🥀 1. 𝐀 𝐆𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐛𝐲𝐬𝐬

Edited ✓

A note for my readers! make sure to read the story from the start once again because I have made major and minor changes that affect the future chapters of the book.

so...

Enjoy🌸

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Kims Manor

"Shortlist the candidates and send an email to them for further interviews. Within a week, make sure to select the best candidate for the post," a voice resonated, deep and smooth, like velvet brushing against dark silk.

It wasn't just heard; it was felt. Like goosebumps on the skin!

Each syllable curling into the air like smoke from a fire that burned low but constant. There was a rasp to it, a slight huskiness that clung to the edges of his words. As he moved toward the bed, the phone resting lightly in his slender fingers, even his silence seemed to hum with an unspoken promise of control.

"Noted, sir,"

With a faint beep, the call ended.

The black-haired man lowered his phone with intentional ease, his long, slender fingers pressing the screen to silence before setting it exactly on the charging place. Crossing the room with the grace of a predator, his broad shoulders rolled as he approached the neatly laid-out ensemble on the bed.

The white shirt he reached for shone under the soft morning light purifying through the windows, its fabric gliding against his tan skin as he slid it on. The material stretched slightly over the contours of his toned chest and the ridges of his defined arms, hinting at the strength beneath.

Standing before the full-length mirror, he worked swiftly, his fingers moving to fasten each button. The silver cufflinks he clipped onto his sleeves caught the light, glinting like the quiet sharpness in his dark charcoal eyes. He chose a silk tie next, a deep navy that oozed understated power. As he looped and knotted it, the tendons in his forearms flexed subtly, a glimpse of restrained strength.

The mirror reflected a man at the peak of his prime—his tailored charcoal trousers sat perfectly on his lean hips, emphasizing the confident set of his posture. He slipped on polished black leather shoes.

With a final glance at his reflection, he ran his fingers through his jet-black hair, taming it into submission. Each strand obeyed under those lean fingers, falling in flawless alignment, framing his angular jaw.

Beside the couch, breakfast awaited—toast crisped to golden and a cup of moil coffee, its rich aroma wafting through the air. He reached for the cup, his large hands cradling it effortlessly, lifting it to his lips. The way he sipped—unhurried, deliberate—spoke volumes of a man who took his time, commanding even the simplest actions with soft dominance. The man with the cup clutched in his hand, walked to his tablet. His finger worked to open the passcode and his eyes moved as the content of the device popped up.

The calm of the room shattered as the door flung open with a loud thud. The sound bounced off the walls, yet the black-haired man barely flinched. His broad shoulders squared as he turned slowly, an intentional movement that spoke of control rather than surprise. His piercing charcoal gaze met that of the elderly woman who entered, her hurried steps and exasperated sighs filling the once-serene space.

"Why are you in your formal wear?" the lady demanded, her voice tinged with both fondness and frustration. "Office—again—on a holiday?"

Before he could respond, a rush of wind swept through the room, and an eagle soared inside, its powerful wings cutting through the air. It perched gracefully atop the wardrobe, its piercing golden eyes gleaming with a wild intelligence. The man's sharp gaze locked onto the creature, his expression softening into something.

A faint smirk curled at the corner of his lips as he turned away. Walking toward the breakfast tray, his polished leather shoes clicking faintly against the floor. Without looking, he reached for a sugar cube, his long fingers wrapping around it and dropped the cube into his coffee, stirring it with languid grace, the spoon's soft clinks were filled in the air.

The eagle swooped down and landed on the edge of the breakfast table. Its talons gripped the wood firmly but without harm. The man's eyes flicked to his companion, and for a moment, the intensity in his gaze softened.

Breaking off a piece of cookie, he held it out to the eagle. The bird took it with an accuracy that mirrored its master's, and as it ate, his free hand rose to stroke its head. His touch was firm, two fingers brushing over its feathers with mutual respect.

The eagle's eyes shone with an intensity as if it could see straight into the soul of the one standing before it.

"Majestic as ever," he murmured, his voice low and rich, a sound that resonate in the quiet room. His sharp eyes observed the bird's every detail, scanning its plumage with the same carefulness he applied to everything in his life. His thumb brushed a speck of dust from its wing, an action so subtle yet brimming with control that even his smallest gestures felt commanding.

