||TAEHYUNG||

I woke up to find Lisa sleeping peacefully in my arms, her presence reminding me of the burdens she now brings.

Anger simmered beneath the surface as I realized how much she had compromised me, dragging me down into a deal I wanted.

How could I allow myself to become so entangled in protecting her? A woman who doesn't even belong in my world. The possessiveness I felt toward her was a weakness, one I despised.

Carefully, I untangled myself from her, slipping out of bed without disturbing her slumber.

The cold air of the room bit at my skin as I walked toward the bathroom, each step heavy with the weight of my thoughts. I needed to rid myself of these emotions, this growing obsession.

The bathroom was dimly lit, casting long shadows across the marble floor. I turned on the faucet, the sound of water filling the bathtub echoing in the silence.

As I submerged myself in the hot water, the warmth seeped into my muscles, but it did nothing to thaw the ice in my heart.

I leaned back, closed my eyes, and let the water envelop me, hoping it could wash away the thoughts that plagued me.

But they lingered. I couldn't shake the image of her sleeping face—so innocent, so unaware of the darkness she was pulling me into.

My fingers curled into fists under the water. I loathed how much power she held over me and how her very presence could unravel everything I had built.

The water, now cooling around me, matched the chill in my veins. I couldn't afford to be weak, not for her, not for anyone.

With a sudden surge of resolve, I stood up, water cascading off my body. I reached for a towel and dried myself off with mechanical precision, my mind already distancing itself from the woman still asleep in my bed.

The young woman whom I just wanted to use is now becoming something for me.

What the hell is that all?

REALLY!Taehyung, you are head over heels for Lisa Manoban, the woman I chose for my fun.

I can't deny one fact: whenever I get inside her, I always find myself at peace and fully satisfied.

I wrapped the towel around my waist and moved to the mirror, brushing my teeth with a deliberate slowness, as if the routine could ground me.

But even the minty taste couldn't erase the bitterness that lingered on my tongue.

Afterward, I slipped into the plush bathrobe, letting it hang loosely around my frame as I walked to the closet.

I pulled out a crisp shirt and pants, the fabrics soft yet resilient—much like the facade, I presented to everyone.

As I dressed, each button, each fold of the cloth, reminded me of the walls I needed to keep up. There was no room for softness, no room for her.

Fully dressed, I looked at my reflection, seeing the cold, calculating man I needed to be—the man who could walk away from her, from this, without a second thought.

Why did I cancel the deal with Yūsuke Fujita? I wanted to destroy him, to make him pay for what he had done.

But damn it, Lisa... She shouldn't matter to me, yet here I am, letting this deal slip through my fingers just to protect her.

That deal wasn't even a big one, but it could have solidified my image further. And still, I threw it away.

Why the hell did I call her *my* woman? She's not my woman; she's just a sex toy for me.

I'm not the kind of man who stays loyal to a woman.

I don't do loyalty; it's like making me feel like I'm making an error now.

So why do I care about keeping her happy?

This is not who I am.

I need to clear my mind—find someone else to take my thoughts away from her.

I can't let Lisa control me.

I've never been the type to stay tied down. Women have always been just another tool for me, something to use and discard without a second thought.

I don't care who they are, but I do prefer those with status. Those who lack it? They become my mistresses, nothing more than objects for my pleasure.

But Lisa... Lisa is just a middle-class girl, yet I found myself drawn to her—her beauty, her innocence.

There's something about her that stirs something dark inside me—a desire to corrupt that innocence and make it mine.

I know exactly what I'm doing, but I'm not sure why things are spiraling out of control. Damn it—damn everything.

As I walked into the dining hall, my staff were busy with their tasks, but they all paused to bow as I entered. Lee Han, one of my most trusted aides, approached me with his usual composed demeanor.

"Good morning, sir. I hope everything is fine," he greeted me politely.

"Yes, I guess. Bring my breakfast to my study room," I responded, my voice laced with impatience.

He nodded but hesitated, a hint of concern in his eyes. "Are you struggling with something, sir?"

I shot him a cold glare, the tension in me barely contained. "Does it matter, Lee Han? Get back to work—I need space."

With that, I turned and walked to my study room, the weight of my thoughts pressing down on me. What the hell is happening to me?

As I walked into the room and sat down in my chair, I closed my eyes, hoping to clear my mind. But Lisa's image invaded my thoughts once again, causing me to growl in frustration. Just then, my iPhone rang, snapping me back to reality.

