Lisa's POV
"It's okay if you don't come, babe. I'll just take Liam... and my friend. I know you're busy."
Jennie shot me her cat-eyed glare, sharp enough to shut me up immediately.
"Are you saying something, Lisa? You act like I'm not your wife."
I forced a smile. "Just kidding, baby."
Later, we were in the car. I turned off the radio because Jennie wanted to sleep.
"Dada, look!" Liam said, pointing at his tablet.
"Let Mommy look, baby. Dada's driving, it's dangerous," Jennie murmured, half-asleep.
"I want Dada, not you, Mommy,"
Liam pouted. "You didn't tell me earlier that Dada was home."
Jennie's POV
The truth? When Lisa said earlier that she'd rather spend time with Liam and her friend, it stung. She spends more time with that friend than with me, her wife. It feels like she could replace me anytime.
And then Liam's words hit harder than I expected. He didn't even know the truth yet, but the pain pierced straight through me.
"Liam, that's bad," I whispered. "I'll check it later, but don't say things like that to Mommy. Do you want Mommy to cry?"
My voice cracked. I looked out the window, unable to hide the ache anymore.
Lisa's POV
"Hon, Liam, wake up," I whispered gently once we arrived at the beach.
They were still asleep, so I carried Liam to our room, a single for him and a king for Jennie and me. I was about to lift Jennie bridal-style, but she stirred and told me she could handle herself. By lunch, Liam was restless.
"Dada, can we go to the beach after this?" he asked, his eyes shining.
"Yes, baby. But let's ask Mommy first." I glanced at Jennie. She only stared silently at her plate.
"Nope. I'll watch you both. Your dad's crazy," she muttered.
Later, while Liam and I played by the shore, Jennie sat back, glued to her phone. I knew exactly who she was texting.
"Dada," Liam tugged on my shirt.
"What's wrong, baby?"
"Dada... I want to be honest. Mommy..."
My chest tightened. "Mommy?"
He nodded. "These past few days, Mommy's always on her phone. And last night... I woke up because of noises on the sofa. Dada, I'm scared. But I still want to help Mommy." His little voice cracked, and tears filled his eyes.
I hugged him tightly. Even if he acted cold toward Jennie sometimes, I knew it was just confusion. He was only seven.
"Baby, it's okay. Tell me more later. Right now, let's enjoy the beach. Let's leave Mommy alone, alright? Dad will keep you safe. Even if Mommy... even if Mommy isn't here."
I forced a smile and looked back at Jennie. She was staring at us, pretending to smile.
Jennie's POV
"Hon, Liam, come here! I bought coconut juice."
Liam and Lisa ran over to me.
"Good?" I asked.
"Yes, Dada!" Liam grinned.
"Baby," I started carefully, "Rosé and I were chatting. They're coming soon."
Lisa froze. "I thought this was just us?"
"What do you mean? I told you, they're joining us. I miss Rosé, love."
Lisa muttered under her breath, "How can I score with you if they're here?"
"Lisa! The kid is right here," I hissed.
Rosé's POV
"Babe, let's go. We need to pick up your friend," Jisoo said, holding my hand.
"Okay, baby. Everything's ready?"
"Yes, babe."
At the beach, we spotted Lisa and Jennie watching Liam swim.
"Hello!" Jisoo waved.
Lisa practically jogged over, looking excited. "Oh, you're here! I booked you a room, is that okay?"
"I brought my friend too," I said casually.
Lisa's brow furrowed. "Who?"
"I'm Kai Jong," the man said, approaching us. "Jennie's boss."
Jennie's POV
Things spiraled quickly.
"Rosé, you look like an idiot in that bikini! I'm going to rape you!" Lisa suddenly shouted, tossing Rosé's cover-up at her.
"OUCH, hun!" I hissed, pinching her arm. How could she say that in front of everyone?
"Really? Fuck you, maniac!" Rosé snapped back, making Jisoo and I burst into laughter.
Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Kai walking alone by the water. My heart clenched. I texted him quickly under the table.
(Are you okay, babe?)
(I'm not.)
His reply shattered me. I looked at him, praying he was lying. But Lisa was right beside me if I left, she'd know something was up.
"Hey," Lisa suddenly lifted me in her arms, "you've been holding your phone all day. Let's take a shower, together."
"I don't want to AHHH! LISA!" She carried me straight into the freezing water.
"MANOBAN! It's freezing!" I shrieked, clinging to her.
Lisa only laughed. "Oh my god, you're sexier than Rosé in that bikini. But even better naked."
"Shut up!" I buried my face in her shoulder, embarrassed as Rosé and Jisoo laughed at us.
Jisoo's POV
"Where do you guys want dinner? Outside or at the hotel?" I asked, holding Rosé's hand. She looked excited.
"Let's go outside! Lisa and I saw a nice restaurant nearby earlier."
"Liam, remember we're only here for one day," Jennie reminded him.
I laughed at Liam's expression, he looked like we'd been there three days already.
"Hahaha! Lisa, you bathed him all day. He's only been here an hour but he already looks like he's lived here. Careful, he might turn into a black mamba."
Lisa rolled her eyes. "Fuck you, unnie."