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Alia slipped quickly, after she met your eyes, out of the grand ballroom, her pink Miu Miu heels clicking softly on the deep red and gold thick carpets. The soft classical music faded behind her, replaced by the low inaudible chatter from the hotel's bar area.

Her walk was slow and deliberate...graceful on the outside, but tension was visible in the way she walked uprightly. Her eyes had a distinct glint in them as she noticed a shadow behind her, but when she turned, there was no one behind her.

Alia just shrugged and walked in the direction of the hotel's executive bar area. The bar was located at the Peninsula Italian restuarant inside the hotel.She has a mission, and she can't afford distraction now.

B

ehind her, Noodle was trailing Alia silently, hiding now and then behind glass pillars and marble columns when she saw Alia falter in her steps. Her eyes burned with envy and jealousy at the classy model that was so cutelydressed in preppy sophistication as she watched Alia's confident posture as she walked as if she owned the corridor like a ramp at NY Fashion Week.

Why does Alia always have that effortless glow and beauty? What does she have that I don't? Noodle thought bitterly. Her chest constricted with an ache of jealousy and insecurity twisting in her stomach. The way Alia moved, so confidently, seemed to remind her of what she wasn't: what Seokjin desired-effortless beauty, famous, free, unafraid, and wanted by the guy she loves with all her heart.

Tears started to well up in Noodles' eyes. She and Seokjin were so good together, best friends even. She thought they would just click, but this forced arrangement made her lose him, his respect, and that ounce of maybe love or affection he had for her...now it was his coldness, dismissive behavior, and disdain she sat with. She quickly followed and saw Alia take a seat at the bar area, ordering a piña colada cocktail. She smirks as the bartender flirts with her.

Noodles' brows furrowed. Is she waiting for Seokjin? Are they secretly meeting up?

Across the hall, inside the ballroom. The guests were slowly leaving after the breakfast; some guests stayed behind to network and meet other families within the legacy for possible business and marital ties.

Seokjin was trapped in conversation with a well-known actor, Gong Yo-one whose family's name was practically engraved in the country's billionaire legacy circles. The actor and his family owned a few of the biggest private cosmetic clinic franchises across Asia. He was a big fan of BTS, and he admired their achievements with their global tours. And another handsome actor, Cha Eun Woo, who told Seokjin that he was avidly following their variety show, Run BTS.

Seokjin smiled politely and laughed here and there, though his mind was elsewhere and his eyes darted to his beautiful soulmate. Just as he was about to excuse himself, his father magically intercepted his thought to flee. The other two actors acknowledge Seokjin's authoritative dad and bow respectfully. Seokjin smiled at them apologetically when he heard his dad's voice. The two actors nodded, greeted politely, and walked to the exits.

"SeokJin, a word, please," his father said sharply, grabbing his arm gently and pulling him aside. His eyes were calculating, but Seokjin could see the effort his dad put in not to lose his temper.

Seokjin's shoulders stiffened. "Yes, Appa...do you need
something?" He uttered resignedly, his eyes darting to Mia, who watched him with concern.

His Appa's tone was soft but stern. "We see you've been ignoring Noodle since yesterday. What's your deal with that? Do you realize how that looks for the outsiders? You're not only disrespecting the family's wishes but also her family's. They're partners in our business, Seokjin. The Baes partnership can help us in smooth networking with the packing industry. It's our legacy building. You can't keep acting selfishly." He said his tone became sharper.

Seokjin exhaled slowly, the frustration starting to flicker behind his calm demeanor. "Appa, why can't I just get engaged to my destined soulmate? The one I'm meant to be with? My soulmate isn't Noodle, and you know that... Noodle got rejected by hers, but mine is out there waiting, yearning for me to protect and love her. I want pure love, Appa," he said resigned.

"Because," his Appa snapped, not even trying to listen, "family comes first. The Bae family is the right match due to their pedigree, status, and financial alignment. Love can be developed like your eomma and I. They understand what legacy means... and how to sustain it in this system."

