🥀 14. 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐞

Enjoy🌸

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Kim Taehyung's room was soaked in a faded Golden light, courtesy of a small bedside lamp that cast a gentle glow across the space.

Taehyung had found his shelter on the large, secluded balcony. He was seated on a comfortable chair, his face bathed in the pale light of a nearby reading lamp, still engrossed in his book. As he continued to turn the pages, his thoughts were torn between the fictional world before him and the real-life complexness of his marriage.

Taehyung couldn't help but ponder over this new chapter in his life.

"I've always been an isolated soul," he mused to himself, "and now, I've committed to sharing my life with another."

He glanced at the calm garden, and large trees at the periphery and took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.

At the same time, he couldn't help but think of Jungkook, whom he had come to resent for being in this situation. He believed she was the type of person who would marry anyone for the sake of money. But deep down, he could feel something fishy.

Inside the room,

Jungkook was curled up in the corner of the vast bed, the dim light reflecting off her tear-stained cheeks. Her eyes were red and puffy from the tears she had shed. In her trembling hands, she clutched a pillow, a shield to protect herself from breaking.

jungkook lowly muttered,  " I can't believe you did this to me, Mom. How could you? Was this greed of yours more loving to you than me? Maybe yes, that's why you didn't think for once before pushing me to marry him."

The luxury around her felt suffocating, each elegant detail of the room mocked the simplicity she once cherished. The lifestyle Jungkook had been thrust into felt like a golden cage. Opposite to the genuine connection and respect she shared with Taehyung.

Whispering lowly, Jungkook's voice trembled with emotion, "I still miss you, Mom. Even after your wrongdoings my heart still cries for your presence. I don't want to stay away from you. Mama, I wish you were here, I want the answers."

Her heart ached with the distance from her only family, her mother. The memories of her childhood and the countless moments of her mother's rushed back, leaving her craving for the familiar warmth of home.

As the tears continued to fall, Jungkook wiped them away with the back of her hand.

No! I shouldn't cry like a pathetic person. If fate wants to play with our lives like this....then be it! I will be brave. For me and my future.

Jungkook inhaled deeply, determined to find the strength she needed to face the new chapter of her life.

Her life as Kim Taehyung's wife!

Arathorn straddled a nearby branch of a tall tree, whose branches touched the concrete railing of the balcony. The majestic bird had been Taehyung's companion for years, and they shared a unique bond. Arathorn sensed his master's inner turmoil and with a glide, he descended onto the balcony.

The older male looked up from his book, surprised by Arathorn's arrival. The eagle's piercing eyes met Tae's and it was as if they shared an unspoken understanding. Arathorn's presence was a comfort to Taehyung.

Taehyung extended his hand and Arathorn hopped onto his arm, his powerful wings brushing gently against his face. The bird's presence provided calm amid the emotional turbulence of taehyung's first night as a married man.

As he continued to gaze at the eagle, his mind was filled with past misunderstandings and resentments. He couldn't help but ponder about his mother's hatred for Jungkook, tarnishing her as the courtesan's daughter and calling her degrading names. His mother had filled his mind with prejudices, painting a picture of greed and deceit around Jungkook and her mother, Kara.

Tae's thoughts were clouded by the knowledge that Jungkook's mother, had arranged her marriage to a married man. His mother had explained to him the belief that Jungkook was fully aware of this arrangement, which only fueled his resentment further. He couldn't shake the thought that Jungkook was somehow a part of this disingenuous plan.

The black-haired male broke the silence and began to speak to Arathorn, "Arathorn, my heart feels heavy with these thoughts. My mother's resentment for Jungkook, her belief that courtesans are only behind money, it's all I've ever known."

The eagle considered Tae's words with a flap of wings, a silent acknowledgement of the burdens he carried.

Taehyung continued, his voice reflecting the conflict within him. "I believed Jungkook was part of this deceit, that she knew about the marriage to a married man. But now, seeing her, I can't help but wonder if I've been blinded by my misunderstandings."

Arathorn offers solace to Taehyung. It was as if the only majestic eagle understood the depths of his master's inner conflict. Taehyung's hand gently stroked the crown of Arathorn.

"Arathorn... do you think I can ever see Jungkook differently? Could all of this be a misunderstanding, something we can fix? Or is she hiding behind a façade? Naïve on the outside, but deceptive beneath it all?"

Arathorn responded by spreading his wings slightly, shaking his head gently in denial. Taehyung sighed at the bird's message of hope, the hint that perhaps his doubts about Jungkook weren't reality.

