Forbidden Desire

I could see the disappointment etched in my aunt’s eyes as I stood there, having done the one thing she explicitly asked me not to: fall in love with the boss. Before me were police officers, their expressions a mix of confusion and scrutiny, as I found myself defending Jason against Jinhee’s false accusations. It was clear to me that she was lying; since my arrival, her actions had been steeped in deceit and manipulation. Though I had briefly sympathized with her upon hearing her story, it was now evident that she was nothing but a manipulative snake. The injustice of it all burned within me, and had Jason not restrained me, I might have succumbed to the impulse to slap her right then and there, consequences be damned.

“Can you confirm that he spent the night with this young woman?” one of the officers inquired, his gaze shifting between Jason and me.

He nodded, and a wave of relief washed over me, slightly easing my defensive stance. My tension lessened further when I realized that even after I had halted my confrontation with Jinhee, Jason hadn’t released me; his hands remained securely on my waist, his thumb occasionally stroking in a soothing manner.

“Yes, I can confirm that,” Jason responded calmly. “And if you have any doubts, you’re welcome to review the security footage from the house. There’s a camera in each corridor, which will prove that I wasn’t in Jinhee’s room but in Jane’s.”

The officer then turned his attention to Jinhee, his demeanor serious. “Well, in that case, can you explain how you got that black eye?”

Jinhee appeared lost, her composure crumbling as she struggled to concoct a plausible explanation. Her gaze flitted between Jason and me, and it seemed as though his comforting touch only heightened her distress. My aunt’s silence, reminiscent of my grandmother’s ominous quietude, unsettled me; when she remained silent, trouble often followed.

The officers patiently awaited Jinhee’s response, but she seemed unable to conjure any justification. Finally, tears welled in her eyes as she confessed, “I did it myself, but he’s keeping me in private custody! I can’t go out, I can’t use the phone or have contact with anyone!”

“Is that true, sir?” the officer turned to Jason, seeking confirmation.

Jason nodded solemnly. “Yes, but allow me to explain. She cheated on me, and I subsequently evicted her from the house. She pleaded to stay under my conditions, which she accepted.”

“Do you have evidence to support your claims?” the officer inquired further.

“I possess photographic evidence of her infidelity, and the witnesses present can attest to her agreement to remain under those conditions,” Jason replied with a sense of authority.

The officer nodded thoughtfully. “It appears there was no wrongdoing on Mr. Park’s part. However, did you know that providing false testimony can lead to legal repercussions? Does Mr. Park wish to press charges?”

Jason’s gaze shifted downward, and he shook his head in negation.

“In that case, would you like us to escort you to a safe location since you’re lodging a complaint?” the officer offered, directing his attention to Jinhee.

Jinhee’s eyes grew vacant, genuine tears streaming down her cheeks. “No, unfortunately, there’s nowhere safe for me.”

Her despondent tone resonated with a sense of hopelessness, and the officers exchanged glances, uncertain of how to proceed.

“In that case, our business here is concluded. Have a pleasant day,” the officers bid their farewells, exiting the dining room accompanied by my aunt.

Jinhee remained forlorn, her gaze lingering on Jason’s hands encircling my waist. A faint smile played across her lips, belying the pain in her eyes.

“Two in one night, Jason?” she taunted, her voice tinged with bitterness.

I felt Jason tense behind me, his pallor betraying his discomfort.

“Was your secretary not enough to satisfy you?” Jinhee continued, her words dripping with disdain.

A cold shiver coursed through me as guilt flashed across Jason’s features, confirming Jinhee’s accusations.

“I knew you weren’t satisfied with Scarlet. You had sex with her right in front of me, on that table,” Jinhee accused, her gestures indicating where the act likely transpired.

Tears welled in my eyes as Jinhee’s revelations struck a painful chord within me. Her demeanor oscillated between debauchery and pity, further intensifying my anguish.

“What? Did you think you were the only one?” Jinhee’s mocking tone pierced through the air. “You poor thing. Are you going to cry, baby?”

My vision blurred with tears, and I longed to flee the suffocating atmosphere. Jason’s restraining grip on my waist prevented my escape.

“Jane!” Jason’s voice cracked with emotion as he pulled me closer, enveloping me in a protective embrace.

I closed my eyes, seeking solace in his warmth, but the tears continued to flow unchecked.

“Get out of here, Jinhee!” Jason’s voice wavered with suppressed anguish. Unable to meet Jinhee’s gaze, I listened as her footsteps receded into the distance.

My legs threatened to buckle beneath me, but Jason’s steadfast embrace provided the support I desperately needed. His arms encircled me, holding me close, and though I struggled weakly against his grasp, I lacked the strength to break free. His breath, warm against my neck, sent shivers down my spine, betraying my body’s conflicting desires. With trembling hands, I clutched at his arms, my voice a feeble plea amid the torrent of tears.

“Please, let me go…”

I squeezed my eyes shut, willing the tears to cease, yet they continued unabated. We remained locked in this poignant embrace, the passage of time imperceptible, until gradually, Jason began to loosen his hold, leaving me feeling cold and bereft.

Turning me to face him, Jason cupped my chin, coaxing me to meet his gaze. I resisted, keeping my eyes shut, yearning to evade the overwhelming emotions threatening to consume me. His touch was gentle as he brushed a tender kiss upon my left eye, his lips moistened by my tears. A similar gesture followed on my right eye before descending to my quivering lips. With deliberate tenderness, he claimed my mouth, and I found myself yielding to him completely, powerless against the depth of my emotions.

Before I realized it, I was clinging to him, my arms wrapped around his neck as I balanced precariously on tiptoe, desperate for the connection his lips provided. His touch ignited a fervent passion within me, his hand tangling in my hair as he drew me closer. Our kiss deepened, tongues entwined in a fervent dance, until the need for air forced us to reluctantly part. A gossamer strand of saliva lingered between us, testament to the intensity of our shared desire, as we leaned against each other, foreheads pressed together, seeking solace in the aftermath of our impassioned embrace.

“My girl, I don’t deserve you,” Jason confessed, his voice tinged with regret as he met my gaze, tears mirroring my own.

His torment was palpable, his anguish evident in every word, yet I found no room for anger in my heart, only love, unwavering and unconditional. With a heart heavy with emotion, Jason turned away, attempting to conceal his tears. Despite his efforts, each tear he wiped away seemed to be replaced by another, a poignant reminder of his inner turmoil.

“I don’t deserve you, Jane,” he continued, his voice thick with emotion. “You’re so real, so pure, and I hate myself for making you cry. I want to distance myself from you because I know you deserve more than I can give, but something keeps pulling me back to you. Before I realize it, I find myself at your doorstep, at your college, or wherever you are. I’m sorry for causing you pain, but most of all, I’m sorry for my inability to stay away from you.”