Chapter 14: The Realization

Lee stood frozen, heart pounding, staring at Gen's unreadable face.

Jealous?

That was ridiculous.

Wasn't it?

She had made her decision. She was going to marry Joon. She had already accepted her responsibilities as the heir to her mother's empire.

Then why did seeing Gen in someone else's arms feel like a knife twisting in her chest?

She clenched her fists. "Why were you hugging Nam?"

Gen arched a brow, crossing her arms. "Since when do I owe you an explanation?"

Lee opened her mouth but hesitated. Why did she ask that?

She had no right to ask.

But she couldn't stop herself.

"Nam is my best friend," Gen continued, her voice laced with irritation. "She was just comforting me because, surprise, getting slapped for no reason kinda sucks."

Lee flinched. She knew she was being irrational.

Yet, her emotions wouldn't listen.

Gen sighed, rubbing her cheek where Lee had slapped her. "You know, for a doctor, you sure have an aggressive way of showing emotions."

Lee's nails dug into her palm. "I—I didn't mean to—"

She wanted to deny it.

To justify it.

But the truth was—

She was jealous.

And the realization terrified her.

Gen let out a humorless chuckle. "You're marrying a man in less than a month, and yet you're here, acting like—" She shook her head. "You know what? Forget it. I don't have time for this."

She turned to leave.

Lee's breath hitched.

She didn't want Gen to walk away.

Not like this.

Not again.

But what could she say?

She had spent so long convincing herself that she didn't like Gen—that she couldn't.

That liking Gen was impossible.

Yet here she was, falling apart over the thought of Gen being with someone else.

She couldn't be feeling this way.

Could she?

Gen paused at the door. "You should go, Dr. Lee." Her voice was quieter now, calmer. "You've made your choice. And I'm done fighting for someone who refuses to admit what they really want."

Lee's stomach twisted.

But she didn't stop her.

She couldn't.

Because if she did—

She wasn't sure if she would ever be able to let her go.

A War Within

That night, Lee lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, the engagement ring on her finger feeling heavier than ever.

Her mother had called earlier, excitedly discussing wedding preparations.

Joon had sent her a text, asking if she was free for dinner tomorrow.

Everything was falling into place.

Everything was exactly as it should be.

Then why did she feel like she was suffocating?

She turned onto her side, gripping the sheets.

Gen's words replayed in her mind.

"I'm done fighting for someone who refuses to admit what they really want."

What did she want?

She had spent years telling herself what she was supposed to want.

But what if…

What if she had been wrong?

Lee exhaled sharply, sitting up. Her reflection stared back at her from the vanity mirror.

She looked…

Tired.

Like someone who was losing a battle with herself.

Her phone buzzed with a message from Joon:

"Can't wait to see you tomorrow."

Lee swallowed.

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard.

But she couldn't bring herself to reply.

Meanwhile, Gen…

Gen sat in her restaurant's kitchen, absentmindedly chopping vegetables, her mind far away.

She had finally told herself she was going to move on.

That she was going to let Lee go.

But Lee's reaction tonight…

That slap.

That jealousy.

Gen let out a bitter laugh. "She's unbelievable."

Lee had no right to act like that.

Not after pushing Gen away.

Not after choosing to marry someone else.

Yet somewhere deep down, despite everything—

Gen still hoped.

And that was the worst part.

Because hope was dangerous.

Hope made people wait.

And Gen was tired of waiting.

The knife in her hand pressed against the cutting board as she exhaled sharply. Enough.

She was done.

Done hoping.

Done waiting.

Lee had made her choice.

And now, Gen would make hers.