Inside, Jungkook lay on her bed, restless.

She tossed and turned, unable to find comfort. The sudden creak of the balcony door startled her. Her heart skipped a beat as she sat up, her breath catching in her throat. There, perched on the balcony railing, was Arathorn, his sleek feathers glowing under the faint moonlight.

Her eyes widened, awe and surprise mixing in her expression. She gasped softly, her gaze fixed on the majestic bird she had only seen once before—Taehyung's mystical companion.

Taehyung turned toward the noise and his eyes landed on Jungkook standing in the doorway. Her soft features were illuminated by the dim light, her wide, doe-like eyes filled with wonder.

For a moment, they simply looked at one another—Jungkook standing there and Taehyung watching her. her gaze flickered from him to the bird and back again, unsure but undeniably drawn to him.

Taehyung's cold gaze traced over Jungkook as she stood framed in the doorway, her small figure illuminated by the moonlight.

She looked so soft in her nightdress—a black-coloured shirt with a bottom that hung loosely on her slender frame, flowing down to her ankles. The edges of her sleeves and collar were decorated with lace.

Her bare feet peeked out from beneath the fabric as she shifted nervously, her toes curling slightly against the cold wooden floor. The nightdress hugged her in all the right places, highlighting her soft curves without being revealed. Her long, dark hair gently fell in waves down her back, framing her flushed cheeks and the wide, innocent eyes that now met his.

Taehyung watched her without emotion, his expression unreadable, though the intensity of his stare made the air between them feel thick.

Jungkook stood before him like a porcelain doll—beautiful and delicate, yet seemingly out of place in the coldness. Taehyung looked down at her with curiosity trying to understand something he couldn't quite grasp.

Then Arathorn grunted, the sudden noise shattering the silence and causing Jungkook to flinch slightly. Her eyes quickly darted to the bird. Taehyung's gaze flickered toward Arathorn.

"Mr. Kim, is that your eagle?" Jungkook asked, her voice groggy from the tears she had shed earlier. Her hands nervously twisted the fabric of her nightdress, her eyes flickering between Taehyung and the bird settled nearby.

Taehyung didn't immediately respond. His cold gaze briefly left Arathorn and settled back on her, observing her with the same unreadable expression. After a moment, he gave a short, quiet nod.

"Yes. That's Arathorn."

Jungkook blinked, her lashes still damp and she looked at the bird with awe and nervousness.

Jungkook took an uncertain step onto the balcony, her soft doe eyes never leaving Arathorn. Her bare feet made no sound on the cool floor but the dainty anklets that adorned her ankles chimed softly with each movement, catching Taehyung's attention.

His gaze drifted down to the delicate gold chains circling her feet. Taehyung's eyes traced the outline of her slender ankles. It was such a simple detail, but for some reason, it held his attention.

Arathorn's sharp eyes assessed her carefully, the majestic bird stood tall as if deciding whether this delicate creature before him was worthy of his presence.

Jungkook extended a trembling hand toward the eagle, her fingers hesitant as they neared his feathers.

"Can I touch him?" Jungkook asked, her voice filled with questions.

Taehyung kept his expression unreadable.

"If he lets you," he replied, offering neither reassurance nor warning.

Jungkook bit her lip nervously, her wide eyes flicking up to Taehyung seeking approval, before returning to the bird in front of her.

To her astonishment, Arathorn allowed Jungkook to gently stroke his sleek feathers. Her face lit up with a genuine smile, her doe eyes widening in delight as she cautiously extended her hand. One finger became two, and soon her whole palm glided over his body, feeling the smooth texture of his feathers.

Arathorn ducked his head, closing his eyes and leaning closer to her warm touch. The bird was completely at ease, nuzzling into her palm as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Taehyung's cold gaze was locked on them, but inwardly he was stunned. Is this the same bird who would always swat away anyone who dared to come near him? he thought. Arathorn, the same creature who'd scare away even the bravest, now behaving like a sweet, timid pet for her?

Jungkook continued to stroke Arathorn's feathers with a soft smile. She let out a soft giggle, leaning in a little closer.

"You're not so scary, are you?" she whispered playfully, her voice sweet yet tinged with the remnants of her earlier tears. "I think you like this, don't you?"

Arathorn cooed softly in response, his approval was evident and Jungkook giggled again. The softness of the moment made her forget the tension she had felt earlier.

