--◈◆TAEHYUNG◆◈--

As she pushes me away, I am jolted back to reality, my reverie shattered by her sudden movement. I watch in silence as she hurriedly grabs the blanket to cover herself, her movements tense with anger.

She waggles her finger at me, her expression twisted in fury as she declares, "Don't think I've forgiven you for what happened between us. It was just a moment of heat you manipulated my body."

I meet her scowl with an unwavering gaze, refusing to back down. "Whatever you say, Lisa," I reply calmly, a hint of mischief dancing in my eyes. "I know deep down, you're just as drawn to me as I am to you."

With that, an impish grin spreads across my face, confident in the knowledge that despite her protests, she won't be able to resist the pull between us for long.

As her anguished words pierced the heavy silence, a surge of raw emotion consumed me. "I don't want to live after what I've done; I want to die; it is shameful." Lisa's voice trembled, her eyes brimming with tears that mirrored the turmoil within her soul.

"I wish I could never meet a cheater man like you. I wish I would have loved someone else. I wish that I don't want to live now.".

My heart clenched in agony, but before I could temper my rising rage, my hand connected with her cheek in a resounding slap.

"How dare you say such things!" I thundered, my voice reverberating off the walls, laced with a potent mix of hurt and indignation.

Lisa recoiled, her face contorted in pain, but her next words cut deeper than any physical blow. "You might as well have killed me mentally," she cried out, her voice cracking with the weight of her despair.

Stunned by her accusation, I reached out instinctively, grasping her trembling hand in a desperate bid to bridge the growing chasm between us.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice choked with remorse. "I never meant to hurt you."

But her response, filled with a quiet resignation, shattered what little remained of my composure. "You already have, Taehyung," she murmured her words a dagger to my wounded heart.

With tears threatening to spill from my eyes, I held onto her hand tightly, a silent plea for forgiveness hanging heavy in the air.

But despite my apology, she remained inconsolable, her fear and pain palpable in the air between us.

Closing my eyes against the weight of my guilt, I held onto her hand, silently vowing to make amends for the harm I had caused.

"I'm sorry, Lisa. I was consumed by anger, and I lost control," I pleaded, my voice filled with remorse. But her response cut through me like a knife.

Her smile was laced with pain as she spoke, her words accusing me of using violence as a twisted display of affection.

I felt a wave of despair wash over me. How could I have hurt her, the person I claimed to love?

Desperate to make amends, I reached for the ointment from the bedside drawer, intending to ease the pain I had caused.

But she recoiled from my touch, her rejection a painful reminder of the damage I had inflicted.

"Don't do that," she insisted, her voice strained with emotion. "After what you've done to me, stop pretending to care."

Her words pierced through me, igniting a deep sense of shame and regret. I realized that my actions had eroded the trust between us, leaving behind a chasm of pain and misunderstanding.

As I sat there, paralyzed by my own remorse, I knew that I had to find a way to earn back her forgiveness, no matter how long it took.

As I stepped away from the bed, each movement felt like a leaden weight pulling me down, pressing into my chest with a guilt that burned raw and relentless.

I made my way to the bathroom, the sound of my footsteps echoing hollowly in the quiet room. I turned the shower on, letting the cold water hit my skin like a punishment I wasn't even sure would be enough.

I needed the sting, the shock, anything to break through the haze of regret clouding my mind.

But as the water streamed down, it did nothing to numb the ache. Every second with her replayed in my head, and I couldn't bear the thought of how I'd hurt her, the way she'd looked at me—equal parts betrayal and defiance.

I clenched my fists, anger twisting and knotting itself into something darker. I punched the wall, feeling the impact reverberate through my hand, hoping somehow that the physical pain could displace the torment in my chest. But it only deepened it.

What had I done? What had I become? I needed to make a decision, but the thought of her leaving, the thought of facing the truth I'd hidden from even myself, was unbearable.

How could I let her go? And how could I make her understand that despite everything, I was hers, bound to her in a way I'd never thought possible?

As I turned off the shower and stepped out, my movements felt mechanical, empty. I toweled off, my mind racing with a plan that barely made sense but felt like the only lifeline I had left—I'd take her to her parents.

I'd show her and make her see that she wasn't just another fleeting obsession. Maybe there, surrounded by her family, the truth would be clearer to her, and she'd see that this wasn't a game to me.

