LISA POV

As I was getting ready for dinner, I was informed of an important dinner with the Jeon family. Taehyung had picked out a beautiful gown for me last night. I find myself conflicted and unsure of what I need to justify. When I reflect on our past, Taehyung was initially gentle with me, but I grew to despise him as it became apparent he was merely using me.

Last night, the way he touched me was undeniable, yet I grappled with conflicting emotions. Despite my resentment towards him for being my stepbrother and for the harm he has caused me, I cannot deny the allure of his touch. Perhaps he is manipulating me, and this realization only adds to the complexity of my feelings.

With conflicting thoughts swirling in my mind, I proceeded to get dressed for the dinner with the Jeon family. The dress Taehyung had chosen for me hung elegantly, its fabric soft against my skin. As I slipped it on, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for enjoying something he had provided.

Despite my inner turmoil, I decided to do a little makeup, opting for a subtle yet enhancing look. As I applied each stroke of mascara and dabbed on a hint of lip color, I found myself lost in the routine, seeking solace in the familiarity of the process.

As I approached the door, the sound of a knock startled me, breaking the trance of my thoughts. Opening it, I was met with Taehyung's presence, his handsome demeanor striking despite the tension between us. His words cut through the air with a sharpness that stung, a stark reminder of the discord that lingered between us.

"We're all waiting for you; come fast," he said brusquely, his tone devoid of warmth or consideration. His abruptness only served to exacerbate the conflicting emotions swirling within me, leaving me feeling both unsettled and resentful.

As Taehyung stood there in his dark suit, his handsomeness accentuated by his sharp jawline, I couldn't help but notice the absence of any compliment from him. Why did I even crave his validation when I harbored such strong feelings of disdain toward him?

Nonetheless, I forced a nod and followed him, steeling myself for the evening ahead. Despite the tension between us, there was a shared understanding that tonight was not about our grievances, but rather about creating a facade of familial unity for Dad's sake. And so, with a heavy heart and a determined resolve, I braced myself for the challenges that lay ahead.

As I trailed behind Taehyung, the weight of confusion and frustration bore down on me like a heavy burden. His unpredictable behavior left me feeling like I was navigating a minefield of emotions, never knowing which version of him I would encounter next.

One moment, his touch ignited a fiery passion within me, leaving me craving more. Yet, just as quickly, he would withdraw into himself, leaving me to grapple with the pain of his indifference.

The turmoil of his bipolar personality inflicted a relentless ache upon my heart, leaving me questioning my worth and sanity. Why did I allow myself to be ensnared by someone who could so effortlessly toy with my emotions? The longing for his attention clashed violently with the rational part of me that screamed for self-preservation.

Despite the rationality of my thoughts, the pain of his indifference persisted, gnawing away at my resolve. I should be happy when he ignores me, shouldn't I? Yet, the truth remained that his indifference cut deeper than any physical wound, leaving behind scars that refused to heal. And so, I found myself trapped in a cycle of longing and anguish, desperately seeking solace in a relationship that was as tumultuous as it was toxic.

As we entered the main living hall, the presence of my stepmother and stepsister, Jennie, along with my father, enveloped the room. His gaze fell upon me, filled with warmth and affection, as he uttered those familiar words, "My beautiful daughter."

A surge of bittersweet emotion washed over me at his endearing gesture, momentarily dispelling the weight of the turmoil that had plagued me earlier. Drawing closer, he pressed a tender kiss to my forehead, his affectionate touch a fleeting respite from the complexities of my inner turmoil.

At that moment, I allowed myself to revel in the simple comfort of his love, seeking solace in the familiarity of his paternal embrace. Yet, even amidst the warmth of his affection, a part of me remained haunted by the unanswered questions and unspoken truths that lingered beneath the surface.

Feeling the weight of my stepmother's glare piercing through me like daggers, I swallowed hard. The tension in the room was palpable as she tersely announced, "I guess we should go now. We are getting late for dinner."

Nodding silently, I followed her lead, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken resentment as we made our way out of the mansion. Stepping into the cool night air, I couldn't help but notice the opulent array of luxurious cars awaiting us, each one a symbol of the wealth and privilege that surrounded my family.

