. 

“Fine, you can go on one condition. Y/N has to go with you.” Stella’s face drops slightly at the suggestion. Your mother’s narrow eyes bore holes into your face. Almost as if you were to blame for your father’s ridiculous stipulation.

Sheepishly, you remind him that you were under the weather. “I don’t feel well… remember?” 

“Right Uncle, Y/N doesn’t feel all that great.” Stella looks in your direction sadly. You know her concern is fake.

“Ah, that’s right. You did say that.” He hums in realization. Did he… not pay attention when you mentioned it the first time? Were you that insignificant for him to tune out the things concerning you?

“So it’s decided then,” Your mother interjects. “Stella can go to the party tonight.”

“As long as she’s back in this house by midnight.” 

Squealing, Stella gets up from her seat to hug them both. Kissing them on the cheek, she darts upstairs to grab her belongings for university. Standing up, your father also makes it known that he intends to leave for the company soon. That left you and just your mother at the vacated table. She regards you coolly, “And what do you intend to do today?” Her brow lifts judgmentally behind the cup of tea she sips. 

“There’s some piano sheet music I want to go over. A sonnet. Maybe I can do that while my stomach settles.” Nervous, that’s what you were. She always did feel like you needed to be more productive. “I didn’t raise a lazy daughter.” She would always say. And you would always feed into that picture she’d paint. Hoping that your hard work would attract your parents’ attention again, so that they would attend your recitals once more. 

You would really have to break free from this stigma. And soon. Humming in acknowledgment, she sets down her cup and stands. There isn’t much warmth behind her gaze when it’s just the two of you. “I suppose I’ll have Seward cook you some soup while the rest of us are productive with our day.” You flinch back at the slight dig. 

“Do make use of your practice time. Don’t let my money go to waste.” Then she is strutting away from the eating area in her designer heels. As a curator in a notable art gallery, she made sure to assess your art like a drill sergeant. And she made sure to let you know what she thought of it. Every single time.

Pushing back from the table, you move to make way for the housekeeper, Lillian. She was an older woman your family had the pleasure of knowing for years. Smiling at you, she pats your back before proceeding with her task. 

Fueled from such a small interaction of affection, you rush back up to your room with a sense of urgency. Breakfast brought you clarity. You really had settled for less in your previous lifetime, thinking this was as good as it could get for you. You had done nothing wrong and yet, these people treated you as if you were unimportant. You, a human being who lived with them, loved them, and grew up with them. None of it mattered to them, and now… not to you either. 

Sitting at your desk, you pull out a notebook and get to writing. First things first, what had happened in the original timeline? You sort through every circumstance you remember from start to finish. From Stella’s initial plot entrance down to the very end. One thing sticks out at you. The letters. If those letters were really in a shoebox in the back of Stella’s closet, then they would serve as undeniable proof that one, you really had gone back in time. And two, that bitch set you up, and everything you ‘dreamt’ about had really been true. 

Setting your pencil aside, you tiptoe to your door and peek your head out. The house was quiet except for the occasional murmur of voices from Lillian and Seward in the kitchen. Everyone else had gone off to their respective duties of the day. Walking softly, you creep down the hall to Stella's bedroom. Feeling like a scene from Mission Impossible, you quietly push open the door, praying it wouldn’t creak. 

Once inside, you close the door behind you and make your way towards the closet. Digging through her things, you are just about to give up when luck brushes up against the side of a box. The box. She had it well hidden, deep in the recesses of the enclosed space behind a storage container of clothes. Pulling it out, you know immediately that this is the one you discovered on her wedding day. 

With trembling hands, you peel back the lid to find your undeniable proof. The letters. Processing the betrayal, you sit back with tears running rivulets down your face. For years, she had played in your face, comforting you in the absence of that connection to Jeffrey. All to find out that she was the one who purposefully severed it. Part of you felt like you were going to be sick. But swallowing down the bile, you stomach it. Sifting through the letters, you notice that she has opened and read them all. Some crumpled up compared to others. 

Jealousy, it had to have eaten her alive back then to know someone cared about you deeply. Especially with your penpal being a boy. Thinking back on it, Stella always responded strongly when boys paid you a little more attention that insinuated a crush was looming. It was weird, as if she couldn’t fathom the notion of boys thinking you were cute. As if she couldn’t stomach it. 

Hoisting yourself up from the floor, you grab three of the letters and put the shoebox back in its place. You can’t have her thinking anything had changed. Sneaking back down the hall to your room, you sit at your desk and read them. It was tough, to relive part of your youth and feel helpless to know you couldn’t change the situation surrounding it. But while you can’t change that part of the past, you certainly can change where you are presently. And with every bit of information at your disposal, you are the one who wields your fate.  

The only issue? Finding out how the hell you reincarnated in the first place. Booting up your laptop, you hunt for answers. Most opinions on reincarnation revolve around the perspective of being reborn into a different body. With you coming back to life in your own body, it could be categorized as the Lazarus phenomenon. Except, you didn’t die and resurrect in the same timeline. You woke up two years earlier from your time of death. 

Which leads you to the topic of reincarnation-in-the-same-body (RSB). It is a phenomenon in which the soul inhabiting a body signs a new, more enhanced, soul contract after completing the one that already exists. In cases with near death experiences or actual death, trauma is inflicted upon the body. With the experience being so intense, it renders the soul easy passage to split from the body long enough to infuse a new contract. However, your soul had to be faulty. Because it bound itself back to this particular moment in time. While not necessarily the same, it does fit the concept. 

What would have triggered a soul event to this magnitude though? Were you highly favored by your angels? Were your ancestors shielding you? As you keep scrolling, you come across a Reddit post. Intrigued, you click on it. The post in question, reading more like an essay that explored themes of mysticism of tsujiura senbei in correlation to life swaps. Japanese fortune cookies. The supporting evidence? Their analysis on the film Freaky Friday. The Reddit poster swore the movie was backed by real evidence and not just theory. They insisted they had heard several personal stories told through the grapevine recounting the untethering of souls that switch to other bodies. They even went as far to suggest that some souls untether for a period of time to observe life through an astral lens, then reconnect with their bodies as if no time had passed at all.

This was not a popular post by any means. It had been downvoted numerous times. Some redditors commented that fortune cookies were simply “woo woo conspiracies” on paper. Others ridiculed the original commenter for believing deeply in a piece of paper tucked away in a sweetened cracker. 

