Love Candidate - A Fairytale - Chapter 33

"-It's confirmed to be Chairman Hwang Jaehyun's corpsed inside the burnt warehouse-"

I sat listlessly against the bedhead with my emotionless gaze fixed on the news channel as the reporter announced my stepfather's death in a fire. There was nothing left inside me after I was saved from his evil grip. I was entirely numb, and my mind was empty as I stared at a portrait picture of the sick man. The man who has been hurting me. I thought could escape his clutch. I did. I escaped him, yet I could still feel his hostile grip on my body. Every part of my skin is covered in his disturbing touch. My skin would crawl with uncomfortable chills whenever reminded of the dirty things he did to my body.

Do I have to live with this scar forever? I'd rather die than live in my own disgusting body. I don't think I can ever erase his invisible imprints on my flesh, and I'd have to live with it until I die. A rush of coldness surged across my body as I stared at his arrogant eyes... gazing right into mine from the screen. Those eyes used to scare me... but I can't feel anything now. I am no longer frightened. I'm not in pain, and I'm not guilty either. Instead, I felt an intense hollow unrest wrenching in my chest. He's dead... and I'm still broken. He broke me again before he died, and I'm left to bear the consequences of his monstrous actions.

"Jiyoung-"

"Don't touch me," I seethed, jerking my hand away from Jungkook when he tried to touch me. Jungkook frowned at my withdrawal as he sat beside my hospital bed to observe my timid behavior.

"I won't hurt you-"

"Please refrain from touching her. She needs time to recover," Changwon sighed as he held my chin to check the bruises on my face. Jungkook sighed in defeat and leaned back on his chair, darting me an upset expression. Only Changwon and Seokjin were allowed to handle me. I don't know why but I didn't want to be touched by anyone around me. Not even Jungkook. My skin is still sensitive after being raped, and I can't even stare at my own body in the shower. I don't even want to touch my own skin.

"Did he really kill himself in the fire?" Jungkook doubtfully watched the news. They claimed my stepfather committed suicide by setting the warehouse on fire.

No, he didn't. Seokjin killed the man.

Third Person POV

Jeon Jungkook anxiously averted his eyes from the news channel to observe his best friend's dreadfully pale face in concern. He raced to the hospital as soon as he received a call from Seokjin to notify him of Jiyoung's unfortunate condition. There was something off about his friend. It was Jiyoung sitting before him... and yet- He couldn't feel her presence. He felt very disturbed for some reason... because it felt like he was looking at an unoccupied body.

The sparkle in her eyes was gone, and she would remain sleepless like an empty shell.

Changwon kept on giving Jungkook anxious glances as if he had something to say but would never approach Jungkook to address the issues. Jiyoung was very withdrawn after her return and would refuse to make contact with anyone. She wouldn't let anyone touch her body... and would often refuse the hospital meal. Jungkook had to get her street food instead because... at least... she'd munch it. Jungkook blinked out of his thoughts when Seokjin entered the room with a bandaged forehead. Jiyoung immediately turned to look at the heir with her yearning eyes as Seokjin approached her. Unlike the way... she rejected Jungkook's touch- Jiyoung reached out to embrace Seokjin.

Jungkook gloomily watched Jiyoung extend her arms for another man.

The heir carefully sat on the side of Jiyoung's bed to pull her into a comforting hug. She gently snuggled against another man's body to absorb his warmth with her hands gripped tightly around Seokjin's waist. For a brief moment... Jungkook felt a spark of jealousy igniting within his chest. He was super hurt by their interactions, yet he didn't dare complain. He never really gave Jiyoung the comfort she needed despite knowing she was in desperate need of affection. He was scared of getting too attached to her. How can he complain about it? He can't. Jiyoung is receiving love from another man because he's a coward.

"Can I speak with you for a moment?" Changwon gently tapped Jungkook's shoulder, causing him to snap out of his clouded thoughts. Jungkook averted his eyes away from Jiyoung and got up to follow the doctor out of the room. Changwon strolled through the quiet hospital corridor with Jiyoung's medical record in his hand. He stopped by an administration office to drop her file before walking toward a vending machine to grab a few drinks.

"Thank you, "Jungkook lowered his head when Changwon handed him a canned coffee. The two men walked off to sit on an exterior balcony where the medical staff usually hangout out for a refreshing breath. Changwon popped his coffee can with his eyes fixed on the busy city as Jungkook sat on the bench by the door with the cold coffee in his warm palm.

"Jiyoung had her second miscarriage. You're aware, aren't you?" Changwon asked without looking at Jungkook.

"I'm worried about her health. She's a strong person, but- I'm worried about her now," Jungkook replied in a discouraged tone while staring at the can in his hand. He wanted to help her escape her sorrow, but she wouldn't even let him near her now. What did he do wrong? He had no idea.

"Stop blaming yourself. The reason Jiyoung is distancing herself from you isn't because she hates you. I saw the gloom on your face earlier if that's what you're sulking about," Changwon bitterly turned to look at Jungkook.

"What happened? You didn't inform me of her medical results," Jungkook dimmed his eyes at the doctor. Changwon sucked his cheeks at Jungkooks words and slowly sat down beside Jungkook to rest his head against the wall.

"Seokjin agreed to let us conduct a thorough checkup. So we swept every corner of her body. She wasn't as injured as I anticipated. There were only a few deep bruises over her stomach- but it wasn't severe. Only her wrists were severely hurt because she was probably bound by zip ties. Her left ankle was injured as well. But besides that... her injuries were mild compared to her fiancé's. Kim Taehyung needed life support as soon as he arrived at the hospital. A few fractured ribs. His organ was bleeding. His skin was coated in swollen bruises and cuts. A deep gash on his collarbone. A broken nose and swollen eyes. His system was deprived of water and food. His limbs were branded with bleeding gashes. His condition was far worse than Jiyoung's," Changwon slightly nodded to inform Jungkook of the details.

"If she wasn't so hurt. Then... why is she so shaken?" Jungkook asked, turning to look at Changwon's sullen face.

"There was something else," Changwon sighed, turning to meet Jungkook's troubled look.

"What is it?" Jungkook narrowed his eyes unsurely.

"The nurses did a thorough checkup on her body. We ran an internal examination too. They took her pee sample and performed a vaginal swab-"

"Why would you-?" Jungkook froze without finishing his words. Changwon sourly examined Jungkook's pale expression.

"She wasn't properly dressed when she arrived at the hospital. Her nightgown was torn, and there was nothing underneath her. Seokjin gave her his coat. The doctors agreed to perform the examination because we suspected she was sexually assaulted," Changwon shrugged.

"And the result???" Jungkook impatiently straightened his back to stare at Changwon in horror.

"Semen. It was semen inside her. Her gown was also- stained with dried semen. I sent a sample to the lab for a DNA check, and it matched- It matched Kim Taehyung's DNA," Changwon shakily gripped his hands. Jungkook frowned in shock. 

"His semen was inside her?! If he was badly wounded- Then why-? Why would his semen be inside her?!" Jungkook gasped while staring at Changwon with an angry yet bewildered expression.

"I don't know either. Kim Taehyung couldn't even budge when he arrived at the hospital. I didn't expose the information to Seokjin yet- because I wanted to speak with you first. We have to do something about it," Changwon frowned at Jungkook, who was staring unblinkingly at the floor.

"That stupid mother fucker!" Jungkook flung away his unopened can and stormed back inside the hospital before Changwon could stop him.

"Jungkook-shi! Wait-" Changwon called, chasing after Jungkook in a hurry.

"What did you do to her!?" Jungkook roared, slamming Taehyung's medical door open to find him sitting straight up on the bed with an oxygen mask over his face. Namjoon immediately got up from the couch, startled by Jungkook's unexpected intrusion.

"Don't touch him!" Namjoon snapped, rushing forward to stop Jungkook from hurting his younger brother- but Jungkook was quicker. He grabbed Taehyung's collar, and before the mafia boss could react- Jungkook struck him right in the face. Kim Taehyung grunted in pain and slumped back on the bed, so Namjoon roughly grabbed Jungkook to draw him away from his younger brother.

"She's your girlfriend! Why did you do it to her?! WAE?! YOU KNEW ABOUT HER PAST!" Jungkook roared until veins formed along his throat. His killer eyes... burning furiously on Taehyung, who was struggling to stay conscious on the bed after being punched in the face without an appropriate reason. He just woke up- and was immediately greeted by a powerful blow.

"What are you talking about!? Taehyung is injured! He went there to save her-"

"I will fucking kill you! You fucking asshole! Why did you break her-" Jungkook bellowed, angrily thrashing within Namjoon's firm grip to reach for Taehyung again.

"It wasn't him," A small voice denied. Jungkook abruptly stopped resisting with angry tears in his eyes. Everyone turned to find Jiyoung standing in the doorway with Seokjin by her side. Taehyung stopped whimpering when he noticed Jiyoung's presence inside the room.

"Jiyoung, I won't let you protect him!" Jungkook angrily shoved Namjoon off him and turned to clench his jaw at her. Changwon quickly closed the door to prevent confidential information from leaving the room after Seokjin helped Jiyoung stroll inside the medical room.

"Taehyung is innocent," Seokjin claimed as he supported Jiyoung's body with his arm around her shoulder.

"Don't fucking lie to me! They found his semen inside her!" Jungkook snarled at Seokjin in anger. Jiyoung glanced at Taehyung's bleeding nose with a straight face. He was trying to block his nostrils but the blood was too heavy- it dripped all over his hospital gown.

"It wasn't Taehyung. My stepfather raped me," Jiyoung gulped at Jungkook. Namjoon slightly widened his eyes at Jiyoung's blunt confession.

"Moh?" Changwon glanced at Jiyoung in shock. Jungkook narrowed his baffled yet unconvinced eyes at her with a questioning look.

"Your father? But why-"

"I did have sex with Taehyung that night. My stepfather ordered me to fuck my lover, so I did. The sex was consensual with Taehyung because I feared my stepfather would hurt him again. But it was the sick man who raped me. He dragged me off Taehyung- and he did- disgusting things to my body. The semen you found in me and all over my clothes was Taehyung's semen, but it wasn't him who raped me," Jiyoung dully started at Jungkook's burning face. Jungkook fired Taehyung a furious glare before glancing back at Seokjin.

"The man was using Taehyung to cover his sexual aggression. He made Taehyung leave his semen in Jiyoung's body so he could assault her without leaving his trace behind," Seokjin explained. Jungkook's face slowly grew pale after he learned the truth. Jiyoung didn't plan on exposing her trauma to the world. But she had to clarify the misunderstanding because of Jungkook's impulsive outburst. He could've spoken to her first.

"Where is the man?" Jungkook clenched his jaw, lifting his deadly eyes to stare at Jiyoung. Jungkook was tempted to kill the shadow man. He let the man hurt Jiyoung once... but not again.

"Dead. I killed my stepfather," Jiyoung replied shortly. Seokjin briefly glanced at her, stunned by her unexpected response. Changwon and Namjoon unsurely blinked at Jiyoung's confession. They too... were taken aback by her blunt honesty.

"What-"

"I killed him with a crowbar and then set the place on fire to burn him," Jiyoung repeated her crime to protect Seokjin. Jungkook blinked blankly to process her confession and slowly slumped onto the couch with a shocked expression. Taehyung glanced at Seokjin's muteness with a disappointed look but didn't interfere because he knew it was Jiyoung's decision to protect Seokjin from his crime. The atmosphere in the room suddenly grew tense after they heard Jiyoung's crime confession. No one uttered a single word.

"Let's go back to your room," Seokjin exhaled when he noticed Jiyoung's hand shaking under her sleeves. Jiyoung nodded at Seokjin and was about to walk away when Taehyung called out for her.

"Jiyoung- Can we speak in private?" Taehyung asked, nervously staring at her from his bed. Jiyoung pursed her lips, slowly turning to look at Taehyung's puppy eyes with a blank face.

"I'm tired. Let's speak later," Jiyoung shook her head to dismiss his request and turned away from Taehyung. His heart sank when Jiyoung lifted her arm to place it around Seokjin's waist as he cautiously helped her out of the room. Taehyung gripped the bed sheet with an upset expression before glancing at Namjoon, who was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Jungkook sighed heavily after failing to process Jiyoung's confession and stormed out of the room to leave the hospital. Meanwhile, Changwon awkwardly adjusted Taehyung's IV fluid, eventually leaving the blood brothers alone inside the somber room.

