13

The weight of the day, both physical and emotional, finally pressed down on Y/n as she climbed into the luxurious bathtub.

Hot water cascaded down her body, the steam swirling around her like a comforting shroud. But the luxurious setting couldn't soothe the storm raging inside her.

Reaching down, she touched her stomach, a tiny ripple beneath the skin.

Her baby.

This wasn't just about her anymore.

"Oh, little one," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "What have I gotten myself into? This world... it's a scary place. I can't promise you a life yet, not with everything so uncertain."

A single tear escaped her eye, trailing down her cheek as she spoke to the tiny life blooming within her. The thought of her baby living in a world where she can't provide for it, or even ensure a loving environment, that too, parentless.

"But I'll fight," she continued, her voice gaining strength. "For as long as I can, I'll fight for a better future. For you, my love. Even if it means walking a tightrope."

Sinking deeper into the water, Y/n closed her eyes.

With a shaky breath, she let the exhaustion wash over her, clinging to the hope that somehow, amidst the darkness, she'd find a way to protect her future – her child, and perhaps, even the man who unknowingly held a piece of her heart.

---

Y/n stirred awake the next morning, the oppressive weight of the previous night's revelation clinging to her. She forced herself out of bed, a plan forming in her mind.

She wouldn't crumble under the pressure. She would navigate this situation, for her baby, for herself.

Descending the grand staircase, clad in a crisp black skirt and a silk blouse, she straightened her spine, projecting an air of confidence she didn't entirely feel.

Her heart hammered a frantic rhythm against her ribs as the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries wafted up from below.

The grand dining room was bathed in the golden light of the morning sun, illuminating a scene that made Y/n freeze in her tracks.

There, by the window, stood a figure that sent a jolt through her system. Broad shoulders, a lean physique, and a head of dark hair that seemed to defy gravity - it was unmistakenly him.

He was laughing, a carefree sound that reached Y/n's ears like a cruel echo from a forgotten past.

Beside him stood a woman, her back to Y/n, a radiant smile playing on her lips. Robert Silvia stood opposite them, their conversation flowing in a comfortable familiarity.

Y/n felt the blood drain from her face. Dread coiled in the pit of her stomach, a sickly sweet sensation that threatened to consume her.

Every muscle in her body tensed, the carefully crafted image of composure shattering in an instant.

Panic threatened to overwhelm her.  This couldn't be real. It was a cruel joke, a twisted dream.

But the warmth of the  morning sun on her skin, the aroma of coffee, the reality of the scene before her, shattered the illusion.

Jeon Jungkook.

Him, alive and well, was about to turn and face her. The man who held a piece of her heart, was now her supervisor, the face behind the weapon she was supposed to glorify.

"Ah, Miss Kim! There you are," Robert boomed, his voice cutting through the tense silence. "Come, come, join us for breakfast. We were just discussing the finer points of..."

A flicker of something unreadable crossed his face before he plastered on a welcoming smile.

"This is our guest, Miss Y/n Kim," Robert continued, gesturing towards Y/n. "The brilliant young journalist who will be assisting us with the project."

But Y/n's attention was locked elsewhere. Her gaze met Jungkook's across the room, and a gasp escaped her lips.

The carefree laughter that had filled the room just moments ago died on his lips. His eyes widened comically, his jaw slackening in disbelief.

It was as if someone had punched the air out of him. The color drained from his face, leaving him a pale ghost of his former self.

Standing beside him, oblivious to the drama unfolding, was a beautiful woman with cascading blonde hair and an elegant emerald green dress.

Catherine Silvia, Robert's daughter and, as Y/n had earlier learned, Jungkook's fiancée.

The revelation hit Y/n like a physical blow. Here she was, the woman Jungkook had claimed to be passionate about, the woman he'd sacrificed everything for, standing face-to-face with him, engaged to another woman.

