❝LISA❞

As I reentered the room, Mr. Machan, Sir Taehyung's trusted assistant, drew my attention away from the lingering memory of a stranger's disdainful gaze.

Despite his age, Mr. Machan was a kind and knowledgeable mentor who had taught me a great deal, all thanks to Sir Taehyung's guidance.

"Dear, did you manage to obtain Sir Taehyung's signature?" Mr. Machan inquired gently, breaking through my reverie.

I nodded, handing him the signed letter. He studied it briefly before turning his attention back to me.

"Dear, have you grasped the concepts of Excel and PowerPoint?" he asked, concern evident in his tone. With a nod, I replied, "Yes, sir. I believe I have a good understanding of both."

"Very well then. Would you like to create the spreadsheet now?" he suggested, giving me the green light. I nodded eagerly, ready to dive into the task.

"Yes, sir. I'll make sure to capitalize the pointers as you instructed," I assured him, settling down at the laptop to begin my work.

After finishing the spreadsheet, I printed out the file and approached Mr. Machan, requesting his inspection before presenting it to Sir Taehyung for his signature.

"Sir, please check over these before I bring them to Sir Taehyung for approval," I requested earnestly. Mr. Machan graciously obliged, reviewing the documents with a keen eye.

"Well done, Lisa. I've rarely seen such meticulous work. You may go ahead and present them to Sir Taehyung," he commended with a warm smile. I nodded gratefully, relieved by his praise and validation.

As I prepared to head to Sir Taehyung's office, I remembered his penchant for tea. Hastily, I retrieved his cup from the side table, balancing it carefully alongside the file.

I made my way towards the office of the company's esteemed boss, who constantly occupied my thoughts.

As I approached Sir Taehyung's office door, I was startled by the sound of raised voices coming from within.

My heart skipped a beat as I caught fragments of the conversation, realizing that someone was questioning Sir Taehyung's relationship with me.

"Seems like you're a bit too possessive over that little girl, Lisa," the other person's words echoed out from the room, igniting a mix of emotions within me.

However, before I could fully process the situation, Sir Taehyung's commanding voice cut through the tension like a knife.

"Leave," he ordered firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I won't tolerate a single word against Lisa or her character. She's not what you think, Jungkook."

His unwavering defense of me sent a surge of happiness coursing through my veins, mingled with a sense of fear and vulnerability.

I was grateful for his protection, yet apprehensive about the implications of his fierce loyalty.

Despite my resolve to remain faithful to Mingyu, I couldn't deny the growing admiration and attraction I felt toward Sir Taehyung.

His strength of character and unwavering support stirred something deep within me, challenging my allegiance and stirring conflicting emotions that I struggled to reconcile.

"Go, little girl, your boss is so possessive over you." Despite Mr. Jungkook's spiteful words and malicious grin, I chose to maintain my composure and dignity, refusing to dignify his taunts with a response.

With silent determination, I entered Sir Taehyung's office, where I found him visibly agitated.

"Leave now," he instructed tersely, his anger palpable. However, instead of obeying his command immediately, I resolved to calm the situation and demonstrate my capability to handle challenging circumstances.

With a steady gaze, I approached him, determined to alleviate his frustration and regain his cool.

This was a moment where I needed to assert my confidence and competence, reassuring him that I was capable of handling any situation that arose.

As I reached his desk, I spoke with a measured tone, "Sir, I understand your frustration, but I'm here to assist you in any way I can. Please let me know how I can help resolve the situation."

My determination to handle the situation with poise and professionalism reflected my commitment to my work and to earning Sir Taehyung's respect and trust.

"Sir, I know I should obey your order, but there's something I feel compelled to do," I began, meeting his glare with a steady gaze.

"What?" he demanded, his tone sharp with irritation.

Without hesitation, I swiftly placed his tea cup and the file on his desk before enveloping him in a brief but heartfelt hug.

It was a gesture my father had always advised me to use when someone was angry—a simple act of respect and understanding that could work wonders.

As I wrapped my arms around him, I felt Sir Taehyung's hand come to rest on my back, sending a shiver down my spine.

His touch was unexpected yet strangely comforting, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions coursing through me.

Despite his initial resistance, he didn't push me away, and for that brief moment, I felt a connection between us that went beyond words. It was a bold move, but one fueled by a desire to maintain harmony.

