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From stereo to mono

That's how the path splits. It continues.

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The Jeon brother's hyung, Jung-Hyun worked at the dock's office in Busan. He and Jungkook went over all of the shipping logs today and a few other paperwork that needed to be checked. Because the big Jeon - Matriach had landed and she was residing with his mother at the mansion, his mother Da-hee was back on the warpath. His mother and her mother-in-law never see eye to eye. Because his grandmother is so demanding, she was irritable for two days.

With his grandma and mother constantly at war, Jungkook made sure he took every opportunity to get out of the office. Mainly, she is concerned about Jungkook's impending wedding, which she opposes wholeheartedly.

Jungkook could do nothing but sigh and detest the day he let his ex meet his grandmother. The grandma fell in love with the orphaned girl right away and was enthralled with her. Sullia's snobbish and stiff attitude made his grandma dislike her. His grandmother always turned  Sullia's dinners or luncheons down.Sullia planned to gain his grandmother's approval.

His grandmother is a tough, outspoken woman. Jungkook had the day off today, so he decided to visit his brother at the docks. He missed his brother and didn't see him frequently, except for his mother's mandatory dinners.

Jung-Hyun glanced at his brother, standing at the large window, staring out at the open ocean, with a distant expression on his face.

"And now...with what's the gloomy expression? Isn't it wonderful that Grams has returned from her European vacation? "He stole a peek while arranging papers on his desk.

As he sipped his bitter coffee, Jungkook sighed deeply. His thoughts were all over the place. After his conversation with Taehyung aboard Seokjins' yacht the previous weekend, he couldn't stop thinking about his ex. His head was at odds with his heart, which was aching.

Her deep, painful eyes plagued him for weeks for a long time. At work, he was unable to focus on anything. He considered going to Paris only to relax and attend the summit. Take an extra week. His mother and Sullia, on the other hand, are pressuring him to bring his fiancee to Paris, which he refuses to do. Sullia attempted to urge him to select a date for their wedding after that fateful night.

He loves his Bangtan brothers, particularly Taehyung, and always listens to his advice but refuses to forgive his ex's past treachery. He is still unable to let go. And because he was angry, upset, and humiliated, he never achieved closure.

"Grams is a handful, and she and Eomma are still in the boxing ring," he says with a furrowed brow to his Hyung. "Grams rejects eommas' opportunity to buy her shares. Eomma will owe the significant shares if she lets go. You're aware of how manipulative grams may be... "He snickers, "I'm so grateful I live in my own space."

"Guks...you don't look happy?" Jung-Hyun inquires of his younger brother. 'Are there any troubles in paradise?"

"I'm so confused, Hyung," Jungkook bit the inside of his cheek and looked at his brother with a calculating gaze. "If you were in my shoes, what would you do? What would you have done if your ex had played you like that? Why can't I let go and put the past behind me?", His eyes appear to be a touch red and watery. Jung-Hyun has deep sympathy for his little brother.

Jung turned around and gave his maknae a tight brotherly embrace, leaving the forms on his table. "Guks, you've been through a lot. You loved her with all of your heart. You gave it all to her. You forgot about common sense and prepared to elope if it hadn't been for Eommas, nosy friend."

As his brother released him from the hug, Jungkook snorted, "Jung...her friend blew the whistle on me. Remember that Eomma's best friend is Sullia's mother, Ajumma Cha-Yoon, whose buddy worked for Cartier. She informed my mother that I had gotten a wedding ring for Jenna. But, in my situation, what would you have done?"

"Guks...you loved the girl," Jung chuckled. " She pleaded with you to forgive her, but I believe there is much more to the story than we were given. Jenna seems to be honourable. I can't believe she slept behind your back with her foster brother. You were overly infatuated with your girlfriend. Just consider it. Why would she suddenly cheat on you if she said she would marry you at any time? You asked her multiple times, and she was terrified for Eomma, who had never considered her a possible wife for you. Ms Cha-Yoon and Eomma have long fantasized about you and Sullia in a relationship. Since elementary school, you've been best friends."

"But all the hard proof was there," Jungkook sighed somberly." To be played like that made me feel like an idiot, Jung. All I wanted was her. Since the first time she rejected my advances, I've been falling more in love with her every day."

"Bangtan used to mock you about being the only one in the group who had many rejections from a single plain girl. Nobody could understand your love for the "hot" nerd. You were denied eleven times by her. My pride would have been shattered, and I'd have given up...but not you. But the issue remains: why did you give up so easily when adversity came knocking? I would have fought for my love and demanded an explanation from her. It's important not to take things at face value." Jung explained as he shook his head.

