Taehyung and Aella 's POV

You really never listen to me Darling, do you ?? I told you to rest at our mansion, I know you’re tired. Is it really important?? Taehyung asks you in disbelief while driving the car .

“I'm fine Tae , it's just I've some work at home”. Aella says  " Now I'm feeling guilty to let you work this late in the office” .

It's only 8 pm Tae. It's not late. Aella chuckles and says it's okay Tae. I'm fine, don't worry my tae baby, she replied as Aella kissed  Taehyung's cheeks lovingly and again sat back  in the passenger seat . Taehyung holds her hands and kissed her knuckles while saying  I'm letting it slid,but Darling I'm telling you if you ever do this but Aella just simply laughs and said

“I won't  I Promise” …

Time skips

Do you want to come inside ?? Aella asks Taehyung as he drops her in front of Byun Mansion . He cheekily smiles and nods

I would love to love to darling while Aella laugh when she saw how quickly  hops out of the car  but before Taehyung  could hold her hand a playful idea comes to Aella’s mind and she quickly runs towards the mansion while saying,

“Catch me if you can Tae”…

Taehyung watched her sprint for just a few seconds before shaking his head, amusement dancing on his face. "You know I will," he muttered under his breath, taking off after her.

Aella's laughter echoed as she raced up the stone steps, but before she could reach the door, Taehyung's arms wrapped around her waist, effortlessly pulling her back toward him.

Got you," he whispered into her ear, his breath warm against her skin. Aella squealed in surprise, squirming in his grip, but Taehyung swiftly scooped her up into his arms, cradling her against his chest.

"You cheated!" she accused, though her tone was light, a smile tugging at her lips.

Taehyung grinned, his eyes sparkling as he carried her inside.

Author 's POV

Taehyung playfully carries Aella in his arms as they step into their mansion. The atmosphere is light, filled with laughter, as Taehyung twirls Aella around, both of them caught up in their joyful moment. Aella’s giggles fill the air, and Taehyung can’t stop smiling as  he again  spins her around with a bright smile, causing her to laugh freely. They are completely in their own world, enjoying their sweet moments together.

"Tae  Put me down, you're making me dizzy!" Said Aella  , "Hold on tight, babe! We're flying!"

"Tae baby please Put me down, or I’m going to get dizzy!” "Not until you say I'm the best fiancé ever!” Taehyung said  while smiling .

They continue laughing, enjoying their playful moment together. Taehyung finally stops spinning, and they share a loving gaze. Suddenly, a soft cough interrupts the atmosphere.

Haesung cleared his throat, standing near the stairs ways

"Ahem."

“Am I interrupting something, or can I talk to my daughter?”

Both Taehyung and Aella freeze for a moment, turning their heads toward the sound. Aella’s eyes widen when she sees her father standing there, smiling patiently.

Aella quickly squirms out of Taehyung’s arms and runs toward Haesung ,

"Dad! I didn’t know you were here!"

She wraps her arms around Haesung in a warm hug. Haesung smiles, placing a hand on her back, but his expression remains slightly tense.

While Taehyung scratched the back of his head, slightly awkwardly,  "Ah, Dad We didn’t realize you were here.”

“Well, I was going to wait a little longer, but you two seem to be in your own world.”

Taehyung smiles and is about to respond when his phone buzzes in his pocket. He checks it and sees a message from Namjoon.

Taehyung sighs looking at his phone and said ,

“It looks like Namjoon needs me at the office. I’ll give you two some time.”

Go ahead, I'll be fine." Said Taehyung

Taehyung gave her a reassuring smile and took Aella ‘s phone from his back pocket and handed it over to her . Haesung gently pulls back from the hug . Taehyung gives her a reassuring smile before heading toward the outside. Taehyung  gives a quick kiss on the forehead before turning to Haesung.

“I’ll leave her in your hands for now, Dad ”

He looks at Aella apologetically. "I’ll see you tomorrow.  Haesung nods as Taehyung walks out, leaving Aella and her father to talk. And when Taehyung finally leaves Aella turns back to her father, sensing the gravity of his mood.

"What’s going on, Dad? You look like you’ve got something serious on your mind."

Haesung exhaled deeply and said ,

"It’s something we need to discuss, sweetheart, what is it ?? Aella asks,

About the future… and some decisions you’ve made."

Aella’s smile fades slightly as she looks into her father’s eyes, sensing the weight of the conversation to come.