As Sir Taehyung broke the hug, I couldn't help but notice the darkness in his eyes, sending a shiver down my spine as he whispered, "What is this, doll?"

Feeling a pang of uncertainty, I quickly apologized, fearing I had overstepped a boundary. "I'm sorry if I crossed a line, but I hoped it would help dissipate your anger, sir," I murmured, hoping to ease the tension.

To my relief, a small smile graced Sir Taehyung's lips as he replied, "It was unexpected. I never thought you would do that."

Returning his smile, I explained, "Sir, I wasn't sure how else to calm you down at the moment, but I hoped it would help. Are you feeling better now?"

As Sir Taehyung gently cupped my face, his touch sending a rush of warmth through me, he asked softly, "Why did you do that, doll?"

Meeting his gaze with sincerity, I replied, "It's something my father always said about the magic of a hug, and it seemed to work."

As our eyes locked in a moment of shared understanding, Sir Taehyung's words broke the silence. "Yes, it did work. Thank you for doing this, doll," he said, his voice soft yet sincere.

Returning his smile, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. "I'm sorry if you felt bad about it." I apologized once more, hoping to dispel any lingering discomfort.

To my surprise, Sir Taehyung chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Why would I mind, doll? I felt happy. It's been years since someone hugged me like that, and for it to be you..." His voice trailed off, a hint of sadness seeping through his usually composed demeanor.

I nodded, understanding the significance of the moment. "Only you, my friend mona, and my family, including Mingyu if he ever gets angry," I admitted honestly, sensing a shift in the atmosphere.

As I mentioned Mingyu, I noticed a subtle change in Sir Taehyung's expression, his jaw clenching momentarily.

Hastily, I amended my words. "I mean, as you're like a mentor to me and a Mingyu stepfather, I respect you," I clarified, hoping to ease any tension.

His response sent a shiver down my spine. "Your daddy too, dear," he murmured, his words laden with unspoken emotion.

As Sir Taehyung gazed at me, his words carried a weight of authority and admiration. "But I am your boss now, and you did great today. You're truly a remarkable intern. My decision to choose you was the right one, doll," he affirmed, his praise causing a blush to creep across my cheeks.

"Thank you, sir," I murmured gratefully, feeling a sense of validation and pride in his acknowledgment.

With a warm smile, he continued, "You're welcome, little doll." Gesturing towards the couch, he invited me to join him. Though hesitant, I complied, taking a seat beside him.

"Thank you, sir, for standing up for me," I expressed, my gratitude genuine.

Curious, Sir Taehyung inquired, "Did you hear what he said?"

Nodding, I admitted, "Yes, when I was approaching, I heard the shouting. I'm sorry, but I'm grateful to you for defending me."

His gaze softened, reflecting understanding and empathy. "You have nothing to apologize for, Lisa. I'll always stand up for you," he assured me, his words filled with sincerity and reassurance.

Sir Taehyung's words filled me with a sense of pride and validation, yet his observation about confidence struck a chord within me. "Thank you, sir," I replied, feeling a shy smile tug at my lips.

"How is your work going?". As he inquired about my work and Mr. Machan's guidance, I nodded eagerly. "Yes, sir. Mr. Machan has been a great teacher, and the project is progressing well," I confirmed, grateful for his mentorship.

Suddenly remembering the thesis statement I had prepared, I hesitated before speaking up. "Sir, I've prepared the file for the project, including the thesis statement. Although Mr. Machan initially hesitated, he eventually agreed to teach me, and I completed it. Would you mind taking a look at it?" I asked, hoping for his approval.

Sir Taehyung nodded, rising from the couch, and together we walked to the table where the file lay. He opened it, scanning the contents with a discerning eye.

After a moment, he looked up at me and declared, "Perfect. Now, come with me. Let's go for the meeting, doll."

Feeling a surge of gratitude and determination, I followed him confidently, reassured by his approval.

As the day progressed, I found immense joy in discovering more about Sir Taehyung; his professionalism left me in awe. I couldn't suppress a blush as I pondered over his strikingly handsome demeanor.

My heart raced whenever he came near me, his gentle touch cupping my face, affectionately referring to me as 'DOLL'. No one has called me a doll before; he calls me a doll because he thinks I look like a doll.