Behind him, the elderly woman huffed, clasping her wrinkled hands in exasperation. "Gosh! Leave it! You will not go to the office today. And—what are you wearing?" she exclaimed, her tone half-scolding, half-pleading.

He turned his head slightly, enough to acknowledge her words but not enough to fully engage, his focus still on the eagle. She pressed on, unaffected by his patience. "You're going to get married soon! Try to wear something stylish. Always the same monochrome colors—black and grey, black and white."

"You should be different from others," the lady said in full excitement, clasping her wrinkled yet smooth hands.

The male halted for a moment, he kept the cup aside and looked at the woman with blank eyes.

"Am I not different, Grandma?" he asked.

The elderly woman's smile flattered but she tried to regain it. The twinkle in her eyes dimmed as she recalled fragments of his past, those moments she had desperately tried to forget but never could.

She sighed softly, her excitement faded as she studied her grandson's blank expression. But the woman was strong, determined to bring light back into the room. She forced her smile to return, though it trembled slightly at the edges.

"Well,"the lady began, "you've always been different, my dear. But there's a kind of different that stands out in a crowd, and a kind that hides in the shadows. Maybe... it's time to step out into the light."

Her words hung in the air, a plea for him to welcome something more, something brighter. The male remained silent, his gaze drifting away.

"Well, the answer to your question, of course, you are different. Why wouldn't you be, huh? After all, you're the best grandson this oldie could ask for," the woman chuckled, her voice an attempt to smoothen the tension in the room.

But the male's sharp gaze didn't waver.

"Don't change the topic, Maa. Why am I like this? Why do I have these...powers, like some sort of Jinn? Tell me why."

Her laughter faded, replaced by a heavy sigh. The lady knew he wouldn't let it go; he was as stubborn as a storm that refused to pass. His voice came again, colder now, filled with a desperation that twisted the knife in her chest.

"Why am I like this—"

"Shh," she interrupted, pulling him into a hug. "Don't ask this again, because... I don't know the answer."

Lie. Pure lie.

She tightened her embrace as if trying to shield him from the truth that clawed at her insides. The truth she knew but could never speak of. The old lady's heart clenched painfully as memories she had fought to bury resurfaced—the tragic incidents of their past, the shadows of Jinn that had cast the dark influence over her beloved grandson.

She held him closer, wishing she could protect him from the destiny that had already begun to unfold, like ink seeping into paper, impossible to erase.

The man closed his eyes and the Fragments of memories flickered behind his closed lids, the last glimpses of a childhood he could barely remember, but could never forget.

"I know you try to hide it," his inner voice whispered, "But these little eyes... they've already seen the dread of the past."

His heart tightened as he recalled those memories—those dark moments that had imprinted themselves into his soul.

He opened his eyes, but the darkness didn't go. "You think I don't remember, Maa? The things I saw... the things I felt. They're still there, buried deep, but they never really left."

His grandmother's eyes filled with sorrow, the wrinkles on her face deepening as his words struck her. She tried to speak, but the words caught in her throat, choked by the secrets she had never wanted him to bear.

"I was just a child," he continued, "But even then, I knew something was wrong. You can try to protect me from it, Maa, but the truth is... it's already a part of me."

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she fought them back. "I wanted to shield you from that darkness," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I wanted to give you a chance at a normal life, free from the shadows that haunted our family."

"But there is no escaping it, is there?" he said, his tone surrendered.

"Whatever it is, whatever I am... it's in me, a curse that I can't shake off."

She shook her head, holding him tighter, as if her embrace could somehow keep the darkness at bay.

"No, my dear, You are more than that, more than the past," she murmured, desperate to reach the boy she had raised. "You are strong, kind, and good... the best of us."

"But I'm also afraid," he admitted softly, the rare vulnerability in his voice broke her heart. "Afraid of what I might become."

She pulled back slightly, cupping his face in her hands, forcing him to look into her eyes.

"No matter what happens, no matter what you face... you will never be alone. You have me, your grandmother, and I will stand by you, no matter what comes."