"It was Seokjin who killed her stepfather, not Jiyoung," Taehyung angrily gritted at Namjoon.

"So what?" Namjoon lifted his eyebrow. He seemed unconcerned by his brother's claim. The middle child wasn't surprised by the truth. Whoever killed the man... no one cared because everyone wanted him dead anyways.

"Jiyoung is not a murderer, so don't you dare use the crime against her-"

"Jiyoung was never my enemy. Our real enemy is our stepmother. Jiyoung's father might've died, but our stepmother is still free of her crimes," Namjoon interrupted. Taehyung blinked at his brother with a slight frown.

"What do you plan on doing to mother?" Taehyung asked his brother unsurely. Namjoon didn't respond and kept his sharp eyes on Taehyung to contemplate his thoughts.

"If I expose Seokjin's crime... will it drive her crazy? From what I see... Seokjin has Jiyoung now. Not you," Namjoon nodded at the door. Taehyung clenched his jaw at his brother's triggering insistence, clearly offended by his absurd assumptions.

"Jiyoung loves me, and Seokjin is our family. He saved Jiyoung, so I will never betray him," Taehyung sternly disapproves Namjoon's intention.

"If Seokjin is your family. Then why did you betray him with eomma?" Namjoon confronted his younger brother.

"What do you mean?" Taehyung frowned at Namjoon's resentful gaze.

"Eomma had a miscarriage after Jiyoung stabbed her the night she tried to strangle Jiyoung," Namjoon sighed. Taehyung's eyes widened in disbelief.

"What do you mean eomma had a miscarriage?" Taehyung blinked.

"No one knew. Eomma didn't know she was pregnant either. I've kept everything confidential," Namjoon sighed, slowly lowering his body to settle on the couch with his arms folded over his chest.

"She was pregnant? How is that possible-"

"Right? Abeoji was always busy on business trips... and somehow... our mother got pregnant while her husband was away. To be exact. She got pregnant while you were hiding in her room," Namjoon dimmed his eyes, cornering his brother with a suspicious look. Taehyung's face drained in horror at Namjoon's words.

"No- it can't be-"

"You've been sleeping with your own stepmother. And I was never aware of it. I thought she had an affair- but it makes sense now after Jiyoung's father leaked the information to me. The miscarriage made sense," Namjoon leaned forward to narrow his deadly eyes on Taehyung.

"It could've been father's-"

"Eomma said she never slept with father for almost a year. He was too busy managing subsidiary companies abroad while eomma stayed in Korea to handle the headquarters. The only men inside the mansion were you and I. And she got pregnant?" Namjoon sorely grimaced at Taehyung, whose face turned as white as paper.

"I love Jiyoung!-"

"Then why did you get eomma pregnant?" Namjoon rudely questioned with his hands clasped together. Dread filled Taehyung's face as he searched for excuses to justify his wrongful acts.

"I never associated with eomma ever since I moved out to live at the mafia apartment! She sent me women to keep me busy, so we never did anything together after I moved out of the mansion! I met Jiyoung afterward and have been faithful to her and only her!" Taehyung cried in distress when he failed to suppress his distressing emotions.

"But eomma got pregnant while Jiyoung was grieving your death. I might not love Jiyoung the way you and Seokjin love her, but I have been with her. I have seen her breaking over you. As much as I hate to admit it... she is a friend. My friend. And I don't know what's worse... you sleeping with your own stepmother or avoiding your own girlfriend to be with eomma," Namjoon frowned. Taehyung loudly whimpered in frustration with his hands clasped over his bleeding nose.

"I didn't have a choice! Eomma abducted me! She made Hyeri paralyze my body with chemicals! Eomma threatened to hurt Jiyoung if I didn't behave! I was scared, so I did whatever she asked! I never consented to any of her terms! Fine! There was a night- the night it happened- eomma was drunk! She was upset about Seokjin after fighting with him, and she came to my room! She touched me! She touched me! I begged her to stop her actions, but she said she'd kill Jiyoung if I didn't listen! My legs were stiff, so I couldn't run away from her- so she took advantage of me and did whatever she wanted to please herself! It's not me! She got herself pregnant! I was heartbroken because I was guilty of the things eomma did to me! That's why I refused to see Jiyoung! I was ashamed!" Taehyung argued in anger. Namjoon grew hushed at the sight of Taehyung's flooding tears. He knew his younger brother was speaking the truth. Taehyung is a very expressive child, and he would often break down when he's wrongly accused of committing a crime he's innocent of. Namjoon could see it. The distraught on Taehyung's face.

"Does Jiyoung know? Your relationship with eomma? Is that why she's pushing you away?" Namjoon asked.

"She knows. Her stepfather told her," Taehyung nodded in defeat as he gripped the bedsheet, crying helplessly until his body shook in discomfort.

"Then you owe her an explanation and an apology. I will keep eomma's pregnancy a secret from Seokjin and Jiyoung, but you have to deal with your responsibilities. You shouldn't have developed your relationship with eomma at the mansion after Yeona passed away. Don't give me dumb excuses- I've had enough of your bullshits," Namjoon sighed, getting onto his feet to leave the room. Thud. Taehyung stared at the closed door in tears after Namjoon left the room. He whimpered under his breath and slumped back on the pillow to cry until he fell unconscious. 

_____________________

Flashback

Jiyoung's POV

CLANG. Seokjin's feet wobbled weakly after striking the dead man again with his crowbar. He suddenly fell back on his butt with his legs spread open before my stepfather's body. Thud. I glanced to my side to find Taehyung... sprawling unconsciously on the floor beside me. Seokjin panted heavily in the freezing warehouse with his eyes glued on his bloody hands in horror.

"Jiyoung. I'm going to call the- police," Seokjin stuttered in fright as he fumbled in his jeans pocket to pull out his phone.

"No! No! Don't call the police!" I gasped, scrambling toward Seokjin in panic as he shakily tapped on his phone screen to request assistance.

"I killed- I killed- your stepfather- You have to leave without me, or you'll get in trouble-"

"I'm not leaving you! Seokjin! You can't let anyone know about this!" I argued, yanking the phone out of his slippery grip. Seokjin looked up at me in tears as he shakily wheezed before me, petrified by his crime. 

"But I- I- The blood- I killed-" Seokjin nodded at my stepfather's mutilated body with a torn expression. I gripped Seokjin's hands with my eyes fixed on my stepfather before averting my gaze back to study the fear on Seokjin's face. He'll get in trouble if he confesses to his crime.

"I need you to unlock the chain for me. Alright? Find the key," I gripped Seokjin's warm cheek to divert his attention from the corpse.

"O-Okay," Seokjin whispered, shakily getting onto his feet and limped into my stepfather's office. He returned a moment later with a few keys to unlock the heavy chain around my ankle. Seokjin gently rubbed my swollen ankle before pulling me onto my feet with him.

"Take Taehyung to your car. I have to take care of something," I gripped his forearm to stop him from losing his mind over my stepfather's death. Seokjin frowned at me in tears and slowly walked up to Taehyung to heave his brother's lifeless body off the floor. I watched Seokjin drag Taehyung out of the warehouse, then turned back to stare at the dead man. Sighing, I limped into the storage room to search for gasoline until I found a few unopened bottles. I unscrewed the metallic lid until the heavy fuel odor stank in my nostrils.

"Burn in hell," I gritted over my stepfather's dead body while pouring the gasoline on him. I opened five more bottles to splash the liquid all over the warehouse until Seokjin limped back inside to check on me.

"What are you doing?" Seokjin asked as he watched me throw the gasoline all over the equipment until the entire warehouse reeked of fuel.

"Covering up his death," I replied, dismissively tossing the last bottle aside and walked toward Seokjin. His handsome face was as pale as a ghost as he stared at the leaking fuel in the warehouse with a horrified look. I'll never let him confess his crime to the police.

"Are you sure about this?" Seokjin unsurely muttered. He worriedly stared at the drenched equipment in guilt as I searched for a lighter in my father's pocket.

"I won't let a dead man ruin your life," I weakly smiled, taking Seokjin's hand in mine and slowly led him away from my stepfather. I won't sulk over what he did to my body again. He's dead, and he fucking deserves it. Seokjin was caught in the wrong situation, so I won't let any of this hurt him no matter what. We stepped into the refreshing opening together. The property was dark, and it was surrounded by the wilderness. My stepfather loves to hide his illegal plants.

"What if we get exposed? They will investigate his death," Seokjin gulped as he anxiously stared at me with a bruised cheekbone.

Shaking my head at his righteousness, I turned to light a match. I didn't toss the stick away and pushed the flaming match back into the box to light the entire matchbox on fire. I slipped the box close as the remaining matches in the box caught on fire- quickly hurling the matchbox into the warehouse with all my might through the small opening.

The matchbox finally caught on fire and disappeared into the warehouse, so I grabbed Seokjin's arm to draw him backward until we were far enough from the warehouse when a fire rage suddenly caught on the equipment. CRASH. All the windows shattered under the extreme heat, and the dark warehouse suddenly glowed with deep orange flames. BOOM. BOOM. BOOM. The equipment violently exploded- and before we knew it- we were both staring at the raging fire under the dark sky. Seokjin stared at the thick smoke with his frightened eyes as I watched the warehouse burn to ashes with an empty smile.

"They won't find anything, and even if they did... you're still innocent. Okay?" I finally replied, turning to face Seokjin as I held onto his bloody hand. He briefly glanced at me with an uneasy look.

"What do you mean?" He asked, averting his eyes away from the flames.

"Hwang Jaehyun committed suicide by setting himself on fire. That's how he died. Let's leave. Taehyung needs to be treated," I sighed, turning to walk away from the burning warehouse when Seokjin suddenly grabbed my arm to yank me back.

"Jiyoung. Are you really okay? The man was raping you-"

"It wasn't the first time. My stepfather raped me before, and I'm tired of dwelling over it. Thank you for saving me. He's dead now, so let's go," I dismissively shook my head to reassure him. Seokjin frowned at my unbothered reaction, so I curled my fingers around his and gently tugged him with me.

The rape didn't really bother me because I was numb that night. I've been held captive for over two weeks- I don't have the energy to sulk over whatever tragedy I was in. Seokjin drove us back to the city after I destroyed the plaster warehouse.

Taehyung was immediately rushed inside the emergency room by the nurses. My body finally felt at ease after I lost consciousness at the hospital while being examined by Changwon in the medical room. I couldn't tell the difference between a good dream and a nightmare. What if I woke up and it was all just another bad dream?

End of Flashback

______________________

Present

Taehyung and I were eventually discharged from the hospital a week after we were admitted. I didn't have any severe injuries on my body and was told to leave earlier, but I refused and chose to stay with Taehyung. I was pretty much resting at the hospital to wait for Taehyung's recovery. Seokjin and Namjoon are both busy with their work, so I had to keep Taehyung company when they were away. I'd stroll back and forth to check on Taehyung. He tried to speak with me a couple of times, but I told him to rest because I didn't feel like addressing the problems yet. He gave up after a few failed attempts, and we'd sit in absolute silence. I don't feel like talking about anything.

I briefly glanced down at my hand as we sat in the back seat of Seokjin's car when I felt something grazing my hand. Taehyung was trying to touch me with his finger, so we made eye contact in the back seat. He slightly pouted at me when I pulled my hand away to lean against the opposite side of the car. I didn't let him touch me. Not since the incident. I just didn't want to be bothered by anyone. Taehyung dejectedly sighed and glanced out the side window as Seokjin watched us through his rearview mirror.

"You should move in with me so I can take care of you," Seokjin insisted after I got out of his car with Taehyung, who was quietly sulking beside me like a little kid.

"No. The wedding is in a week. We have to prepare for it. Thank you for the ride," I shook my head. Seokjin bitterly glanced at Taehyung's gloomy expression before averting his gaze back to me.

"I'll visit you when I'm free," Seokjin nodded, got back into his car, and drove off. I turned to enter the building- but halted almost immediately when I realized Taehyung was slowly dragging his feet across the floor like a zombie. Sighing, I walked back towards him.

"Hold on to me," I muttered, slipping my arm around his waist to support him. We quietly stepped into the elevator together and stood in silence.

"You still want to marry me?" Taehyung asked while chewing his lowering lips.

"I never changed my mind," I answered. Taehyung lifted his sulky face to look at me unsurely as we advanced to the upper floors.

"You still love me?" He asked. I sighed at his words and turned to meet his timid eyes.

"Of course," I replied, leaning upward to kiss his lips. Taehyung let out a deep exhale when he finally felt my love stroke and gently pulled me into a tight hug.