But you, you sat back with a mind blowing revelation. Your eyes now open to information you had not been privy to before. In theory, yes, it would be heinous to believe in the magical proponents of mass produced confectionary cookies folded into the shape of a Pac-man. Some might even call it foolish. But you were open to believing in anything to explain this rollercoaster you were currently on. So, you decide to latch onto the idea. Because of what it implied. 

The night before the wedding, you did have Chinese takeout delivered for dinner. While Stella spent the night at a hotel with her friends, you sat lonely in your room. In moments like these, Chinese takeout had always been your comfort food of choice. It was your favorite. So, of course you ordered it. At the time, you had thought nothing of the cookie laying at the bottom of the takeout bag. But you wanted a boost in encouragement. So, breaking the cracker in half, you reveled in the sugary taste melting on your tongue while reading the printed aphorism. 

‘Life will soon restart for you,’ it had said. You had chuckled at the little message back then. What had happened next? Grasping at the memory, it comes rushing back. “I wish.” You had whispered forlornly right after. Oh God, what in the Freaky Friday was going on? Had you actually wished the proverb to reality? Jumping to your feet, you conclude that the only way to obtain a reasonable answer was to visit the restaurant in question. Li Mei’s. 

Scrambling to present yourself decently, you tuck the letters into your pillowcase. Hopping around, you put on your shoes. Rushing down the grand staircase, you run into Lillian who is crossing the foyer. “Where are you running off to? Seward said you were feeling sick.” She brushes back your curly mane to check your temperature. “Hm, you seem fine to me.” Removing her hand from your forehead, she observes you. “Yeah, Lillian. I'm feeling much better now.” 

Nodding her head in relief, she smiles. “That’s good to hear. But where are you heading off to so soon, dear? Seward has been elbow deep preparing soup for your lunch.”  

“Just a quick little errand. I promise I’ll be back soon.” Shouldering your bag, you slip past her out of the front door to the house. Bounding down the front steps, you stop to call an Uber. You didn’t have time to wait for the family driver and you certainly didn’t want to alert your family of your whereabouts. Especially considering the fact that you were playing sick. 

Once your ride arrives, you direct him to the location you want to be dropped off at. Arriving at your destination, you tip the driver before turning to stare at the building before you. Well… it kind of looked the same if you don’t account for the fact that the Chinese joint you had intended to get answers from was currently a Mediterranean place. 

“Mediterranean? What the hell?” You exclaim in disappointment.

“What’s wrong with Mediterranean?” A guy mutters in confusion as he passes by on the sidewalk. Side eyeing his retreating form, you make your way into the establishment. The foot traffic is light, although it is nearing lunch time. Business must not be booming, you think. Walking up to the counter, you ask for Li Mei. Maybe, just maybe, her shop used to be Mediterranean. And maybe, she had a change of heart to go back to her cultural roots by the time you order takeout in 2028.

“Who the fuck is Li Mei?” The heavy set balding man behind the counter spits gruffly. Okaaaaaay, Li Mei was definitely not here. Smiling awkwardly, you politely excuse yourself from the restaurant. Standing outside you cannot believe your luck. Blowing fringes of your curly mane out of your face, you simmer in disappointment. What were you going to do now?

Back home with Seward’s home-cooked chicken noodle soup warming your belly, you practice your piece for the summer recital in July. Playing always did clear your mind. The piece in question? “Sonnet 18,” an ode to Shakespeare as the recital’s theme would be “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” 

Deep in reverie over the turn of events the last eight hours, you miss a primary key. The cacophony of music jumbles in the space of the open room. Each note stumbling over one another. In frustration, you decide to take a break. You had been practicing for over an hour at this point. You needed a distraction to help you wrap your head around the confusion of this soul event. There was enough information to know that you had died, come back, your family was full of snakes, the fortune cookie brought you here mysteriously, and you had a comprehensive list regarding the timeline of events. 

What you don’t have is the support to survive beyond the initial expiration date of the old timeline. Someone to lean on and spill your secrets to, sharing the brunt of this monstrosity. Immediately, your mind presents you with the one face you trusted more than yourself. Jeongyeon. Groaning, your head drops to the piano. You had to find a way to reconcile and convince her that you weren’t the one who spread her secrets around school. Knowing who the real culprit was behind that grand scheme, you now had to find a way to prove it. 

Hunting Jeongyeon down the next day was the only contingency plan you had to save face. You knew her schedule well by now. Despite not being friends for nearly eight months, you still kept tabs on her here and there. She was your friend, the only real one you had apparently. You still cared to check on her from time to time. Even if she avoided you like the plague. 

Ever the creature of habit, considering it was lunchtime, she was more than likely waiting out the rush of starving college students in the campus coffee shop. She practically lived there when you were friends. Evidently, she still did. Spotting her through the window, you enter Neozone Cafe. The neo pearl champagne aesthetic of the place jumped out garishly at all who entered. It was… unique to say the least. The owner believed that neon colors were more fun and eye-catching. The showy establishment definitely stuck out like a sore thumb. At least it was balanced out with wooden and cream accented furniture. 

Sighing deeply, you decide to rip the bandaid off fast. Sipping her cinnamon laced chai latte, she sees you approaching. Deep scowl set on her face, she makes a move to leave before you can utter a word. You reach out to her, “Jeongyeon, wait.” 

“Let go of me.” She seethes. Your hand is clutching tightly to the strap of her bookbag. “Can you just listen for a second?” You demand. Smacking your hand away, she turns to face you fully. She still looked somewhat the same from the last time you spoke, round face, bobbed wolf cut with bangs. The only difference with time was her oreo colored hair. The top, jet black. Underneath, an ashy grey. She would look cool if she wasn’t currently glaring at you.

“Why would I waste time with you?”

“Because we’re friends.” You exclaim.

Stepping closer threateningly, she smirks menacingly. “We are not friends. You made sure of that.” 

Pleading your case, you stare at her sadly. “Jeongyeon, do you really think I’d do anything to jeopardize that or hurt you? I didn’t tell anyone your secret.”

“You know, if you’re gonna ruin my day, at least have the decency to be honest.” Jeongyeon steps around you to walk away. 

“It was Stella.” Jeongyeon freezes. Turning towards you, she furrows her brows in confusion. “If you sit down, I’ll explain.”

