Us

By Christina C.

Desperate for the truth behind Sang-chul's obsession for revenge, Nadia begins to investigate secrets from the past.

Jihun's love is put to the test when Nadia becomes so consumed with Sang-chul, and her destructive behavior puts her in another dangerous situation.

When Nadia and Sang-chul finally come together to reveal their shared revelations, will the hate that once consumed them both suddenly change?

Or will things turn deadly?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 6, 2021
• ISBN: 9781638812647

Book preview

cover.jpg

Us

Christina C.

Copyright © 2021 Christina C.

All rights reserved

First Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

First originally published by Newman Springs Publishing 2021

ISBN 978-1-63881-263-0 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63881-264-7 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Hate turns to Love

Love turns Deadly

Part One

Hate turns to Love

A flash of light followed by an explosive noise in my head jolted me awake and left me gasping for air. I was having trouble seeing, and my ears felt like they were plugged. I had a stabbing pain in my side, and my head was throbbing. All I smelled was rubber, and I had a sour taste in my mouth. I was confused and scared, and I couldn’t stop shaking. Nadia! Jihun shouted. He sat down and wrapped his arms around me.

It’s okay. I’m here, beautiful.

I grabbed on to his arm and held it tightly.

Nadia, I need you to calm down, said Dr. Geon. I started to take slow deep breaths, and within a few minutes, I stopped shaking, and I was breathing normally. Nadia, I think you should lay back down now, said Dr. Geon. Jihun put his hand behind my hand and helped guide me back down. I opened my eyes and looked up at Jihun and could see his pain through the tears in his eyes. Nadia, I have missed you so much.

I cleared my throat and whispered, I miss you too.

He sat down in the chair and held my hand.

Nadia, how do you feel? asked Dr. Geon.

Awful, I replied.

Well, that is to be expected, he replied. But you are healing well, and now that you have regained consciousness, I feel confident you will make a full recovery.

Thank God, Jihun replied.

My eyes started to close, and I was feeling tired.

Nadia, are you okay? Jihun asked.

I’m okay. I’m just tired now, I replied.

That is normal, Dr. Geon replied. I think it is a good idea for you to rest now anyway.

Thank you, Dr. Geon, for taking such good care of me, I replied.

Nadia, no need to thank me, and, Jihun, Nadia is going to need you, but unless you get some rest yourself, you will be of no use to her.

I understand, Jihun replied.

Good, said Dr. Geon. I will check in on you in a bit, he said as he headed out.

Are you asleep?

No, I replied.

I have been so worried, Nadia.

I know, I replied, and I am sorry.

Why are you sorry?

Because if I had just trusted you and ended things with Sang-chul when you asked, none of this would have happened.

I felt his hand on my cheek. Nadia, the only thing that matters is that you came back to me. I smiled. Now get some sleep like Dr. Geon said. I will be here when you wake up. He kissed my lips and said, I love you, beautiful.

*****

I opened my eyes slightly. The room was dark, but the television was on. The sound was off, but I noticed a familiar face on the screen. It was the VP from the Olympic committee. I felt Jihun’s hand on mine and looked over to see him sleeping in the chair. I cleared my throat and said his name. He must not have heard me, so I said his name a bit louder. His eyes opened, and he sat right up. Is something wrong? he asked.

No, I replied. I was just wondering if I could have something to drink. My throat is sore, and my mouth is very dry. He stood up and poured me a glass of water. He put a straw inside and held the cup out for me. I reached out for it when suddenly I felt a pain in my side. I dropped my arm down quickly and looked up at him. He put the cup on the tray and sat down beside me.

Are you okay?

Yes, I replied. It is just painful lifting my arms right now.

He took my hand into his and said, I am sorry you are in pain.

Jihun, please tell me what happened to me that day.

Nadia, we do not need to talk about that right now, he replied. I promise you once you are better, I will tell you everything. But for now, you need to rest and get stronger. Please understand, he said.

I nodded my head and decided not to push the issue. Can you at least tell me how long I have been in the hospital? He looked away from me. Jihun, please tell me.

