20.

21.

Jaehyun didn't usually entertain anonymous numbers. His phone ran incessantly for the second time. Call it a hunch or something similar, he wrapped the conference call swiftly so he could attend the call.

The call also came on his personal number. Only his close friends and family had it. So he answered the phone, but the weak voice on the other end filled him with shock and then surprise. Jeon Jeong-Ho wanted to meet him.

Jaehyun hadn't thought twice. He'd rescheduled his meetings without further ado and headed to the hospital right away. When he stepped inside that hospital room, the last thing he expected was to see Jeong-Ho on a deathbed.

The alpha smelled like death and sickness. He no longer remembered his original scent, but the lingering cinnamon brought a sense of familiarity. This man once had a happy and healthy life. Something that was forcefully taken away from him.

"Mr. Park." Jeong-Ho's smile was fragile.

"Jeong-Ho." He approached the sick alpha, gaze trailing over his weak form. "I..." Words failed him. It didn't take long to figure out what was going on. "I didn't expect to see you like this."

Jeong-Ho smiled, pointing to the chair beside him. "You're a busy man. I was afraid you won't make it on time."

"I'll always make time for you." Jaehyun sat, fixing his worried eyes on the other alpha.

Jeong-Ho seemed relieved. "I'm glad." He stared at the ceiling, and a few stray tears escaped his eyes. "I have a favor to ask."

"Anything." Mr. Park didn't think twice.

"I have a son," Jeong-Ho said, and a pair of doe eyes flashed in his memory. It was the memory of a six-month-old sitting cluelessly among the flowers left for his mother's funeral. "He'll be all alone after I'm gone."

"Jungkook is my responsibility." Once again, Jaehyun didn't have to think twice because he knew it was his duty.

Jeong-Ho's scent sweetened, and his smile grew bright. "Thank you. I don't expect much. Just...don't let my pup starve or suffer too much without me. You know how unkind this world is to omegas. Leaving him alone is my only fear."

"Your son is an omega?"

Jeong-Ho nodded, pointing at his phone. Jaehyun took it and unlocked it to see the photo of a handsome omega. Even brighter than he remembered, the same doe eyes stared into the camera with a most beautiful smile adorning his face.

"He's gorgeous, isn't he?"

"Most..." Jaehyun whispered.

"My baby grew up well," Jeong-Ho whispered. "I did my best."

Jaehyun smiled fondly. "You certainly did." He put the phone on the table and grabbed his phone to show him a photo of Jimin. "And this is my son."

Jeong-Ho's eyes lit up. "He's grown so well," he praised. "Such a strong alpha."

A sudden thought crossed his mind, and his entire being lit up at the idea. "Do you think your son will like him?"

Jeong-Ho threw him a puzzled look.

"Will you give your son to my Jimin?" he asked hopefully. "I promise he's a responsible alpha. He will take care of your son the way he deserves."

Jeong-Ho was silent for a long time. "I...I never thought that far," his voice was hoarse. "You really mean that?" his eyes lit with hope, and seeing that in a dying man's eyes hurt him more. "A marriage proposal? For my son?"

"Yes," Jaehyun said in a determined voice. "A marriage with my son."

Jeong-Ho glanced at Jimin's photo one more time. "He's really handsome." He then went silent for another long moment. "But my son is not a purebred." Worry etched his features. "And we are nowhere near your family's fortune."

Jaehyun shook his head. "Having your son as my son-in-law itself is a fortune." He took both Jeong-Ho's hands in his. "I might be too selfish right now and come off like I'm taking advantage of your situation. I'm not, I promise. If Jungkook's heart is in this, I'd like to welcome him to my family. If not, I'll help him in every way I can so he can live his life independently the way he wants. What do you say?"

Jeong-Ho smiled. "Sounds too good to be true," he whispered. "I really wish my son would choose the first option. A marriage would be good." His smile widened. "To a fine alpha like Jimin nonetheless."

Jaehyun nodded. "Good. Let me talk to your doctor first." He stood.

"There's nothing you can do here. My heart is too weak. I was holding up for the sake of my son, but I realized I'm only adding more to his burden. So I have decided it's time."

Jaehyun frowned. Even now he didn't want to accept his help. "No. Stop that."

"It's the truth. Now that I have your word, I'll be at peace. My son will be taken care of," he stated.

Jaehyun shook his head. "Nothing can replace a father. You're important to him more than anything. So keep quiet while I talk to your doctors and see what I can do for you." He left the room with a light heart. Finally, he will be able to do something for the Jeon family.

He didn't know if this was the right choice, but something deep inside him told him that Jungkook was the right match for Jimin. The omega struck him as someone who would love Jimin for who he was. The Jeons were also someone who never cared for money or fortune. He expected Jungkook would share similar qualities.

"You didn't have to," he told him. "My body is too weak to make it. The doctors also told me my chances were slim, but Jungkook doesn't know that."

"We are gonna try," Jaehyun stated in a determined voice. "If this works, then you can tell everything to Jungkook yourself. Don't you wanna see their wedding? Don't you wanna see him living happily with my son? Don't you wanna see their children?"

At that, Jeong-Ho gave in. "I do." He smiled. "As much as I think I'm ready to go, I also want all that. But I know it's far-fetched."

Finding out Jeong-Ho needed a new heart was easy, but arranging one wasn't. Fortunately for him, he knew a few people who could make it happen. So finally, after a few hours, it was done. Jeong-Ho looked at him as if he had moved a mountain.

However, the doctors said the success rate was far less. Jeong-Ho's body was too weak. They couldn't guarantee success. But even without surgery, he might not make it through another day. So Jeong-Ho debated if he wanted to take this chance.

"You'll never know."

But the answering smile Jeong-Ho gave him was filled with something that only he was aware of. "I'll try. But promise me one more time." He extended his hand. "You won't let my pup suffer. Promise me nothing will hurt my son. You won't let that happen even if it's because of your son."

"I won't," he promised. "And I promise Jimin won't hurt Jungkook or let anyone else do that."

Jeong-Ho smiled in relief. "That's enough."

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23.