Surprise update! Haha! The edit above is related to the story~!
Please reload the chapter a few times before reading to receive the latest version! I'd like to apologize for any mistakes or errors! I'll fix it ASAP! Enjoy!
Warning: This chapter contains R-Rated scenes (Not Smut though)
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Sora's POV: After being drugged.
I sat up in the car seat after dozing off... then lifted my head off the window. I sleepily averted my eyes to find a jacket around my body. I attempted to shake off the heaviness in my head when Seokjin circled the car and got into the driver's seat with a bag in his hand.
''How can you ask for more in this state? Take the hangover drink instead-''
"I'm not drunk. I was drugged. Give it to me,'' I mumbled while rubbing my eyes. Seokjin handed me the small hangover bottle, but I pushed his hand away.
''You shouldn't drink so much. Is it really worth dealing with the hangovers later?'' Seokjin questioned, gripping the bag tightly with a bothered look.
''You bought it for me though... Even if you disapprove of it,'' I nodded at the bag with a slight smile.
''What if you end up puking all over my car-''
''I won't. Give it to me!" I snapped, snatching the vodka bottle out of his grip, and leaned back against the car seat as I took a few heavy gulps of the alcohol before exhaling in relief.
''The things that kill you makes you feel alive, doesn't it?'' Seokjin sighed, glancing away in disappointment.
''Kind of. I just don't want to go home sober, or he'll pester again. I want to numb myself when I see him, so I don't have to feel or remember anything he says,'' I huffed, gripping the vodka bottle tightly. Seokjin fell quiet for a moment and turned to look at me with an unsettled look.
''Are you going to tell him about it? At least let him know,'' Seokjin questioned.
"No. Of course not-"
"Yah. Why not? That asshole tried to-"
"No. It's my fault. Taehyung warned me not to dress up like a whore... It wouldn't have happened if I was more cautious-''
"It doesn't matter if you were drunk or drugged. It doesn't matter if you went to the club and it doesn't matter if you wore provocative clothes. None of it is your fault. Rape. Is. Rape. That asshole tried to harass you without consent. You shouldn't spare him like that,'' Seokjin let out a frustrated sigh. I fell quiet at his words. He's a sensible guy, but why does he act so arrogant all the time?
''It's my problem. I'll deal with it myself,'' I sighed, turning to look at Seokjin.
''Or you can tell Kim Taehyung, and he'll definitely kill the fucker,'' Seokjin pressed.
''No. I can't give Taehyung more reasons to blame me,'' I shook my head and drank the vodka again.
''I know it's none of my business, but how long are you going to defy Kim Taehyung? Sure, he might be fucked up, but maybe it's time to surrender. At this point, we have no hope but try to live quietly,'' Seokjin sighed, glancing away from me.
''Tell me. Will you ever forgive the person who broke you? The one that took away your everything, can you ever bring yourself to forgive them? After all they've done to you? Are you going to give up? That easily? Will you be at peace, or will you continue to be in pain?'' I questioned, turning to look at Seokjin in tears. He tensed his grip around the steering wheel and turned to look at me with his cutting eyes.
''Listen to me. You're fire and he's fire. If all you do, is try to overpower each other with the fire, it'll never burn out. You're adding fire to fire. Neither of you will yield, so everything around you will be caught by the vengeful flames. If the both of you ignite, at the same time, to your fullest capacity, the entire world will be on fire. In the end, you'll end up burning yourself with the fire you started. Is that how you want to live? With the never-ending pain?'' Seokjin sighed sadly. And for a moment, he actually looked concerned.
''You're going to give up on your power then? You're not the type to give up,'' I questioned, ignoring his words. I know where he's going. He's asking me to stop fighting with Taehyung because he knows the shortcoming of our aggression will destruct the Society. Kim Seokjin is caught up in the crossfire between the alphas and the Black Phoenix... and if I keep on firing... one of the bullets will eventually plunge into him.
''The Black Pheonix already breached the society because Kim Taehyung granted them too much authority. The end is approaching us, Sora... it's every man for himself now,'' Seokjin gulped anxiously. He's not wrong for being an afraid, defenseless alpha in the ruthless society. He's scared for his life. He should be.
''You still have hope though. It seems like Kim Namjoon is involved with the illegal markets across the country. You should disable his limbs, so he'll have to crawl,'' I sighed, looking down at my hands. Seokjin was the person who suggested the plan. The day I got arrested, I went to see Seokjin before getting into trouble. He brought up all of the unauthorized operations throughout the city that leads to one core figure, but we were clueless about their identity. He was arranging undercovers to retrieve information from the bases. But I figured it'll drag on for too long, so I heedlessly infiltrated the lair. Seokjin got pissed and tried to warn me, but I was stubborn and proceeded to investigate on my own. Now... Kim Namjoon knows we're after him, which means... he'll try to secrete the loose ends.
''If the Superstar dies, it's Kim Namjoon. We'll have to wait for confirmation,'' Seokjin nodded, glancing at me as I emptied the entire bottle of vodka and tossed it into the legroom.
''Call Hoseok and warn him about Minho. He's going to betray the Mins,'' I shook my spinning head. I'm getting drunk.
''Are you drunk enough to go home now? What kind of home are you living in for you to be this miserable?'' Seokjin shot me a bitter look and started the engine of his car.
''Drive quickly, before I puke in your car,'' I muttered while rubbing my nose bridge as I felt the urge to vomit, so Seokjin drove me back to the mansion. I got off the car without saying goodbye and stumbled into the mansion. The living room was oddly empty when the garage door opened, and Jungkook came walking in. He halted when he saw me leaning against the couch for support. I burped out the foul alcohol scent with my eyes fixed on Jungkook, so he fired me a disapproving look.
''That glare. Did you know it's like a piercing dagger? Ah. Whatever,'' I chuckled at Jungkook but immediately shook my head and drunkenly walked off towards my room. I pushed the door open into the dim room and turned to find the silhouette of Taehyung sitting in the darkness, so I switched on the light.
''How many times did I tell you not to go out?!'' Taehyung snapped before my head could process the situation.
''My head's hurting... can you not yell?'' I muttered while pulling off the heels.
''Who's jacket is that? Who were you with? What did you do?! I swear to god-''
''Oh? I left the ring in the car,'' I muttered when I noticed my empty ring finger causing Taehyung to shake furiously.
''Do you want to die that badly? Wae? Why is it easier for you to die than to live for me? WAE?! I'm only asking you for one life! Just one life to spend with me- is it that hard?!'' Taehyung roared, angrily sweeping all of the wedding photographs off the shelves, causing me to flinch in fright as the frames shattered on the floor.
''I have a reason to die for you, but I don't have a reason to live for you. I'm nothing but a hassle, a thorn in your already wounded heart,'' I chuckled, turning to look at him with my pained eyes. Taehyung stood panting at me in rage while I unblinkingly stared at him.
''Then I'll give you a reason to live for me!'' Taehyung snapped, roughly grabbing my hand and dragged me to the bed before forcing me down onto the mattress, causing the dreadful flashes of earlier memories to fill my head.
''Taehyung- what are you doing?! Hajima!'' I screamed when Taehyung gripped onto my waist and tugged up my dress to my hips, causing my heart to race in panic from the trauma. I clutched his forearm in fright and tried to push Taehyung off me, but he pulled me off the mattress and made me sit on him instead.
''You need a purpose to live? I'll make sure you live well with what I'm about to give you,'' Taehyung gritted, holding tightly onto me as he kissed my neck and made his way to my lips. I tried to get off his lap, but Taehyung effortlessly encircled his arms around my back and held me close to him. I immediately snapped my face away when I felt my head growing dizzy, yet he tugged my jaw and turned my face back to his.
Third Person View
Taehyung aggressively kisses Sora after forcing her to sit on his lap. Sora repeatedly shook her head in distress as she tried to free herself from her husband's grip, but she was too drunk to oppose him. Taehyung wouldn't stop caressing her, unaware of Sora's trauma from being harassed earlier.
*BLURP* Sora suddenly puked right at Taehyung's face, making him halt in shock as she barfed and spluttered the discharge all over his face. Sora covered her mouth in shock while staring at Taehyung, who had his eyes closed, sitting stiffly... covered in her vomit. *BLURP* Sora tried to stop herself, but her body failed, and she ended up barfing onto Taehyung again while sitting face to face with him on the bed.
''I'm s-sorry,'' Sora whispered apologetically. The gooey substances dripping from Taehyung's hair... down his face, and all over the mattress. Sora's head grew very light as she tried to maintain herself but her body decided it was time to shut down from the relentless pressure... hence she weakly collapsed into Taehyung, who sat stiffly on the bed, soaked in her vomit. Taehyung shakily opened his eyes to find Sora leaning unconsciously against his chest. Gulping in disgust... he pushed her fragile body onto the mattress and got off the bed. Taehyung wiped the vomit off his eyelids, then glanced down at his drenched clothes before glancing back at Sora.
''Aish,'' Taehyung seethed, pulling on his own hair in distress. He angrily stomped towards the service button and clicked it repeatedly until a few maids came rushing towards the room without a clue, so Taehyung stepped aside to let them in. The maids scrunched their noses at the foul scent in the room and stared at Taehyung in shock when they noticed he was drenched in grayish-green discharge.
''Master- we'll take care of our young lady-''
''Clean the mess and wash her up. I'll take care of her afterward. We'll reside in my room instead. So bring her to me when you're done,'' Taehyung shook his head. He lifted Sora's lifeless body off the bed and placed her into the tub in the bathroom. Two maids hurriedly entered the bathroom, so Taehyung left to wash up in his room. The maid delivered the supreme alpha after rinsing Sora and dressing her in a warm nightgown. Taehyung appeared with a towel over his soaked hair after showering as the maid rested Sora on the couch in her bedroom. Taehyung bent down to lift her unconscious body and carried her to his room before settling her down on his bed and entered the bathroom to wet a mini towel. He gently dabbed her forehead to reduce her body temperature and ran it down her neck when he noticed... a bruise. Taehyung halted and carefully examined the bruise around her neck. He furrowed his eyebrows and tugged the sleeve of Sora's gown to find purple-ish handprints on her upper arm. His eyes drifted off to her wrist, and as expected... it was bruised as well. Taehyung gripped her hand possessively as he turned to stare intensely at Sora, who was peacefully asleep. Taehyung got off the bed, made his way to his desk, and leaned against it with his phone pressed against his ear.
''Track all of her whereabouts for the past few days. And call for an elite meeting scheduled for the weekend. Ensure the Black Phoenix's presence at the meeting. And I need you to run a quick test on something,'' Taehyung ordered with his eyes trained on Sora. Taehyung lowered his phone and tossed it on the desk before getting into bed with Sora.
''I will give you a reason to live through this hell for me, Jang Sora,'' Taehyung smirked as he grazed her pale cheeks... softly pecking her on the lips. Taehyung laid down beside Sora, carefully placed his hand over her stomach, and gently patted it in the darkness.
Sora's POV
I woke up the next morning with a dull ache in my head, sat up on the empty bed in confusion, then glanced around the unfamiliar but familiar room. I messed up my hair and took a deep breath when the flood of memories filled my head. Oh. Shit. I must've upset him with all the puking... I slowly slid off the bed and walked down the hallway with my eyes half-open. I entered the living room to find the elders and Taehyung in a heated discussion, but they all hushed when they noticed me. My mother looked very furious for some reason.
''Jang Sora!'' Eomma snapped at me. Taehyung darted me a disappointed look. Why are they screaming in the morning? My head's aching so much already... do they have to be so loud?
"What? I only went out to have some fun-"
"Ten billion won donated to ten different organizations under your own birth name. Jang Sora,'' Eomma gritted, throwing a stack of donation certificates at me with her loathing eyes. I glanced down at the scattered paper and slowly crouched down to collect it.
"Right, I did donate to the orphanages, the disabled, the elders, low-income families, and students- basically those in need-"
''ONE HUNDRED BILLION WON. YOU SPLASHED A HUNDRED BILLION WON ON THE STUPID-''
"So what if it's a hundred billion won? I hardly spent your money. It's just a trivial amount compared to our total assets. I'm sure it won't affect-"
''How can you expose yourself to the average? There will be suspicion and unnecessary attention! Those rotten creatures will question your generosity and snap back at you! You had no rights to distribute the household's assets-"
''I'm just blessing the unfortunate's life with my overflowing pockets. It won't hurt to share a portion of it, right? I only offered them a droplet from your golden faucets,'' I smirked while waving the certificates in my hand as my mother fumed in fiery.
''You couldn't escape, so now you're trying to destroy us from the inside? Well, good luck with that,'' Eomma snapped at me.
''Do-hwan. Handle the donator's name,'' Appa shook his head in disbelief. I rolled my eyes at them and walked back to my room. They're going to replace my name? Why are they so paranoid? I'm trying to decrease world hunger, but they're being so dramatic... as if I spent all of their assets. Imagine a truck full of rice grains... I gave the unfortunate ten rice grains. Just ten, yet they're snapping at me as if I threw away a sack of it. Such greedy and selfish people!
''Get dressed,'' Taehyung grumbled, following me into his room.
''Why should I? Aren't you supposed to be at work?'' I muttered, turning to glare at him as he leaned against the door frame.
''I'm late because I had to deal with the troubles you caused,'' Taehyung stared sternly at me.
''But what does that have to do with me dressing up?'' I questioned him in annoyance.
''Enough with the foolish rendezvous and wasting your life at the shabby hookup club. You're an alpha, not a prostitute-''
''Prostitute? I'm simply enjoying life! Can't I have fun and dress the way I want to without being called a whore?!'' I snapped at Taehyung in rage. Who is he to tell me to behave in a particular way?
''Know the difference between enjoying your youth and destroying your future. I'll be expecting you in proper attire,'' Taehyung clenches his jaw at me and walks off, leaving me staring at him in disbelief.
"Arghhh!'' I screamed, angrily thrashing on the bed in frustration. He's going to drag me with him now? What am I? His dog? He's putting me on the leash, so I won't brew up childish troubles!
An hour later...
The maids showed up in an attempt to dress me for a meeting with Taehyung. But I refused to get off the bed and told them to leave me alone, so Taehyung left to work without me. It wasn't until Do-hwan showed up to convince me.
''If you don't do as he says, not only you will face his unpleasant temper. The innocent staff will have a hard time... just as much. If you don't want to speak, then simply show up and stay still. Besides, you'll be away from the mansion for some time,'' Do-hwan snapped at me as I stubbornly sat on the bed with my arms folded. I heavily breathed at him in frustration before glancing at the frightened-looking maids. Taehyung will punish them if I don't do as he says.
''Get out of my room,'' I snapped, stomping into the closet. Do-hwan exhaled and left with the maids, so I could change my clothes. I walked out of the closet after picking out my clothes, then stared at my reflection in the mirror with a smug smile. I'll be the good wife he wants me to be. I pulled the door open and walked out to find the maids and Do-hwan waiting in the corridor. They turned to look at me in relief, but their smiles immediately faded when they saw my outfit.
