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The VIP lounge of one of the hotels owned by RM corporation was ignited with mellow lights. The comfortable chairs and couches took up space in the large room. Taehyung sat in one of them, dressed in a newly designed Gucci suit, a leg thrown over the other. In that large room sat four of the most powerful people of south Korea.

The four businessmen were in control of South Korea's biggest family bussinesses. They were known for their hard efforts that brought their companies to the places they're now. They were known to be honest and humble. That honesty and humbleness is what made them so popular, not only in South Korea, but the whole world.

They knew, at the end of the day, everything fell under the law.

Namjoon and his father sat in front of Taehyung and his father. Taehyung was feeling nervous, even though he had

known Namjoon's father since the day he was born. They were family friends. But this meeting seemed so formal, that it unnerved Taehyung.

The sales of Tan Corporation were decreasing. Their profits were low and an immediate action must be taken to prevent any more harm to the business. They also had to pay Rose a couple of million dollars, as reimbursement. That summed up all the TV shows she missed. and her payment for the treatment.

So this, is the last chance for Taehyung to save his company. This was final. There was no other way out of this than this collaboration. Taehyung genuinely felt happy that Namjoon and his father offered them this opportunity.

"It's so great to see you, Taehyung. It's been a while since I met with you" Namjoon's father, Kim Yeonbin said, smling.

Taehyung smiled back. "Yes, sir. Work had kept me from meeting anyone. I hardly even see Namjoon"

Yeonbin chuckled. "True. You're one hardworking lad. I'm much impressed."

"He had hardly been sleeping in the last few weeks. Doesn't even come home after work. He's basically been living in his office" Taehyung's father added and Taehyung smiled slightly.

"I admire that spirit and dedication, Taehyung. Those are the true colors of a CEO" Yeonbin said. "Which is why I want to help you. Our families had been friends since the day our businesses were small shops. I can't watch this catastrophe happen to your company, Eunjin. Our fathers worked hard to build these empires"

"True" Eunjin said. "I really appreciate your efforts, Yeonbin"

"Namjoon was the one who came up with the idea, you see. He wanted a collaboration. It could save your company. But I doubt it would make much impact. Well, it would be something but not enough. Your father told me the situation your company is in, Taehyung. My experience in this subject makes me wonder if a collaboration would do much good in this type of situation"Yeonbin said.

Taehyung looked at the man who sat before him. His hair was whitening and wrinkles were formed under his eyes. He was old. "What do you suggest I do, Mr. Kim?" Taehyung asked.

"I'll let Namjoon explain" He looked at Namjoon and Namjoon's gaze flicked over to Taehyung. For a moment or two the two friends held their gaze. Something unspoken passed between them; a secret only two of them knew from the crowd in the room. He didn't look too happy about what he was about to speak of. Taehyung was confused.

Namjoon cleared his throat. "Yeah so we can make a product. Not like a collaboration"Namjoon handed both Taehyung and his father two documents. "You, Tan Corporation will make this. And us, RM Corporation will sell it under our name. So you will be able to have the full profit of the sales. It will help you overcome the loss you faced in these few months.But only slightly. We can also do a collaboration. But there's another more effective way for you to gain your reputation back..." Namjoon trialed off, making Taehyung avert his gaze from the document to him. Namjoon looked very uncomfortable.

"A marriage" Yeonbin said.

"What?!" Taehyung blurted out, making all other three men look at him.

"A marriage, Taehyung. We will merge our companies. Your father had already agreed" Yeonbin said.

Taehyung looked at him with wide eyes. He couldn't believe this was happening. "Ma-marriage with whom?" Taehyung stuttered.

Yeonbin smiled. Namjoon had his head held low, eyes on the floor.

"Come in" Yeonbin called. The door of the VIP opened and in walked Kim Jennie.

Taehyung watched with wide eyes as she slowly made her way towards the four men.

"Oh Miss. Kim! You look lovely as ever! What a beauty you are. It's such a great pleasure to see you" TAehyung's father stood up and shook hands with her.

"Thank you, Mr. Kim. No need to be so formal. You're soon to be my father-in-law"Jennie chuckled. Taehyung's father and Yeonbin laughed at that.

She then moved towards Taehyung and reached to shake hands with him. Taehyung numbly stared at her for a few moments before taking her hand and shaking it with a blank expression.

This can't be happening. This should be some nightmare. Taehyung suppressed the urge to pinch himself and try to wake up.

Everything was a numb buzz around him as he tried to process the fact that he had no way out of this. Both the older men laughed and talked. But Taehyung wasn't listening. His heart was clenching painfully. He felt powerless as there was no way he could say no. This isn't even about him. This is about his family and company.

Taehyung was born a heir to the Tan Corporation. It was his duty to manage the company and work for it's development. He must work to keep up the legacy, the reputation of Tan Corporation. And he must do whatever it takes to protect it. He was raised like that.

But standing before the point where all his teaching and beliefs were finally being tested, he wasn't so sure if those things had taught him anything worthy at all. His brain was screaming at him to stop this stupidity. His heart was screaming Jeongguk!

His vulnerability scared him. He felt so weak, being unable to stand up for himself here. But he, himself...this isn't about him.

This isn't some fairy tale! This is business! Rose's words echoed though his mind. This isn't even a choice he has to make. It's something he must do. This is business.

"...right, Taehyung?" Taehyung heard Yeonbin say.

"I'm sorry, what?" Taehyung said, finally being woken up from his head space.

"I was saying that you and Jennie had known each other since childhood and you two must know each other very well. So there really isn't a problem at all, right?" Yeonbin said.

"Of course. Taehyung and Jennie were to be married to each other sooner or later anyway" Eunjin said.

Yeonbin laughed. "Of course! I really can't think about anyone I'd rather wed my daughter to"

More laughter continued. Jennie was obviously having a good time. After all, she had wanting to get in Taehyung's pants since middle school. This must be a dream come true for her. But Taehyung had never thought about Jennie as more than a friend.

Taehyung hated his life. It was his life. He should be able to control it the way he wants. But no. Not when it comes to his company. He must sacrifice everything for it.

He needed Jeongguk. He wanted him. He had never known love before Jeongguk. He needed to-

But how could he? When what he was born in to was building up a cage around him? He couldn't escape that prison. There is no choice but to give in. No matter how much he wanted to follow his heart.

"I mean, there shouldn't be a problem, right?" Yeonbin was saying. "Taehyung doesn't have a lover, right?" He was smiling at Taehyung.

There were things in one's life that needed to be done. Things that have no shortcut. You must take the hard way.

He had his duty to attend to. It was his responsibility. This is what needed to be done. This is what he was born to do.

Taehyung smiled at the old man.

"Of course not"

~*~

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