That Night — Nicole
Nicole didn't remember deciding to pack.
One moment she was standing in the hallway, heart pounding, Gu Sean's words still echoing in her ears—I was there—and the next she was in the bedroom, hands shaking as she pulled a duffel bag from the closet. Clothes went in first. Not carefully folded. Just grabbed. A sweater slipped from her fingers and hit the floor, but she didn't pick it up.
Her chest felt too tight, like the walls were closing in.
Married.
Rescued.
Loved.
The words tangled together until she couldn't tell where one ended and the other began.
She wiped her face with the back of her hand, only then realizing she was crying. Not loud sobs—those felt too vulnerable—but the silent kind that burned behind her eyes and left her throat aching.
She zipped the bag halfway, then stopped.
Am I running? she thought.
Maybe. But right now, staying felt worse.
Nicole slung the bag over her shoulder and walked back into the living room. Gu Sean was there, standing near the window, hands in his pockets like he'd been waiting but didn't want to admit it.
The moment he saw her bag, something shifted in his expression—controlled calm cracking just enough to show concern.
"Nicole," he said gently. "Where are you going?"
She swallowed hard. "I need space."
The words came out sharper than she intended, but she didn't take them back.
He stepped forward instinctively. "If this is about what I told you—"
"It's exactly about that," she interrupted, voice trembling now. "You took away my choice, Gu Sean. You knew something about me—something huge—and you waited. You let me marry you without telling me the truth."
"I wasn't manipulating you," he said quickly.
"That's how it feels," she replied, eyes glossy. "It feels like my life keeps getting decided for me. By my father. By my brother. And now—by you."
That one landed. She saw it in his face.
She hugged the bag closer to her body. "You promised to protect me. But this—this feels like betrayal."
Silence stretched between them, heavy and aching.
"I need time," she said softly. "I can't breathe here right now."
Gu Sean looked like he wanted to say more—wanted to stop her—but instead he nodded once, jaw tight.
"Take all the time you need," he said. "I'll be here."
She didn't answer. If she did, she might break.
Nicole turned and walked out.
⸻
The Rain
The cab arrived just as the sky opened up.
Rain poured down in sheets, soaking her hair and clothes within seconds as she slid into the back seat. The driver asked where she was going, and the address came out automatically—Ash's place. The one place that had always felt safe.
As the car pulled away, the estate disappeared behind her, swallowed by rain and darkness.
Her phone buzzed once. Then again.
She didn't look.
The rain intensified, hammering against the windows, and with it came the memories she'd been trying to outrun.
⸻
Flashback — The First Time
The smell of rain always did this to her.
She remembered standing at her brother's front door, duffel bag in hand, heart pounding just like it was now.
"I told you," her brother had snapped. "You're not my problem anymore."
He shoved the door open harder than necessary. Nicole stumbled backward, her heel catching on the step. She fell hard onto the concrete, pain shooting up her side.
Before she could react, Samantha—his wife—rushed forward.
"Oh my God, Nicole!" Samantha cried, all fake concern and wide eyes. She knelt beside her, helping her up gently.
"Careful," Samantha whispered as she pulled Nicole close. Then, low enough that only Nicole could hear, her voice changed.
"You really are pathetic," Samantha murmured with a smile. "Always needing to be saved. Always unwanted."
Nicole froze.
Samantha leaned closer. "Don't worry. People like you don't last long anyway."
Then she straightened, loud again. "I'll pray for you!"
The door slammed shut.
Nicole remembered standing there afterward, dazed, rain starting to fall, realizing she had nowhere to go.
Just like now.
⸻
Ash's Door
The cab stopped.
Nicole didn't remember getting out. She didn't remember walking up the steps. All she knew was that she was suddenly standing in front of Ash's door, soaked through, shaking—not just from the cold.
She knocked weakly.
The door flew open.
"Nicole?" Ash gasped. "Oh my God—what happened?"
That was all it took.
Nicole crumpled forward, and Ash caught her instantly, pulling her inside, slamming the door shut against the rain.
"Shower. Now," Ash said firmly, already grabbing towels. "You're freezing."
Nicole nodded numbly.
Under the hot water, the tears finally came—ugly, shaking sobs that left her breathless. The steam filled the bathroom, fogging the mirror, blurring her reflection until she barely recognized herself.
⸻
Later — On the Couch
Nicole sat curled into the corner of Ash's couch, wearing one of Ash's oversized hoodies, hands wrapped around a mug of tea she hadn't touched.
Ash sat beside her, legs tucked under her, eyes full of concern.
"Okay," Ash said gently. "Start from the beginning."
Nicole stared at the floor.
She talked about Samantha. About her father's words. I wish you were never born. About Gu Sean standing in front of her like a shield.
And then—about the confession.
"He said he was the one who rescued me," Nicole whispered. "He knew things. Things no one else could know."
Ash's face hardened. "That's… a lot."
"I don't know if I feel grateful or violated," Nicole admitted. "Both, maybe. And that scares me."
Ash sighed, rubbing her temples. "I want to be mad at him. God, I really do. But…" She hesitated. "I also get why he didn't tell you. That kind of truth can feel like ownership if revealed wrong."
Nicole nodded slowly. "I know. And that makes it worse. Because I don't think he meant to hurt me."
Silence settled.
Then—something stirred.
A memory surfaced, sharp and vivid.
⸻
The Ocean — Remembered Clearly
Stay with me, a voice had said. Calm. Steady.
You're doing great. Just breathe.
She remembered strong arms holding her above the waves. The way he spoke—not panicked, not rushed.
You're not done yet, he'd murmured. I've got you.
Nicole gasped softly.
Ash looked at her. "What?"
"I remember," Nicole whispered. "His voice. That night."
Her chest ached.
⸻
The Call
Her phone rang, breaking the moment.
Unknown ID.
She answered automatically. "Hello?"
"Nicole," Xan's voice came through brisk but warm. "I need you on an urgent business trip. Overseas. Two days from now."
Her brain barely processed it. "Two days?"
"Yes. Big client. High stakes. I trust you."
After the call ended, Xan leaned back in his office chair, thoughtful. Interested. She's resilient, he thought. And distracted. Perfect time to get closer.
⸻
Ash
Ash listened quietly, then squeezed Nicole's hand.
"Take the trip," she said firmly. "Get away. Clear your head. You don't owe anyone answers right now."
Nicole stared into her tea.
"And Gu Sean?" she asked softly.
Ash shrugged gently. "If he's sincere, he'll still be there when you get back. If not… you'll know."
Nicole exhaled slowly.
Outside, the rain finally began to ease—but the storm inside her was far from over.