The air crackled with a tension so thick it was almost suffocating. Y/n felt a wave of nausea rise in her throat, a cocktail of emotions churning within her. Betrayal, anger, and a deep, gnawing pain threatened to overwhelm her.

Jungkook's eyes darted between Y/n and Catherine, his gaze flickering with a mixture of horror, confusion, and a flicker of something that looked suspiciously like… guilt?

The silence stretched on, an eternity punctuated only by the clinking of silverware from a startled servant. Y/n could almost hear the cruel laughter of fate echoing in the grand hall. This was a nightmare, a twisted game where she, Jungkook, and Catherine were the unwilling pawns.

Jungkook opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came out. His hand, resting possessively on Catherine's shoulder, trembled ever so slightly. It was a small detail, but to Y/n, it spoke volumes.

Despite the emotional earthquake erupting within her, Y/n summoned every ounce of professionalism she possessed.  Squaring her shoulders, she forced a smile onto her face, the effort causing her jaw to ache.

First, she addressed Catherine, extending a hand with a practiced grace. "Miss Silvia, it's a pleasure to meet you.  Welcome home, I presume?"  Her voice remained steady, devoid of betrayal or accusation.

Catherine, oblivious to the storm brewing beneath the surface, beamed back. "Thank you, Miss Kim.  It is lovely to be back in Moscow."  She grasped Y/n's hand firmly, her touch radiating warmth and confidence.

Next, Y/n turned to the statue beside Catherine. Jungkook stood frozen, his expression a mask of shock and something that resembled… regret?

Her heart twisted within her chest. Did he truly regret their separation?

"Mr. Jeon," she said, her voice cool and even, "we finally meet."

Jungkook's hand trembled as he hesitantly took hers. The brief contact sent a jolt through him, a potent reminder of the connection they once shared.

He felt like a man caught in a lie, exposed to the one person he thought he could hide from.

A million questions threatened to spill out of his mouth, but he choked them back, paralyzed by the sheer unexpectedness of the situation.

Robert, oblivious to the silent drama unfolding before him, chuckled heartily. "Well, Miss Kim, it seems you already know our resident genius, Mr. Jeon Jungkook."

"Indeed," Y/n replied, her voice carrying a hint of a sardonic edge. "I believe he was a professor at Jenesis University for a brief period, wasn't he? Though, I confess, I wasn't paying much attention at the time. But now, of course, I shall be very interested in learning more about his work."

The remark hung heavy in the air, a subtle jab at Jungkook's abrupt departure from academia. A flicker of amusement crossed Robert's eyes.  "Ah, yes, Jungkook's quite the brilliant mind. You two will make a fantastic team, I'm sure."

Y/n offered a tight smile, the façade holding strong. Internally, however, she felt like a tightly wound spring, ready to explode with a torrent of emotions.

Taking a seat at the table, she mentally braced herself for the awkward breakfast that lay ahead. This was just the beginning, a tangled web of secrets and unspoken truths. Each bite, she knew, would be a struggle, each conversation a minefield.

---

[Stockpile storage section, Moscow]

The sterile air of the underground stockpile hummed with a low thrum of power. Dazzling rows of gleaming missiles, torpedoes, and artillery shells filled the cavernous space, a testament to Russia's military might.

Y/n, flanked by Robert Silvia and a tense-faced Jungkook, walked through the maze of weaponry, the weight of each destructive device pressing down on her.

Jungkook, trying to appear professional despite the tremor in his voice, launched into a briefing. "These," he gestured towards a rack of sleek missiles, "are the latest hypersonic missiles, capable of reaching speeds exceeding Mach 5."

Y/n cut him off politely but firmly. "Hypersonic glide vehicles, actually, Mr. Jeon. They don't strictly use a rocket engine for the entire flight path."

And she knew very well how to defeat the master in his own game.

If he was a genius in developing weapons, she was no less in defeating his knowledge power.

Jungkook blinked, momentarily thrown off guard. He cleared his throat. "Right, of course. My apologies, Miss Kim. They can deliver a variety of conventional or nuclear warheads..."