As he breathed deeply, Jungkook's eyes narrowed. "However, the proof was present...Jung. Evidence that was also unmistakable. She didn't even flinch when she told me she didn't love me and merely wanted to use me for fame and money and that she was caught before she could trap me. When she had the choice between me and money, she chose the money Eomma offered. She stated that money is more important to her and can buy whatever she needs. Jung she sold my love for 500 million won, around $413,000. She'd always been a gold digger!" He spat furiously.

He plopped down on the black leather seat, throwing his head back and covering his face with his hands. His sadness was visible on his face. "Why do you think I would agree to an arranged marriage? Sullia is safe; I don't have to worry about her betraying me. There is no emotional investment."

 With a shake of his head, Jung muttered, "Something isn't quite right here, Guks...everything appears to be planned or scripted. I noticed how she stared at you during the pitch when you were not looking. She is still in love with you. And don't you think they'd still be together if she loved her foster brother so much? Don't you think they'd be married or in a relationship now? I'm not sure, man."

Jungkook took a long breath and exclaimed, "You know what! I don't give a rat's ass. She's a relic from my past. In my life, I don't need any distractions. Perhaps all I need to do is marry Sullia, who loves me, have one child, and live a life free of emotional baggage."

Jung sighs as he observes his brother's adamant expression; his brother has had enough of the sting of love.

"Will a loveless marriage make you happy? Sullia will suffer a great deal since you will never love her as you loved Jenna. Jenna continues to play a vital role in your life. Face it, you're not over her, bro" Jung concluded.

"I'm done with her, Jung," Jungkook says, pressing his lips together and looking at his brother.

A smirk enters the edges of Jung's mouth as he snorts and pats his brother on the shoulder as he opens the file cabinet. "If you say so, that's okay. So, hey, you know she hasn't dated anyone in the last two years. But I heard a rumor...well, not quite a rumor, but her friend Lalisa and Eunjin were discussing Jenna seeing an actor/model/slash businessman for the last week. She was seen with him at his coffee shop in Ulsan and an upscale restaurant in Gangnam-gu for lunch. He appeared smitten with her. —— "When he observed his brother's pinched brow, he pursed his lips.

"What...who is he?" Jungkook exclaimed, startled. Jenna was never seen with an arm candy on her arm. Even at business events. She frequently went with Mr. Kang, Lalisa, or one of her colleagues.

"Why so surprised?" Jung exclaimed, laughing at his brother's bewilderment.,"Most men asked her out since she is talented and beautiful, but Mr. Lee got it right to keep her attention for longer. As a result, both of you will seek greener pastures. Aren't you happy?"

"She can date however she wants, and I don't flippen care!" Jungkooks' eyes hardened. He did a glance at his silver and black Richard Mille watch.

"Please accept my apologies, Jung-Hyun. I would have liked to spend the entire day with you, but Jimin and Taehyung have suggested that we have brunch together at noon. Is it possible to postpone tonight's dinner with your family? Please inform Eunjin that I will be hanging out with Bangtan. She is welcome to drop Kwan down at my apartment for a sleepover. My housekeeper, Genie, will look after him for a while. Bye "He hurriedly greeted his hyung with a hasty bow before leaving. Jung took a few paces away and peered out the window, and shook his head. 

He had just mentally rattled his younger brother. By a long shot, he is not over Jenna. He acted so abruptly because he knew she was moving on is obvious. He chuckles as he calls his wife, Ningning, to discuss the evening's dinner.

Jungkook was overcome with unfounded anxiety in his sports car. Why did he have such a strong reaction when he found out that Jenna was seeing Mr. Lee? He had no idea she was dating. He knew she was gorgeous, but the prospect of seeing her with another man made him uncomfortable, and he loathed her all over again for making him feel vulnerable.

He slammed his hand on the steering wheel, and his teeth gritted as he lamented, "Why the hell can't I move on for her?" He was leaning his head over his arms on the steering wheel when he came to a complete stop on the side of the road. His heart was pounding rapidly.

"Why can't I forget her? I'm an engaged man..." he groans angrily, but images of him and Jenna begin to resurface. He couldn't breathe ...

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You felt so refreshed when you woke up in your new apartment. Jihyo decided to relocate, and you were so delighted to have your sister with you in Ulsan. She will be moving this coming weekend. Unfortunately, you won't be able to help her pack up, but you'll help her with the removal by referring her to the removal company. You love your new environment. You felt free from every stress and discomfort. You haven't heard from Lalisa for two days. But even if you think your heart painfully constricts that she was now in the enemy's camp.

