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As I looked at you leaving me
I hated myself for not being able to do anything

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Dilrada moved towards you with envious steps, her eyes full of envy burning at your radiant beauty.

“Cha-young, what are you doing here?” she asked, hate filling her voice. “Are you trying to mess up Taehyung’s life again? You always somehow get into Taehyung’s life. And don’t play innocent with me, Cha-young. I know you’re here to cause trouble in Taehyung’s life.”

Dilrada accused you in a voice that filled of jealousy. You didn’t bother even though Dilrada was ranting,  remaining calm throughout it all. “My job is here, Dilrada,” you answered evenly. “That’s all. Can you leave me alone and let me work in peace?”

With sudden fierceness she grabbed your injured shoulder and pushed you hard against the glass cabinet; an electrifying pain shot through your nerves making it hard to breathe for a moment.

“Is he just yours for the taking? No way!” she said more forcefully while pushing you harder and becoming more annoyed, “Get out of Seoul! Get out of Taehyung’s life! You think that you can simply waltz back here and bring havoc. Not a chance!"

It stung painfully but you did not budge. And then you removed her from your proximity in a stern manner rubbing your shoulder which had been hit hard. In an irate voice, with firmness, I breathed out these words to him: “Please Dilrada don't be jealous … it does not look good on you,”you warned , your patience getting exhausted.

Suddenly in fury, Dilraba slapped you hard across the face, rendering you stunned. But you didn't let her get away with it and to her shock, you retaliate and slapping her harder against the cheek. Nobody is going to disrespect you like that. Your palm was stinging due to the force you used.

As Taehyung appeared on the scene at that precise moment, both your eyes widened as Dilrada shrieked loudly, falling in front of you, crying.

Dilrada, with a distressed voice, managed to utter, "Taehyung!"

She crumbled on the cold tiled floors, tears streaming down her face as she manipulated the situation, falsely claiming you had initiated the altercation.

Taehyung looked shocked as he rushed to Dilrada's side, kneeling beside her. "What happened?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Dilrada sniffed, pointing at your widened and perplexed expression. "She attacked me, Taehyung! She began it all! She’s a jealous cow!"

You shook your head in disbelief saying, “Taehyung that is not true. She came and started everything—”

This made you gasp, as you were dumbfounded by the lie unfolding before you simply stood there, betrayed. Dilrada knew Taehyung would be around. What a deceiver!

Angrily closing his lips together Tae said “Cha-young how could you?! You are always causing trouble! You will never change!”

Wiping her cheeks smugly Dilrada stated, “See, Tae? I told you she’s vindictive. When I said she came back for revenge on what happened on graduation day nobody believed me.”

As Taehyung went off at you while Dilrada gave you a sly smile as he was taking her side to accuse you openly for your alleged vindictiveness.

Taehyung looked calmly at Dilrada; her face was still wet with tears so he told her “Why don’t you go freshen up for our lunch date? I’ll handle this.”

Dilrada, still sniffling and nodding said “Alright, Tae…” She turned round having a mischievous smile in her eyes as Taehyung help her up from the ground. She walked out with new energy and joy. Now that witch will be gone out of their lives for good.

Taehyung’s eyes betrayed his disappointment when he turned towards you and told you, “Cha-young, I thought highly of you; I believed that you had changed but—”

You appeared flushed trying to explain yourself saying, “Taehyung please listen to my version of this—” but with a raised palm Taehyung signaled that you should not speak.

He interrupted with deep sadness and revulsion while saying, “Stop your excuses Cha-Young. Your facade does not fool me; I know it is all an act.”

It must have taken him aback. He did not even see that red handprint on your face.

Taehyung stepped into your personal space pointing an accusatory finger at you. ‘You’re fired from this exhibit go back to Denmark. Olivewill take over today we don’t need you here. Mr Hansen will be contacted and  I’ll talk about how you attacked my friend’

This led to your heart beating faster with deflation and sadness as tears choked your voice,”T-Tae….” You tried touching his arm but he slapped away your hand.

Ignoring you openly, Taehyung pulled out his phone firmly while pretending to ignore the sadness around him, turning away from your sad face the disgust written all over his face until he dialed those numbers.