For the next thirty minutes, you sit in the recently vacated booth spilling everything. Jeongyeon is silent as you narrate the course of events. You recount the day she told you she was gay and that she liked one of her classmates. This classmate, to be exact, was notoriously popular for her work ethic and grades. When the rumor had hit the halls of campus, it was too late to reel it back in. Jeongyeon spent that time in shame, especially having to face that same classmate who insisted Jeongyeon only asked for tutoring just to be near her. “Stalker” was the verbiage she used. It did not go over well for Jeongyeon to be ridiculed in such a public place. Of course, she turned to shift the blame on you. That didn't bode well for your reputation either. Stella’s friends had told her to be careful dealing with a weasel like you. The whole time, Stella had been the snake. Much worse in your comparison.  

You explain to Jeongyeon that while you both were on FaceTime, Stella had been eavesdropping. “Apparently, it’s been a frequent thing.”

She leans across the table skeptically. “How do you know this? Did she admit to it?” 

“Well for starters, I would never break your trust and sabotage our relationship like that. So, I can confirm I didn’t spread the rumor. Now, I do have some undeniable evidence to suggest Stella has always been a saboteur. But you’re not gonna believe it.”

Jeongyeon huffs. “Honestly, I’m willing to believe anything. I never did like her. She always did seem suspicious to me. I guess I still fell for her tricks in the end.” She tears up at the admission. You reach across the table to hold her hand. 

“It’s okay. It had nothing to do with you and everything to do with me.” Taking a deep breath, you lay it to her gently. “I died. And I… think I came back to the past.” Jeongyeon blinks once, twice… some more. Then she laughs. 

“Is this some kind of joke? Am I supposed to believe that?” You just stare in silence. Her boisterous laughter dies out. “Why aren’t you laughing?” 

“Because I’m serious.”

“Y/N. If you’re playing a cruel joke, then it really isn’t funny. I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt because I cared about our friendship. Please don’t waste my time.” Your friend sighs, sitting back in her seat. Squeezing her hand, you lean closer. 

“Jeongyeon, I know it sounds crazy. Trust me, when I woke up yesterday morning, I didn’t believe it either. In fact, I was scared and very confused. Because the dream I had was so vivid and real, I had no other choice but to conclude that it was a reality I had lived. Especially… when I found the proof that verified my claim.”

Pulling away, Jeongyeon crosses her arms. “And what proof was that?” 

Sighing, you reach into your school bag to pull out the letters previously nestled in your pillowcase. Intrigued, Jeongyeon scrunches her brows. “What’re those?” 

“These… are everything I hold dear. And everything Stella’s been hiding from me. Well, not from the beginning, but it’s a damn good starting point.” Carefully, you hand the letters to Jeongyeon. She stares back in confusion. “Just read them, please. After that, I’ll explain what it means.” 

And so you sit, watching the myriad of emotions cross your friend’s face as she reads the shared secrets between you and Jeffrey. Once she finishes, she smooths the letters out against the surface of the table. A long silence stretches before she breaks it. “Okay, so I read your letters. What’s this have to do with anything? Who are Toothless and Jeffrey?” Deep breath in, you begin to explain. 

“Toothless and Jeffrey are monikers for myself and Jeong Jaehyun when we were penpals.” You mumble at the mention of his name. Jeongyeon nearly spits out the last bit of latte she has been sipping on. Finally done with her coughing fit, eyes wide, she leans across the space once again. 

“Jeong Jaehyun as in the newly appointed CEO of that one tech conglomerate? Mr. 30 Under 30 himself?” You nod your head awkwardly.  

“Yeah.” You murmur. Jeongyeon sits back mouth agape. She is perplexed at the revelation. “How in the world did you meet him?”

With bated breath, you tell her everything. From start to finish. Handing over the notebook in which you carved out a timeline of events, she sifts through the information. You can see the way the cogs turn in her mind. There is still skepticism laced in her eyes. But you can tell she considers what you say realistically. After dropping a nuclear level load of information on her, you give her a moment to assess. “So you’re saying that Stella plotted on you from the moment she met you?” You nod your head forlornly. 

“And you know all this because your life played back like a movie once you died?” Nodding again, you bite your lip nervously. It is imperative to you that Jeongyeon believes you. She has no idea how much this connection means to you. You need her.  

“Well, they do say your life flashes before your eyes when you die. So that makes sense. However, what doesn’t make sense is how you came back in time.”

“I think it was a fortune cookie.” You blurt out. Snorting, she stares at you in disbelief. 

“You think a fortune cookie did this?” 

“Yes, Jeongyeon. You have to believe me. I don't know what else to tell you. It’s just as astounding to me as it is to you.” You sigh exasperatedly. 

Leaning forward, hands resting under her chin, she observes you. “Alright, let’s say I truly believe in this mysticism crap. What does a fortune cookie have to do with it?” You tell her about the aphorism in the cookie in the original timeline in correlation to the research you’ve done. 

“Do you think this is enough proof? It’s very easy to sell a story.”

“Jeongyeon, how else would I know where to find the letters?” You deadpan. “She had them hidden deep in her fucking closet. Years worth of letters that belonged to me. I would not be sitting here with you right now if I didn’t believe it myself. And I certainly wouldn't be sitting here if I didn’t need your help. You’re the only person I can trust.” 

Becoming increasingly frustrated, you tried to understand where she was coming from. You knew there were still parts of her that held a grudge for the way your union ended. She was also still recovering in the wake of her tarnished reputation. So were you. So, it was understandable why she gave you a bit of a hard time. Still, you needed to speed this along. 

Sensing the raw sincerity in your words, she curses under her breath. “Damn. Okay look, I may or may not have a cousin who dabbles in metaphysical practices and whatnot. Maybe we can visit her and see what she says?” 

You agree. Within the next hour and a half, you and Jeongyeon make your way to a hole in the wall storefront located downtown. The shop name, ‘Divine Interventions,’ loomed above the storefront in neon blue lights. Velvet purple curtains draped the display windows. On the left window was an ‘open’ sign encircled in a zodiacal wheel. All in multicolored neon lights. On the right window, a neon yellow quote with the word palmistry written in capitalized letters above it. ‘Future lies in the palm of your hands…’ In your case, you suppose it certainly did. 

Digging the esoteric vibe, you and Jeongyeon step into the shop. You are immediately hit with the smell of incense. Low lights encase the room with a mellow sort of ambience. The place was riddled with plants on display, books stacking shelves, crystal bins and merch lining the walls. At the register counter, sat a giant glass ball, sparks of what appeared to be blue electricity ricocheting off its glass dome. Behind the register stood an older woman appearing in her early forties. Crystal rings adorned both hands. She had a tattoo sleeve on her left arm, visible in her flowy dress. 