Jungkook continued to engage in a conversation with Arathorn, and Tahyunge's gaze shifted from the eagle to his newly married wife. He watched her with curiosity and surprise. Her playful, childlike chatter with the bird brought a subtle change in his mind.

Taehyung's expression remained stoic, but his mind churned. The sight of Jungkook, her fingers delicately tracing the bird's feathers, filled him with an unfamiliar warmth, one he quickly pushed down.

Jungkook felt peace. The earlier tears that had dampened her face were forgotten, replaced with a genuine smile as she gazed at the bird. She was unaware of Taehyung's penetrating gaze on her, feeling more connected to the majestic creature than anything else at that moment.

"You're a good listener, aren't you? I feel like you understand things that I can't even explain." Her fingers glide over his wings, her voice delicate and sweet. She smiled with a small but genuine expression.

Just as his gaze began to soften ever so slightly, Arathorn let out a low grunt. The sound broke the quiet spell between them, snapping their gaze back toward each other. Jungkook's eyes darted up to meet Taehyung's, startled as if she had forgotten he was even there.

She quickly pulled her hand away from Arathorn, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink.

"I-I'm sorry," Jungkook stammered, taking a step back. "I didn't mean to..." She trailed off, unsure of what she was even apologizing for.

Taehyung said nothing, his gaze was unreadable. He wasn't angry—just watching her with those sharp eyes that seemed to pierce through her.

Jungkook shifted awkwardly, her hands now clasped in front of her as she lowered her gaze, her earlier confidence melting into shyness.

"I should... I should go," she mumbled, almost to herself.

But Taehyung's voice stopped her.

"You don't need to apologize," he said, his tone cold but not unkind. His words leave Jungkook standing there, unsure whether to stay or go.

Finally, Jungkook shifted her weight, her voice barely above a whisper as she asked, "Why... why did he let me touch him?"

Jungkook dared to glance up at him, her soft doe eyes searching his face for an explanation, but all she found was the same cold detachment he always wore, like a shield.

"I don't know," Taehyung finally replied, his voice lower, as though he was trying to puzzle it out himself. He stepped forward, his tall figure looming over her, making her feel like a delicate flower swaying under a storm's wind.

Jungkook's breath hitched slightly as she instinctively stepped back, her eyes darting up to meet his again. But there was no malice in his eyes—just curiosity, as though he was trying to see something in her that he hadn't noticed before.

"Maybe..." he began, his voice softer now, "Arathorn sees something in you. Something I haven't yet."

Jungkook blinked, unsure how to respond. Was that a compliment? A warning? She couldn't tell. But before she could think of anything, Arathorn shifted on his perch, grunting softly to remind them of his presence.

The spell between them broke again and Jungkook quickly looked away, her face burning.

"I should go," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. She turned, her feet carrying her toward the door, desperate to escape the intensity of Taehyung's gaze.

But just as she reached the doorway, his voice stopped her again.

"Mrs Kim"

Jungkook froze, her hand hovering over the door handle. She didn't dare turn around, but she could feel him standing behind her.

The title sent a shiver down her spine, causing her heart to skip a beat. She didn't dare to turn around but could feel Taehyung's presence behind her, his gaze heavy on her shoulders.

Her heart raced uncontrollably at the sound of her name with his—Mrs. Kim. It was unfamiliar yet stirred something deep within her. The formality of the title, the way it rolled off his tongue, made her feel as if the distance between them was both vast and painfully close all at once.

She stood still unable to move. The huge balcony felt smaller and all she could hear was the erratic beating of her heart, responding to the man who had just called her by a name she wasn't sure she was ready to accept.

"Don't hide," he said, his tone soft but firm, sending a shiver down her spine. "Not from me."

Jungkook's heart clenched at his words, her mind racing to decipher his meaning. She stood there for a moment, swallowing hard, before nodding slightly and slipping back into the safety of her room.

With a click of the latch, Jungkook leaned against the door, her heart pounding in her chest.

Jungkook sank onto the edge of the bed, her fingers gripping the silky duvet, twisting it nervously. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of what had just happened. The encounter had left her shaken and the unsettling feeling that she had, opened a door to something she wasn't fully prepared to face.

Outside her door, Taehyung stood in silence, his expression unreadable. Arathorn sat on his shoulder and tilted his head as if sensing the conflict brewing within his master.

Taehyung exhaled sharply, his breath escaping in a low, frustrated sigh. The night was calm but inside, he was anything but calm. His gaze drifted toward the sky searching for answers he couldn't find within himself. The stars offered no clarity. His mind churned with questions, none of which had easy answers.

