🥀 𝟐𝟖. 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞?

Enjoy

Jungkook stepped into the room with a tray of hot soup in her hands, which she made for her husband. Reaching near the bed, she kept the tray on the bedside table and looked at Taehyung who was sleeping after changing into comfortable clothes.

"What should I do? Wake him or let him sleep. He needs rest but the food is also important," jungkook thought as she gazed at the sleeping male. Her fingers were fiddling and her lower lip was being abused by the bunny teeth.

Jungkook looked around the room and found it messy. So, she decided to clean the room first and then wake up her husband.

The soft sunlit illuminated the space as she organized the room, careful not to disturb Taehyung's peaceful slumber. Papers neatly stacked, clothes folded, she turned her attention to the unfinished files, determined to complete them before the deadline.

As Jungkook immersed herself in her tasks, she occasionally looked at her husband, ensuring that he was sleeping well.
Taehyung gradually woke, his eyes adjusting to the soft light and felt the strong light peeking from the curtains. Jungkook left her files and went to taehyung.

He sat up, running a hand through his messy hair, when he noticed Jungkook approaching with a glass of water.

She sat beside him, a smile on her lips as she offered him the glass. "Here," she said softly, her eyes filled with concern.

"Thanks," he mumbled, taking the cold glass and gulping down the refreshing water. It felt soothing against his parched throat.

"Are you okay?" she asked, breaking the silence that enveloped the room.

Taehyung nodded, placing the glass on the side table. As he turned to look at his wife, he noticed her fingers fiddling nervously in her lap, a sign of the thoughts racing through her mind.

"What do you want to ask?" he prompted gently, sensing her hesitance.

Her gaze met his and he was lost in the depths of Jungkook's eyes. "Umm, y-your wounds?"

Jungkook's voice was barely above a whisper, but the concern etched on her face spoke volumes.

Taehyung's heart warmed at the sight of her worry; it made him feel cherished and vulnerable all at once. "They're healing," he replied softly, wanting to reassure her.

Jungkook's expression softened further but there was a sincerity in her eyes that made him want to open up.

A knock disrupted the silence, startling jungkook and she stood up, "I will look,"

Jungkook approached the door cautiously, opening it to find Taehyung's mother, Soomin, standing there with a tray of food. The atmosphere shifted subtly and Jungkook's heart skipped a beat as she greeted Soomin.

Soomin, without a word, approached Taehyung's side. Her eyes narrowed as she noticed another food tray on the table, her frown deepening.

Soomin's eyes fixated on the additional food tray, her frown deepening. "Who made this?" she asked Taehyung, questioning him about the unexpected meal.

Taehyung, still groggy from sleep and genuinely unaware of the situation, shrugged, "I don't know, Mom."

Jungkook stepped forward, her voice gentle but firm, "I made it," she admitted, meeting Soomin's gaze with a mixture of determination and apprehension.

Soomin's expression transformed from confusion to something darker, "You?" she spat out the word, her tone dripping with scorn. "Why would you bother?"

Jungkook responded, "I just wanted to help. Mr Kim needed a proper meal, especially when he is recovering."

The lines on Soomin's face hardened and a sense of disapproval radiated from her.
Her lips curled into a bitter smile, muttering something hateful, "You, helping? This doesn't seem right. After putting my son in danger, pushing him inside the dangerous forest, now you want to help him by making meals, "

Soomin's eyes flashed with a sudden intensity. Hate now coloured her features. The revelation of Jungkook's involvement in caring for Taehyung seemed to worsen the existing hatred, deepening the divide between them.

"Mother, please," Taehyung interjected, his voice urgent as he turned to Soomin. "It's not Jungkook's fault. She's only trying to help."

Soomin's glare intensified and Taehyung felt frustrated. "You don't understand what she's done for me," he continued, "When I was in pain, she was right there, caring for me. She didn't have to make me anything but she chose to because she cares."

Jungkook glanced at Taehyung, her heart warming at his words, but Soomin's expression remained cold.

"Caring? You think this is caring?" Soomin shot back, her voice dripping with disdain. "She's the one who put you in danger in the first place!"

"Stop!" Taehyung raised his voice slightly, "You need to see her for who she truly is. Jungkook didn't push me into danger; I made that choice."

Feeling overwhelmed by the confrontation, Jungkook decided to walk away to avoid escalating the situation further. A sad frown etched itself on her face as she gathered her clothes.

Jungkook could still hear the faint echoes of Taehyung's defence, but Soomin's scorn made her feel small. Seeking solace, she headed toward the bathroom, hoping a refreshing hot bath would wash away the stress of the moment.

Once inside, she turned on the tap letting the steam rise as the water filled the tub. The soothing scent of lavender enveloped her, calming her racing heart. She slipped out of her clothes and stepped into the warm water.