"Including thermonuclear warheads," Y/n interjected again, her gaze lingering on the ominous payload section of a nearby missile. "The yield would be significantly higher than a standard atomic bomb, wouldn't it?"

A bead of sweat formed on Jungkook's temple.

This wasn't supposed to be happening.

This young journalist, a stranger to weapons, was dissecting his briefing with an ease that bordered on arrogance.

"Y-yes, that's correct," he stammered. "The destructive power..."

"Would be catastrophic," Y/n finished his sentence, her voice devoid of emotion. "A single missile could potentially level an entire city."

Jungkook's jaw clenched. Y/n's casual dismissal of his explanation, her superior knowledge of the weapon, stung deeply.

This wasn't supposed to happen.

Robert, however, seemed impressed. A satisfied grin spread across his face. "Excellent observation, Miss Kim! You have a keen eye for detail. How, may I ask, does a young journalist possess such in-depth knowledge of military hardware?"

"Ironic, isn't it? Perhaps I've a keen eye to understand the manufacturer before understanding his creations. Helps a lot in understanding where their thinking goes."

The tour continued, the air thick with tension after Y/n's pointed remark. Jungkook, visibly flustered, rattled off specifications for each weapon they passed, while Y/n trailed behind, her sharp eyes absorbing every detail.

They finally reached a section cordoned off by a tinted glass door. Y/n, her curiosity piqued, stopped. "Is there something behind this door, Mr. Jeon?"

Before Jungkook could answer, Robert Silvia cut in, his voice clipped. "No, no, Miss Kim. We do have one more weapon, but it's not currently operational. You'll be briefed on it later."

Y/n raised an eyebrow, her intuition tingling. The forced nonchalance in Silvia's voice rang false.

Robert's nervousness was becoming increasingly evident. He cast a pointed look at Jungkook, then barked at a nearby guard.

"Escort Miss Kim out, please. It's getting stuffy down here."

As the guard led Y/n away, Robert grabbed Jungkook's arm, his grip surprisingly tight. His voice, when he spoke, was a low growl. "We can't let her know about that weapon. It's too soon."

"But why?" Jungkook protested, his voice laced with frustration.

"Because she knows how it works, you fool!" Robert hissed. "She practically surveyed it! We can't afford for her to make note of it being here."

"Do you even understand the consequences, Jeon? If word gets out about this weapon being on Russian soil, the sanctions, the international pressure... it'll cripple us."

Jungkook stared at the retreating figure of Y/n, a knot of despair tightening in his stomach. He felt trapped, caught between the woman he loved and the loyalty he'd sworn to a cause he was beginning to question.

"Do you even understand how UN will be at our throat? The courts will launch warrants after us and we'll be wanted in all 7 waters of the world!"

"This was never part of the plan," Jungkook choked out, his voice barely a whisper.

"Plans change," Robert said, his grip on Jungkook's arm tightening painfully. "We need discretion now more than ever. You know the weapon's capabilities. You know what it can do. If she breathes a word, the entire project goes up in smoke. Think of the bigger picture, Jeon."

Robert's words rang hollow in Jungkook's ears. The idealistic vision they'd once shared seemed twisted, distorted by the weight of secrets and lies.

"But she's innocent," Jungkook argued, a desperate plea escaping his lips.

"Innocence is a luxury we can't afford," Robert countered, his voice cold and unyielding. "This is your choice, Jeon. Keep her quiet, or watch everything we've built crumble."

Silence descended upon them, heavy and suffocating. Jungkook felt the weight of the world pressing down on him. He knew what he had to do.

With a heavy heart, he surrendered. "Alright," he conceded, his voice a defeated rasp. "I'll keep her in the dark."

A flicker of satisfaction crossed Robert's face. "Good," he said, releasing his grip. "Now, let's get back. We have much to discuss."

Y/n waited outside the stockpiles area, tapping her fear, waiting for the men to come out.