I closed the bathroom door behind me and made my way to the closet. Every step felt heavy, the weight of my actions pressing down on me, a steady reminder of the damage I'd caused.

I reached for a pair of pants, the fabric foreign, almost constricting as I pulled them on. Then a shirt, soft but somehow distant against my skin.

I dressed slowly, buttoning each one with hands that felt numb, like I was going through the motions in someone else's body.

I stood there, fully dressed but feeling as though I was stripped bare.

I didn't know how much longer I could take this, living in the shadow of what I'd done, haunted by the fear that maybe, just maybe, I'd lost her already.

And the only thing scarier than losing her was knowing it was my own damn fault.

I saw her dress on the floor—a painful reminder of the love we once shared. As I reached for her dress, intending to offer it to her as a gesture of peace, my eyes fell upon the proposal ring resting on my vanity.

The sight of it tore at my heart, a stark reminder of the shattered dreams and broken promises that now lay between us.

A bitter chuckle escaped my lips, tinged with pain and regret. How could something that once held so much promise now bring nothing but anguish?

As I gently guided Lisa towards her clothes, my words carried the weight of remorse and resignation. "Please dress yourself and freshen up. I'll take you home," I urged, my voice softening with sincerity.

Her gaze met mine, a mixture of confusion and pain reflecting in her eyes. With a heavy heart, I continued, "I'm sorry for what I've done to you. My intentions were never to hurt you, Lisa. Things spiraled out of control, but I understand now. I'll never intrude upon your life again. I respect you, and I won't be a part of it any longer."

Assuring her of my intentions, I added, "Don't worry, I won't breathe a word about our relationship to anyone. I'll leave Korea, and you'll never have to see me again."

Though my heart ached at the thought of parting ways, I knew it was the only way to salvage what little remained of our fractured bond.

With tears glistening in her eyes, Lisa listened attentively as I poured out my heart to her one last time. "Before you leave, there's something I need to tell you, Lisa," I began, my voice filled with sincerity.

"Lisa, I want you to know that I've experienced heartbreak because of you. At first, I couldn't comprehend what I was feeling, but now I understand. Your actions have opened my eyes to the true meaning of love and the agony of losing it. I'm grateful to you for that," I confessed, my emotions raw and unfiltered.

"You've shown me a side of myself I never knew existed, and for that, you'll always hold a special place in my heart. Despite everything, you remain my first and only love, whether you choose to believe it or not," I concluded, hoping she could sense the depth of my emotions through my words.

As the weight of my actions bore down upon me, I couldn't help but feel that Lisa's distance was a punishment I rightly deserved.

The thought of her with someone else tore at my very soul, a reminder of the depth of my love for her and the consequences of my past indiscretions.

But how could I fault her for her fear, her hesitation? After all, I had left a trail of broken hearts in my wake, and Lisa's apprehension was a reflection of the scars I had inflicted upon others.

She was right to be cautious, right to protect herself from the pain I had caused.

With a heavy heart, I uttered the words I never thought I'd speak. "From now on, you'll be free from me, Lisa Manoban," I confessed, my voice choked with emotion. "You are the most beautiful thing to ever happen to me, a lesson in love and forgiveness."

I added pain in my heart feels like a dead end. "I may be the worst womanizer, but you have stolen my everything. I am not ready to let you go, but I know if I let you stay in this relationship, maybe you'll think of me as a man who is still using you. I don't know how to make you understand that and make you believe. I just wanted to die now.".

Lisa looked at me and said, "Then free me from this toxic relationship, which is only based on lies and manipulation.".

The weight of my admission settled upon me like a leaden shroud, suffocating me with the weight of my own regret.

Depression gnawed at the edges of my consciousness, threatening to consume me whole as I grappled with the reality of my actions and their consequences. "I am freeing you, Lisa, but I will love you always. I don't know if I can resist myself from coming to you, but thanks for breaking me like this, Lisa. Thanks for making me feel like that. I deserve it, but I deserve you more, but I guess I lost everything now.".

Yet, even in the depths of despair, there remained a glimmer of hope—a flickering flame fueled by the knowledge that Lisa had the power to change me, to transform me from a heartless womanizer into a man capable of love and redemption.