"There’s something important I need to talk to you about, dear.”

Time skips …

In the dimly lit study of Haesung’s home office  the air was thick with tension. Haesung sat behind in his  mahogany Coach ,  Aella stood by the window, her back to him, watching the raindrops race down the glass. Both were lost in their thoughts, but the silence between them was suffocating.

Breaking the silence Haesung said,

“Sweetheart , are you absolutely certain about this decision? Handing over the entire marine industry to Chanyeol... it’s not just business, it's a legacy.”

“Your legacy”

Aella turned, her eyes soft but resolute. She had always admired her father’s strength, but today, she needed him to see things her way.

I respect your concern but “Dad, Chanyeol has done so much for me. More than anyone could ever understand. I owe him more than I can repay.”

Haesung leaned back to the coach  his brow furrowed. He knew Chanyeol cared deeply for Aella, and perhaps that was the root of his concern.

“And that’s exactly why I’m worried. You think handing him the marine industries is the answer? It’s your business.’s backbone, Sweetheart Once it's gone, it’s gone. And Chanyeol… he might not handle it the way you have.”

Aella walked toward her father, her steps measured and deliberate. She took a seat in the ground  holding her father's hands.  Her eyes met his, filled with conviction.

Aella: “Chanyeol has been like family to us, and I can’t let him get hurt when Taehyung and I get married. He won’t be able to bear the pain, Dad. If I give him the marine industries, at least it gives him a purpose, something to focus on. He’ll be in Turkey, away from everything that reminds him of... us.”

Haesung clenched his jaw, feeling the weight of her words. He knew Chanyeol’s feelings for Aella ran deep, but this decision seemed too drastic.

“I understand that you want to protect him, but this isn’t the way, Aella. You can’t just give up everything You ’ve built for the sake of his feelings. Xiumin will help him, yes, but running an empire isn’t as simple as you think.”

Aella’s expression softened, but her resolve remained.

Aella: “Dad, I’ve thought about this a lot. Chanyeol needs this, and so do we. Xiumin is capable, and with both of them overseeing the Turkish marine industry, I know it will flourish. You’ve always told me to make decisions with both my head and my heart, and this is one of those moments. I can't watch Chanyeol suffer.”

Haesung nodded his head in agreement, trying to see it from her perspective. His daughter was smart, and she had always balanced logic with emotion, but this felt like too much.

Sweetheart, listen to me. You’re about to marry into the Kim family, and that means your responsibilities are only going to grow. You can’t let emotions dictate such major decisions. Chanyeol might be upset, but he’ll move on. He’s strong.” Aella stood up again, pacing slowly as she spoke.

Aella: “I’m not letting emotions cloud my judgment, Dad. I’m protecting the people I care about. Chanyeol will never move on if he stays here, always reminded of me and Taehyung. This is my way of giving him a future without me in it. And the marine industry... it's his now. I trust him with it.”

Haesung exhaled, his hands tightening on the arms of  the coach .He could see that her mind was made up, and as much as he hated it, he couldn’t force her hand.

Haesung stood up and said,  “You’ve grown up so much. Sometimes I forget how wise you’ve become. But this… this decision will have consequences, Aella.”

Aella walked over to her father, placing a hand on his shoulder, her voice gentle yet unwavering.

Aella: “I know it will, but it’s a consequence I’m willing to face. Chanyeol and Xiumin will make this work. And I’ll make sure our family’s legacy remains strong, even from afar.”

Haesung looked up at his daughter, seeing the determination in her eyes. He sighed, knowing this battle was one he wouldn’t win.

“Fine. If this is what you truly want, I’ll support your decision. But promise me one thing.”

Aella nodded her head and said   “Anything, Dad.”

Haesung:  “Promise me you’ll  not stop me from keeping an eye on Chanyeol and Xiumin from time to time. I  Don’t let them handle it all alone. The marine industries are still part of your legacy, our legacy  even if we hand them over.”

Aella smiled softly, grateful for her father’s understanding.

Aella: “I promise, Dad. But as  you don't have to promise  from me  all you do have is to command  me , I know soon you will hand over our Mafia but that throne is still Your you are a leader you will be my leader forever Thank you for trusting me.”

A warm, golden light filters through the living room, casting a soft glow over the wooden furniture. Aella and Haesung sit across from each other, a quiet but powerful connection lingering between them. Haesung’s eyes are filled with pride and nostalgia as he gazes at his daughter, who has blossomed into a strong leader and a beautiful woman.