The caller ID showed it was Wheein—one of the women I've used and discarded, despite her being the wife of my business partner, Jaekyun.

Even she holds status, which is probably why I tolerated her longer than most.

She is a dumb whore.

I picked up the call, my voice devoid of emotion. "Hello, Wheein. How are you?"

"Taehyung, how are you?" She replied, her tone annoyingly cheerful.

I sighed, not in the mood for pleasantries. "I'm fine. What about you?"

She wasted no time getting to the point. "Well, I heard you were in Paris, and you didn't even bother to tell me."

Another sigh escaped me. "What do you want from me, Wheein?"

"My husband is throwing a party tonight for his new hotel opening. I'd like to invite you. You know how much I appreciate you," she said, her voice dripping with insinuation.

I smirked, the memory of our past encounters flashing briefly in my mind. "In bed, I assume."

She laughed, a hollow sound that grated on my nerves. "Yes, you were perfect in bed—better than my husband ever was. But I want you to come to the party."

I sighed again, feeling trapped by the past. "I'll try to make it, but I can't promise anything. I'm busy."

There was a pause before she spoke again, her tone softening. "I'm sending you the invitation. Do come, Taehyung. It's been years since we last met."

"To meet or to fuck?" I retorted, my voice cold. "Look, Wheein, if I do come, it's strictly business. I don't want any scandals. I hate drama, and I don't need anything that could damage my image. So keep yourself in check."

I know this woman wants me—would do anything to have me—but I've grown tired of these games. Women like Wheein are all the same, desperate to please, but in the end, they only bore me.

They always want more, clinging to the idea of being with me and somehow taming me. But I'm not interested in anything beyond the moment.

I only want a woman who knows her place and who can satisfy my desires without expecting more.

Wheein's laugh on the other end of the line was light, almost teasing, but I could sense the underlying desperation.

"Of course, Taehyung. It's just a party," she replied, her voice tinged with an edge of something unspoken.

"Good," I said curtly, ending the call without another word.

I tossed the phone onto the desk, leaning back in my chair as I ran a hand through my hair, the frustration building inside me.

What the hell am I doing? Wheein is nothing more than a distraction, a remnant of the life I used to live without a second thought.

But now, even as I try to return to that state of mind, something—no, someone—keeps pulling me back.

Lisa.

Her name echoed in my thoughts, and it was like a thorn in my side. She was everything I never wanted: innocence, simplicity, and a complete lack of the status I usually craved. Yet, I couldn't stop thinking about her. It was infuriating.

I rose from my chair, unable to sit still any longer. Pacing the room, I clenched my fists, trying to shake off the tension that had settled in my chest.

Lisa was not supposed to matter. She was just supposed to be another fleeting pleasure, another woman in a long line of forgettable faces. But here I was, conflicted and angry, all because she refused to be just that.

With a growl, I slammed my hand down on the desk, the sharp sound reverberating through the room. "This is not me," I muttered to myself. "I don't get attached. I don't let women control me."

Yet, despite my words, I couldn't shake the feeling that things were slipping out of my control. The urge to dominate, to destroy whatever hold Lisa had on me, was growing stronger by the second.

I needed to reclaim who I was before this madness consumed me entirely.

But deep down, a small voice whispered that maybe, just maybe, I didn't want to go back to who I was. And that thought terrified me more than anything.

Just as I ended the call, there was a soft knock on the door. I turned to see Lee Han enter, followed by two staff members carrying trays of breakfast.

They moved quietly, setting the trays on the table with practiced efficiency. Lee Han, as always, was composed, his face a mask of professionalism.

"Your breakfast, sir," he said, bowing slightly as he addressed me.

I nodded, acknowledging their presence. The staff members, having completed their tasks, stepped back and bowed before leaving the room, leaving Lee Han behind.

He remained standing, waiting for any further instructions, but I could sense the curiosity he was trying to hide.

"Is there something else, Lee Han?" I asked, my tone clipped as I took a seat at the table.

He hesitated for a moment, his eyes carefully avoiding mine as he responded. "No, sir. I just wanted to make sure everything is to your liking."

I picked up the silver fork, twirling it between my fingers as I studied him. "Everything's fine. You can go."

Lee Han nodded, but as he turned to leave, he paused, glancing back at me with a hint of concern. "Sir... if I may?"