Without a word, my father and stepsister headed towards one car, leaving Taehyung and me to occupy another. As we settled into the plush interior of the vehicle, the air between us was thick with unresolved tension.

As the car came to a stop at our destination, a team of guards approached, their presence signaling our arrival. With practiced precision, they opened the car doors, ushering us out into the night air. Stepping onto the pavement, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within me-the allure of the unknown hanging heavy in the air.

As we made our way into the luxurious restaurant, my senses were immediately overwhelmed by the opulence of the surroundings. Yet, it was not the lavish decor or the grandeur of the setting that caught my attention, but rather the sight that greeted me as I entered the room.

My eyes widened with surprise as I took in the breathtaking sight before me. Everywhere I looked, the room was adorned with flowers, their vibrant colors casting a mesmerizing glow across the space. And there, amidst the sea of petals, was a display that took my breath away.

Intricately crafted decorations spelled out my name in elegant script, the words "Happy Birthday, Lisa" shimmering in the soft light of the room. A wave of emotion washed over me as I realized the significance of the occasion, the realization dawning on me like a sudden burst of sunlight after a long night.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I turned to face Taehyung, my heart overflowing with gratitude for the unexpected gesture. At that moment, amidst the beauty and the chaos of the world around me, all I could feel was an overwhelming sense of love and belonging.

Surrounded by my family, their voices blending harmoniously in a chorus of "Happy Birthday," I felt a surge of warmth envelop my heart. Fighting back tears of gratitude, I turned to my father, my curiosity piqued beyond containment.

"Dad, what's all this?" I inquired, my voice trembling with emotion. His laughter was gentle, his eyes glinting mischievously as he responded, "Your brother orchestrated this celebration, my dear. He wanted to ensure your day was nothing short of extraordinary. I hope it brings you joy, my darling." His words washed over me like a tidal wave, a flood of surprise, gratitude, and boundless love filling every crevice of my being.

As the celebration continued, however, I couldn't shake the sense of artificiality emanating from my stepmother and stepsister. Jennie's words, delivered with a forced smile, only served to underscore the feeling. "Lisa, we just wanted to surprise you. We hope your life will be filled with ease, knowing you couldn't manage without us," she said, her tone laden with insincerity.

My stepmother's sentiments mirrored Jennie's, delivered with a similar facade of warmth. "May you always remain obedient and make us proud, dear," she added, her smile strained with the effort of pretense. Despite their outward displays, I couldn't help but sense the hollowness behind their words, a stark contrast to the genuine love and affection I felt from my father.

Though their intentions may have been well-meaning, it was clear to me that their gestures were merely for show, an attempt to maintain appearances rather than truly celebrate my special day. As I looked around at the faces of my family, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the realization that, despite their presence, I still felt somewhat alone during the celebration.

Amidst the façade, however, Taehyung's presence stood out like a beacon of authenticity. Despite his dominant demeanor, there was an underlying sincerity in his actions, a hint of something pure hidden beneath the shell.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself," he remarked, his voice cutting through the din of the celebration. I nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of my lips. "Yes, it's... nice," I replied, my words betraying the uncertainty that lingered within me. Taehyung's gaze softened, a rare moment of vulnerability flickering in his eyes. "I wanted to make this day special for you," he admitted quietly. "You deserve it, Lisa."

Surprised by his sincerity, I felt a lump form in my throat. Despite the complexities of our relationship, there was an undeniable bond between us-a connection that transcended the superficiality of our surroundings.

"Thank you, Taehyung," I whispered, touched by his words. At that moment, amidst the artificiality of the celebration, I found solace in the genuine sentiment hidden within his words. "Lisa, would you do us the honor of cutting the cake?" My father's voice rang out above the chatter, his eyes warm with pride and affection.

I nodded eagerly, a mix of excitement and nervousness coursing through me as I replied, "Of course, Dad." Together, we made our way to the grand cake, its towering layers adorned with intricate decorations. As I approached, I couldn't help but marvel at its beauty; the anticipation of the moment sent a thrill down my spine.

With the knife in hand, I glanced back at my family, their smiles encouraging me forward. Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I made the first careful incision into the soft sponge, hearing the sound of the blade slicing through the air.