''What are you wearing?-''
''He told me to dress properly,'' I shrugged, walking past them when Do-hwan grabbed my wrist to stop me.
''By properly, it doesn't mean you should dress this comfortably!'' Do-hwan snapped at me in shock as he stared at the oversized sweatpants, hoodies, and messy buns. I look like a hobo, and that's why they're so startled.
''Young lady, we have a lot of decent dresses-"
''Weren't you up all night cleaning my puke? I don't feel like dressing up with a hangover. And what's the problem with this? I'm not dressed like a hoe, am I?'' I cut them off and pulled the hood over my head.
''He will be infuriated-''
''I guess we'll be arguing until his return. I'm either leaving in this or I'm not going at all-''
''Araso! Aish! Come on!'' Do-hwan snapped, pulling me by the hood of my jacket when I tried to return to the room and dragged me away. We got into the car and left the mansion together until we came to a halt at the largest shareholder building in the city. Professional-looking staff and wealthy tycoons were bustling in and out of the building.
''He's going to be enraged when he sees you. Seriously, why do you keep on triggering his temper? You keep giving him a reason to dump his anger on you- is that difficult to make peace with him?'' Do-hwan questioned, opening the door for me as I stepped out in my homeless-looking outfit and black slides. I glanced around the first-class lobby as we entered the building.
''Oh. I have to fetch a file for Taehyung- be right back,'' Do-hwan informed me and walked off. I walked towards the employee scanner entrance machine... where the agents and investors used their identification badges to scan for entry access. I folded my arms and glanced at the guards, who were suspiciously eyeing me.
''Move out of the way,'' A bodyguard suddenly shoved me to the side to make way for this wealthy-looking man in his late 50s. His bodyguards obtained access and tried to lead him inside when I stepped in front of the man.
''Yah what are you-''
''Don't you have any manners? How can you exploit your authority and shove a person aside like-'' I said rudely.
''Who are you? How dare you interrupt the chairman's busy schedule?! Move aside,'' The guards snapped at me as he eyed my cheap clothes in displease. The old man rolled his eyes and glanced away... signaling his secretary to notify the guards.
''Apologize,'' I pressed the secretary and stood firmly in between them.
''Do it,'' The old man ordered his guard and dismissively tried to walk past me when I grabbed his arm and pushed him back. The rich man shot me an insulted look.
''I don't want an apology from your pup. You apologize to me for not taming it well enough,'' I gritted while glaring at the man. The guards finally arrived as the man eyed me in irritation.
''Get the wench out of my sight. Which one of you let her inside?!'' The wealthy man roared at the guards, bumped into my shoulder, and entered. His bodyguard shoved me again, sending me stumbling across the floor.
''YAH, YOU FUCKING JERK!'' I screamed at the top of my lungs, causing the entire lobby to gasp in shock.
''What are you doing?! Get rid of the bitch!'' The wealthy man snapped at the guards, so they suddenly seized me upon his command. The man shot me a glowering glare... I broke free from the guards and tried to hop over the scanner machine when the guards caught me and pulled me away.
''Call the defense team-"
''Let go of me! Yah! That asshole disrespected me! Why are you dragging me out!? I will tell my husband about this!'' I screamed angrily as they dragged me across the floor like a sack of dirt.
''Your husband? Who? The street sweeper?'' The wealthy man mocked as I seethed at him, causing the secretary to chuckle under his breath. The man got into the elevator with his people and disappeared as I fought to break free. But then... the guards shrieked in pain and tumbled away from me, causing people to gasp in shock. Mohya? I didn't even resist that hard- why are they overreacting- I slowly turned to find Do-hwan looming over me.
''WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!'' Do-hwan roared at the guards, who flinched in panic. They jumped up to their feet to greet Do-hwan in fear.
''Sir- we- were just escorting the intruder-"
''Escorting? You were dragging her like a trash bag! How dare you lay a finger on her?!'' Do-hwan bellowed at the guards, making them wince in fear. The staff and guests stared at us in shock. I straightened myself and brushed back my messy hair in annoyance. Did he have to ruin the fun? I was going to have a little fun! Tsk.
''May I ask who she-"
''I will rip out your tongue-''
"It's okay. Don't be so harsh. They were just following the orders. Come on,'' I spoke to Do-hwan informally and playfully patted his back, causing the guards and staff's jaws to drop open in shock. Do-hwan glared at the guards and followed me as people curiously stared at us. I tried to approach the scanner when Do-hwan steered me in a different direction.
''Wae-"
''That's only for the average. You're an alpha, Sora,'' Do-hwan led me to this heavy metallic door where his face was detected by the screen, and the door slid open.
''Taehyung uses a different entry?'' I questioned in shock, but the staff in the lobby was even more stunned. They're probably questioning why a hobo like me is entering through the elite entry.
''We're 30 minutes late. Let's hurry,'' Do-hwan nodded as we entered a whole different place. The interior of Taehyung's entry was much more advanced and luxurious. Everything looked too expensive to touch. The staff in there was dressed in a different attire too. The hall was dead quiet and air-conditioned. There's even a private cafeteria that looks like a bar. The staff seemed baffled when they saw me as I followed Do-hwan, who led me to another elevator. We got in... the elevator didn't have buttons... but the levels were touch screens. The elevator scanned Do-hwan's face, and he didn't have to click anything when the elevator announced we were heading to the 30th floor.
''Woah. What the heck?'' I whispered when the elevator shot up, and I realized it was transparent glass. I was able to view each level of the building as we ascended to the upper floors.
''Keep your mouth close and refrain from embarrassing him. Taehyung is a hard-working man. So don't ruin his reputation,'' Do-hwan warned me.
''They don't know he's an alpha, right?'' I questioned while staring at the different levels of the building in awe.
''They only know him as the heir,'' Do-hwan shrugged.
''Shouldn't he be addressed as the chairman?" I shot Do-hwan a funny look.
''Kim Taehyung governs all of the wealthiest chairmen in the industry Sora, including the tycoons and chaebols. Kim Taehyung is Kim Taehyung. He doesn't need a title to address his status,'' Do-hwan chuckled but immediately straightened himself when we got to the 30th floor. We arrived at the deluxe lobby where a few secretaries were working. They immediately stood up to bow at Do-hwan and shot me a questioning look.
''Show your respect to the First Lady,'' Do-hwan announced sharply, causing the secretaries' faces to turn pale as they did a ninety-degree bow.
''Jang Sora. Just call me Sora-''
''We need to hurry,'' Do-hwan tugged me before I could finish the sentence. A guard immediately held open the door for us, and we stepped out... onto this glass bridge where I could see the entire layout of the building below us. The bridge was constructed within the building itself. Do-hwan scanned the door again, it slid open, and we were back inside an ordinary-looking hall. The guards immediately straightened their bodies as Do-hwan led me toward a secured door.
''Are you sure you want to go in looking like that?'' Do-hwan questioned, glancing at my outfit. I looked down at my toes and wiggled it, so Do-hwan shook his head at me in disappointment.
''I feel comfy,'' I smiled at Do-hwan, who rolled his eyes and knocked on the door. I stood awkwardly staring at it before exchanging funny glances with the guard beside the door, who kept on peeping at me. Click. I winked at the guard, earning a sharp glare from Do-hwan.
''Don't cause trouble,'' Do-hwan warned, opening the door and held it open for me, so I strode inside. Oh shit... what the fuck. I paused to scan this circular room with platform seats. The layout was similar to a college lecture hall... but instead of students, it was filled with wealthy and powerful-looking men. The tycoons, government officials, and chaebols. The majority of them were in their late years with bald heads or gray hair. And at the farthest was a raised platform located at the center... sat a man. Kim Taehyung. He was staring at the rest of the men before him while a man presented something on the enormous screen. The room was made out of glass, but they tinted all the shades of the glass panels to ensure privacy. I smirked when I found the man I met earlier sitting in the first row. The chairman... and beside him was an elderly woman Vice Chairman. President... Vice President... CEO of this company or that group... everyone had their own title. I averted my eyes to Taehyung's desk... there was no label. Just him and his dull razor-sharp eyes. The entire conference room hushed when they averted their eyes to find me standing beside Do-hwan. Taehyung shot me a baffled look at first, but he darted me a frustrated look and tensed his body. I awkwardly walked down the stair leading to the center platform when my slide suddenly slipped off one of my feet.
''Oops,'' I pursed my lips and hurried back up the stair to put on my slides.
''Sir, I directed the guards to get rid of her- GUARDS WHAT IS THIS FOOL DOING HERE? GET HER OUT!'' The wealthy man- so-called chairman I met earlier slammed his fist on the table in annoyance. Taehyung glanced at the chairman and back towards me.
''Where do I sit? On the floor? You invited me to your meeting but didn't even prepare a chair for me? Do you want me to sit on your face or something?'' I whispered when I got to Taehyung, who uneasily glanced at the crowd of puzzled-looking men. I stood awkwardly beside Taehyung as the wealthy men eyed me awkwardly.
''What are you doing beside- GUARDS- SIR WHAT ARE YOU-" The chairman shot to his feet when Taehyung got onto his feet and made me sit on his chair instead. The entire room gasped in shock when I took his place. Taehyung straightened his suit and cleared his throat at the crowd.
''May I introduce you to the First Lady. My beloved wife, Jang Sora. She's the heir of the corporation,'' Taehyung spoke sharply, causing the wealthy men to gasp in extreme shock. Do-hwan placed another chair beside mine, so Taehyung took a seat.
''She- she's the First Lady-?'' The chairman stutters in horror.
''It's nice to meet you again,'' I smiled at the man. The entire room erupted in shock, and all the men stood up to greet me. Everyone seemed timid by my unexpected presence.
''She will be overseeing our gathering today, so let us resume,'' Taehyung tapped on the table once, and everyone sat down on demand. I averted my eyes to Taehyung... he possesses so much power here... I never really knew this side of him before. The chairman started to sweat in fear and nervously glanced at me with an ashen expression.
''I told you to dress-''
''Properly. I did. I don't look like a whore, do I? Not a glimpse of skin in sight,'' I whispered, sideways glancing at Taehyung. Taehyung gripped his fist and eyed me in irritation... trying his best to contain himself.
''You'll never stop testing me, will you?'' Taehyung whispered, glancing at the presentation ahead of us.
''Are you ashamed of me?'' I smiled, fully turning to face Taehyung. Taehyung flares his nose and turns to look at me sharply in the eyes.
''You are my pride,'' Taehyung stated aloud, causing the presenter to pause mid-sentence, and everyone turned to look at us. Taehyung averts his eyes to the presenter, who immediately recollects himself and proceeds to speak.
''None of your staff recognized me,'' I rolled my eyes and looked away.
''They will. Also... you said you'd sit on my face? Is that a reservation for tonight? I'll look forward to it,'' Taehyung smirked at me while spinning the pen between his slender fingers. I swallowed uneasily and glanced away, feeling a bit flustered. I folded my arms, leaned back against the seat, and tried to avert my attention to the presenter. The meeting finally ended, so I quickly got up and walked into the packed hallway. The men step aside as soon as Taehyung strides out of the room.
''Do you have a spare sock? My feet are freezing off,'' I spoke informally, causing the men to glance at Taehyung awkwardly. Did they expect me to talk to him formally?
''I'll get the secretary to deliver it,'' Taehyung nodded. We went back to his side of the building and entered the secretary lobby again. They greeted us as we entered Taehyung's office with a view of the city.
''Why did you bring me here? It's so boring!'' I whined, collapsing on the couch in exhaustion as Taehyung settled at his desk.
''You're restricted from wasting your time on what you claim as 'just having fun' moments. It's time to take responsibility. The society is unstable, so we must monitor the people ourselves to prevent the men from shifting to a different side. Kim Namjoon has been recruiting the leading chairmen,'' Taehyung glances at his file. Just then, a secretary came striding in with a tray, so I swung my leg over the couch and lay awkwardly staring at her. The secretary stared nervously at my odd behavior.
''I've brought you the sock-''
"Thanks!'' I quickly sat up, startling the poor secretary. I grabbed the socks and shoved them onto my feet, then lifted my legs in the air.
''Does it look okay?'' I questioned Taehyung, who looked up from his documents to find me wiggling my feet in his direction. He slowly averts his eyes to the secretary, who's clearly taken aback by my childish attitude.
''Everything looks good on you,'' Taehyung nodded. I rolled my eyes and turned to look at the wedding picture frame on his desk.
''You didn't recognize me because I look different from the picture, right? It's okay, they photoshopped me to look like his ex-girlfriend-''
''Send out my reports on the final deal,'' Taehyung sighed, cutting me off, so the secretary bowed at him in fear and left us alone.
''Why are you so intimidating,'' I mumbled, rolling on the couch.
''Are you going to act like a five-year-old kid?'' Taehyung shot me an irritated glare.
''You really don't understand women, do you? I haven't had food since I woke up, my stomach is screeching for food, but you're just burying your face into the papers,'' I snapped at him in irritation.
''Is that how women react when they're hungry? Will it make you feel better if I bury my face between your legs instead?'' Taehyung raised his eyebrow with a smug smile, causing my cheek to heat up.
''I said I'm hungry,'' I fired back. Taehyung sighed... got onto his feet and we left the office.
''Ani. I saw a high-class cafeteria on your side of the building. There are even whiskeys there- why are we eating at the ordinary cafeteria?'' I snapped at him in annoyance. I don't feel like dealing with the eyes gawking from different directions.
''What do you want exactly? A moment ago, you said the employees didn't recognize you, so I took you out here to show you off to them-"
''I told you I'm hungry. How can I eat with all the eyes gazing at me?!'' I argued as Taehyung turned to look at all the tables of staff staring at us.
''You hated high-class food. You barely ate at the mansion. Imo had to cook you ordinary food every day, and now you suddenly want to eat at my cafeteria?'' Taehyung bickered back at me as a staff shakily lowered the food before us. The staff stared at me, then glanced at Taehyung.
''Bring us iced chocolate-"
"And a bottle of soju too,'' I smiled at the staff, causing Taehyung to glare at me.
''N-neh? Soju?'' The staff blinked at me in confusion.
''She's just kidding. Iced chocolate is for her... please sweeten it because she's a sweet tooth,'' Taehyung explained to the staff, who nodded and hurried off.
''Sweet tooth? I'm an alcoholic,'' I grinned at Taehyung, earning a warning glare from him.
''We'll discuss at home,'' Taehyung muttered, digging into his food as I ate mine. And yeah, you guessed it, the entire day went on with endless bickering between Taehyung and I. By the time we got back to the mansion, I was drained from arguing with him all day. So I went to shower and collapsed onto the couch in the living room.
''Did you have fun? I heard you fought with the guards,'' Jimin smiled, sitting down on the opposite couch.
''Do I look like I had fun?'' I raised my face off the cushion.