"I'm sorry," He whispered hoarsely with his face buried in my shoulder. I gripped his back to pull him closer and gently patted his head as he lowered his heavy body to lean against mine. We remained in that position until the elevator slid open to find Jimin staring at us in surprise.

"Oh! I was going to drive you guys home! Aigo! Let me help-" Jimin gasped, reaching out to secure Taehyung's weak body as I held onto his hand.

"Seokjin dropped us off before work," I smiled at Jimin.

"Yoongi will be back in the afternoon. I cooked a few dishes for you two. I have a few errands to run, so I'll be back soon," Jimin informed us as he settled Taehyung onto the couch in his mafia apartment.

"Thank you. I'll warm up the food when we're hungry," I nodded at Jimin with a grateful smile. Jimin patted my back and hurried out of the apartment. I turned to find Taehyung resting on the couch with his eyes closed, so I glanced at the pile of boxes stacked against the wall by the door. It looks like delivery packages. I sighed and left to sleep in Taehyung's room because I was feeling very drowsy. It's probably because of the medication. I don't want to think of anything right now. I know I should resolve the issues before it worsens- but not in this state. I'm not ready.

Well. I wanted to rest, but the wedding was pushing closer, and we were behind schedule on the preparation. There were over a thousand invitation letters to deliver after the firm sent us the custom-made letters. Taehyung and I pretty much didn't have time to digest whatever happened between us. We'd leave early in the morning to deliver the invitation cards and return home late at night, depleted of energy. I fell asleep in the bathroom with Taehyung at one point, and we woke up hours later after Yoongi woke us up.

Taehyung eventually instructed his thugs to deliver the remaining invitation letters. I know. It's not ideal to have wedding invitation letters... delivered by intimidating gangsters. We had no choice but to use the available manpower.

"They delivered everything," Yoongi informed Taehyung as I sat in the living room to check the gift qualities. Jimin is obsessed with the man's cologne and asked if he could keep a few bottles.

"I'm tired," Taehyung muttered, sitting down on the couch to give me a shoulder massage. I exhaled in relief at his soothing touch and leaned back to rest my head against his legs as he rubbed the back of my neck with his thumbs. I looked up at him, so Taehyung tilted his face forward, lowering his face to kiss my lips with my head between his legs. I straightened my back after kissing him and sat up on the carpet to check the remaining perfume for the female guests while Taehyung sat behind me on the couch.

"Only a few packages are damaged. We'll send it back for a replacement," Jimin announced after we reviewed everything. It's stressful to handle the wedding on our own... without our parent's support. Usually, families would help out on occasions like this- but it wasn't the case for us. Our marriage wasn't supported by either side of our families, so we had to deal with everything ourselves. Jungkook was too busy with work- I couldn't bother him about my problems. He tried to speak with me a few times after I confessed my crime, but I was simply too occupied to spare him any time. I'll talk to him after the wedding.

I went to bed early four nights before our wedding because I was nauseous from the tiring days of running back and forth with a packed schedule. Taehyung would spend most of his day finalizing the payment details with the event managers. I sat on my own in the dark bedroom when Taehyung suddenly strolled inside in his casual clothes. He left earlier to call the venue manager to ensure everything was prepared when he noticed me staring at the picture of our baby ultrasound on the medical document. We lost our second child. Taehyung's face darkened as he pushed the drawer closed. Slowly, he approached me to sit on the bed with his eyes fixed on the file.

"Are you okay?" Taehyung asked, gently taking the medical file out of my hands. I sadly looked up at his worn-out gaze in silence.

"Why is it so hard to have a family?" I whispered. I keep losing our child, and even if I try not to express my devastation- I'm still a mother. I lost two of my children.

"Hey. It wasn't your fault, okay? We'll keep trying until we succeed, so don't sulk over it. Both our children will eventually return to us," Taehyung gently placed his palm on my cheek to console me.

"I don't know... I just feel so... exhausted," I shook my head and lowered my face to sort out my wild thoughts. I don't know what I'm feeling. It's complicated. I just don't feel like living at all.

"Do you dread the wedding?" Taehyung sighed while rubbing my back to comfort me. I rubbed my face and looked up at him in guilt.

"Yeah. I feel like... we didn't even get a chance to resolve our problems yet. We keep running back and forth to catch up with the schedule, and it's draining us. We don't even have time to sit and talk," I nodded in frustration. We were kidnapped two weeks ago and lived in hell with the sick man- and yet- we're pretending as if nothing happened because we're so busy with the wedding. Taehyung's body is still healing and yet... he didn't even get a chance to take a proper break- not once. Maybe it's only a distraction because we're both scared of addressing the issues.

"Then let's talk about it. There are a lot of things I want to resolve, but I figured you weren't ready for it," Taehyung sighed, crossing his legs on the mattress to face me. I sadly stared at him in silence. My chest is stuffed with strange emotions.

"Your mother. Is she attending the wedding?" I asked. Taehyung's face suddenly dimmed when I mentioned his mother. He never explained his relationship status with her in detail, and I'm curious. Even if I know... it's going to hurt my feelings.

"I visited her today to leave an invitation letter. We had a brief talk," Taehyung nodded, glancing away in guilt.

"I didn't know you loved your mother that much," I whispered. I really thought his stepmother was obsessed with him, but I was wrong. He loved her as well. That's why... he kept tearing up for her. The sadness in his eyes... every time she hurt him. It was his love for her. I never realized it until now.

"Jiyoung. I love you. I wish there were better words to describe my sincere feelings for you, but I need you to know that I am in love with you. No one else can ever replace you," Taehyung frowned at me.

"I know. I'm just... overwhelmed with the complications," I shook my head. Taehyung pursed his lips worriedly when he realized I wouldn't look him in the eyes.

"Okay. I'll tell you everything. I won't ask you to forgive me for deceiving you like this. But I'll tell you everything if you're willing to listen to my pathetic story," Taehyung lowered his face to catch my eyes. I blinked at him nervously. Did my feelings really change after realizing his mother was always the woman he loved most? It's hard for me to accept it even if I love him.

"I can't promise to understand your situation, but I'll listen," I nodded in defeat. I can't deceive myself anymore. I've always stood in Taehyung's shoes to prove my love for him and even accepted his past flaws to maintain our relationship. But I don't think I can continue doing that anymore. I don't want to understand him anymore. Not his relationship with his mother. I want to know the truth between them and why he chose to hide it from me. Taehyung clenched his jaw at my honest answer and took a deep breath before me.

"Your stepfather was right. I started sleeping with my stepmother after the accident with Yeona. Her miserable death traumatized me, so I had a psychotic phase. I wasn't in my right mind. I did stupid things to keep my mind off her death because I was guilty. My family started to see me as a disgrace to the family because of my actions. My mother- was the only person to hold me after I was neglected by my father and older brothers. They all lost hope in me. I was drunk one night after partying at a sketchy club- and I woke up the next morning in her bed. Still. My stepmother never treated me differently. She took care of me- I was desperate, so I kept going back to her. The secret affair wasn't frequent either. Only when I'm very stressed. Remember when I told you I fought with my mother after getting her a necklace? Yeah. I was upset because she kept asking me to kill men if I wanted to sleep with her. I felt like I was being used to kill her victims for pleasure. I refused and went to see another woman. I moved out of the mansion shortly afterward, and eomma felt sorry- so she sent women to me. She gave me control of the mafia. I haven't slept with her since. Only the women I received, but she would visit me often to unleash her frustration on me. I wanted to be loved. But whenever- she visited- she would only hurt me. She'd leave after bruising my face and body with her violence, and yet I never hated her. I know it was unhealthy, but I was a helpless person. You know that. Eomma stopped showing me any interest, so I learned to accept it. Until we met. Until we got together. I swear. Jiyoung, I promise you... that you were the only person on my mind and in my heart. You are the only person I love, and I have never once thought about my mother. I had you, and I knew I didn't need anyone else," Taehyung took my hand in his while staring at me with an apologetic look.

"If... your mother... if she kept you close to her... would you still be by her side then? You said she didn't show you any interest anymore... and that's why you were able to detach yourself from her. So if... she never gave up on you... you'd still love her just as much, right?" I blinked at him in difficulty. I can't grasp his relationship with his stepmother no matter how hard I try to be rational about it. Taehyung searched my unconvinced eyes in pain.

"I don't know. Jiyoung, I don't know. All I know is that my entire world changed since we got together, and this heart... my heart... it's beating for you and only you. I'll gouge out my own heart if you ask for it. Baby, I love you. I don't care about my stepmother anymore. And I will do anything to please you. You know that. Jiyoung, you know that," Taehyung shook his head, slightly squeezing my hand to reassure me of his love. I know he loves me. I know- but what's wrong with me? Why do I feel so troubled? Even after he admitted his relationship- I just can't seem to wrap my mind around it. How can a child... sleep with his own mother? A mother who has been abusing him? A mother half his age? How did he get himself into such- sinful love affairs? I don't mind him being with women his age- but a woman he called his mother? His father's wife? I think I'll go crazy trying to understand him. 

"Did you sleep with her? Again? While you stayed with her after she plotted your fake death," I asked. I need to know the truth. All those times... I've been grieving his death. What was he up to with her? The woman got so jealous she faked her son's death to keep him for herself.  Taehyung suddenly grew hushed with his pained eyes on mine. He couldn't answer. I immediately received my answer. I saw it. The hesitation.

"Once. Just once. It was the night- before you found me in my room. You were there with Seokjin that night for dinner. Eomma was drunk the night before- she came to me. I told her I loved you and that- I wanted to see you. She said- she said she'd let me see you. But it came at a cost. She- made me sleep with her, and as much as I was against the idea- I couldn't escape her. I remember screwing my eyes shut with you in my mind. My heart was aching so much for you. I felt as if I was going to die from the misery. The night scarred me, but I saw you the next day as promised by my mother. I got a glimpse of you after she invited you over for dinner," Taehyung nodded. My heart sank at his words. So he slept with her the night before... just to see me again? What should I do? Even as a full-grown adult with countless experiences- I seem to have no answer to this.

"So you did sleep with her-"

"Jiyoung! I didn't have a choice! She said she'd hurt you if I didn't submit to her! She was angry, and I didn't want to provoke her! I was guilty- That's why- I couldn't bring myself to speak or even acknowledge you when we met again! I couldn't even look you in your eyes! I was wrong! I'm a bad person- call me whatever, but I need you to know that I love you!" Taehyung gripped my hand in panic. I stared at his desperate eyes in silence. I feel nauseous. His love affair with his stepmother makes me sick.

"I know you love me," I replied in defeat. I simply don't know how to resolve the restlessness within my chest. I give up.

"I promise I'll fix everything. I promise I won't burden you anymore. I'll give you a fresh start. We can leave the country if you don't want to live here anymore. I'll take you far away so we can live together. Just please- please don't give up on me. Baby, please have mercy on me," Taehyung begged, tightly gripping my hands, so I quietly stared at his puppy eyes.

"I'm not giving up on you. I'm just- trying to figure out everything. That's all," I shrugged. Taehyung suddenly teared up and launched forward to hug me.

"I'll never let you go. I'll do everything to make you stay," Taehyung gripped my body as I listlessly sat on the bed in his embrace. Slowly... I lifted my arms to hug him and dug my face into his chest. Maybe all I can do is accept it. It's all in the past, and I can't change anything, even if it bothers me.

"Do you want to party?" I asked.

"What?" Taehyung replied, pulling away to frown at me.

"Let's go out for a drink and maybe dance? I think I'll die soon if I don't release the pent-up emotions inside me," I weakly smiled at him. I give up. I'll just loosen my mind. Maybe I'm overthinking everything. What's important is our present and future. I shouldn't let the past ruin our relationship.

"At this hour?" Taehyung glanced at the clock. It's almost midnight.

"Why? I didn't know the mafia boss parties in the morning? This is the perfect time to party," I laughed at his funny expression. It's only 11:00 PM.

"No. It's just I'm used to coming home early ever since we got engaged. I didn't want to stay out late because I missed you. It became a habit to stay home with you," Taehyung weakly chuckled. It's been a while since we had fun together. Taehyung never took me back to the club after I twerked at the strippers. I smiled and leaned forward to give him a light peck on his lips. We crawled off the bed, got dressed, and left the apartment together to visit Taehyung's frequent club. We immediately got a pass as soon as the buff bouncer recognized Taehyung, so he took my hand and led me into the dark and crowded space.