As the first slice of cake was lifted onto a waiting plate, a round of applause erupted around us. Amidst the applause, I caught my father's eye, his expression filled with pride and love. "Well done, Lisa," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "You've made this celebration even more special."

Taehyung's unexpected gesture caught me off guard as he pulled out a box from his pocket and extended it toward me. His words carried a warmth that was both surprising and touching.

"It's from my mother and Jennie, and also from me. I hope you like it, Lisa," he said, his tone gentle yet tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "Thank you, brother," I murmured, my heart swelling with gratitude as I accepted the gift.

With trembling hands, I carefully opened the box, my breath catching in my throat at the sight before me. Nestled within the velvet lining lay a stunning hairpin, its delicate design adorned with sparkling diamonds that caught the light in mesmerizing patterns.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I gazed at the exquisite piece, overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of the gift. Despite our complicated relationship, Taehyung's gesture spoke volumes, a silent reassurance of the bond that still existed between us. "It's beautiful," I whispered, unable to tear my eyes away from the shimmering gemstones.

A smile tugged at the corners of Taehyung's lips as he watched my reaction, a flicker of pride and satisfaction in his gaze. "I'm glad you like it, Lisa," he said softly, his words carrying a depth of emotion that resonated within me.

At that moment, amidst the chaos and the celebrations, I felt a sense of connection with Taehyung that transcended the complexities of our past. As I admired the exquisite hairpin, Taehyung stepped closer, a determined glint in his eyes.

With a subtle nod towards my father, he spoke in a voice filled with faux sincerity, "Dad, would you mind if I helped Lisa put on her new gift? It would mean a lot to me."

My father, seemingly taken aback by Taehyung's sudden display of consideration, nodded approvingly. "Of course, Taehyung. It's lovely to see you being so attentive to your sister."

With a silent sigh of relief, I allowed Taehyung to gently take the hairpin from its box. As he delicately fastened it into my hair, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt at the realization that his actions were likely driven more by a desire to maintain appearances than genuine affection.

Yet, as Taehyung's fingers brushed against my skin, a fleeting sense of warmth washed over me. Despite the underlying motives behind his actions, there was a tenderness in his touch that spoke volumes.

And in that brief moment, I allowed myself to believe in the possibility of redemption, of finding solace in the fractured bonds that bound us together. "Now let's have dinner." My mother's voice broke through the moment, her words signaling the transition from celebration to sustenance.

With a collective nod of agreement, we all moved towards the elaborately set dining table, the anticipation of the feast ahead palpable in the air. As we took our seats, I couldn't help but steal a glance at Taehyung, a silent acknowledgment passing between us amidst the flurry of activity.

Despite the complexities of our relationship and the lingering tensions that simmered beneath the surface, there was a sense of unity in that moment. As we gathered together to break bread and share in the simple pleasures of a meal, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope for the future, a belief that amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there was still the possibility of finding peace and redemption in the bonds of family.

As the dinner came to a close, my father's gaze shifted to me, a tender smile gracing his lips. "Now it's my time to gift you, my baby," he said, his voice filled with pride and affection.

With a subtle gesture, he signaled to the guard, who approached with a file in hand. As the guard handed me the file, my father's eyes met mine, his expression filled with unspoken reassurance. "Lisa, now I am handing you the whole property," he said, his voice unwavering. "Do sign it, my princess. You are my heir."

My heart skipped a beat at his words, the weight of his trust and confidence in me settling over me like a comforting embrace. With trembling hands, I took the pen and signed my name on the dotted line; the significance of the moment was not lost on me.

As I handed the file back to my father, a sense of responsibility and pride swelled within me. At that moment, amidst the warmth and love of my family, I realized the magnitude of the gift I had been given, not just in material wealth but in the affirmation of my worth and place within the family.

As I looked around at the faces of those I held dearest, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the blessings that surrounded me. As I glanced at Taehyung, hoping for some semblance of reassurance or understanding, his expression remained unreadable, his features stoic and impassive.

A flicker of unease fluttered in the depths of my stomach as I turned my gaze towards my stepmother and stepsister, only to be met with the sight of their smirking faces. A chill ran down my spine as the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place.