''It's not for fun. Soon enough, you'll have to take over, so you need to start bearing the burden from now on. Taehyung shouldn't be heaving the weight alone,'' Appa appeared, walking down the stairs. I rolled my eyes. We headed to the dining room for dinner when I noticed Jungkook's empty seat. What is he up to...? Where is he? I glanced down at my plate... lost in thoughts.
''Eat plenty. You need to be well to deliver Taehyung a healthy heir,'' Eomma smiled, causing me to choke on my food. Taehyung grabbed the napkins and handed it to me as I gulped down the water in disbelief. An heir?
''Oh, come on. There's no rush, is there? Let the newlywed enjoy their honeymoon phase first. By the way, did you plan your honeymoon?'' Mrs. Kim giggled, causing Jimin to look at me awkwardly. I glanced down at my food and back to the elders.
''I've been talking to Taehyung about the importance of our future heir,'' Eomma nodded at Taehyung happily. I stopped chewing and turned to Taehyung, who was avoiding my eye contact. So that's what he was trying to do this whole time? He's trying to get me pregnant? I gulped and lowered my utensil.
''I don't think I'm capable of bearing a child yet. Not after the drug overdose and alcohol abuse,'' I smiled at the elders causing their smiles to fade at my words. Taehyung stopped eating and turned to look at me, but I ignored him, got onto my feet, and left. Taehyung left the dining hall and followed me back to the room. I gripped my fist and wordlessly searched through the drawers. Should I confront him about it? If I do, he'll definitely force me. So I have to pretend as if nothing happened? Not yet, Sora. You can't predict his move, so don't give him a reason to advance ahead of you. It was oddly quiet as Taehyung pulled on his pajamas while I brushed my teeth. I came out of the bathroom to find Taehyung leaning against the drawer with his arms crossed.
''What?'' I questioned, looking at him with an unsettled feeling. Why the doubtful look?
''Sit down,'' Taehyung nodded at the couch.
''I'm tired. I don't feel like talking about anything-" I shook my head and crawled into bed while Taehyung remained standing by the drawer.
''Who hurt you?'' Taehyung questioned, unfolding his arms to place his hands in his pockets. I paused and turned to look at him in confusion.
''No one? What are you-"
''The bruises. On your neck, arms, wrists, and legs. Who hurt you?'' Taehyung repeated, slowly walking up to the foot of the bed and stopped as I sat staring at him. Should I tell him? Then he'll question- but if I lie... he'll know.
''People tried to take advantage of me at the club, so I got into a fight,'' I shrugged, brushing it off.
''Name,'' Taehyung pressed, folding his arms again. I gulped and slowly turned to look at him but found the darkness looming over him instead. Shit.
''I-I don't know. It was dark in the club-''
''I have the list of all the attendees inside the hideout on the specific date. Look at the files carefully and point out the person,'' Taehyung tossed a folder onto the bed. I reached out for it and flipped it open to find pictures and names of strangers throughout the entire book. Hyung-ki the Superstar was on it too... I glanced back up at Taehyung. Did he really retrieve all of the guest's identities?
''You didn't have to go that far- I was just drunk-''
''Who is it? Is it one of them...?'' Taehyung questioned, leaning over to flip to the last page, and to my horror... it was the picture of Kim Namjoon, Shin Minho, and Kim Seokjin. The alphas. I gripped my fist at Minho's picture but said nothing.
''I really don't remember-"'
''WHO HURT YOU?'' Taehyung snapped at me impatiently.
''Why does it matter?'' I questioned, closing the folder in the exhaustion, then tossed it onto the floor.
''Why does it matter? No one's allowed to hurt you! Not my woman--''
''No one's allowed to hurt me but you. Is that what you want to say? You can hurt me and get away with it,'' I dawdled, staring at his raging eyes with an unbothered look. Taehyung pressed his tongue against his cheek and leaned towards me, so close... I could feel his fuming breath panting on my face.
''Then I guess I'll have to slaughter every single person on the list--''
''And for what? Why would you do that? I went there myself. I got into trouble on my own. Can't you see? I'm the problem,'' I whispered, cutting Taehyung off.
''Why were you there with them? What the hell are you up to? Did you think I wouldn't notice?'' Taehyung snarled at me.
''I wasn't there to meet anyone! They just happened to show up at the same place! Did you think I was there to be a whore and cheat on you? Well, think again! I got a tip about the Black Phoenix, so I decided to investigate to confirm if they were running all the illegal operations. But no, it's Kim Namjoon. We thought he had a clear record, but he's been running all the illegal clubs under a ghost director to purify his crime records-''
''I will disable Kim Namjoon. And. Do not interfere with the Black Phoenix! We granted them immunity-''
''You granted them immunity without my consent!'' I snapped at Taehyung in fury. Taehyung shot me an offended yet guilty look, so he stood up in frustration and combed his hand through his hair.
''Fine. I'll be responsible, so behave yourself. Don't be nosy because you'll only induce more troubles... rather than solutions. Just don't do anything!'' Taehyung shakily turned to look at me. For some reason... even with his anger... he looked scared. There's something I'm not aware of...
''It's not like I can do anything about it,'' I rolled my eyes in defeat. Not now, Sora... you have to stay low.
''Give me the name,'' Taehyung turned to look at me. What the fuck? Why is he so headstrong?
''No. I'll deal with the person myself,'' I sternly stared at him in the eyes.
''So it's someone we know,'' Taehyung smirked, averting his eyes to the record on the floor.
''Hajima. I will not interfere with your problem... so you do the same for me,'' I warned him.
''What happened? Tell me what happened, and maybe I'll consider backing off,'' Taehyung refused to surrender.
''Don't ask questions you don't want the answer to,'' I looked at him dead in the eyes.
''He sexually harass you, didn't he?'' Taehyung folded his arms.
''I'll leave it to your imagination,'' I rolled my eyes and got off the bed before walking to the door. He's too sharp! Why does he know everything?!
''Where are you going?'' Taehyung questioned as I opened the door.
''To see my mother. Don't follow me,'' I slammed the door shut and made my way up the staircase, heading to her office when I noticed the door was slightly ajar. I pushed it open and was about to say something when Hwa-young jumped in panic once she saw me. I scanned the empty office and back at Hwa-young, who was clenching a paper in her hand. She quickly crumbled the paper and hid her hands behind her back.
''J-Jungkook asked me to-"
''To search my mother's office?'' I questioned, carefully closing the door. Hwa-young nervously glanced at the door and back towards me.
''I'll leave now. Good night,'' Hwa-young tried to walk past me, so I pulled her back.
''Give it back. Whatever you took, give it back now,'' I warned.
''It's nothing-'' Hwa-young muttered, attempting to free her grips, but I shoved her hard into the shelves, causing her to wince in pain.
''Do I have to force you?'' I questioned, raising my eyebrows at her. Hwa-young's frightened face suddenly turned dull.
''You want to believe you're doing the right thing, huh? Because it's the only way to comfort yourself from the sins you committed?'' Hwa-young questioned with a devious smirk. I fell quiet and searched her eyes in shock... what... is... she? Her eyes... now that I got a closer look, it isn't sparking with innocence... it was... hunger...?
''Give it back!'' I snapped, twisting her body around to grab her hand.
''Let go of me!'' Hwa-young screamed, attempting to yank her hands free. I gripped onto her hands and tried to pull the paper out when she thrust me hard into the desk. I gasped in pain as she tried to run for the door, so I snatched the pen and dashed after her. I yanked her hair backward, causing her to howl in distress, and slammed her into the shelves when someone bursts into the room.
"I SAID RETURN-'' I roared, raising the pen when someone firmly gripped my hand.
''What are you doing?!'' Jungkook snapped in shock as he tightly held onto my wrist.
''Hwa-young!'' Sungho gasped, dashing into the room as the girl begins to sob. Why is she crying!?
''She was lurking inside eomma's office and she took something! So I asked her to return it-''
''Did you have to hurt her? What's wrong with you?! You can't go around hurting innocent people just because you can!'' Jungkook snapped at me in rage.
''Innocent? Her?'' I questioned, turning to look at Hwa-young in disbelief.
''You're stepping over the line, Sora. You can't hurt other people to nurse your own pain,'' Jungkook fumed at me in rage as Jimin watched us awkwardly.
''Maybe it was a misunderstanding? Let's settle this the logical way-"
''There's no logic. Hwa-young did nothing wrong. She's the problem,'' Jungkook glared at me, causing my chest to ache in pain. How can he-?
''Let her go. You're grabbing her too hard,'' Jimin exhaled, pulling Jungkook's hand off mine.
''I'm sorry-''
''Don't you dare apologize when you did nothing wrong,'' Jungkook gritted at Hwa-young, who was sulking at us in tears. Sungho shot me a troubled look as she weakly sniffled before the alphas.
''Then open your hands if there's nothing to hide,'' I gritted while glaring at Hwa-young, so she glanced uneasily at Jungkook.
''Open your hands and let's call it a night. Your brother has to head home,'' Jimin sighed, so she slowly pulled her hands forward and unclenched it, but there was nothing in her palms. It's empty.
''You- where did you hide it!? Yah!-'' I burst in shock and tried to search her when Jungkook roughly pushed me away. Jimin caught me just before I toppled over the chair, so I turned to glare at Jungkook in disbelief.
''That's enough, Sora,'' Jungkook sneered at me with his burning eyes... sending a sharp pain across my chest. Jungkook grabbed Hwa-young's wrist and stomped his way out of the room. Sungho followed them and left. I gripped my head and collapsed onto the armchair as Jimin bents down to pick up the files from the floor... putting them back to place. I looked up at Jimin with my upset eyes to find him staring at the desk.
''Head to bed. Taehyung might come looking for you,'' Jimin sighed, turning to look at me with pitiful eyes. I shakily breathed, stomped out of the room, and headed back to my bedroom to find Taehyung fast asleep on the bed. I entered the bathroom... filled the sink with cold water, then submerged my face into the cool water to ease my steaming head. The girl... something's wrong with her! But no one believes me!
--------------------------
Fast Forward
For the next couple of days, Taehyung took me with him wherever he went. So I ended up spending most of my time in the dull conferences... or at his office doing almost nothing but watch Taehyung work. And yes, I dressed like a hobo every day to embarrass him, but he got used to it and didn't seem to be bothered by it anymore.
''Did you hear the rumors?'' I questioned while sitting upside down on the couch with my head dangling over the edge as the secretary arranged his file. I was looking at Taehyung upsidedown too. The secretary eyed my position on the couch uneasily.
''I brought you here to work not to listen to the nonsense,'' Taehyung dawdled, keeping his eyes trained on the files.
''They said you married a fool like me to extend your power. It's absurd, isn't it? Considering we were sooooo in love before we got married?'' I questioned as I wiggled my socks in the air. Taehyung turned to look at the secretary, who looked very uncomfortable.
''They know nothing about us. It's not a concern. People will choose to believe in the lies, and it'll spread like wildfire with no valid facts,'' Taehyung averted his eyes back to his paper. I quickly rolled off the couch and rushed to Taehyung's desk, causing both Taehyung and the secretary to jerk in panic at my sudden reaction.
''They said I'm a nut head too, isn't funny?'' I grinned at Taehyung, causing the secretary to widen her eyes at my psychopathic behavior.
''They don't know you well enough. My woman will always be the best,'' Taehyung nodded at me dismissively, causing the secretary to eye us awkwardly. She eventually left the room, so I dragged my feet back to the couch and slumped down. Fuck... why is he so calm?!!! I can't beat him!
''I think she's the one spreading all the rumors,'' I mumbled, looking out to the city view while laying on the couch with my face pressed against the cushion.
''Don't blame her when you're the one acting like a fool,'' Taehyung sighed.
''When did I ever-"
''You fought with the guards on your first day. You fell asleep in the meeting room on the second day and were drooling all over the desk. You fell asleep again on the third day, except you were snoring loudly. You got pissed at the chairman and purposely threw your slippers at his head on the fourth day. You sat with your legs and socks exposed on the desk on your fifth day. You screamed like a maniac inside the restroom, claiming that you were stuck when you pushed the door instead of sliding it open on the sixth day. And today you-''
''I distracted you during the meeting,'' I finished his sentence with a smug smile. Taehyung shot me an irritated look and suddenly got off his seat and walked up to me.
''What are you doing?! Yah-'' I snapped when Taehyung lifted me off the couch and sat me on his desk instead. I tried to get off, but he grabbed my waist and narrowed his eyes at me.
''Finishing what you started,'' Taehyung smirked while tugging onto his tie. He started unbuttoning a few of his buttons, causing me to widen my eyes in shock.
Throwback: An Hour earlier at the meeting of the 7th day.
Third Person POV
While Taehyung was too focused on the presentation, Jang Sora was doodling on a piece of paper out of boredom. She rotated back and forth on the chair, so Taehyung firmly gripped the armrest to stop her from spinning around like a child. Sora glared at Taehyung and started tapping her feet against the desk, creating faint thuds, causing the conference room to grow hushed. Again, Taehyung gripped her knees to stop her from disrupting the meeting. Sora exhaled and started flipping her pen around when it suddenly went flying across the room and hit a chairman in the face. The chairman shrieked in pain as he rubbed his forehead but didn't dare complain. Taehyung let out an agitated exhale and removed all the accessories from Sora's side of the desk. Like a child, Sora sighed and reached out to tear one of the files from Taehyung's document. Taehyung pursed his lips when he turned to find her folding the document into a paper airplane. Sora smiled and gently threw the paper airplane, causing it to hit Taehyung's head. She giggled as Taehyung's face grew red from the suppressed anger building inside his chest. The chairmen glanced back and forth between their leader and his wife when she kept on annoying him. Taehyung eventually removed everything from the desk, so Sora pouted and slumped her head on the desk, sideway facing Taehyung. She tried to catch her husband's eyes, but he refused to look at her and kept his sharp eyes forward. Sora softly poked his hand with her head against the table, so Taehyung briefly glared at her. She poked his hand again and again and again until Taehyung got frustrated, so he tightly gripped her fingers to stop her from bothering him.
''Can I leave? I'll stay at your office-'' Sora whispered at Taehyung.
''No,'' Taehyung muttered coldly, keeping his eyes straight forward with his hand firmly on hers.
''Can't you cancel the meeting then? Let them off early-"
''No,'' Taehyung spoke blankly, causing Sora to glare at him. She glanced at the group of men and back at Taehyung in discontent. The presenter finished presenting, so Taehyung began discussing with the men when Sora decided to place her hand on Taehyung's thigh, causing Taehyung to halt for a split second. Taehyung cleared his throat... he sideways eyed her and proceeded to speak when Sora slid her hand higher, making Taehyung tense his body in his seat. Sora turned to smile at the men before them. Taehyung managed to voice out a few more words when Sora slid her hand between his legs... under the desk. Taehyung stuttered and briefly glanced at Sora in discomfort. However, she kept her eyes on the people before her. So Taehyung grabbed his water and nervously glanced at the crowd before him. He tried to speak again when Sora teasingly squeezed his inner thighs, making Taehyung jerk abruptly at her stimulating touch over the fabric of his pants. But he refrained himself... as the men watched him unsurely. He tried to speak again, but she wouldn't stop teasing him under the desk. So eventually, Taehyung called off the meeting thirty minutes earlier than scheduled. And they returned to his office.