She looks up as the bell signals your entrance. A look of surprise crosses her face before she is making her way from behind the counter towards you both. Smirking, she approaches Jeongyeon, fingers grasping her cheeks. 

“My baby cousin came to see me.” She makes kissy faces as Jeongyeon grimaces. Slapping her hands away, your friend rubs at her pinched cheeks. “I told you to stop doing that. I’m not a kid anymore.” She complains.

“Okay,” the older of the two rolls her eyes humorously. “You’re still a baby to me.” Then her eyes shift to you in acknowledgement. “Who is this?” She eyes you with an intense level of interest. Like she can sense something within you. Jeongyeon introduces you. 

“Kami, this is my friend, Y/N. Y/N, this is my cousin, Kami.” 

“Madame Kami.” She corrects. 

Jeongyeon rolls her eyes fondly. “Madame.” She imitates mockingly. Kami swats at her arm before focusing back on you. She taps at her chin thoughtfully. “You want something from me, don’t you? Answers perhaps?” You are surprised at her astute awareness. 

“How’d you know that?” You fiddle with your bag mindlessly. 

Kami smirks before wrapping an arm around you, then she is directing you both towards the secondary room off to the side, hidden behind an array of curtained beads. Pushing them aside, she leads you to a purple clothed table. Velvet, just like the drapes in the front window display. She sits you down gently before sitting across from you in what appears to be a throne chair. Foliage lines the space of the small room. Tarot cards adorn the table, piled neatly next to well-used candles. There is another chair beside you, but your friend does not take it. Too antsy to remain stationary. Kami lights some incense before responding to you. 

“It’s my job to know these things.” Jeongyeon snorts behind you. 

“That is not what you tell your other clients.” Unimpressed by the interruption, Kami lifts an eyebrow as if to say, ‘I was getting there.’ Jeongyeon mimics zipping her lips and locking it with a key. You chuckle at the antics. Gaze shifting to you once again, the older woman explains. 

“It’s called clairsentience. It’s the gift of empathic intuition. I sense what you need through energetic feeling. Right now, the vibration I’m picking up is themes of confusion. You feel lost, trapped, and you want answers to escape this cycle you seemingly appear to be in. How am I doing so far?” She smiles knowingly at the shock adorning your face. That was pretty spot on. Nodding in confirmation, she grabs your hands and flips them palm side up. 

“Part of my job requires me to understand things on a deeper level that most people don’t. It requires being attuned to the physical and the spiritual plane. But in order to give you what you want, you have to let me in. So, relax. Take deep breaths, and repeat three times.” You do as she instructs. Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out. Once you repeat the cycle three times you stare back at her quizzically. 

“Ever had a palm reading before?”

Shaking your head. “No.”

“Glad to be your first.” Then she begins what you suppose is the reading. Analyzing the characteristics of your palms, she sits in contemplative observation for what feels like fifteen minutes. Then, she leans forward inquisitively. 

“You’re an interesting one, aren’t you?” 

“Uh…” you look back at Jeongyeon, wondering how to answer the loaded question. She just shrugs her shoulders unhelpfully.

“You have no idea what you’re doing here, do you?” Kami asks. It is another question layered with nuance you aren’t quite sure how to respond to.

She taps at your palm. “This crease right here is your life line. It splits. One line intersects with fate. The other... seems to float in limbo.” She points to the isolated branch that divulged from the main line. Sitting back, her piercing eyes bore into you. You shift uncomfortably. 

“You’ve been here before. Haven’t you?” She gives a knowing smile. 

“Like, the shop?” You question. You aren’t stupid. Detecting the hint of implication in her voice, you understand, to an extent, what she is asking. But you would prefer her to spell out what she has been getting at for the last twenty minutes. 

Her eyes dance with the entertainment surrounding your circumstance. “This isn’t your first timeline.”

“What the hell?” Jeongyeon exclaims, rushing to take a seat beside you. She had been pacing the entire time Kami had been reading you. “How’d you get to that conclusion?” She examines your hand herself. Her cousin simply smiles. 

“I just told you.” She shrugs teasingly. 

Scowling at the jest, Jeongyeon responds, “Yes, and I’m asking you to elaborate. That’s what we’re paying you for.” She grits out. 

“Correction, she’s paying me. Not you. Unless you want to cough up a ten percent tip.” The empath wriggles her fingers in demand. Grumbling under her breath, Jeongyeon pulls out a ten dollar bill. Slapping it in her palm, she motions for her cousin to elaborate. Madame Kami seems to take her time as she holds the bill up to the light, trying to detect fake from real. 

“Oh for crying out loud,” Jeongyeon exclaims. “It’s real. You know it’s real.” Her cousin snickers before pocketing the money. Then her stoic expression returns, trying to maintain a semblance of mysticism. Jeongyeon rolls her eyes. You bite down on the smile creeping upon your face. The duo is amusing. 

Grabbing your hands once more, she begins an explanation of her analysis. “Your life line is about your experience and vitality in this life. The deeper the line, the more abundant the experience. Depending on the length, you can determine how people will influence the path you are on. For you, this line splits.” She then moves to the other line of her primary focus. 

“This one is your fate line. It’s our line of destiny. It signifies ways our life will be influenced by external forces outside of our control. See this,” she points to the two intersecting lines. 

“Here, you have already met your fate. Your life line is long, splitting up the middle of your hand. Because of the length of the life line, I can determine how pivotal external forces are for you. It crosses paths with your line of fate and merges into one. Therefore, the outcome of your fate is interwoven with the direct control you let people have over you. Like a master to a puppet.” Then she brings attention back to the shorter split line. 

“Your fractured life line is significantly shorter than the main branch. It veers away from your fate. A shorter line signifies the autonomy you have over yourself. This suggests a level of independence you must consciously choose. This line is a do over. In straying away from the original line, your soul is walking away from its initial fate. I don't know what that looks like for you. But, you can take your fate into your own hands, if you try.”

You and Jeongyeon both release breaths you both did not know you were holding. “Holy shit. You were right.” Your friend looks at you with newfound trust and belief. Kami verified what you had been saying all along. You really did go back in the timeline. Mind cloudy with the weight of reality, you thank the mystic for her time. 

At the register, you pay for your session. Kami, ever the understanding person, smiles softly at you before leaving you with wise words of what she hopes is comfort. “As Aristotle once said, ‘lines are not written into the human hand without reason.’ So, find your reason.”  