Was Jungkook truly the person his mother claimed her to be?

Every time Taehyung looked at her, his mother's voice echoed in his head, planting doubt, mistrust and suspicion. She had called Jungkook a gold digger, a manipulative person ready to marry a married man just for wealth.

"Jungkook has made her decision," Kara's cold voice repeated in his thoughts.

But had she? Was Jungkook aware of everything going on around her? Or was she as lost and trapped as he felt right now?

Taehyung's heart clenched at the thought. What if his mother was wrong? What if he had been wrong this entire time? The woman behind the door, the one who had hesitated under his gaze, was she truly capable of such deception? Or was there something else—a truth he had yet to see?

"Arathorn," Taehyung whispered, turning to the bird perched on his shoulder. His voice was barely audible under the night sky, as if speaking too loudly would make his doubts even more real.

"What do I do?"

The bird tilted his head again, offering no words but somehow understanding. Taehyung's lips pressed into a thin line, his thoughts swirling in an endless loop of doubt.

If Jungkook was innocent, how could he even begin to repair the damage?

He had been cold, guarding himself against the possibility of betrayal.

But if Jungkook had never intended to betray him, if she had never been the person his mother painted her to be—then what had he been doing this whole time?

Taehyung shook his head, pushing his hair back with a rough hand. The answers wouldn't come tonight but he couldn't ignore the growing pull toward Jungkook. She was a Mystery—one he couldn't solve but couldn't ignore.

Arathorn let out a soft grunt, breaking the silence. Taehyung's gaze drifted back toward the door Jungkook had disappeared behind, and his chest tightened.

If only he knew the truth.

✰•・∙✰•・∙✰•・∙✰

The morning light filtered through the thin curtains. Jungkook stirred beneath the covers, her lashes fluttering against her cheeks as she slowly blinked away from the sleep. Something felt... different.

She shifted, the silk of her nightdress brushing against her skin as she turned onto her back, her gaze wandering across the room. With a light frown, she sat up, her long hair cascading in soft waves  {error} like a bird nest around her shoulders. Her eyes instinctively searched the room, half-expecting to find him—her boss, now her husband—yet the space beside her was empty.

Jungkook rubbed her eyes softly, her delicate fingers tracing the edges of her cheeks as she tried to shake off the sleep. With a yawn, the sleepy head put her feet on the marble floor. The cool floor met the warmth of her feet, She lightly hissed when felt chilly sensations.

Jungkook moved towards the glass door, opened the thick curtains and welcomed the first rays of sunlight into the dark room. Sliding the door, jungkook shivered when the icy breeze welcomed her presence.

She looked at the empty chair where taehyung was resting last night.

"Where is he?", the younger mumbled to herself.

Shrugging her shoulders, Jungkook moved back to the room and stepped inside the luxurious bathroom to get ready for the day.

After a soothing bath, Jungkook emerged from the bathroom. The scent of vanilla filled the air as she bathed, the warm water washing away her worries, leaving her feeling refreshed and calm.

Her hair was damp from the bath and clung to her neck and shoulders like tendrils of wild wine.

Her skin was flushed pink from the warm bath. the hem of her deep red dress brushing against the floor. The fabric clung delicately to her frame before flaring out at her hips, twirling slightly with her movements as she moved around the room.

Jungkook paused in front of the mirror, her fingers absentmindedly smoothing the loose strands of hair behind her ear. Her large, doe-like eyes, framed by long lashes, were soft and full of thought.

A soft chime echoed through the room—the dainty anklets around her ankles, caught the light as she moved. Jungkook smiled faintly at the sound, her heart feeling a little lighter.

Jungkook let out a small, quiet breath, her voice barely a whisper as she encouraged herself again, "Fighting."

Jungkook stepped out of her room and into the hallway, which had a classic Victorian style. The walls were painted in soft white and the floor was covered with polished dark wood. Beautiful white mouldings ran along the ceiling and a large crystal chandelier hung above.

The windows were dressed with heavy creamy curtains. Antique furniture, like carved wooden chairs and elegant consoles, decorated the hallway.

Jungkook's eyes scanned the grand, elegant space as she moved through it, her mind focused on finding Taehyung. Jungkook's eyes absorbed every detail and her curiosity increased by the unfamiliar yet familiar surroundings. She looked around to find Taehyung, but couldn't find him.