End of Flashback.
Sora's POV
''I was just joking-'' I complained, trying to avoid Taehyung as he kissed my neck.
''Don't play with fire if you can't handle it,'' Taehyung whispered as he caressed his lips against mine.
''We're at your office-''
''No one's going to walk in without my permission,'' Taehyung breathed into my ear, sending goosebumps across my body as he slipped his hands under my sweater. I felt his hands roaming over my body, so I gripped the edge of the desk and bit down on my lips.
''But-,'' I moaned softly when Taehyung kissed the side of my neck and nibbled it, causing me to tense my legs while gripping his hair.
''Tell me who hurt you,'' Taehyung whispers between our kisses as he gently pleases me under my sweater.
''No- Taehyung h-hajima!'' I refused, so he aggressively kissed me. He grind his torso against mine until I felt a surge of sensual sensation erupting between my legs.
''Don't make me ask you again,'' Taehyung panted against my face... sensually biting my lips. I stared at him nervously as he brushed my hair behind my ears. Taehyung gently leaned forward and kissed me again, so I gripped onto his forearms to stop myself from moaning.
''What's taking you two- oh,'' Do-hwan suddenly bursts into the room, so Taehyung snaps his head towards the door in a panic. I quickly pulled down my messed-up sweater as Taehyung stepped away from me. He frantically buttoned up his shirt. Taehyung brushed his hair awkwardly as I hopped off his desk and hurried back to the couch. I quietly grabbed the treats and cookies on the table, then munched it in silence.
''How many times did I tell you to knock?'' Taehyung questioned as he fixed his tie. Do-hwan turned to face us awkwardly after catching us doing inappropriate things in the office. I was so flustered I couldn't look at him in the eyes, so I turned to look at the city instead.
''You never told me to. Why don't you two finish up? You need to head home to get ready for the ceremony,'' Do-hwan cleared his throat and left the room.
''I told you someone was going to walk in,'' I muttered as I got onto my feet.
''The next time you distract me. I'll cancel the entire workday and tell everyone to head home early. So we can have the entire building to ourselves... so even if you scream... no one will hear you,'' Taehyung glared at me. He's so shameless!
Anyways, Taehyung is hosting a company event with the chairmen at the Mins hotel.
''Damn it Sora, do you want the maids to commit suicide because of you?'' Do-hwan questioned as I dismissively sat on the couch in the hotel's suite to watch the show on the television. The maid has been trying to dress me up for almost an hour, but all I did was a take shower. And now, I'm eating ice cream in front of the TV in my usual hoodie and sweatpants. We heard a soft knock on the door, and Yoongi appeared with Hoseok. So I signaled everyone to leave us. Do-hwan didn't look pleased, but he left us alone.
''We're here to check on you,'' Hoseok smiled, sitting down as I stared at the television.
''I'm still alive,'' I mumbled.
''Thanks to Seokjin. Did you see him yet?'' Hoseok questioned.
''Thanks to him?'' I questioned, turning to look at him in confusion.
''He saved you. It wasn't Taehyung who found you after the overdose. Seokjin tried to reach you and busted into the room. He did CPR to revive you for the treatment,'' Hoseok nodded at me. I raised my eyebrow and turned back to the television. They didn't tell me that... and why didn't Seokjin tell me? Maybe he knew I didn't want to live and was afraid I might kill him for saving me?
''What about Minho? Did Seokjin call?'' I questioned, turning back to them.
''About that... how did you know...,'' Yoongi furrowed his eyebrows at me.
''I investigated at the clubs and coincidentally found Kim Namjoon and Shin Minho at the same place. It's not a coincidence. Find Hyung-ki the Superstar. He might have the answer,'' I shrugged at Yoongi.
''He's dead,'' Yoongi sighed.
''What?'' I questioned, turning to look at the both of them. So Hoseok sighed and changed the television channel to the news report, and there he was... all the stars were attending his funeral. The reporter went on about Hyun-ki's death as I stared at the funeral wreath above the casket.
''They said it's a suicide. Hung himself in the kitchen,'' Hoseok muttered as we stared at the screen. The nation's Superstar died... we were right.
''Kim Namjoon eliminated him,'' I whispered, putting the ice cream away.
''We finally have something to pinpoint on Kim Namjoon now,'' Yoongi nodded with a hopeful look.
''We'll investigate Minho's case and keep an eye on Namjoon,'' Hoseok nodded. The two alphas left soon after. The door opened again, and a group of pretty-looking girls came striding in. Do-hwan turned to look at the girls in shock and tried to remove them from our lounge, but I signaled him to stop.
''How can I help you?'' I smiled at one of the girls. It was the leader. They're the famous female idol group. Did Taehyung invite them to perform?
''We're here to greet the heir,'' The pretty leader turned to look at me with an eager look.
''The heir? He's not here-''
"They told me this is his lounge though. We'll wait for him,'' The girls spoke rudely. She grabbed the drinks on the table and glanced around the suite in awe. Do-hwan shot me a disapproving look.
''Scoot. Who are you to sit in the heir's place? I guess you're his stylist,'' The rude idol smirked, folding her arms at me, causing Do-hwan to jerk forward, but I warned him, so he backed away.
''Oh. I'm his stylist,'' I smiled, getting off the couch so she could sit with her members.
''Excuse me. I heard the chairman is in his mid-20s, and he's really... handsome too,'' One of the members questioned eagerly.
''Yeah. He's the definition of perfection,'' I nodded at them.
''Eonni. Do you think he's crafted by god?'' The member giggled.
''My father used to show me his picture... he's definitely crafted by God himself,'' The leader nodded at the members with a smug smile. Huh...?
''No. He's not crafted by god,'' I smiled, raising my eyebrows at them. I leaned against the couch with an eager expression. Kim Taehyung is crafted by god? That's absurd.
''What do you mean?'' The member questioned unsurely, so I scanned their pretty innocent faces in silence. You shouldn't let his looks fool you.
''He's the devil's creation. Handcrafted by Satan himself,'' I smirked at the female idol. The truth untold...
''You're so weird,'' The leader shot me a baffled look and glanced towards the television.
''Eonni, you acted really well. You should be cast for a leading role,'' The member sniggered at the funeral news where the leader girl was seen sobbing before the picture of the Superstar. I averted my eyes to the same girl, but she was grinning happily... unbothered by the Superstar's death.
''The bastard deserves it after cheating on me so many times,'' The leader giggled, crossing her legs with a smug smile. This is the ugly secret of the entertainment industry, huh? Not all the shedding tears are genuine sorrow. Sometimes... it's just a pretentious teardrop to earn pity from the cameras.
''Rumors say it wasn't a suicide. He was actually murdered,'' I smirked at the girls, so they turned to look at me with weird looks.
''He obviously killed himself because eonni wouldn't forgive him,'' One of the members defended her. Ah... men. They think they own it all.
''Is life that priceless? He had everything, wealth, women, his dream, and achievements. Why would such a lovely nation's treasure kill himself? It's weird, isn't it?'' I shook my head, causing the girls to look at me uneasily.
''Yah. Why don't you go find the heir and tell him we're waiting to greet him? Weren't you paid to get the job done?'' The leader rudely snapped at me.
''Pay me? He can never afford me- I'm sorry, I was lost for a moment. I'll go and inform him of your presence,'' I chuckled while shaking my head, causing the group of pretty eyes to stare at me with an unsettled expression. I laughed and strolled out of the room, leaving Do-hwan with them. I scanned the crowded corridor filled with fancy-looking guests, then entered the packed venue as the wealthy turned to look at me in confusion. But I kept on walking in my slides and hoodie without giving a fuck. Where is he? I scanned the crowd until I spotted Taehyung talking to a group of investors near the stage, so I waddled my way toward them. Taehyung briefly glanced at me when I reached him but snapped his head back to me in shock. He eyed me up and down and quickly glanced at the rich people awkwardly.
''Excuse me,'' I cleared my throat as I grabbed onto Taehyung, causing the group of women and men to stare at me with a questioning look. They eyed my hand on his expensive suit.
''Why aren't you dressed up?'' Taehyung whispered under his breath as he slightly turned away from the guests.
''A few guests came to see you at the lounge,'' I shrugged dismissively, then snatched the glass of wine from his hand and drank it. The people around us stared at me with their eyes wide open and averted their eyes to Taehyung, who was slowly getting irritated.
''Who...?'' They questioned, glancing back and forth between us while examining my baggy clothes in confusion.
''Anneonghaseyo. I'm Jang Sora,'' I smiled innocently at them.
''Your personal stylist?'' A man awkwardly chuckled at us.
''Wife,'' Taehyung gritted his teeth as I continued to beam at them.
''Neh?'' The crowd questioned, glancing at me in shock.
''She's my wife. She just arrived, so will you please excuse us? She needs to get changed,'' Taehyung blankly smiled at the people and dragged me into the corridor in a hurry.
''Taehyung- wait- stop,'' I snapped, tugging his arm backward as he pulled me down the corridor.
''What?-'' Taehyung snapped, turning to look at me when I wouldn't stop pulling him.
''My slide... it fell off,'' I glanced down at my bare left foot. The people in the hallway glance at us curiously as Taehyung rubs his nose bridge in extreme distress. I gasped in shock when Taehyung bents down to lift me off the ground and stride down the hallway with me in his arms, causing the guests to stare at each other in bewilderment.
''Why are you so dramatic...'' I rolled my eyes with my arms wrapped around his neck. He pushed the door open and strolled into the suite to find the idols waiting on the couch.
''Anneonghaseyo!'' The girl group quickly bowed but halted when they looked up to find Taehyung carrying me. The leader averted her eyes to me and back to Taehyung in shock.
''Who let them in?'' Taehyung questioned, turning to glare at Do-hwan.
''The one in your arms,'' Do-hwan looked away in discontent. Taehyung glances down at me with a disapproving look and lets me down. I stood awkwardly with a missing slide, so I shoved it off my foot and pushed my hands into my pockets.
''We're only here to greet you because-"
"Because your father is the chairman,'' Taehyung nodded, placing his hand in the pocket of his suit. The girls glanced back and forth between me and Taehyung when they noticed me glaring at Taehyung.
''That's right, we'd like to... brief you on the upcoming performance for the show,'' The leader smiled, eyeing Taehyung up and down with their seductive eyes.
''Do-hwan, call the event manager to speak with them,'' Taehyung nodded dismissively and pulled me into the bedroom. He glared at the maids and signaled them to leave us. Taehyung carefully shut the door and turned to look at me with an agitated glare.
''How long do you plan on clowning yourself?'' Taehyung questioned with his hands on his hips.
''You could have lied and said I was your staff,'' I shrugged, folding my arms in annoyance.
''Ani. How long are you going to provoke me?'' Taehyung questioned, grabbing my waist and pulled me into him.
''Why do I have to be at the event? Wae? I'm a useless piece of shit, you know that,'' I gritted at Taehyung. What's the matter with him? He knows I'll cause him unnecessary troubles!
''I know what my woman is capable of accomplishing. You aren't incompetent. You're just pretending to be oblivious. You know... the more you irritate me, the more I'm attracted to you,'' Taehyung smirked, lowering his face towards mine. I swallowed when I felt him tightening his grip around my waist.
''Fine. I'll stay here and wait for you. I won't be a nuisance, deal?'' I sighed, trying to push him away, but he hastily pulled me back into him.
''Do I have to undress you myself..?'' Taehyung whispers lowly into my ear... making my skin crawl at his words.
''Do you think I'll let you? Like you said, you know what I'm capable of committing,'' I sneered. Taehyung chuckled against my ear... placed his hand on my hood, and slightly tugged on my collar to expose my neck.
''If I undress you myself, we won't be leaving the room for the next few hours. The guest will be waiting, and the ceremony will be delayed. Jagiya, I'm a busy man, so why don't you do us a favor and let the maid help you get dressed, so we can return to the ceremony instead of ending up on the bed?'' Taehyung whispered, sensually brushing his nose against my ear, so I gulped nervously at his intimidating words.
''What if I pick the bed. Will you really abandon the ceremony like you claimed, or are you bluffing?'' I smirked, turning to look him in the eyes. Did he think I'd back off with the threat?
''Try me. Go on. Say it. I'd do anything for you. If you want me to prove my devotion to you, then tell me to cancel the entire event, and I'll evacuate the entire venue for you. So... The ceremony... or the bed?'' Taehyung gently pressed his lips against mine and tugged me closer to him. Sora... be careful. Don't mess with his darkness when you aren't ready to counter it.
''I'm not talking to any of the guests,'' I spoke sternly, trying to keep on a poker face. Taehyung slowly smiled, pulling his lips away from mine, then grazed his finger along my cheek with a devious look.
''Good girl. The bruises are gone now, so you can show your skin,'' Taehyung kissed my forehead and gently brushed my neck before striding out of the room. That's why he tugged my hoodie... to see if the bruises were healed. I exhaled in relief and turned around as the maids stepped into the room. They did my makeup, fixed my hair, moisturized my skin, then pulled on the dress for me. I glanced down at the shimmering golden dress and back into the mirror to find the darkness in my eyes. The maid placed the necklace around my neck... and the earrings... while I slid on the bracelets. I rubbed the wedding ring in silence before pulling on the heels and strode out of the room. The group of idols was nowhere to be found as Taehyung sat composedly in his seat.
''They left? They were eager to see you,'' I questioned, walking up to the door as Taehyung slid his arm around my waist.
''I don't care. You're the only woman in my eyes,'' Taehyung smirked, leading me down the hallway.
''Did I ever tell you, you're very cringey?'' I scoffed, wrapping my hand around his arm as we made our way toward the venue.
''You don't like the romantic words, huh? Why? Do you prefer to have my fingers around your throat instead?'' Taehyung smirked. I tensed at his word. He's insane. Am I supposed to crack at his joke? Not when I know what he's capable of doing. Taehyung and I walked through the entrance as the wealthy turned to stare at us.
''You enjoy the attention, don't you?'' I whisper as we stride down the red carpet with Taehyung. Cameras flashes flickered in all directions and everyone stopped breathing at our powerful presence. The group of idols turned to stare at me with their eyes wide open.
''Aigo. Why didn't you bring the first lady? Is she sick? She didn't look well today. Is this your mistress?'' The chairman cluelessly approached us. Taehyung didn't say anything as the chairman glanced at me again and examined my face unsurely.
''She's here,'' Taehyung muttered shorty watching the poor man struggle to recognize me.
''Oh really? Why didn't you bring her? Ah. She'll only ruin your reputation at such a grand event,'' The man chuckled, causing Taehyung to tense his body, but I gripped his arm.
''You. You said you're a stylist,'' The leader of the idol walked up to me with an irritated look.