As Lisa rose from the bed, her movements were slow, almost hesitant, and I watched her walk toward the closet, my gaze tracing the delicate lines of her silhouette.

Her fingers, slightly smaller than mine yet graceful and confident, reached for her clothes, their careful movement captivating me in a way I couldn't explain.

She slipped into the bathroom, and I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, my heart beating with a strange, nervous anticipation.

After a while, she returned, and the sight of her took my breath away. She was wearing a soft pink frock that flowed around her, the gentle hue making her look almost ethereal, like something delicate and precious.

To my eyes, she was a doll, flawless and fragile, a contrast to the turmoil in my chest. She walked back to her suitcase, her fingers folding and packing clothes with almost mechanical precision like each piece of fabric might distract her from whatever she was feeling.

When she was done, she turned to face me, and her eyes met mine. There was something there—a mixture of uncertainty, longing, and something else—something that tugged at my heart.

She parted her lips, her voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with an ache I could feel in my own bones. "Taehyung, I need to tell you something," she began, her voice trembling with an emotion I couldn't quite name.

Before she could go on, I held up a hand, stepping closer, feeling my own heartbeat thundering in my chest.

"Lisa, before you say anything... I have one request. Just one, if you'll let me." My voice was steady, but inside, I was unraveling, the weight of what I was about to ask bearing down on me.

She nodded slowly, her eyes searching mine, curiosity and vulnerability dancing in those dark depths. "Yes," she murmured, and that single word held more weight than anything I'd ever heard.

I took a breath, steadying myself as I stepped closer. "I want to kiss you... just once. Just one last time, Lisa," I said, my voice thick with a mix of desperation and sincerity.

The words felt fragile in the air between us as if they could break from the weight of everything I felt but couldn't say.

Her eyes softened, and for a moment, the tension between us melted into something gentler, something that felt almost sacred.

She took a step closer, her breath mingling with mine as I reached out, my fingers brushing her cheek, feeling the warmth of her skin. There was a hesitation in her eyes, but she didn't pull away.

Slowly, I leaned in, our faces so close I could see every fleck of color in her eyes, every tremor in her lips. When my mouth finally met hers, it was as if the world fell away.

The kiss was slow, filled with all the things I'd never dared to tell her—the longing, the regret, the love I'd tried so hard to bury.

She responded softly, her lips trembling against mine, and in that moment, I felt everything. Her pain, her confusion, her love—everything that connected us.

As we pulled back, her gaze held mine, and I saw a tear slip down her cheek. My hand lingered on her face, brushing the tears away, wishing I could somehow take away her hurt.

But I knew this kiss wouldn't change anything. It was just a moment—a final piece of something beautiful and fleeting.

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice breaking slightly. And with that, I stepped back, leaving a space between us that felt far colder than any distance I'd ever known.

I heard her saying. "I don't know how to trust you anymore. It's not that I'll forget you, but I can't shake the fear of being treated like a mere plaything. Despite everything, I've always loved you. But I just need..."

Before she could finish her sentence, a sudden wave of dizziness washed over me, accompanied by a crushing pain in my chest.

My heart ached with the weight of regret and despair, knowing that I was losing her, perhaps forever. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks, leaving me feeling faint and overwhelmed by a sense of hopelessness.

As darkness crept in at the edges of my vision, I struggled to hold onto consciousness, desperate to hear the words she wanted to say.

But the world seemed to blur around me, and as I fought to stay awake, I couldn't help but wonder if this was the end—the end of us, the end of everything we shared.

At that moment, as I teetered on the brink of consciousness, I felt a profound sense of loss wash over me. The thought of living without her and of facing each day without her presence by my side was unbearable.

My heart clenched with agony as I realized just how much she meant to me and how deeply I had failed her.

But even as darkness threatened to consume me, I clung to a glimmer of hope—hope that somehow, someway, we could find our way back to each other.

For in her eyes, I saw a love that transcended the pain and uncertainty of our past, a love that was worth fighting for until the very end.

--◈◆LISA◆◈--

When he started to move out of my sight, I wanted to believe in him and love him, but I was scared. Yes, I wanted to go home, but now I needed time to understand and trust him. I didn't want to leave him; I just needed space to think about what's right. I wanted to tell him that I was leaving—not forever, just to clear my mind—and maybe I would give him a second chance, which everyone deserves, but I needed time.