I raised an eyebrow, silently allowing him to speak.

"You seem... troubled. If there's anything you need, anything at all, the staff and I are here to assist you."

I stared at him for a moment, surprised by his boldness. Lee Han was one of the few people in this house who had seen the different sides of me—who knew what I was capable of, both in business and in the darkness I often kept hidden. And yet he dared to ask.

"I'm not troubled, Lee Han," I replied, my voice steady. "I'm just dealing with things the way I always do. Focus on your work, and let me focus on mine."

He bowed his head again, his expression neutral but the concern still evident in his eyes. "Of course, sir. I'll leave you to your breakfast."

As he walked out, I could feel the tension in my chest tightening again. The world around me seemed to be closing in, and even the food in front of me felt like a distraction I didn't need.

But I knew one thing for certain: I had to get a grip on myself, on the emotions that were threatening to unravel everything I had built. I couldn't afford to lose control, not now, not ever.

And if it meant burying this weakness—this inexplicable pull Lisa had on me—then so be it. I would do whatever it took to remain the man I've always been, even if it meant destroying everything in my path.

With that thought, I forced myself to take a bite of the food, each chew feeling like a battle I had to win. Lee Han's words echoed in my mind, but I pushed them aside.

There was no room for doubt, no room for anyone to question me—not even myself.

As soon as I finished breakfast, I called for the staff to take it away. Moments later, a knock sounded at the door, and Lee Han entered, bowing respectfully.

"Sir, an invitation has arrived from Mrs. Wheein, delivered by her guard," he informed me, holding out the envelope.

I nodded and took the invitation from his hand. "Yes, I expected it. You can go," I said curtly.

Lee Han bowed once more and left the room. I opened the envelope, glancing over the elegant invitation to yet another hotel opening.

Boring.

But perhaps it could offer some distraction from the thoughts that had been plaguing me.

Just as I was contemplating whether to attend, I heard the door open.

I looked up to see Lisa entering the room, her radiant smile lighting up the space. "Taehyung, when did you wake up? Why didn't you wake me?" she asked, her voice filled with affection.

I couldn't help but smile as I gestured for her to come closer. "Come here," I said, and as she approached, I pulled her onto my lap.

She settled in comfortably, and our lips met in a passionate kiss, one that briefly made me forget all my inner turmoil.

As we pulled away, I looked into her eyes and said softly, "I woke up early to take care of some work. I didn't want to disturb you—you needed the rest."

She nodded, her hand gently caressing my cheek. "I'm fine, really," she assured me, her voice gentle.

I placed a hand on her back, the warmth of her body against mine a stark contrast to the coldness I usually felt inside. "Lisa, go have breakfast. I still have some work to finish up," I said, my tone affectionate but firm.

As she hugged me, she whispered, "Allow me to help you after breakfast at work."

I felt a surge of irritation as I grabbed a handful of her hair, forcing her to look up at me. "You're disobeying my words, Lisa," I growled, my voice low and dangerous.

I leaned in and bit her cheek, just hard enough to make her hiss in pain. The sound sent a twisted satisfaction through me—I liked seeing her in pain, just as much as I liked the control I had over her.

She winced but managed to speak, her voice trembling slightly. "Okay, I'll give you space, but... what about our relationship? I mean, Taehyung, I want us to stay together, like a real couple. I know it's hard, but—"

Before she could finish, I grabbed her jaw with a firm grip, forcing her to stop. "Lisa, how many times do I have to tell you to just stop thinking about this? I'll handle it. Why are you trying to impose on me?" My voice was harsh, cutting through her like a blade.

Tears welled up in her eyes, but I ignored them, my expression hard and unyielding. I had no time for her emotions, not when I struggled to control my own. "What is this?" I demanded coldly.

She gasped, "I'm sorry, I don't want to upset you, but I just—"

I tightened my grip, placing a finger under her chin to force her to look directly into my eyes. "Look at me when you talk, Lisa. What do you mean, 'just'? Finish your sentence," I ordered, my gaze piercing and unforgiving.

She stared at me, her eyes wide and filled with tears; she was desperately trying to hold back.

The fear in her eyes mixed with the pain, and for a brief moment, I felt a twinge of something—guilt, perhaps—but I quickly shoved it aside. I couldn't afford to be weak, not now.

She finally whispered, her voice barely audible, "I just want us to be happy, Taehyung. I don't want to lose you."

