A/N: I feel like I am writing a soap drama here. This is so different than writing mafia books lol. But hope you guys are liking it this far. This one's a little emotionally taxing so I can totally understand why it won't attract attention like the other books do. I had been planning on writing a melodrama for a while which touches on how people deal with loss of love and friendship and glad to see this book materializing well. We still have a bit to go before the book ends so hang in there everyone and have fun reading!

"Si Mok", Chaerin's mother spoke as she looked at her husband. "I am worried about Chaerin. She doesn't eat, doesn't talk to anyone, keeps sleeping the entire day. I don't think she has showered in four days or cleaned herself up. Her room looks like a dumpster at this point and that is so unlike her. I am scared she might be going through a depressive episode. We have to do something"

"I want to take her to a therapist but she won't budge", her father replied in concern. "I even had Jimin talk to her but the boy said she did not respond to him. Just kept blankly staring listening refused to answer him. We have to get her help"

"What went down for them to breakup like this?", her mother sighed. Si Mok put a hand on his wife's hand as he tightly held it. "As a mother I could see through Jungkook's honest feelings very clearly. He loved her and his eyes and actions reflected that. But then suddenly he did not want to be with her?"

"Frankly, we should have known", the man replied. "We failed to see the long term implications of this relationship and ultimately Chae is the one suffering. Look at us and look at his family. The difference in our wealth is jarring. How come one of us didn't question it honey? We have lived long enough to know how brutal the world is and what the harsh reality is. Rich people like to be only with other rich people. Middle class people like us don't get to sit on the same table with them. We were so enamoured in their fairy tale story and to see our daughter happy that we forgot to see the truth. Mr and Mrs Jeon's behavior was enough indication of how they felt about us"

Chaerin's mother couldn't say anything because she knew her husband's words were true. The way the Jeons always gave them a cold shoulder, hardly talked to them and looked down on their work was a good reflection of how they felt. Ultimately they wouldn't have let Jungkook marry someone they didn't approve of.

"Its no point talking to them, we both know they don't care about Chaerin. And you can't persuade people who deal in money, with kindness", Si Mok concluded.

Inside the room Chaerin lay on her bed as she wiped the tear of the cheek for the hundredth time. Everything felt hollow. A numbness had taken over her body and she felt like she had lost control of her physical self. All she wanted to do was to do nothing. Someone as ambitious as her who wanted to be productive every second of the day was suddenly okay with wasting hours being still.

She was suffering physically, emotionally and even in her social and professional life. The company that had offered her a job in Seoul took it back due to her lack of responsiveness in this mess. Her friends who she occasionally hung out with all fell out of contact because she stopped replying to them and eventually they did not care enough to keep inviting her. She was losing weight rapidly, her skin was dull, she threw up on empty stomach and her health was taking a toll.

Yet she couldn't muster up the strength to correct this. There was some sort of an ease in this suffering. She would much rather show the world she was upset and broken than pretend to power through the day and display toxic positivity. She knew the only way to the other side of this hell was through it.

She turned in her bed and her eyes fell on the mirror at the end of the room. Her hair. It had gone all matted and dry. She immediately sat up straight as she ran a hand through them. Unable to move her fingers that got stuck in the knots and frizz, she felt a sense of panic.

Chaerin was never the kind to pay attention to beauty and upkeep. But her hair was her glory. She loved how beautifully her black locks shown. How healthy they were and the way they sealed her identity. She did not let any styling products, heat or dye touch them. Just naturally pretty and full of life. Almost like a crown on her head.

She picked up the brush as she tried to separate them. A rush of urgency flowed through her as she violently tried to untangle and tame them but they just kept getting twisted. Unable to remove the knots, the physical pain of her hair pulling frustrated her as she threw the brush to the ground.