Despite the facade of familial harmony, it was clear that something sinister lurked beneath the surface. My heart pounded in my chest as I realized the truth: the property that was meant to be mine had been cunningly usurped by Taehyung, and my family was complicit in the deception.

A wave of conflicting emotions washed over me: anger, betrayal, and a gnawing sense of helplessness. I was trapped in a web of deceit, unable to expose the truth without risking the safety of my father. The weight of the secret bore down on me like a leaden cloak, threatening to suffocate me with its oppressive silence.

At that moment, amidst the veneer of celebration and camaraderie, I felt utterly alone. As the realization of my predicament settled over me like a heavy shroud, I knew that navigating the treacherous waters ahead would require every ounce of strength and resilience I possessed.

As we stepped out of the restaurant, the tension between Taehyung and me was palpable, hanging in the air like a heavy fog. His eyes, usually warm and inviting, now held a cold distance, as if he were avoiding my gaze deliberately.

I knew I needed to talk to him to clear the air and understand what was going on in his mind. Ignoring the expectant glances of my father, stepmother, and stepsister heading toward their car, I made a beeline for Taehyung's car. The guard opened the door for me, and I slipped inside, the leather seat cool against my skin, a stark contrast to the heat of my emotions.

As Taehyung joined me in the car, his expression hardened, a silent question lingering in his eyes. "Why are you in my car?" he asked, his tone edged with confusion and a hint of irritation.

I met his gaze head-on, refusing to back down. "Why not?" I countered, my voice steady despite the storm raging within me. "It's my choice where I go, Taehyung. Why does it bother you so much?"

The words hung between us, heavy with unspoken emotions, a silent battle of wills unfolding in the confined space of the car. He started to drive, and as the engine roared to life, propelling us forward into the night, I couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead for us and whether this rift between us could ever be bridged.

My voice trembled with a mix of defiance and desperation as I confronted Taehyung head-on. "Aren't you happy now that you've got my property?" I demanded, my words laced with bitterness.

But he remained silent, his eyes fixed on the road ahead, refusing to acknowledge my accusation. The frustration simmered within me, boiling over as I pressed him further. "Talk to me now," I urged, my tone tinged with exasperation. "Why are you behaving like this?"

Finally, he turned to me, his expression guarded. "What do you want from me, Lisa?" he asked, his voice tight with restraint. I met his gaze squarely, refusing to back down. "I want answers," I declared, the intensity of my emotions spilling over. "You've taken everything from me, Taehyung. Why won't you just leave me alone?"

A hollow chuckle escaped my lips as I continued, my words tinged with bitter irony. "Property is not what I need," I insisted, my voice softening with sincerity. "What I need is something money can't buy, something you seem incapable of understanding."

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding in my chest as I struggled to resist the allure of his words. "And what's that?" I whispered, my voice barely above a breathless murmur.

His lips curled into a wicked smirk, his gaze smoldering with intensity as he leaned in even closer, his proximity setting my senses ablaze. "You," he breathed, his words sending a jolt of electricity coursing through me. "All of you."

As the car sped down the highway, the tension between us reached a fever pitch, the air crackling with electricity as Taehyung's dominant presence enveloped me like a suffocating embrace.

His grip on the steering wheel was tight, his fingers flexing with restrained power as he navigated the road with ease, all the while his eyes remained fixed on me, burning with an intensity that made my pulse quicken.

"You belong to me, Lisa," he declared, his voice low and commanding, sending a shiver of anticipation down my spine. "And don't you forget it."

I swallowed hard, the weight of his possessive words settling over me like a heavy blanket, both suffocating and exhilarating at the same time. Despite my best efforts to resist, I couldn't deny the magnetic pull he had over me-the way his dominance ignited a fire deep within me that threatened to consume me whole.

"But what about what I want?" I challenged, my voice barely above a whisper, as I met his gaze head-on, refusing to cower under his oppressive presence. A dangerous glint flashed in his eyes, a silent warning that sent a thrill of fear and excitement coursing through me.