''Oh? Do you guys know each other?'' The chairman chuckled at his daughter.
''Who is she exactly?'' The idol shot me an envious look as she eyed my jewelry and dress.
''My daughter here is a bit naive. I should've introduced her a while ago. But she's probably your sister?'' The chairman patted his daughter's back and questioned Taehyung before turning to look at me with a clueless smile.
''Wife. She's my wife. You're standing before the First Lady,'' Taehyung smirked, turning to smile at me as he interlaced his fingers with mine. The chairman chuckled for a moment, but it struck him, so he snapped his head towards me in panic.
''Anneonghaseyo,'' I finally spoke up, causing his face to drain in fear.
''Oh- F-First Lady,'' The man stuttered, slightly bowing at me.
''I guess you couldn't recognize me because I don't look like a wench anymore? It's okay, you're getting old... your time is running out... maybe you should retire soon and rest well before your day ends,'' I sarcastically smiled at him, causing the man to tremble in fear. It wasn't until past midnight when the event ended, and we eventually left through a transparent elevator with a view of the city. I crouched down to pull off the heels that has been killing my ankles and loosened my hair in frustration. I hastily dropped the heels on the floor, so Taehyung sighed and lowered himself to pick up my heels for me.
''I thought you were going to let her embarrass you at the event, but you actually made the stubborn head look pretty,'' Do-hwan smiled with his passive-aggressive compliment. I turned to glare at him as Taehyung leaned against the elevator railing with my heels dangling from his fingers.
''She's not my embarrassment. You might not believe me, but she's a very sweet and considerate person,'' Taehyung chuckled, darting me a teasing smile.
''So annoying,'' I mumbled under my breath.
''What do you mean? Jang Sora? Sweet and considerate? I doubt it,'' Do-hwan shook his head at me.
''She was trying to hide her bruises, not embarrass me,'' Taehyung stopped smiling, causing Do-hwan to pause in silence.
''Bruises? The ones you gave her?'' Do-hwan uneasily glances at me. I kept my eyes trained on the city view as the elevator descended towards the ground floor.
''She wouldn't name the person. Why don't you try digging?'' Taehyung averted his eyes to Do-hwan.
''Someone hurt you? Who? Since when-''
''Doesn't matter. Why are you two so noisy?'' I glared, stomping out of the elevator when we reached the ground floor. I walked so fast I ended up bumping hard into a person.
''Sorry-" I apologized and looked up but sucked in my breath when I found Shin Minho standing before me. My body became paralyzed in his presence. I suddenly felt cold. He stared at me in horror and started shaking when he saw Taehyung walking up to us. I stiffly gulped when Minho suddenly hurried off. Taehyung observed my shaken reaction and suspiciously averted his eyes after Minho.
''Are you okay-'' Do-hwan questioned. I tried to control my tears to shut the memories out of my head. Why am I so afraid of him? What's wrong with me???
''Don't touch me!'' I flinched in panic, so Taehyung tilted his head to the side at my timid behavior.
''Did you interact with Shin Minho? He was at the club,'' Taehyung questioned.
''W-what- no I-'' I stuttered, briefly glancing at Taehyung, who was waiting for my response.
''Sora??? You're still here?'' Hoseok appeared, jogging towards me as the guards in the lobby rush out the entrance. I ignored Taehyung and quickly turned to Hoseok.
''What's going on?'' I questioned while observing the guard's movements.
''Shin Minho. The bastard betrayed me! He's siding with Kim Namjoon and even tried to submit Mira's contract as well, but thanks to your tip, I was able to stop him,'' Hoseok nodded at me with a bitter expression.
''Kim Namjoon could've been using him to spy on us,'' I whispered in horror as we exchanged nervous glances.
''Don't worry. We'll deal with him. I'll see you at the elite meeting,'' Hoseok shot Taehyung an unsettled look and rushed off with his people.
''Meeting? What meeting?'' I turned to look at Taehyung in confusion. Why wasn't I informed? Taehyung glanced away and walked off without another word, so I snapped my head towards Do-hwan.
''I'm not sure either, alright? Taehyung called for a meeting at the end of the week. And the... Black Phoenix is invited too,'' Do-hwan shot me a dreadful look.
''Moh-? Wae? How-''
''Sora. Listen. I'm keeping my eyes on Jungkook and Jimin. I suspect Taehyung will be transferring power to the Black Phoenix through your alliances. No- Sora, listen to me! Don't confront him!'' Do-hwan exhaled. I snapped my head towards Taehyung in shock, so Do-hwan had to tug me back.
''What if he sacrifices them?!'' I snapped at Do-hwan.
''They might be one of the sacrifices, but they won't be the first,'' Do-hwan shook his head at me. I gripped my fist when it struck me... Sungho... no.
''Am I supposed to sit still and do nothing? The Black Phoenix can't have the power! The entire society will turn against us again!'' I snapped at him in disbelief.
''I know. That's why I'm keeping an eye on the activities within the society! We can't do anything right now because no one knows what he's up to. So promise me you won't cause unnecessary trouble,'' Do-hwan firmly grabbed onto my shoulders as I stared at him in shock. Do nothing? How can I?
''I can't promise you that,'' I shook my head and walked off. Shit! If Taehyung's going to hand over the power to the Black Phoenix... we're all doomed. He's going to sacrifice the alliances... one by one. I stomped into the cars and was going to confront Taehyung when I noticed Do-hwan's anxious expression. I shouldn't act on my impulse. I glanced at Taehyung, who was going through his phone to avoid me, so I sighed and glanced out the window in defeat.
We got back to the mansion at around 1:00 AM, so Taehyung told me to head inside first because he had to visit the security department with Do-hwan. I shrugged and entered the living room to find Hwa-young walking through the door with a bag in her hand. She halted and stared at me with her mouth slightly ajar as I held onto my dress. She examined me from head to toe to admire me but quickly shook her head repeatedly when she realized I was staring at her.
''What are you doing here at this time?'' I questioned in confusion. What's wrong with her? Why is she so persistent and stubborn? She's not allowed inside the mansion. She knows that, and yet she's still stepping over the boundaries. Wae? Because Jungkook will defend her?
''Jungkook said he was hungry. He refused the mansion's food, claiming he didn't like it-''
''So you sneaked out of the mansion to get food for him? You do realize you're not allowed to leave without permission, right?'' I questioned, folding my arms at her in discontent. She's trying to get me on my nerve, isn't she?
''Were you able to abide by the rules? To live quietly within these walls? I'm sure you know what it's like. I'm not so different from you,'' Hwa-young chuckled, turning to face me, causing my blood to boil at her word.
''Leave. This isn't the time to-''
''Ah! Ow!" Hwa-young gasped in pain when I tried to grab her. She stumbled backward and fell onto the floor before I even touched her.
''Hwa-young- are you okay-'' Jungkook came jogging down the hallway leading from the dining room but halted once he noticed me standing over Hwa-young, who was groaning on the floor. Jungkook halts to stare at me and my dress in silence before glancing away.
''I'm sorry,'' Hwa-young sobbed in a crooked voice. I glanced at her in confusion when she started whimpering. Jungkook bends down to help her up onto her feet as she looks up at me with her tearful eyes. What the fuck? Why is she crying out of a sudden?
''Why wouldn't you leave her alone? Wae?'' Jungkook gritted at me in anger as I stared at him speechlessly.
''I didn't even touch her-''
''You can't bleed on innocent people,'' Jungkook cut me off when I tried to explain myself. My heart sunk at his words... those spiteful eyes. Why won't he listen to me!? I'm innocent! Why is he blindly defending her!? He knows me!
''I didn't do anything! Why are you-''
''Because you hate the fact that she gets to live a joyous life and you don't,'' Jungkook sneered. What... the hell...?
''I SAID I DIDN'T-'' I snapped in anger.
''Sora hajima. You don't have to defend yourself over a pathetic scumbag like him,'' Another voice spoke up from the armchair in the dark. I turned to find Jimin sitting in the dark. Jungkook shot me an upset look and helped Hwa-young out of the door.
''Tell him! You were here the whole time so tell him I'm innocent-''
''Sora, it's not worth it,'' Jimin sighed as he walked up to me with a sullen expression. I turned to watch Jungkook leave the mansion with my aching heart. I gripped my hand and stared at Jimin in disbelief... he won't defend me either? Why's everyone against me now? My heart is wrenching in pain... I'm the only one trying to defend their lives.
''You don't believe me do you?'' I scoffed in disbelief.
''I believe you,'' Jimin sighed as he shook his head. He leaned against the couch, so I quietly stared at him in silence. I let out a shaky sigh and stomped off without another word... angrily pulling the pins out of my hair and ruffled it in frustration before tearing off the damn dress, then stepped into the shower. I turned on the cold water and slowly slid down in distress with my palms pressed against pressed my face... the tears blending in with the droplets of water. Why is he like this? How can he accuse me of things I didn't even commit? How can he be so irrational? I hate it. No matter how hard I try to ignore it, he's still the reason for my aching heart. All heartbreaks hurt of course... but I was able to overcome the pain and misery. Except for Jeon Jungkook... I can't get rid of his lingering presence. It's like he's a part of me... how did I engulf him so deeply? He said I didn't love him as much as he loved me, but why is my soul the one aching the most? Why is he the one loathing me? Why am I the one blaming myself? Why am I the one crying over him? Why am I the one enduring the pain, and why am I the person trying to justify myself if I didn't love him enough? Because it's all my fault? Why can I never bring myself to counter his harsh arguments but try to prove my heart still yearns for him when I should be moving on? Wae? Why am I the one drowning in the shower with the water running so my pain wouldn't be heard by the world? Just then, I noticed the bathroom door opening, so I quickly got onto my feet to rinse my face under the running water.
''I'll be done in a bit,'' I gulped down the hot lump in my throat as Taehyung strolled into the bathroom.
''No. Take your time,'' Taehyung answered from the other side of the shower as I tried to ease my puffy eyes. I glanced through the foggy transparent glass to find Taehyung slipping off his suit before the sink. He unbuttoned his shirt and slid off his trousers, then tossed it into the laundry basket. Taehyung slipped off his watch and finally turned towards the shower, so I quickly glanced away from him. I heard Taehyung opening the glass door to my shower booth, stepping inside with me, so I rubbed my swollen eyes and slightly turned away from him.
''Why's the water so cold? You'll catch a cold,'' Taehyung reached over to switch on the warm water, so I shifted aside to share the showerhead with him in silence. Taehyung stood under the shower to let the water run down his toned body as I tried to avoid looking at him because I didn't want to expose my red eyes. Taehyung suddenly reached out for my hand and tugged me under the shower with him. I stood, facing away from him, so Taehyung back hugged me under the downpour of the streaming water with his eyes closed. Part of me wanted to run out of the shower, but part of me fought to stay. Taehyung wrapped his arms around my waist and rested his chin on my shoulder with his body pressed against my back as the warm water streamed over us. Sora... you can use him to nurse your pain. There's no point in avoiding him forever when he's a great source of distraction. You're married to him anyway, and there's no divorce. So how long are you going to let your body hurt instead of trying to heal it? At least numb it.
''The water is too warm. You'll get rashes,'' I muttered, trying to switch the water again. Taehyung tugs my hand back and softly kisses my neck... slowly running his hands over my bare body.
''I'll be fine, just stay like this. I like it,'' Taehyung whispered, tightening his arms around my body. He kissed my shoulder as he gently groped my sensitive body parts, so I tilted my head back to let the water shower onto my face. The wound will continue hurting if I don't treat it. Why choose to be in pain when I can numb it? Why choose to anticipate uncertainty when I can determine my own pathway? Sora. You'll never get used to the pain, and it'll never go away, so you have to be smart. Take advantage of it. Taehyung drew my head against his shoulder to expose my neck and leaned in to kiss me on the lips from behind, so I turned to face him. He gripped onto my hips as I ran my fingers along his soaked chest... down the side of his firm figure, and gripped onto his pelvic bone as he trailed his fingers through my damp hair. I blinked at him in the shower as he quietly stared at me with his tempted eyes, waiting for my approval. The longer we stood staring at each other, the more our bodies throbbed for one another. I exhaled and leaned in to kiss the side of his jaw, finally granting him permission to have me. He teasingly kissed my collarbones, making me moan under the streaming shower. Taehyung pushed me against the glass wall, grabbed me onto my thighs, then lifted me off the floor. So I encircled my arms around his neck as he pinned me against the glass surface with my legs wrapped around his hips. Taehyung secured his arms around my body and deeply exhaled as he thrusts into me. I gripped his back and buried my face into the crook of his neck when I felt my body shuddering from the intense throbbing sensation. I panted heavily and lifted my face to face his... as Taehyung moaned beside my ear.... averting his erotic eyes to mine. Taehyung leaned in to caress our lips, so I exhaled and rested my head against the glass as he sucked on my neck. He eventually let me down onto the floor, turned me around, and pressed me against the glass. I placed my hand on the damp shower wall as the warm shower poured on our heated bodies. Taehyung secured my hips and then pressed his body against my back, making me arch my back from the intense pleasure. He placed his hand over mine and interlaced our fingers to hold me in place against the transparent glass as I felt him rubbing between my legs. I bit down on my lips as he shakily exhaled between his moans. I bit my lips and pressed my face against the glass until it fogged up from my unsteady breathing. Taehyung suddenly turned me back to face him and kissed me with his hand under my jawline. Taehyung must've noticed my stiff body during our intercourse because he suddenly pulled out and started kissing his way down to my belly button. I sucked my index finger as I leaned against the glass when I felt him moving down my body, so I gripped tightly onto his hair, then tilted my head back to let the water run over my face. He lifted one of my legs over his shoulder as he knelt before me, then pushed his face between my thighs to please me. I tensed my legs and gripped onto his hair when I felt the presence of his wet tongue inside me. I moaned and leaned against the glass wall as Taehyung firmly supported my thigh over his muscular shoulder. I panted heavily when he finally pulled his lips away from between my legs and found his way back to my lips. I was completely soaked for him after he stimulated my sensitive areas... so I impatiently grabbed onto his face and aggressively kissed him. He closed the gap between our bodies again, then proceeded to penetrate into me as he tightly secured my body against his.
Fast Foward: Morning
I swallowed the pill with the water when Taehyung came out of the closet, fully dressed for work. He smiled at me while buttoning his sleeves. I weakly smiled at him and reached out to fix his tie, so Taehyung leaned in to kiss me on the lips.
''I'll be back,'' Taehyung whispered, rubbing my cheek with his thumb while I patted his suit.
''I'll be waiting,'' I nodded, and he left to work. I gripped my hand and turned to press my hands against my face in exhaustion. This isn't right... why am I giving into his possessiveness? Will I get better, or will I end up damaging myself even more? I sighed and glanced out of the window... feeling very hopeless. The week went by with a series of wild nights because Taehyung refused to let us rest ever since I yielded to him. I know his plan, and I'm fully aware of it. I anxiously sighed while leaning against the sink before picking up the pregnancy test, but it was negative. I let out a soft sigh in relief, then strode out of the bathroom to find Taehyung waiting for me.
