The Secret Heart|Jisoo|Haein|Taehyung

ᑕᕼᗩᑭTEᖇ 13: ᖴᗩᗰIᒪY ᗪIᔕᑕOᖇᗪ

Slumber ceased to be mere sleep; it transformed into a refuge from the harshness of reality. Every time she drifted off, her concerns melted away, vanishing into the depths of her subconscious. Yet, within the tranquil realm of dreams, her darkest fears would appear, serving as a haunting reminder of her true apprehensions in the waking world. Abruptly, the piercing sound of the alarm shattered the tranquility, jolting her back into consciousness. It was a Saturday morning, unlike any other, for it marked her beloved grandmother's birthday. A vivacious and affectionate matriarch, she perpetually ensured her grandchildren's well-being and happiness.

As the sound of her alarm filled the air, Elena's eyes gently blinked open, awakening her senses. She turned to her right and promptly silenced the disruptive noise. A flicker of annoyance danced across her face as she stretched her arms, longing for a moment of respite. Throughout the night, Carlton plagued her thoughts relentlessly, tormenting her with an intensity she couldn't comprehend. It was an unsettling feeling that engulfed her entirely. With a heavy sigh, Elena sat up in her bed, her gaze fixed upon the clear window ahead, searching for solace.

"Each thing, in its time, has its time. And right now you aren't in my plans, Carlton!"As the sun began to paint the sky with its vibrant colors, she softly voiced. Her gentle gaze remained fixated on the mesmerizing sunrise. Abruptly, a faint tap on the door interrupted her thoughts, immediately capturing her attention.

"Miss Elena!"From behind the door, the maid uttered in anticipation, hoping to catch a glimpse of Elena being awake. Elena, on the other hand, couldn't help but roll her eyes and let out a weary sigh.

"Helen, I'm up now...please find someone else to pester!" Elena grumbled, marching towards the bathroom. Fully aware of her boss's daughter's irritation, Helen promptly withdrew. It was obvious that any interaction with her mother rubbed Elena the wrong way. And Helen's every move was dictated by Mrs. McLain's orders. Without delay, Helen scurried into her boss's quarters to relay the message that Elena was awake and preparing to leave. Marta McLain, a woman of meticulous nature, approached life with unwavering discipline and meticulous attention to detail.

Marta turned to her trusted maid and asked, "Can you remember when she arrived last night?" Helen took a moment to ponder, before stepping forward with a sudden recollection.

"Around 11, Mrs McLain" Helen's words hung in the air, leaving a tense silence that Marta couldn't help but frown upon. The late-night arrival of her daughter, Elena, to seek shelter in their home felt peculiar. After all, Elena had long moved out and established her own residence, making it even more baffling that she would spend the night here without so much as a word to her parents.

Helen, the maid, voiced her observation with concern, "Last night, she appeared quite jittery, as if she was desperately evading someone." As Helen tidied up the sofa, delicately restoring the pillow to its designated spot on the chair, Marta's conviction that an unsettling incident had occurred to her daughter strengthened. Lost in her thoughts, Marta paced her room, mulling over the situation with unwavering determination.

"Why do you believe she was trying to evade someone?" Marta asked, coming to a sudden stop near the balcony. Helen cautiously made her way towards her boss, locking her gaze with unwavering intensity.

"Because as I approached the door last night, I couldn't help but overhear her engaged in a heated argument over the phone. It was evident that her frustrations were directed towards a certain man, someone who seemed to hold a significant place in her life. Her anger was palpable as she vehemently demanded him to cease contacting her." Helen murmured, a mix of surprise and satisfaction filling the room. The edges of Marta's lips curled upwards, delight evident on her face upon learning that her daughter had found a special someone. With a graceful poise, Marta lowered herself onto the bed, her fingers carefully gliding through her hair, gently coaxing it to fall in an elegant sideways sweep.