Throughout the day, I was consistently impressed by Taehyung Kim's exceptional qualities. Witnessing his competence and kindness, I couldn't help but marvel at his abilities.

Mingyu is truly fortunate to have a stepfather as remarkable as Taehyung Kim.

As the clock struck 7 p.m. and I wrapped up my tasks, I found myself in my cabin, positioned adjacent to Sir Taehyung's.

Through the glass door, I could see him diligently at work. His demeanor exuded a serene aura, despite the late hour.

With his coat slightly undone and his hair impeccably neat, he ran his hand through his locks, inadvertently adding to his allure, a sensation I knew I shouldn't entertain.

He is beyond perfect. Even though he is older, he is too sizzling and handsome.

As I stepped out of my cabin and made my way towards him, our eyes met, his gaze sharp yet inviting. "What happened, doll?" he inquired, his voice commanding attention.

I met his gaze, feeling a flutter of nerves. "Sir, I've completed my tasks for the day. Is there anything you need? Perhaps a cup of black tea?" I offered, attempting to maintain professionalism despite the subtle tension in the air.

He smiled warmly, his eyes softening at my response. "No, just you, I mean," he corrected himself with a chuckle. "My work is also done, doll. Let me drop you home."

I hesitated for a moment, feeling a mix of surprise and uncertainty. "Sir, no worries, I can go with your driver," I replied, attempting to maintain a sense of propriety.

His gaze intensified, a hint of determination flickering in his eyes. "No, I'll drop you off today," he insisted firmly, "as I'll be driving. I just want to relax for a while."

With a nod of acceptance, I followed him as we exited his office. He approached his driver and instructed, "Come with the other guards. I'll drive the car now."

The driver complied, stepping away as Sir Taehyung opened the door to his new Lamborghini, gesturing for me to join him in the passenger seat.

I settled into the luxurious interior of his Lamborghini as he started to drive, his focus on the road ahead. Inquiring casually, he asked, "What do you like to eat, doll? I mean, your favorite sweet."

A soft chuckle escaped my lips before I replied, "I like ice cream and chocolate mousse."

His smile widened, a glint of mischief dancing in his eyes. "Today, you've made me happy, so I'll treat you to ice cream. And don't deny me; it's an order, okay?" He insisted with a playful tone, his words carrying a hint of authority.

I nodded in agreement as he drove me to the luxurious ice cream shop. Suddenly, he halted the car outside the shop and turned to me, his gaze warm yet playful.

"What flavor would you like, baby doll?" he asked with a smile.

My cheeks flushed with shyness as I whispered, "Chocolate mousse, sir." He chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"It's 'daddy' now," he teased gently, "since we're outside the workplace. You can call me daddy, baby doll." I nodded, feeling a mix of embarrassment and excitement coursing through me.

"Sorry, Daddy," I murmured, my heart racing with unfamiliar sensations.

Unsure of why, but strangely drawn to the dynamic, I found myself feeling both uncomfortable and strangely intrigued by his affectionate authority.

As he lowered the window, a sense of anticipation filled the air, heightened by the opulent ambiance of the ice cream shop.

The staff member approached with deference, their demeanor exuding a blend of professionalism and reverence. "What would you like to have, sir? Please, allow us to escort you to our VIP room," they articulated with practiced grace.

Taehyung's gaze flickered with quiet assurance as he declined the offer, his voice resonating with understated authority: "Bring one chocolate mousse ice cream."

The staff member's response was prompt; their tone was imbued with deference: "Yes, sir. Kindly proceed with the payment."

At that moment, a subtle exchange of power ensued as Taehyung effortlessly retrieved his black card, a symbol of his stature.

With a deft motion, he swiped it through the billing machine, the transaction a testament to his privilege.

Time seemed to momentarily suspend as the staff member swiftly disappeared, only to reappear with the object of desire—a decadent swirl of chocolate mousse ice cream.

Their offering was met with a gentle smile, a silent acknowledgment of appreciation for their service.

Taking the ice cream with a grateful smile, I savored the moment as Taehyung Sir smoothly rolled up the window, enclosing us in a cocoon of privacy. "Thank you," I murmured, feeling a rush of warmth towards him.

