Taehyung pov:

As I sat alone in my living room, the memories began to flood back, unbidden and relentless. One date in particular stood out, a day when Jin Ah and I had been truly happy.

It was a crisp autumn day, the kind where the air is cool and the leaves crunch beneath your feet. Jin Ah and I had spent the day wandering through a sprawling park, laughing and joking like carefree teenagers. We had rented bikes and cycled along the trails, her laughter ringing out as she sped ahead of me, taunting me to catch up. When I finally did, we collapsed onto the grass, breathless and grinning.

Later, we found a small café nestled in the corner of the park. We sat outside, sipping hot chocolate and sharing a slice of cake. She had gotten whipped cream on her nose, and I had leaned over to wipe it off, our faces so close that I could feel her breath on my skin. I had wanted to kiss her then, but I had held back, savoring the moment instead. It was perfect, just being there with her.

But those perfect days seemed like a lifetime ago. The memory shifted, darkening as I recalled the day my mother.......

---

I had been having lunch with my mother in the grand dining room of our family estate. The table was long, covered with an immaculate white cloth and adorned with silverware that gleamed under the chandelier’s light. My mother, always strict and unyielding, sat at the head of the table, her posture rigid and her expression stern.

“Taehyung,” she began, her voice cold and commanding. “We need to talk about Jin Ah.”

I had looked up from my plate, a feeling of dread settling in my stomach. “What about her?”

“She is not suitable for you,” she said bluntly, cutting into her steak with precision. “You need to end it.”

I clenched my fork, trying to keep my voice steady. “No, I won’t. I love her, Mother.”

She had set down her knife and fork with a deliberate, almost menacing calm. “You will do as I say. That girl is beneath you, and she is holding you back. I will not allow you to throw your life away for some... nobody.”

“I refuse,” I said, my voice rising. “I won’t break up with her.”

For days after that lunch, I had avoided my mother, refusing to speak to her. I had thought that maybe, just maybe, she would relent. But my mother was not one to be disobeyed.

---

One evening, she called me into her office. The room was dark, lit only by the dim glow of a single lamp. She sat behind her massive mahogany desk, a formidable figure in the shadows. I had walked in, my heart pounding, knowing that this confrontation was inevitable.

“Sit down, Taehyung,” she commanded. I obeyed, sitting stiffly in the chair across from her.

“You will break up with Jin Ah,” she said, her voice icy. “Or I will erase her and her family’s existence.”

I stared at her, shocked. “You can’t mean that. You don’t have that kind of power.”

“Oh, but I do,” she replied, her eyes glittering with a dangerous light. “I can make them disappear. And I will, if you don’t do as I say.”

“I won’t do it,” I said, my voice trembling with defiance. “I love her, and I won’t let you control my life like this.”

Her face twisted with anger, and before I knew what was happening, she had slapped me. The force of the blow sent me reeling, and I clutched my cheek, stunned.

“You will do as I say!” she hissed, leaning across the desk. “You are a disgrace to this family. You are the reason your father is dead. If you don’t break up with that girl, I will make sure she suffers for your stubbornness.”

Tears had stung my eyes, but I had refused to let them fall. “You can’t force me to leave her.”

“Yes, I can,” she said, her voice low and dangerous. “Because you’re leaving for America. Tomorrow.”

“What?” I gasped. “You can’t just send me away!”

“Oh, but I can,” she said, a cruel smile spreading across her face. “You will leave Jin Ah, and you will go abroad. And you will forget about her.”

I had no choice. The next day, I broke up with Jin Ah in the pouring rain, saying the most hurtful things I could think of to make her hate me. It was the only way to protect her from my mother’s wrath.

Breakup:

Tears streamed down her face, mingling with the rain. “Are you really going to end our seven-year relationship just because I’m poor?”

I couldn’t bear to reply, knowing any words would betray my resolve. Instead, I turned away, every step I took feeling like a knife to my heart. I could hear her sobs behind me, calling my name, begging me to come back, but I forced myself to keep moving. When I was out of sight, I collapsed against a tree, the sobs I had held back tearing through me.

The rain continued to fall, masking my tears as I cried for the girl I had been forced to abandon, for the love I had lost.

---
In the present, I sat alone in my living room, the darkness pressing in on me. The memory of that night was as vivid as if it had just happened. I could still see Jin Ah’s face, her eyes full of heartbreak, and it tore at my soul.

A lonely tear escaped and traced a path down my cheek. I wiped it away angrily, cursing my helplessness. “I’m sorry, Jin Ah,” I murmured, my voice barely a whisper. “I’m so sorry.”