Just then, Robert appeared, looking flustered. "Ah, Miss Kim, there you are. I apologize for the abrupt dismissal."

Y/n offered a tight smile. "No worries, Mr. Silvia. I understand these things can be confidential."

Robert nodded eagerly, perhaps a bit too eagerly. "Indeed, indeed. A matter of security for our upcoming... event."

"Event?" Y/n raised an eyebrow, a flicker of curiosity sparking in her eyes. "What kind of event?"

Robert cleared his throat, momentarily caught off guard. "Oh, just a small gathering. A celebration, you see. To mark..." He glanced at Jungkook, who stood silently beside him, a mask of neutrality on his face.

"To mark..." Y/n prompted, sensing their hesitation.

"Catherine and Jungkook's engagement," Robert finally blurted out, a hint of relief in his voice.

Y/n felt the blood drain from her face. Engagement? A single word, but it felt like a blow to the gut. "Engagement?" she repeated, her voice barely a whisper.

"Yes, yes," Robert stammered, oblivious to her internal turmoil. "We're planning a small get-together to celebrate this joyous occasion. Naturally, security is paramount."

"The Jeon family won't be here for the engagement?" she managed to ask, her voice tight.

"Unfortunately not," Robert replied. "But they'll be attending the wedding in five days, of course. A grand affair.

Y/n's hand instinctively flew to her stomach, a surge of nausea threatening to consume her.

This man, the man responsible for the chaos and uncertainty swirling around her, was marrying another woman.

How could he?

How could he willingly abandon his own child?

The wave of anger and betrayal washed over her, leaving her feeling dizzy and weak.

"Excuse me," she mumbled, barely holding back the tears that welled up in her eyes. "I need to use the restroom."

Y/n stumbled away, the gleaming marble floor blurring beneath her feet. Jungkook watched her retreat, a frown creasing his brow. He hadn't noticed any signs of her being unwell earlier. 

What had brought on this sudden need to leave?

Unaware of the devastating truth he held in his hands, Jungkook remained clueless, left to grapple with his own burden of guilt and deceit.

---

[Later, that evening]

The opulent ballroom buzzed with chatter and laughter as the engagement party unfolded. Y/n, her face carefully composed, found herself drawn towards Robert Silvia, a shield against the sight of Jungkook and Catherine.

"Isn't this lovely, Y/n?" Robert boomed, his voice tinged with a hint of pride. "A night to celebrate love and new beginnings."

Y/n offered a tight smile. "Indeed, Mr. Silvia. A beautiful occasion."

The atmosphere thrummed with an energy that felt both festive and forced. Glittering chandeliers cast a warm glow on the well-dressed crowd, the air thick with the scent of expensive perfume and hors d'oeuvres.

As the night progressed, the highlight arrived. Robert cleared his throat, signaling for everyone's attention. A hush fell over the room as he launched into a heartfelt speech.

"Good evening, everyone! Tonight, we celebrate a momentous occasion – the union of two exceptional individuals, Catherine Silvia and Jeon Jungkook!" Robert declared, gesturing towards the couple standing hand-in-hand.

A ripple of excited chatter swept through the crowd.

"Catherine, a woman of grace and beauty, destined for great things," Robert continued, his voice warm. "And Jungkook, a brilliant mind with a kind heart. Together, they make a truly remarkable pair, wouldn't you agree?"

Murmurs of agreement filled the room. A woman with fiery red hair, a friend of Catherine's, leaned towards Y/n and gushed, "They look absolutely stunning, don't they? Like a Tsar and a tsarina!"

Y/n forced a smile. "They do," she managed, her gaze flickering towards Jungkook. He stood beside Catherine, a stoic expression on his face.

Robert chuckled, clapping the man on the back. "Ivan, always the charmer! But you know Catherine, she keeps Jungkook on his toes. Don't you, Jungkook?"

