Chapter 4: (Aaira's pov)

I woke up the next morning, cradling in Aimin's bed. The softness of the mattress and the warmth of my son's small body beside me brought a sense of peace I hadn't felt in a long time.

As I blinked asleep from my eyes, I searched for Jungkook, but he was nowhere to be found. I glanced at Aimin, his tiny face relaxed in sleep, and smiled, realizing it was still early for him to wake up.

Gently, I slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb Aimin. The soft light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a golden hue across the room. As I moved towards the door, a maid entered, her steps light and graceful.

Maid: Good morning, my lady. Shall we begin your morning routine?

I nodded, following her through the corridors to the bathing chamber. The room was a sanctuary of marble and gold, with a large sunken tub at its center. Steam rose from the bath, filling the air with the soothing scent of lavender and rose petals.

Two maids approached, bowing slightly before they began their work. One maid helped me undress, her hands gentle and efficient. She removed my gown and undergarments, folding them neatly on a nearby chair. The other maid prepared the bath, adjusting the temperature and adding fragrant oils to the water.

I noticed their eyes widening slightly at the sight of the wounds on my body. Bruises and cuts, some still fresh, marred my skin. They exchanged concerned glances but said nothing, respecting my unspoken wish to avoid discussing the source of my injuries.

As I was undressed, the maids guided me to the edge of the tub. I stepped in, sinking into the warm water with a sigh of relief. The heat enveloped me.

Maid: Please relax, my lady. We will take care of everything.

Their hands were gentle, skillfully avoiding the tender areas as they cleansed and tended to me. Despite their professionalism, I could sense their unspoken questions, but I remained silent, grateful for their discretion and care.

One maid began to gently wash my hair, her fingers massaging my scalp with a mixture of herbal shampoo and oils. The soothing sensation lulled me into a state of calm, and I closed my eyes, enjoying the moment of tranquility. The other maid used a soft sponge to cleanse my body, moving with practiced grace and care.

After my hair was thoroughly washed and rinsed, the maid applied a rich conditioner, leaving it to soak in while she continued to wash the rest of my body. The sponge glided over my skin, removing any traces of dirt and leaving a faint floral fragrance in its wake.

Maid: Would you like a massage, my lady?

I nodded, grateful for the offer. One maid began to knead the muscles of my shoulders and back, her hands skilled and strong. The tension melted away under her touch, replaced by a deep sense of relaxation.

Once the bath was complete, the maids helped me out of the tub and wrapped me in a soft, plush towel. They guided me to a padded chair by the vanity, where they began to dry my hair with gentle, careful strokes. Another maid brought over a tray with various creams and lotions, and they began to apply them to my skin, leaving it soft and moisturized.

Maid: Your hair, my lady.

One maid began to comb and style my hair, weaving it into an elegant braid that fell gracefully down my back. She adorned it with delicate pins and a small, jeweled comb. The other maid helped me into a fresh gown, a beautiful creation of silk and lace that felt luxurious against my skin.

As they finished, I glanced at my reflection in the mirror. The woman staring back at me looked serene, her face glowing with health and her hair perfectly styled. The elegant bath had done wonders, and I felt rejuvenated.

Maid: You look lovely, my lady. Is there anything else we can do for you?

I smiled at them, grateful for their care and attention.

Aaira: No, thank you. You've done wonderfully.

The maids bowed and left the room, leaving me to gather my thoughts. I stood, taking a deep breath, feeling more like myself than I had in weeks.

I made my way to the dining room, feeling more agile and steady than I had the day before. As I entered the room, my eyes instinctively searched for Jungkook, but he was nowhere to be found.

Instead, only Hwasa and my mother-in-law were present, already seated at the table. I took my place at the corner, trying to muster a polite smile.

The atmosphere felt slightly tense, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. As I settled into my seat, Hwasa's gaze fixed on me, her expression unreadable.

Hwasa: Now that you're feeling better, why don't you go and cook today?

I blinked, taken aback by her suggestion.

Aaira: Who, me?

Hwasa nodded, her tone sharp.

Hwasa: Yes. After yesterday's shameless act you did to the maids for nothing, I guess you can go cook too.

I felt a flush of embarrassment creeping up my neck. I hadn't intended to cause any trouble the previous day, but it seemed my actions had been misinterpreted.

I opened my mouth to respond. My mother-in-law's eyes remained on her plate, not offering any support or reproach, not even sparing a glance.

Aaira: Very well. I'll cook.

I rose from my seat, the resolve hardening in my chest. If cooking was what Hwasa noona demanded, then I would do it without complaint. I made my way to the kitchen. The staff looked surprised to see me.