But as she spoke those words, a chill ran down her spine, and she couldn't help but wonder if she could truly protect him from the Djinn that was all set to claim him.

In the corner of his heart,
he fought with the shadows only he could see,
haunted by a past that stays buried.

Could he ever escape the darkness within?
Could he?

Baker's Street

The morning in Baker's street was usually lively and chaotic. This street is a famous landmark known for its bakeries, cafes and restaurants hidden like a diamond in the coal mine.

The metallic gate creaked open, and the screeching sound of iron echoed in the morning air. The soft rustling of a grocery bag was briefly heard before it was set down on the kitchen slab with a thud. Light pitter-patter hurried across the floor of the beauty who ascended the stairs.

The door to the balcony was pushed open, revealing the sheer curtains fluttering and dancing in the breeze. A figure emerged, eyes scanning thecalm sky above with curiosity.

The small balcony was illuminated by the soft shades of the rising sun. Dew-kissed potted plants were carefully arranged, framing the periphery of the small space. Hanging wind chimes swayed gently, creating a soothing melody in the gentle breeze.

In the center stood a figure who seemed almost otherworldly.

Like an angel who emerged from the early morning mist, the light-blue dress flowing around her. Her long hair cascaded like a waterfall. The delicate rose gold bird-shaped pendant on her necklace glinted when it caught the sunlight.

Her galaxy-filled doe eyes sparkled, similar to the distant stars twinkling in the early dawn. As she extended her hand holding the birdseed, her eyes followed the birds, their fluttering wings mirrored in her gaze.

With a soft, affectionate smile, she watched as the birds flitted closer,

The beauty held a plate of birdseed in her hands, her eyes filled with kindness as she extended it toward a small gathering of colourful birds that had come to visit. They chirped joyfully, perching on the railings and savouring their morning meal.

Her face lit up, with cute black doe eyes, a button nose, her cheeks adorned with a peachy hue, the baby fat making them glow more, lips stretched by her bunny smile, enchanting her beauty more. Her white milky skin was glowing making her look like a real Angel.

"Ya!, this kiddo, she will destroy this house one day, Jeon Jungkook, come out or I will not spare you," a screeching voice of a lady in her mid-fifties echoed in the cosy space followed by shouting and nagging.

Kara's frustration boiled over and she ruthlessly knocked the plate from the table, sending the birdseed scattering. The birds scattered into the sky, their harmonious morning disrupted by Kara's intrusion. The once-calm balcony was now distorted.

Jungkook hid behind the pillar and peeped to see her mother, nagging loudly and going away after destroying the whole balcony. She moves forward and picks up the fallen bowl of water refilling it. Her hands took the crushes of some birdseed in her palm, and the small particles slipped through her finger like sand. The beauty moved her hand forward and whistled loudly.

"Come out my little birdies, mama has gone. Let's feed your hungry tummies,"

The terrified birds began to gather around her once more. They fluttered back, perching on her outstretched hand and pecking at the scattered food with tiny beaks. She giggled, a soft, melodious sound that diffused through the air, and her eyes sparkled with delight.

"Awwie, you all are so awwdorable. Huh, is it even a word?" Jungkook's brow furrowed in confusion, her doe eyes blinking in innocent curiosity.

She tilted her head slightly, a strand of hair falling across her face.

"Never mind, from today it is," she declared with a grin.

Her soft giggles rang out again, as she gently brushed the food from her dress and continued to care for her feathered friends. The soft breeze ruffled her hair, adding magic to the moment.

The Kim Manor was decorated like a new bride, and the old walls turned into a display of luxury and classiness. Rich, velvety curtains in deep shades of burgundy hung from the grand windows. Crystal chandeliers sparkled, casting a golden royal glow across the elegant space.

The black-haired male walked alongside his grandmother. He observed the preparations, his eyes occasionally drifting to the new decorations that adorned the manor. The old woman beside him was caught up in her own thoughts, her sharp eyes scanning every detail to ensure everything was perfect.

"This is done, this is also, this too," she muttered to herself, her gaze sharp as she went through her mental checklist. "Bargaining with catering is done, and I've already scolded the florist. The decorations—" She stopped abruptly, noticing the young man's fogged gaze wandering around the room.