Haesung breaks the silence, his voice soft but filled with emotion.

"You know," Haesung began, his voice warm yet filled with emotion, "if your mother were here now, she wouldn’t just be proud. She’d be in awe of the woman you’ve become. You’ve grown so fast, Aella. You’re not just the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen… you’ve become a great leader."

Aella smiled softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I wish she were here, Dad. I think about her every day.”

Haesung nodded, reaching out to gently place a hand on her cheek. "She told me, in the early days, that you were just like me. Stubborn, determined, always aiming for the stars. But I told her she was wrong about one thing.”

What’s that?"

"You’re like her, too. You have her heart, her grace, and her kindness. And even though you lead like me, you love  everyone just like  her." His voice cracked slightly, but he quickly regained composure. "I see her in you,  sweetheart Every day.”

Aella’s eyes soften, and her lips quiver at the mention of her mother. She gazes at her father, knowing how much it means for him to say those words. Tears well up in Aella’s eyes, and she reaches across to take her father’s hand as she reaches over to embrace him tightly. "I hope I’m making both of you proud."

"You are, my daughter," Haesung whispered into her hair. "You are."

Just as the moment hung heavy in the air, Baekhyun and Ara suddenly burst into the room, their footsteps light as they ran towards them. "What’s with all the serious faces?" Baekhyun teased, a wide smile stretching across his face as Ara trailed behind, laughing.

Aella and Haesung chuckled, pulling back from their embrace. Baekhyun wrapped his arms around Aella from behind, leaning his head on her shoulder. "Hey, don’t hog all the hugs. We’re family too, remember?”

Ara joined in, sliding into the hug with her radiant energy, her laughter filling the room. "Yeah, it’s not a family moment without us!"

Haesung let out a deep laugh, his heart swelling as he pulled them all into a collective embrace. "Alright, alright! Come here, you two.”

The four of them stood in the center of the room, locked in a warm, united hug, the firelight casting a soft glow on their faces. It was a picture of love, unity, and strength—four people bound not just by blood, but by the deep ties of loyalty and shared memories. The sense of family, of unbreakable connection, filled the room like a comforting blanket, making the moment one to cherish forever.

Baekhyun: "Now, this is what family is about, right?"

Ara: "Exactly. We’re all here, together, just like Mom would’ve wanted."

Aella’s heart swells with love as she holds her family close. In this moment, they feel whole, united. As they stand together, their arms wrapped around each other, the room is filled with unspoken gratitude and the strength of their bond.

We’ll always be together," Aella whispered, her heart full as she felt the warmth of her family surrounding her.

Haesung breaks the silence, his voice soft but filled with emotion.

"Always," Haesung echoed, his voice steady and sure.

The room is filled with warmth and laughter as Aella, Haesung, Baekhyun, and Ara hold onto each other, sharing a moment of familial bliss. Their voices are light and joyful, the sound of their happiness filling the living room. In their embrace, they feel safe, united, and content. They are lost in the warmth of the moment, unaware that they are no longer alone.

A sleek figure stands in the dimly lit corner, almost blending into the surroundings. His posture is tense but controlled, his eyes fixed on Aella with a dark, unreadable intensity. He watches the family embrace, the joy in their faces only deepening the resentment burning inside him. His fists clench by his sides, his jaw tight, and he greets his teeth in frustration.

His lips curl into a malicious smirk as he mutters under his breath.

"Enjoy your happiness while it lasts, princess. Be ready for the surprise... I hope you’ll like it."

His voice is barely above a whisper, dripping with menace. The smirk on his face widens as he imagines the chaos and fear he will soon unleash. He stands there for another moment, savoring the sight of their unknowing bliss, as if feeding off their joy to fuel his own darkness.

The spot where he stood, a stark contrast between the warmth of the family inside and the cold, lurking danger outside. The family is still lost in their happiness, completely unaware of the storm that is about to descend upon them.

The full moon outside casts a silver glow over the house, but the unsettling presence lingers, like a ghost haunting the edges of their happiness . 

Without a sound, the shadow begins to move, his form blending seamlessly into the night. The sleek figure retreats, his dark eyes never leaving Aella until his presence fully fades into the darkness, leaving behind only the chill of his unspoken threat .

But the family, still laughing, unaware of the shadow that watched them so closely, and the dangerous game that is about to begin revealing the empty space where the shadow stood, a foreboding emptiness replacing his dark form.

To be continued …