THE EARLY ACESS CHAPTERS HAS BEEN POSTED IN SCROLLSTCKME! LINK IN BIO.

Jungkook slams his hand on the desk, making me jump. "Enough. You're staying here, and that's final."

"You just don't understand," I say, urgency seeping into my voice. "I want to be part of this—I can't just stand by and watch while you put your life on the line." The weight of my words hangs in the air, and I hope he realizes that I'm his wife and have the right to care about him. But then, he shakes his head, a decision made, and the heat between us lingers, unyielding.

"Stay here," he says finally, his voice softer, almost regretful. "That's an order."

"An order?" I repeat, incredulity creeping in. "You think I'll just sit here like some obedient wife?" Anger bubbles up inside me, and I glare at him. "You can't order me around like one of your men. I'm your wife, remember? Or is that just for show?"

The room goes deathly quiet. Racy and Jimin studiously avoid looking at either of us, suddenly very interested in their respective devices. The tension is thick, suffocating, as Jungkook glares, his jaw clenched. For a moment, I think he might explode, but instead, he takes a deep breath, visibly calming himself.

"You're right," he says softly. "You're not one of my men. You're my wife, and that means I have a responsibility to keep you safe."

"I understand that," I reply, my anger deflating slightly. "But I have a responsibility too. To this family and to myself. You brought me into this world, so you can't expect me to just sit on the sidelines while everyone else risks their lives."

Jungkook studies me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he exhales raggedly. "You're not going to let this go, are you?"

I shake my head, standing my ground. "No, I'm not."

He rubs his forehead, looking suddenly tired, the weight of the situation clearly pressing down on him. "Fine. We'll compromise. You can be on-site, but you'll stay in a secure vehicle with Taehyung. You'll coordinate from there, and under no circumstances are you to leave that vehicle. Understood?"

Relief and triumph surge through me. "Understood. Thank you, Jungkook."

He nods curtly. "Don't make me regret this decision."

"I won't," I promise, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. "I'll do exactly as you say."

Turning back to the map, he effectively ends our discussion, and Racy and Jimin visibly relax.

 "Jimin, I need you to set up a secure comm system in one of the SUVs. Make sure it's bulletproof."

Jimin nods, already tapping away at his tablet. "On it, boss."

"Racy, brief Taehyung on the change of plans. I doubt he needs the reminder, but make sure he understands the importance of keeping Y/N safe."

"Of course," Racy replies, pulling out her phone.

As I stand there, uncertainty creeping in, I realize this is really happening. I'm going to be part of a real mafia operation.

Jungkook looks up at me, and his expression softens slightly. He catches my arm gently, his touch sending a jolt of warmth through me. "Y/N," he says quietly, so only I can hear. "I hope you understand why I was hesitant. It's not because I don't think you're capable. It's because I couldn't bear it if something happened to you."

His words wrap around me like a warm blanket, filling my chest with warmth and gratitude. I see the concern etched on his face. "I understand, and I appreciate it. But I need to do this. For myself, and for us."

He nods, releasing my arm as though it's a lifeline he can't quite hold on to. "You should try to rest for a bit, so you're ready for the operation."

As I head back to my room, my mind races with thoughts of what's to come. Scared but exhilarated, I feel a surge of control I haven't experienced in a long time. This is my chance to stand beside him, to be more than just a passive participant in this dangerous world.

JUNGKOOK'S POV.

Hours later, the adrenaline from the successful operation still pumps through my veins as I rush back to the vehicle to find Y/N with Taehyung. She's still visibly on edge but seems to be finding her strength, and a surge of pride fills me at how well she handled herself.

"You did well," I say as I settle into the backseat beside her. "Staying put and observing was exactly what I needed you to do."

Y/N's lips curve into a small smile. "Thank you. I'm glad I could help, even if it was just from the sidelines."

I nod, studying her face. There's new confidence in her demeanor and a hint of the strength I was sure she had lurking beneath the surface. It's time to introduce the next challenge. "There's something we need to discuss." I pause, choosing my words carefully. "Your father wants to meet you."

She inhales sharply. "My father??"

"Yes. He's expressed a desire to see you in person."

Y/N looks down at her hands, which fidget in her lap. "I don't know if I'm ready for that."

I understand her hesitation. The revelation of her true heritage is still fresh, and meeting the man responsible for the upheaval in her life is a daunting prospect. "I know it's a lot to take in, but after his stroke, his health is uncertain."

Y/N's head snaps up to look at me, her eyes wide with shock. "What do you mean?"

I sigh, the weight of my words heavy in the air. "The doctors aren't sure about his prognosis. There might not be much time left for you to meet him."

Y/N bites her lip, a storm of conflict flickering in her eyes. I can see the struggle within her, and my heart aches at the thought of the pain she's facing. I want to reach in and take it all away, but I know that some things can't be avoided. After a long, tense moment, she nods, determination settling over her features. "Okay. I'll meet him."

"Are you sure?" I ask, concern lacing my voice. I need to give her an out, even as my own anger simmers at Seung-joon for putting her in this position. The thought of him looming in her life fills me with a rage I can barely contain.

Y/N takes a deep breath, her shoulders squared as if bracing against the weight of the world. "Yes. I need to do this. For myself, and for him, I suppose."

 She's so brave, and in this moment, I realize just how much she means to me. "Okay," I say, my voice softening. "But I'll be right there with you."

Leaning forward, I address our driver, trying to mask the turmoil in my heart. "Take us to the location I sent to your phone a while ago."

As the SUV pulls away from the curb, I turn back to her. Y/N stares out the window, lost in thought, and I can feel the tension radiating off her. The way her brow furrows makes my heart race with concern. I reach out, placing my hand over hers, my thumb grazing her skin. 

"What should I expect?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper, heavy with unspoken fears.

I consider her question, knowing the weight of the truth I must share. "Seung-joon is a complex man. He's led a life filled with difficult choices and heavy burdens, but he's also a father who's been separated from his daughter for far too long."

Y/N nods slowly, absorbing my words, and my admiration for her only grows. "Will you stay with me?" she asks, vulnerability spilling from her, a plea that twists something deep within me.

"Of course," I reply, my heart racing at the thought of her facing this alone. "I'll be right by your side the entire time." I squeeze her hand tighter.

 The idea of her facing Seung-joon without me sends a chill down my spine.

"I'm here for you, Y/N. Always," I promise, letting my emotions spill freely into my words.