Chapter 10: Black Roses

In the midst of the evening's chaos, after their encounter with Taewoo, Chin and Elly returned to Chin's home. Her parents had just returned from their vacation, and upon seeing her mother, Chin greeted her. Her mother, equally affectionate, enveloped her in a tight hug, speaking words of love and longing.

This display of affection surprised Elly. It was something she had never seen in Chin's life before. Chin, however, stood there, receiving her mother's affection with an air of detachment.

Once in Chin's room, they began discussing Taewoo. Elly couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you jealous that Taewoo was there with a girl? She might be his girlfriend."

Chin responded with a touch of warmth, "Maybe."

Elly, in a teasing manner, mimicked her, "Maybe? Are you serious? You love that person so much that even if he truly hates you, you meet for the third time. He has no feelings for you, and you're not making a move. At this rate, the girl might marry him, and you'll stand there, coldly watching your love becoming someone else's fate."

Chin, with a serene smile, replied, "Elly, love isn't based on give and take. It's not a business transaction, and you can't restrict someone to love you exclusively. Love is a choice, a feeling. Love doesn't bind; it sets you free, gives you wings to fly, and the courage to get lost. I love him because I need him. If he doesn't love me, so be it. That's the beauty of love; it's a relationship without expectations."

Elly, lost in thought, contemplated the depth of Chin's words. But then, she shook her head, saying, "Chin, I can't quite grasp what you're saying. Let's watch a movie."

As Elly uttered those words, there was a knock on the front door. Chin's father entered the room with gifts, addressing Chin, "I bought these for you, my daughter. I hope you'll love them. Share them with your friend."

Chin remained silent, but Elly, out of respect, thanked him warmly, "Thank you so much, Uncle. Chin missed you a lot. She'll definitely share these with me."

Chin's father affectionately kissed Chin's forehead and left the room. Elly, bewildered by the drastic change in Chin's parents' behavior, couldn't help but comment, "Chin, isn't this strange? Were they really your parents? Just a few weeks ago, they were acting like your enemies, and now, after returning from vacation, they're behaving like your real parents. Are they okay?"

Chin, nonchalant, shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know. It might be their new tactic to prepare me for breaking some news, like fixing my wedding date with an eccentric millionaire's son or making me attend another event. They usually show such behavior when they want something from me. But this time, it does seem a bit extra."

Elly interrupted, "It means they're going to drop a big bombshell this time."

Chin nodded in agreement. That afternoon, the friends watched a movie together, and when Elly left Chin's place at night, Chin was half-asleep. She felt a presence enter her room, leaving something in the vase on her table. Chin, too tired to investigate, drifted into sleep.

However, the following morning, something shook Chin awake. There was a persistent knocking at her bedroom door. When she opened it, she was greeted by the same police officer who had come to question her during Mr. Kate's case. Instead of speaking, the officer gestured for her to follow. As they walked to the living room, Chin's heart dropped. There, she saw her foster parents, lifeless on the floor, both with black roses beside them.