:::**•°✾°•**::::...: ᵃˡᵐᵒˢᵗ ᶜᵒˡˡⁱᵈⁱⁿᵍ ʰᵉᵃʳᵗˢ 23

The evening after Noah dropped you off from the cosy restaurant, he wanted you to go and relax. The early dinner was relaxing and it was just what you needed to get your mind from Taehyung and Dilraba.

You invited him in for a hot beverage, and an hour turned out to be two hours.

Noah told you that he will have a match in Italy. In a week's time. They will play in the UEFA matches one of the days.

You and Noah enjoyed each other's friendships, and you were surprised when Noah asked you to marry him casually because he wants you to experience a real wedding, and he wants to give your baby a name.

You didn't know what to say because all you know is that Taehyung is lost for you. He and Dilraba are back together, and that book, even incomplete, should be closed and placed in the archives of life.

You've experienced true love; you know now how it is to be loved by a man, carrying his baby, and even if Taehyung forgot about you, you will always be grateful for the gift that he left you with. You might not be able to see your beautiful girl growing up, her babyhood stage, her first day in nursery school, her first report card, her first crush, or her first day as a senior in high school. Gosh, just thinking about the milestones that you might miss if you died before your time. But Noah decided to stay with you.

After he left and you enjoyed your solitude in the comfort of your bed, a call came through.

Your favorite Bangtan club member, Jimin. He was in Germany assisting at his families pharmaceutical branch for a few months. His voice always brings a sense of comfort to him.

You wanted to cry of happiness, just hearing his sweet and caring voice. Why couldn't you fall in love with such a pure soul? He would've been the perfect boyfriend and father for your child, but you just laughed at yourself and asked, "Who are you kidding?" Park Jimin was the sworn bachelor. His heart is very big for lots of beautiful women. He doesn't want to settle down, and he's dating a beautiful model, but everyone knows he feels if he's with a woman for more than 2 weeks, it's regarded as long-term, and then he just loses interest.

His voice sounds cheery on the line.




"So how's my little butterfly doing?" He asked.

You smiled through your tears. "She's kicking like a soccer champ," you jokingly said.

You both laugh. Through your phone conversations you were brainstorming baby names. He even reminded you about Taehyungs, who joked about your future kids and if it was a girl, what he wanted her to be named.

Your heart aches as you just said, "Yeah...like a combination of our names, Tae-young. But I told him it sounded more like his. So we were opting for names like Taemi, Taehwa, Ji-young, or So-young. His parents said maybe Taehee, which means she'll bring great joy to us. It was also Taehyungs' favorite. Maybe she'll be Kim Taehee. But I don't know if I should give her her dad's last name. He wouldn't even know her..."

Jimin sounded sorrowful: "Taehyung was supposed to be by your side. Be there when you bring her into the world. He loved you so much, Cha-young."

You kept a sob back," Jimin...I love him so much. It is killing me inside, knowing I lost him. We were supposed to get married after his birthday. Planning for the huge reception... our honeymoon in the Maldives. I was supposed to be an engaged girl, happily enjoying building our future. Our mansion is done according to my specifications, and his parents asked me about it. My dad decided to buy it anonymously because Tae was already contemplating putting it on the market. I can't lose my dream home, Jimin."

Jimin sighed," Life is cruel sometimes, but you'll get over this pain with time. Yes, I heard about the mansion. His parents wanted to keep it, but Taehyung was adamant to sell it, but I love my penthouse, and Jungkook already bought a new penthouse. The other hyungs all have their mansions. So, I think it's better that you buy your house back. Tae doesn't need it."

She even told him how she lost her promotion. She wasn't even considered for the other positions, and she worked so hard during the two years. Also how Taehyung told her boss about her attacking Dilraba, which was a false claim. Accusing her and telling lies to Taehyung, "She even had the audacity to tag me online when she flexed her romantic relationship with Taehyung. She posted over ten photos almost every day, even one of her and Taehyung in his charter enjoying a glass of champagne. It's like she wanted to show me what I've lost...tags like #weddingbells, #loveeverends, and #lovefindsit'swayback. Stupid tags like that."