He took a deep breath and looked into my eyes and said, It has been almost a month.

What? A month. My eyes filled with tears.

Nadia, he said, I am so sorry. Please don’t get upset. The most important thing is that you are back with us. I closed my eyes, and I tried to think back about that day. I was meeting Sang-chul at the market. I spoke with Maria, and she was coming to see me. I opened my eyes fast and sat up. Maria, I said.

Nadia, calm down. She is doing good and is back in the States with Todd.

Is she safe now? I asked.

Yes, he replied. And just to be sure she stays safe, I have men there keeping watch.

Jihun, what about Jia and Jo-woo? I said.

They are both well. They are home now, and Jia is doing well in her recovery. She is starting school soon and is excited to see you.

And where is Thomas, Tiff, and the boys?

At home, he replied.

Home? I asked.

Yes, our home, Nadia.

Why are they still here?

Nadia, do you really think they were going to leave with you being here? he replied.

No, I guess not. Jihun, what is going on with filming?

Let’s not worry about that right now, he replied. We will discuss all that some other time. He grabbed the cup of water and said, Here, drink. He held the cup to my mouth as I took several sips. Maybe you should get some rest now, beautiful. We can talk more later. He leaned over and gave me a kiss and said, Close your eyes, beautiful.

When I woke up, the television was on but with no sound. Jihun was asleep next to me on the chair, and Thomas I noticed was sleeping on the couch. But why was Thomas now sleeping here? Was I in danger again? I looked up at the television, and instantly my eyes filled with tears, and my body began to shake. The machine next to me began to beep louder, and before I could calm myself down, Dr. Geon and his team were rushing in asking what was going on. Jihun was on his feet frantically asking, Nadia, are you okay? Thomas stood at the end of the bed looking worried. I looked past him and stared at the television. Dr. Geon was speaking in Korean to the nurse, and as she began to inject something into my IV, I shouted, No please! I am fine. Do not give me something to sleep. She stopped and looked at me. Please just give me a minute, I said. She looked over at Dr. Geon who nodded his head, and she took a step back.

Nadia, are you in pain?

No, I replied.

Then what got you so worked up? asked Jihun. I looked back up at the TV and pointed. Thomas ran over and went to turn it off. No, I said, please leave it on.

Nadia, you do not need to see this, said Jihun.

Yes, I do, I replied.

Nadia, please, it is too soon for you to be getting worked up like this, Dr. Geon said.

I am fine now, so please leave it on so I can see him. Jihun took my hand and told Thomas to leave it on like I had asked. Please turn the volume on, I said.

Nadia, it is in Korean, said Thomas.

Then you can tell me what they are saying, I replied.

Nadia, it is just a report on his charges.

I looked over at Dr. Geon who was now looking away from me. Well, if you are okay now, I will check back with you soon, he said. I sat up quickly and pulled the oxygen tubes from my nose.

Nadia! shouted Jihun. What the hell are you doing?

Nadia, please, said Dr. Geon.

I put my hand over my IV and said, I want to know the truth about what is going on, and if none of you are willing to tell me, then I am getting out of this bed, and I am going to find out on my own. I pulled the tape covering my IV off.

Please stop this, said Dr. Geon.

I tried to pull out the needle when Jihun grabbed my hand and said, Fine, we will tell you everything, but please stop.

I put my hand to my side and said, I am waiting. He looked over at Thomas, and I wondered if he was going to tell me another lie. Listen, I just lost a month of my life because of that man, so stop worrying about me getting upset and just tell me the truth.

Thomas came over and stood next to Jihun. Nadia, I will tell you what you want to know, he replied. When we found you both at the warehouse, Sang-chul was standing over you, pointing a gun at your head.

I knew he was going to kill me, I replied.

Nadia, how do you know that? asked Jihun.

I remember him asking me if I had anything to say, and then he said if he could not have me, then no one else would. After that, I heard a clicking noise, and then everything goes blank.

