The sun was setting over the private beach, casting a warm golden glow over the gathering crowd. The breeze was soft, carrying the scent of saltwater and the laughter of family and friends celebrating together. Tonight, the beach was transformed into a paradise for the occasion, and Kim Do-hwan had spared no expense to ensure it was an unforgettable night.

I glanced down at the white dress I was wearing, the fabric light and flowing, brushing against my skin with every step. It was an asymmetrical design with an elegant off-shoulder sleeve on one side, the material draping down my arm. The dress clung gently to my frame and revealed just enough of my legs through a high slit, teasing yet sophisticated, with cut-outs accentuating my waist. It felt daring, a symbol of a freedom I had yet to taste fully, and maybe even a touch rebellious.

As I mingled with the guests, I kept feeling eyes on me—especially from Taehyung, whose gaze seemed to follow me no matter where I went. His stare was intense, possessive, as if reminding everyone here that I was his fiancée. But my thoughts were elsewhere, drifting through the soft rhythm of the music and the hum of conversation.

And then, Mr. Kim called me over. I approached, glancing up to see him standing with a tall, imposing man by his side, who looked almost like an older version of Taehyung but with a more grounded, composed aura. His dark eyes carried a quiet wisdom, and his presence was both calming and intimidating.

“Ah, Miso,” Mr. Kim said with a charming smile. “I’d like you to meet my eldest son, Namjoon. He couldn’t be here earlier due to business, but he’s here now to welcome you to the family.”

Namjoon extended a hand, his smile warm but guarded. “It’s a pleasure, Miss Min,” he said, his voice deep and assured.

I took his hand, feeling a surprising sense of calm wash over me. “The pleasure’s mine, Namjoon-ssi,” I replied, my voice softer than I intended.

For a few moments, we simply studied each other, as if searching for something in one another’s gaze. There was a strength to him, an air of wisdom that felt rare, especially in this world dominated by ruthlessness and power plays.

“It’s a beautiful night, isn’t it?” Namjoon said, breaking the silence.

I nodded, glancing out over the water. “It really is… peaceful.” I let out a small sigh. “Sometimes I wish things could stay this way forever.”

He raised an eyebrow, his smile fading slightly as he observed me thoughtfully. “The life we’re born into doesn’t offer much in terms of peace,” he replied, his tone somber but understanding. “But you find ways to adapt, to survive. And if you’re lucky, maybe even find moments of happiness.”

I was taken aback by the weight of his words, a strange comfort in their honesty. “You speak as if you’ve been through a lot yourself, Namjoon-ssi.”

He chuckled, glancing away briefly. “Let’s just say I’ve seen enough to know that nothing in our world comes without a price. I don’t mean to sound grim,” he added, a trace of warmth returning to his eyes. “But there’s a strength in knowing the rules of this life and learning how to play them wisely.”

I found myself drawn to his words, to the way he seemed to accept his fate yet still carry himself with such calm. It was different from Taehyung, who embodied fire and intensity, a force that took whatever it desired without hesitation. Namjoon, in contrast, was like the ocean—steady, deep, and perhaps even more dangerous, hidden beneath layers of wisdom.

“So, have you accepted it?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. “The price we pay for… being born into this?”

He looked at me, a flicker of empathy in his gaze. “Acceptance is part of survival. But it doesn’t mean you have to let it define you completely, Miso. In the end, it’s about finding the right balance.”

His words settled over me, and I felt a strange connection with him, a kinship that went beyond family ties. Here was someone who understood, who could see through the mask I wore and recognize the conflict within me.

“Thank you,” I murmured, glancing down. “For… sharing that.”

Namjoon nodded, his eyes softening. “Anytime, Miso. I’m here if you ever need someone to talk to. After all, we’re family now.”

Just as he said that, I felt the heat of another gaze on me. I turned slightly to see Taehyung standing nearby, his expression unreadable, but there was a dark intensity in his eyes as he watched us.

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The soft sound of waves crashing against the shore filled the air as the beach party continued under the evening sky. I glanced around, my eyes searching, and found Yoongi standing nearby, silent and ever-watchful as always. I walked up to him, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Yoongi," I murmured, tugging lightly at his sleeve. "Where are Aunt Silvia's sons? Lucio, Jay, Marco, and Angelo—they came all the way from Sicily, right? I haven’t seen them in years."