While Taehyung had just done showing off his disdain towards you,  you were filled with deep sorrow; it was at that point when it dawned on you that you and Taehyung were completely over. It was unbearable loving him while he hated you.

Heartbroken, you took off your staff lanyard with meaning and snatched the clipboard from the table pushing it into Taehyung’s chest. He looked flabbergasted by your sudden action and just caught it before it fell to the floor.

You had tears in your eyes as you stared at him “I’m…” Your voice was trembling, “…done. May you live happily ever after with her,” she pointed at Taehyung before exiting, “I’ll find mine somewhere else.”

Taehyung seemed shocked at your cryptic words.

You wiped your tears away grabbed your bag and quickly glanced back over to where Taehyung was still talking to your boss who is strict in nature.

Your heart constricted knowing that demotion or even termination may await; however, at this time you couldn’t have been bothered less.

Determinedly stepping towards the elevator, you pressed on the button for ground floor.

Unbeknownst to you ,Dilraba lurking behind  in shadows of concealed pillar , smiling smugly. “If you think that Tae will take you back into his life then you are delusional,” sneered Dilraba as she came around a corner with her hands folded across her chest looking maliciously happy.

It was clear that you were in pain, but Dilraba laughed sadistically. “I knew it was you who worked as an assistant during Taehyung’s accident. I found out some things about your past. And then, after he dumped me, you went to work for him and slept with him. You and him used to be lovers Cha-young. So now he has forgotten all about you too? Must be pretty hard to be forgotten by the one person that meant so much to you… Pathetic must be how you feel right now. You were never meant to happen at all. I am back, and not going anywhere.”

Hurt and devastated, you looked at Dilraba with narrowed eyes saying, “Congratulations, Dilrada! Are you happy now? He’s no longer tied down anymore. Besides that, I will leave Seoul anyway; however remember one thing: this is the same man who loved another woman so passionately - even though she was his sworn enemy. Well…”

You scoffed and continued by saying: “And unlike you have never done any of those romantic things with him as we did together. We hiked together in winter. We vacationed in Europe. While sweet making love in front of a sizzling fireplace, we had breakfast inside a hot air balloon…so I dare you to ask him about Bahamas or our diving expedition….and every time your lips meet his ,I hope  your brain trip up as it tries to remember how he kissed me like, while I blissfully slept in his arms inside his luxury penthouse suite. Yeah, Is it possible that he has forgotten about me mentally but eventually his heart will remind him? Do not say I didn’t tell you so? Pray that he doesn’t regain his memories.”

With narrowed eyes and pursed lips, Dilrada stood there silently for a moment before you walking away as fast as you could.

At least for once, it seemed like your painful jab touched her deeply somewhere inside because it caused her much discomfort mentally.Taehyung's relationship with Dilrada was still very ‘innocent’. But when he met you, your physical desires took control. Your love for each other created a beautiful bond that you'll make sure sees the light.

Dilraba’s anger and jealousy blazed but you smiled smugly as you confidently entered the open elevator and slipped in.

In the meantime, Dilraba clenched her teeth together as she breathed out heavily and walked towards the security room where all those tapes would never come to life. With you gone, her pathway to Taehyung’s heart would be free.

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Inside Taehyung, a frustration was boiling and he slammed the wall with his hand trying to unravel the masses of thoughts which were confounding him about Cha-young.

He was at odds in his heart as he went over the moments they had spent together so that he could sort out his feelings. Why did he feel like this? His heart seemed determined to break at her sad eyes.

Upon leaving the office, Taehyung felt as if there was something constricting around his neck, when Mr. Hansen vented out angrily and expressed disappointment on Cha-young’s actions. Her life in jeopardy only added fuel to an already burning fire.

But it was this turmoil that Taehyung came to a sudden realization; Cha-Young was leaving. He had left her with no choice. The thought of her leaving made his heart throb painfully in way that made no sense.

Yet, despite being frustrated and confused deep inside, he knew that she should not leave him alone.

......

You stepped onto the ground floor, keeping your head low as the gallery buzzed with excited students at the door, paying for their ticket entry. This exhibition looks like a massive success.

Nodding in their direction, you slipped into the cool air, inhaling deeply as you reached a steel bench nestled among evergreen plants.