Kami leaves you a lot to grapple with. Sensing your overwhelmed state, Jeongyeon volunteers to spend the night. Appreciative of the support, you notify your father of the arrangement. He has no problem agreeing. That’s why you asked him instead of your mother. Your father was always too distracted to interrogate you to the extent she always did. 

On the way home, you both grab food. Happy to spend your time freely before setting foot back into the lion’s den. Coming home made quite the spectacle. While your mother hadn’t been expecting a guest, Stella hadn’t expected a turn of events where you and Jeongyeon would reconcile. Not after she drove the wedge between you. It was comforting, the way her face blanched. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think the sneaky young woman had a lemon warhead on the tongue. 

“What’s this?” Your mother inquires, rising from the dinner table. “I was unaware we were expecting a guest.”

Your father waves away her statement. “Y/N called earlier and asked if her friend could stay the night.” 

“I see.” She didn’t. 

“What?” Stella pipes up. Having the upperhand is fun if it means catching her off guard like this. 

You smile with faux sweetness. “Jeongyeon is spending the night. Isn’t that exciting?”

Stepping up to the table, Jeongyeon shakes your mother and father’s hands. “It’s good to see you both again.” She had been around a few times in the past. But you both agreed quickly that most of your hangouts would probably be more comfortable at her place. Your home really hadn’t been too homely. 

A wobbly smile forces its way onto Stella’s face. “I didn’t know you two were friends again.” 

Jeongyeon throws her arm over your shoulder. “What can I say? The truth sets you free over time.” She shrugs, but her gaze does not waver as she pins Stella with a chilly stare. “Nice to see you again, Stella.” 

“Likewise.” She grits out with fake politeness. After that pleasant encounter, you and Jeongyeon depart to your room. You both dissolve into a fit of giggles at the perplexed states surrounding the dinner table. 

“Oh, that bitch does not like me.” Jeongyeon cackles, thinking back to the lasers practically shooting out of Stella’s eyes. 

“I think she hated you more today than she’s hated me in her lifetime.” You chuckle.

“She looked at me like I was a cockroach that would not go away.” Sniggering some more, you both finally settle down to wash up from the exhaustion of the day. 

Once you both are clean, Jeongyeon helps you brainstorm what to do with this new timeline. “So, what’s your notebook say regarding the sequence of events? What’s next?” She is splayed across your cheetah print comforter like a starfish while you spin around aimlessly in your desk chair. 

Pausing, you reach over to flip through your notebook. Coming to the desired page, you scan for the information you need. “Well, we’ve got finals in the first week of June. That’s pretty important.”

“Ugh,” Jeongyeon drops her face onto the bed. “Please don’t remind me. This school year has already been hard enough. It’s a wonder I’m not failing.” 

And yeah, you could understand that. Jeongyeon has been under a lot of pressure this school year because of you. It’s not like it was even your fault either. But in association with Stella, it might as well be. “What else? Come one, give me something juicy to work with.” She whines, kicking her feet in the air. Childish. You chuckle fondly before going back to the notebook.

“Oh.” You exclaim, with the harsh reminder of what was to come. The brewing storm was making its way to shore. 

“What?” Jeongyeon huffs dramatically before pushing off the bed to stand beside you. She inspects the page over your shoulder for the dates that jump out at you. 

June 13th, Jaehyun returns from a three month long overseas business trip. July 12th, the disastrous business dinner where Stella weasels her way into Jaehyun’s heart. July 26th, the Midsummer Night’s Dream recital that your parents don’t show up to in favor of arranging an engagement meeting between Stella and Jaehyun. Behind your back, mind you. August 2nd, the engagement announcement that was supposed to be yours is snatched from you. 

“Shit.” She breathes out. Pulling the book away from where you clutch at it tightly, she sets it aside. Sitting on your desk, she faces you. “Hey girly, I know this situation is tough. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s valid. But you can’t let it control you. If you wanna be angry, be angry. If you wanna be sad, be sad. Remember, I’m here to help you through it. It’s like Kami said, you gotta find your reason. Find out why you came back and do something about it.” 

You nod, wiping at the tears that snuck up on you. She rubs your shoulder before picking up the notebook again. “Okay, so apparently Jaehyun comes back on the 13th. We’ve got some time. So, what do you plan to do?” 

Before you can answer, the shuffling of feet can be heard outside your door. It would’ve been imperceptible had you not been attuned to Stella’s previous actions. But now, you couldn't afford a slip up in awareness. Glancing at Jeongyeon, you make eye contact. Nodding at you in confirmation, you slink over to the door. Pulling it open unexpectedly, Stella stumbles into the room. Her ear had been pressed to the door. 

“What are you doing?” You hiss in anger. Straightening up, Stella tries to stutter out a lie. 

“I w-w-was just coming to knock. I was bored and figured we could hang out.” She shrugs her shoulders nonchalantly to cover up her blunder. 

“Really,” Jeongyeon scrutinizes. “Looked like you were eavesdropping just now.” 

Stella splutters. “I would never!” 

“But it did look like it.” You agree quietly. She immediately reaches to grab your arm, fake tears pooling in her eyes. 

“Y/N, how could you say that? You know I would never invade your privacy like that! Don’t let a few words trick you.” She turns to glare at your friend. The other girl just sneers back. Stella had been caught long before she even realized it. Sighing at the dramatics, you pull away to cross your arms. 

“What are you really doing here?” She squints suspiciously at you, as if questioning her were unreasonable. You suppose it is from her point of view. Usually, you let her get away with anything. Not this time around though. She couldn’t swap destinies with you again. The universe didn’t want it that way, and you certainly didn’t either. 

“I told you,” She mumbles tensely. “I wanted to hang out.” 

“You don’t even like me.” Jeongyeon points out. You nod in agreement. 

“I never said that.” She refutes. 

Estella did in fact tell you that. She said it back when you and Jeongyeon stopped being friends. “I never liked her.” Looped on repeat in your mind. A habitual liar who doesn’t lie well. That’s what she was. How blind were you to this all these years? She was a walking cautionary sign with red flags. 

Shaking from your reverie, you do your best to placate her. If you can get her out of your hair for the night, you and Jeongyeon can figure out what to do about everything. Addressing her calmly, you place your hands on her shoulders. “Estella, I understand you want to hang out, but Yeonie,” the adopted girl’s lip twitched in contempt at the nickname, “and I haven’t hung out in a long time. We want to take the time to catch up and hash things out. You get me to yourself all the time. What’s one day?” 