"I don't know how to trust you anymore. It's not that I'll forget you, but I can't shake the fear of being treated like a mere plaything. Despite everything, I've always loved you. But I just need..."

Panic seized me as I watched Taehyung slump unconscious before my eyes. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat echoing the fear that gripped me as I rushed to his side, desperate to rouse him from his stupor.

"Taehyung, what happened? Open your eyes." But no matter how hard I shook him or how fervently I pleaded for him to wake, he remained unresponsive, his stillness a stark reminder of the fragility of life.

Tears streamed down my cheeks unchecked, my hands trembling as I struggled to comprehend what had befallen him.

At that moment, every breath felt like a struggle, every heartbeat a silent prayer for his well-being.

With a resolve born of desperation, I fled from the confines of the penthouse, the dry air offering little solace against the suffocating weight of my fear.

Spotting a guard nearby, I called out to him, my voice trembling with urgency. "Taehyung has fainted inside the room; please help and call the doctor," I implored, my words choked with emotion.

Thankfully, the guard responded swiftly, his reassurance a faint glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that threatened to engulf me.

As he signaled to his companions, a sense of relief washed over me, tempered only by the lingering uncertainty that lingered like a shadow.

Together, they hurried to Taehyung's side, their movements deft and efficient as they gently laid him down on the bed.

With trembling hands, I stood vigil beside him, my gaze never leaving his pallid face as we awaited the arrival of the doctor.

At that moment, surrounded by the silent watch of the night and the steady presence of the guards, I clung to the fragile hope that Taehyung would soon awaken, his strength and vitality restored once more.

But until then, all I could do was stand by his side, my heart heavy with worry and the unspoken fear of what the future might hold.

As I hovered over Taehyung's still form, my heart aching with uncertainty, I whispered pleadingly, "Please wake up." The turmoil within me was overwhelming as I grappled with conflicting emotions.

Did he truly love me, or was this just another act to win my affection? Despite my doubts, one thing remained clear—I loved him.

His raw honesty had shattered the facade he presented to the world, revealing the vulnerable man beneath.

Leaning in, I brushed my lips against his forehead, a silent prayer on my lips. But before I could dwell further on my conflicted feelings, the doctor arrived, bringing with him a glimmer of hope. "Please, doctor, help him," I implored, desperation evident in my voice.

The doctor wasted no time assessing Taehyung's condition, and his experienced hands worked swiftly to administer treatment.

I watched anxiously as he examined Taehyung, my heart pounding with each passing moment. Relief washed over me as the doctor administered medication and checked Taehyung's vital signs.

As the doctor continued his examination, I couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness wash over me.

All I could do was stand by Taehyung's side, silently praying for his recovery and hoping that our tumultuous journey would eventually lead us to a place of healing and understanding.

The doctor's words cut through the silence like a knife, each syllable heavy with implications that struck at the core of my being. "I have given him a sedative and medication. He will awaken soon," he reassured me, his voice calm yet tinged with concern.

"It appears that Mr. Kim has been under significant tension or experiencing depression, which has caused his heart to undergo undue pressure and his blood pressure to drop, leading to his fainting spell."

As the weight of his diagnosis settled upon me, a wave of guilt washed over me like a tidal wave.

It was clear that Taehyung's condition was a direct result of the turmoil he had endured, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I had played a part in his suffering.

Tears welled up in my eyes, betraying the depth of my anguish as I struggled to come to terms with the consequences of my actions.

The doctor's next words only served to amplify my distress. "There is no underlying medical issue that requires medication," he continued, his tone gentle yet firm. "I suggest you focus on making him happy and healthy and encourage him to address the root causes of his depression."

With a heavy heart, I nodded in understanding, vowing silently to do everything in my power to support Taehyung through his struggles.

For in that moment, as I stood by his bedside, the weight of my love for him felt heavier than ever, a burden I would gladly bear if it meant easing his pain and guiding him back to the path of happiness and health.

As the doctor prepared to leave, I nodded solemnly, a silent promise echoing in the depths of my soul. "I'll do everything for him," I vowed, my voice barely above a whisper, weighted with the gravity of my determination.