The weight of my mother’s threats, the guilt of my betrayal, and the longing for the love I had lost all crashed down on me, leaving me feeling empty and broken. But I knew I couldn’t give up. I had to make things right. Somehow, I would find a way to win Jin Ah back. I would do whatever it took to earn her forgiveness and love again.

With a heavy sigh, I rose from the chair and headed to bed, the promise of a new day offering a sliver of hope.
---

Taehyung pov:

As the morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room, Taehyung's eyes flickered open. He lay still for a moment, his mind already buzzing with the day's agenda. With a resigned sigh, he swung his legs over the edge of the bed, his movements precise and deliberate.

As he stood before the mirror, Taehyung's reflection stared back at him, his features composed and impassive. He ran a hand through his tousled hair, smoothing down any stray strands with practiced ease. There was no room for vulnerability in his world, no time for sentimentality.

Dressed in a sharp suit, Taehyung made his way to his office, his footsteps echoing down the empty corridors. As he entered the bustling workspace, his employees scrambled to attention, sensing the shift in the atmosphere.

"Good morning, sir," one of them ventured tentatively, offering a hesitant smile.

Taehyung's response was curt and clipped, his gaze sweeping over the room with steely determination. "Get to work," he ordered, his voice cutting through the air like a whip.
In Taehyung's office, tension hung thick in the air as his employees awaited his arrival. When he swept into the room, his presence alone demanded attention, his expression set in a stern mask.

His gaze sweeping over the room with a critical eye. He wasted no time in getting down to business, his voice carrying the weight of authority.

"We all recognize that the recent performance of our department has been subpar," he began, his tone cool and measured. "It's clear that certain individuals have not been performing their duties adequately."

His words sent a ripple of unease through the room as everyone shifted uncomfortably in their seats, bracing themselves for what was to come.

"I won't name names," Taehyung continued, his gaze settling on a few individuals with pointed intensity. "But some of you need to step up and deliver better results."

The employees squirmed under his scrutiny, feeling the weight of his disapproval bearing down on them. Taehyung wasn't one to mince words, and his expectations were clear.

"Yeongsoo, Jiwon, and Junho," he declared, singling out specific individuals. "I expect better performance from you. Your efforts have been lacking, and now is the time to turn things around."

His words hung heavy in the air, the unspoken threat lingering like a dark cloud over the room. It was a sobering reminder of the consequences of failure under Taehyung's watchful eye.

As he turned to leave, the employees exchanged uneasy glances, silently acknowledging the need for improvement. They knew that Taehyung's standards were high, and falling short was not an option.

In his office, Taehyung was met with a scene of chaos. Papers littered his desk, overflowing onto the floor in a disorganized mess that seemed to mock his attempts at orderliness. His usually immaculate workspace was now a battleground of clutter, a stark contrast to the sleek and polished environment he preferred.

For a moment, Taehyung simply stood there, stunned by the sheer volume of paperwork that lay before him. It was as if the paperwork had multiplied overnight, a relentless tide threatening to engulf him in its endless sea of tasks and responsibilities.

With a heavy sigh, Taehyung rolled up his sleeves, steeling himself for the arduous task ahead. He knew that he couldn't afford to let the chaos overwhelm him, not when there were deadlines to meet and expectations to fulfill.

With determination in his eyes, Taehyung set to work, methodically sifting through the piles of papers with a sense of purpose. Each document was scrutinized, each decision made with careful consideration as he worked tirelessly to regain control of his domain.

Taehyung refused to be defeated. He was a man of action, accustomed to facing challenges head-on and emerging victorious. And as he tackled each paper with renewed resolve, he was determined to restore order to his office once and for all.

"Can you meet me in front of the Kim enterprise building?" Taehyung's message read, his thumb pressing down firmly on the send button before he slipped his phone back into his pocket. He leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the towering structure outside his window—the imposing edifice that housed his empire, a symbol of his power and authority.
---

Under the ethereal glow of the moonlight, amidst the nocturnal symphony of the city, Taehyung found himself standing outside his office building, eagerly awaiting Jin ah's arrival. As she approached, her silhouette illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlights, he couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation coursing through him.

With each step she took, he felt his heart quicken, the distance between them closing with each passing moment. And when she finally reached him, her presence was like a breath of fresh air—a welcome respite from the chaos of his daily life.

Without a word, he pulled her into his arms, savoring the warmth of her embrace as they stood together beneath the starlit sky. In that moment, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city, they were the only two souls in existence—a universe unto themselves.

