Chapter 11
The weekend came with a flurry of emotions Karina wasn’t prepared for. The sun had barely risen when her phone buzzed, a message from her mother waiting for her.
He’s here.
Karina stared at the words, her heart pounding. She had been bracing herself for this moment all week, yet it still felt surreal. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself out of bed and prepared for the day. No amount of stalling would change what was coming.
Winter was waiting for Karina at their usual café. She greeted Karina with her signature lopsided grin, sliding a cup of iced coffee across the table. "Morning. You look like you didn’t sleep."
Karina managed a weak smile, wrapping her hands around the cup. "Just a lot on my mind."
Winter frowned but didn’t press. She had learned that Karina would share when she was ready. Instead, she changed the subject. "I was thinking we could check out that new park later. I heard they have a great walking trail."
"That sounds nice," Karina replied, her voice distant.
Winter studied her for a moment before leaning closer. "Hey, you okay?"
Karina hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. Just tired, that’s all."
Winter didn’t look convinced but let it go. "Alright. But if you need anything, you know I’m here."
Karina’s chest tightened at the sincerity in Winter’s eyes. "Thanks, Winter."
Later that afternoon, Karina stood in front of her house, gripping the strap of her bag tightly. Her mother had called earlier, insisting she come home. Now, as she stared at the sleek black car parked in the driveway, she felt a wave of unease wash over her.
The front door opened, and a tall figure stepped out. His sharp features and confident demeanor were just as she remembered. Jeno. He turned, his eyes landing on her, and a slow smile spread across his face.
"It’s been a while, Wife," he said smoothly, his tone dripping with familiarity. "I hope you’re ready to go to the US with me this time."
Karina froze, her mind racing. The word "wife" hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. She clenched her fists, forcing herself to stand tall. "Jeno," she said evenly. "What are you doing here?"
He laughed, a sound that grated against her nerves. "I came to bring you back, of course."
Karina’s mother appeared in the doorway, her expression a mix of worry and resignation. "Jeno, maybe we should talk inside."
Jeno held up a hand, his eyes never leaving Karina. "There’s no need. I just wanted to see her."
Karina’s jaw tightened. "I’m not going anywhere with you."
Jeno’s smile faltered for a moment before he shrugged. "We’ll see about that."
Winter noticed the change in Karina immediately when they met up later that evening. Karina was quieter than usual, her gaze distant. They sat on a park bench, the soft glow of streetlights casting long shadows around them.
"You’re not yourself today," Winter said gently. "Did something happen?"
Karina hesitated, debating whether to share. She had always prided herself on handling things on her own, but the weight of Jeno’s return felt too much to bear alone.
"There’s someone from my past," she began slowly. "His name is Jeno."
Winter’s brow furrowed. "And?"
"He… he wants me to go to the US with him," Karina admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Winter stared at her, stunned. "What? Why?"
Karina took a deep breath, her fingers gripping the edge of the bench. "It’s complicated. Let’s just say our families had… expectations."
"Expectations?" Winter echoed, her tone sharp. "Karina, are you seriously considering this?"
Karina shook her head. "No. But Jeno isn’t the type to take no for an answer."
Winter’s jaw tightened, a rare flash of anger crossing her face. "You’re not going anywhere. I don’t care who this guy is."
Karina looked at her, surprised by the intensity in her voice. "Winter—"
"No," Winter interrupted. "I mean it. You’ve worked so hard to build your life here. You don’t owe him anything."
Karina felt a lump form in her throat. Winter’s unwavering support was both comforting and overwhelming.
Winter’s expression softened, and she reached out to take Karina’s hand. "You don’t have to face this alone, okay?"
Karina nodded, her grip tightening on Winter’s hand. For the first time since Jeno’s return, she felt a glimmer of hope.
The next few days were a blur of tension and unease. Jeno’s presence loomed like a shadow over Karina’s life, and despite her best efforts to focus on the present, his words lingered in her mind.
Winter, true to her word, stayed by her side. She found ways to distract Karina, from impromptu ice cream runs to late-night walks. And while Karina was grateful, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the storm was far from over.
One evening, as they sat in Winter’s car, Karina finally let herself be vulnerable. "I’m scared," she admitted, her voice barely audible.
Winter turned to her, her eyes filled with determination. "You don’t have to be. We’ll figure this out together."
Karina looked at her, a small smile breaking through her fear. "Thank you, Winter."
Winter reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind Karina’s ear. "Always."
As the week came to a close, the tension between Karina and Jeno reached its peak. Karina had spent most of her time avoiding him, but her resolve was tested during a chance encounter. As she walked out of her house one evening, she found Jeno waiting for her by the gate.
"Karina," he called, his tone soft but insistent.
She stopped, her heart sinking. "What do you want, Jeno?"
Before she could react, he stepped closer and placed his hands on her shoulders. "I just want you to consider giving us a chance again," he said, his voice low. Then, in a bold move, he leaned in and pressed a kiss to her cheek.
At that exact moment, Winter rounded the corner, a small box of Karina’s favorite pastries in hand. She froze, her smile fading as she took in the scene.
Karina pushed Jeno away, her eyes wide with shock. "What are you doing?!"
But Winter didn’t wait to hear an explanation. The box fell from her hand as she turned and walked away, her face a mask of hurt and disbelief.
"Winter!" Karina called, running after her. But Winter didn’t stop. By the time Karina reached the end of the street, Winter was gone.
Karina stood there, her chest heaving as tears threatened to spill. The weight of misunderstanding settled heavily on her shoulders. She had to fix this, but for the first time in a long time, she wasn’t sure how.