With a gentle nod of acknowledgment, the doctor took his leave, leaving me alone with Taehyung and the weight of my remorse.

As the door closed behind him, I was consumed by a flood of emotions, the tears streaming down my cheeks a testament to the depth of my regret.

Guilt gnawed at the edges of my conscience as I gazed upon Taehyung's still form, his vulnerability laid bare before me.

He had fallen ill because of me, because of my inability to see beyond my own fears and insecurities, and the realization cut me to the core.

With trembling hands, I reached out to him, grasping his hand tightly as if holding onto him could somehow erase the pain I had caused.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, the words a fragile offering of repentance. "You were right, and I was foolish. I'm sorry for not understanding your love and for letting my fear drive us apart. I love you, Taehyung. I can't bear to lose you."

Each syllable was heavy with the weight of my confession, each word a plea for forgiveness and a declaration of my undying love.

As I continued to hold his hand, tears staining the fabric of his shirt, I prayed silently that he would awaken soon and that I would have the chance to make amends and prove to him the depth of my devotion.

As I caressed Taehyung's head and pressed a tender kiss to his forehead, a surge of remorse and longing coursed through me like a raging river.

How could I have been so blind and so deaf to his pleas for forgiveness? In his moment of vulnerability, he had bared his soul to me, and I had turned away, consumed by my own fears and insecurities.

But now, as I gazed upon his peaceful face, illuminated by the soft glow of the bedside lamp, I knew with unwavering certainty that my love for him was true.

Taehyung had never shed tears for any other woman, but for me, he had wept. And in that realization, I found the strength to fight for us, to give our love the chance it deserved.

I would do everything in my power to make him see and feel my love, to mend the fractures in our relationship, and build something stronger, something enduring.

Despite the uncertainty of the future, one thing remained clear: I wanted him to be mine, to hold him close and never let him go.

Even amidst the turmoil and chaos of my emotions, I found solace in the knowledge that honesty and love were guiding forces in my life.

Despite the pain of Jisoo's truth, Taehyung had changed and evolved into the master of my desires, the keeper of my heart.

And so, with a resolve born of passion and determination, I vowed to embrace this love, to allow it to consume me, to break me, and to rebuild me anew.

For in the end, it was Taehyung who held the key to my happiness, my salvation, and my deepest desires.

I rose from the bed, and a whirlwind of conflicting emotions churned within me. Taehyung was the controller of my life, the secret obsession I couldn't escape.

Despite knowing that our love was forbidden, I couldn't deny the magnetic pull drawing me towards him, even in the face of societal taboos.

He was my forbidden fantasy, the object of my deepest desires, and I found myself powerless to resist him.

In the depths of my soul, I longed for him with an intensity that bordered on obsession, knowing that our love was a flame that could only burn in the shadows.

As I stood at the vanity, my fingers trembling slightly, I reached for the ring he had given me, a symbol of his unwavering devotion and my reckless abandon.

With a sense of finality, I slid the ring onto my finger, sealing my fate with the man who hungered for me and me alone.

At that moment, as the cool metal encircled my finger, I felt a rush of exhilaration mixed with apprehension.

But beneath it all, there was a profound sense of acceptance, of surrendering to the tumultuous tide of passion and desire that bound us together.

With the ring as my silent vow, I embraced the forbidden love that threatened to consume us both, knowing that with Taehyung by my side, I would willingly risk everything for the chance to be with him, to love him, and to be loved in return.

As I made my way out of the room, the guards' concerned gazes followed me, their offers of assistance a reminder of the support I had in this trying time.

"Thank you for your help," I replied with a nod, a faint smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "But you can go and manage outside. He will be fine."

With a sense of gratitude for their presence, I watched as they retreated from the room, leaving me to tend to Taehyung in solitude.

Making my way to the kitchen, I set about preparing a meal for him, the familiar tasks a welcome distraction from the weight of my emotions.

I carefully assembled a spread of comfort food, including porridge, juice, and herb bread, each dish infused with a silent prayer for his swift recovery.

As I worked, the gentle rhythm of my actions soothed the tumult within me, offering a momentary respite from the chaos of my thoughts.

Glancing at the clock, I noted that evening was beginning to descend, signaling that Taehyung would soon awaken.