"OH? BOSS!?" A few men shrieked from a lounge to our side. Taehyung turned to greet the men as they repeatedly bowed at us with a surprised look.

"We're excited about your wedding! Your wife is so beautiful!" They laughed. Taehyung nodded at his men with an approving smile and led me away to his private lounge.

"It's just the two of us?" I pouted after we entered the private room.

"Why? Do you want other people to join us? I can invite the thugs over," Taehyung questioned after slipping off his coat to toss it on the couch. I smiled and gently pushed him onto the lounge. He softly chuckled with his sensual eyes fixed on mine as I crawled onto his lap to face him. Taehyung lifted his eyebrow to question my playful actions while massaging the side of my hips, so I smiled and leaned forward to press my lips against his. He gently held onto my lower back as I sensually made out with him on the couch.

"Why do I need other people when I have a hot man like you? Hmm?" I chuckled after pulling away to rub his firm cheek. Taehyung laughed at my words with his arm secured around my waist to hold me over him as he bent forward to snatch a wine glass and a champagne bottle. He filled the glasses as I sat on him, and we clinked our glasses before draining the bitter alcohol empty in one gulp. We were pretty calm at first, but after a few bottles of liquor- our minds began to run wild, and our bodies began to ease under the influence. We had small talks, sweet kisses, and tender body touches as I remained on him until I noticed Taehyung's cheeks turning rosy red.

"Stay still-"

"Ahahah! It's a bit inappropriate to do it here!" I laughed as Taehyung pinned me on the couch in the dark lounge. I panted at his sensual touch and tilted my head backward when he started kissing my neck, so I clung to his thick neck with a weak smile.

"You feel uncomfortable? I'll book a room instead," Taehyung questioned as he kneaded my breasts. I laughed at his tempting expression and pushed him off me before stumbling onto my feet in my messy dress. Taehyung sat up to brush back his air with a few loose buttons as I pulled my short dress down to cover my exposed thighs.

"Let's dance. Join me," I grinned, reaching out to grab his shirt's collar. Taehyung scoffed at my drunken behavior. He stumbled after me without complaining and followed me down the corridor.

"It's too crowded!" Taehyung grimaced as we fought our way to the center, but I didn't care and pulled him with me.

"Hold me close then!" I laughed, turning to encircle my arms around his neck. Taehyung lowered his hand to grip my hips when I started swaying it with the upbeat bass.

"A soon-to-be bride shouldn't be dancing this seductively in a room full of men!" Taehyung fired me a disapproving smile while fighting to stop other people from bumping into us on the dance floor.

"I'm dancing like this because you're by my side! Loosen up!" I shook my head, tip-toeing on my heels to kiss his cheek. Taehyung cutely chuckled and started jamming beside me with his hands placed on my buttcheeks. I tugged his body closer to mine as we bopped to the music with everyone else. And after a couple of songs... we were both wildly screaming and bouncing around in the crowd. Taehyung funnily made faces at me while bopping his head when I noticed a familiar face beside us. It was the woman Taehyung used to sleep with.

"I didn't expect to find you here? I thought you were getting married to your new doll? I didn't even get an invitation!" The woman drunkenly grabbed Taehyung's neck to turn him toward her, unaware of my presence beside him. The woman suddenly stumbled when someone bumped into her, so Taehyung unconsciously grabbed her waist to stabilize her. An unexpected eruption of jealousy exploded inside me as I watched her cling to Taehyung with a dazed smile.

"You shouldn't go around touching a soon-to-be groom!" I snapped, possessively gripping Taehyung's waist to pull him away from her. Taehyung immediately released her from his arm to hold me instead as she laughed before us.

"Why are you so threatened? I only wanted to congratulate you guys," She giggled at us before walking off. How dare she touch my man!? I could've punched her in the face if she didn't run away so quickly! Taehyung watched her leave the room before glancing down at my uptight frown. And why is he trailing his eyes after her? Am I drunk? I didn't know I'd be this jealous???

"She's usually like that when she's drunk-"

"Ohoh? Are you going to talk about your ex-girlfriend with me now?" I grimaced, firing him an irritated glare. Taehyung tried to grab me, but I pushed his hand away in annoyance.

"Wae?! Why are you suddenly upset? She wasn't my girlfriend- stop it! Jiyoung!-"

"Let me go, you asshole!" I snapped in frustration and tried to leave when he tugged me back to back hugged me against his firm chest.

"You can curse at me all you want but don't leave with an upset face. I'm sorry, okay?" Taehyung chuckled as he held my body captive under his muscular arms. I smacked his hip in annoyance as he slithered his hands all over my body to calm and soothe my fuming nerves.

"You're so annoying!" I whined when he suddenly twirled me around to grab my cheek and lowered his face to kiss me. I tried to shove his face away, but he was very persistent and kept pecking me all over my face until I started blushing. Ah~ He surely knows how to weaken me. Was I too lenient with him?

"You're turning red! Why? Are you shy?" Taehyung giggled as he examined my adorably flushed face. I pouted and pulled him into a crushing hug.

"I will kill you if you make me jealous again," I warned, turning to kiss his earlobe. Taehyung laughed at my drunk words and evilly turned his face to smirk at me.

"I'll make other women jealous of you," He winked, steamily leaning forward to kiss me. I gripped his cheeks as he held onto my waist to hold me against him on the dance floor.

"What are you guys doing here!???" Jimin suddenly appeared by my side, so we broke the kiss to find Yoongi pushing his way toward us.

"Having fun because my bride is very stressed," Taehyung placed his arm around my shoulder with a smug smile.

"We came here to grab a few drinks too. Let's party together then!" Yoongi shouted at us.

"I'll treat you guys since I'm in a good mood," Taehyung laughed, dragging me forward, so we followed the duo back into our lounge. Jimin ordered a set of brewed drinks for us. We drank and chatted at the lounge together with Jimin and Yoongi. I was pretty energetic at first, so I screamed and cheered with the guys, but I wasn't as tolerant that night since I didn't get enough sleep the night before. The alcohol is numbing me. After losing my energy, I slumped on the couch to lean against Taehyung's shoulder when the strong liquor seeped into my system to weaken my mind. Taehyung noticed my quietness, so he lifted his arm to rub my shoulder while drinking with the guys until I felt him rubbing my thighs with his thumb.

"Let's go to the bathroom," Taehyung whispered while kissing my head. I nodded and got up to leave with him when he suddenly locked the door to the women's bathroom after checking the empty stalls.

"Wae?" I chuckled when he lifted me onto the sink. Taehyung didn't reply and softly kissed me as he roamed his hand under my dress to caress my warm flesh. I thirstily pulled him closer to me as he playfully grazed his hand over my panty line to tease me.

"I don't have a condom," Taehyung muttered, pulling away to stare at me with a conflicted expression.

"It's alright. We can do it raw-"

"The doctor said we should wait before another pregnancy," He shook his head with his arms pressed on the sink as I weaved my fingers through his messy hair. Taehyung gently caressed my cleavage with his fingers, so I sighed and lowered my hand from his hair to rest it on his shoulders.

"We'll grab the condom on our way home then. You can wait, right?" I asked, gently patting his firm cheek. I can't get pregnant yet.

"Of course," Taehyung smiled, gently pecking my lips before lifting me off the sink to settle me on the floor. We went back to the lounge to join the others, and Taehyung ended up getting very drunk with Yoongi and Jimin. I was starting to feel slightly dizzy because of the dark and loud room, so I excused myself from the lounge and left the club to get some refreshing air on the street. I brought my phone with me after Taehyung installed GPS to track my location since he didn't want me to get in trouble again.

"Are you here alone?" Seokjin asked out of nowhere. I quickly snapped my head in his direction to find him glancing at the crowded nightclub door with a sore expression.

"No. Taehyung and the others are inside. I wanted some fresh air- What are you doing here?" I asked while straightening my body to stare at Seokjin's usual trench coat as he stood with his hand in his pocket.

"I wanted to visit you at the mafia apartment, but your thugs told me you went out. I came here instead. You look drunk- Do you want to get refreshments?" Seokjin asked as he watched me rub my dizzy forehead. I glanced at the club and back at Seokjin to process my thoughts. Should I head back inside? Or should I leave with Seokjin?

A moment later...

"Thank you," I muttered as I leaned against Seokjin's car seat after he took me to a mart to grab a hangover drink. I emptied the palm-size bottle after a few gulps, weakly leaning back to take a deep breath in his heated car.

"Shouldn't you call him to let him know?" Seokjin nodded at the phone that was clutched tightly in my hand.

"He knows where I'm at," I sighed, lifting the phone tracker to show Seokjin. He scanned my weak smile and glanced back at the empty street as we sat in his parked car.

"Do you want to go to my place then?" Seokjin asked, briefly glancing at me. I exhaled and lowered my face to press my hand against my face. I'm drunk. The hangover drink will sober me up soon, but I still feel dizzy.

"I'll be married to him in three days," I responded. How can I go to his place when I'm with Taehyung? We already agreed to end the chaotic relationship between the three of us.

"No. Not because of that. There's something I need to give to you. I won't do anything. You look like you need a place to rest anyways. Taehyung can pick you up afterward," Seokjin shrugged. I pursed my lips and eventually agreed to leave with him. I need to rest in a quiet place. I thought partying at a club would help me get my mind off the disturbing thoughts but it only made me feel worse. I'm too sick of alcohol. Maybe all I need is a peaceful place to sleep. Seokjin arrived at his villa after a brief drive through the city, so I slumped on the couch to cuddle the cushions in relief. Seokjin left to brew me some hot lemon tea. I'm sleepy now. I glanced at the documents on the coffee table when I suddenly noticed a plane ticket under the file.

"Are you going somewhere?" I asked, slowly sitting up to pick up the ticket. Seokjin handed me the mug and sat down beside me to organize the files as I cupped the warm mug between my palms. He didn't answer me right away, so I lifted the tea to blow on it.

"I'm leaving," Seokjin sighed. I stopped sipping the tea, slowly turning to look at Seokjin with an unsettling face.

"Leaving...?" I muttered while staring at Seokjin for explanations.

"I'm leaving Korea on your wedding day. I'll leave right after your wedding," Seokjin sighed, nodding at me. I was suddenly speechless. I didn't know what to say but stared at him in shock. I'm not even sleepy anymore. Did I hear him right?

"Why?" I questioned with a dumbfounded look.

"It has always been my dream to move abroad. After all, that's where all my companies are based. I don't want to handle my parent's business anymore. Fortunately, Namjoon returned... so I don't have to worry about my family anymore. Namjoon can take care of eomma's corporation," Seokjin chuckled, reaching out to grab a few folders and handed them to me. I didn't look away from his face and kept on staring at him in disbelief. Was it all just an act to avoid his mother's suspicion? He never intended to reclaim his position? Did he intentionally give up on his president title to dodge his mother's grip?

"Is it... partly because of me and Taehyung? You were fine with handling your work here," I gulped, slowly lowering the mug to stare at Seokjin. He sadly stared at his hand before shifting his gaze to me with a pained expression.

"Oh. It's because of you. I originally planned on leaving before your wedding... because... honestly- I'm heartbroken. It's a bit difficult to watch the woman I love walk on the aisle with another man," Seokjin nodded as he rubbed his hands. My heart sank at his confession, and I suddenly felt very sorry for him.

"Seokjin..." I whispered as tears built up in my eyes.

"It's fine. Taehyung is my brother, and you're a woman I love. I love you both. At first- I wanted to fight for you, so I interfered with your relationship. I was foolish. You were both my family. And yet I wanted to tear you guys apart. I'm ashamed of my greed. Never would I ever want to hurt Taehyung or you. I realized you two were both in love, and there was no space for me, so I'm going to take a step back. I don't want to hurt anyone, so I'll leave," Seokjin weakly smiled at me. Is he leaving because of what happened to my father? He killed a person to save me. Unconscious tears dripped from my eyes when I realized how broken Seokjin was. I never noticed it because Seokjin was never really the type to express his feelings, but I can see it now. His muted heartbreak.

"I'm sorry," I muttered. It was all I could say because I knew no words could fix his already shattered heart. Why did I agree to welcome him into my relationship with Taehyung when I knew there was only enough space for two people? How can I be so heartless with his feelings?