Pulling out your phone, you sent Olive a text message. She was still in town with one of the staff members.

"Olive...I'm heading home. The day started on a shallow note for me, but I'll fill you in when you return. I need to pack."

Closing your phone with a sigh, you called an Uber. Your cute silver Hyundai Palisade SUV is still parked in Taehyung's parents' garage—a birthday gift from your fiancé. Yet, you couldn't even take it, knowing Taehyung already thought it was his.

While waiting for your ride, you booked a flight ticket to Copenhagen. You sent a message to your dad explaining your situation. You got a missed call from Mr Hansen asking you to call him back urgently.

You felt a tension headache emerging, already feeling the weight of just being alive. You need to restart your life. It seems that Taehyung will not regain his memories soon.  Maybe saying farewell to all your friends and Taehyung will become the most challenging thing you will ever do. You looked down sadly at your belly, which slightly started to show—rubbing lovingly over it as you whispered.

"Butterfly is only you and mommy now. "

When your Uber arrives, you go to the mall to relax and buy cute farewell gifts for your friends. You also went to develop some photos.

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Olive discovered you hours later, lying on your side in your bedroom with closed eyes. You'd just had a tense conversation explaining what had transpired with your boss.

It seemed that Taehyung's words had been the deciding factor. The most painful realization was that, despite your hard work on the successful exhibition, you knew deep down that Olive or Hansel would get the promotion. Mr. Hansen had always been wary of your ability to handle the stressful position. Life felt so unfair.

Olive was livid when you recounted what had happened in the archive room.

"I'm tired, Ollie... I should go back. There's no future for me in Seoul," you sighed, looking at Olive's sad face.

"What am I going to do without you? You're my guide, Cha. Why don't you stay in Seoul? Taehyung's memories will come back. You can't let Dilraba win. She's a pain, and she might seduce him into marrying her. Aren't you afraid of losing the only man you love?" Olive asked, her conviction evident.

Throwing your arms up in exasperation, you replied, "Ollie! What do you expect me to do? Taehyung chased me away. My gosh, I love him with all my heart... He's 'it' for me... I'm carrying his baby, Ollie, and he'll never know about her. I might not even live the expected three years. There's no hope for us being a family... I'm returning home, and I'll pick up the pieces one day at a time." Tears welled up in your eyes. How would you function without the love of your life?

Understandingly, Olive sighed, "I understand, Cha... but please don't leave. I'll be lost without you," she whined.

Offering a small smile, you reassured her, "You only have another week, then you'll be home."

Olive noticed something on the chair in your room, "What's that? Did Santa come early?" She moved to the chair, her fingers exploring the colourful gift bags.

Chuckling, you replied, "Oh, it's for the staff. Please take it tomorrow and tell them I'm sorry I didn't greet them properly. It's a little something for everybody."

Raising her eyes, Olive inquired, "I see a little gift bag for Mr. Kim and Dilraba. Why them?"

Softening your smile, you said, "Please tell Tae it's an apology gift for him and his girlfriend. Don't worry, I have a letter for them."

Olive chuckled, "Are you sure you're not doing something illegal, like filling it with scorpions?"

Snorting, you replied, "Great idea... but no. I have matured beyond my selfish self during university. I'll never hurt Taehyung deliberately. So please hand it over to them. Will you?"

Olive nodded, "Okay." But her eyes looked warily at the silver-blue gift bag.

You just shook your head. Olive could be so dramatic.

After Olive left for work the following day, you packed your last clothing pieces. Olive will give your keys to the Airbnb rental agency. You'd decide later if you would sell the apartment, but Taehyung had bought it for you, and it held so many memories.

You bid farewell to Jimin and Jungkook, giving them your goodbyes. Jimin would drive you to the airport. Taehyung's parents took numerous photos of Yeontan and promised to send you more pics. You were filled with gratitude.

The group was excited when they received their gifts but saddened by your decision to leave sooner. They gathered in the new coffee shop in the gallery for lunch.

Later...

Taehyung and Dilraba looked flabbergasted at the gift bags his PA had just handed over. He had been busy with work the whole morning, his mind clouded with thoughts of the previous day.