You know what one day is to her. It’s a lifetime of lies and sabotage where you are the stepping stone to her success. She can’t have you veering from the plot. She likes to have you under the control of her thumb. But she won’t anymore. Not ever again. She doesn’t have to know that for now though. She pouts before latching onto you again. Stomping her feet petulantly, she responds. 

“But I don’t want you to forget about me.” Over her shoulder, you see Jeongyeon visibly cringe. She stands up, mimicking kicking something to the curb. The message is clear. Get her out of here. Holding back a laugh, you bring your attention back to the girl clinging onto your reluctant form. Pulling away from her, you gently rub her shoulder. 

“It’s one day. What’s gonna happen in one day?” Everything. You know this. Jeongyeon knows this. Little Miss Perfect however, does not. Still, you smile in her face with lies on your tongue. You’d even the playing field by stooping to her level. 

Holding out a pinky, Stella regards you analytically. “Promise?” 

And like a kiss of fate, you swear on your pinkies and stamp it. But if dying has taught you one thing, it’s the need to always cover your back. Sometimes that looks like crossing your fingers on an empty promise. After she leaves, you and your friend stare in silence with even more definitive proof that Stella had in fact orchestrated the rumor from last semester. 

With that minor inconvenience now out of the way, you and Jeongyeon spend the rest of the night whispering up a brainstorming session, lest she eavesdrop again. What will you do next?  You both come to the conclusion easily. You were going to see Jeong Jaehyun. 

Sunday, May 25th, finds you seated at the table for family dinner. Seward had cooked a meatloaf spread. Halfway through the meal, your father drops what is supposed to be a bombshell. Well, it would’ve been a surprise if you hadn’t already written out the timeline of events. He had been in communication with Mr. Jeong. His son, Jaehyun, was set to return soon and be in attendance at the business dinner in July to officially meet you. 

You smirk behind your glass of sweet tea. You can practically see the scheming nature behind Stella’s eyes. At least she had one thing going for her. She was diligent in her persistence. Your mother, however, truly loves to ruin great things. Like your mood, for instance. She makes sure to tell you that this is not an opportunity you can mess up. Ever one for blocking her out, you nod and go back to your dinner. 

Finals week blows by like a breeze. Most of your grades average between the B+ and A- range. You were proud of your accomplishments in spite of chaos. 

But your mother loved to shove Stella’s not-so-hard-earned work down your throat. You’d have to catch her in that lie eventually. “Stella excelled above and beyond per usual. She’s a genius and an ace. What can’t she do?” She gushes at the restaurant table. Your family had gone out to celebrate another successful school year. You hum behind your glass of riesling. 

Stella beams before directing her attention to you. You now know this to be a tactic where she tries to pit your parents against you. No longer phased by it, you just smile at her knowingly. “Aunt, Uncle don’t forget Y/N. She’s your real daughter. Not me.” 

It takes a moment for your mother to find the words. She downs her martini. “Yes, well, good job on your grades. I would have preferred all A’s but, not everyone can excel past a certain caliber.” She quirks an eyebrow as she regards you coolly. 

You give a sharp toothed smile before reaching for another glass of wine. Oh, you were gonna have a field day playing checkers with her life. After that wilted lettuce of a speech, your father (read: not father) chimes in. “Proud of you kiddo. We can’t always juggle our responsibilities like others. And that’s okay. What matters is that you tried.” 

Of course he too made the comparison between you and Estella, completely unaware of her lying schemes. He pats your back before digging back into his plate. Glancing back at Stella, smugness overtakes her features. She really thought you were stupid. Licking your lips, you chuckle mirthlessly. They have no idea just how much of a bitch responsibility really can be. 

Before you know it, June 13th arrives. The day Jaehyun returns. You and Jeongyeon had been preparing for weeks to make sure your plan ran smoothly. By June 18th, the moment awaits you. Today was the day you were going to officially break off the engagement. The first step to freedom. 

Standing in the plaza in front of the building, you look up at your impending fate. New Culture Technology stood intimidatingly in front of you. The black granite building truly was impressive. You were thankful to have dressed the part for the occasion. Adhering to the family name required you to stay presentable. 

Currently, you sported a black, short sleeve babydoll dress with a white collar. Black heels donned your feet, a classy black purse draped on your shoulder to match. Name brand, something your mother insisted the whole family wear. It was all about appearances to them. Your lustrous hair sleek in a Dominican blowout, you felt every bit of flamboyant as you seemed. You didn’t mind dressing up when the occasion called for it. In fact, you enjoyed a classy look regularly. You just felt too put together at the moment. 

While not necessarily your father’s child, you still were your mother’s. And while you knew how to play the part like she taught you, you were still exceptionally nervous. This would be your first time seeing Jaehyun since you died. Your memories were less than favorable. And they still seemed entirely too fresh. Which made sense why you were nervous, right? 

Gaining your composure, you mosey your way into the lobby of the establishment. At the desk, sat a male receptionist on the phone. He seemed to be deeply engrossed in gossip. His feet were kicked up in relaxation as he ranted to whoever was on the other end. Gesticulating about, his exuberant nature seemed to liven up the place. 

Approaching, you clear your throat and tap the desk. He startles as he rushes the other person off the phone. Breathlessly, he straightens up, as if he wasn’t just caught gossiping on the clock. 

“How can I help you?” He beams. 

Glancing at his name tag, you find his name. “Hi Donghyuck. I’m here to see your CEO.” 

“Oh! Jaehyun? Do you have an appointment with him?” 

Surprise momentarily flickers across your face at the familiarity Donghyuck addresses your ‘fiancé’ with. Schooling your features, you smile sheepishly. 

“Actually, no I don’t. He doesn’t know I’m coming. I’m his fiancé and wanted to meet with him now that he’s back in the city.”

The tan skinned boy perks up in interest at the information you just gave him. He definitely was the resident gossip girl in the building. “Fiancé? How come Jaehyun never mentioned you?” 

“I didn’t know you were that familiar with him to know his personal business.” The young man waves the statement off. 

“Please, I’m like his diary. He tells me everything.” 

Somehow, you doubt that. Chuckling in amusement, you lean over to whisper. He leans forward at the prospect of a secret. 

“Most people don’t know we’re engaged. It’s an arranged partnership. But actually, I’m here to call it off today.” His eyes turn wide as saucers. 