"It's really alright. I've already prepared all the documents for my departure. I'll still attend your wedding to see you off, so don't feel guilty. Be happy with Taehyung. I'll always root for you and him. I think I'll be at peace, so don't be bothered by it. I just wanted to let you know in advance. I know we need time to process all this. It's a bit sudden, but I don't think I can leave if my mother starts urging me to fight for the upcoming election. I haven't told anyone yet. Just you. Eomma will never let me leave if she finds out, so I'm going to board the plane right after your wedding," Seokjin shook his head. My chest twisted and churned in discomfort the longer I stared at Seokjin. He's trying to stay calm, but he keeps swallowing the stubborn lump in his throat.

"I'll see you at my wedding then?" I forced a broken smile as a stream of hot tears flowed down my cheek. Seokjin nodded with his lips pursed- when a single teardrop slipped from his eyes. He quickly rubbed it away and turned to grab a file from the coffee table to avoid breaking down. 

"This is your portion of the share in my mining corporation abroad. I've transferred everything under your father's name. Even if I'm away... you'll still be the owner of my company. Feel free to visit me with Taehyung and... your kids... when they're old enough to call me uncle," Seokjin chuckled in tears as he handed the files to me. He's trying to lighten the mood, but my heart only grows heavier. I gripped the file in pain until I felt my body shaking in guilt. We were both trying hard to contain our pain, but it was too much for us to bear. So I ended up bawling in tears. Seokjin bit his lips at my sudden surrender and leaned back against the couch to rest his arm over his face to block his eyes, quietly sniffling beside me.

"Why does this feel like we're breaking up when we're not even together?" I choked with my hands pressed against my face. My heart is breaking. I thought there was nothing between us, but- my heart- it's aching because of him.

"It's a farewell," Seokjin whispered. I sobbed uncontrollably beside him as Seokjin slumped against the couch to stare at the ceiling above us. My entire body was shaking in so much discomfort- I unconsciously gripped Seokjin's hand to give him a light squeeze. I want to stop him, but I know it isn't my decision. Seokjin can't stay by my side, and I can't be greedy for him. I know... I have to let go, and it's breaking my heart.

He slowly leaned his head against my shoulder for support as he struggled to hush his torn heart, so I turned to give him a crushing hug. Seokjin tightly gripped my shoulder as he sobbed against me to bid his final goodbye. I patted his back and slowly pulled away to stare at his bloodshot eyes with my hand cupped under his cheeks. Seokjin lifted his hand to comb his fingers through my hair as we stared at each other's tearful eyes in pain.

"If I could turn back time... I wouldn't have given up on you. I'm sorry for making you a bad person when all you've been doing was love me," I stuttered in regret. He's been watching over me. And yet... all I've been doing was hurt his feelings. I'm regretting my life decisions now. Was I too immersed in my own greed? I failed to appreciate his honest effort until the very end. I failed him.

"It's okay. There's no grudge between us. Right? No more misunderstandings? I just wanted to let you know that I love you. Live happily with my brother," Seokjin weakly smiled with his hand in my hair. My lips started trembling at his words as we held an intense eye contact until overflowing tears spilled from my eyes. A jolt of concealed emotions suddenly erupted throughout my body to hijack my senses... and before I could stop myself- I leaned forward without thinking. Seokjin stopped breathing when my lips landed on his. I closed my eyes to let the tears slip down my cheeks and slowly tilted my head to kiss him first.

For the first time. I kissed him first.

"J-Jiyoung-" Seokjin blinked in confusion after pulling away from me to study my rosy cheeks.

"I think... your love... wasn't one-sided. I can feel it too... right here... in my chest. My love for you... the love I've been locking away because I was a coward to tell you the truth until it was too late," I sobbed in tears. There was love. There was always love for him, and I was a fool for denying my feelings. Seokjin's mouth dropped open in shock at my confession. He shakily rubbed my damp cheek to wipe my tears and suddenly pulled me forward to close the gap between us again. I gripped tightly onto his shoulder as Seokjin caressed my cheek while rubbing his moist lips over mine until our hearts burned intensely for one another. I clutched his shirt while struggling to breathe, so he tugged me against his warm body and tilted his face to caress me with passionate strokes. Seokjin suddenly lifted me off the couch with his arm under my thighs and carried me to his room as we made out. I clung to his neck as he pushed open his door and slowly crawled onto the bed with me in his arms.

"For the last time... can we love each other?" Seokjin asked after resting me on the pillow. I stared at his pained expression in tears and nodded in difficulty, so he leaned down to kiss me again. He tenderly pushed my dress up my body to lift it off my head before sitting up to undress himself, quickly leaning back down to lower his naked flesh onto mine. Am I going insane? How can I do this to Taehyung? Am I doing this because I can't accept Taehyung's past with his mother?

I grabbed hold of Seokjin's bulky back as he lifted my legs to spread them apart and slowly kissed his way down my body until his head was positioned between my legs. My nerves twitched stiffly on the sheets in satisfaction when I felt his soft lips stroking over my private part. I moaned out loud and reached down to grab his hair as Seokjin took care of me until I was whimpering in pleasure. Seokjin eventually climbed over my body to kiss me again as he interlaced his fingers with mine to hold me. I chewed my lips nervously as I watched him slip on a condom between my legs.

Jiyoung, are you really doing this? What if we end up complicating our relationship after this? I can't think straight! Whatever is happening... it's not because I'm drunk! I'm sober, and I'm throbbing for him! I nervously bit my fingers as Seokjin stared at me with so much sadness in his eyes- it made my heart ache. He interlaced our fingers again, gently bending his torso forward to nudge his tip against my crotch. I curled my toes in anticipation as he slowly pushed his way inside me until I tilted my head backward on the pillow. Seokjin started at a slow pace... so slow- it made my inner muscles clench onto him. He softly grunted over me as he tenderly lubricated my inside with his presence. I shakily panted when he started thrusting harder to take me with all his might, so I bit my lips and pulled Seokjin down to hug him tightly as he pounded between my legs.

Seokjin sensually nibbled my neck as he gripped my hips to accelerate his pace- until I felt a surge of explosive warmth spreading all over my crotch. I huffed in difficulty after the repeated penetration, so I pushed him backward to make him lay on his back before crawling to sit on top of him instead. He held onto my fleshy hips as I perched over his crotch, intensely grinding my buttcheeks until a surge of pleasure erupted between my legs. Seokjin groaned lowly as I lowered my burning face to bite my lips when I felt the intense pleasure... pulsating between my thighs. My body started trembling at the tormenting sensation- but I didn't stop and kept riding Seokjin when- Creak...

The door to Seokjin's bedroom suddenly slid open. I turned to find Taehyung... standing in the doorway in tears as he watched us hold each other on the bed. Seokjin turned to look at Taehyung, who was glancing back and forth between us with a dark expression. His cheeks were burning red- I couldn't tell if he was drunk or mad at us.

"I came to pick you up," Taehyung whispered with his hand in his pocket.

"T-Taehyung- ah~ hah~" I shakily whispered in guilt when Seokjin grabbed my hips to stop me from crawling off him. I arched my back in shock when Seokjin thrust repeatedly into me from underneath. I gasped at the speed of his movements, weakly collapsing onto Seokjin's burning body with my lips ajar to counter the killer pleasure. He made me bounce harder over him until we heard our flesh slapping each other in the heated room. Taehyung gripped his fist with an agitated expression when I started grabbing the bedsheet in distress to search for balance. BANG. Taehyung slammed the door shut and stormed inside the room with a stern glare. I pushed my body upward in difficulty in an attempt to speak, but I was being railed so hard- I lost my voice to the pleasure.

"Fine. Let's share," Taehyung seethed as he hastily undid his buttons and quickly unbuckled his belt at the foot of Seokjin's bed. I stared at Taehyung's naked body in difficulty as Seokjin thumped under me. Seokjin sat up to switch his position when I wouldn't avert my gaze away from Taehyung. The heir made me face the foot of the bed on my hands and knees to position my buttcheeks upward. I gripped the satin bedsheet in distress when Seokjin started thrusting inside me in a doggy position as I watched Taehyung slip off his underwear to expose his hard bulge. He slowly crawled onto the bed and leaned down to kiss me. I panted heavily against Taehyung's face as he guided my hand downward to make me jerk his boner. Slowly, I drew my tongue away from his mouth, lowering my head to take his bulge inside my mouth instead.

Taehyung gently weaved his fingers through my hair with his muscular thighs spread apart as I gave him a blowjob while being thumped from behind by Seokjin. Taehyung grunted in pleasure as he held onto my head. He started thrusting into my mouth, so I shakily panted until he ejaculated- just as Seokjin hit his climax inside me. I gasped in exhaustion after the last pump- shakily collapsing against Taehyung's body with a twitching body to catch my breath. But Taehyung didn't give me a break and pushed me backward until I collapsed onto my back. He lifted my legs with his arms to slide me down the bed as I rubbed his discharge from my lips. My heart is racing out of control. He positioned me in a missionary position as I struggled to calm my ragged breathing when I felt him nudging himself against me. Fuck- I'm still sensitive! Seokjin just finished!

I pressed my hands against his lower torso, softly whimpering when Taehyung entered me before I could stop him. He started trusting with a troubled expression without any protection on as Seokjin took off his used condom. I moaned in distress at how rough Taehyung was with our bodies, so he leaned down to stifle my pitiful whimper with his lips. I grabbed his wild hair and kissed him deeply as he fondled my breast to stimulate my nerves. Taehyung suddenly sat up and pulled out of me mid-intercourse, leaving me throbbing intensely for him. Seokjin grabbed my arms to pull my body upward after he slipped on a new condom, so I was now sitting between Seokjin's legs with my back pressed against his sweaty chest. Seokjin secured his arms around my body as Taehyung sat between my legs.

"HAH!" I moaned in shock when Seokjin grabbed my legs to hold them apart for his brother. Taehyung lowered his face to kiss my private part until I shuddered in distress. I gripped Taehyung's wild hair tightly as he did naughty things between my legs with his lips and tongue. I cried in pleasure and tried to wiggle free- but Seokjin was stronger. He held my thighs apart for his younger brother, so I huffed in difficulty as I gripped onto his forearm until my eyes rolled to the back of my sockets. Seokjin gently slipped his hand under my chin to tilt my head backward, so I looked up at him in distress.

Seokjin wouldn't let me moan and kissed me aggressively while groping my breasts, causing me to jerk on the bed with Taehyung's fingers between my legs. Taehyung finally sat up with a sweaty face and penetrated me again. I moaned in pleasure as he thumped inside with his manly hips while Seokjin held me in place to watch his brother devour my body. My body started trembling out of control when Taehyung pressed his palm over my lower stomach to apply pleasure while thumping inside me to intensify my pleasure. I was weak and vulnerable between their massive bodies. No matter how desperately I whimpered or cried for mercy- They never released me from their grips. I wasn't in pain, but the pleasure was too good for me to handle. I'm losing my mind to the thrills.

Although I thought it was impossible- We had a threesome again that night. It was crazier and even wilder than our first time together. The brothers took turns to please me without a break until I was completely exhausted. Again and again. I was either slammed on the bed or held captive to receive the pleasure they were providing. I whimpered against their moist bodies as the bed slammed against the wall with the force they were inflicting on my body. I thought I was going to pass out, but I didn't. I endured all their love strokes until the dark sky turned bright and the sun was up when I eventually collapsed onto the bed, weakly squirming with a dazed mind. The brothers were wheezing on either side of me as their buff chests pumped intensely for air.

"Wa- water- babe-" I coughed, slightly tapping Taehyung's chest to signal my defeat. My hair was soaked in sweat and their sticky discharge. The strands were messily covering my face as I pounded my chest to clear my clogged throat. Taehyung cleared his throat and turned to grab a bottle of water from the nightstand, but he didn't give it to me. Instead. He thirstily drank the water, then turned to kiss me. I muffled against his lips when he spat the water into my mouth.

"Let's go again," Taehyung panted after making me swallow the water directly from his mouth.

"Again?" I muttered, turning to look at Seokjin, who was rubbing his sweaty face in exhaustion.

"One more time. Just us," Taehyung tossed the bottle to the floor and pulled me upward to make me sit on him. My body shook in distress when he entered me again, so I gripped his body and lowered my face when he started thrusting deep inside me. I could no longer contain myself, so I cried as loud as I could inside the humid bedroom. Taehyung pulled me down to kiss me as he tore inside me for the last time until I squirted messily onto his sticky body. Taehyung eventually finished shortly afterward, and we collapsed back onto the bed with his heavy body on top of mine.