"And my happiness?" Seokjin's voice became quiet in a very controlled tone, "Does that matter at all? What if I marry and then meet my mate? Don't you think Noodle will be more heartbroken...being trapped in a loveless marriage with someone he despised for losing his true mate? We are going to eventually destroy each other."

His Appas' expression didn't change one bit. "You're twenty-three, Seokjin. Most children in the legacy club are already betrothed, already planning their weddings, or getting their first child by now. This isn't about happiness, son-it's about duty. Familial duty. We need to discuss your behavior seriously. We'll have a family intervention before the final luncheon today. My presidential suite. Don't be late."

Seokjin nodded, with clenched jaws. "Yes, Appa." His dad gave him those stern, pointed looks and, with a deep sigh of visible disappointment, walked away to where his wife and the Baes were engaged in a conversation with the Philippine Minister of Finance.

Seokjin placed his mineral water on a nearby table, turned, and walked out of the room without looking back. Samiya's eyes followed him with deep concern. She tapped into his emotions, and she could sense his disappointment, exhaustion, and resignation.

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As Seokjin, with an unreadable expression, stepped into the hotel's corridor, excited murmurs followed him. Guests and hotel staff froze mid-step...phones quickly came out, and whispers filled the area as Seokjin walked tall and confident, passing them with a wordless nod.

"Is that Seokjin?"

"Oh my goodness, it's really him!"

"He is sooo hot!"

The moment Seokjin entered the elevator, a dozen flashes went off, various fans squealing, jumping up and down, hands on their mouths and some even crying softly as the doors closed. Seokjin just sighed, feeling caged by the expectation of family and the glare of fame. He needs Samiya right now.

Meanwhile...

At table 12, you and your brother Suja were still seated, finishing their hot drinks. They were discussing a possible vacation to Poland with his wife. His family will be invited for the Christmas season, as his wife's family is celebrating this season. You can't wait to spend time with your sister-in-law.

"What about lunch after the legacy event...the two of us...alone?" Suja asked with a deep, affectionate smile.

You nodded, smiling softly-until your eyes caught something across the room. Vidhan.

He was leaning against a column drinking a glass of champagne after he had conversed with a joyful group of new acquaintances, and two girls nearby were giving him flirtatious smiles. She saw the golden blonde one, the same one he was overfriendly with an hour ago, slip a folded note into Vidhans palm when she walked past. Her lips pursed in a secret as her eyes secretly spoke a message.

Vidhan looked smug, slowly drinking his champagne as a faint hunger in his eyes followed the girl, unaware that you'd noticed the whole exchange. A shiver runs through your rigid spine as you straighten your posture, choosing to stay calm and composed. Vidhan is not your problem. Whatever he tries to do doesn't affect you in the least

You looked at your phone and then at your golden wristwatch.

"Excuse me," you said quietly, glancing at her phone again. "I need to find Alia. She's taking a bit too long. Maybe she's in the restroom." You quickly inform Saju, who nodded and waved you off to go find Alia, who might be flirting with guys outside. You grab your designer bag and smile, not caring at the Vidhan's furrowed brows as he sees you ready to leave.

Suja nodded. "Text me if you need help...but Alia is a big girl."

You nodded and walked past Vidhan.

Vidhan caught up to you near the luxurious corridor. The chandeliers were glowing, showcasing the richness and wealth of the hotel's aesthetics.

"Going somewhere, Sami?" He asked, that arrogant grin plastered on his smug face, "How about we have a drink at the bar... I heard they have a special menu for the legacy club."

You just scoffed and didn't even look at him, still walking down with him following you. "Why don't you ask the blonde bimbo who gave you her number? I'm sure she's dying for your company...maybe she can help you get rid of that pent-up arrogance."