Jimin was furious,"She is pathetic. Cha-young, do you now know how many times I was on the brink of breaking your trust and just telling him about the two of you? But that stupid donkey is so stubborn. He just made up his mind to hate you."

You sounded weary. "Don't worry, Jimin, just don't traumatize him further. Like I've told his parents, his brain must remember me on its own. Then all the love emotions will seep through, but it's been five agonizing months, and I think his brain decided to permanently settle...without me".

Jimin sounded frustrated. "Cha, he's going to be a dad. Do you know how devastating it will be to have a child and you have no knowledge of it? It will be more traumatizing than knowing he was in love with you, his arch nemesis."

You just sighed, " I've accepted it...and besides, he doesn't remember me. And if he will eventually...he'll stay with Dilraba. He chose her now."

Jimin clicks his tongue, "He is going to lose his soulmate. You are made for each other, Cha. You fought and loved passionately."

You chuckle slightly, "Yeah, we were very famous at Korea University. But life goes on...and I have good news for you. Remember that job opp from Sweden. I passed three interviews and got the job. I'm their new senior curator."

Jimin sounded elated,"Oh my goodness! Seriously! That's amazing."

You laughed," I'm serious. And Mr. Hansen wasn't happy when I told him that I'm moving to Sweden and I'm resigning. He was furious at Jimin. He didn't want to let me go and even called my new employer, asking them to delay my start. Gosh, he maneuvered it in such a way that I needed to give a months notice. Even if I resigned with immediate effect".

Jimin was shocked: "What a narc!"

You snort," He even tried to double my salary. Imagine. We fought so much for salary rises, but now he just offered it freely."

"And your new bosses. Aren't you going to lose out on this opportunity? Jimin sounded concerned.

You laughed, "Oh no! They said they'll wait for me. They always admired my work and the fact that I've won national as well as international art awards for my exhibitions I've curated. They know Mr. Hansen's tactics already."

"Wow!" Jimin just uttered

Ypu chuckled," That's not all, Mr. Hansen, in his twisted way, offered Galleri Magnus Kalsson, my new workplace, a collab with us. We are working on an upcoming global art project. He's collaborating with America , Seoul , Italy, and Sweden. The middle-aged curator, Mr. Nils, is going to retire, and I'm taking his place, but Mr. Hansen had him working with us now on the "Art of a Bleeding Heart"; it might be for 6 months. So it's huge."

Jimin was flabbergasted: "So, he cunningly got your new museum to work together on the new project. That you will have to organize again. What a dweep!"

You grinned, "Oh yes, almost 200 new upcoming artists will apply to exhibit in this new venture. So, Olive and I were asked to be key players again, like in the Egyptian Exhibition. Everyone knows now that I was the true backbone of every successful exhibition, even in Seoul, and not Hansel."

Jimin was speechless; they want to use Cha-young but not give her the credit. He's glad she's leaving.

You chuckled, " He doesn't want me to go, too scared Sweden might win all the international awards, because they always come second, and Mr. Hansen has stood first for two years now. But I'm already gone. They just don't know it yet."

Jimin sounded cheerful again: "You weren't happy there. And what about the soccer player...this Noah you've been hanging out with? Jungkook said, you dropped a that you're  going next week to Sweden to check out your new apartment. "

You started to giggle. "Yeah, Noah likes me, and...he asked me to marry him. He knows my past and my health issues. He wants to make my last days or months worthwhile".

Jimin was silent. This was a new twist.

"I know what you're thinking....but he wants to give Butterfly a name, a dad, a family. He wants to give me security. Noah doesn't expect love from me…only partnership. Security. Which I crave right now. I want normalcy."

"So what did you say? "Jimin asks quietly.

"I didn't give him an answer yet." You inhaled deeply as you stared at your ceiling,"I still love a man who doesn't even remember me. Just maybe I need to stop living in the past...move on for good."

Jimin was in deep thought...

Taehyung will lose Cha-young, the woman he loves with all his heart.

.....




You stood up the next morning refreshed, as you slowly sat up on your bed, your hand supporting your lower back. You could just thank God that after five months of pregnancy you could still hope for a miracle. Your shoulder pain has subsided, and it's only the constant migraines that plague your daily happiness.