Her words hung in the air, but instead of softening, I felt a chill settle over me. I couldn't allow her to think she had any power over me, even if it meant crushing her spirit.

"Stop thinking so much," I said sharply, releasing her chin. "Do as I say, and we'll be fine. Now go. Have your breakfast."

She nodded, quickly wiping away her tears as she stepped back, trying to compose herself.

Without another word, she turned and left the room, leaving me alone with the darkness that seemed to grow thicker with each passing moment.

||LISA||

I awoke and saw behind there was a space beside me, the soft morning light casting ethereal shadows on the pristine sheets.

Taehyung was gone. He was not beside me. A wave of loneliness washed over me as I realized I was utterly alone in the vast expanse of our once-shared haven.

A heavy sigh escaped my lips, a mournful sound echoing in the silent room.

I swung my legs over the bed, the cool silk against my skin offering little comfort. With a sense of detached resignation, I began to make the bed, the rhythmic motions a stark contrast to the turmoil within.

The room, once filled with our shared laughter and intimacy, now felt like a hollowed-out shell of its former self.

Yearning for a semblance of normalcy, I retreated to the sanctuary of our opulent bathroom. As the door clicked shut behind me, I was enveloped in a cocoon of marble and gold.

With a heavy heart, I stripped away the remnants of the night, my movements slow and deliberate.

I opened the shower, and the steam from the shower promised a temporary escape, but even as the warm water cascaded over me, my mind remained trapped in the icy grip of loneliness.

As I was done with the shower, I walked to wash my teeth. The minty tang of toothpaste offered a fleeting distraction as I brushed my teeth, but the taste of despair lingered on my tongue.

Wrapped in a plush towel, I stepped out of the shower, my skin damp and my spirit even colder. I padded across the marble floor to the closet, a sea of fabrics and possibilities.

With a sense of detachment, I selected a simple frock and delicate lingerie, pieces that once exuded confidence but now felt like a hollow disguise.

Dressing myself was a mechanical process, a way to pass the time until the weight of loneliness became too unbearable.

As I stood before the vanity, I began the ritual of morning, my reflection a haunting reminder of the woman I had become.

A spritz of perfume and a dab of cream were the final touches to this illusion of normalcy, a desperate attempt to conceal the shattered pieces of my heart.

With a heavy heart, I stepped out of the bedroom, the cool morning air washing over me. The grand hallway stretched out before me, its opulence a stark contrast to the turmoil within.

To my surprise, Uncle Lee Han was standing there, his warm smile a beacon of comfort in the otherwise dreary morning.

"Good morning, dear," he greeted me, his voice carrying a gentle kindness. I managed a weak smile in return. "Good morning, Uncle. Do you know where Taehyung is?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

He nodded understandingly. "He's in the study room, dear. And what would you like for breakfast? I'll order it for you," he offered.

Grateful for his thoughtfulness, I replied, "Anything is fine, Uncle. Has Taehyung already had breakfast?"

"Yes, he has," Uncle Lee Han confirmed.

Relief washed over me. "Oh, then don't worry about it. I'd like pancakes, waffles, and a milkshake. And, Uncle, I'd love it if we could have breakfast together," I suggested, hoping to spend some quality time with him.

He hesitated for a moment, his brow furrowed in concern. "How can I, dear? I have so much work to do; I had already done the breakfast," he protested.

I reached out and took his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Ok, Uncle, Taehyung might be busy today, so I don't want to disturb him. Please keep me company."

He looked at me with a mixture of sympathy and understanding. "Very well, dear," he agreed finally. Yesterday was a lot for all of us, and I'm not sure what his mood will be like.

As he turned to leave, I felt a surge of gratitude. Having Uncle Lee Han by my side would make the morning a little easier to bear.

I pushed open the door to Taehyung's study, a surge of anticipation filling me. The room was bathed in soft morning light, and there he was, sitting at his desk, his brow furrowed in concentration.

The sight of him sent a warm wave of affection washing over me.

"Taehyung, when did you wake up? Why didn't you wake me?" I asked, my voice filled with a mix of sleepiness and concern.

My heart swelled with love as his gaze met mine, and a slow, enchanting smile spread across his face.

He gestured for me to come closer, and with a skip in my step, I obediently moved towards him. He opened his arms, inviting me in, and I gladly nestled into his lap.