Jungkook closed her eyes, allowing the soothing warmth to wash over her. Thoughts swirled in her mind—Taehyung's support, his mother's disdain and the turmoil of emotions that had erupted in that moment.

"Why does it have to be so hard?" she murmured to herself. She leaned her head back against the tub, letting the warmth cradle her. "I just wanted to help him."

But deep down, Jungkook knew she was more than just a source of conflict. Taehyung believed in her, and that thought gave her strength. Jungkook would face whatever challenges came their way, not just for herself but for Taehyung, too. He needed her as much as she needed him.

Determined, she resolved to show Soomin that she was worthy of being a part of their lives.

A Few Days Later

The Kims' manor echoed with the chime of the doorbell, interrupting the hushed atmosphere within. Jungkook who was descending from upstairs, heard the sound and decided to answer the door. When she opened the door, she was met with the sight of a beautiful lady standing on the doorstep.

Curiosity etched across Jungkook's face, as she watched the girl enter the mansion and with a booming voice, exclaimed, "Aunt Soomin!"

The unexpected yell echoed through the halls, provoking everyone at the dinner table to come rushing out, their expressions were of surprise. Soomin rushed out of the kitchen and her gaze locked with the girl at the threshold.

Without hesitation, the girl ran and enveloped Soomin in a tight hug. Jungkook stepped closer to them and observed the scene with her eyebrows furrowed.

From Behind Jungkook, Taehyung stepped inside the manor after attending a meeting with some clients. He walked and stood beside jungkook, looking at the scene with curious eyes. The girl released Soomin from the embrace as soon as she saw Taehyung entering and swiftly made her way toward him.

With an unexpected burst, she enveloped Taehyung in a tight hug, leaving both him and Jungkook momentarily baffled.

Jungkook's round eyes scanned the girl who was clinging to her husband, a slight furrow forming on her brow as she processed. The woman, still clinging to Taehyung, finally released him, a broad smile on her face as she exclaimed, "Taehyung! How are you? I heard you got injured."

Taehyung stiffened when the girl embraced him tightly. He gently pulled away, a puzzled expression on his face. Soomin, watching from a distance, couldn't hide her delight at the girl's presence. Meanwhile, Jungkook who was bewildered by the unexpected hug, looked around at the family members, trying to figure out who this mysterious lady was.

"Who is the girl? Why is she clinging to Mr Kim?" Jungkook thought, her fingers were fiddling with each other.

Taehyung's eyes widened in shock as the realization hit him. Without a word, he hurriedly took a few steps back, creating a distance between himself and Yuna, his ex-fiancée.

Yuna was displeased with Taehyung's reaction. She gave a faintly apologetic expression but her eyes betrayed a hint of wavering emotions.

Jungkook observing the scene unfold remained silent and her gaze flickered between Taehyung and the unknown lady.

"I'm recovering, thank you. But how did you know about my health?" Taehyung was caught off guard and responded cautiously.

There was a shift in Yuna's expression as she replied, "Aunt Soomin told me. She seemed worried about you."

Taehyung's gaze instinctively turned toward Soomin, his disbelief evident.

Soomin, under her son's scrutinizing gaze, offered a half-hearted explanation, "I was just concerned, Taehyung. Yuna is practically family and I thought she should know."

Soomin tore her gaze from Taehyung and stood directly in front of Jungkook.

"Now that Yuna is here," she began, "I want to make an announcement. Yuna will stay here in the Kim manor from now onwards."

The room fell silent. Grandma Kim was the first to break it, her face stern with disbelief. "What? Stay here? Soomin, what are you saying? Are you out of your mind?"

Soomin squared her shoulders and responded, "Indefinitely. It's time for Yuna to be part of this family. This manor needs a respectable daughter-in-law, not someone who's undeserving of the title."

Taehyung's voice cut through the room. "Mom, what are you saying?"

"Taehyung, it's for the best. Yuna is the proper match for you. She comes from a respectable family, and I will not allow this manor, our legacy, to be tainted by unworthy choices."

Taehyung clenched his jaw, taking a deep breath to steady his rising anger.

"What's the point of this, Mom? We're already married. What exactly do you think you're going to accomplish?"

Soomin's eyes glinted as she took a step closer.

"So what? Marriage can be undone, Taehyung. Divorce exists for a reason. You can—and you will—divorce Jungkook. It's not a question of if, but when. This is for your future, for our family's honour. I won't let a mistake ruin everything we've built."

Her words hit like a blow, echoing through the room.

A silence fell over the living room. Jungkook stood frozen, her wide, disbelieving eyes reflecting the shock that mirrored Taehyung's.