With a sense of anticipation tinged with apprehension, I made the final preparations, ensuring that everything was in place for his return to consciousness.

As the last rays of sunlight filtered through the window, casting a warm glow over the kitchen, I took a moment to gather my composure.

As I meticulously arranged everything on the tray, including the knife and butter, I was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Uncle Lee Han into the penthouse.

His worried expression instantly heightened my concern as he hastened towards me. "Dear, I received a call from the guard. They informed me that Sir Taehyung's condition is not well," he exclaimed, his voice laced with apprehension.

Nodding in acknowledgment, tears welled up in my eyes as I met Uncle Lee Han's gaze. "Yes, it's all because of me, Uncle. He's not well because of me," I confessed, my voice trembling with guilt.

Sorrow etched across his face, Uncle Lee Han gently placed a comforting hand on my cheek. "What happened? Tell me, Lisa," he urged, his tone filled with concern and compassion.

Gazing into his eyes, I struggled to find the words to convey the tumultuous events that had transpired. "I can't divulge much, but I've decided to leave him," I revealed, my voice barely above a whisper.

"And this has plunged him into such despair that it's affected his health. The doctors assure me he'll recover, but..." My voice trailed off, overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotions—regret, sorrow, and a profound sense of responsibility.

As Uncle Lee Han gazed at me with a mixture of concern and sadness, he uttered softly, "Dear, he loves you. How could you leave him?"

His words struck me like a bolt of lightning, and I stared at him in disbelief. "Uncle Lee Han, I..." I began, but he interrupted me, his voice heavy with emotion.

"Lisa, I've never spoken about this before, but I know about Taehyung Sir's life. Yet, for you, he was different," he confessed, his eyes reflecting a depth of understanding I hadn't anticipated. "I remember our conversations in Paris. I told him never to break your heart. You know what he said? He said he loves you, Lisa. He never once discussed his personal life with me, but the intensity of his love for you... I've never witnessed such devotion before. What have you done, Lisa?"

His words resonated within me, piercing through layers of confusion and pain. The weight of his revelation bore down on me, stirring a tumult of emotions—guilt, regret, and a profound sense of loss.

As Uncle Lee Han's words echoed in the air, I felt the weight of his concern and the gravity of the situation pressing down on me.

My heart ached with the realization of the impact my decision had wrought upon Taehyung and those who cared for him.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I struggled to find the right words to convey the turmoil within me. "I... I didn't mean to hurt him," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. "I thought leaving was the only way... for both of us."

Uncle Lee Han's expression softened, his eyes filled with compassion. "Sometimes, dear, love requires sacrifice. But leaving isn't always the answer. There may still be a chance to mend what's broken, to find a way forward together."

His words struck a chord deep within me, igniting a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of despair.

With a heavy heart, I realized that perhaps it wasn't too late to salvage what remained of our love, to confront the shadows of doubt and fear that had driven us apart.

Taking a deep breath, I met Uncle Lee Han's gaze with newfound resolve. "I have to go to him," I declared, determination flickering in my eyes. "I can't let fear dictate my actions any longer. Whatever happens, I owe it to him... and to myself."

With Uncle Lee Han's silent support, I steeled myself for the difficult journey ahead, knowing that the path to reconciliation would be fraught with challenges but believing that love, in its truest form, had the power to overcome even the darkest of obstacles.

He looked at me with a reassuring gaze, his words a balm to my wounded soul. "You should win him over, Lisa. He is your man, and I know he loves you. Don't worry, he will be fine. I'll take the tray, okay?"

His supportive words washed over me like a gentle wave, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that threatened to engulf me.

With a grateful nod, I relinquished the wheel tray to Uncle Lee Han's capable hands, finding solace in his presence as we made our way to Taehyung's room together.

As we entered, I watched as Uncle Lee Han settled beside Taehyung, his reassuring presence a source of comfort amid uncertainty.

"Lisa, if you need anything, I'll be here, okay? Just tell me. I'll come and stay with him," Uncle Lee Han offered, his voice filled with genuine concern.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I nodded, overwhelmed by his unwavering support. "Thank you, Uncle. You've always been like family to us," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion.

With a gentle pat on Taehyung's hand, Uncle Lee Han rose from the bed, his eyes filled with reassurance. "I'll be here," he repeated his words a silent promise of steadfast companionship.