Nadia, did you ever see a gun? asked Thomas.

No, I replied. Why do you ask? He looked over at Jihun. Thomas, where is Sang-chul now? I asked. He took a deep breath and looked back over at me. Oh god, please tell me they did not let him out again.

No, Nadia, he is still in custody, he replied. But we are not sure for how much longer.

What are you saying? He tried to kill me.

Nadia, when we found you both, Sang-chul was also covered in blood.

From what? I asked.

He was shot in the arm, but the bullet only grazed him.

Who shot him? I asked.

Well, according to him, it was you.

Me, I said. I never saw the gun, nor did I ever touch it.

We believe you, but the evidence proves otherwise.

What evidence, Thomas?

Nadia, while you were being treated, they ran your fingerprints and tested you for gunshot residue.

And? I asked.

Jihun took my hand and said, Nadia, your fingerprints were on the gun, and you tested positive for gunshot residue.

How is that possible? I was on the ground trying to stay alive while he was… I had to stop because thinking about it would only upset me more.

Jihun put his arms around me and said, It’s okay, Nadia. Everything will be okay.

No, Jihun, it will not be okay if he gets out of jail. You both know he is never going to stop coming for me.

Do you remember anything else? Thomas asked.

I closed my eyes and tried to remember something else from that day. I could see Sang-chul looking back at me in the rearview mirror asking me if I think I won. I could see myself on the ground holding my knees to my chest, and then suddenly just like the dreams I had while I was asleep, it all came back to me. I opened my eyes quickly.

Nadia, what is it? Do you remember something else? asked Thomas.

I remember it all, I replied.

Nadia, you are going to have to tell the police everything from the beginning including covering for him about Jia’s disappearance.

I know, I replied. Thomas, if they think I shot him, why haven’t they released him?

Well, even though he claims you shot him first, you were found beaten badly and unconscious, so until they got a statement from you, he was denied bail for now. But he is appearing in front of the judge in a few days, he replied. We have informed the police that you have regained consciousness, and they have called several times since.

If you could ask them to wait a few more days, I would appreciate that, I replied.

I will let the detective handling the investigation know.

"Thank you, Thomas.

Dr. Geon, I have a question for you.

Yes, he replied.

Can you please tell me the injuries I sustained? He looked over at Jihun and then to Thomas. Please, I said. I have been able to keep myself calm, and I do deserve to know what that man did to me.

You do, he replied, but, Nadia, don’t you think you have enough to take in right now?

Dr. Geon, I can handle it.

He hesitated but walked over and grabbed my chart off the table. He opened it up and said, Are you sure?

Yes, I replied.

Well, when you arrived, as you know, you were unconscious and had several wounds on your head, face, and several other areas of your body. We did an MRI of your head and found no damage to the brain or hemorrhage. However, you did have a simple linear fracture. It will take several months to heal, and you may experience headaches for quite a while. We also did x-rays of your ribs and internal organs. You have several fractured ribs and internal bruising along your side and back, which will all heal in time. You had to have stitches on your left leg for a puncture wound from glass that was embedded. He stopped and looked over at Jihun.

Dr. Geon, is there something you are not telling me?

No, he replied. Nadia, your body went through a very traumatic experience, and you are healing well, but you will still need a lot of rest before you decide to start working or traveling again. I am just a bit worried about your mental state.

Dr. Geon, I can promise you my mental state is fine, and I promise I will take it slow and continue to rest, but I have one last question.

Yes, he replied.

How much longer do I have to stay here?

Nadia, you are not leaving this hospital! shouted Jihun. I am not taking any chances with your recovery. I rolled my eyes and repeated my question to Dr. Geon.

Well, we are going to run some tests tomorrow, so once I have those results, I will be able to answer that question, he replied.

I put my head back and closed my eyes. Thank you, Dr. Geon. I think I need to rest now.

I will be back later to check on you, he replied.

Jihun pulled his hand away and said, If you need anything, let me know. I opened my eyes and watched him walk over to the sofa and sit down with Thomas. I knew he was angry, but he was going to be more upset with me once he found out what I was planning next.