His strong arms wrapped around me, and his lips captured mine in a kiss that was both passionate and tender. For a fleeting moment, the world melted away, leaving only us.

As our lips parted, I gazed into his eyes, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. "I woke up early to take care of some work," he explained softly, his voice filled with a gentle warmth. "I didn't want to disturb you—you needed the rest."

I nodded, my hand reaching up to caress his cheek. "I'm fine, really," I assured him, my voice soft and reassuring.

He placed a gentle hand on my back, and I felt a surge of contentment. "Lisa, go have breakfast. I still have some work to finish up," he said, his tone firm but laced with affection.

As I hugged him, I whispered, "Allow me to help you after breakfast."

The moment the words left my lips, I sensed a shift in him—something dark and unsettling. His grip tightened on my hair, yanking my head up, so I was forced to look into his eyes.

I'd never seen him like this—his gaze was cold, almost predatory. "You're disobeying my words, Lisa," he growled, his voice low and dangerous.

I barely had time to register his anger before he leaned in and bit my cheek—hard enough to make me hiss in pain.

Shock and confusion flooded me. This wasn't the Taehyung I knew, the one I loved. His eyes held a twisted satisfaction as if he enjoyed the pain he was causing me, and that thought terrified me.

I winced, tears pricking at my eyes, but I tried to stay strong. "Okay, I'll give you space, but... what about our relationship? I mean, Taehyung, I just want us to stay together, like a real couple. I know it's hard, but—"

Before I could finish, he grabbed my jaw with a firm, almost bruising grip, forcing me to stop talking. The coldness in his eyes sent a wave of fear crashing over me.

"Lisa, how many times do I have to tell you to just stop thinking about this? I'll handle it. Why are you trying to impose on me?" His voice was harsh, cutting through me like a blade.

I didn't understand. Where was this coming from? The Taehyung I knew was loving and kind, not this... stranger in front of me.

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I fought to keep them from spilling over.

His expression was hard, unyielding as if my emotions were nothing more than an inconvenience to him. "What is this?" he demanded coldly, his words like ice.

My heart ached, the pain of his rejection and the confusion of his behavior stabbing through me like a knife.

I wanted to reach out to him, to find the Taehyung I loved somewhere in those cold eyes, but I was met with only darkness.

The tears I had tried so hard to hold back began to spill over, but I quickly wiped them away, refusing to let him see how much he had hurt me.

I couldn't help but wonder—who was this man sitting in front of me? Was he always like this, hiding behind a mask I never noticed?

Or had something changed him, turned him into this cold, unfeeling person who now seemed like a stranger?

The thought left me terrified and alone as if the ground had been pulled out from under me, leaving me to fall into a void I couldn't escape.

I gasped, my voice trembling as I said, "I'm sorry, I don't want to upset you, but I just—"

He tightened his grip, placing a finger under my chin to force me to look directly into his eyes. His gaze was piercing, unforgiving.

"Look at me when you talk, Lisa. What do you mean, 'just'? Finish your sentence," he ordered, his voice sharp and demanding.

I stared at him, my eyes wide with fear and the tears I was struggling to hold back.

His intensity was overwhelming, and though I sensed a fleeting twinge of something—perhaps guilt or regret—it was quickly swallowed by his coldness. He wouldn't let himself be vulnerable, not now.

Finally, I whispered, my voice barely audible, "I just want us to be happy, Taehyung. I don't want to lose you."

The words hung in the air, heavy with emotion. Instead of softening, his expression hardened, a chilling coldness settling over him.

I could see that my plea only made him more determined to maintain his control.

"Stop thinking so much," he said sharply, releasing my chin. "Do as I say, and we'll be fine. Now go. Have your breakfast."

I nodded, quickly wiping away my tears as I stepped back, trying to compose myself. The ache in my chest was nearly unbearable, but I had to keep it together.

Without another word, I turned and left the room, each step feeling heavier than the last.

As the door closed behind me, I was left alone with my fear and confusion, the darkness in his eyes lingering in my mind.

I walked out of the room, my mind a tangled mess of confusion and hurt. I couldn't understand why Taehyung had been treating me like this since yesterday.

Maybe it had something to do with the deal, but he's always been protective of me. I kept telling myself I should be mature and not let this consume me, yet the emotional turmoil was overwhelming.

As I made my way to the dining area, I saw Uncle Lee Han. His concerned expression softened when he saw me. "Dear, what happened?" he asked gently.

