Kim Mansion

Jungkook stood in front of the mirror, pulling his leather jacket over his casual black shirt. The familiar feeling of readiness washed over him as he prepared for another day in the Violent Crimes Unit. One of the perks of his job was the freedom to wear whatever he liked, but as he stood there, tying his boots, he couldn’t shake the feeling of tension that always accompanied living under his father’s roof.

He grabbed his phone and keys, heading toward the door, but the sharp voice of his father cut through the air, stopping him in his tracks.

“Jungkook”

Jungkook sighed, his jaw tightening. He should’ve expected this. Without turning around, he replied coldly, “If this is about my job, we’ve already had this conversation. I’m not interested in rehashing it.”

But when he turned, he was met with something entirely unexpected. His father, Kim Minho, stood there, arms crossed, but with an expression Jungkook had never seen before—a smile. Not the usual disappointed frown, but a calm, almost friendly smile.

“Today, it’s not about your job,” Minho said smoothly.

Jungkook raised a brow, suspicion etched across his face. “Then what?”

Minho chuckled softly. “There are other things worth discussing besides your reckless career choices. Come to my office.”

Jungkook’s unease deepened. His father never acted like this. Reluctantly, he followed Minho into the large, dark-paneled office that reeked of power and dominance. The heavy, imposing atmosphere in the room was familiar, but today it felt… different.

Minho settled into his leather chair behind the grand mahogany desk and gestured toward the seat in front of him. “Sit.”

Jungkook didn’t move. Instead, he crossed his arms, standing rigid. “Just say what you need to say.”

Minho’s smile didn’t waver. “As stubborn as ever,” he muttered. “Fine.” He leaned back, his gaze piercing through Jungkook. “You’re not a child anymore, Jungkook. You’ve built your life, regardless of what I think of it. But it’s time for you to think beyond your career. It’s time to think about your future.”

Jungkook’s eyes narrowed. His patience was wearing thin. “My future is my career. That’s all I need to think about.”

Minho let out a sigh, as if speaking to a child who just didn’t understand. “No, Jungkook. Your future is more than that. I want you to get married.”

Jungkook’s expression hardened instantly. The muscles in his jaw twitched as he clenched his fists. “Married?” he repeated, his voice dark with disbelief. “You must be joking.”

Minho remained calm. “I’ve found someone. She’s from a respectable family. Intelligent. Beautiful. She’ll help stabilize your life.”

Jungkook’s eyes flared with anger. “I don’t need stability. I don’t need marriage. And I sure as hell don’t need you picking a wife for me. I already told you, I’m not interested in settling down.” His voice grew sharper with every word. “I’m focused on my career. That’s it.”

Minho’s eyes stayed locked on him, still maddeningly calm. “You think that’s all there is to life? Your job? It’s dangerous, reckless. You need someone who will keep you grounded.”

Jungkook scoffed, stepping closer to the desk, the tension in the room rising. “What I need is for you to stop trying to control my life. I’ve had enough. I’m done being under your roof and under your rules.”

Minho’s expression didn’t change. If anything, his smile grew. “So, you’re leaving?”

“Yeah,” Jungkook said, his voice low and firm. “I’m moving out. I don’t need you or your approval. I’ll live my life on my own terms.”

Minho raised a brow, his gaze sharp and calculating. “You think you can walk away so easily?”

Jungkook’s eyes flashed with defiance. “Watch me.”

For a long moment, Minho didn’t speak. He merely studied his son, as though calculating his next move. Then, finally, he leaned forward, his voice deadly calm. “You want to leave this house. Live your life the way you want. I won’t stop you, Jungkook.”

Jungkook froze. His father agreeing to something so quickly? There was always a catch. His eyes narrowed. “What’s the catch?”

Minho’s smile returned, this time more like a hunter who had just cornered his prey. “You want your freedom? You’ll get it. But only if you marry the girl I’ve chosen.”

Jungkook’s blood ran cold. His eyes darkened, and his fists clenched tightly. “You’re out of your mind if you think I’m going to marry some woman just to get out of here.”

Minho leaned back in his chair, completely unfazed by the storm brewing in Jungkook’s eyes. “Think of it as a trade. You want freedom, I want you to settle down with a good woman. One who can guide you, make you see things you refuse to acknowledge.”

Jungkook took a step forward, his voice a low growl. “You’re not giving me freedom. You’re trying to chain me to something else. This isn’t a deal—it’s blackmail.”

“Call it whatever you want,” Minho said smoothly. “But the fact remains, you have two choices. You marry the woman I’ve chosen, and you can leave this house. You can live however you like. Or, you refuse… and stay here. Under my rules. Indefinitely.”

Jungkook’s chest heaved with fury, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the back of the chair. “You really think you can control me like this?”

“I don’t need to control you, Jungkook,” Minho said, his voice cool and steady. “I’m simply giving you a choice. The life you want, or the life you have.”

Jungkook let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “This is your idea of compromise? Trapping me in a marriage so I can get what I’ve earned?”

Minho didn’t blink. “You have two days to decide. Marry her, and you’re free. Refuse, and we both know where you’ll end up.”

Jungkook glared at his father, his heart racing with a mix of anger and disbelief. “Two days,” he muttered, turning sharply toward the door. He didn’t wait for a response as he stormed out of the office, the weight of the ultimatum pressing down on him.

As he left, his father’s voice echoed after him. “Two days, Jungkook. Make the right choice.”

Jungkook slammed the door behind him, fists clenched so tightly it hurt. Two days to decide. But as far as he was concerned, the only chains in his life were the ones his father was trying to place around his neck.

