♪♫︵‿୨ Wednesday November 5, 2025‿︵♫♪

My gaze wandered around the office, drawn to its opulent details. The wood panelling on the lower half of the walls was elegant, while the patterned beige wallpaper above seemed a bit too gaudy for my liking. The thick, plush burgundy carpet underfoot tempted me to imagine how luxurious it might feel to lie down on. The room was bathed in light—eight golden sconces lined the walls, and six lamps illuminated the space, including a striking gold-and-green Banker's lamp on his desk. Yet, the most commanding feature was the towering bookcase that dominated the back wall, filled with meticulously arranged law books, giving the room an air of serious authority.

"Ms Harlowe, did you hear what I said?" Hoseok's lawyer, Roland Barrera, asked, his eyes flicking between me and Yoongi as we sat in his office.

"I'm sorry—could you repeat that?" My voice quivered, a flush of embarrassment rising as I realised I hadn't been paying attention.

"Of course," he replied with a faint smile curling on his thin lips. He picked up a document from the neatly arranged papers on his large, ornate wooden desk. "Your husband, the late Hoseok Jung, named you as the sole beneficiary in his will. Since he was the sole heir to the Jung family, you now inherit not only all of his personal assets and wealth but the entire Jung family estate as well."

I sat there, gripping the arms of the chair more tightly as the words sank in. Despite the high ceilings and Roland's opulent decor, the room suddenly felt smaller, almost suffocating. His voice had been calm and matter-of-fact, as though what he had just said shouldn't have rattled me—but it did.

Sole beneficiary.

The phrase echoed in my mind, louder than anything else. I blinked, my lips parting slightly as if to protest, yet no words emerged. My heart pounded heavily in my chest, unsettling and chaotic. I wasn't prepared for this—for the weight of what it meant. Everything was supposed to be behind me, yet here I was, still tethered to him.

"Also," Roland continued, adjusting his glasses as he scanned another sheet of paper, "a Miss Irene Bae—also known as Red Velvet—was the leader of the Blue-Side Serpents after taking over from your husband." He paused, tapping the paper lightly on the desk before meeting my eyes. "However, since Miss Bae hadn't updated her will, control of the Serpents reverted to Mr Jung since he was the heir." He set the paper down, folding his hands. "And with his passing, the Blue-Side Serpents are now under your control. I need to know what you wish to do regarding the Serpents—will you take control, or shall I authorise the next highest person in the organisation to step in?"

Roland's eyes were fixed on me, waiting for an answer. But what could I say? What should I say? I felt my pulse quicken, my hands suddenly cold despite the warmth of the room. I swallowed hard, trying to steady myself, but inside, everything was unravelling.

"Honestly, Mr Barrera, does this need to be decided today?" Yoongi's voice sliced through the tension, sharp with frustration. He sat beside me, his hand holding mine, grounding me even as everything around me felt like it was spinning out of control.

I lacked the energy to respond, still frozen by the weight of Roland's words. Sole beneficiary—the phrase felt like a noose tightening around my neck, and I hated it.

Yoongi, though, was already on edge. I could see the tension in his free hand, the barely concealed annoyance radiating from him. "Her husband died less than twelve hours ago," he said, irritation rising in his voice, "And you're seriously asking if she wants to kick his body to the side and take control of the gang?"

His words hit like a punch, confronting the cold, ugly reality I was desperately trying to avoid. I didn't want any of it—none of this responsibility and certainly not this legacy. The blood-soaked empire Hoseok left behind was nothing I ever wanted to be a part of.

The lawyer barely flinched, his face impassive, though I caught a flicker of something in his eyes. "I'm simply following procedure," he said smoothly, but the man beside me wasn't having it.

"Procedure?" Yoongi scoffed, his voice hardening. "Have some decency. She doesn't need this right now."

I glanced up at him, a wave of gratitude washing over me. He was standing up for me, shielding me from a world I never wanted to inhabit, a world that was now intent on pulling me in. But the shock lingered, coiling through my chest as I grappled with the fact that, in the eyes of the law, Hoseok had left everything to me.