His eyes widen as his stupid grin falters. "Excuse me?" When did you see him? They were discreet. Gosh!

You turned abruptly, your voice cool and sharp. "Vidhan, get it in your metal head. I'm not interested, Vidhan. Not today. Not ever...so just leave me the hell alone!"

Before you could walk away, he grabbed your wrist and yanked you back, pressing you against the wooden panelled corridor wall. His face was close-too close for your comfort. You could see the little green spots in his huge brown eyes. He might be handsome, but for you there was nothing alluring about him.

"You're becoming disrespectful," he hissed, pushing himself up against your trembling body, his strong cologne attacking your nostrils. "You forget who you're talking to, Ms. Dholakia. You're going to marry me in December, end of story. The priest awaits our dates. That's already decided."

"Let me go," you said through clenched teeth, trying to push his body away from you. Your heart was racing erratically.

He leaned closer, his mouth near your ear. "You think you have a choice, baby? Your family already agreed that you belong with me. Nobody will be accepted in my place. You'll never do better than me... I'm your only hope. Samiya. Accept and face the fact."

He then unceremoniously pressed his mouth on yours, a wet, hungry kiss that wanted you to vomit.

That was the last straw. Your palm slapped him loud across his face, loud enough to echo down the hallway. His eyes widen as he pulls back and grabs his stinging cheek. Your breathing was labored, your blood boiling inside of you. Even your ears were ringing as if you were underwater.

"I'm not an object, you bloody pervert", you spat harshly. Wiping over your mouth with fury.

Vidhan's eyes flared with rage. He grabbed you tightly around the nape of your neck, his fingers painfully entangled in your wild curls, his voice trembling with fury. "You'll regret that, Samiya. No woman will get away with being so disrespectful. You need to be tamed, and I can't wait to do that." He seethed through his teeth.

Your chest was heaving up and down in fear.

Just then, Suja appeared like an angel to the rescue; his voice was thunderous and his eyes wild as he assessed the situation. "Let her go!"

Suja rushed forward, pulling his sister away from Vidhan and standing between them, his eyes furious in Vidhan's narrowed eyes. "Are you out of your mind, Vidhan? She's not yours yet! Get that into your mind. Samiya is not a child."

"She's my fiancée, Saju...her attitude is too westernized." Vidhan barked loudly, "She needs to learn respect her future head. Her open disobedience will disgrace our family. The system doesn't tolerate-"

You cut him off harshly, tears welling up in your eyes, your manicured finger almost in his face, "I'd rather live alone in the jungle with an anaconda as company than marry a man who thinks he owns me. I won't spend my life in a rigged, loveless, gilded cage just to protect family legacy."

You felt it...your bond started to react. Emotions of concern, panic, and distress seep through your shared bond with your soulmate.

At that moment, Seokjin felt it-the sudden pull of your distress. The soulbond was awakened like a whisper in his chest. His eyes widen as his heart races. His soulmate needs him. Without thinking, he followed the leadership of their string down the hall. The protective string that is embedded inside the red gold was pulling him with purpose towards an enclosed hallway, almost near the corridor that led to the bar area where he was supposed to meet Alia.

When he arrived, he saw them-Suja (whom he recognized as Mia's brother) with a furious expression; Samiya, his beautiful, gentle soulmate, trembling; and Vidhan, the arrogant fiancé, standing red with anger.

They all notice a movement coming their way. Samiya's eyes instantly lit up.

"Is everything okay here?" Seokjin asked cautiously in English, his voice steady, as he looked from one to all three sets of eyes. Saju smiled as he saw the idol. He heard about the famous celebrities attending the Legacy event. What a beautiful Korean guy. Saju and Vidhan both notice the stunning CEO aura coming from Seokjin's presence. Your heart thumps at the hotness of your soulmate. Their bond screams to be in each other's arms. However, Seokjin while demeanour was cool and composed.

