Chapter 16: Despiration
Jin was enjoying a quiet evening in his luxurious villa. The serene environment of his home, with its expansive views and soft ambient lighting, was a stark contrast to the urgency and fear he heard in Jade's voice when she called. The tranquility of his surroundings only heightened the jarring contrast to the panic in her voice.
Jin's phone rang, interrupting his peaceful evening. He picked it up to see Jade's name flashing on the screen. "Hello, Jade. What's up?" he asked cheerfully.
Her voice trembled, filled with fear and sorrow. "Jin, my dad… he's been assaulted. He's in Star Hospital. Please, can you come?"
Jin's heart tightened at her words. "I'm on my way," he replied without hesitation, grabbing his keys and heading out the door. The drive to the hospital felt like an eternity, his mind racing with worry for Jade and her father.
When he arrived at Star Hospital, the sleek, state-of-the-art facility he now owned, he found Jade in the waiting room. Her eyes were red from crying. She ran to him, tears streaming down her face. Jin hugged her tightly, offering what comfort he could.
"Jade, I promise you," Jin said softly but firmly, "I will find out who did this and make them pay."
Jade clung to him, her sobs muffled against his chest. "Thank you, Jin. I don't know what I would do without you."
They sat together, waiting for news from the doctors. Jin's mind was already working on a plan to uncover the truth behind the assault. He knew this wasn't just a random act of violence—there had to be more to the story.
As they waited, the hospital's sterile environment did little to ease their anxiety. The soft hum of medical equipment and the occasional murmur of nurses created a backdrop to their silent vigil. Jin's thoughts were interrupted by the sight of a doctor approaching. The man's expression was grave, but there was a glimmer of reassurance in his eyes.
"Ms. Jade, Mr. Smith," the doctor began, his voice calm and professional. "Your father has suffered some severe injuries, but he is stable now. We are keeping him under observation for the next 24 hours."
Jade's grip on Jin's hand tightened. "Can we see him?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes, but please be gentle. He needs rest," the doctor advised, leading them to the ICU.
Inside the room, Jade's father lay on the hospital bed, bruised and bandaged. The sight of him brought fresh tears to Jade's eyes. Jin stood by her side, offering silent support. He knew words were inadequate at this moment.
Jade approached her father cautiously, her voice trembling. "Dad, it's me, Jade. I'm here. You're going to be okay."
Her father opened his eyes slightly, managing a weak smile. "Jade… Jin… thank you for coming," he murmured, his voice hoarse from the ordeal.
Jin stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on the old man's shoulder. "Don't worry, sir. We'll get to the bottom of this. I promise."
The night wore on with Jin and Jade taking turns staying by her father's side. The emotional toll was evident on Jade, and Jin's concern for her deepened. He couldn't bear to see her in such pain.
As dawn broke, Jin gently persuaded Jade to get some rest. "You need to take care of yourself too, Jade. I'll stay with your dad."
Jade nodded reluctantly, her exhaustion evident. "Thank you, Jin. I don't know what I would do without you."
Jin watched her leave, his resolve hardening. He was determined to find out who was behind this and ensure they paid dearly for their actions.