Everything I didn't want.

As I gazed out of the bay window, taking in the tranquil streets of Gramercy Park, my thoughts drifted to the revenge plans Hoseok had once confided in me. He had told me that if he could relive our situation, he would have faked my death after our marriage, allowing me to escape back to Hawaii. He'd envisioned dismantling the Serpents from the inside. My husband made it clear: he would rather see the gang wiped out entirely than allow Red Velvet to claim his father's legacy again.

With newfound clarity about what I needed to do, I turned to Roland and asked, "Since I've inherited Hoseok's estate, does that mean I now have attorney-client privilege?" He nodded slowly, uncertainty flickering in his eyes, as if unsure why I would require such protection. Smiling, I replied, "I'm going to need to make a phone call."

♪♫︵‿୨ Monday November 10, 2025 ୧‿︵♫♪

The room was bathed in a soft warmth from the sunlight filtering through the sheer curtains, casting a cheerful glow across the space. Brightly coloured balloons floated gently in the corner, each one a symbol of the hope and well-wishes that had come flooding in. A small table was laid out with an assortment of snacks—fruit, pastries, and a few handwritten notes from friends. Their playful 'get well soon' messages brought smiles.

Namjoon lay comfortably beneath the sheets, a wide smile lighting up his face, making his dimples more pronounced than usual. Behind me, Yoongi lounged in the armchair, his hand resting gently on my bump as he insisted I sit on his lap since the other chair was already taken by Solar Kim. Yoongi's presence was a comforting weight, grounding me in the moment, while the warmth of his touch felt both protective and reassuring.

Namjoon regaled us with amusing stories about his partnership with Jungkook. We laughed until tears streamed down our faces when he recounted how Kook could charge into a gunfight without a second thought, yet was terrified of using a microwave. It was heartening to see the ex-Special Agent in Charge choosing to remember the good times with his partner rather than the sorrow of losing Jungkook.

"Wow, Namjoon, I'd never guess you were shot in the line of duty if it weren't for that bandage. Good thing you've already handed in your resignation—otherwise, your bosses might think you're just faking it for a little time off," Yoongi teased, flashing his signature gummy smile.

"Seriously, look at this guy... You'd think he'd show a little gratitude for me saving his fiancée, taking down all the heads of the gangs in New York, and completely wiping out the Serpents," Namjoon retorted, aiming his playful jab at his wife. He tried to sound serious, but the infectious chuckle that followed gave away his light-heartedness, filling the room with laughter and warmth.

I reached across and gently took Namjoon's hand, careful not to jostle the IV catheter protruding from it. "I honestly don't know how to thank you, Namjoon," I said, my voice trembling as tears welled in my eyes, the weight of my gratitude washing over me. "I'm so sorry that you got shot in the leg—and that Jungkook lost his life—because of me. And then you quit your job because of it... I just wish there was something I could do to make this right." The guilt hung heavy in my chest, intertwining with my appreciation, leaving me feeling both deeply indebted and heartbroken.

Namjoon squeezed my hand gently, his eyes filled with sincerity. "Chloe, when Jungkook and I took on this job, we understood the risks. We knew we might get hurt or not come home one day. But we didn't let that fear hold us back because we believed in the work we were doing—protecting people and making a difference."

As he spoke, warmth radiated from his words, and slowly, he let go of my hand. There was an honesty in his gaze that cut through my guilt as if he were reaching out to reassure my troubled heart. "Yes, being in the FBI was dangerous, but it was also incredibly rewarding."

He gazed lovingly at his wife, and I could see how his body relaxed as her fingers danced across the skin of his hand, careful enough not to cause him extra pain. Solar smiled softly in response, her eyes sparkling with admiration. The love between them felt almost tangible, a radiant glow that filled the room.