He didn't pull out and kept his meat inside me while nibbling my sensitive breast. I exhaled deeply with my head slumped on the soaked pillow when Seokjin suddenly rolled over to rest his head on my upper arm. I patted Seokjin's hair as he snuggled against my ear. Taehyung pressed his face against my sensitive breast to stabilize his labored breath as I swallowed a hard lump in my sore throat. They both eventually passed out, but I couldn't rest because I had to clean myself. I shoved the heavy men off my body and crawled off the mattress with difficulty. 

"AH~" I groaned as I stumbled toward the bathroom with my hands over my lady part. I sat down on the toilet bowl and peed out the discharge until satisfying tears filled my eyes. I closed my eyes to let out the urine and finally reached down to wash my inside clean with warm water. Unlike men... we women can't rest after we have sex. We always have to pee and clean our private parts to avoid unwanted infections. I left the bathroom after drying myself and crawled between their sprawling bodies. And I blacked out on the dirty bedsheet, but it didn't bother me since we were all reeking of sex odor.

"Uh... it's so hot," I grumbled, shoving a heavy arm off my chest and sat up to rub my face. The two brothers were still dead like a corpse on the bed, and Taehyung was snoring like a bulldozer wrecking down a house. I crawled off the bed to yawn before entering the bathroom to rinse the sticky semen from my bruised flesh. My body is covered in deep bruises because of them! I grimaced at the mirror as I twisted and turned my body to check their territorial love marks. Sighing, I pulled on Seokjin's fresh clothes before strolling back into the room to find Taehyung hugging Seokjin's head. I pursed my lips when Seokjin wrapped his arm around Taehyung's bare chest to pull his brother closer to him. Smiling, I pulled the bed sheet over them and strolled out of the bedroom to stretch.

"I'm so sore. What were they on last night?" I mumbled while opening the fridge to check for food, but it was only filled with fresh ingredients, so I sighed and turned to stare at the stove. Should I cook for them..? I'll cook for them.

"He eats healthy," I grumbled while washing the bell pepper in the sink. Seokjin's fridge is always stuffed with fresh food, even if he's a busy man. He'd always cook meals for himself twice a day. It's already afternoon, and the sky is gloomy. It's going to rain soon, and I don't think they will wake up anytime soon. Sighing, I quietly chopped the vegetables and turned to heat the stove after adding olive oil to soak the pan.

"Are you cooking?" Seokjin murmured in a hoarse tone as he limped into the kitchen with his eyes half open.

"Yeah. Is Taehyung awake?" I asked without looking at him as I stirred the mixture on the heated pan.

"He is awake, but it'll take a while for him to actually get off the bed," Seokjin cleared his throat. He turned to grab a bottle of water from the fridge, then leaned back against the dining table to drink the water.

"Are you alright?" I asked, briefly glancing at Seokjin when he capped his half-empty cool water bottle to place it over his bulge.

"I'm sore," He grumbled uncomfortably. Sore? I don't remember him complaining when he was shoving my face against the mattress earlier. I almost suffocated under him.

"I couldn't walk this morning," I laughed. Why is he whining when it was me who had to endure their horny bulges without a single break? Seokjin placed the bottle away and slowly limped towards me. He gently wrapped his arms around my waist to hold me, so I exhaled and leaned back against his chest.

"Are you still going to marry him?" Seokjin whispered as I adjusted the heat.

"I am," I nodded. Seokjin tightened his grip around my body and gently kissed the side of my head.

"Seokjin, honey- I need to- What are you doing here?!" Someone suddenly yelped from behind us. Seokjin and I immediately turned to find Mrs. Kim's startled reaction when she found Seokjin hugging me. Her bulging eyes drifted from Seokjin's oversized shirt on my body to her shirtless son... to gawk at the love marks on his torso in disbelief.

"Eomma. What brought you here?" Seokjin released me from his arms and turned to place the water bottle back in the freezer. Thud. Thud. Namjoon strolled into the room dressed in black trousers and a plain button-up white shirt. Namjoon halted behind his stepmother when he found me inside the kitchen with Seokjin.

"What's this?! Are you cheating on Taehyung?! Isn't the wedding in three days!?" Mrs. Kim gasped at me in shock.

"It's not like that-"

"Why would you sleep with Seokjin when Taehyung is your fiancé???" Namjoon clenched his jaw at me in disappointment.

"Me? Did someone call my name?-" Taehyung replied, suddenly strolling out of the corridor to join us in the kitchen with a loose towel around his torso.

"What the fuck," Namjoon's eyes bulged open when he saw Taehyung's striking messy hair. Mrs. Kim immediately snapped her head at Taehyung's bruised body in disbelief as Taehyung clutched something in his hands.

"Hyung- eomma- Oh-" Taehyung stuttered when he found his older brother and stepmother staring at his sweaty body. He suddenly dropped the crumbled tissues in his hands, and a load of used condoms dropped to the floor. I stopped stirring the pan when Mrs. Kim and Namjoon averted their horrified eyes to the heap of used condoms on the floor until their eyes bulged open.

"Go and get dressed," Seokjin awkwardly nudged his younger brother away. The heir quickly bent down to collect the dirty tissues and used condoms in a hurry. Taehyung hurriedly rushed back into the bedroom while gripping his loose towel to prevent it from falling off his waist. Mrs. Kim was too stunned to speak as she stood paralyzed in her position with her mouth ajar. The mother watched her eldest son dump the condoms in the bin with a terrified face, but Seokjin didn't seem to mind her shaken reaction. He stood by my side to wash his hands until Taehyung returned to the kitchen, dressed in Seokjin's loose T-shirt and shorts. His clothes must be dirty since it's drenched in alcohol from the night before.

"This is outrageous- How are you two with the same woman-?!" Mrs. Kim stuttered as Taehyung sat down at the dining table to drink from a glass of water. Seokjin gently took the spatula from my hand when I forgot to stir the pan, so I stepped aside to let him handle the food.

"We slept together," Seokjin shrugged, dismissively tasting the flavor on the spatula. He grabbed an ingredient bottle to sprinkle a bit of salt onto the food before stirring the pan again. Namjoon kept glancing back and forth between the three of us with a baffled look.

"What do you mean you slept together? You took turns with her???" Namjoon blurts out of curiosity. His mother glared at me in anger, so I awkwardly glanced away from her. I didn't expect Seokjin to be this honest with his mother.

"No. We had a threesome. All three of us at once," Taehyung shook his head. Mrs. Kim suddenly stumbled backward at his confession with her hand clasped over her dizzy head. Namjoon immediately caught his stepmother to stabilize her. He turned to stare at us in shock.

"But you're going to get married-"

"We will get married," I shrugged, sitting down on Taehyung's lap as he sat on the chair. Taehyung coiled his arm around my waist and tugged my face down to kiss me, so I gripped onto his defined jawline with a weak smile.

"How can you be so shameless?! Seokjin- honey- tell me you weren't involved!" Mrs. Kim shrieked in distress after Seokjin switched off the stove. He turned around with a scoop of steaming broth to let me taste the flavor.

"It's delicious," I gave Seokjin a thumbs up as Taehyung kneaded my breast underneath the shirt before his mother and brother's eyes. Seokjin chuckled and leaned down to kiss the flavor off my lips as Taehyung kissed the side of my neck. Namjoon's jaw dropped in horror as he watched his brothers run their tongues and hands all over my body.

"Eomma?! Eomma!-" Namjoon gasped when Mrs. Kim suddenly fainted on the spot after witnessing our shameless interactions. Seokjin turned his face toward Namjoon, who was holding onto his mother's body with a dumbfounded expression.

"I'll speak with you later," Seokjin sighed, walking over to Namjoon to help his brother carry his unconscious mother out of the villa. Namjoon immediately escorted his stepmother home without bidding us goodbye. Seokjin eventually returned to the kitchen as I set the plates and utensils on the table, and we sat down to eat together. Taehyung fed me a spoonful of food as Seokjin sat across from us without his shirt on, spreading his muscular arms over the chair to flex his shirtless body.

"Jiyoung and I will get married in a few days, so let's stop here. I've already given us the last chance to end our relationships with proper closure," Taehyung sighed at Seokjin, who was quietly stuffing rice in his mouth.

"You're not upset? With me or Jiyoung? I brought her here," Seokjin asked while staring at Taehyung from across the table.

"I knew. Jiyoung called to tell me she was heading to your place," Taehyung shook his head. Seokjin briefly glanced at me with his eyebrow raised. I called Taehyung when he left to buy me hangover drinks because I wanted to let Taehyung know I was safe.

"Alright then. Let's end it here. I'm leaving the country anyways," Seokjin nodded in agreement.

"Moh?" Taehyung asked in confusion.

"I'm leaving Korea after your wedding. Your thugs brought me the invitation card a few days ago. I've already transferred Lee HyunSeung's ownership to Jiyoung, so I'm leaving to handle my corporations abroad. You don't have to worry about me and live happily together," Seokjin nodded at her brother. Taehyung unblinkingly stared at his older brother with the warm food left unchewed in his mouth.

"But eomma will never let you leave," Taehyung blinked at Seokjin in bewilderment.

"She won't know until I'm gone," Seokjin shrugged. Taehyung briefly glanced at me, so I sighed and lowered my face to eat the food. The truth is... neither of us wants Seokjin gone. I can see the shock on Taehyung's face. Even if the brothers had unresolved problems between them. It was Seokjin... who always stood by Taehyung's side regardless of their personal issues.

____________________

The wedding arrived faster than I could imagine when I found myself sitting in the dressing room at the venue to get my makeup and hair done by the hired stylists. Taehyung dozed off in the chair next to mine with his head tilted backward since he didn't get any sleep the night before. The makeup artist gently dabbed a cushion on his face to fix his blemishes. I glanced at the mirror to find my wedding dress hanging on the opposite side of the wall when the door suddenly opened, and Hyeri appeared with Jungkook in an off-shoulder dress.

"Oh? Why are you guys so early?" I blinked in shock while straightening my back on the chair to greet them. The stylist gently lifted my face to draw my eyeliner as Jungkook stepped inside the room in a dashing suit and slick black hair. He's so handsome- it made me smile!

"I wanted to drop by early just in case you needed help. The thugs are very busy coordinating the venue," Hyeri smiled as she walked up to us. Jungkook briefly glanced at Taehyung's wide open mouth as he snored on the chair.

"He was up all night at the venue to ensure the decorations were in place," I weakly smiled at Jungkook's bitter expression.

"I'll walk you down the aisle," Jungkook nodded, sitting down on the guest couch with an unbothered look. The stylist eventually pulled the weighty wedding dress onto me. I initially chose to wear a slim-fit wedding dress, but Taehyung said he wanted to make me look like a beautiful princess. He wouldn't let me choose even if he told me to select my own style, so I agreed with his idea in the end.

"Let's take pictures with them before the other guests arrive!" Hyeri grabbed Jungkook's hand after the staff transferred me to the photoshoot room. Jungkook helped me sit down in the thick fabric as I struggled to navigate my body movements in the uncomfortable dress. I love the dress- but it's just- too extreme for me.

"The dress looks uncomfortable," Jungkook muttered when he noticed me struggling on the chaise lounge. It's probably heavier than my body weight.

"Oppa! Beauty comes at a price! This is a personally customized dress you won't find anywhere! I heard they used real crystals! Don't listen to him- You're crazy beautiful!" Hyeri smacked Jungkook's forearm with a disapproving look, making me chuckle at her innocent envious eyes. Taehyung finally stepped into the room in his black suit after his brief nap in the dressing room. He sat down beside me to examine my dress with a wide grin until I flushed red because he couldn't keep his eyes off me.

"You've got a fallen eyelash," I whispered, gently reaching out to rub away Taehyung's lash from his cheek. Taehyung smiled and leaned forward to give me an innocent kiss.

"I love you," He smiled as he adjusted his seat beside me.

"Omo! They're so perfect for each other! Oppa, I want to get married too!" Hyeri screeched funnily beside Jungkook. His cheeks suddenly flushed red at her embarrassing reaction.

"I'll refer my designer to you," Taehyung smirked at Jungkook.

"Oh no! We'd have to sell our organs to get embroidered crystals on my gown!" Hyeri joked as she clung to Jungkook's arm.

"I can afford it," Jungkook fired her an offended look. Hyeri laughed at his uptight face as she stood by my side with a bright smile. The photographer adjusted our position for the shoot, so the couple took turns standing next to me. Flick. Flick. Flick. Hyeri sat down next to me to link my arm with hers. I grinned at the camera and tilted my head against hers.

