Chapter 16: (Aaira's pov)
22 July, 2025.

I woke up to the sound of hurried steps outside my room. Blinking groggily, I saw it was already evening. I had slept through the entire afternoon, something I rarely did. My body was heavy with fatigue and my mind clouded with confusion, why would I sleep so long ? Why are these hurried steps so disturbing ?

Aaira: What's happening?

I whispered to myself, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. I looked out of the window, the view offering a momentary distraction from my thoughts. The sky was painted with hues of pink and orange, the sun beginning its descent. The garden below was bathed in the soft, golden light of the setting sun.

In the garden, the old man was busy tending to his plants, his back bent as he carefully pruned the roses. The sight was strangely calm. For a moment, I envied his simple, peaceful routine.

But the hurried steps continued, and my curiosity got the better of me. I slowly made my way downstairs towards the kitchen. As I reached the bottom of the stairs, the old woman appeared.

Old Woman: You're finally awake.

Aaira: What's going on?

I asked,

Old Woman: We have some visitors.

Her response was terse, offering no further explanation. My heart skipped a beat. Could it be Jungkook? Had he finally come for me? I got so excited.

I quickly hurried towards the living room, the anklet I used to wear making a soft, jingling sound with each step. As I reached the room, I saw a middle-aged woman sitting there, her posture stiff and formal. My heart sank with disappointment; it wasn't Jungkook.

The old woman followed behind me.

Old Woman: Meet my friend, Y/n.

She took a sigh as she looked at me with a smile, before putting her hands on both my shoulders, pushing me further.

Old Woman: I'd like you to meet Mrs. Park and her son, Minhyuk.

Mrs. Park offered a polite smile, while Minhyuk gave a small nod, looking slightly uncomfortable.

Mrs. Park: It's a pleasure to meet you, Y/n. My son Minhyuk has heard so much about you.

I nodded cautiously, still confused about the purpose of their visit. The old woman didn't waste any time getting to the point.

Old Woman: We are settling your marriage with these people. Minhyuk will be your husband.

I stared at her in disbelief, what does she mean by that ? Is she even in her right senses ?

Aaira: What? You can't be serious.

Old woman: Y/n we will talk about this later, not here, please understand.

I looked at her with disbelief, my heart pounding in my chest, what in the hell was happening to me ?

Aaira: Marriage proposals? I'm already married! Have you lost your mind, Woman ?

The middle-aged woman exchanged a quick glance with the old woman before turning her attention back to me.

Old Woman: You need to stop this nonsense, Y/n. You are not married. This is for your future.

She really expected me to accept this thing? That Minhyuk guy spoke up for the first time, as he saw my distress.

Minhyuk: I'm sorry, I guess you're pranking us-

Aaira: Shut up !

I shouted, ever before he could continue his sentence.

Aaira: Listen, Mrs. Moon, Mrs. Park and you.

I pointed towards that guy.

Aaira: I am married! My husband's name is Jeon Jungkook, It's been four years ever since I've been married, and we have a son, Jeon Aimin, he's three years old. I don't need anyone else.

The old woman's face hardened, her eyes narrowing, as she looked at me with disbelief.

Old Woman: Enough of these fantasies. You are getting matt, That is final.

Aaira: Shut up !

Before I could imagine, she slapped hard across my cheek, I just kept staring down, no matter what she does, or says, she was not my mother to tell me who I should marry or who I should not, I slowly looked up biting my lips.

Aaira: I refuse!

The old woman stepped closer.

Old Woman: You will do as I say, Y/n. For once, stop this ridiculous charade and face reality.

Aaira: I will never accept this. I belong to Jungkook, and no one else. Tell these people to get the fuck out of here. When you get your dead daughter back to life, kidnly do these things to her, Not me !

The room went silent after I spoke. The old woman's eyes went wide with shock, her face turning pale. Mrs. Park and Minhyuk gasped, looking shocked and horrified. Mrs. Park's polite look vanished, and her mouth hung open. Minhyuk looked uncomfortable, his eyes moving between me and the old woman.

The tension in the room was thick. Suddenly, the old woman slapped me hard on the cheek, making my head snap to the side. The sound of the slap echoed in the room, and everyone went quiet. Mrs. Park looked horrified and covered her mouth, stepping back. Minhyuk's face showed pity and helplessness. He seemed unsure whether to help me or respect the old woman.