After your morning shower, you looked down at your round baby bump, and your eyes almost welled up again, thinking about your baby's birth without the daddy welcoming you into the world.

But Taehyung's best friend and now your best friend, Jimin, will be a stand-in, being with you in the delivery room. He will be your baby's godfather.

Your baby might be born in Sweden. You made yourself a light breakfast of French toast with lime jam and a glass of warm honey-flavored milk.

You were dressed in a warm red oversized twin jersey sweater and black leggings; your hair was glossy and fell in huge waves over your shoulders. Today you decided to be happy. You took extra care with your makeup. You were excited, especially when you felt a little flutter inside that made you gasp.

Your eyes widen as you caress your belly. Your butterfly kicked!

"Good morning, little butterfly," she whispered.

A soft laugh escaped her lips as her expression turned tender. Good morning, my beautiful butterfly." Maybe a butterfly could feel her dad's presence.

Just then your moment was cut short when a call came in.

Your phone buzzed next to you on your table as you looked at the screen; your breath hitched.

Taehyung's eomma.

You answer with a gentle tone even if your heart is heavy. The older woman's voice had trembled a little on the other end.

"Cha-young, dear! How are you doing?" She greeted him with joy.

You smirk, "Aunty...I'm still fine. I've got the job in Sweden and will move by month's end. It's a little busy at the gallery."

So, did you meet Taehyung there? He told me he'll be there for at least a week. Did he see you...could he remember something?" She was so hopeful in her tone. It makes your heart tighten.

You gently told her the truth, pain laced in your voice: "Taehyung arrived with Dilraba." And he didn't remember anything. But I'm okay, Aunty. The baby is healthy. And my Danish gynecologist referred me to a new doctor there, and I'm excited to start fresh."

Before you ended the call, your voice was strangled, "I will always love Taehyung." Even if he marries Dilraba, which seemed more likely. I'll respect both of you and Mr. Kim, and I promise never to keep your grandchild. I'll constantly send you updates, I'll share photos... I want you to be part of her life."

There was a bit of silence until you heard a sniff at the other side as she tearfully said, "Thank you so much, my child." I pray so much that Taehyung can remember. He will be so devastated if he misses his first baby's birth. I wish you could tell him..."

You closed your eyes a moment and inhaled deeply. "I wish too, but I don't want him to feel insecure or filled with disgust." Let him be happy with Dilraba. He looked happy." You wiped your eyes.

After the emotional call, Olive called you and invited you to go out with her and Laura. She wants you to relax and just unwind with her bestie.

They laughed as they strolled through a nearby mall, doing shopping at cute shops. Laura suggests they start looking for cute gifts for your baby, and you tell them you'll all do shopping in Sweden when the time is right. They bought some pieces of clothing. You made sure you bought yourself new pieces of fashionable preggie clothes. Olive and Laura indulged in a few pairs of shoes. You also bought little items of groceries to keep you for a few weeks.

After you've placed your shopping bags in Laura's SUV, you decide to go and have lunch.

It was a light-hearted and fun moment just walking and being free at the mall. Just what you needed.

....

Meanwhile

Taehyung and Dilraba also had the day off after they had a brief meeting with Mr. Hansen and the other delegates. Dilraba wanted to see some sights and take pictures for her socials because it was her first time in Denmark. While they were comfortably chatting, Taehyung instinctively drove into streets he wasn't planning to. Dilraba was taking cute pics of the colorful matchbox buildings.

Before they knew it, Taehyung was, unbeknownst to them, in the street of Cha-Young's apartment location.

He blinked, utterly perplexed.

"What the hell am I doing here?" He muttered to himself under his breath. His brows furrowed as he made a sudden U-turn. He tried to push the strange feeling aside.

Dilraba looked at him with questioning eyes. "Are we lost?"

Taehyung nodded." I think we're too far out of the city..." he replied softly. His mood started to shift as he drove out of the suburb. Dilraba was so cheerful and happy and didn't notice his thoughtful demeanor.

Dilraba's eyes lit up. "Let's go to the mall and maybe have lunch." We can shop a bit for some little gifts for our families. This country is so cute." She giggled, taking a candid photo of him. He just smirks at her cheerfulness.