''The result?'' Taehyung questioned, walking up to me, so I handed him the test kit.
''I think it's too soon,'' I muttered, walking over to the couch. Taehyung gripped the test kit in disappointment before glancing at me.
''I'll get you a better tester-''
''I'm not pregnant,'' I said shortly looking up at him.
''Then we'll try again,'' Taehyung smirked, sitting down on the couch, and leaned in to kiss me. I smiled uneasily.
''Aren't you tired? You have work early in the morning,'' I questioned, pulling away from him when he tried to slip his hand under my shirt. I exhaled when I felt his warm finger over my flesh.
''Doesn't matter. I know you're tired so you don't have to come with me tomorrow either. Just stay home and take great care of yourself,'' Taehyung smiled, attempting to get in between my legs again, but I scooted away. I wanted to scream at him. I tried to smile, but I couldn't hold it in anymore. Everything was overflowing. I'm so fucking... tired. Sora-
''I don't think I'm healthy enough to bear a child,'' I muttered under my breath, causing Taehyung to stiffen at my words.
''It's alright. I'll get the doctors to run a test on you-''
''What am I to you?'' I gritted when my anger suddenly exploded.
''Sora? What's wrong-''
''Don't touch me,'' I shook my head in frustration and hugged my knees to block him from spreading open my legs. Taehyung tried to reach for me as tears filled my eyes.
''What's wrong-''
''Why are you doing this to me? First, I'm classified as your possession. Then you labeled a price on me, and now...? Now I'm a breeder-'' I stuttered in pain. Taehyung sat on the couch with an uneasy expression as he examined my pained eyes.
''W-what? How can you say such-''
''Don't act dumb. All those times you drugged and tried to take advantage of me... it was your plan to put your fucking seed in me, so I have no other choice but to return to you!'' I snapped at him in anger. I thought he was just lustful when I was with Jungkook. I thought he wanted my body, but no. It was his plan to get me pregnant with his sperms. So I'd surrender and yield to him. He knew I'm protective of my child, so he used it against me... knowing it'll break Jungkook and I just like what Jimin did to us.
''I asked for your consent for the past-''
''Would you have listened if I resisted? No. You'd slam me against the bed and do whatever you like with my body! Why? Because I'm yours by law,'' I gritted and turned to glare at the wedding portrait on the wall. My heart is aching in pain- I hate it! I hate him! I hate myself! I hate everything!
''Fine. I tried to get you pregnant, so I could tame you. But I never hurt you ever since we married! Did I?! I wanted to give you time, but-''
''Then you could've loved me! You could've loved me! Why do you always see me as a subject to your power? I feel like shit because you keep objectifying me! Treating me as fucking breeder to solidify your control over me!'' I cried in pain. His definition of power will always be pain. Why can't he just love me right? Wae? If he loved me so much then why can't I feel it? Why do I feel like I'm being used for my body? Wae?!
''IF I DIDN'T LOVE YOU THEN DID YOU THINK I'D MAKE LOVE WITH YOU JUST TO FUCKING INSERT A BABY IN YOUR WOMB? DID YOU THINK I'D RAIL YOU WITH MY DICK JUST BECAUSE I WANTED POWER?'' Taehyung bellowed with his eyes wide open.
''I'M TIRED OF YOUR LOVE EXCUSES. IT'S JUST STUPID LIES! IF THERE'S LOVE, THEN WHY CAN'T I FEEL IT? HOW CAN I FEEL LOVED WHEN YOU'RE CHAINING ME LIKE A FUCKING SERVANT. HOW CAN I FEEL LOVED WHEN YOUR LOVE ENDS WITH PAIN?!'' I sobbed in pain.
''Didn't you say you find comfort in my violence?'' Taehyung gritted at me. I gripped my hands and sat staring at him blankly. That's right, you fuck me up. You made me find comfort in your violence. You made me believe pain is normal. To the point, I feel distressed when you show me a slight affection... because I know it'll come with more pain.
''That's how badly you fucked me up,'' I replied while glaring at Taehyung, whose face was fuming red. He shot up from the couch and stomped out of the room without another word. I broke into tears, bawled my eyes out, and eventually left to grab a bottle of wine after dusk. I entered the closet, then shut the door before sliding in between the clothes with a bottle of wine in my hand. I drank half a bottle and sat quietly in the closet room. The love he claims to have for me is nonexistent... he's just obsessed with winning. He'll never be satisfied until he fully has control over me. And he can never control me unless I have a child. Kim Taehyung doesn't love me. He just wants to make me kneel. I sniffled and grabbed onto one of the hanging coats when something dropped onto the carpet. I turned around to find a phone... my heart ached uncomfortably when recognized it. Haerim's. That's right. His heart... always belonged to her. The girl is the only person he cherishes, and I took her away... that's why he's tormenting me. Every time he looks at me... he sees her. I drained the wine from the entire bottle and unlocked the phone... there wasn't much, so I went to the gallery and hugged my knees as I scrolled... through their early pictures... in their teenage years. It was filled with selfies... the pretty girl and the cheerful-looking boy, Kim Taehyung and Gae Haerim were a perfect match. There were even videos of Haerim squishing Taehyung's cheeks as he innocently smiled at her.
''Haerim-ah... you must be cold. Give me your hands. I'll keep you warm,'' Taehyung's voice could be heard as Haerim filmed him grabbing onto her hand. He placed their interlaced fingers into the pocket of his coat while staring at her with his affectionate eyes.
''Are you thinking of your first love?'' Haerim asked in the next video as she recorded Taehyung staring at the sea. Taehyung sideway smiles at her and turns back to the ocean.
''The ocean is where love is lost, but luckily I'm standing here with you,'' Taehyung chuckled, turning to the camera. Haerim giggled and suddenly dashed off, so Taehyung chased her across the beach while chuckling to himself. I skipped the videos and went on... it was filled with pictures of the couple. Spending precious time together. I softly exhaled and buried my face into my knees. How am I supposed to believe his words when she was the only person he ever smiled for? The only person he laughed for and the only person he was patient with?
She was his glass menagerie and I'm just his... punching bag.
I tried to drink the wine again when I noticed it was empty, so I got onto my feet and went back to the wine cellar. I grabbed another bottle of wine, popped it open, and drank it while leaning against the cabinet... looking through the phone.
A moment later...
I made my way out of the wine cellar and towards the garage when I noticed a shadow lurking between the cars. I grabbed a screwdriver and walked toward the person... feeling a bit light-headed from the wine.
''Yah. What are you doing?'' I questioned... causing Hwa-young to jump in panic. She was examining Taehyung's jeep.
''None of your business,'' Hwa-young shrugged, rudely trying to walk past me.
''You're a sneaky one, aren't you,'' I chuckled, feeling a bit tipsy as I grabbed her wrist and drew her back.
''Let go of me,'' Hwa-young tried to pull her hand free, but I refused to let go.
''Did you think your actions will go unnoticed?'' I giggled under my breath and turned to look at her with my pitch-black eyes.
''You're drunk! Let me go! Yah! JUNGKOOK! JUNGKOOK OPPA!- AH''
"He might be oblivious, but I can recognize a corrupted soul when I see one. There's no need to call for him. He won't be able to protect you for much longer anyway,'' I smirked, thrusting her against the jeep with the screwdriver pressed against her neck. Hwa-young pants heavily as she glances down at the sharp end digging into her flesh.
''What are you talking about?'' Hwa-young gritted at me with her stern eyes. Those eyes... Just like Namjoon's... desire. It's filled with desires. Hunger... but for what?
''There are two types of people in the society. The one that openly attacks others and the quiet timed bomb, waiting to explode without anyone noticing,'' I smiled, tilting my head to the sides.
''Stop babbling nonsense. You reek of alcohol. You're just jealous of me,'' Hwa-young gritted, causing me to pause as she straightened herself.
''What is there to be jealous of? I have everything-"
''That's only your pathetic mask to deceive others. You don't have anything. Happiness? It's just a fairytale to you. Love? Do you really have anyone? Sure, you have all the top alphas swarming over the queen bee, but why? Just like aunts... you're just their sweet treats. Without power, did you think they'll care about you? No. You're nothing but a petty power source for the alphas,'' Hwa-young snarled. I speechlessly searched her eyes. The mask finally fell off her face... that's why I was always questioning her oddly innocent eyes...
''If I'm petty, then what are you? Dirt?'' I smiled at her.
''You're hopeless,'' Hwa-young rolled her eyes and tried to walk off when I grabbed a shoulder and shoved her back.
''Your brother-''
''He's taking the wrong side. He's blinded by your evil, but I'm not. I won't drown in your shadow,'' Hwa-young smirked as she stared at me with a prideful look.
''You have no power-''
''Then you should see me in a crown, Sora-shi. Why did you think I returned?'' Hwa-young sniggered mockingly as I tried to process her words.
''You'll perish-''
''Watch me make them bow before me,'' Hwa-young tilted her head to the side with he arms crossed. She returned to Seoul with Sungho on purpose... she's more than I thought she was. What's her motive?
''The evil posing as an angel,'' I whispered in realization. All those times she appeared as the pure person... it was all an act. She agreed to become a hostage on purpose... to enter the walls.
''Awe. Don't say such mean things. I know you can't handle the fact that I'm much better than you,'' Hwa-young smirked while playing with her hair.
''Better? Wah, you're-''
''You hated that I stole Jungkook away from you. He never deserved you, and you're upset because he dumped you for me? I get it. It sucks to be rejected,'' Hwa-young grinned at me, causing my blood to boil.
''Yah!'' I snapped when my darkness suddenly erupted, so I raised the screwdriver but halted. Hwa-young didn't flinch and stared at me unblinkingly. She was faking everything...
''You're losing your shine Sora-shi. Soon enough, I'll be your replacement,'' Hwa-young chuckled, reaching out for the screwdriver from my hand.
''What did I ever do to you?!'' I snapped at her when she flipped the screwdriver towards my neck.
''I want everything you can't have,'' Hwa-young smiled, trailing the sharp end along my throat.
''Go on then. Kill me. Be my replacement,'' I smiled, gripping her hand when I felt the cold metal grazing my neck.
''No. I'm going to take away your precious people and things... one by one. Nothing hurts more than losing the purpose of life, right? The first person I'll snatch from you is no other than... Jeon Jungkook,'' Hwa-young stared at me sharply. So she's the venom... spitting her poisonous spells over all of us...
''Do you think he'll believe you? It's only a matter of time before he finds out,'' I glared at her.
''Do you want to test it? I won't mind,'' Hwa-young chuckled, pushing the screwdriver back into my hand.
''What- WHAT THE FUCK!'' I gasped when Hwa-young thrust the screwdriver into her own stomach. I tried to free my hand, but she gripped tightly onto my hand until the blood started to seep through her shirt... spreading over our fingers.
''Here he comes... ARGHHHH! SORA! PLEASE! I'M SORRY! I DIDN'T MEAN TO!-''
''What are you doing?! Let go of me!'' I snapped in horror and tried to tug my hand free, but she made me push the screwdriver deeper into her... Blood trickling all over the floor. My heart raced in fear, so I frantically thrashed around and tried to shove her away from me when I heard heavy footsteps rushing into the garage.
''Me... or you? He'll decide,'' Hwa-young whispered, releasing my blood-soaked hand. She pretentiously stumbled into the cart, sending the tools clattering loudly onto the floor just as Jungkook appeared. I glanced down at my bloody hands with my mouth hanging open and back at Jungkook, who was gawking at the bloody mess.
''I'm sorry! Please don't hurt me!'' Hwa-young sobbed in pain as she gripped onto her bleeding wound.
''Jungkook I-''
"GET OUT OF MY WAY!'' Jungkook roared, shoving me aside. His force sent me crashing into the other tool carts and toppled over it. Jungkook rushed over to Hwa-young and knelt down to help her. I tried to get onto my feet in horror while keeping my eyes on her. Oh my holy shit... she's a fucking-
''I didn't mean to make you jealous. I didn't intend on stealing him from you as you accused me of. I just wanted to comfort him-''
''SHUT UP YOU FUCKING BITCH!'' I roared, cutting Hwa-young off when she faked her tears and whimpered before Jungkook. I grabbed onto a tool and rushed towards them when Jungkook shot onto his feet in fury and thrust me with all his might.
''HAJIMA! I TOLD YOU NOT TO UNLEASH YOUR GRUDGE ON AN INNOCENT PERSON. YOU LEFT ME FIRST, JANG SORA! YOU THREW ME AWAY LIKE A PIECE OF GARBAGE, SO DON'T YOU DARE HURT HER TO MAKE ME FEEL LIKE SHIT! I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF YOUR GREED AND SELFISHNESS! YOU CHOOSE HIM, SO DON'T FUCKING EXPECT ME TO GO BEGGING FOR YOU! JUST BECAUSE YOU'RE UPSET, IT DOESN'T GIVE YOU THE FUCKING RIGHT TO HURT OTHERS! IT'S WHAT YOU DO, ISN'T IT? HINDERING OTHER PEOPLE FROM ENJOYING THEIR LIVES JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN'T! IT'S PATHETIC, SORA. IT'S PATHETIC!'' Jungkook gripped my wrist and shoved me hard, so I tumbled backward and was about to fall when someone else caught me from behind.
''ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?!'' Jimin roared while stabilizing me, so I averted my eyes to Hwa-young to find her smirking at me in tears. My blood boiled in anger until it activated the darkness within me.
''PROTECT HER ALL YOU WANT! I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF THE BULLSHIT! SHE'S BLINDED ALL OF US, AND OUT OF EVERYONE- YOU SHOULD KNOW THE HELL SHE PUT YOU THROUGH!'' Jungkook bellowed in rage, furiously glaring at Jimin with his burning red face.
''NO, YOU'RE THE FUCKING FOOL. I DON'T NEED TO EXPLAIN, BUT SORA WAS NEVER THE MONSTER. WE ALL DROVE HER INSANE! I BROUGHT THE TROUBLE UPON MYSELF, AND IT WAS NEVER HER FAULT! NONE OF ALL THIS SHIT IS HER FAULT!'' Jimin roared, angrily launching at Jungkook and the both of them ended up wrestling each other inside the garage as the darkness took over me. I became dangerously calm as I swallowed the rest of the wine and glanced at Hwa-young, who was smiling at me while the guys were too busy fighting each other.
''You wanted to play with pure evil? Sure,'' I chuckled, walking forward, causing Hwa-young's face to turn pale. Did she think she could drown me with her pitiful scheme? I tried to grab Hwa-young when Jungkook pushed Jimin off him and dashed toward me in anger. I chuckled under my breath, snatched his collar, and swung him hard into the wall with the aid of my provoked darkness. Jungkook grunted in pain as I held him against the wall... staring dully at him with my blank eyes.
''Are you done talking?'' I questioned while staring at him unblinkingly as Jungkook stared at me in horror. He tried to push me away, only to realize I wasn't budging.