My cheek burned from the slap, and tears came to my eyes, but I stood my ground. The old woman's face was full of anger and frustration, her breathing fast and angry. No one moved for a moment, the room heavy with the weight of what had just happened. The middle-aged woman cleared her throat, attempting to diffuse the tension.

Mrs. Park: Perhaps we should give her some time to come to terms with the situation, we should leave.

The old woman glared at me one last time before nodding curtly.

Old Woman: Very well.

The old woman's glare bore into me, her eyes full of a fury that made my blood run cold. I quickly sank to the ground, my mind racing with the consequences of what I had just said. What was going to happen to me now?

Minhyuk gave me one last, pitying glance before he turned to follow his mother. The old woman seemed to transform, her movements becoming eerily calm and mechanical as she guided them toward the door.

Old Woman: Let me show you out.

She moved with precision, every step deliberate as if she were a robot programmed for this exact task. Mrs. Park hesitated for a moment, glancing back at me. Minhyuk's expression was troubled, but he followed his mother without a word.

The old woman escorted them to the door, her posture rigid and controlled. As they reached the door, Mrs. Park turned to the old woman.

Mrs. Park: I'm sorry for any trouble we've caused. We'll be in touch.

The old woman nodded curtly, her eyes never leaving me.

Old Woman: Thank you for coming. We'll speak again soon.

With that, she opened the door and ushered them out, closing it firmly behind them. The moment the door clicked shut, the calm facade dropped, and she whirled around to face me.

Old Woman: How dare you embarrass me like that in front of our guests?

I didn't respond, too terrified to speak. She took a step closer, her fists clenched at her sides.

Old Woman: You think you can defy me? You think you can refuse the life I've chosen for you? Who the fuck are you ?

I shook my head, tears streaming down my face.

Aaira: I'm sorry... I just can't... Marry someone.

Old Woman: Sorry? You will be sorry, Y/n. You have no idea what you've just done.

She reached down and grabbed my arm, pulling me to my feet.

Old Woman: You will learn to obey, Y/n. One way or another.

I was trembling, my cheek still stinging from the slap. She dragged me down the hallway, her grip was vise. As she hauled me toward the stairs, there was no escape, only the cold, hard house.

She pushed me into my room and slammed the door shut behind me. The sound echoed through the house, a final, ominous note. I sank to the floor. I curled up on the floor, hugging my knees to my chest. I felt trapped, like a bird in a cage.

I didn't respond, too exhausted to argue further. How could they expect me to move on, to marry someone else, when my heart belonged to Jungkook?

Two hours later, the door creaked open. My vision was blurred, and I felt lifeless on the cold floor, unable to muster the energy to sit up. I just lay there, staring blankly ahead.

The old woman entered, a light smile playing on her lips. She approached me and gently helped me sit up. Her touch was surprisingly gentle.

Old Woman: Come, let's prepare lunch, daughter and mother.

Her words sounded almost affectionate, but I knew better than to trust her sudden change in attitude. I didn't respond, my body still trembling from the earlier confrontation.

Old Woman: You'll feel better once you eat something.

She helped me to my feet, her grip tight but not harsh. I followed her to the kitchen, my mind numb. As we moved through the house, in the kitchen, she handed me a knife and some vegetables. I stared at them for a moment, She began chopping alongside me.

Old Woman: You know, Y/n, it doesn't have to be this way.

I glanced at her, I was unsure of what she meant by this sentence.

Old Woman: If you just accept your place here, things can be much easier for you. We can be a family.

I swallowed hard, my throat dry. I didn't want to be part of this twisted family. I wanted to be free, to be with Jungkook.

Aaira: I can't...

She paused, her knife stilling on the cutting board. Suddenly, she shouted.

Old Woman: Move!

I was taken aback, my heart racing. She started chopping so loudly and forcefully that the sound echoed through the kitchen. Her movements were aggressive, the knife striking the cutting board with a relentless rhythm.

Old Woman: Set the table!

I jumped at her command, my hands trembling as I grabbed the dishes and utensils. I hurried to the dining area, arranging everything as perfectly as I could manage. The old woman's constant shouting kept me on edge.

Old Woman: Be perfect! Do you hear me? Perfect!

I felt my fear growing with each passing second. I set the plates, forks, and knives with meticulous care, terrified of making even the smallest mistake.

Old Woman: Faster!