"Let me recharge," he murmured softly, his voice a gentle plea born of the exhaustion of the day. And as he held her close, Taehyung couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over him—a tranquility that could only be found in the embrace of the one he loved.He murmured, his voice heavy with weariness. "Stay like this for some time."

Jinah remained rigid, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. She hated how her body responded to his touch, the way her heart betrayed her anger. But she could feel the tension in his body, the weight of his burdens, and for a moment, she relented, allowing him this small comfort.

Just as she was about to speak, her phone rang, piercing the silence between them. She pulled back, fumbling for her phone in her bag. It was Niki. She answered quickly, turning away from Taehyung.

"Niki, what's wrong?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Hey, noona! Are you with Taehyung hyung?" Niki's voice was playful, oblivious to the tension.

Jinah sighed, glancing back at Taehyung, who was watching her intently. "

"Yes, I'm with him. What do you need?" she replied, trying to mask her irritation.

"Nothing much. Just wanted to check if you're coming home soon. I might need a ride later," Niki said, his tone light.

"I'll be home soon. Don't wait up," she responded, hanging up quickly. She turned back to Taehyung, who hadn't moved, his gaze still fixed on her.

Taehyung took a deep breath, steeling himself. "On Monday at 5 PM, you’re meeting my mother at Hotel Del Luna," he stated firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Jin ah's eyes widened in surprise. "Meeting your mother? Why?"

"Because I said so," Taehyung replied, his tone icy. "Be there on time. It's important."

Jin ah clenched her fists, fighting the urge to lash out. She knew better than to argue with him when he was like this. Instead, she took a step back, putting some distance between them. "Fine. I'll be there," she said through gritted teeth.

Taehyung's expression softened slightly, but he didn't say anything more. He simply nodded and turned away, walking back towards his car. Jin ah watched him go, a mix of frustration and resignation swirling within her.

As she made her way home, her mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming meeting. She couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of a new, more complicated chapter in her life. One that involved facing the ghosts of their shared past and navigating the treacherous waters of their present.

Monday arrived, and Jinah stood in front of Hotel Del Luna, her heart pounding. She wore a navy blue, off-the-shoulder dress that hugged her curves elegantly, paired with simple pearl earrings and matching heels. Her long, dark hair was styled in loose waves, framing her delicate face. Despite the calm facade she tried to maintain, her eyes betrayed the anxiety she felt inside.

Stepping into the opulent lobby, she was greeted by the sight of Taehyung and his mother already seated in a private dining room. Taehyung looked striking in a tailored charcoal suit, his sharp jawline and intense eyes giving him an aura of command. His black hair was slicked back, and the suit accentuated his broad shoulders and slim waist. His mother, Mrs. Kim, was a vision of cold elegance. She wore a designer dress in a shade of deep burgundy, adorned with intricate lace detailing. Her perfectly coiffed hair and diamond jewelry highlighted her refined, yet severe features.

"Good evening, Mrs. Kim," Jin ah said, bowing politely as she entered the room.

Mrs. Kim's lips curved into a tight, insincere smile. "Good evening, Jin ah. Please, have a seat."

Taehyung gestured to the chair next to him, his face softening slightly as he looked at Jin ah. "You're right on time."

As Jin ah sat down, she felt Mrs. Kim's piercing gaze on her, assessing every detail of her appearance. The dinner began with polite conversation, but Jin ah couldn't shake the feeling of being under scrutiny.

Mrs. Kim's voice cut through the small talk. "I understand you and my son have a history," she began, her tone laced with subtle condescension. "But I want to make sure that his future remains unblemished."

Jin ah nodded, her stomach churning. "I understand, Mrs. Kim. I'm here because Taehyung asked me to be."

Mrs. Kim's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Of course. Let's discuss the expectations moving forward."

Throughout the meal, Mrs. Kim maintained her icy demeanor, masking her true feelings with a veneer of politeness. Taehyung, oblivious to the undercurrents, tried to make the conversation as painless as possible. When he excused himself to take a call, Mrs. Kim's facade dropped.

"Let me be clear," she said, her voice cold and cutting. "You're not good enough for my son. He's destined for greatness, and I won't let anyone drag him down, especially someone as insignificant as you."

Jin ah's heart pounded in her chest, but she refused to show any weakness. "I'm only here because Taehyung wants this."

Mrs. Kim leaned in closer, her eyes narrowing. "And I'm telling you, you will never be part of this family. Enjoy your time while it lasts, because I will do everything in my power to end this."

Before Jin ah could respond, Taehyung returned, his presence instantly changing the atmosphere. Mrs. Kim's mask of politeness slipped back into place.

"Shall we continue?" she said sweetly, as if nothing had happened.

