Author pov:

As Jin Ah stood before the mirror, her reflection gazing back at her with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease gnawing at her insides.

The ivory gown hugged her curves in all the right places, its intricate lace detailing and delicate beading adding a touch of elegance to the ensemble.

Her hair was swept up into an elaborate chignon, strands of dark hair framing her face in soft waves, while a veil cascaded gracefully down her back, adding an ethereal touch to her appearance.

"You are going to get married," she whispered to herself, the words hanging heavy in the air.

But as she looked into her own eyes in the mirror, she saw a glimmer of determination staring back at her—a reminder of the strength and resilience that had brought her to this moment. Despite the doubts and uncertainties swirling in her mind, Jin Ah knew that she had made her decision, and she would see it through to the end.

With a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and prepared to face whatever the future held, knowing that, no matter what challenges lay ahead, she would face them with courage and conviction. For better or for worse, this was her path now, and she would walk it with grace and dignity, come what may.

As Jin Ah finished adjusting her veil, the door creaked open, and Minji's familiar voice floated into the room. "Jin Ah, are you ready?"

Jin Ah turned to see her best friend standing in the doorway, a radiant smile lighting up her face. "As ready as I'll ever be," Jin Ah replied, mustering a smile of her own.

Minji stepped into the room, her eyes scanning Jin Ah's reflection in the mirror. "You look absolutely stunning," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

Jin Ah's smile softened at the compliment. "Thanks, Minji. I appreciate it."

Minji moved closer, her hands clasped together in excitement. "Can you believe it? You're actually getting married!"

Jin Ah's expression faltered for a moment, a flicker of uncertainty passing through her eyes before she quickly masked it with a forced smile. "Yeah, it's... surreal," she admitted, her voice tinged with apprehension.

Minji's brow furrowed in concern as she studied her friend's face. "Hey, are you okay?" she asked, reaching out to gently touch Jin Ah's arm.

Jin Ah nodded, plastering on a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little nervous, I guess."

Minji's lips curved into a sympathetic smile. "It's natural to be nervous. But remember, you're not alone. We're all here for you, every step of the way."

Jin Ah's gaze softened as she met Minji's eyes. "Thanks, Minji. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Minji grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Probably trip over your own dress and fall flat on your face," she teased, earning a playful swat from Jin Ah.

"Hey, watch it," Jin Ah laughed, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly in Minji's lighthearted presence.

As they shared a moment of camaraderie, Jin Ah felt a glimmer of hope flicker within her—a reminder that, no matter what uncertainties lay ahead, she had her friends by her side, ready to support her through thick and thin. And with that thought in mind, she took a deep breath, steeling herself for the journey that lay ahead.

As the music swelled, signaling the start of the ceremony, Jin Ah and Minji exchanged one last glance of encouragement before Minji took her place among the guests. With a deep breath, Jin Ah squared her shoulders and began her slow and steady walk down the aisle.

All eyes turned to her as she made her way forward, her heart pounding in her chest with each step. She could feel the weight of their gazes upon her, could hear the soft murmur of whispers and the gentle rustle of fabric as guests shifted in their seats.

But amidst the sea of faces, there was one that stood out—the gaze of Taehyung, intense and unwavering, fixed upon her as if she were the only person in the room. His eyes held a myriad of emotions—longing, determination, and perhaps even a hint of vulnerability—but Jin Ah refused to let herself be swayed by them. She had made her decision, and she would not falter now.

As she drew closer to the altar, Jin Ah's pulse quickened, her footsteps faltering for the briefest of moments before she steadied herself. She could see her mother standing beside Taehyung, a smile of pride and joy gracing her lips as she watched her daughter approach.

And then, in the blink of an eye, Jin Ah was standing before them, her heart pounding in her chest as she met Taehyung's gaze head-on. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as they stood locked in a silent exchange, the weight of their shared history hanging heavy in the air.

But then, as if on cue, the officiant began to speak, and Jin Ah's attention was drawn away from Taehyung to focus on the task at hand. With a deep breath, she turned her gaze forward, her eyes fixed on the future that awaited her, determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead with grace and resilience.