I forced a weak smile, trying to mask the storm of emotions swirling inside me. "Nothing, Uncle. Can you order the staff to bring my breakfast to my room? I'd prefer to eat there."

Uncle Lee Han's eyes lingered on me, full of unspoken questions, but he simply nodded. "Of course, dear. I'll take care of it."

I thanked him and turned away, feeling a deep sense of isolation. I had asked Uncle Lee Han for breakfast in my room because I couldn't bear the thought of facing anyone right now.

My mind kept circling back to the events of yesterday—the incident with the Japanese entrepreneur who had touched me and how Taehyung had nearly killed him in his rage.

Even though the man was fine and Taehyung had thrown him out, I couldn't shake the feeling that this might still be affecting him.

I sank into a couch in my room, the weight of Taehyung's anger pressing heavily on me. I wondered if I should try to talk to him, but the fear of making things worse kept me rooted in indecision.

The uncertainty gnawed at me, making it hard to focus on anything else. I needed to understand what had changed and why Taehyung's anger seemed to have taken over our relationship.

For now, all I could do was wait and hope that things would eventually make sense.

As soon as I heard a knock on the door, I allowed the staff to enter. They quietly placed the breakfast tray on the table, and I thanked them as they left.

Despite not having much of an appetite, I forced myself to eat, hoping it might help settle the unease twisting in my stomach.

But then the door opened again, and I looked up to see Taehyung entering our room.

The moment our eyes met, I stood up and walked over to him, my heart racing with a mix of anxiety and determination. "Taehyung, can we talk?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly.

He nodded, his expression unreadable. "Sure, Lisa. What's on your mind?"

I led him to the couch, urging him to sit down. Taking a deep breath, I tried to find the right words. "What's going on? You seem so stressed. Does it have anything to do with... that incident?" I hesitated, not wanting to bring up painful memories but needing to understand.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair, his eyes dark with something I couldn't quite place. "Don't overthink it. It's just work stress. And as for that incident, don't worry about it. You should focus on enjoying your time and eating your breakfast."

His voice was calm, almost too calm, and it did little to ease my worry. "I also came here to tell you that we have to go to a party tonight."

"A party?" I echoed, surprised. "What kind of party?"

"It's a hotel opening. My friend, Wheein, and her husband are opening it, and when she heard I was in town, she invited me," he explained.

The mention of a female friend stirred a pang of jealousy in my chest, but I tried to push it aside.

I knew Taehyung had a wide circle of acquaintances, but still, the thought of him being around another woman made me uneasy, even if just in a social setting.

He continued his tone firm. "Make sure to get ready in the evening. We need to attend. You know how much the Kim cooperation image means to me."

I nodded, forcing a smile, though my mind was still swirling with questions. I didn't want to push him too hard, but I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more going on than he was willing to admit.

As he left the room, I was left alone with my thoughts, trying to make sense of everything.

Skip to the Evening,

The evening finally arrived, and as I was getting ready, I couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that had lingered all day.

Taehyung hadn't spoken to me since our brief conversation in the morning, leaving me to wrestle with my thoughts and insecurities.

I wasn't sure what to expect, and the thought of attending a party—a setting that has never been my comfort zone—only added to my unease.

I slipped into my dark brown maxi dress, which complemented my complexion nicely, and applied light makeup, just enough to enhance my features without feeling overdone.

I carefully arranged my bangs, put on a pair of earrings, and spritzed on my favorite perfume. As I walked over to the bed, I picked up my heels and settled down to put them on.

The moment felt surreal like I was preparing for something that wasn't entirely real to me.

Just as I finished, I heard a knock on the door, followed by a guard's voice. "Ms. Lisa, Sir Taehyung is waiting for you. He's ordered me to tell you to come out."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "Oh, I'll be right there," I replied, my voice steady even though my heart was racing.

Clutching my purse, I walked out of the room and made my way downstairs, out of the mansion. As I stepped outside,

I saw Taehyung standing beside his BMW, his guards positioned around him. The sight of him made my breath catch in my throat—he looked devastatingly handsome, exuding a devilish aura as he casually smoked a cigarette.

He was wearing a dark brown coat and pants that perfectly matched my outfit, a detail that both surprised and unnerved me.

For a moment, I hesitated, unsure if I should approach him. He seemed so distant, so unreachable, yet I knew I had no choice but to face whatever lay ahead.

