In The Dark

Chapter 50

"Cory...You said he fell in love with you. How do you know?"

How do I know? That's probably one of the stupidest questions I've been asked all year. How do I know? Of course I wasn't guessing. When I realized Cory truly had loved me before, I got a flood of memories of us being alone together. Even after telling myself I was only for Zach, I still blushed and felt like I was missing something in my life.

"...Took you long enough, darling." Cory smirked as I sat on the counter. "I want to ask you something."

"Ask away." I smiled as he came closer. Haha. Crossing my legs won't make him suspicious or anything.

"What took you so long to realize you still had the hots for me?"

What took me so long? I thought it was you who had the hots for me.

"...I don't know. I just felt like I was missing something. Or someone, I suppose."

"Or someone?" Cory laughed and pushed my legs apart to stand in front of me. "That's one sorry excuse. And how many times do I have to remind you to wear pants? You never listen, baby girl."

I think that might have been when I realized he had been more than a friend to me before my accident. Zach never said anything when Cory got too close or when he said sexual things about me. It was more of him praising his best friend for taking back what was his. It was weird. Now that I think about it, I felt like I had the best men in the world.

"...I don't exactly know, Jae." I tilted my head down to hide the smile on my face. "For some time...Cory and I have been pretty close and Zach hasn't said anything to him about hitting on his girlfriend 24/7. It's like he shares me."

"You don't find that weird?" Jae took a sip of her coffee. "I would."

"I don't know how long it's been happening, but he's been pretty clingy recently. Like he's afraid of losing me. Just last week he trapped me and--"

I stopped and looked towards Byung-chul's room. Jae did the same then back at me. He had nothing to do with this conversation. Better to make Jae think he did than to spill what we'd done that night. When Zach was just ten feet away in another room. I cleared my throat and smiled at her.

"Never mind. It's not that important. I love him and all, but I know he's only using me to distract himself from you."

"From me?"

"Yeah. You left him alone thinking he didn't care for your feelings. He did tell me that if you would have come back before they found out Ian was alive...he would have taken you back in a heartbeat. He loved you that much."

I could see the hurt on her face. Loved. That's what happens when you leave someone who puts their heart and soul into loving you. I'd never do something that stupid to Zach. Why leave him broken to go to another woman who already has a lover? Jae will never get back the trust Cory put away for her.

"What time is it?" she asked softly.

I looked at my phone and was surprised once more at the time. It was nearing four in the morning. I finally yawned after realizing how late it was. Jae did the same and I began to prepare a room for her. I went back to my room and sat on the bed. Tomorrow night we won't be here. We'll be in our mansion.

My phone rang sucking me back to reality. I looked at the collar ID and frowned. I don't remember giving her my number. I guess if she has something to say at four in the morning, then I'll hear her out. It had better be good. Dean was due to check on us in about thirty minutes. If she had something she wanted to help her with, then I'd ask him to take me.

I answered it but didn't say anything. She had to say something first.

"...Um, Ren?" she prodded tentatively. "What are you up to at the moment?"

"I was about to sleep. It's four in the morning, Cynthia," I growled. "What do you want?"

"God, you don't have to be so mean." She let out a choked cry.

Crap, I didn't mean to make her cry!

I got up and rushed over to Jae's room. What the heck! If I had known she was having some problems I wouldn't have been rude. What was I supposed to say to her?

"Jae...it's Cynthia. I might have to go to the mansion right now," I whispered, covering the speaker.

"Why?" Jae asked. "There's a lot of women there to help her if she needs help."

"You don't understand, do you? I can't leave her hanging if she needs me."

Jae stared at me like I'd lost my mind. We were supposed to be sleeping, not preparing to cross enemy lines. I was pushing it and Jae knew it.

"Fine. If you need to leave before Dean gets here, then I'll tell him where you went." She smiled at me and waved me out of her room.

"What's up? I didn't mean to be rude. Just tired," I apologized.

"It's Youngmin. I know how close you guys are and I'm not trying to get him into any tr-trouble. He's been leaving me without telling me where he's going and I'm hurting so much, Ren. I know we haven't been on the best of terms, but I need someone who understands."

Youngmin.

Youngmin wasn't even at the mansion. He'd called me earlier and said he was busy and would come visit me tomorrow. There's no way he would do something to make her cry. Byung-chul even confirmed that Youngmin was probably one of the most thoughtful cousins we've met. He couldn't be causing her pain.

Maybe Cynthia's lying. She was mad that her grandfather picked me over her. I guess it's logical that she wants to get back at me. Then again, even I wouldn't cry over the phone to trick someone. She's better than that and I'm going to help her. Maybe I can get Zachary to keep her calm.

"I'm coming right now, Cynthia. Don't do anything crazy." The rush to find something to wear was making me sound fat. "Where is Youngmin now? Where's Zachary?"

"I don't know where Youngmin is," she wailed. "Zachary is out with King Afan. I didn't know who else to call."

"All right. Calm down. I'll be there in no time."

I hung up and began throwing on some clothes. Dean wouldn't get here in time. I had money for a taxi and the mansion isn't even that far. I could go there, calm her down, and be back before Dean has time to worry about my safety. I can do this.

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Yeah...sorry about yesterday. Therapy and I went to sleep as soon as I got home. And if anyone cares to know...I have a dad who thinks I'm only a slave and can't do anything that makes me happy. But yes, expect your epilogue Monday!!!! I'm so excited. I might make it super long, so it might get published early Tuesday morning.

💦XÃÑĐŘÍĄ & ✖DAVI

P.S. Davi will be typing up our very last chapter. Get ready for that one.