Part 14:

The scent of stale coffee hangs in the air, a testament to the sleepless nights Jin-Woo (or rather Christopher) has endured. He walks towards the nursery, the soft gurgles a stark contrast to the turbulent swirling in his mind.

Christine: *She saunters into the kitchen, a sneer twisting her lips into an unattractive snarl.* Oh, you're finally awake. Took you long enough.

Jin-Woo: *He turns, his expression unreadable.* The baby needs feeding

Christine: *She rolls her eyes, running a hand through her perfectly coiffed hair.* Right. Because that's your job now, isn't it Playing house with your little online… friend.

Jin-Woo can hear the venom in her voice drips like acid, each word a carefully aimed dart. Jin-Woo's jaw clenches.

Jin-Woo: *He takes a step closer, his shadow flickering momentarily, unnoticed by Christine.* She has a name.

Christine: *She raises an eyebrow, taken aback by his tone.* Oh, I'm sorry. Monja, is it? The bimbo you're so obsessed with?

The air crackles with tension. Jin-Woo's control, usually ironclad, begins to fray.

Jin-Woo: *He slams his fist on the counter, the force of the impact rattling the dishes.* Don't you dare talk about her like that.

Christine: *She smirks, unfazed by his outburst, in fact she seems to enjoy it.* Or what? You'll do… what? Hit me! You're pathetic, Chris. Utterly pathetic.

Jin-Woo's breath hitches. The casual use of Christopher's name, the condescending tone, it all grates on his nerves. He feels a dangerous surge of power, alien and unfamiliar, coursing through him.

Jin-Woo: *He closes his eyes, fighting for control. He needs to calm down. He needs to think. This isn't him. This isn't his life.* (Internally) Control yourself. You're not Christopher. You're Sung Jin-Woo. Don't let her get to you.

Christine: *She crosses her arms, tapping her foot impatiently.* Well? Cat got your tongue? Or are you too busy thinking about your little… Kitten?