His chuckle was like music to my ears as he reassured me, "No worries, doll. You're doing so well, so it's just a little token for you. Not much. Now, enjoy your ice cream." His words were laced with kindness, yet a hint of mystery lingered beneath the surface.

Nodding in appreciation, I indulged in the sweet treat, the creamy texture melting on my tongue. However, as I glanced up, I caught Taehyung Sir's gaze fixed upon me with a curious intensity.

A ripple of unease coursed through me, uncertainty clouding my thoughts.

Suddenly, he gulped audibly, breaking the spell of tension that had descended upon us.

With a subtle shift in demeanor, he refocused his attention on the road ahead, the car lurching forward as he resumed driving.

Intrigue mingled with apprehension as I pondered the enigmatic encounter, the taste of chocolate mousse lingering on my lips.

As we arrived at my doorstep, Taehyung Sir turned to me with a gentle smile, his eyes warm with affection.

Retrieving a tissue from his pocket, he extended it to me with a tender gesture. "Doll, wipe your side of the corner; there's some ice cream there," he instructed softly.

Taking the tissue, I obediently began to wipe away the remnants of the indulgent treat, only to be gently corrected by Taehyung Sir.

"No, here, baby doll," he redirected, his tone playful yet insistent. My lips formed a slight pout as I complied, feeling a mixture of bashfulness and anticipation.

Before I could protest further, he intervened with a surprising gesture of intimacy. "Let me do that for you, doll," he offered his thumb delicately tracing the corner of my mouth.

I felt a rush of heat spread across my cheeks as I stammered, "No, I can do that."

However, his touch lingered, his thumb brushing against my skin before he boldly lifted it to his lips, tasting the remnants of the chocolate mousse.

A shiver ran down my spine at the unexpected boldness of his action, my heart fluttering with a mixture of arousal and uncertainty.

Why did he lick it?

The question echoed in my mind, leaving me both intrigued and apprehensive about the enigmatic man before me.

Instead of using the tissue paper, he opted for an unexpected move, his tongue darting out to clear the remnants of ice cream from my face.

"Now that's gone, doll," he remarked with a hint of mischief, his eyes twinkling with amusement at my startled reaction.

Nodding in silent acquiescence, I opened the car door and stepped out onto the familiar pavement of my home. "Thank you, sir, for dropping me." I expressed my gratitude, a soft smile gracing my lips.

His response was reassuring, filled with warmth and genuine care. "No worries, doll. Now, take a rest and come tomorrow. I'll teach you some more interesting things, okay?" His words carried a promise of excitement, igniting a spark of anticipation within me.

With a nod of agreement, I watched as he drove away, his car gliding along the street, accompanied by the SUV of his guards.

As I stood at my doorstep, the evening breeze brushing against my skin, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the unexpected encounters and lessons learned, eager to see what tomorrow would bring.

I unlocked the door with my spare keys and stepped into the comforting embrace of home. The aroma of my mother's cooking greeted me, enveloping me in a sense of warmth and familiarity.

"Hello, Mom," I greeted her with a smile, my heart swelling with affection at the sight of her.

She turned from the stove, her face lighting up with maternal love. "Oh, my princess, how was your day?" she inquired, concern etched in her gentle gaze.

With a tired yet content sigh, I replied, "A busy day, Mom. I'm going to my room to take a shower, and then I'll join you in the kitchen."

Her response was filled with maternal care as she insisted, "No worries, dear. Take rest. I'll bring your dinner to your room. You look so tired."

Grateful for her understanding, I thanked her before making my way to my room. As I entered, I carefully placed my phone and purse on the table before heading to the closet to select my night dress.

With practiced ease, I undressed, hanging up my office suit neatly, ensuring it was ready for the next day. Another suit awaited me, prepared for tomorrow's endeavors.

Stepping into the shower, the warm water cascading over me, my thoughts inevitably drifted to Taehyung Sir—the forbidden man who had captured my attention.

Despite my efforts to resist, his image lingered in my mind, his handsome features and enigmatic aura refusing to be ignored.

With a conflicted sigh, I acknowledged the undeniable pull he exerted on me, a force I struggled to comprehend and resist.

The reason behind Mr. Taehyung Kim's marriage to Mingyu's mother is a deeply personal and private matter, one that is intricately intertwined with their family dynamics.