"I want a solo shot with Jiyoung," Jungkook requested.

"Of course! You've been best friends since you were born!" Hyeri nodded happily, so Taehyung got up to step aside as Jungkook took a seat next to me.

"Thank you for looking after me," I smiled at his somber expression. Jungkook gulped and tilted his head upward to drain his tears.

"Ah! Don't make me sad! I'm starting to feel emotional! You better live happily after the wedding! I won't have time to chase after you anymore!" Jungkook nudged my shoulder. I giggled and slipped my arm around his to hold his hard bicep. Jungkook lightly dabbed his tears and turned to look at the camera. Flick. Flick. Flick. We did a few freestyle poses until Jungkook requested a standing picture, so we both stood up. I grinned at the camera with my head tilted against his shoulder as I held onto the flower bouquet.

"WAH- A wedding operated by the mafia is scary! The thugs greeted me at the entrance! I almost fainted because they looked so scary!" Hoseok whined as he entered the room with Namjoon. I waved at Hoseok in excitement as Jungkook leaned to peck my cheek before moving away to let the guests take his position.

"Hey. Min your words. They're hard-working men," Taehyung fired Hoseok with a disapproving look.

"Congratulations!" Hoseok ignored Taehyung as he walked forward to give me a warm hug. I chuckled and sat back down, so Taehyung returned to his seat after Hyeri left with Jungkook to help Yoongi and Jimin at the main venue.

"He really dressed you up like a fairytale princess," Namjoon weakly smiled at the sparkling tiara on my head as he stood beside Taehyung.

"She is my princess and soon-to-be mafia queen," Taehyung muttered, sideways glaring at his brother's mocking smile. The photographer cleared his throat nervously after he noticed the mafia boss's deadly gaze. Namjoon and Hoseok took pictures with us, and I finally moved aside to let Taehyung take a few shots with his older brother. Hoseok took a picture with each of us before leaving the room, just as Mrs. Kim showed up in an elegant handbook. Taehyung's smile vanished at her presence, and the room suddenly grew tense. We briefly exchanged nervous glances, so I cleared my throat and glanced down at the flowers in my hands.

"Namjoon urged me to get a picture," Mrs. Kim sighed as Mr. Kim entered the room after her. Unlike his wife... Mr. Kim was grinning from ear to ear. He seems excited.

"My youngest son is getting married before his older brothers! I'll bless you with everlasting happiness and love!" Mr. Kim proudly patted Taehyung's shoulder as he nervously stared at his stepmother's neutral face. I forced a smile as Taehyung's parents sat on the couch before us.

"The bride... can you smile a little?" The photographer requested. Taehyung briefly glanced at my uneasy expression, so I forced a smile for the camera until he placed his arm on my waist to comfort me. I slightly bowed at his parents after they got up to leave the room- just as my mother arrived at the venue. She was dressed in the hanbok I sent to her as a gift.

"I love the hanbok! It makes me look so youthful!" She beamed at us with a wide smile.

"Taehyung picked it. He has good taste in fashion," I nodded at Taehyung, who was politely bowing at my mother.

"I knew it would look stunning on you, mother-in-law," Taehyung fired her with a playful smile. My mother giggled, and a light smacked his chest before sitting down on the lounge.

"I brought a gift for you two," She handed us a jewel box, so we both thanked her and turned to smile at the camera. Flick. Flick. Flick. I sat down beside my mother and took a few shots without Taehyung since my mother wanted her own photographs with her daughter.

"Your father must be really proud of you," Eomma smiled, turning to pat my head with a proud smile. I stared at the tears in her eyes with an aching heart. Does she miss appa? I miss him too.

"Oh no! Why is the bride tearing up? Break time!" Hyeri suddenly appeared through the door. I chuckled and tilted my head upward to drain my tears as eomma held onto my hand with a proud smile.

"I want to speak with you in private," Eomma gripped my hand. I pursed my lips unsurely before glancing at Taehyung and left with eomma after he nodded at me. I anxiously glanced at Hyeri, who was carrying my dress from behind. I feel bad for her because she's too nice for her own good! That's why Jungkook fell for her. We entered the vacant dressing room together. Eomma sat down on the couch to fix her makeup as I stared at the bracelet in the jewel box with a slight smile.

"It's your father's wedding gift," Eomma nodded at the bracelet in the box.

"Appa?" I blinked, looking up at her in surprise.

"Oh. Your father and I agreed to customize a wedding gift for you. He always wanted couple bracelets. Hyun Seung left it to me in his will after he passed so I could give it to you on your wedding day. Your initials... and your partner's name were already carved on it," Eomma smiled at me.

"My partner's name?" I blinked, looking up at eomma unsurely.

"Kim Seokjin. I don't know how- But it was Seokjin's name on the other bracelet. I got it fixed to replace it with Taehyung's name," Eomma confessed. I glanced down at the golden bracelet in silence. Appa... He always had faith in Seokjin from the very beginning.

"Thank you," I sighed, looking up at eomma with a grateful smile.

"And about Kim Taehyung. Although I don't want to... ruin your wedding... I want you to reconsider your decision- even if it's too late," Eomma sadly stared at me from the couch. Her dim eyes were filled with concern... and a hint of sadness.

"I don't understand," I replied, furrowing my eyebrows at her.

"I found out- no, actually. People are gossiping about it. About Taehyung and his relationship with his mother," Eomma sighed. My heart sank heavily at her words, yet I maintained a straight face to avoid expressing my uneasiness.

"I'm aware. Taehyung spoke to me about it. It doesn't bother me," I shook my head. Eomma fired me a doubtful look but nodded anyways.

"Alright then. I'll bless you two at the ceremony," Eomma smiled, getting up to leave the room. I stepped out of the room with eomma to find Hyeri waiting by the wall with her arms crossed.

"Secretary Yoo came by! I asked him to wait for you in the picture room!" Hyeri smile cutely.

"He came? Seokjin must be here too then," I gasped and hurried toward the room with Hyeri to find Taehyung chatting with ajumma and Changwon.

"My beautiful child! You look like a princess! The younger generation is so pretty! What did you guys eat to be this lovely!" She gasped as she stood in the silky handbook I gifted her.

"You're so pretty! Look- I wore your watch," Changwon beamed, lifting his wrist to show off my gift. I chuckled weakly as ajumma held onto my warm hand. We took plenty of pictures with ajumma because she insisted we capture as many moments as we could together. Taehyung was very playful as he hugged ajumma with a boxy smile- Flick. Flick. Changwon made funny faces beside me- until I burst out laughing beside him.

"I'll take eomma to her seat. Her knees will hurt if she stands for too long," Changwon informed us as he supported his mother's arm. Ajumma waved at me with a bright beam and left with her son.

"Secretary Yoo!" I gasped after he entered the room alone.

"Wah! The decoration is insane! It feels like I'm in a fairytale! Congratulations!" He walked up to us with his slick pushed-back hair and fitted gray suit.

"You came alone? What about Seokjin?" Taehyung asked as Secretary Yoo sat down beside me to hold my hand.

"Ah... About that..." Secretary Yoo suddenly pursed his lips with an anxious expression. Taehyung and I stared at him in anticipation.

"There's an expected storm during his boarding time later in the afternoon- so he changed his flight schedule. He's leaving in an hour- Seokjin told me to congratulate you guys because- he won't make it," Secretary informed us of Seokjin's absence. My heart churned intensely at Secretary Yoo's words. Seokjin's not coming to our wedding?

"He could've delayed his flight- I guess it's an excuse to avoid our wedding," Taehyung scoffed in an upset tone. I sighed heavily as Secretary Yoo patted my hand to comfort me.

"Your mother will never allow it. That's why he chose your wedding day to leave since she's occupied with the wedding," Secretary Yoo replied while adjusting his position. We forcefully smiled at the camera to capture the pictures. Taehyung was suddenly in a bad mood after Secretary Yoo left us, so I grabbed his hand to comfort him. He's disappointed in his brother.

"It's not my wedding, but why am I the one running back and forth to guarantee the event's security?!" Yoongi complained as he stepped into the room with Jimin. They were both dressed in their tailored suits. Jimin was dressed in a dark purple suit while Yoongi stood in a plain black suit and black shirt.

"Wae? Are you going to ask for work fees too?" Taehyung scoffed at his friend in disbelief.

"You look so pretty!" Jimin beamed, rushing forward to embrace me. Jimin gripped my face to give me a soft peck on the forehead.

"Stop kissing my wife!" Taehyung grimaced, shoving Jimin aside. Jimin laughed at Taehyung's cute grimace with a cheeky smile.

"Fund my wedding when I get married," Yoongi muttered, slumping down beside Taehyung.

"Ohoh!? Why should I!?" Taehyung scoffed at Yoongi's request in disbelief. Jimin and I laughed at their adorable interaction before turning to pose for the camera. They did cute and funny gangster poses before the camera. I softly giggled while shaking my head at them. Countless thugs entered the room to get a picture with their boss and me, so I was very exhausted by the time the photo session was over. The staff took me back to the dressing room to touch up my makeup and hair when Taehyung got up to use the bathroom.

"Hyeri- can you help me? I want to use the bathroom," I apologetically asked since she was the only person inside the room with me. She's a nurse so... I hope she won't mind helping me.

"Oh, sure. Let's go," Hyeri nodded without hesitation.

"You should come to our after-party. Taehyung is hosting a party at a club," I nudged Hyeri's shoulder as we walked side by side in the corridor.

"An after party?! Count me in! I'll drag Jungkook with me!" She nodded brightly. Hyeri was very patient and helpful. She held my gown in the bathroom so I could pee without dirtying my dress. We finally exited the restroom after I washed my hand- The men's bathroom door suddenly swung open, and Mrs. Kim appeared. Hyeri and I halted in confusion when we noticed Mrs. Kim's smudge lipstick on her face. She was wiping her stained fingers with a tissue.

"I'll see you at the venue," Mrs. Kim smirked at me before striding off with a smug smile. Hyeri glanced at me unsurely and glanced back at the male bathroom when the door opened... and Taehyung appeared with tears in his eyes.

"Omo-" Hyeri gasped when she noticed his bruised lips. Taehyung froze in his position when he found me staring at him.

"I'll fix him," I turned to smile at Hyeri.

"Oh- oh. I'll go get Jungkook since it's almost time for the ceremony," Hyeri nodded and rushed off awkwardly to leave us alone. I sighed and turned to push Taehyung back into the bathroom.

"Jiyoung-" Taehyung whimpered in panic after I locked the door.

"You have a lipstick stain on your lips. Wash it off," I nodded at the sink. Taehyung blinked at me in tears and slowly turned to look at his messy reflection with a pained expression.

"Baby-"

"I said wash your face," I darkly stared at him with my arms crossed. Taehyung stared at me with his terrified eyes and slowly turned to lower his face. He quietly rinsed his lips until his face was soaked, so I grabbed a few tissues and handed them to him to let him dab his face.

"I swear it's a misunderstanding-"

"I'll believe what my eye sees, and that's her lipstick on your lips," I cut him short with a cold stare. Taehyung suddenly dropped to his knees before me with his hands clasped together.

"Baby- It's not like that! I was here to pee when she barged inside to corner me! I resisted her- so she punched me! She didn't kiss me- I swear! She smeared her lipstick with her thumb to rub it over my lips! Eomma is trying to ruin us! You have to believe me!" Taehyung shakily gripped my gown in tears. I stared at his puppy eyes in exhaustion and slowly crouched down to stare at the desperation on his face.

"I know," I placed my hand before Taehyung's face. I needed him to tell me the truth and he did. Taehyung shakily grabbed my hand, so I pulled him back onto his feet when he suddenly pulled me into a crushing hug.

"Jiyoung, you know I love you, right? I would never betray you," Taehyung whispered against my shoulder as I patted his back to console him.

"I know. I saw the smudge on your mother's thumb earlier. Don't cry- it's almost time for the ceremony," I sighed, pulling away to rub his firm cheek. I saw the smudge on the woman's thumb before she left. Taehyung is being honest with me. I won't let my mind contaminate me with delusional thoughts. Taehyung pouted at me, so I gently pecked his lips to assure him when someone lightly knocked on the bathroom door to interrupt us.

"Jiyoung? Are you guys ready? They're searching for the groom," Jungkook's voice spoke up.

"Smile. Okay? We're almost there," I carefully fixed Taehyung's hair before placing my hands on his shoulders to encourage him.

"Okay. I'll see you at the aisle, alright?" Taehyung nodded at me after I rubbed away his tears.