As he left the room, I turned my attention to Taehyung, a sense of determination burning within me. "I'll be here, Taehyung. No matter what," I vowed silently, my love for him a beacon of hope in the darkness that threatened to consume us.

As tears streamed down my cheeks, mingling with whispered prayers to a higher power, I felt a sudden shift in the room.

Taehyung's voice pierced through the haze of my despair, drawing my attention to him as he struggled to open his eyes.

With a mixture of relief and concern, I watched as he slowly regained consciousness, his movements cautious as he tried to orient himself.

"Be careful," I cautioned softly, my heart skipping a beat at the sight of him stirring.

As his eyes finally met mine, a flicker of confusion crossed his features, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Lisa, why are you here? What happened? Why am I in bed?" He inquired, his words punctuated by a hint of discomfort.

Gathering my emotions, I met his gaze with a steady resolve. "You fainted, Taehyung. Your blood pressure dropped," I explained gently, my voice laced with concern.

His brow furrowed in response, a gesture of acknowledgment mingled with a sense of determination. "Okay, I'll call the guard to take you home," he offered, his words weighted with a sense of obligation.

But I shook my head, a surge of defiance rising within me. "No, I don't want to go anywhere. This is my home, my place," I asserted, my voice firm and unwavering. At that moment, I knew that I belonged by Taehyung's side, regardless of anything.

Taehyung's words cut through me like a knife, each syllable a painful reminder of the rift that had formed between us.

"Lisa, why are you staying with a cheater like me? Go away and live your life. I free you; now go," he implored, his voice tinged with anguish and self-loathing.

But I refused to heed his words, my grip on his hand tightening with determination. "Please forgive me," I pleaded, my voice trembling with emotion as I sought absolution for my past mistakes.

A bitter laugh escaped his lips, and my heart sank as he dismissed my plea. "I know why you are doing this. It's just sympathy," he scoffed his words like a dagger to my wounded heart.

The accusation stung, and I felt a surge of resentment rise within me. "It's not sympathy, Taehyung. It's love. I was a fool," I countered, my voice laced with pain and regret.

As he attempted to pull away from me, a wave of panic washed over me, and I reached out to stop him. "Don't go anywhere; stay in bed," I urged desperation creeping into my tone as I fought to keep him close.

But he met my gaze with a steely resolve, his eyes ablaze with defiance. "Lisa, we are over. Now go, and don't order me," he declared, his words final and resolute.

The tension in the room reached a boiling point as I grasped Taehyung's collar, my desperation driving me to the brink of recklessness.

"I'll order you as I please, and you know it," I asserted, my voice trembling with a mixture of defiance and anguish.

His response was sharp and biting, a reflection of the rift that had formed between us. "You are crossing your limits and manners. Now go away before I drag you out of my penthouse," he retorted his words a cold dismissal that cut me to the core.

With a heavy heart, I released his collar, the weight of his rejection crushing me as I considered my next move. "Fine, I'll go," I conceded, my voice barely above a whisper. "But I want one thing from you."

He folded his arms across his chest, a silent invitation for me to speak. "Yes, tell me what you want. If it's my property, I'll write it over to you," he offered, his tone tinged with resignation.

Leaning in closer, I made my request with a raw honesty that bordered on desperation. "I want you. I'll leave when we have a farewell... Sex. Do you understand?" I pleaded, my words laden with a sense of urgency and longing.

But instead of acquiescing to my request, Taehyung recoiled in disbelief, his expression a mixture of shock and dismay. "Are you crazy, Lisa? Stop being so naive and just go I am a cheap man I don't deserve you but now it's done," he admonished, his voice laced with frustration and exasperation.

His rejection felt like a dagger to my already wounded heart, and in a moment of desperation, I seized the knife from the tray before me.

Holding it to my wrist, I met his gaze with a steely determination. "Fine, then let me die," I declared, my voice a whispered plea for him to see the depth of my pain and the magnitude of my love.

As the weight of my words hung heavy in the air, a tense silence enveloped us, the only sound was the faint echo of my ragged breaths.

Taehyung's eyes widened in horror at the sight of the knife pressed against my wrist, his features contorted with shock and disbelief.