The dinner dragged on, filled with thinly veiled threats and false pleasantries. By the end, Jin ah felt drained. Taehyung walked her to the entrance, his eyes full of concern.

"Are you okay?" he asked, searching her face.

Jin ah forced a smile. "I'm fine. Let's just get this over with."

He nodded, his expression troubled. "We'll figure it out. I promise."

As she walked away, Jin ah couldn't shake the feeling of dread that settled in her chest. She knew Mrs. Kim meant every word she said, and the battle was just beginning.

As they left the hotel, the tension between Jin Ah and Taehyung was palpable. Jin Ah's jaw was set in a firm line, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the car window. Taehyung, on the other hand, remained silent, his expression unreadable.

After a few moments of awkward silence, Jin Ah couldn't contain her frustration any longer. "I can't believe how your mother behaved," she began, her voice tinged with anger. "She was relentless in her attempts to belittle me, to make me feel beneath her."

Taehyung sighed, his grip on the steering wheel tightening slightly. "I know," he replied, his voice tinged with sympathy. "But don't let her get to you. She's always been like that, trying to assert her dominance at every opportunity."

Jin Ah shot him a skeptical glance. "Easy for you to say," she muttered, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "You don't have to deal with her constant scrutiny, her relentless criticism."

Taehyung's expression softened, a flicker of understanding in his eyes. "I may not have to deal with my mother's behavior directly, but I understand what it's like to have someone constantly trying to bring you down," he admitted quietly. "Just know that you don't have to face her alone. I'm here for you, Jin Ah."

Jin Ah's heart softened at his words, a glimmer of gratitude shining through her anger. She knew that Taehyung's support meant more than he could ever know. With a nod of appreciation, she leaned back in her seat, allowing herself to relax slightly for the first time that evening.

As they continued on their journey, Jin Ah couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. Despite the challenges ahead, she knew that with Taehyung by her side, she could face anything that came her way.

As the car rolled to a stop in front of Jin Ah's house, Taehyung's mischievous grin widened, and he seized the opportunity to make a move. With a swift, fluid motion, he stepped out of the car and circled around to Jin Ah's side, his gaze locked on her intently.

"Jin Ah," he breathed, his voice low and dangerously seductive as he leaned in closer, trapping her between his towering frame and the sleek surface of the car.

Jin Ah's eyes widened in surprise, a nervous flutter taking hold in her chest as Taehyung's proximity sent her heart racing. She felt a blush creeping up her cheeks as she struggled to maintain her composure under his intense gaze.

Before Jin Ah could react, Taehyung closed the distance between them, his hand reaching out to gently brush a strand of hair away from her face. "You look absolutely stunning tonight," he murmured, his voice laced with genuine admiration.

Just as Jin Ah felt herself succumbing to Taehyung's undeniable charm, a sudden interruption shattered the moment. From out of nowhere, Niki appeared, his hands flying to cover his eyes dramatically as he shrieked, "Jin Ah! Oh no, my pretty eyes!"

Taehyung froze mid-sentence, caught off guard by Niki's unexpected entrance. Jin Ah couldn't help but stifle a giggle at the sight of her brother's melodramatic display, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Niki peeked through his fingers, his expression a comical mix of horror and amusement. "You almost blinded me with your romance, Taehyung," he quipped, his tone dripping with playful sarcasm.

Taehyung straightened up, shooting Niki a mock-serious look. "Well, I can't help it if my charm is blinding," he retorted, his smirk evident even in the dim light.

Meanwhile, Jin Ah struggled to contain her laughter, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she pushed against Taehyung's chest, trying to create some much-needed space between them.

With a theatrical sigh, Niki dropped his hands from his eyes and grinned at Jin Ah. "Well, now that I've saved my eyesight, what's for dinner?" he joked, earning an amused chuckle from Jin Ah.

Rolling her eyes at her brother's antics, Jin Ah shot Taehyung a playful glare. "Thanks for the... dramatics," she muttered, before making a hasty retreat into her house, leaving Taehyung and Niki laughing behind her.

As Taehyung watched Jin Ah disappear into the house, a mischievous glint danced in his eyes. Despite the interruption, he couldn't shake the feeling of excitement coursing through him. This was just the beginning of their playful dance, and he was more than ready to see where it would lead.
---

Hey everyone, thanks for reading! I noticed that while we hit 20+ views on the last update, we didn't reach our goal of 20 likes. Your likes and comments are really important to me and help keep me motivated to continue the story. If you enjoyed this chapter, please hit the like button and leave a comment. Your support means everything. Thank you!💓