Jungkook pov

I stare at Y/N, taking in her delicate features. The photograph I'd seen didn't do her justice. Her warm brown eyes sparkle with intelligence and curiosity, framed by long lashes. Freckles dust her nose and cheeks, giving her an innocent appearance that contrasts with the strength I sense beneath the surface.

"Mr. Jeon?" Y/N's voice cuts through my reverie. "You were going to explain about Kyung-min?"I clear my throat, embarrassed to be caught staring. 

"Yes, of course. My apologies." I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees. "Kyung-min discovered your existence after your father suffered a stroke nine weeks ago. He found some documents in Yang Sung-ho's office and realized you posed a threat to his inheritance."

She looks startled. "My father had a stroke? And he's still alive?"

I nod. "Yes, Yang Sung-ho is very much alive, though his health is fragile. The left side of his body is paralyzed, and his mobility is severely limited."

"I can't believe it," she whispers. "All this time, I thought... I didn't know what to think about my father. My mother never mentioned him, only told me he died before I was born."

"Your mother was trying to shield you and keep you safe from the dangers of this life," I explain.Y/N shakes her head, her expression caught between horror and fascination. "So, my father is really... a mafia boss? This feels unreal."

"I understand it's a lot to process," I say, my tone softer than usual. "But we need to stay focused on the immediate threat. Kyung-min sees you as a threat to his control over the family. He's already attempted to eliminate you, and he won't hesitate to try again. That's why you need my protection."

Y/N pales. "The mugging last week... That wasn't random, was it?"

"No, it wasn't. Kyung-min hired those men to eliminate you. Fortunately, they were incompetent." I tighten my hands at the thought of how close I came to losing her. Even Yang Sung-ho didn't know that Kyung-min had discovered her existence last week. I shudder, recalling the police report about the mugging, which ended abruptly when a large group exited a restaurant, distracting the attackers long enough for her to escape. I barely know her, but the thought of losing her like that angers and worries me, and it has little to do with my truce with Yang.

"And now?" Y/N's voice is shaky as she looks at me, fear in her eyes.

I blink, drawing my gaze back to her anxious face. "Now, I'm here to bring you into the fold. It's the only way to ensure your safety and maintain the balance of power within the family."

Y/N stands abruptly, beginning to pace the room. "This is crazy. I'm just a dance teacher, not some... mafia princess. I can't just leave my life behind."

I watch her move, admiring her grace even in distress. "I'm afraid you don't have a choice. Kyung-min won't stop until he's certain you're no longer a threat. And, to him, your mere existence is the very threat he fears."

She whirls around to face me, her expression one of desperation. "And marrying you is supposed to solve that how, exactly?"

"Our marriage will solidify an alliance between your family in Seoul and my organization, which controls much of Incheon and beyond. It will grant you protection and legitimacy within the family. Kyung-min wouldn't dare touch you without risking an all-out war."

Y/N rumples her short, dark hair, disbelief evident on her face. "This is like something out of a movie. I keep waiting for someone to jump out and yell, 'Surprise!'"

"I assure you, this is very real," I say, standing up. "I know it's overwhelming, but we don't have much time. We need to leave soon."

"Leave? Where are we going?"

"To Seoul. To meet your father."

She sinks back into her chair, her face pale. "I don't know if I'm ready for that."

I move closer, resisting the urge to comfort her. "I understand, but Yang wants to see you. He's been trying to protect you your entire life, even from afar."

"By arranging a marriage for me?" Y/N asks bitterly.

I sigh. "It's complicated. The arrangement was made years ago, as a way to ensure your future safety and secure critical alliances. I'll do everything I can to protect you and make this transition as smooth as possible, but it will happen."

Y/N studies me, her gaze piercing. "Why do you care? This is just a business arrangement for you, isn't it?"

Our eyes lock, the intensity of the moment palpable. "It started that way, but now that I've met you, I want to protect you for reasons beyond duty or business. You'll come to understand that in time."

A faint blush colors her cheeks. "Oh," she says softly.

We stand there in silence, the air buzzing with unspoken words and unacknowledged feelings. Finally, she takes a deep breath. "Fine. I'll go to Seoul. I'll meet my father, but I'm not agreeing to anything else yet. I need time to process all this."

"Before we head to Seoul, I propose we make a stop in here un busan," I say, keeping my voice neutral.

Y/N's eyebrows shoot up. "Busan? Why?"

"For an immediate wedding. It's the best way to ensure your protection."

She stares at me, her mouth agape. "You can't be serious. We just met."

"I understand this is sudden, but it's necessary. Once we're married, Kyung-min won't be able to touch you without risking an all-out war between our organizations."

Y/N continues pacing the room. "This is insane. I can't just marry a stranger."

I watch her, holding back my temper. My instinct is to take her onto the plane waiting for us, but if we're going to have a peaceful marriage, I need her to consent. "It's not ideal, but it's the safest option."

She stops, turning to face me. "And if I refuse?"

"I can't guarantee your safety. Kyung-min is ruthless. He won't stop until he's sure you're no threat to his inheritance."

She hugs herself, a look of disbelief on her face. "I can't believe this is happening."