Her eyes fell back on the mirror and she finally saw the mess that was made. It was almost as if her hair was a representation of what her life had become. Things she cherished the most were becoming the bane of her existence. The more she kept trying to sort her feelings, they kept getting woven into a trap which she found impossible to escape. Impulsively she stood up as she grabbed a pair of scissors lying nearby. She walked towards the mirror as she stood there in front.

Grabbing the first chunk she snipped. Thick black hair fell to the ground as they scattered against the white tiles. There seemed to be no harmony in what she was doing. Randomly she picked whatever hair she could get her hands on and cut them off. At the end her eyes fell on what was left. The hair that came down all the way to her lower back was now at her shoulder, completely mismatched and lacking symmetry.

The door opened and her mother stood there. She brought food for the younger to eat but next second the tray fell from her hair as she saw what had happened. Her eyes fell on the lifeless hair and then Chaerin's head and a gasp left her mouth.

"Chae...", she spoke in disbelief. "What did you do to you hair...."

Hearing the noise her father rushed too as he halted in his steps seeing the hair on the floor and then at the woman with the scissors in her hands.

"It was ruined", she softly spoke as if only mumbling to herself. "It is all ruined so I tried to fix it", the latter part seemed to be a hint towards the farcical events in her life.

They were left gaping at her as she went back to sleeping as if she hadn't just done what she did. Unable to see her daughter like this, her mother rushed out. She felt helpless and broken seeing the state Chaerin had gone into. Maybe she was just so used to see the smart, lively, ambitious and perfect side of her that powered through all challenges that she forgot that at the end of the day there was a limit to what someone so young like her could take. That she too had a fragile heart and crumbled under the weight of her feelings.

"Si Mok", she began, turning to her husband. "We need to see Jungkook. Get ready, we are going there"

———•••———

"Why did you drag me here Taehyung", Jimin spoke. "I am not in the mood for any socializing or party"

"I thought you would feel better just getting out of the room you have been cooped up in all week. Our life doesn't stop, does it at any inconvenience?"

"Incovenience? Chaerin's issue is not an inconvenience. It is very serious and has implications which have affected us all", Jimin sighed. "And do you expect me to have a laugh here while she is going through the darkest time of her life right now?"

"That is not what I meant", Taehyung replied. "I know what happened is not trivial and you need time to get over it. But I just cannot see you be this gloomy so I thought you could use some change of environment. Just hang out with me here for some time and then we can leave"

"What is this party for?", Jimin questioned. "Chaerin had no idea about it. She said Alison never told her about anything. Did Alison not invite her or something? It seems those two haven't been talking recently. Chaerin said Alison hasn't once called since the breakup happened"

"That's not possible", Taehyung had a surprise expression. "Alison did not reach out to Chaerin? But those two are always around each other. And when something so big happened how did my sister just dip? There has to be some confusion or misunderstanding here"

"Seems weird", Jimin commented. "I tried reaching out to her too but she never picked up. Is she trying to plot Jungkook's murder or something as we speak? Is this why she has gone MIA?", he dryly scoffed.

"I saw her yesterday morning when I visited the mansion. She was rushing around. Did not talk to me or Arin. Just nodded and went her way. Even mom and dad are super weird. Very quite it seems. Me and Arin just randomly received the invitations but other than that they did not even bother telling their son what this gathering is about"

"Its weird", Jimin added. "Everyone's acting weird. I don't have a good feeling about this"

In the distance his eyes fell on the people he was least expecting. Jungkook's family stood there, decked in beautiful clothing as they chatted with a few business associates. "Taehyung..", he muttered. The latter seems have to noticed as he followed Jimin's line of vision. "I think I should let Jungkook's family know what I think about them.."

He dashed towards them but Taehyung held him back. "Jimin stop it. What are you doing?"

"They are laughing here and giggling away like they aren't the reason that asshole broke up with Chaerin. I am going to wipe the smile off his shitty father's face"

"You are not doing anything", Taehyung hissed as him holding him by the collar. "There are press people here, media coverage and reporters. I don't want them writing rubbish about you. Think about your parents rep if not everyone else's. They know all the wealthy people that have come here. Get your act together Jimin"

Jimin tried to brush off Taehyung's hands as the duo legit fought like kids in the side of the venue. All of a sudden someone walked onto the stage. The sound of the mic distracted them as they both turned to see Taehyung's father there.