Jungkook, who had been mostly silent throughout the evening, offered a polite smile. "She does indeed, Mr. Ivanov."

Catherine, turning from her conversation with a group of women, playfully nudged him. "Don't listen to him, darling. He just can't handle a strong woman."

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, Y/n felt a cold knot of apprehension tightening in her stomach. Every word spoken, every celebratory toast, felt like a cruel jab at the truth she held close to her heart.

Finally, Robert reached for a velvet box, his voice dropping to a hushed reverence. "And now, the moment we've all been waiting for."

As the spotlight fell on them, Catherine, radiant in her emerald dress, and Jungkook, dashing in his tuxedo, walked towards the stage, their faces a picture of controlled happiness. Y/n felt her breath catch in her throat.

The ceremony was brief, filled with flowery speeches and heartfelt pronouncements.

When it came time for the ring exchange, a hush fell over the room. Robert, holding the velvet box containing two dazzling rings, looked at them both.

The exchange of rings was followed by a thunderous applause. The crowd erupted in cheers, showering the happy couple with congratulations and well wishes. Catherine leaned in and planted a kiss on Jungkook's cheek, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

Y/n, unable to bear witness to the charade any longer, offered a strained smile to Robert and excused herself.

She needed to escape the suffocating atmosphere, to find a quiet corner where she could process the whirlwind of emotions churning within her.

Excusing herself from a tedious conversation with a socialite, she slipped away, the glittering crowd blurring as she sought refuge in the cool anonymity of the restroom.

Just as she reached the sink and splashed cool water on her face, the bathroom door swung open, revealing a face she both dreaded and yearned for – Jungkook. He shut the door softly behind him, the click a punctuation mark in the tense silence.

Y/n spun around, her heart hammering a frantic tattoo against her ribs.  For a moment, they stood there, locked in a silent battle of gazes.

The air crackled with unspoken emotions – anger, betrayal, and a simmering current of something far more potent.

Jungkook broke the silence, his voice a low growl. "Y/n. What are you doing here?"

He crossed the space between them in three long strides, his imposing presence caging her in. Y/n felt a tremor run through her body, a primal awareness of the raw power he held over her.

Before she could even think to react, his hand shot out, his fingers wrapping possessively around hers. The sudden contact sent a jolt through her, a stark reminder of the connection they once shared.

"Let go," she hissed, a tremor in her voice betraying her outward composure.

Jungkook's grip tightened, his voice laced with a dangerous edge. "Not until you answer me. Why are you in Russia?"

His touch sent shivers down her spine, a confusing mix of pain and a long-dormant desire. "Isn't that obvious?" she countered, her voice laced with sarcasm. "I'm here for the job, Mr. Jeon."

"This is exactly the place I wanted to keep you away from," he growled, frustration and a hint of fear flickering in his eyes.

Y/n scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "Oh, don't flatter yourself, Mr. Jeon. I wouldn't want to be a burden on your… fiancé's pristine world."

"This isn't about Catherine!" Jungkook exclaimed, his voice laced with desperation.

Y/n glared up at Jungkook, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, spare me the damsel-in-distress act, Mr. Jeon. Your fiancé can handle herself just fine."

"This is something much bigger, something you shouldn't get involved in. Please, Y/n, just leave. Go back to Korea. This place is dangerous."

Y/n's heart hammered against her ribs, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "Dangerous? You think I don't know danger, Mr. Jeon? My life has been a whirlwind of chaos ever since I met you."

Jungkook's face paled, a flicker of pain crossing his features. "Why are you saying that?" His voice cracked, a raw vulnerability breaking through his facade.

Y/n's anger intensified, fueled by the misunderstanding that hung thick in the air. "Don't play dumb, Jungkook!" she spat. "My life, my career, everything thrown into disarray because of your choices. And now you expect me to just walk away?"

Jungkook stared at her, his eyes wide with confusion. Choices? What choices?  The truth, the devastating truth about the baby growing inside her, remained unspoken, a heavy weight hanging between them.