"If I hadn't joined the Bureau," Namjoon continued, turning to look at me again, "I wouldn't have found the love of my life. And if it weren't for me, then you and Yoongi might never have crossed paths at all. Who knows, maybe you'd have been placed in Fargo, North Dakota, instead."

"Still," I insisted, unable to shake my gratitude, which earned me a playful grumble from the man lying in the bed. "I can't thank you enough for everything you did to take down the Serpents. Knowing they're gone brings me so much peace."

Namjoon rolled his eyes with a smile, then turned to address the man I had agreed to marry just three days ago when he'd presented me with a stunning ruby and rose quartz ring. "Yoongi, could you please tell your fiancé that she's the one who deserves all the credit, not me? If it weren't for her calling all the Serpents to that 'mandatory meeting' about the leadership change and how the gang would function under her charge, we would never have been able to bring everyone in. They'll be behind bars for so long that their grandchildren will be working in jobs that haven't even been invented yet."

A gentle knock on the door broke the moment, and we turned to see a nurse standing there with an apologetic smile. "Sorry to interrupt," she said softly, stepping inside. We fell silent as she approached Namjoon, handing him a small paper cup filled with his painkillers.

She checked his blood pressure, her expression professional yet warm, and after a moment, her face brightened as she turned to the patient. "Everything looks good! The doctor has given the green light for you to go home in the morning, just as long as you don't develop any infections."

Relief washed over Namjoon's face, and he shared a glance with Solar, whose eyes sparkled with hope and joy. "Thank you," he replied, his voice steady, but I could sense the weight lifting off his shoulders. The nurse nodded, her kindness radiating through the room. She quietly exited, leaving behind a sense of optimism.

"So, what are you going to do now that you're unemployed?" Yoongi asked, earning himself a playful glare from Namjoon. "Too soon?"

Namjoon shook his head, laughter bubbling up before he turned to Solar. In an instant, his chuckles faded and were replaced by a radiant smile that lit up his face. He looked at his wife with such admiration as if she had hung the moon in the sky. "I think I'm going to enjoy spending time with my lovely wife while I recover." The spark in her eyes revealed just how much she cherished his words. "And as for what comes next, well, who knows?"

"Well, I've been contemplating an expansion for my company," Yoongi began, glancing between Namjoon and Solar to emphasise the shared nature of this decision. "As you know, we specialise in cybersecurity. However, I want to branch out into private security as well." He paused for a moment, allowing the weight of his words to settle in. "If you and Solar are open to moving to Hawaii, I'd love to offer you the position of Head of Private Security. You'd be in charge of the entire department."

Namjoon's eyes widened, a combination of surprise and excitement flickering across his face. "You'd do that for me?"

"Absolutely! You've got the experience, and I trust you completely. Plus, it would be fantastic to have you both in Hawaii," Yoongi replied, a broad grin spreading across his face. "I think you'd fit right in with our friends. Just imagine—it'd be a fresh start in paradise."

Solar turned to Namjoon, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "That sounds incredible, doesn't it, Joonie?" When he nodded, she beamed at Yoongi and me. "We'll talk about it more when he's not high on painkillers, but I think we're leaning towards a 'yes.'"

"There's no rush on your decision," Yoongi assured them, his smile warm and genuine. "And if you choose not to move, that's perfectly okay too."

♪♫︵‿୨ Wednesday November 12, 2025 ୧‿︵♫♪

"So, after our breakfast with Seokjin, we need to be at the airport no later than midday," I called out to Yoongi as stood in the bathroom's doorway, brushing my hair. The sun's morning rays streamed through the hotel room's large window, casting a warm glow over the space and illuminating the soft, neutral tones of the décor.

Yoongi was kneeling on the floor, looking under the bed and double-checking that nothing had been forgotten under there. He then grabbed my make-up bag and placed it into the large suitcase before zipping it shut and engaging the anti-theft device.

"Did you put your jewellery box in already? " he asked, his brow slightly furrowed in concentration. "I didn't see it on the bedside table."

