"Love is a battlefield of wills—where surrender feels like defeat, yet victory often demands the greatest sacrifice."

Daniel rises from his chair, extending a hand toward Jungkook. "Good morning, Mr. Jeon. We were just grabbing a quick bite before the day starts."

I stand quickly, feeling the weight of the tension. "Jungkook, this is my colleague, Daniel. Daniel, this is my husband, Jungkook."

Daniel's hand trembles slightly as Jungkook takes it in a crushing grip, the handshake more of a silent warning than a greeting. Daniel winces but tries to maintain composure. "Of course, I know who he is," Daniel stammers nervously. "I—I look up to him."

Jungkook's eyes narrow, scanning Daniel from head to toe with a look that could curdle milk. "I'm glad my wife has a friendly colleague to keep her entertained," he says, his tone dripping with sarcasm and possessiveness, the word "colleague" laced with venom.

Jungkook releases Daniel's hand, and I notice Daniel subtly flex his fingers, trying to shake off the pain. The discomfort is obvious, but Daniel tries to play it off.

"It seems I interrupted something," Jungkook remarks, his dark eyes flicking between us like a hawk watching prey.

"We were just talking about last night. It was a great time," Daniel offers, attempting to lighten the mood.

"Oh, I'm sure it was," Jungkook replies coldly. His lips twitch upward in a humorless smirk. "Next time, I'll make sure to join you. I wouldn't want to miss all the fun."

Daniel's face flushes, and I can see the discomfort settle into his posture. "Yes, you're more than welcome. It was nice meeting you, but I should get back to work."

As Daniel steps toward the door, clearly eager to escape, Jungkook makes his move. He strides forward, grabbing me by the waist and pulling me into a kiss that is anything but gentle. His lips crash against mine, a storm of possessiveness and fury unleashed in front of Daniel. It's not just a kiss—it's a claim, a statement.

I push against his chest, but his hold tightens, his mouth moving against mine with an intensity that leaves no room for escape. His tongue parts my lips, demanding control. I hate how my body betrays me, melting into him for a fleeting moment. The raw desperation in his kiss ignites something deep within me, something I wish I could bury.

Daniel clears his throat awkwardly. "I'll, uh, leave you two alone. Excuse me."

He slips out of the room, the door clicking shut softly. Jungkook finally breaks the kiss, his lips curving into a smug, triumphant smile.

I wipe my mouth and glare at him. "Next time, why don't you just piss all over me like a dog?"

Jungkook chuckles, his strong arms trapping me against the desk. "When it comes to staking my claim, baby, I'm worse than an animal," he murmurs, his lips brushing against mine as he speaks.

I huff, glancing at the bouquet of red roses sitting on my desk. "Roses again? Didn't you get the hint when they didn't work the first, second, or tenth time?"

He ignores my jab completely, his focus locked on me. "He wants you," he says flatly, his voice dark with jealousy.

"I know he does," I taunt, even though I doubt Daniel has any romantic interest in me. If anything, he probably admires Jungkook more than me. But I want to see Jungkook squirm, to see him burn with jealousy the way I've burned before.

His jaw tightens, his eyes blazing. "I don't want him near you."

"Why, Jungkook?" I ask, tilting my head with mock innocence. "Afraid he might steal me away?"

"You're mine," he barks, his hands gripping the edge of the desk on either side of me, caging me in.

"Am I?" I whisper, my voice low and cutting. "Because it didn't feel that way when you were lying to me."

His growl rumbles low in his chest, vibrating against my skin. "You think you can play these games with me, Y/N?"

I smirk, leaning closer just to push him further. "What games, Jungkook?"

His lips brush against my ear, his voice a dark promise. "If he touches you, I'll bring his head to you on a platter."

"Big words," I reply, though I know he means it. Jungkook isn't one to make empty threats.

He grips my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes. They're ablaze with fury, jealousy, and something deeper I can't quite name. "Try me," he challenges, his voice low and menacing.

I stare back at him, unflinching. His aura is suffocating, heavy with unspoken violence, and I know he's barely holding himself together. Every muscle in his body is taut with anger, his jealousy like a wildfire threatening to consume us both.

"Why do you care so much?" I ask, my voice softer now, tinged with genuine curiosity. "If you don't love me, why does it matter?"

For the first time, his gaze falters. His eyes shift away, breaking the intense eye contact. "Because you're mine," he says again, his voice rough, as if the words are all he can cling to. I sigh, leaning back in the chair to put space between us. "You need to figure out what you really want, Jungkook," I say quietly. "Because this—whatever this is—it's not working."

He doesn't respond, just stands there, his presence overwhelming as ever. I can sense him struggling to understand his own feelings. And for a moment, just a moment, I almost feel sorry for him. But then I remember what he put me through, and I harden my heart once more.

"Come with me," Jungkook says.

I pretend to be focused on something on my computer, my fingers tapping aimlessly on the keyboard. In truth, I don't want to look at him. If I do, I might break down. He doesn't love me, but he wants the privileges he had with me as his loving wife back. And the worst part is, I still love him, despite everything. His recent behavior, this sudden shift, is making it impossible for me to move on. I would be damned if I give in though.

"I have work to do, Jungkook. I have no time to entertain your midlife crisis," I say.

He is undeterred. "I've already spoken to Harper. You have the day off. I've planned something."

Anger flares inside me. "I don't want to jeopardize this job. How dare you!"

He grins wickedly. "You're an extraordinary lawyer, Y/N. But even if you weren't, she wouldn't fire you. Your last name is enough."

I dig my fingernails into my hand, the truth of his words stinging. I've always excelled at what I do, scoring top marks in my courses. But the chance of Evelyn hiring me as a junior partner straight after graduation, with no experience, would have been slim if not for Jungkook's last name.

"Get out," I spit out.

He corners me, his testosterone overflowing in my office. "You either come with me willingly, or I'll carry you over my shoulder, kicking and screaming. It would be my pleasure."

I know he's not bluffing. The defiance drains out of me, replaced by resignation. I grab my purse and stand up, hitting his shoulder with mine as I pass him.

He laughs, the sound low and amused. It must have felt like the touch of a feather to him, but it's satisfying to know I at least tried.

We leave the office, his hand resting possessively on my lower back. I feel the eyes of my colleagues on us as we walk out, their curiosity and judgment palpable. The humiliation burns, but I keep my head high, refusing to let him see how much this affects me.

The car ride is silent, tension thick in the air. I stare out the window, my mind racing with thoughts of what he could possibly have planned.