She glanced at her husband, her heart racing.

Taehyung's expression was unreadable at first but then his gaze shifted to his mother, a look of sheer disbelief on his face—as if she had suddenly grown horns before his very eyes. He didn't blink or move, staring at Soomin like her words had shattered something deep within him.

For a moment, it seemed like no one breathed, the room was heavy with the intensity of what had just been said.

Jungkook's heart hammered in her chest and her breath caught somewhere between disbelief and pain. She wanted to speak, to ask if she'd heard wrong but her voice wouldn't come.

Taehyung, however, found his. His voice was cold but barely masking the fury simmering underneath.

"Divorce?" he repeated slowly, each syllable laced with disbelief. "You think I would even consider that?"

Soomin didn't falter. "Yes! You're young, Taehyung. You can undo this mistake. Yuna—she's the right match for this family, for you."

"Mom," Taehyung's voice dropped dangerously low, his jaw clenched. "This is not a mistake. Jungkook is my wife. Whether you accept it or not, that won't change."

Jungkook blinked, her throat tightening as she clutched the hem of her shirt, standing there like a bystander to her own life. The tension in the room was suffocating.

Soomin scoffed slightly, crossing her arms. "Love blinds you, Taehyung. But marriages built on impulse and infatuation never last. Yuna was meant for you—"

"I don't care what you think Yuna was meant for!" Taehyung interrupted, his voice rising, startling everyone in the room. His eyes flashed with anger, and for a moment, he stepped closer to his mother.

"You don't get to decide my life. Jungkook is my wife and nothing you say will change that."

Soomin's gaze locked onto Jungkook, " She's not the right choice for you. I won't let her be a part of this family. I had tolerated enough of her presence in my house. This girl, out of all people, should understand her place. My son deserves better.
You brought her here for my health right, then I'm fine. Her work is finished and now please send her back to her place."

Jungkook, taken aback by the degrading tone, felt a lump forming in her throat. The rejection, so public and harsh, stung more than she had expected. Her eyes became teary but she tried to stand firm.

Taehyung's eyes darkened as he squared his shoulders and faced his mother directly. His voice was sharper now, filled with an intensity that silenced the entire room.

"Mother, do you even hear yourself?" he began, his words cutting through the air like a blade.

"You speak about Jungkook as if she's some disposable tool, something we can toss aside when it's convenient. I won't stand for that.

His voice softened slightly. "I accept that our marriage didn't happen the way you imagined. But Jungkook is not a pawn in some game and she will not be discarded once you're satisfied."

Jungkook's eyes welled up at his words, but she held her ground, swallowing the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.

Soomin's strong facade slackens, and with teary eyes, she held Taehyung's hand, "You think she is suitable for you, Taehyung? Why can't you understand a mother's worry, my son?"

Grandma spoke in between, "Whatever you are doing is not a thing which a mother does, Soomin? Putting her children in danger?  Pushing the only source of protection away from your son's life? Is it what a mother does? We all know jungkook is an Alara, who can protect our tae. Then—"

"Jungkook is not an Alara, Yuna is. Remember, Rosie said that Alara could even sacrifice her life for Taehyung's protection. My Yuna did it. She attempted to take her life when she felt Tae was in danger. Don't be trapped by this girl's innocent facade," Soomin interrupted Grandma Kim and praised Yuna.

Her words were an attempt to sow doubt and fear about Jungkook's presence in Taehyung's life. Jungkook, though visibly affected, clung to Taehyung's side, a silent action to the strength of their connection.

"Mom, we all know Jungkook is Alara. This changes everything. And talking about sacrifices, Jungkook is the one who protected me in the forest. "

Soomin remained stubborn, her eyes flickering with disbelief and mistrust.

Jungkook struggled to find her voice, "I... I don't understand. What did I do wrong?"

Jungkook's eyes welled up and the first tear slid down her cheek, finally breaking all the strength that jungkook had.
Taehyung, his eyes reflecting a mix of determination and frustration, walked towards Jungkook, who stood there with tear-stained cheeks, staring at a place blankly.

He turned to face his mother, a subtle yet firm resolve in his voice, "Enough Mother, the girl standing here is my legally wedded wife. We made vows and we're committed to each other. I won't entertain talk of divorce. It's not happening.
And I won't let you insult my wife like this. We are married and Jungkook deserves respect. And I hope this is the last time I repeat the same thing."

Soomin seemed to be momentarily taken aback. Her teary-eyed face showed a sign of disbelief.

Jungkook felt assurance at Taehyung's words. Her tearful eyes met his. Her fingers tightly clutched Taehyung's shirt from the back to gain some stability.

"Respect?
Taehyung, you should know the truth. This relationship is forced upon you. You are not in love with her and never will be."