"Y/n, I..." Jungkook stammered, reaching out a hand towards her, but she flinched away.

"Save it," she said, her voice cold. "You've made your choices. Now let me make mine."

Tears welled up in Jungkook's eyes, a silent plea for understanding. But Y/n, her vision blurred by her own tears of hurt and betrayal, didn't see them. All she saw was the man who had abandoned her, who was about to marry another woman, leaving her to face the consequences alone.

The silence stretched between them, thick and suffocating. Finally, Y/n took a deep breath, pushing past the turmoil within her.

"Just let me go," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Please."

The bathroom door slammed shut behind Y/n, leaving Jungkook reeling in the aftermath of their explosive encounter. Her harsh words echoed in his mind – choices, chaos, being abandoned.

None of it made sense.

Why was she acting so hostile?

He needed answers. 

Pushing open the bathroom door, he emerged into the brightly lit hallway, his eyes scanning the crowd for Y/n.  A flicker of movement caught his eye.  There she was, across the room, a man by her side.

Jungkook's blood ran cold. He recognized the man instantly. Mingyu, her former colleague, a handsome, easygoing guy from her Korean days. But it wasn't just the recognition that clenched his gut. It was the way Y/n was leaning into Mingyu, a small smile playing on her lips.

A surge of possessiveness, raw and unfamiliar, washed over Jungkook. He knew how men thought, how their eyes lingered a second too long, how a casual touch could be a prelude to something more. And Mingyu, with his carefree smile and attentive gaze, was clearly smitten with Y/n.

His Y/n.

The thought sent a jolt through him. It was ridiculous, possessive even. He was engaged to Catherine, for god's sake.  Yet, the sight of Y/n laughing with another man, the way Mingyu's hand brushed against hers, ignited a fire in his gut.

He watched, his jaw clenched, as the music changed to a slow waltz. Mingyu, his eyes sparkling with newfound confidence, asked Y/n to dance.  She readily agreed, her hand slipping into his.

As they glided across the dance floor, Mingyu pulled her closer, their bodies almost touching. Jungkook felt a phantom pain in his chest.

His gaze was fixated on Y/n, her face tilted up towards Mingyu, a genuine smile gracing her lips. He could almost see the unspoken connection sparking between them.

With each spin, each dip, each fleeting touch, Jungkook's jealousy intensified. He couldn't ignore the primal urge to claim her, to pull her away from Mingyu and into his own arms.

The music ended, and the dancers parted ways. Y/n, her cheeks flushed and her eyes sparkling, offered Mingyu a grateful smile.

Jungkook watched, a bitter taste in his mouth, as the next song began. As couples shuffled onto the dance floor, Mingyu, emboldened by their recent dance, scanned the room, his eyes finally landing on Y/n.

Before he could approach her, however, Jungkook was already across the room, a steely glint in his eyes. He reached Y/n just as Mingyu extended his hand, his voice cutting through the music.

"May I have this dance, Y/n?" He offered the request with a forced smile, his possessiveness barely veiled. Y/n looked surprised, then a flicker of understanding dawned on her face.

"Actually, Jungkook," she began, a sarcastic edge to her voice, "I think I've had my fill of emotional waltzes for one night."

Jungkook ignored her attempt to decline, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Nonsense," he declared, his voice carrying just enough volume to attract nearby attention. "You, my dear Y/n, are my special guest tonight. A waltz is the least I can offer."

Y/n's cheeks burned with embarrassment. She caught Catherine's curious gaze across the dance floor, where she twirled gracefully with her father. There was no escaping Jungkook's persistence, not tonight.

With a resigned sigh, she took his outstretched hand. "Alright, alright," she muttered, allowing him to lead her onto the crowded dance floor.

Jungkook's touch sent a familiar tremor through her, a confusing mix of anger and a yearning she couldn't explain.

Oh god, this was going to be a long night......A/n : Sorry for the pain!