As the days went by, Tae and Ariana fell into a comfortable routine, growing closer with every moment they spent together. It was as if the universe had aligned just for them, creating pockets of peace and joy amid the chaos of their world. The playful teasing between them became a constant, a way of showing affection and connection that made their bond even stronger. But as much as they teased each other, their feelings were undeniable—each day brought them deeper into a love they hadn't expected but couldn't resist.

One evening, Tae found himself sitting on the couch in the mansion’s living room, staring at his phone and smiling to himself. Jungkook, who was sitting nearby, raised an eyebrow.

“What’s got you grinning like that?” Jungkook asked, leaning back and folding his arms.

Tae glanced up, his grin widening. “Ariana. She just texted me something sweet, that’s all.”

Jungkook smirked. “You’re completely smitten, aren’t you?”

Tae didn’t even try to deny it. “Yeah. I am.”

Jungkook chuckled, shaking his head. “I never thought I’d see the day. The great Tae, taken down by love.”

“Yeah, well, it’s a pretty good feeling,” Tae said, shrugging. “I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

Jungkook leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Just be careful, man. You know how this world can be. It’s not always kind to relationships, especially when you’re in the mafia.”

Tae’s expression grew serious, his thoughts drifting to the dangers of their lifestyle. But then he thought of Ariana, of her strength and resilience, and he shook his head. “I know. But I’m going to do everything I can to protect her. She means everything to me.”

Jungkook nodded, his expression softening. “I get it. Just make sure you’re both ready for what might come. You’ve got a good thing going, and I don’t want to see anything mess that up.”

Tae appreciated the concern in Jungkook’s voice. As tough as the mafia world was, the people in it had become family to him, and their opinions mattered. Jungkook was right—he had to be careful. But that didn’t mean he would let fear hold him back.

Later that evening, Tae and Ariana were sitting on the terrace under the stars, enjoying the cool night air. Tae had his arm draped around her shoulders, and Ariana leaned into him, resting her head against his chest. The peacefulness of the moment was something they had both come to cherish. After everything Ariana had been through, moments like this felt precious, like small gifts they didn’t want to take for granted.

“Do you ever think about what the future will look like?” Ariana asked quietly, breaking the comfortable silence between them.

Tae glanced down at her, running his fingers gently through her hair. “Sometimes,” he admitted. “But I try not to overthink it. I’m just enjoying being with you right now.”

Ariana smiled softly. “I like that. Living in the moment.”

“Exactly,” Tae said, kissing the top of her head. “We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but I know one thing for sure—I want to spend as much of it as I can with you.”

Her heart fluttered at his words. There was something so reassuring about Tae’s presence, the way he always made her feel safe and loved. She hadn’t expected to fall for him so deeply, especially after everything she had gone through with the Italians. But Tae had been patient, kind, and gentle, never pushing her to heal faster than she was ready for.

“I love you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Tae tightened his hold on her, pulling her even closer. “I love you too,” he said softly, his lips brushing against her forehead.

They sat in silence for a while longer, watching the stars twinkle above them. Tae could feel the weight of Ariana’s trust in him, and it humbled him. She had given him her heart, despite the pain she had endured, and he was determined to honor that trust. He would protect her, love her, and be the man she deserved—no matter what it took.

The next day, they found themselves at the mansion’s garden, surrounded by Bella, Hana, and baby Yuna. Ariana and Tae were seated at a small table, watching as Hana played with her daughter. The sight of Namjoon’s soft smiles as he watched his wife and child warmed Tae’s heart. They were a family, and it was clear how much Namjoon adored Hana and Yuna.

“Do you think we’ll ever have that?” Ariana asked, her voice soft as she watched Hana and Namjoon.

Tae turned to her, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Do you want that?” he asked gently.

Ariana hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Someday, yes. But I’m still trying to figure everything out. I don’t want to rush anything.”

Tae reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “We don’t have to rush. We’ll take things at your pace, okay? Whatever makes you comfortable.”

Ariana smiled gratefully, her heart swelling with love for him. “Thank you, Tae. For being so patient with me.”

“Anything for you,” Tae said softly, leaning in to kiss her cheek.

As they sat there, Bella walked over to join them, Yuna in her arms. She smiled at the two of them, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “You two are nauseatingly cute, you know that?”

Tae chuckled, wrapping his arm around Ariana’s waist. “What can I say? I’m a hopeless romantic.”

Bella rolled her eyes playfully. “I think it’s sweet. But you better treat my sister right, Tae. You know I’m watching you.”

Tae grinned, holding up his hands in surrender. “I promise, I’ve got it under control.”

Ariana laughed, feeling a sense of warmth and belonging as she watched her sister and Tae banter back and forth. She had never imagined that she would find herself in such a loving, supportive environment after everything that had happened. But now, with Tae by her side and her sister nearby, she felt like she was finally starting to heal.

And as she looked up at Tae, his face soft and full of affection as he gazed down at her, Ariana knew that whatever the future held, she was ready to face it with him. They had built something special together, and she wasn’t going to let anything stand in the way of their happiness.