I opened my eyes and noticed it was still dark out. The clock on the wall said 5:30 a.m. My body was still stiff, and my head was still pounding. Jihun was asleep on the couch, and the television was turned off. I was still wondering how my fingerprints got on the gun that was used to shoot Sang-chul. How are you going to fix this? I thought to myself. I raised the bed and reached for my cellphone. I read through some of the messages from Sang-chul and wondered what was true and what was a lie. If he did have feelings for me like he said, how could he do what he did to me? I knew there was only one way to find out, so I messaged Tiff and asked her to come to the hospital so we could talk. She agreed and said she would be there soon. While I waited for her, I sent Karl and Jae-ho both an email to let them know what I was planning on doing. I knew neither of them would agree, but I was not going to sit back any longer and let Sang-chul do all the talking. I also messaged Maria and Jo-woo to let them know I was doing okay and that I would call them soon.

Nadia, Tiff whispered as she came in. Is everything okay? she asked.

Yes, I replied.

Nadia, we have been so worried about you.

I know, and I am sorry, I replied. I promise not to ever make you worry like that again.

She smiled and said, You had better not.

Tiff, I need your help with something.

Anything, she replied.

I need you to work with Doyoon and plan a press conference in two days.

A what! she said loudly.

Shh, I replied.

Sorry, she whispered. Nadia, why would you have a press conference now?

Because I am sick of being blamed for what happened, and I will not let Sang-chul or his uncle continue to make such accusations.

Nadia, you need to rest and work on healing before you do something like this, she replied.

Tiffany, I know you are concerned about my health; but for right now, I need you to focus on what I am asking.

Have you spoken to Karl or Jae-ho about this? she asked.

I sent them both emails this morning, and I am sure neither of them will agree, but I am doing this.

She sat back in the chair and let out a big sigh. Nadia, we don’t even know when you are being released from the hospital, so how can we plan this for the day after tomorrow?

You just take care of details for the press conference, and I will take care of being released.

Nadia, I don’t know about this. I mean Jihun is going to flip, and Thomas is going to be against this too.

I know, I replied. But I was the one who almost died because of that man, and I am the one who lost a month of her life. I will handle Jihun and Thomas. So please help me?

She looked over at me, and shook her head side to side. Fine, she replied. I will call Doyoon this morning and ask him to have the ballroom at the Charlotte set up for a press conference. But, Nadia, you better tell Jihun as soon as possible because you know once I speak to Doyoon he will contact Jihun, and I am sure Jae-ho will as well once he reads your email.

I know, I replied. And I will tell him as soon as my tests have been completed today.

Nadia, I have a question.

What is it?

How did you know about his uncle talking to the press?

I laughed a bit. Tiffany, I may have been asleep, but I can assure you I heard everything.

She tossed her hands up in the air and looked over at Jihun. I told him not to discuss things in here. Dr. Geon said that you may be able to hear us.

It’s all right, I replied. I would have found out about it anyway.

Well, I am going to get going, she said. I will message you later with updates, but, Nadia, tell Jihun as soon as possible.

Tell me what? he said as he stood up. Tiffany looked over at me and had the look of fear on her face. He walked over and kissed my forehead and said morning.

Good morning, I replied.

What brings you here so early, Tiff? he asked.

I asked her, I replied. I just wanted to go over a few things.

Like what? he asked.

Just how Karl and Jae-ho have handled the press about my condition and what they have said about the rest of the tour.

I don’t think you should concern yourself with that right now, he replied. The most important thing for you is rest. I smiled and nodded my head in agreement.

Well, I am going to get going, said Tiff. I will call you soon.

Okay, I replied. She said goodbye to Jihun and rushed out. Where is Thomas?

I sent him home to rest for the night, he replied.

Thank you. I am sure it took a lot to get him to leave.

He laughed. It did, he replied. Nadia, what were you and Tiffany really talking about? Do you have something you want to tell me?

