As Karen was dragged out, still screaming my name, I felt a sense of relief. The immediate threat was over, but I knew the fight wasn't truly over. There would always be those who couldn't accept my choices, my love for Jiyeon.
I left the safe house feeling the oppressive scent of Karen's pheromones clinging to me like a toxic residue. The drive back to the mansion was filled with thoughts of Jiyeon and the life we were building together. I couldn't face her smelling like Karen. I needed to cleanse myself of every trace of that encounter.
When I arrived at the mansion, its grand stone facade and lush gardens a familiar comfort, I headed straight to the shower. As the hot water cascaded over me, I scrubbed my skin furiously, trying to rid myself of the artificial rose and musk scent. The hot steam mixed with the familiar strawberry scent of my own pheromones, finally overpowering the unpleasant odor.
Stepping out of the shower, the clean, refreshing smell of strawberries surrounded me, giving me a sense of calm and renewal. I dried off quickly, dressed in a simple but elegant dress, and headed to the hospital. Today was a significant day—Jiyeon was being discharged.
When I arrived, Jiyeon was already up and about, packing her things with a determined look on her face. She turned as I entered, her eyes lighting up.
"Yura! You're here just in time. Ready to bust me out of this place?" she asked with a grin.
I smiled back, relief washing over me. "Absolutely. How are you feeling?"
"Much better. Just a bit sore, but nothing I can't handle," she said, her voice confident and reassuring.
My parents were there too, bustling around, making sure Jiyeon had everything she needed. My mother, Min-Seo, gave me a knowing look as if sensing the weight of what had transpired but wisely chose not to comment.
With everything packed, we helped Jiyeon into the car. The ride home was filled with lighthearted chatter, the tension of the past days slowly dissipating. Jiyeon's recovery was almost complete, and her presence brought a sense of normalcy back into my life.
As we drove up the long, winding driveway to the mansion, its towering spires and ivy-covered walls greeted us. The scent of blooming flowers filled the air, a mix of roses, lavender, and my own strawberries. The place was a sanctuary, a fortress where we could rebuild and plan our future.
Once inside, I guided Jiyeon to the sitting room. "How about we relax for a bit before dinner? There's a surprise waiting for you later," I said, a hint of excitement in my voice.
Jiyeon raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "A surprise? What have you been up to, Yura?"
We pulled apart just long enough to make our way upstairs to our bedroom. The room was dimly lit, the bed inviting. We kissed again, more urgently this time, hands exploring, bodies pressing close.
But as we moved together, Jiyeon winced, a sharp intake of breath halting our progress. "I'm sorry," she gasped, pain evident in her eyes. "It's my side..."
I immediately pulled back, concern flooding me. "Are you okay? Do you need anything?"
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She shook her head, breathing heavily. "I just need to take it easy for a bit longer. I don't want to rush things and make it worse."
I nodded, understanding. "We'll take it slow. Your health is more important."
We settled back onto the bed, holding each other close, the intensity of our earlier passion giving way to a comfortable intimacy. "I love you, Jiyeon," I whispered into her hair.
"I love you too, Yura," she replied, her voice soft and full of emotion.
As we lay there, the peace of the moment was shattered by the sudden ringing of my phone. I reached over to the bedside table, answering it quickly to avoid disturbing Jiyeon.
"Yura," Soo-Min's voice came through the line, urgent and strained. "Karen has escaped."
My blood ran cold. "What? How?"
"We're not sure yet, but she's gone. I thought you should know immediately."
I thanked him and hung up, my mind racing. Jiyeon noticed my tense expression. "What is it?" she asked, worry creeping into her voice