''Sora-''
''It's okay. Let him answer,'' I muttered, briefly glancing at Jimin.
''I told you not to harm a strand of her hair-''
''Araso. People will believe what they want to believe. Don't come crying for me when it hits you. And don't regret your words- I've already received it. I'll never choose you again, so don't beg for me after this,'' I scoffed, releasing Jungkook, then wiped the blood on my hands on his shirt, causing it to stain with blood.
''Oppa-''
''Don't you dare show up before me again,'' Jungkook spat at me with a hateful glare before rushing towards Hwa-young and lifted her up. Right when Do-hwan appeared in the garage.
''What's with all the noise- who's hurt?'' Do-hwan stopped as I blankly watched Jungkook carry Hwa-young. Jimin glared at the both of them as he gripped onto his sore shoulder.
''All medical team is forbidden to heal her. Even Hoseok's team,'' I stated, dully staring at Hwa-young, whose forehead was beading with sweat.
''WHAT?!'' Jungkook snapped at me in horror.
''I'm the monster you think I am. So I'll become one, Jungkook-shi,'' I smirked at Jungkook, so he shot me an infuriated glare. He angrily stomped toward his car, helped her inside, and drove out of the mansion in a hurry. The last person... turned his back on me.
''Sora, did you hurt the girl? You'll cause tension between the alliances once her brother finds out,'' Do-hwan questioned, turning to look at me in horror.
''You won't believe me if I told you the truth-''
''The girl stabbed herself and accused Sora of doing it. She's a psychopath,'' Jimin shook his head, causing me to avert my eyes to him. We stood staring at each other in silence. His face was filled with dread. So he knows... he witnessed it all... at that moment. I realized... I wasn't actually alone. Jimin's aware as well.
''Where are you going?'' Do-hwan questioned when I got onto the jeep and started the engine. Jimin bit his lips and dashed back to the guest mansion.
''I have something to return. I'll be right back,'' I exhaled and drove off. And a moment later, I was sitting on a bench at some park in the dark. I glanced at the dark bloodstain on my hand and quietly rubbed it.
''Yah! Are you insane? Why would you ask to meet up here?'' Seokjin whined, walking up to me in his jogging outfit.
''Beer?'' I questioned, pulling the can of beer out of the plastic bag and offered it to him.
''I'm going to head back- did you murder someone?'' Seokjin was about to turn around but halted when he noticed my blood-stained clothes.
''What if I did?'' I smirked, popping the can of beer and drained it in one go as Seokjin carefully sat beside me.
''Do you need me to bury the corpse or something?'' Seokjin questioned, bitterly glancing down at his feet.
''Does it hurt?'' I questioned, grabbing another can of beer.
''What? What hurts? The only thing that hurts is my head from dealing with your trouble,'' Seokjin muttered, worriedly glancing at my blood-stained clothes again. He observed my dejected expression with his worried eyes.
''Does it hurt when you lost her?'' I whispered, opening a can of beer. Seokjin halted and turned to look at me.
''You're drunk, aren't you?'' Seokjin questioned, looking away uneasily.
''Yeah, I am. I won't remember much after I sober up, so tell me, did it hurt?'' I questioned, turning to look at him. The second bottle of the wine got my head spinning like a whirlpool. Seokjin bitterly grabbed a can of beer and drank it.
''How did you know?'' Seokjin asked, quietly glancing down at his beer.
''I saw her picture between one of your books while organizing the shelves. And I saw her again when you threw a tantrum at Yoongi's hotel. The fake contract... it was accident files. Her picture was on one of the files. Is that why you were so upset? Because she's a victim?'' I questioned curiously. Seokjin was upset that day... not because he didn't reclaim his power but because he uncovered the truth.
''You're very nosy,'' Seokjin mumbled, sideways glancing at me.
''Tell me your story. I want to listen to your tragic love story, so I won't feel too bad about mine,'' I smiled, crossing my legs on the bench.
''She was an intern at the- aish why am I-''
''I said I won't remember!'' I snapped at him. Seokjin turned to scan my peachy cheeks, then looked down at his beer in defeat.
''I had some mental issues, you see. My parents sent me to see a therapist every week, and she was an intern there. That's how we met,'' Seokjin grazed the edge of the beer with his fingertip.
''Hold up... don't tell me... was she an average?'' I gasped, smacking his arm excitedly until Seokjin fired me an irritated look.
''Yeah-"'
''OOOOOOOOOOO-'' I giggled, smacking his arms happily. Who could've figured Kim Seokjin was in love with an average!
''Aish- I'm heading home- you're drunk--''
''Yah! Finish your story!'' I whined as Seokjin tried to get up, but he eventually sat back down.
''If you remember any of this when you sober up- I will kill you,'' Seokjin threatened me.
''I won't. I'll guarantee you that,'' I shook my head at him.
''We didn't date-"
''Eh? You didn't confess? Why not? An alpha is too cool for an average? You're so lame,'' I muttered in disappointment.
''I was going to confess on our first date! We only saw each other at the mental institute. I did ask her out on a date- I even got flowers,'' Seokjin complained, desperately trying to defend himself.
''And she got into an accident?'' I muttered in realization. Seokjin's face dimmed at my words, so he paused for a second.
''Oh-... she was right across from me. Right across the road. Smiling... all dressed up... waving at me... she crossed the street when the bright light- it just-''
''That's... dark. It must have been rough for you to witness it,'' I mumbled sadly at Seokjin, who looked like he was about to burst into tears, but he didn't.
''It's a short story,'' Seokjin scoffed, turning to look at me.
''Did you find the culprit?'' I questioned, leaning against the bench to stare at Seokjin's face. A sudden flash of anger flooded his face as he tensely gripped his fist.
''I searched. It was an old man. I wanted to murder him... but I couldn't. Not after seeing his living condition. He was barely... making it... he claimed that his grandchild was home alone that night-''
''It's tough, isn't it?'' I mumbled, nodding at him with a bitter expression. He also has a painful truth to endure... I'm not the only one...
''I had to let go. I was at peace. But then..,'' Seokjin gulped, looking down at his hands... he's angry..? Or am I drunk?
''But?'' I questioned.
''I found the real culprit behind it,'' Seokjin exhaled shakily.
''Wasn't it the old man-"
''Kim Namjoon,'' Seokjin whispered. I fell quiet for a moment and tried to process his words. Oh...
''The documents... it belongs to Namjoon. He killed her? Why?'' I gasped, turning to look at Seokjin.
''I never told him about her, but there she was... sitting amongst the files. The person who I thought was my friend... had been betraying me since the beginning... no- I was a fool to consider him a friend,'' Seokjin gritted in discontent.
''Is it because he didn't want you to be involved with an average?'' I questioned curiously.
''Yeah. Namjoon knew she'd cause unnecessary troubles once introduced to the society, so he eliminated her before things escalated,'' Seokjin nodded. I fell quiet and thought about it... So his best friend killed his lover... to protect him from the society but ended up stealing his assets. Damn. Kim Seokjin's life is as tough as mine.
''Well. Fortunately, she's gone now, or else you two would have a hard time surviving in the society. Not to be rude, but she wouldn't have lasted. But... what was she like...? Pretty? Hmm... independent? Bold? Is she like me?'' I questioned, smiling cheekily at Seokjin.
''Tsk. She's the opposite of you. She's like the moon. Always looking her best, having her life together... shining brightly in the darkness. She was... just... amazing. Never needed anyone's help... loving and kind. So don't even compare yourself to her,'' Seokjin jokingly glared at me.
''Maybe... that'll be me in my next life. Wild, young, and free. It's only a dream. I'm just... incomplete... broken... worthless... corrupted,'' I muttered, agreeing with his words. I'm the definition of imperfections.
''Why are you here? Did you just call me to make me talk about my dead lover?'' Seokjin questioned.
Fast Forward: Next Day
I sat quietly in the living room and anxiously bit my nails. This is the only way out? Can I do this by myself? I need to find a way to set all of them free before I get caught. Did I do the right thing? I nervously glanced at Jimin when he appeared with a sullen expression.
''Jungkook didn't return, nor did the girl,'' Jimin sighed, sadly eyeing my dark circles.
''He will have to show up at the elite meeting tomorrow,'' I shrugged, bitterly scanning the trees in silence.
''Right. About that. I think you need to see something. Follow me,'' Jimin sighed, walking out of the mansion, so I followed him, and to my surprise... he entered the guest mansion and led me up the stairs.
''Why are you going up there?'' I questioned as we went up to Hwa-young's floor. Jimin didn't say anything, went over to her room, then pushed her door open. I walked inside to find a neat room... the heavy lily scent filling my nose. Was Jungkook here with her?
''Remember when I said I believe you?'' Jimin questioned, walking over to her desk and flipped through the books. I stared at the collections of perfumes. Rows... after the rows... of it. Lily... every bottle was lily scented perfumes and mists.
''What on earth...'' I whispered, reaching out to pick up one of the perfumes and sniffed it curiously. It smells exactly like Jungkook.
''It seems like she's not who we thought she was,'' Jimin sighed, turning to look at me while he leaned against the desk with a book in his hand. I uneasily stared at the book and glanced back at him.
Flash Back: When Sora confronted Hwa-young inside her mother's office.
Third Person POV
Sora heavily slumped onto the armchair with her palms pressed against her face after Jungkook left with Hwa-young and Sungho. Jimin slowly bents down to pick up the files and sorted them out on the desk when he came across a torn page. The page was about Sora's assets and her alliances with the other households. Jimin stood quietly staring at the torn page, then glanced around the room to look for the missing paper, but it was nowhere to be found. Jimin slowly closes the book and sideways glances at Sora, who was gripping her hair in frustration.
He knew it wasn't Sora.
Flash Back end...
''You knew?'' I whispered, flipping through the book she's been carrying with her. I couldn't tear my eyes off the pages as I went through it.
''She was digging into the status of your assets. The page is still missing. But that isn't the problem... the problem is...,'' Jimin trailed off as he stood staring at the book... my jaw slowly dropping open. I grazed my finger over the sketch of the familiar-looking face in her book...
''Jeon Jungkook. She's after him,'' I whispered in realization. The entire book was filled with sketches, pictures, notes, and facts about Jungkook. Almost like a biography... she had everything registered in the book. From his shirt size... to his shoes... to the cars he owns... and even the specific cologne he uses. I flipped to the midsection to find a bundle of photos of Jungkook stacked inside and on each photo... were detailed notes of the date taken and his whereabouts.
''I think you have a hater,'' Jimin whispered as I went through the pictures but stopped when I found pictures of me with Jungkook. At the alphas ceremony... the field trip to Busan... Jungkook and I sitting in his car as he leaned in to kiss me... Jungkook and I at the amusement park... Jungkook and I at the tournament... the pictures were perfectly fine... except, for my face... in each photo. My face was either scratched or crossed out with a red marker.
''She knew about us before we even knew her,'' I whispered as I stared at a picture of Jungkook sitting in his wheelchair at the hospital in disbelief.
''I checked her whereabouts. As Sungho claimed, she returned to Korea before the Black Phoenix was exposed. The problem is, she flew back here without his permission and insisted on staying. I checked her medical record, there was no problem with her, but she insisted she felt really sick. She faked her illness to approach Jungkook at the hospital. The girl is obsessed with Jeon Jungkook. A stalker... ani... should I say she's a fan? And your wannabe,'' Jimin nodded while folding his arms.
''So that's what she's been doing... manipulating Jungkook,'' I whispered, looking up at Jimin in shock.
''Well. She got him. The real problem is you Sora. She's envious of you. She's envious of everything you have, and I doubt she'll stop until she gets what she wants. The Jeon's contract is expiring, and so's mine,'' Jimin sighed at me. I sat quietly lost... in my own thoughts...
''She plans on breaking the alliances... so I'd be left hopeless without you guys,'' I muttered, gripping my hands in realization.
''Not if Taehyung sacrifices us first. The elite meeting will take place tomorrow...'' Jimin looked at me anxiously.
''Don't worry. I have a plan,'' I said in a grave tone.
''A plan?'' Jimin uneasily unfolded his arms.
''Can you keep another secret? A fatal one,'' I questioned, averting my eyes to Jimin.
''Is it something like Taehyung's secret? That destructive...?'' Jimin gulped at me.
''Worse,'' I said shortly, staring at Jimin, who fell silent. We sat quietly... exchanging dreadful glances as I gripped my hand uneasily. She wants to play the game, so I'll play with her. I warned her, I really did.
Fast Foward: Night Before the elite meeting (The future event)
''Are you looking for something?'' I questioned, poking my head into the closet as I watched Taehyung rummaging through his coats. He's been searching inside it for almost an hour now.
''No. Nothing,'' Taehyung shook his head. He hurriedly walked out of the room, leaving me alone. I smiled and slowly sat on the bed, calmly waiting for him to return. Taehyung left to search inside his room for another hour before bursting through the door in fury.
"Where is it?!" Taehyung roared, flinging the door wide open as I sat on the bed.
"What? Where is what?" I questioned, dumbfoundedly staring at Taehyung, who was fuming in rage.
"Don't play dumb with me!" Taehyung snapped, gripping tightly onto my shoulders as he glared at me with his burning eyes.
"Taehyung. I really don't know what you're talking about," I whispered and stared at him in terror.
"Is this fun to you?" Taehyung flared his nose... keeping his raging eyes on mine.
"Did you lose something? I'll help you look for it," I searched his eyes in utter confusion and fear. Taehyung roughly let go of me and turned around to comb his fingers through his hair.
"Just be honest with me. I don't have the time to play around with your childish game," Taehyung shakily turned to look at me with his hands on his hip. I tilted my head to the side with a blank face and slowly got off the bed. I walked up to him and wrapped my arms around his waist before tilting my eyes upward to look at him with my puppy eyes.
"Childish game? Why are you so upset with me? I thought you wanted this marriage, didn't you?" I pouted, then leaned upward to peck him on the lips.
"Hajima- give it back to me," Taehyung exhaled as I ran my hand along his waist and grazed my fingers across his chest. I tilted my head to the side and tugged his face down towards mine, kissing him sensually on the lips. Taehyung tried to pull away, but I bit down on his lips and wrapped my arms around his neck to hold him against me.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," I whispered. Taehyung gripped onto my waist and tugged me closer to him. I teasingly kissed the side of his neck and collarbone until Taehyung moaned in pleasure.
"Don't- m-make me-," Taehyung exhaled while holding onto my jaws. He guided me back to his lips... sensually staring into my eyes as I brushed my nose against his.
"What are you going to do about it?" I smirked, looking at him sharp in the eyes. Taehyung paused and stared at me with his tongue pressed against the inner side of his cheek. I chuckled and turned my face towards our huge wedding portrait on the wall, so Taehyung glanced at the picture and back to me.