I nodded, tossing my hair over my shoulder and sliding my hairbrush into my handbag. "Yes, I did. Everything's all packed." As I crossed the room, I placed my hands gently on Yoongi's biceps, feeling the strength beneath my fingertips, and turned him to face me.

My heart raced as I wrapped my arms around his neck, drawing him closer. I brought our lips together, the kiss starting soft and unhurried. It was a sweet connection, a shared moment of peace amidst the hurry of our packing. I sighed in bliss as his tongue swept across my bottom lip, asking for entry. It slipped into my mouth, caressing and massaging my tongue with the perfect amount of pressure. I savoured the familiar taste of him, a mix of mint and something uniquely Yoongi.

Yoongi walked me back, carefully lowering me onto the bed. His hands roamed my body, slipping under my loose sweater. The feeling of his fingertips rolling and pinching my nipples sent shockwaves of pleasure down to my core, ruining the pair of panties I was wearing.

My fiancé rolled to the side of me as one of his hands slid beneath my leggings and panties. His teasing tutting about feeling my soaked panties had me whining in need. Even though we needed to leave so we'd make it on time to breakfast with Jin, the thought of leaving the bed with an orgasm was more important.

"Tiger, I need you," I whined, raising my hips as his finger rubbed my clit through my panties. "Please. I need to feel you inside me."

Yoongi stood from the bed, his fingers making quick work of removing his pants. Seeing this, I frantically kicked my leggings and panties off in desperation. My fiancé went to hop on top, but I rolled him onto his back.

"Is my good girl going to fuck herself on my big cock?" he teased, groaning as I lowered myself onto his length. I wasted no time and began bouncing, twerking my ass like I used to do on stage. "Oh, fuck! Yes, Babygirl just like that."

"Oh fuck, Yoongi!" I cried out. "So good. You feel so fucking good!"

Sex with Hoseok was great, but it was explosive with Yoongi. As I bounced up and down on his cock, Yoongi bucked up into me. He fucked me hard from below, grunting with exertion.

"Shit, squeeze me like that," he moaned as I clamped down on him. My high was close enough that I could almost taste it. Yoongi held onto my hips, holding me in place as he drilled my pussy like he was intent on destroying it. "Come on, Babygirl. Give me what I want," he demanded, his voice deepening in that sexy way that drove me wild. "Cum for me, Chloe."

I threw my head back, screaming his name as I shattered in my pleasure. Yoongi pulled me down for a sloppy kiss, groaning into my mouth as he found his release.

Too tired to move, I nestled against him, feeling his warmth envelop me as we both caught our breaths. His fingers traced gentle patterns across my back, each caress infused with a tenderness that spoke volumes. In that quiet moment, love flowed between us, a silent promise echoing in every touch.

"I can't wait to marry you and make you Mrs. Chloe Min," he mused, his voice soft and laden with emotion.

"Why wait?" I replied, a playful smirk forming as his brow furrowed in confusion. "Instead of taking me home to Honolulu today, how about we take a little detour through Vegas and tie the knot?"

Yoongi's gummy smile spread across his face, lighting up my heart with a flurry of butterflies. "I'd love to, Angel, but it won't be legal until Hoseok's death certificate comes through."

"So? We'll just have another wedding in Hawaii," I said as if it were the most natural idea in the world. "One where I legally become your wife forever."

He looked at me, his eyes sparkling with a blend of affection and excitement. "Well, we both know our friends and family would kill us if we got married and they weren't there to celebrate with us," he said, his tone light and teasing. When I opened my mouth to speak, he placed his index finger to his lips, saying, "Shhh, they don't have to know it's not our first wedding."

"Yoongi Min, is that your way of saying you want to marry me today?"

Without hesitation, he crashed his lips against mine, a passionate kiss that spoke volumes. When we pulled apart, both breathless, he whispered his answer, "I do."

In that moment, all the darkness we had endured seemed to vanish. It was just us, two hearts entwined. I had been a stripper at Copacabana, fleeing for my life when I first met him. Little did I know that entering WITSEC would eventually lead me to the love of my life.