Aaira: I'll be cooking today, so you can leave the kitchen.

The maids exchanged glances, unsure of how to respond. Just then, the head maid approached me, a stern expression on her face.

Head Maid: My lady, please prepare some more food for... some people. I can't disclose who.

I stared at her, waiting for more details, but she simply turned and walked away, leaving me with more questions than answers.

I shook off my confusion and focused on the task at hand. I scanned the ingredients available and decided on a simple yet elegant meal that I hoped would satisfy everyone. As I worked, my hands moved with practice ease, the rhythm of chopping and stirring providing a strange comfort, another reminder that I was home.

It reminded me of simpler times, before the complexities of my life. The aroma of the meal began to fill the kitchen, and I allowed myself a moment of pride in my work.

I prepared extra portions, as requested. When the meal was ready, I arranged it on a tray and carried it back to the dining room.

Hwasa noona and my mother-in-law looked up as I entered, their expressions neutral. I placed the dishes on the table, my heart pounding with anticipation and a hint of nervousness.

Aaira: Breakfast is served.

Hwasa rolled her eyes, her expression conveying her usual disdain. I didn't let it affect me and returned to the kitchen to bring out the other dishes. As I was arranging the remaining food on a tray, I heard the murmurs and footsteps of others arriving for breakfast.

Just as I was about to head back to the dining room, Suah appeared in the doorway, her eyes widening in surprise. She hurried towards me, her concern evident.

Suah: Aaira, what are you doing here? You shouldn't be cooking!

Aaira: Hwasa noona insisted. She said after yesterday's... incident, I should cook today.

Suah's brows furrowed with worry, and she glanced back towards the dining room.

Suah: That's unfair. Let me help you.

Aaira: No, it's fine. I can handle it.

Suah: At least let me carry the tray for you.

I smiled at her offer, grateful for her support. Together, we carried the remaining dishes to the dining room. The table was now full, with everyone chatting and laughing, seemingly oblivious to the tension that had earlier filled the room.

As we set the dishes down, Jungkook entered the room, his eyes searching until they found me. He walked over, a concerned look on his face.

Jungkook: Aaira, why are you...

Noona suddenly interrupted.

Hwasa: She insisted on cooking today. A little humility goes a long way, don't you think?

Jungkook's jaw tightened, but he didn't argue. Instead, he took my hand, squeezing it gently.

Jungkook: Let's sit and eat together.

We took our seats, and for a moment, the room seemed to hold its breath. Because last night I couldn't eat properly and he had already noticed it, so today he was feeding me.

Jungkook: Be honest, did you cooked this meal ?

I nodded slightly.

Jungkook: What ? Are you tired, your body paining?

I shook my head as no.

Jungkook: It taste delicious.

Reyez chimmed in.

Reyez: Aren't you a loving husband?

Everyone stayed silent, just I nodded.

Aaira: He is.

Jungkook smiled lightly.

Jungkook: We all should focus on our meals.

The atmosphere lightened as everyone began to enjoy the meal. Jungkook leaned in close, his voice a soft murmur, as he was dangerously close to my ear.

Jungkook: I'm sorry, Aaira. I should have been here sooner.

Aaira: It's alright. I'm just glad you're here now.

We ate as jungkook tried to make some conversions in between, I glanced around the table, everyone was busy. Suddenly, I looked into Jungkook's eyes, he was admiring me like he had admired no one else, ever.

I waited until the dining room began to empty out, then pulled Suah noona aside into a quiet corner. Her reluctance to speak about the basement only heightened my curiosity and concern. I gently grasped her arm, urging her to confide in me.

Aaira: Suah noona, please tell me. What's going on in the basement? Why is it such a secret?

Suah glanced around nervously,

Suah: Aaira, you shouldn't involve yourself in this. It's... complicated.

Aaira: Complicated how? I deserve to know, Suah noona.

Suah noona glanced around nervously, her eyes darting from side to side as if checking for eavesdroppers. Her voice dropped to a hushed tone as she leaned closer, her expression grave.

Suah: Aaira, there's someone down there you wouldn't want to meet. Someone dangerous. Trust me, it's best if you stay away from the basement.

Aaira: Who is it? Why is everyone so secretive about this?

Suah noona hesitated, her lips pressed into a thin line.

Suah: Just know this for now, Aaira. Don't go there. It's not safe.

Before I could press her further, Suah noona's expression hardened as Seokjin's voice called out for her from across the room.

Seokjin: Suah, where are you?

Suah noona glanced at me with an apology before turning and smiling at seokjin, a knot of worry tightening in my stomach. She hurried off to join Seokjin. I was still standing there puzzling my own thoughts.