As the officiant posed the question, Jin Ah felt a surge of uncertainty wash over her. It was the moment of truth, the point of no return, and she knew that her answer would irrevocably alter the course of her life.

"Ms. Park Jin Ah," the officiant intoned, his voice echoing through the room, "do you take Taehyung as your husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?"

Jin Ah hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest as she grappled with the weight of the words before her. This was it—the moment she had been dreading, the moment when she would have to confront her deepest fears and doubts head-on.

But as she looked into Taehyung's eyes, she saw something there—something real, something true—that gave her the courage to speak the words that would bind them together for eternity.

"I do," she said, her voice firm and unwavering, her gaze never leaving Taehyung's. "I take Taehyung as my husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part."

As the officiant posed the question to Taehyung, he felt a surge of anticipation coursing through him. This was the moment he had been waiting for, the culmination of all his hopes and dreams.

"Mr. Kim Taehyung," the officiant intoned, his voice resonating through the room, "do you take Jin Ah as your wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?"

Taehyung's gaze never wavered as he looked into Jin Ah's eyes, his heart overflowing with emotion. This was the moment he had been waiting for, the moment when he would finally declare his love for her to the world.

"I do," he said, his voice unwavering, his gaze never leaving Jin Ah's. "I take Jin Ah as my wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part."

As the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, Jin Ah's heart sank. She couldn't believe she was now tied to Taehyung for the rest of her life. The thought filled her with a mix of resentment and dread, knowing that she was now Mrs. Kim Taehyung, despite her deepest wishes.

"Congratulations to Mr. Kim Taehyung and Mrs. Kim Jin Ah," the officiant declared, his words falling on Jin Ah's ears like a cruel joke.

Taehyung's eyes gleamed with possessiveness as he turned to Jin Ah, his lips curling into a satisfied smirk. But Jin Ah couldn't bring herself to return his gaze. She felt trapped, suffocated by the weight of their past and the uncertain future that lay ahead.

"You may now seal your vows with a kiss," the officiant announced, and Jin Ah's stomach churned at the thought of touching Taehyung, let alone kissing him.

Taehyung moved closer, his eyes burning with a fervent intensity that made Jin Ah's skin crawl. She braced herself for the inevitable, knowing she had no choice but to comply with the officiant's words.

As Taehyung's lips met hers in a forceful kiss, Jin Ah's mind raced with a flurry of conflicting emotions. She despised him for what he had done to her, for the way he had manipulated and controlled her. And yet, there was a small part of her that couldn't deny the lingering spark of attraction she still felt towards him.

But as the kiss ended and Taehyung pulled away, Jin Ah knew that their relationship was far from over. Despite her best efforts to escape his grasp, she was bound to him now, for better or for worse, in a marriage that neither of them truly wanted.

As they stood side by side, the air between them thick with tension, Taehyung's words cut through the silence like a knife. His voice, a dark whisper of promise, sent a chill down Jin Ah's spine as she struggled to maintain her composure.

As Taehyung's words hung in the air, heavy with insistence, he leaned in closer, his voice a low murmur. "I told you, my love, we would get married. No one can change that."

Jin Ah's defiance flared, her eyes flashing with determination. "You can't force love, Taehyung. This isn't what I wanted," she countered, her tone unwavering despite the tremble in her voice.

His smile remained cold, unyielding. "Hate me all you want, but you belong to me now. There's no escaping it," he stated firmly, his grip on her tightening ever so slightly.

Jin Ah's resolve strengthened, her words laced with defiance. "I may be standing beside you, but my heart will never be yours," she declared, refusing to be swayed by his dominance.

Yet Taehyung's demeanor remained unchanged, his resolve unshakeable. "You will learn to accept it," he asserted softly, his breath warm against her ear. "In time, you might even come to love me."

Jin Ah turned away, refusing to meet his gaze, her heart heavy with the weight of his expectations. She knew she was trapped in a situation she never wanted, her identity reduced to a possession in Taehyung's eyes.