“Is divorce before marriage possible?” He whispers back scandalously. 

“Let me up and I guess you’ll find out.” You demand politely.

He leans back in his seat to examine you. “I’m technically not supposed to let you in without a scheduled appointment, but I do love the occasional drama. So, I'll buzz you in. Jisung can just suck it up and deal with it.” He beams once again before scanning a badge which allows you access through the turnstile gate. Thanking him, you head towards the elevators. 

“He stays on floor 127! Make sure you tell Jisungie that his favorite hyung, Haechan, sent you!” The energetic receptionist shouts after you with a wave. Yeah, he’s probably going to get cussed out by the end of the day. Giggling under your breath, you step on the elevator, on the way to changing your destiny. 

Once the elevator opens, you are immediately greeted by a round cheeked, young man resembling a mouse. His shoulders perk up to attention, alarmed by your presence. Rising from his seat behind the sleek, black desk he observes you nervously. This must be Jisung. The personal secretary.

“Can I help you?” He tilts his head in confusion. Oh. He was a cute one. Plastering on a diplomatic smile, you approach him. 

“Hi,” you mumble shyly. 

You had weighed the pros and cons, and approaching this in a meek manner was probably the best opportunity to secure that meeting with Jaehyun. So, you lay it on thick for this cutely confused boy. 

“I’m here to see Jaehyun. I know I’m supposed to have an appointment, but it’s urgent. And the guy downstairs let me up. He said you’d take care of everything for me.” 

You bite your lip, giving off an air of apologetic expression. You can tell your doe eyed trick works on him to an extent. Because his cheeks bloom a ripe, peachy color as he rubs the back of his neck. He was bashful around women. Noted. 

“I’m really not supposed to let you in without an appointment. Besides, hyung is on an important call at the moment. There’s not much I can do. Can I just take your name and number down with a message?” 

Pouting, you step closer. Looking up at him cutely, you can tell he’s practically holding his breath. Although his reactions were interesting, you knew maintaining composure was key. 

“Jisung, right? Listen, I have extremely important business to discuss with your boss. It’s a private matter and it cannot be shared with just anyone.”

“I understand ma’am. But as his personal secretary, I can’t just allow you in.” 

You could tell he tried to be sweet in his understanding. But there was only so much patience you could hold onto. You wanted to get this conversation over with and move on with your life. Sighing, you glance away, then look back up at him through your lashes. 

“I know you said he has a schedule to keep. But is it really not possible to pencil me in for a few minutes? That’s all it will take.” 

He tilts his head to the side momentarily to assess you. You can see the way his gaze flits over your dolled up form with laser focus. And you can see the exact moment he pieces together that you must come from some wealthy background. Especially with the designer clothing complimenting your frame. Perhaps even worse, you can see the moment the cogs in his head stop spinning, as he jumps to the furthest conclusion from the truth. 

“Are you one of those obsessive rich girls who keep trying to propose to hyung?” You swear you feel your eye twitch. Deep breath in, deep breath out. Award winning smile on face, you pin Jisung with a lethal stare. 

“Do I look desperate to you?” You grit through clenched teeth. 

He shrugs. “You seem pretty adamant on getting penciled in.” 

Trying to maintain some semblance of pride, you maintain a smile. “Jisung, I find it so incredibly insulting that you have this view of me when you don’t even know my name.” 

“What is it?” He blinks owlishly.

“Not the point.” At the rate this conversation was going, you’d need a damn drink by the end of the day. Leaning over his desk, you stare up at him. “The point is, as his current fiancée, I would like to speak with him about canceling this arrangement our parents set up. And before you ask why, I just do. Does that answer satisfy you enough?” 

At this point, your exasperation has laid itself bare in full force. Jisung’s jaw drops at the prospect of the information. “Fiancée?” He whispers in surprise.

“Yes. Now, please schedule me in so that I can get out of your hair.” You are back to smiling civilly. 

Glancing at the time, Jisung realizes that Jaehyun should be out of his meeting by now. Scratching his head skeptically, he presses the intercom system attached to his desk. 

“Uhhh, sir?” He states quizzically. 

Jaehyun’s response is immediate. “Jisung. What is it?”

“You have a guest outside your door.” There is a momentary pause before the older man speaks again.

“Who is it? I don’t have any in person meetings on the schedule for today.”

“I know. But… they seem adamant on meeting with you today.” 

“Did they say why?”

“They did. But it’s more of a private matter.”

Jaehyun sighs into the phone’s intercom. “Well, who is it?”

Nervously, Jisung glances at you before responding. “She claims to be your fiancée.”

Immediately, Jaehyun snorts into the phone system. With clear annoyance in his voice, he asks Jisung to send you away. “Mr. Park, what did I tell you about allowing ditzy girls up here to fawn all over me? This is a workplace, not a brothel. Send her away.” 

Mouth open in disbelief, you are practically on the cusp of smacking Jisung’s hand away and cussing the man out for his smart ass remark. You knew he had harsh tendencies before, but you weren’t going to just roll over and take it this time around. You’d walk away before you ever let him disrespect you so blatantly. Sensing a shift in your energy, Jisung hurriedly replies. 

“Hyung. She says she’s here to annul the contractual agreement for your engagement before it’s formally announced.” 

For a solid minute, it is practically crickets. It takes so long for the man to respond that his secretary had to call out to him. “Hyung?” 

“Send her in.” Then the line is cut. Looking back at you, Jisung motions his head for you to follow him. He knocks before pushing open the gray and black marble doors. He indicates for you to enter. Glancing back one more time as you cross the threshold. Jisung holds a thumbs up before the doors shut behind you. 

Turning to analyze the space, monotonous luxury jumps out at you. Everything was… dark. Lining the wall closest to you were dark wooden shelves. Each holding books and awards alike. To your left, large abstract canvases took up space on the wall. All three with navy blue and cream accents. Near the paintings was a sofa set, black leather. The coffee table paired with them had a sleek silver base with a black glass table top. The carpet too was navy. Several feet in front of you sat two leather chairs in front of the CEO’s desk. Dark wood to match the bookshelves. Just beyond the desk was the man in question himself. Hands in his pockets, facing the large floor to ceiling windows, he was every bit as intimidating as he had been in the past life. 

However, you were still ripe with anger at his slick commentary moments prior. 

“Mr. Jeong.” You call out to him. 