But, my thoughts were interrupted by the sight of Jungkook descending the stairs with Aimin nestled in his arms, rubbing his sleepy eyes. A warm smile spread across my face, and I quickly made my way towards them.

Aaira: Good morning, my loves.

Jungkook looked up, his eyes lighting up at the sight of me. Aimin, still half-awake, reached out towards me with a small yawn.

Jungkook: Good morning, Aaira. Someone woke up early today.

Aaira: He must have missed his mumma.

I gently took Aimin into my arms, kissing his cheek softly. He snuggled closer, burying his face against my shoulder.

Jungkook: I'll be going, okay, my love. take care of yourself and our little one.

Aimin let out a contented sigh, his tiny fingers playing with the strands of my hair. I glanced up at Jungkook, as he was ready to leave.

As Jungkook prepared to leave, Aimin let out a soft giggle from my arms, his voice carrying the innocence of a child.

Aimin: Ame!

His small hand pointed towards where Amell, or "Ame" as he called himself, was sleeping peacefully in Scarlet's embrace. I walked towards scarlet on the sofa.

I gently set Aimin down, his attention already captivated by Scarlet's presence. He toddled over to her, giggling happily as she scooped him up into her arms too. I smiled at the sight.

Aaira: Aimin, why don't you sit with Aunt Scarlet for a little bit? I have some things I need to take care of.

Aimin nodded enthusiastically, his chubby arms wrapping around Scarlet's neck as she settled him comfortably. Meanwhile, I made my way towards the basement.

As I descended towards the basement, the coolness of the air sent shivers down my spine, and the faint, musty smell intensified. Despite my reluctance, a gnawing fear propelled me forward. I hated the idea of confronting what might be waiting down there-the possibility of encountering her.

The thought of her sent a chill through me, memories of our last encounter still vivid in my mind. The dim light casting eerie shadows along the walls.

The basement seemed vast, filled with shelves of old artifacts and supplies, each item holding secrets of its own. I moved cautiously, my heart pounding in my chest as I approached the door at the end of the corridor.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed it open slowly, revealing a small, dimly lit room beyond. There were small small sells, each space was sparsely furnished, with a single chair in the center and shelves lined with books and scrolls along the walls, a bed on the corner and long chains scattered on the floor. Dust motes were all over here. A small bathroom, and a tiny table at the other corner.

Aaira: Y/n, are you here?

I heard muffled voices as I walked further, the voices were coming from a the last cell. As I went there, my gaze fell on her. She was seated on the lone chair, her hands bound with chains that clinked softly as she shifted.

But to my surprise she was not the only one presented in this space, there were so many people, like so many. But The most surprising thing was Soobin's presence. both of them were in the same cell, their cell was a lot more different than any other, it was more of a lavish cell.

The space was bigger, it had more space, the walls were better than any other cell, the bed was better, they had a window. And many more different things as compared to others. But still they both were tied to different corners, their door was slightly ajar.

The space carried a strange smell, something acrid and unfamiliar, mingling with the dust that hung thick in the air, I was scared to walk in but I still did. Their cell was more likely a small spaced room.

Her eyes widened as she noticed me, soobin's face was still down, he looked so weak. Why is he kept here like that ? Their mouth was gagged with a cloth, silencing any words they might have spoken, but for others, their eyes were bound too. I approached cautiously, mindful of my gown and the scattered chains on the floor.

I quickly went and untied soobin's mouth.

Aaira: What are you doing here soobin ?

He refused to talk, he didn't even spare a glance at me.

Aaira: I'm talking to you.

He was tied with both his hands behind his back, I felt so bad, has jungkook did this to him ? Should I talk to Jungkook? Why would he do that to his cousin, soobin was the one who took me here.

Aaira: Are you ignoring me.

He still didn't respond to anything, he just looked at the ground, his face held some of a grin, I turned to face the other figure in the room, Her.

Aaira: Why didn't you go to your place, huh? Why are you still here ?

For some moments my thoughts processed nothing, just the thought of her being still close to Jungkook. I knelt beside her, reaching for the chains that held her wrists. They were locked with a key, a key that only Jungkook had access to. Confusion clouded my thoughts.

Why were they both here, bound and gagged in this forgotten corner of the palace? What had led to this moment of captivity? Don't tell me Jungkook thought it was their doing that those horrible stuff happened to me.

I saw her, and for a moment, it felt like looking at a twisted version of myself-Y/n, tied up and with a cloth over her mouth. Anger and resentment boiled inside me, knowing she was stuck here, why. I hate her she shouldn't be here close to Jungkook, Leave already please.