While Mingyu may have shared some insights, it's essential to respect the privacy of their family affairs.

Speculating on the reasons for Mr. Taehyung Kim's choice to marry a divorcee, despite his perceived success and desirability, can lead to assumptions that may not accurately reflect the complexities of their situation.

It's possible that factors such as love, companionship, or mutual understanding played a significant role in their decision, rather than solely business considerations.

❝THE NEXT DAY❞

❝TAEHYUNG❞

❝❝Lisa kneels before me, her hands bound behind her back, a vision of submission and allure. Her hair is meticulously braided, cascading down her back and framing her delicate features.

With eyes cast down in modesty, she is captivating, yet there's a hint of something deeper in her gaze, a knowingness that transcends the physical.

Lisa, vulnerable yet resolute, remains unaware of my presence, lost in her world of obedience and desire.

As she takes my hardness into her mouth, her naked form a testament to her surrender, her eyes meet mine unexpectedly.

At that moment, I see the intensity of her gaze, the flames of her brown eyes igniting with a fierce understanding.

With sudden clarity, I realize that Lisa sees beyond the facade, beyond the surface. Her gaze pierces through to my soul, unearthing the darkness and the monster that lurks within.

In horror, her eyes widen, and before I can comprehend what is happening, she vanishes into thin air, leaving me alone with my demons.

She moaned loudly around my shaft, her eyes rolling back in lust as she sucked. She started inhaling more of me, eagerly sucking me into her throat before pulling off and gasping.

She reached up with both hands, stroking her slippery shaft as she licked her lips. She glanced up at me with this wicked, hungry look in her eyes before she moved down to my cum-filled balls.

I groaned loudly, gripping her hair as she drew her mouth down to them, sucking, licking, and lapping as she stroked my shaft.

"Play with your hole, my f-ck doll," I growled, watching her as she pumped my shaft and sucked on my balls. "Reach down and play with that tight little hole, little doll."

She whimpered, one hand dropping eagerly to her lap and sliding between her thighs. She moaned as she found her clitoral area, moving up to wrap her lips around my shaft again as she started to play with herself.

The lust took over then; that sweet mouth wrapped around my shaft, her face still looking so innocent somehow.

Those little moans as she fingered her sweet hole had me groaning as I gripped her hair and f-cked her mouth.

I needed to come. I need to empty every drop of my cum down her throat.❞❞

I jolt awake, a surge of panic coursing through me, my body betraying me with an unwelcome arousal that quickly dissipates as the memory of Lisa's wounded expression floods back.

"What the hell?" I mutter to myself, bewildered by the intensity of the dream. Erotic fantasies are a rarity for me, and this sudden intrusion leaves me unsettled.

Glancing at the alarm clock, I realize I've woken up a few minutes earlier than intended. The soft glow of morning sunlight filters through the opulent confines of my room, casting shadows on the lavish decor.

Restless and unsettled by the lingering emotions of the dream, I decided to channel my energy into something productive.

The memory of watching Lisa lick her ice cream last night stirs a primal desire within me, igniting a fierce arousal that I struggle to contain.

The image of her delicate lips caressing the sweet treat and her tongue tracing its contours sends a surge of heat through my veins.

It's a visceral reaction, one that catches me off guard, leaving me grappling with the intensity of my own desires.

At that moment, a primal urge overtakes me, urging me to indulge in the raw, carnal desire pulsating within me.

The thought of plunging my manhood into her small, tempting mouth consumes my thoughts, pushing the boundaries of control.

Yet, amidst the storm of lust and desire, there's a glimmer of something else—a memory of her gentle embrace from yesterday.

In that fleeting moment, as she wrapped her arms around me, I felt a sense of tranquility wash over me, a respite from the chaos of my own mind.

Lisa is unlike any other woman I've encountered. While others may seek to seduce me with their charms and allure, she exudes a quiet strength and grace that draws me in.

There's a depth to her presence—a complexity that intrigues and confounds me.

She is a puzzle, a mystery waiting to be unraveled, and I find myself captivated by the challenge of understanding her.

In her, I sense a peace and serenity that I've longed for—a missing piece in the tumultuous tapestry of my life.