"Thank you so much for being present everyone. We are here today to celebrate two things. First of all Kim Industries just opened their hospitality wing in Asia with three new hotels in Hong Kong, Seoul and Manila"

As he said that the entire crowd erupted into cheer.

"And second. This is something I cannot get myself to talk about because it is something every father hates. Seeing their daughters grow up and the realization that they are no longer your princess and now ready to be someone's queen"

"What the fuck is he talking about Taehyung", Jimin asked extremely confused. Taehyung himself had no answer as he took a step ahead and within the crowd looked at his mother who turned her face away, unable to meet his eyes.

"Today me, my wife and the entire Kim family is very happy to announce my daughter Areum's engagement with Mr Jeon Jae Hyun and Miss Jeon Elenor's son Jungkook"

With that both Jungkook and Alison walked onto the stage. The crowd began clapping as celebratory fireworks began. The duo stood there unable to smile or show happiness because both in fact never wanted this. Even when everyone around them was displaying joy, they honestly hated it.

Amongst the crowd Alison's eyes met Taehyung who stood there still without a word. And in that one glance she could see the confusion, hurt, betrayal and pain she had bestowed on him and everyone she loved.

———•••———

"JIMIN I SWEAR TO YOU I DIDN'T KNOW", Taehyung ran after him as the former walked out of the venue.

Removing his tie, he threw it at the side as he increased his footsteps to reach his car.

"JIMIN PLEASE..."

"YOU LIED", Jimin yelled back. "THERE IS NO WAY YOU DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS. FUCK YOU TAEHYUNG. YOU WERE THE LAST PERSON I EXPECTED TO DO THIS TO ME OR CHAERIN"

"Jimin please", Tears rolled down the other's eyes as he saw how his best friend had lost all faith in him.

"Fuck you and that sister of yours", Jimin hit back with words. "It is humanly not possible to back stab someone this badly like she did. She is a fucking snake and she was waiting for the moment she could fuck Chae over. Chaerin did not deserve any of this. She did not deserve any of your motherfuckers and the dirty games you played with her. Its been such an eventful week with two of my best friends showing me their true colors. I will always remember what your family did to mine. Fuck all of you. I am done with this shit", he said before getting into his car and slamming the door.

"JIMIN PLEASE...", Taehyung tried to run behind as the other got into the car and drove away.

———•••———

Chaerin's mom and dad drove through the street as they made their way towards their destination. Jungkook wasn't at his apartment, nor was he at the country club. So his parents house seemed like the place to check. They stopped at an intersection when both their eyes fell on the giant TV screens above the building.

'Daughter of Kim industries Steel Mogul and
son of Private Equity Billionaire get married today in a private wedding at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul...."

Their breath seemed to have left their body as they both looked at the screen. A video of Alison and Jungkook popped, the latter sliding an engagement ring on her finger as the crowds cheered.

"Si Mok", Chaerin's mother spoke. "Is that..."

Her father had no words as he kept looking at the video. Tears pooled in his eyes as he watched this unfold. "Chaerin...", he mumbled. "Chaerin... we have to go home honey... we cannot let her be by herself", he spoke as he pressed the accelerator in full force.

———•••———

Chaerin lay in her bed as she stared at the ceiling. She wanted to shut off her mind because she hated how it constantly kept repaying her memories with Jungkook like it was a broken cassette that had gotten stuck.

Suddenly her phone pinged. She turned to the side to see a message in one of her group chats.

Lim Sera: Woman down! Woman down! Congratulations bestie on the engagement!

Kwon Nabi: Congratulations love! So happy for you..

What were they talking about? Who got engaged? She furrowed her brows as she looked at older messages if there was a hint at whether someone was going to get hitched. But there was nothing.