I bit my lip. It was nothing really. We were just discussing ideas for the rest of the tour.

He took my hand. Nadia, you need to focus on your recovery, not working right now, he said.

I know, I replied. And besides, it was just talk. I knew I had to change the subject quickly. Jihun, can you do me a favor please.

Sure, he replied.

Can you find out when I am having my tests done today?

I will go find Dr. Geon right after I freshen up, if that is okay?

Yes, thank you, I replied. He headed into the bathroom, and I waited to hear the shower turn on. Once it did, I sat up slowly and swung my legs over the side of the bed. I slid forward until my feet were touching the ground. I used the bed rail to lift myself up to stand. My legs felt weak, but I let go and stood freely. I took one step forward, and every part of my body hurt, but I fought through and walked to the sofa and stood there. I heard the shower turn off and knew if Jihun saw me, he would freak out, so I turned around and quickly walked back over to the bed and lay down. I was a bit out of breath, sweating, and in a lot of pain. I covered up my legs with the blanket, laid my head back, and closed my eyes. Jihun came out a few minutes later, and as he approached the side of the bed, he asked if I was awake. Yes, I replied. Just resting my eyes.

Nadia, are you sure you are okay?

Yes, I replied. Why do you ask?

Your face is all red, and you look like you are sweating. He put his hand on my forehead. Well, you don’t seem to have a fever.

Jihun, I am fine. Please don’t worry so much.

I am going to find Dr. Geon now, he said. You just rest.

I nodded my head and said, Thank you.

*****

Good morning, Nadia, said Dr. Geon as he came in.

I lifted my head and opened my eyes. Good morning, I replied.

How are you feeling today? he asked.

Good, I said.

We are ready now to take you for some testing. The nurse began to unhook my monitors from the machines, and two orderlies came in to wheel me out.

Jihun came over, gave me a kiss, and said, I’ll be right here when you return.

Okay, I replied. As they wheeled me out into the hallway, there were guards everywhere; and as we passed by each room, I saw that they were all empty. Dr. Geon, why are there no other patients on this floor?

Safety precautions, he replied.

What do you mean by that? I asked.

Well, Jae-ho and Jihun wanted the floor empty just in case there was another issue.

What kind of issue?

Well, Nadia, the hospital had been crawling with reporters for a month now, and a few have made it inside. No one has been able to get close, but to ensure your safety, we moved you here to this floor.

I am sorry to have caused so much trouble, Dr. Geon.

He smiled at me and said, It is no trouble. This floor is an addition to the hospital, and you are the first to be here, he replied. We took the elevator down a few floors, and I was taken inside a large room with a big machine. Nadia, first we are going to do a CT of your head, and after we will take x-rays of your ribs. The nurse had me sit up so she could take the pillows out from under me. I lay back down, and Dr. Geon stood over me and said, I just need you to lay perfectly still until I say we are finished. They rolled me into the machine, and Dr. Geon asked if I was ready. I gave him a thumbs-up and closed my eyes. The machine started, and the noise alone made my head pound. And if that wasn’t bad enough, lying flat on my back was quite painful, so I tried to just clear my head and think about happy things in my life. I thought about Maria and the day we spent together shopping back in New York and the grand ball in Jeju when Jihun sang the song he wrote for me. I thought about Miami and how much fun we had at the nightclub. Dave and Aaron dancing around, and Tiffany so drunk she couldn’t walk let alone talk. I thought about Jia and Jo-woo. Just hearing how well they were doing made me realize that I made the right decision coming back to Korea for them.

Nadia, I heard inside the machine. We are almost done, said Dr. Geon, so please just stay still for just another minute. I smiled and stayed completely still until I heard the machine stop. I was wheeled out from the machine and could see Dr. Geon standing over me. Good job, he said. Now let’s go get those ribs x-rayed.

Dr. Geon, can I sit up now? He raised my bed and asked if it was better. Yes, I replied. I was taken into another room that had a large machine that was hanging from the wall.

Nadia, this will only take a few minutes, but you will have to lay flat again.