"I love you," I nodded, pecking his cheek. Taehyung took my hand in his and opened the door to find Jungkook leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Taehyung hurriedly strode away without speaking to Jungkook and left us in the corridor.

"Are you ready?" Jungkook weakly smiled at me as I patted my dress to flatten the creases. I nodded and walked back toward the dressing room. The staff rushed toward me to fix my dress for the walk as Jungkook waited by the door to escort me.

"It's time. Taehyung is waiting," Jungkook leaned against the door frame with his arms crossed. I turned to look at him with a bright beam as he eyed my wedding dress with an approving smile.

"I can't believe you're marrying me off to another man! Appa really released you from his curse," I joked, linking my arm around Jungkook's forearm to hold him.

"Ajusshi must've pitied me. I'll only suffer if I marry you," Jungkook teased, earning a sharp glare from me.

"You're so mean!" I whined as we strode down the empty corridor towards the massive venue door leading to the aisle.

"I'm really happy for you. Remember that. Don't forget about me after your marriage. I'll always root for you, no matter what. You can always come to me, okay?" Jungkook turned to smile at me. I suddenly felt the urge to burst out crying. No! He shouldn't say things like this! It's not like we're ending our lifelong friendship over a marriage! I'll still see him around! I quickly glanced away to suppress my unstable emotions.

"Don't make me cry!" I groaned, nudging him with a cute pout. Jungkook chuckled at my adorable attitude when his phone started ringing, so we halted in the empty corridor to let Jungkook answer his call.

"Oh? Why is he calling me?" Jungkook frowned, unsurely answering the phone with his eyes narrowed on me. I shrugged and turned to look at the giant door nervously.

This is it. I'm getting married. It's happening.

A moment later.

The crowded venue grew hushed after the announcer called for their honored attention. Taehyung stood on the stage with a nervous expression when he noticed his men and family gawking at him from the seats below.

"Let's have a big round of applause for our beautiful bride!" The announcer cheered, and the room suddenly erupted with booming claps to welcome Jiyoung. The thugs wildly cheered and shrieked for their boss, causing the other guests to fire them unsettled looks. Hoseok looked as if he was about to have a heart attack whenever he makes unexpected eye contact with the thugs. Taehyung laughed at the chaotic reaction below the stage with his bright boxy smile as the pianist started playing the entrance wedding march for the bride. Taehyung glanced at his stepmother to find her glaring at him as a guard spoke in her ear. The youngest child ignored his mother's intimidation and turned to face the door with an eager beam as the staff pushed the door open for the bride and her escort.

"OOOOOOOOH?" The room boomed when the door opened fully... but the corridor was empty. Everyone turned to look at the vacant entrance in confusion. Jiyoung and Jungkook... was not at the doorway.

"Huh?" Jimin frowned, standing up to search for Jiyoung. Taehyung gripped his hand uneasily when his bride was nowhere to be seen.

"My son! No! Not my son! Seokjin!" Mrs. Kim suddenly shrieked after receiving the news from her guard. The entire room averted their attention to her as the woman frantically scrambled out of her seat. Mr. Kim got up after his wife to chase her with a pale expression.

"What's happening?! Where's my bride?!" Taehyung turned to ask the event manager in confusion as the room hummed with gossip and murmurs. The manager radioed his staff for updates, but Taehyung lost his patience and stomped off the stage to rush out of the venue in a hurry.

"She was with Jungkook before I entered the venue earlier! She was standing right here with him!" Changwon gasped as he pointed at the spot before the giant door with a bewildered face. Taehyung pulled out his phone to dial Jiyoung's number, but she wouldn't pick up the call.

"Where's Jeon Jungkook!?" Taehyung roared in anger as he stormed into the dressing room, but it was also empty.

"I don't know! He said he was going to escort her!" Hyeri shrieked as she called her boyfriend to question his whereabouts. Taehyung angrily kicked the door open and stomped out of the corridor in anger when Thud. Thud. Thud. The mafia boss halted when he found Jeon Jungkook returning to the venue from the opposite direction. Hyeri, Jimin, Changwon, and Yoongi stopped dead in their tracks... with their mouths hanging open when they found Jungkook walking back towards them with a neutral face.

"Where's Jiyoung-" Taehyung gritted, drifting his eyes to the wedding gown on Jungkook's arms. Jiyoung was nowhere to be found, and only her wedding was visible. Jungkook clenched his jaw as he slowly walked up to the baffled crowd with her wedding dress, heels, tiara, jewels, and flower bouquet.

"Jungkook! Where is Jiyoung?" Hyeri asked, rushing toward her boyfriend to grab the expensive fabric in disbelief when something dropped from it... clattering onto the marble floor. Cling. Kim Taehyung slowly glanced down in horror when he found Jiyoung's wedding ring rolling up to his polished shoes.

"She left," Jungkook gulped while staring at the groom with a stern expression.

"What do you mean she left!?" Jimin gasped in shock as Taehyung bent down to pick up Jiyoung's wedding ring from the floor.

"Seokjin! No! My son! He can't do this!" Mrs. Kim frantically screeched, hurrying past the crowd to leave with her husband and guards in a hurry. Taehyung glanced at his stepmother's shaken behavior... before averting his deadly gaze back at Jungkook. He was still hugging Jiyoung's wedding dress in his arms as Hyeri glanced back and forth between her boyfriend and the groom in dread.

"Did you find Jiyoung!?" Hoseok cluelessly rushed up to the frozen crowd.

"Seokjin fled the country," Namjoon appeared behind Taehyung.

"MOH?!" Hoseok turned to gawk at Namjoon in disbelief.

"The heir is leaving Korea," Namjoon replied, walking away with his hands in his pocket.

"Jungkook- What happened??" Jiyoung gripped her boyfriend's hand to make him speak. Jungkook gritted his jaw as he kept his stern eyes on Taehyung's razor-sharp gaze without blinking.

Flashback

"Seokjin is here," Jungkook lowered his phone after speaking with the heir.

"Seokjin? I thought he left?" Jiyoung asked, looking up at Jungkook's uptight face in confusion.

"He said he wanted to see you. He's waiting outside," Jungkook sighed, nervously glancing at the venue door.

"I'll see you guys inside!" Changwon waved before entering the room to leave the two souls in the corridor.

"Do you want to see him?" Jungkook asked as Jiyoung nervously gazed at the exit. She turned to look at Jungkook with a troubled expression.

"I'm afraid... I won't return after I leave the entrance," She confessed. Jungkook gripped his fists when he realized Jiyoung was not okay with the wedding and she was on the verge of falling apart.

"Jiyoung. Listen to your heart. Just this once. I won't judge you. I want you to be happy so make your final decision. We don't have much time. It's either I walk you toward Kim Taehyung, or I walk you toward Kim Seokjin. You have to trust yourself, okay? I'm always here for you," Jungkook lowered his face to remind Jiyoung of her available choices, gently placing his palm on her cheek to stare straight at her conflicted eyes.

"Seokjin is leaving the country," Jiyoung whispered in tears.

"There are two doors. One into a marriage and one out of this country. Whatever you pick... I'll support your decision, okay?" Jungkook rubbed her cheeks. Jiyoung gripped Jungkook's arm and turned to face the venue with a torn expression.

"I'll go to Tae-"

"Jiyoung!" Seokjin called. His loud voice... echoing across the enclosed interior. Jiyoung and Jungkook... both turned around to find Seokjin waving at them from the opposite corridor.

"Seokjin..." Jiyoung whispered in tears as Seokjin stared at her.

"I came to say my farewell!" Seokjin shouted. Jungkook glanced at Jiyoung's trembling body with a slight frown.

"Jungkook... What if I don't want to hear his farewell?" Jiyoung turned to look at Jungkook in panic as Seokjin strolled toward them. Her mind is too cluttered for her to make a logical decision.

"Then don't say goodbye," Jungkook replied sternly to ground his friend in her place. Jiyoung gripped the bouquet in her hand before turning back to Seokjin, who was jogging up to them in his usual coat. Jiyoung suddenly dropped the flowers and rushed toward Seokjin. The heir stopped running when he realized Jiyoung's pale face was coated in warm tears. He anxiously opened his arms to embrace her as soon as she slammed into him at full force.

"What- What's the matter- Jiyoung-"

"I don't want to say goodbye!" Jiyoung suddenly burst into tears as she tightly gripped Seokjin's coat because she was afraid he'd leave her side if she loosened her grip.

"What are you talking about-"

"I don't want to be here! I don't want to be in this dress! I don't want to get married to Taehyung! I can't breathe in this goddamn thing! I'm suffocating! My chest is stuffed with unpleasant feelings because I'm guilty!" Jiyoung bawled in distress as Jungkook watched her tremble from head to toe. Seokjin slightly parted his lips as Jiyoung yanked the gown in frustration because she felt like she was being squeezed by an invisible pressure.

"But you said-"

"I love him! I loved Taehyung until I found out he's been seeing your mother behind my back!" Jiyoung sobbed in distress.

"What are you talking about?" Seokjin questioned, gripping her shoulders with a startled expression.

"You mother- She has been sleeping with Taehyung since Yeona died! They've been fooling us!" Jiyoung bawled so hard... her eye makeup began to smudge all over her face. Seokjin's heart dropped at Jiyoung's confession as Jungkook frowned at her claims in disbelief. The two men exchanged horrified glances as Jiyoung broke down in her perfect wedding dress. Jungkook sighed heavily and lowered his head to rub his face. Even the heir was stunned by her claims.

"Take her. Please take her with you- she can't- I can't let her deal with this bullshit anymore. If you're going to run away, then take her with you! I'm afraid she will die if she stays here! If your mother's relationship with Kim Taehyung is real- Jiyoung will be in danger! The woman will kill her!" Jungkook turned to snap at Seokjin in anger. Seokjin slowly released Jiyoung's weak body and glanced down at her wrecked condition to ponder his thoughts. Should he take her with him? Or should he leave her here in the hands of his clumsy younger brother?

"She can't leave in this dress. Help me undress her," Seokjin exhaled, hurriedly turning Jiyoung around to unzip her dress. Jungkook rushed forward to help Jiyoung out of the suffocating dress until she was standing in her thin silk undergarment gown. Seokjin quickly slipped off his coat to cover her body after Jiyoung tore the jewels off her body. The heir slowly turned Jiyoung's shoulders to make her face him again.

"I can take you far away from here, but I won't do it by force. Do you want to leave? Answer me," Seokjin sternly stared at Jiyoung's helpless eyes. She pursed her lips at his eager gaze and slowly nodded in response.

"Take with you," She replied in a broken voice. Jungkook let out a hefty sigh and turned to fold his arms in difficulty. He didn't want her to leave his side, but he knew- he had to let her go.

"Okay. Then take my hand, and I'll take you far away," Seokjin lifted his palm before Jiyoung to ask for her permission. Jiyoung suddenly turned to hug Jungkook in her arms, so he sniffled and tugged her close to him.

"I'll come back to you. Okay?" Jiyoung sobbed against Jungkook as she clung to his neck.

"I'll wait for you," Jungkook nodded, pulling away to kiss her forehead. Jiyoung smiled at Jungkook in tears after he released her body from his embrace. She turned back around to take Seokjin's hand with an anxious expression.

"Let's go," Seokjin nodded at Jungkook to signal their departure. The heir glanced at Jiyoung's damped cheeks before averting his eyes back to the venue door with a bitter look. He'd never betray Taehyung... but he can't leave Jiyoung to suffer with a man who is incapable of taking care of her either. Seokjin tightened his grip around Jiyoung's hand as they ran through the empty corridor, away from the venue.

Jungkook immediately regretted his decision to let her go as he watched Jiyoung flee through the exit with another man. He shakily gripped his fists to resist the urge to chase after her. Can he really trust Seokjin to protect her? Did he make the right decision by pushing her away? Will he ever see her again? Jungkook wrestled with his inner doubts to regain control of himself until Jiyoung disappeared from his sight.

He has to let her go.

Jungkook painfully glanced down at the scattered flower bouquet, bracelet, heels, and jewels left on the unoccupied wedding dress. Sighing, he lowered himself to pick up her belongings and strolled back towards the venue with them.

______________________

Surprise?! I know! I said I couldn't update before my exam but I was feeling very restless so I wrote another chapter since I don't want to keep you guys waiting! I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter! How is everyone doing? Thank you so much for supporting Love Candidate! Have an amazing day~! I love you! Will be back next week! <3 Take care!