Jang Byeol: Our international playgirl put a ring on it!? Am I dreaming or what?

Ro Michelle: And we had to find it out via news!!? Cannot believe you did not tell us Alison. But congratulations love!

At the mention of Alison, her eyes widened. What was going on with Alison. Why were they congratulating her? And news? What was on the news. She opened the call log and ringed her a couple of times but there was no response.

For the first time since the start of the week, she ran out of her room. Grabbing the remote to the television, she fiddled with the buttons before ultimately turning it on. "News", she mumbled to herself as she changed channels before ultimately stopping at one.

'Alison Kim, the popular socialite and daughter of the younger son of Kim industries got engaged to boyfriend Jeon Jungkook today. Jungkook is the son of Jeon Junghyun the current Chairman and CEO of Jeon Capital holdings. The duo got hitched at the Shilla in an intimate affair with some of the most powerful people in the industry, politicians and actors in attendance....'

Chaerin just stood there, not being able to process this. Was this a joke? Because no way it was possible. She immediately changed the channel and they seemed to be showcasing the same piece of news. On the screen at that moment, a picture of Jungkook and Alison standing on the stage appeared. They were both dressed in expensive clothes. Alison had on a silver ball gown. A silver ball gown Chaerin knew very well because she had heard her best friend talk about it ever since they were children.

'If and when I get engaged, I am only wearing the vintage silver gown with Swarovski crystals from this Parisian design house.....', she recalled her words from when they were young.

Why would Alison do this? No way her best friend would take a step like this. Maybe she was hallucinating. She hadn't eaten in days and took meds for body pain. Maybe they were fucking her up and making her confused. She hit her cheek a couple of times in an effort to wake herself up. But she was already awake and Chaerin had to come to terms with the fact that this was not a dream.

"No", she spoke to herself as she kept changing all news channel in a panic. Sweat formed on her temples as she felt restless. Behind her the constant sound of the phone pinging with congratulating messages was driving her mad. "NO", she screamed again and threw the remote in her hand straight into the tv. The screen of the TV blacked out before distorted colors appeared.

"NOOOO", she screamed but this time also picked up a chair nearby and flung it into the coffee table made out of glass which caused it to shatter into pieces. She fell to her knees as loud wailing left her mouth. Tears rolled down Chaerin's eyes as she cried her heart out. The realization of what had happened was slowly dawning on her and only then did she figure how deep the betrayal was.

Is that why Alison stopped picking up her calls? Was she preparing all this while to do this behind her back? And Jungkook? Was the sudden breakup because he got interested in Alison and wanted to get rid of Chaerin? Did the both of them together decide to betray her?

Unable to take the pain and stress from these thoughts anymore, she found herself trying to keep herself conscious. Her eyes were blacking out and there was a killing pain in her head. Her heart seemed to be beating dangerously fast and despite the cold air from the air conditioner, she was sweating. Failing to keep herself awake, she fell to the ground with a thud amongst the shattered pieces of glass.

———•••———

A round ring was heard. Chaerin couldn't process what was happening. The ring was heard again and she opened her eyes slightly. The ringing won't stop. It took her a minute to realize it was her phone that was making the sound.

When she woke up completely, the pain on her skin was excruciating. It took her a moment to realize that the glass pieces had quite literally scratched her entire face and arms. She panicked as blood droplets were on the ground. As she touched her face, a moist red liquid smothered her fingers.

But the sound of the phone ringing brought her back to the present. She immediately grabbed it and looked at the number. It was unknown.

Hesitantly she picked up. "Hello"

"Is this Miss Shin Chaerin residing in 340, Insa-dong?"

"Yes this is her"

"I am calling from the Seoul University hospital. Your parents were involved in a road accident and were brought here at 8:25 pm. I have been trying to reach you for a while now. I am very sorry but we couldn't save them and they both succumbed to their injuries. We need you to come to the hospital right now"