I Love You Oppa

Chapter 11

Chapter 11: "Echoes of the Past"

The autumn days grew shorter, and the chill in the air became more pronounced as November approached. Haneul Arts Academy continued to buzz with activity, but for Jellaine, the season brought more than just crisp weather—it stirred up memories from her past that she hadn’t fully addressed.

One afternoon, as Jellaine was rehearsing for an upcoming recital, she received a phone call from her older brother, Paulo. The tone of his voice was serious, and Jellaine could sense a hint of urgency.

“Hey, Jellaine,” Paulo said, his voice steady but carrying a note of concern. “I need to talk to you about something important. Can we meet up this weekend?”

Jellaine’s heart skipped a beat. “Sure, Paulo. What’s going on?”

“It’s something related to our parents,” Paulo replied. “I’ll explain more when we meet. Let’s say Saturday afternoon?”

Jellaine agreed, her mind racing with questions. Her parents had passed away years ago, and she hadn’t heard much about their affairs since then. The call left her unsettled, and she found it hard to concentrate on her practice session.

Saturday arrived, and Jellaine made her way to the café where she and Paulo had agreed to meet. The cozy atmosphere of the café contrasted sharply with the anxiety she felt. She spotted Paulo at a corner table, looking thoughtful as he sipped his coffee.

“Hi, Paulo,” Jellaine greeted as she sat down. “What’s this about?”

Paulo set his coffee cup down and looked at her with a serious expression. “I received some documents recently—legal papers related to our parents’ estate. It seems there’s an unresolved matter that we need to address.”

Jellaine’s eyes widened. “Unresolved matter? What do you mean?”

Paulo took a deep breath. “There’s a clause in the will that I hadn’t noticed before. It’s about a property that was supposedly left to us, but there’s been some legal contention regarding its ownership. I think we need to take action to clear this up.”

Jellaine felt a mix of confusion and apprehension. “Why didn’t we hear about this before?”

“I’m not sure,” Paulo said. “But it looks like the issue was buried in paperwork and wasn’t addressed properly. I’ve already contacted a lawyer to help us with this.”

The news weighed heavily on Jellaine. The thought of dealing with legal issues related to her parents was daunting, but she knew she had to face it. “What do we need to do next?”

Paulo nodded. “I’m meeting with the lawyer next week. I think it would be helpful if you could come along so we can all be on the same page. The sooner we handle this, the better.”

Jellaine agreed, feeling a sense of resolve. “Alright, I’ll be there. Thanks for letting me know.”

As they finished their coffee and parted ways, Jellaine couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. The unresolved issue regarding her parents’ estate brought back memories of their passing and the challenges they had faced. It was a reminder of the unfinished business that lingered from their lives.

In the following days, Jellaine tried to focus on her preparations for the recital, but the impending legal meeting loomed over her thoughts. She found solace in practicing her music, pouring her emotions into each performance as a way to cope with her anxiety.

The meeting with the lawyer was scheduled for the following Monday. Jellaine arrived at the lawyer’s office with Paulo, feeling a mix of apprehension and determination. The office was sleek and modern, and the lawyer, Mr. Kim, greeted them with a professional demeanor.

“Ms. Jellaine, Mr. Paulo,” Mr. Kim said, shaking their hands. “Thank you for coming. I’ve reviewed the documents related to your parents’ estate, and I’d like to explain the situation.”

They took their seats, and Mr. Kim began to explain the legal intricacies of the case. It turned out that the property in question was a small piece of land that had been contested by another party. The legal battle had been ongoing, but it had been neglected over time.

“Based on the documents, it appears that the property was indeed meant to be part of your inheritance,” Mr. Kim said. “However, the claim from the other party needs to be addressed in court. I recommend filing a petition to assert your claim and resolve the matter.”

Jellaine and Paulo listened intently, absorbing the information. The prospect of a court battle was daunting, but they understood the importance of resolving the issue. They agreed to proceed with the petition and work with Mr. Kim to navigate the legal process.

As they left the lawyer’s office, Jellaine felt a sense of resolve. The path ahead would be challenging, but she was determined to see it through. The experience reminded her of the strength and resilience she had developed over the years.

In the days that followed, Jellaine balanced her preparations for the recital with the legal proceedings. The stress of the situation took a toll on her, but she found comfort in the support of her friends and mentors. Soo-ah, Minji, and Hana offered their encouragement, helping her stay focused on her music.

The night before the recital, Jellaine sat in her dorm room, reviewing her performance notes. The room was quiet, and the soft glow of the lamp provided a calming atmosphere. She took a deep breath and reflected on the challenges she had faced.

The recital day arrived, and Jellaine was both excited and nervous. The auditorium was filled with an eager audience, and Jellaine took her place on stage. The performance was a chance for her to express her emotions and share her passion for music.

As she played, Jellaine felt a sense of release. The music flowed from her fingers, each note resonating with the emotions she had been carrying. The audience’s response was warm and appreciative, and Jellaine felt a renewed sense of purpose.

After the recital, Jellaine received heartfelt congratulations from her friends and fellow students. The success of the performance provided a much-needed boost to her spirits, and she felt a sense of accomplishment.

As she walked home that evening, Jellaine reflected on the events of the past week. The legal matter related to her parents’ estate had been challenging, but she had faced it with determination. The support of her friends and the success of the recital had given her strength.

When she reached her dorm room, she took a moment to write in her journal, capturing her thoughts and feelings.

“Today was a reminder of the resilience I’ve built over the years. The recital was a success, and I’m grateful for the support of my friends and mentors. The legal matter is still ongoing, but I’m determined to see it through. Music continues to be a source of strength and expression, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.”

With her thoughts organized, Jellaine closed her journal and prepared for bed. The path ahead was uncertain, but she was ready to face it with courage and hope.