One part of me just wanted to walk out of the room, and never return here, neither would I want Jungkook to ever enter this room. But it was not who I actually was, She was suffering, suffering like I was some days before, I knew I had to help her.

Tears streamed down my face as I thought about the horrors her parents had put me through. I hesitated, I don't think so I should be here. Jungkook wouldn't like it, so I should leave. I quickly stood up and walked towards the door, I gave a last glance at soobin, who refused to look up at me, or anyone.

I was about to leave the room, but her persistent muffled cries stopped me, If I walk out i wouldn't return here I know. The sound of faint voices of hers filled my eyes with tears, It was hurting my heart.

Aaira: SHUT UP.

I screamed, closing both my ears as i knelt down on the ground, It was giving me trauma, it was making me remember how I must have sounded when nobody helped me.

She didn't stay quiet, not even for a second, she was cursing me no doubt. Tears left my eyes like a free fall, leaving both ears I join my hand infront of her.

Aaira: Please shut up, Please.

She didn't stay quiet, she started moving her chair, I felt dizzy, I should walk out right now. As I held the knob she suddenly started crying, tears falling down her eyes. I saw me, literally me sitting on a chair tied up crying.

Aaira: God, My head will burst.

She kept muffling, I couldn't take it anymore, I made my way towards her side, my body was trembling. With shaking hands, I untied the cloth from Y/n's mouth. She took a deep breath but what I didn't expect was her sudden yell at me.

Y/n: You came here, Coward? After everything, you have the guts to show your face? Freaking bitch, I take you here and you left me for God knows how many days rotting in this hell.

Her words hurt, as I knew she was kept here, or as if I was conscious, but I'm not going to hit my head against a rock.

Aaira: You have the guts to say that Y/n ?

Y/n scoffed, her voice full of anger, I quickly stand up ready to leave.

Y/n: You're the reason I'm here, Jeon Fucking Aaira. Your whore thinks I was the reason that all this happened to you.

Her words stung, how dare she curse my husband like that. Soobin still stayed silent, he looked so weak.

Aaira: Fucking mind your words when you talk about him.

Y/n: Mind Your whore, He fucking doesn't even care about you, I've seen living with him, how much he cares if you live or die.

I stopped, what does she mean by that ? Is that the reason he didn't came to take me, No right ? Jungkook care for me, she's just a liar. My hands started trembling, for two minutes everything went blank. Am I thinking too much ? Is she even in a place to be believed.

Jungkook has always lived me right ? Then why this time it took him months but he still didn't care about my disappearance. Her talks make sense. I need Air to breath. I again walked towards the door. Trying to breathe, but this girl got no chill.

Y/n: You're to blame for my this condition Aaira, Now where are you going, to your whore ?

Enough is enough, Two more words and she's receiving a slap from me, I'm not going to listen to things against Jungkook.

Aaira: Really? And who should I blame when I was helpless and there was no one to help, For God sake your parents nearly killed me.

She can't blame.me.for everything when I was totally unaware. I wasn't wrong at my place, Not at all.

Y/n: Jungkook nearly killed me, he's still torturing me. Are you blind or what ?

I look at her state up and down and scoffed.

Aaira: But what happened to me, I didn't deserve that, y/n. Those were your parents, still I'm not blaming you, cause this is not how things work.

Y/n: You think I deserve this ?

Aaira: I don't know if you do or not, But what do you expect from Jungkook, You literally pretend to be me, to stay here, knowing very well about his love-

Y/n: Obsession, He's obsessed.

Aaira: To hell with what you think y/n.

Y/n: That psycho knew from the very first it wasn't you but me, still he choose to stay with me instead of confronting me at first.

She slapped me right across the face without even touching me, I looked at a corner of the room, tears streaming down my face. How much more I was going to lie to me, I don't want to trust her, I just don't. I want to stay in that bubble where I knew jungkook only loved me.

As I was avoiding meeting her gaze, Suddenly, my eyes landed on her lower self, I looked at her swollen, untreated feet, it was stinging, it looked still fresh.

Despite the bitterness between us, despite my hatred towards her, I couldn't ignore her suffering, and i couldn't witness it either. I quickly walked out of the door. Her screams and curses echoed behind me as I hurried out of the place, my heart was bleeding from several places.

───────── ᯓᡣ𐭩 ─────────

"I didn't know what to trust or whom to trust, the love i carried for the man i believed the most, was not easy to scatter. Yet, the circumstances around me, made me rethink my beliefs."

───────── ᯓᡣ𐭩 ─────────

Don't forget to vote