"Where are you looking here and there?" she asked.

He looked up from his reverie, his deep, soft voice cutting the background noise of activity.

"Mother? Where is she?" he inquired, his tone laced with concern for his mother.

His grandmother's eyes softened at the mention of his mother.

"She must be somewhere around," she said, offering a warm smile at her grandson's care. "Organizing a wedding for a son is not a small task. Even the best can make mistakes amidst all this chaos."

He turned to her, his voice cold and unwavering. "No, Grandma, I'm sure she's worried. She must be missing that man during this function."

His grandmother paused, her eyes narrowing as she absorbed his words. With a sharp turn, she confronted him. "Kim Taehyung! How many times have I told you not to bring that man's name up again and again?"

The work around them came to an abrupt halt. Workers and servants halted and watched with interest as the drama unfolded.

Noticing the eyes of the staff, Grandma's expression shifted. She lowered her voice, "But you never listen."

Taehyung huffed his stoic expression didnt shift. "Okay, can you tell me where she is?" he asked again.

Grandma glanced sharply at him. Her eyes softened briefly before she pointed with a curt nod.

"There,"

Taehyung followed her gesture, his gaze settling on a distant corner of the manor where his mother was busy with the arrangements. Taking a final glance at the main hall, the mother breathed in satisfaction when she found everything done perfectly. One can easily identify her immense happiness from the smile she had on her face.

Both the black-haired male and Grandma went towards her. The lady, Kim Soomin came towards her son and hugged him, showering him with blessings for the big day ahead.

"You are fine, right? Dont think about the past or someone. We don't need selfish people in our life," Taehyunh said after kissing her forehead.

Soomin gave him a small smile," Don't worry, I'm fine. Now Go fast."

"Where Mom?" Taehyung asked.

"Go to the orphanage. Remember I told you," Soomin spoke as she put the fresh flowers in the vase.

"And make sure to return before 7 in the evening. Kangs are expected to arrive at 8." the mother spoke.

Taehyung nodded and went away.

Grandma and Soomin painfully smiled as they eyed taehyung till he diminished from their sight.

Grandma sighed, "Today, he was asking why is he different from everyone. How do I tell him that his father is responsible for all the problems in his life? Kim Taesung, the father made a grave mistake in past, and today we are facing the consequences, especially my grandson. When Taesung was going to Jinn, he didn't know that if Jinn helped, he asked for something in return."

"Till when mother. One day he will come to know," Soomin's expression pained as she spoke.

Grandma continued, " I don't know. But We can't tell tae that the wrongdoings of his father destroyed many lives." Suddenly, she recalls the plane crash.

"The biggest crime he did was—
leaving an innocent 1-month-old girl in the river alone."

☡

Jungkook gently caressed the gold bracelet with her fingertips, her eyes tracing its delicate design. "Even though my childhood was taken from me, this bracelet is the one precious piece I have left."

Jungkook smiled painfully and then walked over to her mother, who was chopping vegetables. With a small, hesitant sigh, she asked, "Mama, when you found me by the river, this bracelet was still on my wrist, wasn't it?"

Her mother, rolling her eyes and grumbling, replied, "Yes, I found you at the river with this bracelet on and four birds protecting you as if you were some sort of mystical child. Are you satisfied? Will you listen to this same old story again and again for the rest of your life? Don't you have something more productive to do?"

Jungkook's fingers trembled slightly as she moved toward the dressing table, carefully opening the wooden jewelry box. She placed the bracelet inside.

"Why? Can't you tell me again and again," Jungkook asked, kohl-filled eyes locked to Kara's and the eyebrows wiggled in mischief. The beauty adjusted a lock of her hair behind her ear.

Her mother's frustration was at its peak, her voice was laden with irritation.

"Why does it matter to you? Huh?
The CEO was offering 1 lakh for you to perform a few songs at his son's reception. Did you hear?
1 lakh!
It was a chance to bring some happiness, to make me proud.
But no, you're too absorbed in your own world."

Jungkook's lips curved into a soft smile, her eyes lost their happiness. She leaned casually against the dresser, her fingers lightly gripping on the edge.