"L-Lisa, what are you doing?" he exclaimed, his voice trembling with a mixture of fear and desperation. "Put down the knife, please. Let's talk about this."

But I remained steadfast, the blade poised precariously against my skin, a silent testament to the depth of my despair.

"I can't go on like this, Taehyung," I whispered, my voice barely audible above the pounding of my heart. "If you won't let me stay, then I have nothing left."

A flicker of realization crossed Taehyung's face, his eyes brimming with a mixture of anguish and regret. "No, Lisa, don't do this," he pleaded, his voice choked with emotion. "I didn't mean to hurt you. Please, put down the knife."

Tears streamed down my cheeks unchecked as I wavered, torn between the pain of staying and the fear of letting go.

But in that moment of vulnerability, I knew that I couldn't go through with it. I couldn't bear to hurt him, even if it meant sacrificing my own happiness.

With a trembling hand, I lowered the knife, the weight of my decision settling heavily upon me. "I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice barely a whisper as I dropped the knife to the ground.

In an instant, Taehyung was by my side, his arms enveloping me in a tight embrace as he held me close.

"I'm sorry too, Lisa," he murmured, his words a whispered promise of redemption and forgiveness. "Let's talk, okay? We can figure this out together."

And in that moment, as we stood locked in each other's embrace, I knew that despite the challenges and the pain, our love was worth fighting for.

As Taehyung pulled me into his embrace, his arms a comforting refuge amidst the turmoil of my emotions, I felt a flood of relief wash over me. "You crazy girl, how could you hurt yourself?" he chastised gently, his voice tinged with concern.

Tears continued to stream down my cheeks as I struggled to find the words to express the depth of my remorse. "Because I deserve to punish myself for hurting you, for making you hurt," I confessed, my voice choked with emotion.

His embrace tightened around me, offering solace in my despair. "Now, don't cry, please," he urged softly, his words a soothing balm to my wounded soul.

I nodded in silent agreement, clinging to him as if he were the anchor keeping me tethered to reality.

As I looked into Taehyung's eyes, the weight of my forgiveness pressing against my chest, I knew it was time to release him from the burden of his past mistakes.

With a deep breath, I found the courage to speak the words that had been lingering on the tip of my tongue.

"Taehyung, I made up my mind to give you a second chance. I forgave you," I confessed, my voice filled with sincerity and resolve.

His reaction was immediate, pulling me into his arms with a mixture of surprise and joy. "Lisa, I'm so happy that finally, you gave me a second chance," he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with gratitude and disbelief.

At that moment, he lifted me effortlessly by my waist, twirling me around in a whirlwind of laughter and delight. My heart soared with each spin, my laughter mingling with his as it echoed throughout the room.

His happiness was infectious, a beacon of light illuminating the darkness that had clouded our relationship. In his arms, I found solace and peace, a sense of belonging that washed away the pain of the past.

As he set me down gently, his eyes brimming with love and gratitude, I felt a wave of contentment wash over me. "I love him so much," I thought, my heart overflowing with affection and devotion.

As Taehyung gently stood me upright, our foreheads pressed together in a tender embrace, a sense of peace washed over me like a gentle tide.

Our lips curved into matching smiles of contentment, the weight of our past struggles melting away in the warmth of our love.

"I always desired to see you happy like this, Taehyung," I whispered, my voice soft with emotion.

His response was immediate, his gaze locking with mine as he spoke with unwavering sincerity. "You're the sole reason for my happiness, Lisa. I can do anything for the sake of your joy because your happiness is mine," he declared, his words a vow of devotion that echoed in the depths of my soul.

With a gentle touch, he placed a soft kiss on my hand, his eyes ablaze with pure delight. Moved by his words, I felt a surge of gratitude swell within me, grateful for the depth of his love and the promise of a future filled with happiness.

"Please promise me you'll never hurt me again, Taehyung. Promise me you'll never betray me," I pleaded, my voice tinged with vulnerability.

He shook his head, his expression earnest and resolute. "Never, Lisa. I swear," he vowed, sealing his promise with a tender kiss on my forehead.

At that moment, as his lips brushed against my skin, I felt a sense of peace settle over me, a reassurance that our love was stronger than any obstacle we might face. With a heart full of hope and reverence, I leaned into his embrace.