As Jin Ah stood beside Taehyung, her eyes scanning the room, they landed on a familiar figure. Her mother stood at the back of the room, a mixture of pride and sorrow evident in her gaze.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, Jin Ah felt a rush of emotions flood over her. Here was the woman who had raised her, who had seen her through every triumph and tribulation. And now, she was witnessing her daughter's marriage to a man Jin Ah wasn't sure she loved.

A myriad of thoughts raced through Jin Ah's mind as she exchanged a silent glance with her mother. There was a longing for understanding, a desire for reassurance, and yet, there was also a hint of resignation. This was the path she had chosen, whether it was by her own will or by circumstances beyond her control.

Despite the tumult of emotions swirling within her, Jin Ah managed a small smile for her mother. It was a smile filled with gratitude and determination, a silent promise that she would navigate this new chapter of her life with courage and resilience.

As the ceremony concluded, guests began to approach Taehyung and Jin Ah, offering their congratulations and well wishes. Jin Ah's heart felt heavy with each handshake and smile, the weight of her decision pressing down on her with each passing moment.

Among the well-wishers were Jin Ah's brother and mother. They approached the newlyweds with a mix of emotions evident on their faces. Jin Ah's brother wore a strained smile, his eyes betraying a hint of concern beneath the facade of celebration.

"Congratulations, sis," he said, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I hope you know what you're doing."

Jin Ah met her brother's gaze, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. She knew he was worried, that he harbored doubts about Taehyung and their unconventional relationship. But she also knew that he would stand by her, no matter what.

Her mother stood beside her brother, her expression a mixture of pride and sadness. She reached out to Jin Ah, pulling her into a tight embrace. "I'm so happy for you, my dear," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

Jin Ah returned her mother's embrace, feeling the weight of her love and support enveloping her like a warm blanket. Despite the doubts and uncertainties that plagued her, she took solace in the knowledge that she wasn't alone, that her family would always be there for her, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

As the guests continued to offer their congratulations, a figure approached Taehyung and Jin Ah with an air of coldness. It was Taehyung's mother, her presence casting a shadow over the joyous occasion.

With a disdainful glance at Jin Ah, Taehyung's mother spoke in a voice that dripped with contempt. "Congratulations, I suppose," she said, her tone laced with bitterness. "Though I must say, I never imagined my son would stoop so low as to marry someone like you."

Taehyung tensed at his mother's words, a mixture of anger and hurt flashing in his eyes. He stepped forward, placing himself between Jin Ah and his mother. "Mother, that's enough," he said firmly, his voice brooking no argument. "Jin Ah is my wife now, and I won't tolerate any disrespect towards her."

His mother's eyes narrowed at his defiance, but she maintained her composed facade. "You may be married to her now, Taehyung, but that doesn't change the fact that she's not worthy of you," she retorted, her tone dripping with disdain.

Jin Ah remained silent, her jaw clenched as she endured the verbal assault. She knew Taehyung's mother didn't approve of her, but hearing it so openly still stung.

Taehyung took a deep breath, struggling to keep his composure in the face of his mother's hostility. "Mother, Jin Ah is the woman I love," he said, his voice tinged with frustration. "And I won't let you or anyone else belittle her."

His mother scoffed, a derisive laugh escaping her lips. "Love? Don't make me laugh, Taehyung," she sneered. "You're just infatuated with her. It won't last."

Taehyung's hands curled into fists at his sides, his patience wearing thin. "You're wrong, Mother," he said firmly. "My feelings for Jin Ah are real, and they're not going anywhere."

For a moment, there was a tense silence between them, the weight of their conflicting emotions hanging in the air like a heavy fog.

Finally, Taehyung's mother let out a frustrated sigh, her features softening slightly. "Fine," she conceded, though her tone still held a hint of disdain. "But mark my words, Taehyung. This marriage will only bring you pain."

