Unspoken Desire JenLisa AU

Chapter 6

Lisa's POV

The early morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. I sat at the edge of the bed, watching Chaeyoung move around the room with ease and precision, her hands flitting between the suitcase on the floor and the wardrobe.

"Don't forget to pack at least one formal outfit," she said, her voice light but focused. "You might need it for a dinner or meeting. Oh, and I'll add an extra tie just in case."

She folded one of my blouses neatly, placing it beside a pair of tailored pants before moving on to check my shoes. I couldn't help but admire how natural she was at this—organizing my chaos.

"I can do that," I said, standing up to help her, but she waved me off.

"Lisa, just sit and relax," she replied with a small laugh. "You'll mess it up anyway. Trust me; I've got this."

I chuckled softly, running a hand through my hair. She wasn't wrong. Chaeyoung always had a knack for taking care of the little things I'd overlook.

"Here." She held up a sweater, her brows furrowing slightly. "It might get chilly in the evenings. Don't forget to wear this if you're out late."

I nodded, taking it from her hands. "Thanks, babe. I don't know what I'd do without you."

She smiled at that, the warmth in her expression making my chest tighten. "You'd survive, but not nearly as well-dressed," she teased, winking.

I laughed, but the sound felt a little hollow even to me. Watching her now, I felt a wave of appreciation and something deeper—a quiet realization of how much I truly loved her. Chaeyoung wasn't just my wife; she was my anchor.

I knew it, deep in my heart. I loved her. I cared for her more than anyone else in the world. And yet...

I shook the thought away before it could fully form.

"Don't forget your toiletries," she added, zipping up the suitcase. "And I packed some of those snacks you like—just in case the food there doesn't suit you."

I stood, moving to stand behind her. I wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her close. She stiffened slightly at first, then relaxed, leaning back into me.

"Thank you," I murmured against her hair.

"For what?" she asked, tilting her head to look up at me.

"For always taking care of me," I said simply.

She smiled softly, reaching up to touch my hand. "That's what I'm here for."

I wanted to stay in that moment forever, to let her warmth and love wash away the guilt that lingered just beneath the surface. But I knew I couldn't.

As she turned to grab something else from the dresser, I forced myself to focus on her voice, her presence. She didn't deserve anything less than all of me.

And I promised myself, once again, that I would do better. For her. For us.

I pulled up to the front of Chaeyoung's office building, the early morning fog still clinging to the streets like a heavy blanket. The city was quiet, too quiet, the perfect backdrop to the whirlwind of thoughts that refused to leave my head. Chaeyoung had been so thoughtful, as always, preparing my things for the trip, taking care of every little detail. I could feel the weight of her love even now, in the way she kissed me goodbye, her lips soft and warm against mine.

I looked at her for a moment longer, feeling that familiar ache in my chest. I loved her. But that was when the nagging feeling crept back in, uninvited, a shadow following me even as I kissed her goodbye. It wasn't anything specific, just the way my mind couldn't shake the image of Jennie, the way it refused to let go of the past.