Feeling out of his element, he and Dilraba were out for lunch when they received the gifts.

Dilraba scrunched up her nose as Taehyung took out the light pink envelope and, with trembling hands, unfolded the little cream-white note and softly read it.

Dear Taehyung and Dilraba,

I am deeply sorry for the altercation that occurred yesterday. I acted in an inappropriate manner and I take full blame for that. Anything that happened to either of you will always be regretted. I beg for your forgiveness.

Yours sincerely,
Cha Young

Taehyung’s eyes grew wider as he read it. Was it true?

Taehyung's eyes widened as he read it. Did she indeed mean what she said?

Dilraba shook her head. "Was she sincere?"

Furrowing his brows, Taehyung replied, "I don't know..." He trailed off as he took out a cute black box with a blue ribbon in his hand. He turned it several times, shaking it against his ear, but he couldn't decipher what she had given him. He gave Dilraba hers.

Dilraba bit her lip, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features as she eyed the box suspiciously. She took the box and went to sit on the sofa. They were interrupted by a call from Taehyungs' phone. Taehyung gestured to her that he would be back; he needed to check on something. He locked his little gift box in his desk drawer.

"Go ahead, Tae. I'll be fine," she said, her tone gentle. Once Taehyung left the office, she opened her white gift box. She stayed by herself, her fingers quivering slightly as she unfolded the contents of the box after lifting the peach-colored tissue paper. There were three fragile pink envelopes protected in this way.

“What could Cha-Young be up to this time?” she said quietly, as she looked at the enveloped vouchers with interest.

Looking at a red lollipop beside her made things even more intriguing. Did it contain anything else other than just being candy?

Checking the box, she found a little note.

"May the sweet lollipop ease the bitterness on your tongue when you uncover my surprise within those envelopes. Enjoy."

Dilraba's confusion deepened into a scowl, "Cha-Young has truly lost it," she muttered, eyeing the red lollipop with a whimsical white lip motif.

She anxiously tore open the pink envelopes in which her heart began thumping.

It was more than shocking! Inside were photographs capturing their most cherished moments of both Cha-Young and Taehyung. They walked hand in hand through a colorful sunset sky while behind them warm colors painted the sky. Then there was an image of a picnic blanket spread on green grass covered with various snacks and selfie taken by two persons in love. Taehyung reached for her chin, his lips brushed against hers as though about to kiss her, among other beautiful scenes around him.

There was one where they ate dinner in Brussels at night with candles all over and fairy lights shining brightly everywhere above them; while they laughed and enjoyed each other company during that meal time.

One on a beach, definitely on some island, where the couple in cute swimwear walks hand in hand along the shoreline or shares a kiss as the waves crash behind them. Taehyung's arms intimately embraced her around her tiny waist. Her hair is curly and very long.

A cute one of a romantic getaway at a picturesque destination, it looked like Paris, Rome, and Russia, where they explored charming streets, historic landmarks, and breathtaking viewpoints.

In each photograph, Taehyung radiated genuine happiness, his laughter echoing, and his kisses and embraces shared with Cha-Young are depicted vividly.

The undeniable love reflected in their eyes left Dilraba feeling nauseated.

With furious frustration and rage, she hurled the contents back into the box as if it were a poisonous viper, her actions fueled by a storm of emotions.

Abruptly, she leapt to her feet, striding to the office window. Trembling lips and hands tangled in her hair, she stood there, staring in disbelief and turmoil. The images she had just witnessed would undoubtedly etch themselves into her mind, leaving a lasting impression.

There was no denying it.

Taehyung was undeniably, unequivocally in love with his rival.

A/n: Dilrabas' jealousy boiled over.

Thank you so much for all the readers' shadowed or visible readers that love and support this book. Kindly vote and share your thoughts on the chapter.

Shout out to all the lovely commenters. 

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1. What do you think of Dilrabas' behaviour?

2. Was Cha-Young right to retaliate?

3. Do you think Cha-Young could be fired?

4. What do you think of Cha-Young's Trump card?

5. What do you think of the gifts, and what do you think is in Taehyung's gift box?

6. Do you think that what Cha-Young told Dilaba will have a lasting effect on her.?