I understand, I replied. He took the pillow out and helped guide me back down. Once he left, the lights were turned off, and the machine above me began making a loud clicking noise every second or so. Thankfully, Dr. Geon was right; it only took a few minutes for the x-rays. When he came back in, he raised the machine back up and asked how I was feeling. Sore, I replied.

The nurse came over, raised my bed up, and put my pillows back behind me. Is that better? she asked.

Yes, thank you, I replied.

When you get back to your room, I will instruct your nurse to give you something for the pain.

No, I replied. I can handle it, and I would prefer not to take any more pain medicine.

Nadia, he said. Are you sure?

Yes, I replied. But if I need it, I will ask. He nodded his head and instructed the orderlies to bring me back to my room.

Once I review everything, I will be up to see you.

Thank you, I said as they wheeled me out. When we got off the elevator on my floor, there were two guards waiting for us, and Thomas and several other new guards were waiting outside my room.

Hi, he said. How are you feeling today?

I am doing okay, I replied. Thomas, why are there so many guards here now?

Well, one of the reporters got in again and made it up to this floor.

How did he get past security downstairs?

I have no idea, he replied. But I guess he was not expecting Jihun to be standing there when he got off the elevator.

Oh no, I replied.

It’s okay. Jihun just had him removed and decided to add a few more guards to the floor.

Where is Jihun now?

He is in the office down the hallway on the phone with Doyoon. Do you need him?

No, I replied. I will see him when he is done. I asked the orderlies to hurry and get me back into my room. I knew Doyoon would tell Jihun, and it was only a matter of time before he knew I was back from my testing. Thomas, I need a favor.

What now?

Please, no matter what happens, don’t leave my side.

What? Nadia, what did you do?

Please, I am begging you, just stay right here; and even if you do not agree with me, just have my back. Before he could answer, Jihun walked in.

He would not look at me and just grabbed a chair and set it at the end of my bed. He sat down and stared out the window. Nadia, he said. I just have one question for you.

I bit my lip and looked up at Thomas. I cleared my throat and said, What is your question?

Are you trying to test me right now?

I have no idea what you mean, I replied.

Nadia, how could you do this?

Jihun, I really have no idea what you are talking about.

Jihun, what is going on? asked Thomas.

Ask your friend, he replied.

Nadia, what is he talking about? What did you do this time?

I didn’t do anything wrong, I replied.

Then tell me what is going on. I stared down at my hands and remained silent. Nadia, I am waiting, said Thomas.

Well, I decided to— I stopped. I could feel Jihun’s eyes on me now.

Nadia, keep going, said Thomas.

I had Tiffany schedule a press conference for the day after tomorrow at the Charlotte, I blurted out.

You what! he shouted. Nadia, why would you do that?

Because, Thomas, I am not going to sit back any longer and listen to Sang-chul or his family blaming me for what happened at the warehouse. Everyone needs to know what kind of a man he really is and what really happened.

Nadia, you only need to talk to the police, he replied.

No, Thomas, I need to let the world know the truth. I will leave out certain details for the police so it does not interfere with their investigation, but it is time for me to stand up for myself against all these accusations.

Nadia, how did you know what his family was saying?

I heard you and Jihun talking about it, I replied. He looked at me puzzlingly. I may have been asleep, but I heard everything, Thomas.

Nadia, I don’t think this is a good idea, he replied.

I know you don’t agree with me, but some of the decisions I have made thus far have paid off, wouldn’t you agree?

Jihun stood to his feet and shouted, Paid off? Are you kidding me? Look where you are, Nadia.

Jihun, please.

No, Nadia, I am not going to sit here and listen to this any further. I put my head down. If you would have just waited at the condo for Maria’s call, then you would not be laying here right now.

I looked up and stared into his eyes. Are you really blaming me for getting beaten half to death right now?

He looked away from me and refused to answer.

Nadia, you have not even been out of bed in a month. You don’t even know if you will have the strength to do this, said Thomas.

I wiped the tears from my