“I know everything. I did all the chores at home,” Taehyung said while cutting vegetables. He woke up early and went straight to the kitchen. With a playful pout, he threatened the maid, saying, “If you don’t let me help, I’ll destroy all the tomatoes!”

The maid couldn’t help but laugh at how adorable he was and agreed to let him join in. Taehyung brightened the kitchen with his lively energy, singing songs, cracking jokes, and even saying sorry to the vegetables as he chopped them. His cheerful presence made everyone smile.

“Careful,” the maid warned.

“I know, Noona,” Taehyung reassured her with a grin.

“What are you doing here?” Hoseok asked as he entered the kitchen.

“I’m helping them!” Taehyung answered cheerfully. “I cut all the vegetables myself,” he added proudly, flashing a bright smile.

Hoseok chuckled. “Tae, can you come with me for a minute?”

“Sure! Noona, I’ll help you later,” Taehyung promised as he wiped his hands on his clothes and followed Hoseok.
.

As they walked, Hoseok asked, “Where did you sleep last night?”

“With Jeon-hyung. He said I’d be scared if I slept alone,” Taehyung replied casually.

Hoseok just hummed in response as they headed toward the garden.

“Wow! So many flowers! It’s so beautiful!” Taehyung exclaimed in awe, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

“Do you know anything about your parents?” Hoseok asked quietly.

“No... I grew up at my uncle’s house, but he’s not really my uncle,” Taehyung said, still gazing at the flowers.

Hoseok paused for a moment before saying, “Tae, stay away from Jungkook.”

Taehyung finally turned to face him, confused.

“Listen, I don’t have any issues with you, but please, just stay away from Jungkook. I’ll give you a room near the servants’ quarters and even a job, okay?”

“Okay... Can I water all these plants every day?” Taehyung asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

“You can, but remember—stay away from Jungkook.”

“Okay!” Taehyung agreed eagerly, then ran off toward the water hose, singing happily to himself.

Hoseok watched the boy for a moment before glancing up at the balcony, where Yoongi stood observing. With a deep sigh, Hoseok turned and headed back inside.

************

The family gathered around the dining table. “When is the party scheduled?” Mr. Jeon asked, his tone commanding.

“Next Sunday,” Yoongi replied calmly.

“That’s perfect. I was hoping to announce Jungkook’s marriage that day. But...” Mr. Jeon trailed off, looking displeased.

“We can find someone else,” Mrs. Jeon suggested.

“By the way, where is that boy? I haven’t seen him yet,” Yoongi’s sister asked, scanning the room.

“Taehyung? He’s in the kitchen,” Hoseok answered.

“The kitchen? Why?” Jungkook asked, frowning. “Call him here,” he ordered the maid.

“Let him stay there, Jungkook,” Yoongi suddenly intervened. He eyed his family with a sharp gaze. “That’s not Kim Namjoon’s son. Those fools lied to us,” he said, glaring at his younger brother and the others.

“What?” Mr. Jeon shouted. “Then who is he?”

“He’s Taehyung, the boy I’m going to marry,” Jungkook declared, rising from his seat. “Jimin, call him here.”

“Jungkook, what are you saying?” Mrs. Jeon asked, her voice laced with disbelief.

Hoseok explained, “He’s an orphan who doesn’t even know his family... and you want to marry him?” Yoongi’s brother shot a glare at Jungkook.

“I like him,” Jungkook stated firmly.

“What about his bloodline? His legacy?” Mrs. Jeon shouted, her voice trembling with anger. “How will we face society if the heir of the Jeon family marries an ordinary boy?”

“No way,” Yohan, another family member, chimed in.

“This is my decision. I like him,” Jungkook repeated resolutely.

“Then forget it!” Mr. Jeon yelled. He turned as Taehyung timidly entered the kitchen. “You! How dare you lie to us?”

“Me? I’m not lying,” Taehyung stammered, confused and scared.

“Yes, you! How dare you deceive us?” Mr. Jeon raged.

“It wasn’t him! We planned it!” Lisa confessed, stepping forward.

“Don’t you raise your voice when I’m speaking, girl,” Mr. Jeon snapped at her. Lisa immediately looked down, intimidated.

“Grandpa, it was us who lied, not him. He only did what we told him to do,” Jimin defended Taehyung, his voice unwavering.

“You’ve all been putting on a show in front of us! Enough! Call security and get that boy out of this house right now,” Mr. Jeon commanded furiously.

“No one is going to touch him,” Jungkook’s voice thundered through the room. He walked over to Taehyung and protectively pulled him close. “This is Taehyung, soon to be Jeon Taehyung,” he announced with pride. Taehyung looked around, bewildered. “Come with me,” Jungkook said softly, guiding Taehyung upstairs. Jimin and the other cousins quickly followed.

“Yoongi, did you hear what he said?” Mr. Jeon demanded, his voice shaking.

“Yes, and I’m done with this conversation,” Yoongi replied coolly.

“Why are you questioning him?” Yoongi’s sister turned her sharp gaze toward Hoseok. “Mothers should raise their children better. Oh, wait, I forgot—Jungkook isn’t even your child! You’re hoping that if he marries an orphan, he’ll be kicked out of the family, leaving your son as the heir. Clever plan, Hoseok,” she sneered.

Hoseok lowered his head, the insult cutting deep, though he had expected it.

“How can Jimin be the heir? He’s not even Yoongi’s son. Maybe we should consider Soobin next,” Yohan suggested.

“Enough!” Yoongi’s voice boomed, silencing everyone. “The Jeon family has only one heir—my son, Jeon Jungkook. He’s worked tirelessly for this family all these years. And Jimin is my son. No one dares to question that.” He reached for Hoseok’s hand and led him away from the room.

“It’s all because of that orphan boy. I know exactly what needs to be done,” Yoongi’s brother-in-law muttered under his breath, his expression dark with anger.