"Mama, 1 lakh is nothing compared to what truly matters. If it's money you need, just wait until my restaurant opens."

Her mother's gaze hardened, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. "Stop dreaming. You can't escape reality. And the reality is, you are the daughter of a courtesan. That's the truth you can't hide from."

Well, it cut Jungkook's dream too!

The bright smile on Jungkook's face faded instantly, replaced by a look of frustration. She turned sharply, her voice steady.

"Let's invite them to our house and ask them to perform."

Her mother's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? Have you lost your mind? They'll come here, and you expect them to dance? Do you have any idea how respected they are?"

Jungkook's eyes flashed sadness. "What about us? What about our dignity? Mom, If we want others to respect us, then we must first show respect for ourselves. I'm not going to dance. It's final."

Her mother's frustration reached a boiling point. "You know how important this performance is. You're throwing away an opportunity, Jungkook."

Jungkook wiped away a stray tear with the back of her hand, "I'd rather face the consequences of this decision than compromise my self-respect. No amount of money or performance is worth losing who am I."

Kara's voice remained firm. "Do you think this is easy for me? I'm trying to provide for us, trying to make sure we have a future. But if you refuse, we'll have to face the fallout together."

Jungkook took a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing a bit. "I understand, Mama. But my decision stands. We have to stand for something, even if it means standing alone."

Jungkook grabbed her bag and called out, "Bye, I'm going."

Her mother looked up, "Where?"

Jungkook adjusted her bag on her shoulder. "First the orphanage, and then to the dargah. It's the new moon celebration today, and they say every wish made on this day is granted."

Kara raised an eyebrow, her tone suspicious. "And what exactly are you wishing for? Your prince from those silly fairytales?"

Jungkook retorted, crouching down to slip on her sandals. "Mumma! Fairytales aren't silly."

"Off course, go wait for your sweet handsome prince," Kara rolled her eyes.

Jungkook chuckled, "A small mistake old lady. I don't want a sweet handsome prince, my ideal is far more intense."

Kara looked at her expectantly.

Jungkook's eyes twinkled with mischievousness.

"I want someone who doesn't just save me; I want someone who would burn the world down for me. I'm not talking about someone who will simply rescue me from danger, but someone who would fall into the abyss, and make chaos and destruction if it meant keeping me safe."

Jungkook paused, gripping the door handle.

"In the end, a man who is not just a hero in a story— the one who would be a hurricane. The one who doesn't just protect; but rather transforms everything around him for the sake of the one he loves. That's the kind of prince I dream of."

Kara raised an eyebrow. "I think I should throw your books away. You're getting wrapped up in these dark fantasies."

Jungkook glanced up, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "Mumma, it's just a bit of fun imagination. Not everything is as real as it sounds. Besides, isn't it better to dream of a prince who is more than just a fairy tale hero?"

Kara shook her head with a resigned chuckle. "As long as you don't forget the real world. Just remember, my dear, life isn't a dark romance novel."

Jungkook laughed softly, tying her sandals with a flourish. She tied the laces carefully and faced Kara with determination.

"And About your first question, I will ask for answers—about my past, my parents, and my existence."

"Fine, but take Ara with you," Kara said as she closed the door behind Jungkook.

"Okay!" Jungkook called out, heading down the street, determined to seek the answers she longed for.

While walking Jungkook's thoughts drifted as she thought about her ideal type. She sighed and shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips.

"Silly, live in reality, Jungkook," Jungkook muttered to herself. "These dreams are just that—dreams. Time to focus on what's real. Your dark prince doesn't exist."

"Or does he?" a small voice from the farthest corner of her mind spoke.

—

"I have heard the tales of how dreams turn into reality,
But today fate gave me the chance to see it too~~~"

A fairy whispered, in the clouds. Her poetic words spread through the unlimited sky like a sweet whisper.

She looked at the fading figure of Jungkook from the sky and then her gaze went to Taehyung who was driving the car down the road.

Once in a while, in the middle of an ordinary life,
Their love gives us a fairytale.

For all the pictures used in this whole book, credits go to their respective owners.

Do comment on your thoughts about the first chapter.

Happy reading!