With my mind still swirling with tumultuous thoughts, I sprang from my bed and swiftly slipped into my running shoes.

Clad in sweatpants and a shirt, I made my way to the bathroom to freshen up, hastily brushing my teeth before heading out for a jog.

As I stepped out of the grandeur of my mansion, the guards offered their customary salute, a gesture that barely registered in my preoccupied mind.

With determination etched on my features, I strode purposefully towards the nearby valley, seeking solace in the vast expanse of nature.

The rhythmic pounding of my footsteps echoed in the crisp morning air as I pushed myself to move faster, each stride a deliberate effort to distance myself from the unsettling thoughts that lingered in my mind.

The lush greenery of the valley enveloped me, providing a sanctuary from the chaos of my own thoughts.

With each breath I took, I willed myself to let go of the haunting remnants of the dream and to find clarity amidst the solitude of the morning.

Alone with my thoughts, I surrendered to the rhythm of my movements, hoping that the physical exertion would serve as a balm for the turmoil within.

After an hour of intense exertion, I returned to the sanctuary of my mansion, the familiar grandeur offering a sense of grounding amidst the chaos of my thoughts.

Stripping off my running shoes, I made my way to the bathroom, shedding my sweatpants and shirt in favor of a cold shower to cool my heated skin.

The icy water cascaded over me, sending shivers down my spine and calming the fervor that had consumed me during my jog. As I emerged from the shower, wrapped in a plush towel, a semblance of tranquility settled over me, soothing the lingering echoes of my unsettling dreams.

With purposeful steps, I made my way to the walk-in closet, where my meticulously prepared suit awaited me.

Opting for a dark brown ensemble, I slipped into the tailored attire, the smooth fabric embracing me in a cloak of sophistication.

At the vanity, I took a moment to groom myself, ensuring my hair was immaculately styled, my watch gleaming on my wrist and a hint of fragrance lingering in the air as I applied cologne.

With practiced precision, I tucked my iPhone and cigarette box into the pockets of my suit, ready to face whatever the day held in store.

As I stepped out of the sanctuary of my room, a sense of composure settled over me, a facade of confidence masking the turmoil that still lurked beneath the surface.

As I made my way downstairs to prepare my customary black tea, I noticed Mingyu, my stepson, emerging from his room, a sense of purpose evident in his movements.

A smile tugged at my lips as he approached, his greeting breaking the silence of the morning.

"Hey, Dad, good morning," Mingyu greeted me, his voice carrying a hint of warmth and genuine affection.

Returning his smile, I nodded in acknowledgment. "Good morning, Mingyu. How are you doing?" I inquired, genuinely interested in what he was doing. "And how's work going for you?"

Listening to Mingyu's complaint about his workload, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction, knowing that the pressure I had orchestrated was working as intended, subtly driving a wedge between him and Lisa.

Suppressing a dark chuckle, I maintained a composed facade as I responded, "Hey, boy, you need to handle that. It's all part of business. You'll learn and grow from it."

However, Mingyu's next question caught me off guard, stirring a simmering rage within me. "Dad, what about Lisa?" he inquired, his gaze searching mine for reassurance.

With a forced calmness masking my inner turmoil, I met his eyes with a steely resolve. "She's fine, doing well," I replied tersely, the mention of Lisa igniting a spark of resentment within me.

Though my words were composed, beneath the surface, a storm of jealousy and possessiveness raged.

The sudden interruption of Rena's voice sliced through the tension-laden air, her words hanging heavily between us like a palpable barrier. "I hope she doesn't," she remarked cryptically, her tone laden with an unspoken weight.

Mingyu's gaze snapped towards his mother, a flicker of frustration flashing across his features. "Mother, why do you always hate her? She's a good girl," he retorted, his voice tinged with a hint of defiance.

The atmosphere in the room grew tense as Rena's cryptic remark hung in the air, casting a shadow over the already strained dynamic between mother and son.

Mingyu's frustration simmered beneath the surface, his gaze piercing as he confronted his mother's veiled animosity towards Lisa.

Rena's response was a chilling silence, her eyes betraying a flicker of resentment as she met her son's gaze.

"You don't understand, Mingyu," she finally said, her voice laced with a bitterness that sent shivers down his spine. "She's not who you think she is. You're blinded by her facade."