At the mall they walked arm in arm; Taehyung's tall frame and striking features turned heads wherever they went. A group of Danish girls walked past and smirked with flirty eyes at him, but Taehyung didn't react. Dilraba just gave them pointy looks and deadly side-eyes. The girls just pursed their lips and walked quickly away.

"Don't be jealous, Dil!" Taehyung says casually, "You're very beautiful too." And I'm not interested in them."

Dilraba just rolled her eyes and grabbed his hand as they walked to the restaurant. As they strolled, Taehyung’s phone buzzed. It was Jimin.

Finally, his friend was on the line.

After the incident with Cha-young, Jimin was barely online; he even tried to call Jimin twice. Jimin didn't pick up once, and it truly disturbed him; even Jungkook told him to give Jimin some space because he was so busy in Berlin with the family business. Taehyung knew Jimin was still low-key mad at him. But seeing his friend's name brought instant relief.

"Hi, hyung." He answered with visible relief.

"Taehyung, I saw your text and missed calls. You understand why I left your message unanswered. I'm still mad because of how you treated Cha-young. She didn't deserve you to ruin her career like that..." Jimin sounded deeply disturbed.

Taehyung took a deep breath and acknowledged his mistake, saying, "I'm sorry."

Jimin wasn't making it so easy for him. "We all know your past, Tae, but she truly changed. She matured, but I don't know if you matured. Have you had the chance to apologize to her?

Taehyung furrowed his brows. "For what!"

Jimin's breath caught in his throat, and he didn't hold back. He told Taehyung everything. Because of Dilraba's lies, Cha-young didn't even get one of the three senior positions she applied for. Her promotion, the one she's waited years for, was ruined.

Taehyung grew quiet. He can't understand why Cha-young just rubs him the wrong way. She's living these days rent-free in his mind. He even dreamt about her, but he couldn't understand why she took such a prominent role in his psyche.

Jimin carried on, "Tae...for your health's sake. Please don't go too deep with Dilraba. Give it time before you jump into a relationship with her. First get your memories back, and please ask her why you broke up with her in the first place. Just be careful."

Dilraba was doing window shopping and didn't want to intrude on his convo.

Taehyung closed his eyes, then looked at Dilraba and exhaled a deep breath. "She's trustworthy..."

Before Jimin could respond, Dilraba pulled him into a Danish Grill restaurant. It looked cozy and authentic. It was called FlammeGrill Huset, one of Denmark's top BBQ spots.

The place smells incredible, smoky, and the savory meats are all around. A waitress with a bright smile led them to a quiet table at the back; her eyes flickered constantly in Taehyung's direction, which irked Dilraba to no end.

Unbeknownst to the couple, not far from them, hidden against potted greenery and a wooden enclosure, were Cha-young, Olive, and Laura, laughing softly and enjoying their BBQ luncheon.

The couple didn't see them.

He and Dilraba ordered grilled lamb, spicy chicken skewers, potato salad, and a side of herb-buttered fresh bread.

Taehyung was still busy on the phone and let Dilraba order the drinks and desserts for later. Taehyung kept talking to Jimin. They made plans to meet at Hobis' presidential suite at the Jung Suray Hotel for his annual White luncheon in two weeks' time. He also told Jimin that Hobi's girlfriend, Jessica, is also part of the project. She's also in Denmark and will be in Seoul for her boyfriend's luncheon.

After the call ended, he gave his full attention to Dikraba, who chatted about the places she wanted to visit while they were here on business. "Let's make our own memories," she said sweetly.

Taehyung smiled at her, but something in his eyes didn't match the smile. The waitress brought his Somersby Cider and her elderflower cordial. Dilraba was supernaturally joyful, which made Taehyung smile.

A few minutes later, Taehyung grinned, "I need to use the restroom."

She nodded. "Okay, I'll order our dessert...let me surprise you." She giggled.

As he walked through the cozy hallway, he turned a corner and bumped into a waiter, who didn't see him. The tray wobbled dangerously with a few dirty glasses, and the waiter, in his haste to steady himself, made another person nearby stumble. The impact nearly knocked her over, but before she could fall. Taehyung's arms wrapped around her from behind, protective and instinctive, and his hands rested right over her belly.