Gathering my courage, I walked toward him, hoping that tonight would bring some clarity to the confusion that had taken hold of my heart.

As soon as Taehyung's eyes fell on me, I saw him pause, his gaze intensifying as he gulped. Without a word, he flicked his cigarette away, crushing it underfoot.

I hesitated for a moment, then walked over to him, feeling a mix of nervousness and anticipation. "Sorry, I took a few extra minutes to get ready," I apologized, my voice soft.

Instead of responding right away, Taehyung made a quick gesture to the guards, silently ordering them to look away.

I was taken aback by his sudden command, unsure of what he intended. But then he pulled me closer, his lips curving into a grin that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Worth it, Doll," he murmured, his voice low and thick with desire. "You look so sexy, Lisa. Even with this simple makeup, you're sexy as hell. And this outfit..." His eyes roamed over me, taking in every detail.

"You're so beautiful. I've never seen a woman who's both seductively innocent and irresistibly tempting like you."

His words left me momentarily speechless. The way he looked at me, the way his voice dropped to a husky whisper, made my heart race.

Despite the confusion and distance that had been between us all day, at this moment, I felt an undeniable connection, a spark that I hadn't expected.

His words sent a wave of warmth through me, making it hard to breathe. I had always known Taehyung to be intense, but this... this was different.

There was a hunger in his eyes—a desire that both thrilled and terrified me. As he held me close, the world around us seemed to fade, leaving just the two of us in this charged moment.

"Taehyung..." I whispered, my voice barely audible as I looked up at him, searching for something—anything—that might explain the change in him.

But all I found was that same smoldering intensity that made my knees weak.

He tilted his head slightly, his breath hot against my ear as he murmured, "Lisa, you drive me insane, you know that? The way you look right now... it's like you were made to tempt me."

His fingers traced the line of my jaw, sending shivers down my spine. "Do you have any idea what you do to me?"

I swallowed hard, trying to steady my racing heart. "I don't understand," I admitted, my voice trembling. "Why are you being like this? One minute you're so distant, and now... now you're saying these things."

Taehyung's expression softened slightly, but there was still a dangerous edge in his eyes. "I know I've been distant," he confessed, his voice low. "But it's not because I don't want you. It's because I want you too much, Lisa. And sometimes, that scares me."

His admission caught me off guard. Taehyung, the man who always seemed so in control, was admitting fear. I couldn't wrap my mind around it.

"But why would that scare you?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "I thought... I thought you didn't feel the same way."

He let out a harsh laugh, pulling me even closer until our bodies were pressed together. "Not feel the same way? Lisa, you don't get it. Every time I look at you, it takes everything in me not to lose control. I've been trying to keep my distance because I don't want to hurt you, but damn it, I'm tired of pretending."

My breath hitched as his words sank in, and I felt my heart pounding in my chest. "Taehyung, I..." I didn't know what to say. The intensity of his feelings, the raw emotion in his voice—it was overwhelming.

Before I could find the words, Taehyung tilted my chin up and captured my lips in a searing kiss. It wasn't gentle or soft; it was fierce, full of the passion and longing he had been holding back.

My hands instinctively reached up to clutch his coat, trying to steady myself as the world spun around me.

His lips moved against mine with an urgency that left me breathless. There was no room for doubt, no space for hesitation—just the undeniable connection between us, a fire that had been simmering beneath the surface for too long.

When he finally pulled back, we were both breathing heavily, our foreheads resting against each other. His eyes searched mine, dark and intense, as if he was looking for something—some kind of reassurance.

"Lisa," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "I don't want to scare you away, but I can't keep pretending I don't care. You mean too much to me."

My heart swelled at his words and the vulnerability in his voice. For so long, I had been confused, uncertain of where I stood with him. But now, hearing him admit his feelings, it was like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders.

"I'm not going anywhere, Taehyung," I whispered, my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me. "I want this—I want us. But you have to let me in, too."

He closed his eyes for a moment, as if trying to compose himself, then nodded. "I will, Lisa. I promise. But right now, we have to go to this party."

He smiled, a hint of his usual confidence returning. "And I'm going to enjoy every second of having you by my side."

With that, he took my hand, leading me to the car. But as we drove to the party, I couldn't help but feel that this was just the beginning—of something deeper, more intense than either of us had ever imagined.