I quickened my pace. The old woman continued her relentless chopping, Finally, the table was set to her satisfaction, and I took a step back, my heart pounding. The old woman stopped chopping and turned to inspect my work. Her eyes scanned the table, looking for any flaw.

Old Woman: Good.

She said, her voice was grudgingly approving.

Old Woman: Now, sit down.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure if she meant it, but her sharp look left no room for doubt. I quickly sat down at the table, my hands resting in my lap.

The room once more began to feel unsettling. The sound of boiling water on the stove bubbled and hissed, filling the air with a humid steam that clung to my skin. The constant running tap as she washed the meat created a rhythmic, almost hypnotic noise, each splash echoing in my ears.

The clatter of pots and pans as she moved them about seemed to reverberate through the kitchen, each metallic clang sending a shiver down my spine. The sharp sound of the knife against the cutting board resumed, each chop precise and forceful.

The sizzle of vegetables hitting hot oil added to the cacophony, a sharp, hissing noise that punctuated the tense atmosphere. I found myself focusing on these sounds, the mundane details of cooking becoming my escape.

The relentless chopping, the bubbling water, the splashing tap - they all merged into a chaotic symphony that drowned out my thoughts and fears. The old woman finished cooking and brought the dishes over, placing them in the center of the table. The steam rose from the food.

Old Woman: Eat.

I picked up my fork, the weight of it feeling heavier than usual in my trembling hand. As I took the first bite, I noticed immediately that the food tasted different. The usual rich flavors were overshadowed by an unusual bitterness, a metallic tang that lingered on my tongue. It felt like chewing on something foreign and unpleasant.

I glanced up, and saw the old woman smiling maniacally, her eyes gleaming with an unsettling light. The sight made my stomach churn, but I forced myself to take another bite. As I chewed, the bitter taste grew stronger, spreading through my mouth and making it hard to swallow.

Suddenly, she started laughing, a harsh, grating sound that filled the room. I stopped eating, my fork clattering against the plate. My heart pounded in my chest as I stared at her, unsure of what was happening.

Old Woman: Eat, Aaira. Why did you stop?

The use of my real name sent a shock through me. It was the first time she had called me Aaira, and the sound of it on her lips felt like a cruel taunt. Her laughter died down, but the manic smile remained.

I hesitated, my fork hovering over the plate. The old woman's eyes narrowed, her smile fading slightly as she watched me. My hands shook, but I forced myself to pick up another piece of food. The bitterness was even more pronounced, making me gag.

Old Woman: Eat!

Her shout startled me, and I quickly shoved the food into my mouth, trying to swallow without tasting it. The metallic tang seemed to coat my throat, making me want to retch. I could feel her gaze boring into me, waiting for any sign of resistance.

Old Woman: That's it. Good girl.

Her voice dripped with mockery, and I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes. I continued to eat, each bite was a struggle, the bitter taste growing worse with every mouthful. The old woman watched me intently.

Old Woman: You see, Aaira, how things go when you betray me ?

I nodded weakly, unable to speak with my mouth full of the foul-tasting food. The room seemed to close in around me, the oppressive atmosphere making it hard to breathe. I focused on finishing the meal, praying that it would end soon.

Old Woman: I accept that you're not my daughter.

I took a deep sigh of relief, finally hoping she might help me go back to my place. But before I could savor that hope, she shouted again.

Old Woman: Eat!

I continued eating, my body trembling with fear and exhaustion. She sighed and leaned closer, her voice low and menacing.

Old Woman: But what you said today in front of my friends is a threat to me, to my husband. You see how things go, right, Aaira?

I felt my eyelids growing heavier, a sudden wave of drowsiness washing over me. My vision blurred, and I struggled to keep my focus on her words.

Old Woman: Sleep well.

Panic surged through me as I realized something was terribly wrong. I started choking on my food, my throat constricting painfully. My hands clutched at my neck as I gasped for breath. The old woman stood back, watching me with a cruel smile.

Old Woman: Oh dear, what's wrong? Is my little bird choking?

My vision darkened at the edges, and I felt my body weakening, unable to fight against whatever was happening to me. I tried to cry out for help, but no sound came out. The old woman's laughter echoed in my ears as I slipped further into darkness, as I lost consciousness, the last thing I saw was her cold, triumphant smile, and I knew that I was truly trapped in her web.

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"Their coercion led me into danger, all while my heart remained faithful to my true love."

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