Just as Jungkook was about to turn a corner, a maid approached, her eyes lighting up as she addressed, "Good morning, Kim's bride. Breakfast is ready in the dining room. Please follow me,"

The acknowledgement sent a wave of warmth through Jungkook. The title of "Kim's bride"unknowingly made jungkook cheeks flush.

Jungkook showed her beautiful smile and followed the maid toward the dining room.

"you are extremely beautiful, dear bride," the maid was in awe, as observed the newly wedded bride. She laughed after glancing at the cheeks adorned with a beautiful hue of scarlet.

"you are also pretty, umm" Jungkook complimented back to the lady who was so polite and kind.

" Sarah, that's my name," the person immediately replied as if eager to talk with the captivating angel walking beside her. Jungkook nodded and promised to remember it.

"Here, enjoy your breakfast and don't hesitate to tell if you want any other dish to eat,"

"Thank you, Sarah, bye," Jungkook cutely waved at her with a smile like a bunny.

Jimin stood up from her seat with a warm smile when Jungkook entered, she hugged the younger, " Good morning, kookie. how was your sleep? Wow, this dress looks so stunning on you."

Jungkook smiled equally, " Thank you, jimin for giving this,"

"come sit," Jimin pulled jungkook to the seat beside her.

Jungkook settled into her seat at the breakfast table and she was greeted by the members of the Kim family.

At the head of the table sat Grandma Kim, she welcomed jungkook with a bright smile.

"Jungkook dear, your marriage was in such haste that we didn't get the chance to know each other, so let's do the introduction now," Grandmother caressed jungkook's hair.

" starting from here, he is Kim Yeonjun, Tae's younger brother,"

Jungkook looked at the mentioned male, she blushed afterwards, "Hello, sister-in-law, Welcome to the family,"

" Next is Jimin," Before Grandma could speak further, yeonjun interrupted, "The trash of our family, do you know sister-in-law, she is adopted and hyung brought her from the dustbin,"

"you shut up, idiot," Jimin threw the fork on him.

"Jimin and yeonjun, behave," Grandma slightly glared at the bickering duo. Jungkook giggled when she saw the expressions on the sibling's face.

"so, where was I? Yeah, next is the youngest member of the family, Kim Minjun, this ten-year-old bundle of energy,"

The mentioned boy fidgeted with excitement, eyes wide with curiosity as he stole glances at Jungkook, who waved a tiny hello. Despite the initial nerves, Jungkook found herself immersed in the warmth of the Kim family's welcome.

Soon, the door opened, and a couple entered, drawing attention with their presence.

"Good Morning, everyone," the couple wished and eyed the new face sitting beside jimin. The members replied except jungkook, who looked at Grandma.

"jungkook, They are Minjun's parents. My youngest son, Kim Namgil and his wife, Kim Bora."

Jungkook stood up and greeted them immediately.

"And namgil, she is Kim Jungkook, our Taehyung's wife." Grandma introduced them to each other.

"Taehyung is married? when?" The male asked surprisingly.

" Yesterday, I will explain later," Grandma assured her younger son.

"you are very pretty, dear, " Bora complimented with a sincere smile, "Please, sit and continue your breakfast."

Jungkook thanked her with a smile and ducked her head down, feeling shy when she felt the gaze of every member on her.

"Speaking of Taehyung, where is he? That young man is never late for breakfast," Namgil asked, flipping his plate to serve himself.

Grandma Kim looked up from her plate, "Tae is with his mother. She's not been feeling well lately, and he's been by her side," she explained with a nod.

Minjun's mother, Bora expressed her concern, "I hope it's nothing serious. Taehyung is such a caring son."

Grandma Kim reassured them, "It's nothing to worry about, just a bit of tiredness. That boy insists on taking care of her, as he always does."

Jungkook listened to the conversation with a soft smile. Her fingers gently traced the rim of her cup, her eyes filled with a thoughtful light. Jungkook quietly hoped she could understand him better and become a part of this close-knit family.

✰•∙・✰•∙・✰•∙・✰

Taehyung sat beside his mother's bedside. His mother, weakened by illness, spoke in a nonsensical manner. The male listened with a heavy heart and furrowed lines on his forehead showed his stress.

He messaged her forehead as his mother's head was hurting from a severe headache.

"Mother, you should eat something. The poison has made you weak. Please eat this so you can become healthy," Taehyung said softly, his voice full of concern.