You visibly relaxed when you saw him looking at you. A fleeting glint of undefined emotion was in his eyes. Vidhan noticed, his jaw clenched. He always hated any male competition when it comes to Samiya, since their elementary and middle school days when her beauty enhanced. And the flipping Sami before him was openly gawking at the ridiculously handsome guy. He swear her eyes were dilating from open admiration. Who is he anyway? His eyes narrowed coldly on Seokjin, who stood with a raised eyebrow.

"It's fine, no drama here," Vidhan said curtly in English.

Suja's eyes darted between you and Seokjin, confusion and perplexity flashing in his eyes...then suspicion. The atmosphere around the two of you was subtle, but only redgolds can sense the intensity of a newly bonded or system-married couple. He saw the invisible connection between you and the idol. Sajus's breath hitched as he looked at your guilty expression that wordlessly confirmed his suspicion. This was Samiya's soulmate. Gosh! He must truly love Samiya by not losing control and having deep restraint.

"This doesn't concern you," Vidhan snapped, still furious. "It's between me and my fiancée." He looked sharply at your widened eyes.

"We're not engaged, gosh! What an entitled brat you are," you retorted sharply back. Vidhan truly lacks understanding and comprehension.

Vidhan laughed coldly and looked at your annoyed face with a mocking glint. "That's just a formality, Samiya, and you're aware of it."

Seokjin smirked slightly. "Funny, because I happen to know Samiya and Alia from Konkuk. We are fellow students, and from where I'm standing, she doesn't look fine or comfortable in your presence."

Vidhan scoffed and looked Seokjin up and down. "Maybe you should focus on your own girlfriend instead of flirting with my cousin."

He saw the confrontation between Alia and his girlfriend. This boy must keep his nose out of other couples' business.

You rolled her eyes, exasperated, sick of this whole situation, and with cold eyes you said, "I'm so done with this crap. I'm going back to my room...goodbye." You politely bow in your brother's and your soulmate's direction but ignore Vidhan.

Seokjin nodded politely at the men. "Everything's fine, then," he said quietly before walking off, hands in his black pants, toward the elevators.

You turned on your white YSL heels, and briskly followed Seokjin.

The elevator doors were closing when your voice called out, "Wait! Hold the door! Please!"

Seokjin smirked and reached out, stopping the door just in time. You slipped inside, breathless. Your eyes met for a brief moment, unspoken words in the air between you. The space inside was small, warm, and alive with tension and energy; neither of you could deny that moment.

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Back in the corridor, Suja's eyes turned to glare at Vidhan. "You do know that you crossed a line today. My sister, Sami, isn't a bargaining chip, Vidhan. I wouldn't let you treat my little sister like some of your cheap floozies. I'm telling our parents that Samiya deserves to meet her soulmate first before any engagement or marriage is decided."

Vidhan pursed his lips defiantly. "She's been promised to me since I was 13 years old, Suja. Contracts are legally binding."

Saju just shook his head at Vidhas little boy tantrums.

He turned to leave, but his voice was as cold as winter in Siberia: "She's not for sale, Vidhan."

Vidhan's jaw clenched, his breath hitched painfully as fury boiled beneath his polished veneer. When Suja disappeared around the corridor, he quickly pulled out his phone, his voice low and intimate.

"Can we meet?"

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A/n : Vidhan and Samiya final confrontation.

Thank you💗 so much for your love and support. Don't forget to drop a star if you like this chapter, whether you a silent reader or loyal commenter. You are special and loved. 💗

1.What makes Seokjin torned between love and duty?

2. What makes Noodle so jealous of Alia that moment?

3. How does Vidhan tried to control Samiya?

4. What was the best scene you loved?

5. Any line that was iconic for you?

6. Do you think Saju understand the bond between Seokjin and Samiya now?

7. What do you think was the secret plan?

8. Do you think Noodle will hide in the bar waiting for the meeting?

9. What might be discussed at the family intervention meeting?

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