        __________________________

                Min Mansion

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The soft glow of the morning sun filtered through the silk curtains of the Min mansion as Min Arin stretched in her bed. She glanced at the clock on her bedside table—it was time to get up. With a determined sigh, she slipped out of bed, the cool marble floor chilling her feet as she padded toward her closet.

Today, like every day, would be filled with expectations, responsibilities, and the weight of her family’s legacy. Her older brother, Min Yoongi, handled most of the family business, but she wasn’t free from her parents’ watchful eyes.

Arin selected a fitted blazer and a pencil skirt for the day, choosing a crisp white blouse to complete her office outfit. After pulling her long hair into a neat ponytail, she made her way downstairs to join her family.

The sounds of light conversation filled the dining room as her father, Min Hyunwoo, sat at the head of the table, sipping his morning coffee and reading the business section of the newspaper. Her mother, Lee Seojin, was placing fresh fruit on the table, while Yoongi casually scrolled through his phone.

“Good morning, Mother. Good morning, Father,” Arin greeted them politely as she took her seat.

“About time, Arin,” Yoongi said, a teasing glint in his eyes. “You know, some of us have been hard at work since dawn.”

Arin rolled her eyes playfully. “Well, unlike you, I prefer to arrive at the office focused and ready, not half-asleep.”

Before Arin could continue, her father’s deep voice interrupted. “Speaking of responsibilities, Arin, how are the preparations for next week’s charity gala? Everything in order?”

Arin nodded. “Everything is set. I went over the final details yesterday. The guest list has been confirmed, and the catering team is ready.”

Hyunwoo gave an approving nod, his stern expression softening slightly. “Good. It’s important for our family to maintain a strong public presence. The gala will be a key opportunity to strengthen ties with our partners.”

Before the conversation could shift into more business matters, Seojin chimed in, her tone gently chiding. “Can we please save the work talk for later? Let’s just enjoy breakfast.”

The family shared a light laugh, and for a moment, the atmosphere felt warm and comforting. But the peacefulness didn’t last long.

Hyunwoo set his cup down with a firm clink, his eyes turning serious as they fixed on Arin. “Arin, remember what I asked you yesterday?”

Arin blinked, her brows knitting together. “Yes, Father. You said you’d ask me for something today.”

Yoongi, sensing something unusual, glanced up from his phone, suspicion creeping into his gaze. “What’s going on?”

Hyunwoo leaned back in his chair, his hands folded neatly in front of him. “I’ve decided it’s time for you to get married, Arin.”

A tense silence fell over the table. Arin’s eyes widened in shock, her heart skipping a beat.

Yoongi was the first to break the silence, slamming his hand onto the table. “What?! Married? To who?”

Hyunwoo’s expression remained calm, almost rehearsed. “To the son of Kim Minho. Jeon Jungkook.”

Arin’s mother gasped softly, her hand flying to her mouth. “Hyunwoo, this… this is too sudden! How could you make such a decision without talking to us first?”

Yoongi’s fists clenched as he stood from his chair, his voice rising with concern. “Jeon Jungkook? We’ve never heard anything about him! How can you expect Arin to marry someone she hasn’t even met? This isn’t just about business!”

Hyunwoo’s eyes narrowed slightly, the weight of his authority pressing down on the room. “This is not just any man, Yoongi. Kim Minho is a powerful businessman, and he has offered a significant position for Arin in his company as part of the arrangement. It’s a chance we can’t ignore.”

Yoongi shook his head, disbelief etched across his features. “Father, this isn’t right. Arin can’t just be thrown into a marriage with a stranger! What do we know about Jungkook?”

Hyunwoo leaned forward, his voice firm yet measured. “We know he comes from a respected family and has proven himself in his career. This is about more than just love; it’s about opportunity, legacy, and ensuring our family's future. You should recognize that.”

Yoongi’s anger boiled over, his hands shaking with frustration. “This isn’t a marriage; it’s a business arrangement! You’re treating Arin like a pawn in your game!”

Seojin looked at her husband, her eyes filling with concern. “Hyunwoo, you can’t make decisions like this without involving the rest of the family. This isn’t just about you!”

Hyunwoo’s gaze didn’t waver. “I’m doing this for all of us. We must think strategically, not emotionally. Jeon Jungkook can provide Arin with the security she needs in this volatile world of business.”

As the argument continued, Arin sat in stunned silence, her thoughts racing. Marriage? To someone she had never met?

The thought unsettled her. She had never seriously considered marriage; in her mind, it was something meant for people in love. And right now, she didn’t love anyone, nor did she think she would be able to. But as she sat there, her father’s words echoing in her mind, she realized that agreeing to this was the right choice for her family’s business future. She didn’t want to disappoint her father, who had always supported her.

Finally, as the argument reached its peak, Arin spoke, her voice firm and loud enough to cut through the noise. “I’ll do it.”

The room fell into stunned silence. All eyes turned toward her, disbelief etched across their faces.

Hyunwoo’s expression softened into a pleased smile. “I knew you’d make the right choice, Arin. This is the best decision for both you and the family.”

Seojin looked at her daughter, her eyes filled with concern. “Arin, are you sure? You don’t have to do this.”

Yoongi shook his head in disbelief. “Arin, you can’t be serious! You’re really going along with this?”

Arin looked at her brother, her voice steady but laced with resignation. “I’m doing this for the family, Yoongi. It’s not just about me.”

Yoongi stared at her, his face a mix of frustration and helplessness. “This isn’t right, Arin. You’re throwing your life away for a deal.”

But Arin’s decision was made. She had always known her life wasn’t her own, not entirely. And now, she was proving it.

Hyunwoo smiled proudly. “I’m glad you see the bigger picture, Arin. This will ensure your future and secure our legacy.”

As the weight of her father’s words settled over her, Arin couldn’t shake the feeling that something deeper was at play—something that would change the course of her life forever.

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