His mother's gaze was distant and troubled as she murmured, "W-What about the poison you brought home? For destroying one curse, you brought another curse into this house. Where is that girl? That courtesan's daughter?"

"Mother, we can't change fate. Jungkook is now my wife. She's here because she is Alara, who can protect us from the Jinn."

His mother's eyes narrowed and her voice rose. "A courtesan's daughter as my daughter-in-law? Never! The Kims deserve better."

Taehyung's gaze remained steady, his voice firm yet there was guilt.

"Mother, I understand you're upset but I need you to see things from my perspective. Jungkook didn't ask for this situation. She was brought into this mess because of my choices and I bear the responsibility."

Taehyung continued, not wanting his mother to disrespect Jungkook, who was already dragged into his mess because of him. He took a deep breath, his hand still gently stroking her hair.

"I know that this marriage was forced upon us by circumstances beyond our control but it doesn't mean I will allow anyone to disrespect her. Jungkook is not a curse. She's a person of strength and dignity and deserves our respect, as much as anyone else in this family.

I am the man of this house and I will defend my wife against any unjust prejudice."

The mother chuckled weakly and interjected in amusement.

"Oh, Look at you! What kind of enchantment did she use on you, Taehyung?" His mother's voice was weak but laced with a harsh edge.

"On the very first night of your marriage, Jungkook managed to captivate you so completely? What magic did she cast to make you so devoted?"

Her eyes were piercing, searching for answers in her son's face.

Taehyung's jaw tightened and he clenched his fists by his sides. He took a deep breath, struggling to keep his voice steady. "Mother, there was no magic involved. What you're seeing is not a spell but my own choices. "

He leaned forward slightly, "Jungkook didn't manipulate me or cast any enchantments. She is simply a person of genuine heart."

His mother's eyes narrowed, and a wry smile twisted her lips. She shifted in the bed, lifting herself with effort.

"Genuine heart and integrity? How can you be so sure? You've barely known her, and now she's suddenly the centre of your world. What did she do to make you so blind to her true nature?" Her fingers gripped the bedclothes tightly, her frustration was visible.

"I know this situation is not ideal, but casting blame or suspicion on Jungkook will not help us move forward." Taehyung placed his hand on Soomin's weak one and caressed it. "She's not to blame for the circumstances of our marriage. What matters now is how we move forward as a family, with honesty and respect."

His mother's voice grew more strained, her desperation evident as she shifted uncomfortably.

"Isn't it charming how You're so quick to defend her, but what about the Kim family's honour? How could you bring someone like her into our home?" She looked at him with a mix of anger and pain, her hand waving weakly as if trying to ward off the conversation.

"I won't accept her as part of this family and no amount of your reassurances will change that."

Taehyung's expression hardened, his eyes locked onto his mother's with pain. He stood up straighter.

"I'm not asking you to accept her blindly. I'm asking you to see her for who she truly is, beyond the prejudices and fears. She's not responsible for the situation we're in. If anything, she's as much a victim of circumstance as any of us."

He placed a hand on his mother's shoulder, his touch conveying support. "I chose to marry her because of some beliefs and that belief is not something you can dismiss lightly."

His mother's gaze fell away, her voice a mere whisper now. She looked at Taehyung with exhaustion and bitterness. "You're determined to make this work, aren't you? Despite everything I've said."

Taehyung sat down beside her once more, his hand gently resting on the edge of the bed. "Yes, Mother. I am. I hope, in time, you'll come to see her for the person she truly is."

The room fell into a heavy silence. The mother chuckled weakly, a dry, sarcastic sound that echoed through the dim room. Her laughter was devoid of warmth, carrying a bitter edge as she spoke.

"Ah, look at you," she said with a wry smile, her voice a strained whisper. "So determined, so noble, defending your precious Jungkook."

She gestured with a shaky hand trying to emphasize her point. "You stand there, preaching about understanding while I'm left to wonder if you've lost your sense of reality. How can you be so blind to the farce unfolding before us?"

Her gaze grew distant, her fingers absently smoothing the blankets as if trying to comfort herself. "I'm tired, Taehyung," she said quietly.

"Tired of this farce, tired of fighting a losing battle. If you're so set on this course, then perhaps I should withdraw and rest."

"Mother--,"

"Leave me alone, Taehyung. I need to rest."

Taehyung's shoulders slumped slightly, his heart heavy with frustration and sorrow. He gave his mother a final look before slowly rising from the bed. he walked to the door and stepped out, then, he closed the door softly behind him.

✦✧✦

Happy reading❀