Disclaimer/Author's note: This book is a work of fiction, born entirely from my imagination. The characters and events depicted are not intended to represent real people or events. If any character engages in morally or ethically questionable behavior, it is not meant to be romanticized or condoned in any way.

The narrative focuses more on the villain than the hero, delving into complex and darker themes. Reader discretion is advised. If you find any content troubling or problematic, I encourage you to stop reading.

To my readers, I ask for only one thing, be kind to the characters. They are flawed, just like all of us. They make mistakes, stumble through emotions, and learn at their own pace. They are not perfect, nor were they meant to be.

Hate towards them is unnecessary because, in the end, they are just reflections of the human experience, raw, real, and sometimes messy. If you disagree with their choices, that's fine, but please remember that this is a story meant to be enjoyed, not dissected with negativity.

The photos used within this book are the property of their respective owners, and I make no claim to them.

The storyline and the narrative of this book are entirely my own creation. No one is permitted to repost, reproduce, translate, or edit any part of this story without explicit permission from the author. The story is solely owned by the actual author, @parkaaimin cooperation.

Sincerely,
ParkAaimin.

***

Chapter 1: (Aaira's pov)
17 August, 1818.

My body was already so weak from the horrors I'd faced living as her. Every day had been a fight for survival, a battle against the pain and fear from the old scientist couple tried to do horrible experiments on me.

Their cruelty and endless torture had drained all my strength. My mind felt empty, everything about me was so empty. Unable to form any thoughts, unable to understand any move. I was exhausted, really really very exhausted, unable to move, walk, or say anything.

Deep inside, I felt a terrible ache that went beyond just my body. Memories of the cruel experiments haunted me: the cold metal restraints, the sharp pain of the needles, the uncaring look in their eyes.

I had lived in constant fear. And now, I had a feeling that I might barely survive. Even if these were the last moments of my life, even if I'm gonna die today, Right now, right here, I wanted to spend each and every one of them with the love of my life, with Jungkook. Still and forever with him.

Thinking of him brought me a little peace. I remembered his gentle smile, the warmth of his hugs, the affection in his care. During the worst times, the memory of his love was the only thing that kept me going.

With a sudden fall, we tumbled into a corridor. My heart raced as I recognized where we were: the Jeon Mansion's corridor. Our Mansion's corridor.

It was as if my body got a new life for a moment. I was back. Back to my home, back to my world, back to my house, back to my palace, back to my husband, my family.

From afar, I could hear his frustrated voice. I could smell his scent. He was somewhere near me. With every bit of strength left in me, I stumbled towards the open door.

Every part of my body refused to move. It felt as though every muscle and bone had been broken and reassembled with glue.

My legs wobbled beneath me, threatening to give out at any moment, and my breath came in ragged, shallow gasps. It was as if my entire being was rebelling against the mere act of walking, convinced that I would collapse and die with the next step.

Yet, somehow, driven by the faint hope of seeing him again, I forced myself onward through the searing pain. Even if I was going to die, I wanted to die in his embrace, my last moments belonging to him and only him.

I couldn't walk properly, my legs buckling with every step. I called out in a not-so-loud voice,

Aaira: Jungkook.

My voice wavered, weak but desperate. I stumbled forward, using the wall for support, each inch a struggle. As if sensing my movement, he came into view. There he was, as shocked as I was. He appeared in the doorway, and suddenly, we were right in front of each other. His breath hitched as he saw me, his eyes widening in disbelief.

He quickly rushed to my side, enveloping me in his strong embrace. In his arms, I felt so tiny, yet it was my home, the only place where I could find peace. His scent, his warmth, everything about him was familiar and comforting.

As his arms tightened around me, tears streamed down my face. I clung to him, my fingers digging into his back as if to anchor myself in the reality of his presence. He called out to me with his honey like voice.

Jungkook: Love.

His voice trembling with worry and relief. The sound of his voice, full of concern and love, broke through the haze of pain and fear that had consumed me for so long.

Jungkook: Love, what happened?