"You know what I'll do," Taehyung warned, tightening his grasp around my waist. I turned to face him, then glanced down at his lips ... finally averting my eyes to his dull gaze. I softly chuckled while brushing my fingers over his moist lips. Tension grew inside the room as we stood staring at each other with our pitch-black eyes. The darkness slowly consuming our souls once again... we were ready to murder one another.
"You can make me your one and only... but don't make your enemy," I whispered, steadily brushing my lips against his ears, then glanced at our reflection in the mirror. The dark haze of evil... engulfing the both of us.
''What did you do?!'' Taehyung snapped at me.
''I'm just envious, you know. Your first love. She got the best of you while... I got the worst of you,'' I chuckled, backing away from Taehyung.
''What are you talking about?! Give me the phone!'' Taehyung snapped in irritation.
''Your love for me never existed, did it? Your love... it died with her,'' I gulped at Taehyung, who was growing very impatient.
''I SAID I DON'T CARE ABOUT HER-''
''THEN WHY DID YOU KEEP ALL THE MEMORIES! WAE? YOU'RE A MARRIED MAN WHO CLAIMS TO LOVE ME, AND YET YOU KEEP HER PHONE CHARGED AND HIDDEN IN YOUR COAT! WHAT AM I TO YOU, KIM TAEHYUNG? YOU SMILED FOR HER. YOU LAUGHED FOR HER. YOU WERE GENTLE WITH HER. YOU TREATED HER WITH SUCH... AFFECTION, SO WHY CAN'T YOU DO THE SAME FOR ME? WAE? '' I roared in tears as Taehyung clenched his jaw in irritation.
''THAT'S THE PAST-''
''I AM YOUR PAST. THE PAST BEFORE HER! SHE WAS YOUR EVERYTHING, WASN'T SHE? I'M NOT JEALOUS OF THE DEAD BUT WAE- WHY DO YOU HAVE TO KEEP HER AROUND WHEN YOU HAVE ME? HOW CAN YOU TREAT A DEAD PERSON BETTER THAN THE ONE LIVING BEFORE YOU-"
''ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND-''
''ALL YOU CARE ABOUT IS TRYING TO FUCK ME UNTIL I GIVE YOU A FUCKING HEIR! SO YOU CHAIN ME DOWN AND PROVE YOUR VICTORY. WHAT AM I? YOUR FUCKING SEX SLAVE?'' I burst into the flame, causing Taehyung to fall quiet as he glared at me.
''She was not my first love. You were. Ever since I returned after you drowned, there wasn't a day that went by when I didn't think of you. She was a fucking rebound to get my mind off you. Because every time I close my eyes... I see your pretty brown eyes... every time I'm alone... I hear your fucking cheerful laughter. Is that what you want to hear? Well, you have it now,'' Taehyung gritted at me.
''Am I supposed to believe you-''
''I loved you enough to keep the fucking half-breed alive when he's supposed to be dead! Fine. That phone... it wasn't about the fucking memories. It's the only solution to save your fucking first love and all of your precious alliances. Kim Seokjin's contract,'' Taehyung gritted at me as I glared at him. Suddenly, I felt guilt flooding through me. Did I do the right thing by returning the power...?
''Why didn't you seize power when you first had your hands on it? Why did you hide it from the society? You could've stopped Kim Namjoon before the trouble escalated,'' I seethed at Taehyung. Why did he let Kim Namjoon ruin me if he had Seokjin's power in his hands?!
''Then you wouldn't have married me, would you? If I disabled Kim Namjoon, then we wouldn't have any rivals left, and once again... you'll drift away from me. I needed to ignite the ember to give you a reason to advance towards me. I couldn't let you go, that's why,'' Taehyung suddenly softened his voice and gripped my hand tightly. All these times, I was stressed out over Kim Namjoon... making reckless decisions to resist the society... Kim Taehyung had the power to stop it, but he didn't because he couldn't risk losing me. If Kim Namjoon collapse... He knew I would use it as an excuse to avoid the marriage because we were no longer threatened. So instead... he chooses to stay quiet and let the storm... brew... he let Kim Namjoon attack us so I would be forced towards a dead end. Back to him... Kim Taehyung is my dead end.
Throwback: Sora x Seokjin at the park.
''Why are you here? Did you just call me to make me talk about my dead lover?'' Seokjin questioned.
''I'm going to head back soon. But I got something for you,'' I shrugged while digging into my pocket.
''What's this?'' Seokjin questioned when I handed him Haerim's phone.
''Something you've been searching for,'' I nodded, emptying my beer into my mouth.
''Wait. Did Taehyung actually keep her phone? Is he insane? Did you kill him after discovering he still keeps Haerim's phone-'' Seokjin teased while looking through the phone but suddenly stopped dead. I quietly drank the beer beside him as Seokjin became muted. So I turned to look at his pale face. Seokjin looked... terrified as he stared at the phone in utter shock.
''It was always there. What you've been searching for,'' I sighed, watching Seokjin as he unblinkingly stared at the phone.
''When- how did you-''
''Today. Well... I came across the phone a few times, but didn't really care because I thought Taehyung cherishes it or something... but I guess... it serves another purpose,'' I nodded, glancing down at my beer.
FlashBack
I leaned against the cabinet... drinking the wine while skimming through the phone when I came across a file. It was the only file... so I clicked it and waited for all the pages to load.
Classified Contracts
I stood for a moment, staring at the title... but couldn't process it... and proceeded to sip the wine.
I scrolled down to find...
Kim Seokjin's Contracts
I froze in my place as I stared at the text in disbelief. I carefully placed the wine bottle on the counter and immediately scrolled through the files... it was filled with Seokjin's contracts and assets documents. I bit my lips and looked up in horror when I realized I was staring at Seokjin's stolen contracts.
End of flashback.
''So that's why... Haerim died. They killed her after Taehyung took it...,'' Seokjin whispered while staring at the screen.
''I suppose she was trying to warn you, and that's why Namjoon eliminated her,'' I nodded quietly.
''Why didn't Taehyung use it?'' Seokjin whispered.
''I don't know. But we'll find out at the elite meeting,'' I muttered, getting onto my feet.
''He was going to... sacrifice my power to the Black Phoenix?'' Seokjin looked up at me in horror.
''That's why he told me to stay out of trouble... because he had a plan,'' I nodded at Seokjin.
''Why are you helping me? Without my power, Taehyung won't have anything to offer-''
''Did you think I was stupid Seokjin-shi? You were going to reunite with Kim Namjoon anyway-''
''Sora. I didn't mean to-"
''That's why you knew where I was the day I was drugged without me telling you the address. You warned Namjoon to leave the place after I texted you. He was there to meet you and Minho, wasn't he? And you came because you had to ensure I was clueless,'' I nodded at Seokjin, who looked at me in extreme guilt.
''Sora listen-''
''Gwaenchana. Taehyung thought it was a good idea to permit the Black Phoenix into the society. But not me. It's not about the alphas anymore, it's about us... against them. The alpha war is over now,'' I shook my head when Seokjin got to his feet. He looked at me in guilt as I smiled at him...
''You know... you're too good for the society,'' Seokjin sighed.
''I'll forever be the monster to them,'' I smiled, turning around and strode off.
''The good in your will only lead to death, you know that?'' Seokjin questioned. I smiled and turned to look at him while walking backward.
''Death? That's one of the things I can't have. Ask them. It seems like my death isn't a part of their plan,'' I laughed, pointing up at the skies. They'll never let me die... whoever they are... they'll never let go of me until I've fulfilled my role.
''You'll regret this, won't you?'' Seokjin questioned.
''Oh right. Keep Kim Namjoon alive. We need his brain to fight the Black Phoenix,'' I turned to remind Seokjin and went back to Taehyung's jeep.
End of throwback
Present: Taehyung x Sora (Night before the Elite Meeting)
''You said... you'll love me no matter what, didn't you?'' I whispered, gripping his hands as Taehyung searched my eyes anxiously.
''Like I said... it's you and I that matter. So tell me... where's the contract? Sora. I need to submit it to the Black Phoenix. It was what I promised them to guarantee our life,'' Taehyung spoke, firmly gripping onto my shoulders with a worried look.
''Then you'll have to go through hell for us,'' I whispered, averting my gleaming eyes to Taehyung.
''What do you mean?'' Taehyung asked as dread filled his face.
''I returned the contract to Kim Seokjin. That's what I did. So will you keep your promise... or will you kill me this instant for ruining your precious plan? You might I've beaten me by a few steps... but the game's not over. It never was,'' I replied lowly while staring at him with my pitch-black eyes. Taehyung's face suddenly ashen in horror. It was as if I blew out the light in his eyes... with my gentle blow.
He fooled me with his death trap... but I drowned him with my grudge. For a moment, did he think I'd forgive him?
No. I simply manipulated his mind to weaken him... he wanted tough love, so I'll give it to him. I will offer him love... but he can't have everything else. To have me, he must lose everything. This is the consequence of his death trap. He must take responsibility for the pain he inflicted on me.
Fast Forward: A Future Event
I gagged and collapsed onto the ground when the dense smoke filled my lungs, so I pounded my chest in distress. THUD THUD THUD. Someone hammered on the doors, so I averted my eyes to the raging flame before me. I crawled across the counter to the other side of the kitchen that was filled with smoke, then leaned against the fridge... choking violently with sweat beading on my forehead as the heat stretched across the room. BOOM. A sudden explosion from the other side of the kitchen suddenly went off, sending a searing blast of the heatwave and fire into the second section of the kitchen. I covered my ears in fright, averted my eyes to the window, and weakly tried to crawl through the burning kitchen. But I coughed so hard I felt my chest wrenching in pain. My vision started to become blurry- I was trapped inside the room-
"AH!" I screeched when my head suddenly thudded in extreme pain. FLASH... I was running down the burning hallway... FLASH... the explosion of flames bursting through the vents sending me off my feet... FLASH... Jungkook and I began coughing while Taehyung held tightly onto our hands. FLASH... the thudding door... screams echoing amidst the burning mansion... I was back in the past... reviving my past trauma... this is how I'll die? While recalling my trauma...? I avert my eyes down the hallway of the smoked corridor... what's this? A man stood in the hallway... staring right at us. I coughed and cried with my eyes trained on the silhouette of the man in the hallway. Taehyung tugged my hand and began dragging me away as I kept on staring at the man. I didn't know who he was, nor could I recognize him because of the dense smoke... but one thing was for sure... the shadow over him... it was... the Black Phoenix... its dark wings spreading within the fiery flames... He slowly turns around and walks straight into the orange flames as Taehyung tows me out of the burning mansion with Jungkook.
Vision ends
"-SORA" Someone roared while shaking my shoulders, causing me to snap out of my vision.
"J-Jimin?" I whispered hoarsely when I felt my head growing lighter with the lack of oxygen. Jimin grabbed my arm and pulled me onto my feet before dragging me across the flaming kitchen. I coughed violently when my legs suddenly wobbled, causing my knees to go weak. Jimin tugged me back onto my feet, then lifted me off the ground before rushing through the flaming kitchen and slid me onto the window frame. I tumbled off the window and fell onto the cool grass as Jimin jumped over the window.
"We have to leave," Jimin gritted, pulling me onto my feet just as another person appeared at the window with a deadly expression. Taehyung. Jimin panted and dragged me forward as I stared at Kim Taehyung, whose eyes were burning into mine. We rounded the corner of the mansion and headed towards the main gate when the Kim's side of the mansion suddenly blew up into flames. BOOM. Sending Jimin and I tumbling onto the ground.
"Fuck. Go Sora! I have to get Taehyung," Jimin scrambled onto his feet, dashed towards the mansion, and disappeared inside. I sat staring at the blazing mansion with my mouth wide open. Upon the scorching heat, I suddenly felt a cold sting... I averted my eyes to the tiny cold specks on my hand... and slowly glanced up at the night sky to find the gentle drizzle of snow drifting over me. I lifted my palm to cushion the flakes when the front door of the mansion blew open before me. I had to shield my eyes, then turned to find the door frame on fire, and to my horror. A silhouette appeared, striding out of the burning doorway, causing my heart to leap in panic.
Kim Taehyung marched through the flame... unbothered by the raging fire with his evil-infested eyes trained on mine. My entire body grew weak upon his immortal-like presence as he advanced towards me.
"SORA!" Someone screamed from behind me, causing my entire body to stiffen. The voice... wae... that voice... shouldn't be here. I snapped my head towards the gate to find... no other then... Jeon Jungkook... racing towards me with a terrified expression. My eyes widened at his presence as I watched him inching closer to me... I turned to stare at Taehyung, who was heading straight towards us, and back at Jungkook, who was desperately running towards me. My heart stopped beating when I noticed the gun clutched tightly in Taehyung's hand. My head started thudding so hard I began shaking violently.
"No, don't come near me," I whispered, pushing myself to my feet while standing in between the both of them. I turned to Taehyung and back to Jungkook in fear. Taehyung handled the gun... surrounded by his thick darkness...
"Jungkook! Leave now! Jebal!" I screamed in tears and dashed towards Jungkook, who was oblivious of Taehyung's murderous intention.
"SORA-"
BANG.
Third Person POV
Jeon Jungkook and Jang Sora halted in their place, standing just five feet apart from each other... their tearful eyes gazing into one another. The delicate snowflakes... drifting over them as the mansion burned into flames... and on the other side... stood Kim Taehyung with his arms raised... the gun aimed at the alpha before him.
One of the two alphas sunk to their knees as the other one watches... blood spreading across the ground... as the wounded alpha slid onto the dirt... the remaining two stood staring at the alpha... one was in complete shock... and the other one, Kim Taehyung stood firmly in his position with his gun raised as he watches the puddle of blood coat the pavement.
December... 13th... was when the Fire incident took place, and they lost the supreme alpha... Park Jihyun... years later... on the exact same day... same time... another alpha drops before the cursed flames...
Just like the first snow... the lifeless alpha laid coldly on the ground... staring up at the white snowflakes... showering down over the broken soul...
The snow was the only comfort... distracting the fading alpha from being frightened... numbing the pain... calming the flames and lastly...
The first snow... awaiting to patiently guide the soul... towards the eternity of the end.
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Hi!!! Wasn't expect an early update huh? XD I wasn't going to update this early because I have the final exams coming up :( but I didn't want to take a long hiatus either, so I decided to write another chapter before the exam T_T I'll be spending this week studying after this update T_T the exam will take place next week so I'll be gone for roughly 2-3 weeks! But I'll be replying and watching over your feedback! >,< I'll study hard, survive the exam and return to you guys! So wait for me!
How was it? Did you enjoy it? Let me know! I'm really curious! I'll be very stressed during my review so talk to me haha! Your notifs will motivate me to study even harder!
Of course, I'll always thank you for spending your valuable time on my work >,< I'm really grateful for your support and love! I don't know how I got so lucky, haha but I'm really glad I met you guys! Without you... I wouldn't have existed either :) So thank you for giving me the opportunity to showcase my work! I will continue to work harder and return with better content! Please stay healthy and happy! Take care and have a great day! I love you! <3 See you after my exam!!!