Their bodies both froze.

Taehyung’s breath hitched as the woman’s face turned slightly to look at him. Their eyes locked instantly. Shock etched in his eyes as he looked down on the woman, his arms still securely around her waist.

Cha-young.

For a long moment, they don't seem to move. Cha-young's heart started to beat erratically, feeling the familiar touch of his arms around her body. Taehyung could see something so familiar yet foreign in her eyes. Her eyes were always so open to read. The whirlpool of emotions was brewing inside.

She quickly pulled back as she inhaled deeply. Too shocked to see him in such close proximity.

Her face was blank as she cleared her throat. "Thank you," she softly stated.

Taehyung's eyes couldn't help but roam over her radiant and flawless face. He regretted to admit that the hellraiser was still very much beautiful. He felt a little stirring in his insides just looking at her.

She nodded as she turned to walk away, but instinctively Taehyung reached out and softly grabbed her wrist.

"I'm sorry," he suddenly said, "about your promotion, about what happened with...with Dilraba."

Cha-young felt her eyes well up; she found it so difficult just to be near him, knowing that she yearned to be in his arms, longing for him to say that he remembered her, loved her.

"Why do you care, Mr. Kim?" She asked with trembling lips.

Taehyung doesn't know what to say amid this sadness in her eyes. Something inside of him was fighting not to hate her...he wanted to hate her so much. But just being near her presence makes him confused.

"Why did you give me the key as a gift?" He asked.

With weary eyes, Cha-young gazed at him. "That key holds the answers you seek. But you need your memories back intact to truly understand."

They stood there quietly.

She gently pulled her wrist free and said, " Sorry, I have to go." She hurriedly said.

Taehyung watched her walk away. There was a part of him that wanted to follow, but his feet wouldn't move. He wanted to force her to tell him why he felt so vulnerable with her.

When she got back to their table, Olive leaned closer, in a whispering form, her azure blue eyes shining, "Did you see?" Dilraba is here?"

Cha-young nodded. "Yeah, I know." I run into Taehyung.

They were shocked but didn't push her to divulge her meeting.

Cha-young sighed, "Please ask for dessert to take away… I don't feel like being here with the happy couple."

Olive nodded. "We understood. Come, let's go then. We can order our dessert as takeaways. Or we can buy sweet treats at the confectionery store near the exit."

Cha-young smiled, "We can have afternoon tea at my place."

Laura looked excited. "Oh gosh yes! We hadn't hung out like that for a while."

The three of them grabbed their handbags and cellphones and left the restaurant, walking past a very surprised Dilraba.

The three of them pretended not to see the dropped jaws of Dilraba and walked out.

When Taehyung returned to the table, Dilraba leaned in with huge eyes. "Cha-young and her friends just walked past."

Taehyung only furrowed his brows, but he didn't react or tell her that he just had an altercation with her and how shaken he felt. Which was weird.

After sitting down and picking up his steak knife, he looked up and asked, "Did you know that she's pregnant?"

The sudden question made Dilraba pale instantly. She quickly drank a sip from her cocktail, avoiding his eyes.

Taehyung just shook his head. "I just wondered who in their crazy mind would date Lord Lucifer's sister."

There was a pause.

Then Dilraba answers too quickly, "We heard she's dating the Danish soccer star." It's definitely his baby. I found out that they were schoolmates. Maybe they were high school sweethearts." She shrugged.

But deep inside Dilraba's heart, she could feel a cold shiver running down her spine. She knew deep down that a part of her suspected something else.

What if it's Taehyung’s child?

Dilraba pursed her lips in determination; she didn't want Taehyung to remember anything at all. She didn't want him to ever know. Why? If he did, everything will change.

And she might lose him forever.

.....

A/N: Taehyung and Cha-young met unexpectedly.

Thank you for all your support. Don't forget to vote or comment🫠

1 Do you think Jimin will like Noah?

2. Will he easily forgive Taehyung?

3. What are your thoughts on this chapter?

4. Do you think Taehyung must take Jimins advice to wait!

5. Do you think she must accept Noahs proposal?

6. Do you think Dilraba is scared to confront Cha-young about the baby?

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