heart of ice 「 KimTaehyung * Y/N 」

Chapter 2: Queen on the Chessboard

The moment the auctioneer announced the bidding, Y/N knew she would win. Not because she wanted to, but because she refused to let Taehyung have the satisfaction of thinking he could control even a fraction of her life.

The bidding war was intense. Other wealthy guests tried their luck, but as soon as Taehyung placed his bid, their interest waned. It was clear—this battle was between them.

"Five million," Taehyung declared smoothly, leaning back in his chair.

Y/N smirked. "Ten million."

A gasp rippled through the room. Taehyung's eyebrow twitched, but his expression remained unreadable.

"Fifteen," he countered.

Y/N lifted a delicate brow. "Twenty."

The air grew heavier with tension as the numbers climbed. But she wasn't going to back down—not this time, not ever. The auctioneer looked between them, sweat forming at his temple. No one had ever witnessed such a heated bid for something as simple as a dinner.

Taehyung exhaled sharply. "Fifty million."

Silence.

Eyes darted between the two, waiting for Y/N's response. She took her time, sipping her champagne before setting the glass down with an air of absolute certainty.

"One hundred million."

The room erupted into hushed whispers. Even Taehyung, for the first time, seemed momentarily caught off guard. She saw the flicker of something in his gaze—perhaps amusement, perhaps frustration. Either way, she had won.

The auctioneer, barely able to contain his shock, slammed the gavel down. "Sold to Miss Y/N!"

Y/N stood up, smoothing the fabric of her dress. She walked past Taehyung, pausing just long enough to whisper in his ear. "You may play king, but I am the queen, Taehyung. And the queen always controls the board."

She didn't give him time to respond. With a satisfied smirk, she left the room, victorious.

This war was hers to win.