You practically kiss your teeth when he doesn’t react to your initial greeting. The audacity of men sometimes. Then he turns to fully face you. One thing about Jaehyun that always astounded you, then and now, was his uncanny ability to remain breathtakingly handsome at all times. Some people truly were the universal favorite. Walking up to his desk, he leans against it as he regards you with a haughty stare. 

“You must be Ms. Y/L/N,  the lovely bride.” He smirks sarcastically. 

“Not quite.” You quip back, trying to keep your temper at bay. Everything you had lived through the first time fueling your anger.

He hums disinterestedly. “Jisung tells me you have quite the interesting topic of discussion. Care to share?” 

Plastering on another forced smile, you speak. “As you know, I’d like to withdraw from this arrangement quickly and quietly. I don’t think it’s in either one of our best interests for us to get married.” 

He nods amusedly before looking away. Tongue in cheek, he asks you why. “Does a woman need a reason for no longer wanting to get married?”

He chuckles lowly, arms crossed. “She does if she wants to break off her engagement to me. Women don’t just break up with me.” 

Oh, this was disappointing. His ego was the size of the fucking sun. Do men not know that hubris too is a sin? In bewilderment, you take a moment to gather your thoughts. “With all due respect, Mr. Jeong—”

“Jaehyun.” He corrects.

You sigh, working to control the irritability blooming upon your face, “With all due respect Jeong Jaehyun, I don’t think I owe you the privilege of knowing why I don’t want to marry you. More importantly, I’m certainly not concerned with being one of the many women to fan your ego.” 

He scoffs, mouthing your last statement back to himself. Apparently, he found this to be humorous. “So you would rather ghost me?”

“I wouldn’t call it ghosting if you’re given proper notice.” You smile stiffly. 

Seeing that he is getting nowhere in this debate with you, he decides to pivot. Via interrogation. “Do your parents know you’re here?”

“I can make my own decisions without their approval.”

“But you needed their approval to set up our engagement in the first place?” He rebuts. 

Baffled, you chuckle to maintain your carefully crafted composure. You would not let this entitled man get a rise out of you. Little do you know though, he can see right through you. And he’s beginning to think this entire interaction is cute. 

“I’m coming to you as politely as I can, given the circumstances. Shouldn’t the same courtesy be extended to me?”

“Ah yes, my apologies. Forgive me if I don’t take it well when my supposed fiancée storms into my workplace yapping about divorce before the marriage can even begin.” He rolls his eyes mockingly. 

”Yapping?” You exclaim at his words. “I made perfect sense.”

“It’s illogical.”

“Well, allow me to help you find the logic.”

“No. It is illogical because suddenly, I find myself attracted to this beautiful, intelligent creature standing in front of me. And she’s giving me a piece of her mind when I’m not sure whether I deserve it.”

“What?” You ask in astonishment.

“I’ve never had a woman decide that I’m not worth her time without taking the chance to properly get to know me.” He admits. “And yet you run away before taking advantage of an opportunity most women would typically die for.” 

Ah, so that’s how it is. You hurt his pride and he doesn’t know what to do with himself. Poor baby. You’ll just have to drive the nail deeper into the coffin to lay this to rest. 

“Well, I would give you the ‘I’m not like other girls’ speech, but I’m not here to deliver cliches. I’m sure you’ve heard that plenty of times before. That’s not my objective anyway.”

“What is your objective?” He questions, stalking closer to the space  you remain standing in. 

“I just told you.”

“Hm.” He chuckles, stopping just shy of your reach. “How old are you?”

You wonder where this is going. “Did you not read the profile my parents provided?”

“Honestly, no. I had no intention of getting to know my ‘bride’ beyond surface level. But that was before you blew into my office like summer wind. Now, I’m intrigued.”

You can’t help but think how unfavorable this situation has become. Your objective was to repel Jeong Jaehyun, not pull him in further. With your current plan of attack seemingly faulty, you decide to switch tactics. Refute and deny.

“There’s nothing interesting about me.”

His response is automatic. “You’re the most interesting person in this room.”

You flush, glancing away deep in thought. Has he always been this charming? Is this the side of him Stella got to experience in your rightful place?

“That’s flattering Mr. Jeong—”

“Jaehyun.” He cuts you off again.

“Jaehyun.” You grit out. “I’m not interested in getting to know you, or you getting to know me.”

“Really,” he interjects. “You wouldn’t regret breaking ties with me?”

A beat passes. “No.”

He stares, almost as if he is looking for something. It isn’t long before a smug smile adorns his face. Whatever he saw in your body language and demeanor must’ve been appealing to him. 

“Well Ms. L/N, as entertaining as this conversation has been, I regret to inform you that I do have a meeting to attend shortly. So, at the moment, I can’t acknowledge your request.” He turns to walk back to his seat behind the luxurious wooden desk. Did he just… dismiss you? 

“Excuse me?” You exclaim, gobsmacked by the fact that he cut your meeting short abruptly. “It’s as simple as one and done. You tell your parents you’re no longer interested in me, and I’ll do the same.”

The young businessman splays his palms across the desk before leaning forward. The intensity of his eye contact  pierces your soul. “Well that wouldn’t be true. Now would it? I happen to be very interested in you.”

The bastard is so sly with his retorts. It pisses you off immensely. “You’re wasting your time with me.” 

“I've got all the time in the world, sweetheart. Now, if you’ll excuse me. My assistant will escort you out. Jisung.” He calls. Jisung appears, ready to lead you out of the building. You continue to protest in denial. So much for your Hail Mary. 

“You can’t just kick me out in the middle of a conversation!”

“Request denied until further notice. Give me a valid reason, then I might consider it. No promises though. Goodbye, Miss L/N.” Then, he winks at you. And that was the cherry on top of this double ’fuck you’ sundae. The nerve of that narcissistic man. The doors to his office shut as Jisung ushers you to the elevators. 

The whole time you are being escorted off the premises you can’t help but think What. the. FUCK, just happened?

And as the odds are ever against your favor, your dilemma is about to get increasingly worse. Because that same night, Jeong Jaehyun goes home and delves into the marriage profile he had carelessly tossed aside before. Nestled in the comfort of his home office with a glass of bourbon, he reads every little thing he can find on you. What he learns reminds him of the vision of you standing there in that babydoll dress, brows furrowed, trying to plead a case he hadn’t initially been intent on listening to. You had no idea that you’ve just handed yourself to this man on a silver platter when you should’ve just run. Now, with his sights set on you, fate was beginning to shift. 

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