Back for Good

Chapter 1

"Please... Please stay with me..." 

"I... I can't. I'm sorry..." 

She forced her closed eyelids tighter, trying to drown the rays that had managed to peak in between her window blinds. 

Another morning, another day. 

Lisa shifted and lay on her back, ultimately escaping the sunlight that was once hitting her face. She stared at the ceiling and sighed before turning to her left, reaching her hand towards that empty side of the bed. 

She felt the coldness of the sheets seep in the skin of her palm and Lisa missed the time when it was always warm, when it wasn't empty, when she was genuinely happy. 

The sound of the alarm ripped her from her melancholy; she always seemed to wake up before it actually rings. Turning off the device, Lisa slid off her bed and stretched for a bit, cracking a few bones whenever she moves. She's getting too old, she thought, old and very much alone.

She walked towards the windows and lifted up the blinds. Sunlight flooded her room almost instantly, but Lisa didn't feel the warmth at all. She smiled sadly as she gazed out the window before closing her eyes, pretending to feel a pair of arms wrapping around her waist, pulling her close, holding her in place. She let her mind play that soft voice she'll never forget, asking her to come back to bed, before being pulled away from the window. She'll let herself bed ragged towards and under the sheets, be enclosed in a tight and warm embrace before succumbing to sleep once again.

Ring.

Lisa opened her eyes and the daydream ended. She turned towards the phone and went to pick it up on the nightstand. She checked the caller ID and smiled faintly, this time more genuine, before answering the call.

"Good morning, Lisa." 

"Hey, Seulgi." 

"Just called to remind you of your appointment with Ms. Kim." 

"Ah, Miss Kim Jisoo, right?"

"Yep." 

"Okay, thanks Seul. I'll see you in a few. Bye." 

"See ya, buddy." 

With another glance towards the window, Lisa gave out a long sigh before heading towards the showers. 

'Wherever you are right now... I hope you're happy'

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Lisa arrived at her studio a little late than usual. She took her time driving to her office, admiring the bustling morning that's unfolding around her as she passed by the busy streets of Seoul. She saw her new potential client walking around in her modest office, looking at the framed photos that covered the walls. 

"I apologize for being late, Ms. Kim. I was kinda held up for a bit." 

The Thai girl shook her new client's hand before circling her desk and plopping down on her chair. She gestured for the other woman to do the same. 

"It's no problem. Being given the chance to be here in your office is more than enough; I know how busy you are." She gave her an understanding smile. 

"Yes, it's been quite a packed month for me and my team. Everyone seems to love getting married on this month." 

The Thai girl shook her head and chuckled as she opened her planner. Indeed, almost all the dates for the month had been crossed out and taken by different clients.