He asked again, his tone was cracking but gentle. I could feel the intensity of his gaze, his need to understand the horrors I had endured. My tears continued to fall, soaking into his shirt white silk shirt, but I couldn't let go.

I needed this moment, this connection, to remind me that I was still alive, that I was still me. Through the sobs, I managed to whisper something, Only him and I could hear it.

Aaira: They hurt me, Jungkook. They hurt me so much.

He whispered back.

Jungkook: Who hurted you ?

Aaira: They hurt me.

His hold on me tightened even more, as if he could shield me from the memories, from the pain. In his arms, for the first time in what felt like an eternity, I began to believe that maybe, just maybe, I could heal, maybe I don't wanna die anymore. As I buried my face in Jungkook's chest, calling out to him softly.

Aaira: Jungkook.

My eyes struggled to open. It wasn't just the daylight that felt blinding; it was as if my own body was betraying me. I desperately wanted to capture the sight of him in my eyes, to imprint this moment forever, but they refused to cooperate.

They remained shut. I tried to speak, to say something else, to reassure him and myself, but my voice faltered. Every fiber of my being was exhausted, drained from the ordeal that had tested my very will to survive.

But in his arms, His heartbeat beneath my ear was like my favourite melody, that I missed daily, his heartbeat was grounding me in the here and now. I knew that in his embrace, words were unnecessary. He understood.

As almost all of our family members gathered in the room, I felt his tears wetting my cheek. I was happy to see them all.

If it was just a last kiss, I wanted it to be his completely. I gently connected our lips, kissing him with all my love, I conveyed without words that I was his, completely and irrevocably. He responded eagerly, his lips meeting mine.

His kisses were a bandage to my weary soul, each touch of his lips felt like the last. Because as quickly as I had found my home in his embrace, I felt it slipping away. My body, already weakened beyond measure, suddenly felt drained of all strength.

I tried to ignore the ache that permeated every inch of my being. I couldn't take it anymore, It was enough. I let go of my body as I fell into his embrace, my mind still conscious but unable to command my limbs.

My eyes fluttered closed, and I collapsed limply in his arms. Jungkook reacted in a hurry, gently lowering both of us to the floor, cradling me close to his chest. He gently traced a path along my face, his fingers caressing my skin. He lightly slapped my cheeks.

Was I in a coma? Or what had happened to me ? His voice cracked as tears streamed down his face, his head resting on my chest.

Jungkook: Love, wake up, please.

He said as he slapped my damped cheek with tears, lightly.

Jungkook: Don't leave me again.

He pleaded.

Jungkook: Look at me.

But I remained unresponsive, I wanted to move but I couldn't. Am I paralyzed?

Jungkook: Aaira...

His cries become louder, I've never seen him cry like that before for anyone.

Jungkook; I beg you, Aaira. Open your eyes please, look at me.

He begged, only if I could, I would have, Jungkook.

Jungkook: Please don't leave me. I'm nothing but a mere shell without you. I can't lose you. My love please understand, I'm incomplete without your love.

His words trembled, his figure trembled, Everything about him trembled. His hands held mine gently, as if afraid to apply too much pressure, fearing I might slip away completely.

I saw a vulnerability in him, I had never witnessed before, a fear of losing the one person who had breathed life into his existence. It was as if in those mere moments, I heard his voice for what might be the last time, urging urgently to someone.

Jungkook: Get the two of them here.

Panic started to enter all my nerves. through me as I struggled to regain consciousness. I tried to open my eyes, gasping for air, anything that might help me back to the world where he existed. I strained to keep me conscious, terrified of losing him, of losing my son, of losing us.

I couldn't bear the thought of losing Jungkook again. I couldn't. The fear of separation gripped me, driving me to claw my way back to the surface, but as if anything was going to work in this situation that I was in. Suddenly, I heard nothing, I feel nothing, and everything went blank for me.

I knew that despite the love and comfort he offered, the scars of my past were not easily erased. Was it my beginning or I was already dead ?

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"If loving you means facing damnation, then so be it. For I would proudly tell the devil that I have already glimpsed paradise."

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