Unspoken Desire JenLisa AU

Chapter 29

Jennie's POV

I lay in the hospital bed, feeling the weight of everything pressing down on me like an unbearable storm. The sterile smell of antiseptic and the soft hum of machines were the only sounds in the room, save for Lisa's quiet breathing as she sat beside me. She looked exhausted, her head hanging low and her hands trembling slightly in her lap.

"You've been here the whole time," I whispered, my voice barely audible. My throat felt raw from crying earlier. "Even when my parents told you to leave. Why?"

Lisa straightened up at the sound of my voice, her hands clenching into tight fists. "Because I couldn't leave you, Jennie. Not when you and the baby..." Her voice cracked, and she swallowed hard, looking away. "Not when you needed me."

I stared at her, my chest tightening. Guilt twisted inside me, so sharp and painful it felt like a physical wound. "You've done so much for me," I murmured, reaching out with a trembling hand to touch hers. "More than I deserve. But why, Lisa? After everything... after all the damage I've caused."

Her head snapped toward me, her eyes blazing with emotion. "Because I love you, Jennie," she said fiercely, her voice shaking. "I love you, and I love our child. I'll do anything for both of you."

Her words broke me. Tears welled in my eyes, spilling over as I shook my head. "I don't deserve you, Lisa," I choked out. "I dragged you into this—into everything with Chaeyoung. I was selfish, and I hurt her so much. And now even Chaeyoung..." My voice faltered, my guilt overwhelming me.

Lisa leaned forward, her voice soft but firm. "Jennie, stop. You don't need to keep punishing yourself like this." She hesitated, biting her lip, as if debating whether to speak. Finally, she let out a shaky breath. "I need to tell you something."

The dread in her tone made my heart sink. I stared at her, my voice trembling. "What is it?"

She looked away, her hands trembling as she ran them through her hair. "When the doctors said they needed blood for you..." Her voice cracked, and she paused, collecting herself. "It wasn't available at first. I—I called everyone I knew. Jisoo even called your parents."

My brows furrowed in confusion. "My parents? But they... they couldn't donate, right?"

Lisa nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Your mom's blood type matched, but she couldn't donate because of her health." She looked down, her voice dropping. "But someone else could."

I froze, my breath catching. "Who?" I asked, though deep down, I already knew.

Lisa's voice was barely above a whisper. "Chaeyoung."

My heart stopped, then started again, pounding painfully in my chest. "Chaeyoung?" I repeated, disbelief lacing my voice. "She... she saved me?"

Lisa nodded, her face crumpling. "She didn't hesitate, baby. She gave her blood to save you and our child. Even after everything I have done to her."

My tears came faster, and I pressed my hands to my mouth, shaking uncontrollably. "How?" I whispered. "How could she do that—after what I did to her?"

"Because that's who she is," Lisa said, her voice thick with guilt. "She's better. She's kind and selfless, and... and I don't deserve her."

I broke down, my sobs wracking my weak body. "I hurt her so much," I cried. "I was cruel. Manipulative. And she still..." My voice faltered as I clutched the bedsheet, my guilt and shame overwhelming me. "If I were in her place, I would have let myself suffer. I don't deserve to be saved."

Lisa reached out, her hand brushing against my arm. "No.. don't say that" she said quietly. "She did it for you. And for the baby, too."

I lowered my hands, looking at Lisa through tear-blurred eyes. "I don't know how to face her," I whispered. "How do I even begin to make things right after everything I've done?"