Taehyung clenched his jaw, his resolve hardening in the face of his mother's negativity. "I'll take my chances," he said firmly, his gaze unwavering as he stood beside Jin Ah, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

With that, his mother turned and walked away, leaving Taehyung and Jin Ah to share a silent moment of solidarity. Though the road ahead would undoubtedly be difficult, they knew they would face it together, united in their love and determination to overcome any obstacle.

As the evening progressed, Taehyung managed to corner Jin Ah in a secluded corner of the venue, away from the prying eyes of their guests. His expression was inscrutable, a mask of indifference masking the tumult of emotions roiling beneath the surface.

"Quite the spectacle, isn't it?" he remarked casually, his tone devoid of any genuine interest.

Jin Ah shot him a withering glare, her arms crossed defensively over her chest. "I suppose," she replied curtly, her voice laced with disdain.

Taehyung's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "Always a pleasure to see you in such high spirits," he quipped, his words dripping with sarcasm.

Rolling her eyes, Jin Ah resisted the urge to scoff. "Cut the act, Taehyung," she retorted, her patience wearing thin. "I know you're only here to make my life miserable."

Taehyung's facade wavered for a moment, a flicker of hurt flashing across his features before being replaced by his trademark indifference. "Is that what you think of me?" he asked, his voice surprisingly soft.

Jin Ah scoffed, her eyes blazing with contempt. "What else am I supposed to think?" she shot back, her voice tinged with bitterness. "You've made it abundantly clear how you feel about me."

For a moment, Taehyung's gaze softened, a hint of remorse flickering in his eyes. "I know I've made mistakes," he admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "But I'm not the same person I used to be."

Jin Ah's expression remained guarded, her walls firmly in place. "Forgive me if I find that hard to believe," she replied icily, her tone dripping with skepticism.

Silence hung heavy between them, the weight of their shared history lingering in the air like a tangible presence. And as they stood there, locked in a battle of wills, it was clear that the wounds of the past ran deep, leaving little room for reconciliation.

But beneath the surface, beneath the layers of animosity and resentment, there still lingered a spark of something undeniable—an unspoken connection that neither of them could deny, no matter how hard they tried.

And as they stood there, locked in their silent standoff, they couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them—whether they were destined to remain bitter enemies or if, against all odds, they might find their way back to each other once more.

With a smirk, Taehyung leaned in close to Jin Ah's ear, his warm breath sending shivers down her spine. "We're going straight to our honeymoon, my love," he whispered, his voice laced with anticipation.

Jin Ah's eyes widened in surprise, her heart skipping a beat at the unexpected turn of events. "But we haven't even packed," she protested, her mind racing with thoughts of unfinished tasks and unpreparedness.

Taehyung simply chuckled, his hand gently squeezing hers in reassurance. "Don't worry about a thing," he said confidently. "I've taken care of everything."

And with that, Jin Ah found herself swept up in the whirlwind of Taehyung's plans, her protests fading into the background as they embarked on their journey together, hand in hand, towards an uncertain but exciting future.

As the wedding festivities came to a close, Jin Ah found herself surrounded by a flurry of well-wishers, each one offering their congratulations and blessings for the future. She smiled and nodded politely, her mind elsewhere as she searched for her mother in the crowd.

Finally spotting her near the entrance, Jin Ah made her way over, a stern expression on her face as she approached. "Mom, you need to take your medicine on time," she scolded gently, knowing all too well her mother's tendency to forget.

Her mother sighed, a tired smile playing at her lips. "I know, sweetheart. I'll try my best," she promised, reaching out to squeeze Jin Ah's hand affectionately.

Niki, ever the dramatic one, chimed in, "Yes, Mrs.Park, you must take your medicine! We can't have you falling ill on us now, can we?" he teased, earning a playful swat from Jin Ah in response.

With a final round of hugs and farewells, Jin Ah and Taehyung made their way to the waiting car, ready to embark on the next chapter of their journey together.

As they drove off into the night, Jin Ah couldn't shake the feeling of excitement and apprehension that bubbled within her, knowing that whatever lay ahead, they would face it together, as husband and wife.

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