Jung Suk called you last night and arranged a meeting briefly with the CEO of Moonflower. You felt giddy to meet him at his upscale restaurant in Ulsan. You are dressed in a blue-green chiffon designer blouse and a tight fit, while leather pants and your white stilettos. You left your nut brownish hair loose on your shoulders. It grew out a bit. You felt like a real CEO. 

Jihyo had employed a young girl as a receptionist to man the office while you are on your rounds. You'll hire other staff members when needed. Lee Jung Suk asked her to meet him at his other shop near her place. You already had a beautiful pitch and ideas for marketing his coffee shops in the media. Armed with your laptop, you were going to the small coffee shop.

You parked in front of the establishment. You smile brightly as you enter the shop. It was still early, and the morning rush hadn't begun yet.

The waitress and a few staff members greeted you with a big smile and escorted you to Jung Suk's first-floor office. When you glanced around, your thoughts instantly turned to how he could attract more clients to his modest quint shop. The one in Gangnam is more opulent and upmarket than this one, which caters to the surrounding little neighborhoods. It's tiny, but it's still trendy.

His eyes widened when he saw you. He appeared to have seen a ghost. You couldn't help but beam at his adoration. After a stressful month, you feel so valued and beautiful.

You both bow and greet one other politely. You give him a big smile as you follow him into his office.

"Welcome to one of my babies, Ms. Song," he grins as his eyes twinkle in your amusement. He handed you his leather seat; he looked at you with evident respect.

He assigned a waitress to bring breakfast to you. You decide on a cheesecake and a cup of hazelnut cappuccino instead of a full breakfast. He was pleased with your breakfast selection.

"I need extra energy," you said as you looked up. "Mr. Lee, you want your small coffee shop to attain its full potential by incorporating new, trendy concepts. Take a look at my proposals, for example. Custom Coffee Cup Sleeves are an excellent place to start. Attractive storefronts, such as those in Seoul, can attract younger, trendier clients... You may even offer to buy one, get one free promotion. Start by giving your regular customers loyalty cards where they can earn points and receive a reward...provide half-priced refills...make it a combo...or offer bounce-back receipt rewards. What do you think, "you lift your eyes to him?"

Your passion completely enthralled him. Your eyes sparkle with radiance. You're good at this, and it's what you're passionate about.

"Wow, I like it. I have the financial means to renovate and make adjustments. This establishment served as a family restaurant. It was handed down to me by my late grandmother. Thank you for your time, Jenna. I'm excited to collaborate with you and Lynx Advertising. You're very professional, "He gushed, thoroughly impressed, as he gazed at you.

You bow and express gratitude for his compliment.

You got up and began packing your belongings to go. You wanted to present the proposal to Mr. Kang so that he might take it further. Mr. Lee will compensate you generously for your knowledge and assistance.

As you approached him, he stood at the entrance of his office, asking, "How about supper sometime?" He inquired hesitantly.

"Are you asking me out on a business or personal basis?" you inquire, your eyes widening. As his cheeks began to turn a shade of scarlet, you smirked.

"We can work our way up to the personal capacity—-" he says sheepishly.

You smile and nod, sweeping your hair behind your ears. "That sounds good to me, so let's take it slow. I've given up on dating, "You said with a sad tone. Jung Suk nods as he sees you're not interested in romance right now, but he'll wait as long as you'll let him.

"Okay, I'll abide by your wishes. But I'd like to take you out for a drink and get to know you better. Go at your own pace. Is that okay with you?" he asks. You give a slight nod. While you were still talking about marketing tactics, he took you downstairs. You froze in your steps as you reached the stairs, hearing Jung Suk shouts surprise at his new visitors.

"Welcome, Jungkook, Tae, and Jimin.!"  He came up to the three men who entered his shop and said, "I thought you forgot about my invite two weeks ago..." The waiters were ecstatic that Seoul's youngest billionaires had just arrived and that they had to serve them.

As the youngest member of the group looked passed his Hyungs to the unmoving figure at the bottom of the steps, the blood drained from both your faces.

Then your gazes locked on one other, and you both stood spellbound, unable to pull away...

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A/n. Thank you so much for all the reads and comments as well as votes. "Lost in the Maze" has reached 1k reads. Your support is amazing. Kindly check out the other books in the CEO series.

Don't forget to vote and comment.

Question 1: Jungkook's feelings for you are still unsettled. How will he deal with his unwelcome emotions?

Question 2: Do you believe he will continue with the wedding, forgetting about You?

Question 3: Lee appears to be head over heels in love; do you believe she should start dating?

Question 4 : Will Jungkook be a snare in the "potential" relationship?

Question 5: Do you agree with his brother, Jung Hyun? Is it possible that their breakup was plotted?