The accusation hung in the air like a heavy fog, suffocating the room with its intensity. Mingyu's jaw clenched with frustration, his fists balling at his sides as he struggled to contain the rising tide of emotions threatening to consume him.

"She's not like the others, Mother," Mingyu countered, his voice trembling with emotion. "She's different. She makes me happy."

Rena's eyes narrowed with disdain, and her lips curled into a scornful sneer. "Happiness is fleeting, Mingyu," she spat her words a venomous reminder of the harsh realities of their world. "Don't let her deceive you."

The tension between mother and son reached a crescendo, the echoes of their conflicting emotions reverberating off the walls of the hall.

The tension in the room reached a boiling point, and I could no longer tolerate the bitter exchange between mother and son.

With a firm voice that brooked no argument, I interjected, my words cutting through the tumultuous atmosphere like a knife.

"Stop it, both of you!" I commanded, my tone laced with authority. "This childish bickering over a girl ends now. If I witness this behavior again, I'll forget that you bear my surname. I think that it was a mistake to agree to marry you, Rena."

Turning my gaze first to Rena, I leveled a stern look at her. "Rena, Lisa is my concern. Let me handle it. Don't disparage that girl any further."

Then, shifting my attention to Mingyu, I admonished him with equal severity. "And you, Mingyu, mind your words when speaking to your mother. She's the one who raised you, and she deserves your respect."

Internally, I feigned indifference, masking the calculated manipulation that churned beneath the surface.

While I pretended not to care, in reality, every word and action was carefully orchestrated to serve my own agenda and to maintain control over the situation and those entangled within it.

With a heavy sigh, I leveled a stern gaze at Rena and Mingyu, my frustration palpable in the air. "You've both ruined my mood," I exclaimed, my tone laced with irritation.

"Perhaps I won't even return here today if all I'll hear is your incessant bickering. This mansion shouldn't feel like a marketplace, where every day I'm subjected to these petty fights over Lisa. If I hear this again, I swear I'll divorce you, Rena."

Rena's eyes widened in fear, her voice trembling as she responded, "No, dear, I'm sorry."

Her words held a hint of desperation, a reflection of her deep-seated fear of losing me. I knew her weak points all too well—her infatuation with my wealth and charm, coupled with her desire to please me at any cost.

Yet, despite her affection, I harbored no genuine interest in her or her stepson. They were mere pawns in my intricate game of manipulation, tools to be used to further my ambitions and desires.

As I strode out of the mansion, my stomach grumbling in protest at the absence of breakfast and my much-needed black tea, I caught my guard's respectful bow out of the corner of my eye.

Ignoring the hunger gnawing at me, I made my way to the garage, where I swung open the door and slipped into the driver's seat of my car.

Just as I settled in, my driver appeared, his respectful tone cutting through the silence. "Sir, are you driving today?" he inquired.

I nodded, the need for distraction evident in my voice as I replied, "Yes, I want some distraction. I'll drive myself."

With a nod of understanding, my driver stepped back, allowing me to take the wheel.

As I pulled out of the garage, my guards were already positioned in the SUV, ready to protect as I navigated the streets toward my company.

I despised the way Rena and Mingyu's presence was a constant reminder of things I'd rather forget.

Mingyu, especially, fueled my disdain with his proximity to Lisa, serving as a constant thorn in my side with their relationship.

Whenever Lisa mentioned Mingyu, a surge of frustration and jealousy welled up within me, compelling me to seek solace in whatever pleasures she offered.

The desire to possess her, to claim her as my own, burned fiercely in my veins, driving me to lengths I never thought possible.

As I pulled up in front of my company, a sudden headache gnawed at my temples, eliciting a low growl of frustration.

Parking in my designated spot, I shut off the engine and slammed the car door behind me. My guards bowed respectfully as I strode past them, my steps heavy with irritation.

Entering the building, the familiar hustle and bustle of the office greeted me, along with the sight of Lisa standing nearby.

Ignoring her presence, I pushed past, my mind preoccupied with my mounting frustrations.

"Good morning, sir," the staff chorused, their voices echoing in the foyer.

I barely acknowledged them, my mood sour and my focus elsewhere.

With a curt nod, I made my way toward my office, determined to shake off the pounding headache and the unwelcome thoughts swirling in my mind.