Yoongi's eyes softened slightly, a rare expression from my stoic cousin. "They’re further down the beach," he said, gesturing to a spot not far from the shoreline where a small group of men stood, their frames silhouetted against the setting sun.

Without another word, I broke into a run, sand kicking up behind me as I raced toward them. My heart swelled with excitement and nostalgia at the thought of seeing my cousins again, of reuniting with people who felt like fragments of a life I used to know.

As I got closer, Lucio, the oldest, noticed me first. His face broke into a warm, yet melancholic smile, and he opened his arms as I threw myself into him, hugging him tightly. One by one, I embraced Jay, Marco, and Angelo, laughing and fighting back tears all at once.

"I missed you all so much," I said breathlessly, taking a step back to look at their faces, each one bearing familiar features that reminded me of Aunt Silvia and the Sicilian summers of my childhood.

Jay placed a hand on my shoulder, his expression clouded. "We missed you too, Miso. But... this marriage... we’re not happy about it." His voice was low, laced with bitterness. "You're being forced into a life you didn't choose."

My heart clenched, and I averted my gaze, feeling a pang of guilt and helplessness. "I don’t have a choice, Jay. You know how things are with our families. It's already been decided."

Marco, always the blunt one, scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "That Taehyung... he’s nothing but a cold-hearted bastard. Do you even want this? Are you even happy, Miso?"

"I..." I trailed off, not sure what to say. Did I want this marriage? Did I want a life bound to Taehyung, a man who seemed to see me as nothing more than a pawn in a larger game? The truth was, I didn’t know. I wasn’t sure if happiness was even an option.

Angelo, the youngest, sighed and shook his head. "We’re here for you, Miso. Whatever you decide. If you need us, you know we’ll do whatever it takes to help you."

Their loyalty warmed me, but it also brought an ache, a reminder of the choices I didn’t have. "Thank you," I whispered, looking at each of them in turn. "It means a lot to me that you're here."

Before I could say more, I felt a firm hand slide around my waist, a grip both possessive and unmistakable. I looked up to see Taehyung beside me, his expression cool and impassive, but his dark eyes held a warning for anyone who dared interfere.

"Someone wants to meet you," he said in a low, controlled voice, his hand tightening ever so slightly on my waist.

I swallowed, feeling my cousins' eyes burning into us, their silent disapproval almost tangible in the air. They each wore expressions of barely concealed disdain, but they didn’t say a word, respecting the boundaries set by this dangerous union.

Lucio’s gaze hardened as he met Taehyung's eyes, his jaw clenched. "Take care of her, Kim. She deserves more than being a bargaining chip."

Taehyung didn’t even flinch. He simply looked at them with the same cold, detached gaze, unbothered by their hostility. "She will be well taken care of," he replied flatly, his voice a quiet promise—one that sounded more like a threat than reassurance.

I cast a pleading glance toward my cousins, silently asking them not to push any further. The tension between us all was like a razor’s edge, sharp and unyielding. Reluctantly, they nodded, and I felt a pang of sorrow in my chest as Taehyung guided me away, his hand still firm against my side.

As we walked back up the beach, I stole one last glance over my shoulder, seeing Lucio, Jay, Marco, and Angelo watching, their faces a blend of anger and helplessness. They were family, my blood, and they were the only ones who seemed to care what I wanted in this arrangement. But with Taehyung beside me, there was no room for protests or defiance. Not now. Not ever.

I could feel Taehyung’s gaze on me, his hand moving slightly at my waist, as if testing my reaction. A shiver ran down my spine, and he leaned in just enough for his voice to reach me.

"Your cousins seem protective," he remarked, his tone neutral yet edged with something dark.

"They're just worried," I replied quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. "They know I didn’t choose this."

He didn’t respond immediately, but I felt his grip tighten ever so slightly. "You chose, Miso," he said, his voice low and chillingly calm. "You chose to stay. And now, you belong to me."

The weight of his words settled heavily on me, a binding promise wrapped in cold steel. I looked straight ahead, focusing on the lights of the party, and tried to swallow the fear clawing at my chest. This is my reality now.

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Author’s Note:

Thank you for reading this chapter! Miso's journey grows more complex with each step, torn between family loyalty, personal freedom, and the dark pull of Taehyung’s possessiveness. What are your thoughts about this chapter?

I’d love to hear your feedback! Don’t forget to share your thoughts and vote if you enjoyed this chapter. Your support means everything to me and keeps this story alive! Stay tuned for more twists ahead!

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