Taehyung's face tightened with frustration when he realised the depths to which his mother was willing to go. He turned to Jungkook who was continuously wiping her tears.

"Jungkook," he called out his wife's name with a soft and comforting voice. He continued when the wife looked up, "Go to our room. I need to talk to my mother alone."

Jungkook nodded and began to make her way toward their room. However, Soomin halted her with a commanding tone

"Wait, Jungkook. Before you go, let me make something clear. Yuna should stay in this house. She's the one who should be called taehyung's wife. Remember This forced relationship is nothing but a mistake and I won't let it tarnish our family."

Jungkook stood frozen. The acknowledgement that Yuna was intended to take her place cut deep.

Frustration and anger reached their boiling point within Taehyung as Soomin persisted in her accusations. Unable to bear the toxicity any longer, he raised his voice, the resonance echoing through the hall.

"Enough Mother!
Jungkook, go away." His command cut through the tension and Jungkook flinched hearing the loud voice and obeyed, retreating to their room.

In the hall, Soomin, taken aback by Taehyung's sudden power, watched as he stood firm.

The heavy door closed behind her, muffling the remainder of the heated confrontation. Jungkook slid on the floor with her back pressing against the door, her heart pounding with hurt and frustration.

The weight of being labelled a manipulator and home-wrecker, the comparison to her mother and the revelation that her marriage was a mistake left scars on her soul.

Her voice carried the weight of her turmoil. She felt the sting of unshed tears, her vulnerability laid bare by the harsh conclusions.

"I didn't ask for any of this. I just wanted a chance to love and be loved. Why does she hate me that much for being who I am?"

The room was a silent witness to her inner turmoil but offered no solace. She brought her knees closer to her chest and buried her head between them, closing her eyes in an attempt to shut out the pain.

On the other hand, Taehyung looked at his mother with tired yet angry eyes, "Mother, why are you doing all this? Please I Request you, don't provoke me. And Yuna will not stay here. This is my final decision. I don't want my wife to think that she is a homewrecker after seeing another woman around me. "

Taehyung left the place without looking or listening to anyone. Soomin's wide eyes followed her son's fading figure.

Yuna stood there, fisting her palms tightly. Her blood boiled when taehyung stood for Jungkook and claimed her as his wife.

"I need to find the key as soon as possible. The way Taehyung defended jungkook today, it won't take much for him to fall for her." she thought.

Sniffing silently, she went to Soomin, "Aunt, it will be better if I move on. Taehyung has a wife now and I don't want to stay here in this place and be labelled as a home-wrecker. I will leave right away,"

"No, my dear, Taehyung is just manipulated by Jungkook's innocent facade. Please give him some time, he will surely realise his mistake. And you will stay here. I will ask the maids to arrange the guest room," Soomin cupped Yuna's face and kissed her forehead.

Grandma Kim shook her head looking at them in disbelief and went away.

Taehyung went to the terrace to calm his racing heart. His heart unknowingly pained as he recalled jungkook's sobbing state.

As he stared at the black canvas of the night sky, memories of his marriage with Jungkook played like a video in his mind. The initial understanding and respect they had cultivated were now broken by his mother, Soomin's decisions.

His mind was a battlefield of conflicting emotions, replayed moments with Jungkook – from the initial understanding to the unforeseen challenges they faced. The image of Jungkook's face with tears stuck around in Taehyung's thoughts.

The stars and the moon became the witness to the internal struggle of a man who was torn between familial duty and personal beliefs. Taehyung sank into the embrace of his thoughts, the quiet surroundings heightening the internal turmoil.

The arrival of Yuna and Soomin's announcements had disrupted the delicate balance they had tried to maintain.
Taehyung couldn't help but question the path his life was taking, especially in the context of his evolving relationship with Jungkook.

Images of Jungkook's unwavering dedication to the office work, her commitment to his well-being and the quiet moments they shared flashed before his eyes. Despite the unconventional circumstances of their marriage, he recognized the sincerity of her actions.

The image of jungkook protecting him in the Mystic Forest flashed before his eyes.

He paused by the pillar, staring into the night sky as if seeking answers. Thoughts of Jungkook's resilience in the face of hardship flickered in his mind. He wondered at her strength, her ability to live in a world that often degrades her morality just because she is A Courtesan's Daughter.

Jungkook's presence in his life had become a source of comfort and support. Their unspoken connection was proof of the potential for something deeper, a foundation they could build upon despite the hurricane surrounding them.

Taehyung acknowledged the complexities of the situation. He knew a conversation with Jungkook was due, an honest discussion about the problematic family drama within the Kims' manor.

With a determined exhale, Taehyung steeled himself for the conversation.

•————-🥀—————-•