"What you want is irrelevant," he growled, his tone laced with possessiveness. "You're mine, Lisa. And I'll do whatever it takes to keep you." The words hung in the air between us, heavy with promise and danger, and as the sleek black Bugatti sliced through the night, I couldn't help but wonder what fate had in store for us.

whether our tumultuous dance of dominance and submission would lead to ecstasy or destruction. All I knew was that at that moment, with Taehyung's possessive gaze burning into mine, I was powerless to resist the irresistible pull of his dominance.

As the car hurtled down the highway, the tension between us thickened, each passing moment charged with palpable anticipation. Taehyung's gaze lingered on me, dark and intense, as he inched closer, his lips hovering just inches from mine, teasing but never quite touching.

My heart raced in my chest, the anticipation building to a fever pitch as I waited for his lips to meet mine, but he pulled away at the last moment, leaving me breathless and wanting. A smirk played at the corners of his lips, a silent challenge in his eyes as he watched my reaction with amusement.

Heat flooded my cheeks as I realized I'd been played, my frustration mounting as I cursed myself for falling for his teasing antics once again. But beneath the irritation lay a simmering desire, an undeniable attraction to his confident and seductive demeanor that I couldn't shake. "You're impossible," I muttered, my voice tinged with a mixture of irritation and embarrassment as I averted my gaze, unable to meet his knowing stare.

But Taehyung's smirk only widened, his eyes dancing with amusement as he leaned back in his seat, the tension between us still thick in the air. "You love it," he teased his voice a velvet caress that sent a shiver down my spine, leaving me both frustrated and inexplicably drawn to him all at once.

As the sleek Bugatti glided to a stop in front of the grand mansion, the guards sprang into action, opening the door for us with practiced efficiency. Stepping out of the car, I felt a wave of relief wash over me, grateful to be free of the suffocating tension that had enveloped us during the drive.

Entering the opulent hall, I was greeted by the sight of my stepmother and stepsister, their smiles brightening as they caught sight of us. My father stood tall and proud, a warm smile gracing his lips as he approached me.

"Lisa, happy birthday again," he said, his voice filled with genuine affection. "It's just past midnight now, so the celebration was all for you." I returned his smile, my heart swelling with love for him.

"Thank you, Daddy," I replied, rushing into his arms and enveloping him in a tight hug. He kissed my cheek tenderly, his words a comforting reassurance amid the swirling emotions that threatened to overwhelm me.

"Always be happy," he murmured, his voice soft but filled with unwavering love and support. As I pulled away from him, I felt a renewed sense of gratitude for the family that surrounded me, despite the challenges and complications that often arose.

As I looked around at the familiar faces, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope for the future-a belief that no matter what obstacles lay ahead, we would face them together, united by love and resilience.

Despite the warm atmosphere of my father's embrace, I couldn't ignore the cold, calculating gazes of my stepmother and stepsister as they watched our reunion with thinly veiled disdain. Their smiles seemed forced, their eyes betraying their true feelings as they exchanged knowing glances.

"Lisa, dear, perhaps you should retire for the evening," my stepmother said, her voice dripping with saccharine sweetness that sent a chill down my spine. "You must be exhausted after such a long day."

Her words were coated with a layer of poison, a thinly veiled attempt to dismiss me while maintaining the façade of concern. I bit back a retort, refusing to give her the satisfaction of seeing me falter.

"Yes, of course," I replied, forcing a smile that felt brittle on my lips. As I turned to leave, I could feel their eyes boring into my back, their silent judgment hanging heavy in the air. But I held my head high, determined not to let their petty games get the best of me.

For beneath their facade of civility lay a viper's nest of resentment and envy, and I knew that in this world of wealth and privilege, I would need to tread carefully if I wanted to survive.

Entering my room felt like stepping into a sanctuary away from the tension and pretense of the outside world. The soft glow of the chandelier cast a warm light over the elegant furnishings, enveloping me in a sense of tranquility as I made my way to the closet.

Reaching for my night dress, I couldn't shake the memories of Taehyung's touch, his fingers delicately placing the diamond hairpiece in my hair earlier that evening. The cool metal against my skin sent a shiver of awareness coursing through me, igniting a tumultuous mix of emotions that I struggled to contain.

Why did he have to be so bipolar and so maddeningly unpredictable? One moment he was distant and cold, the next he was tender and affectionate, leaving me feeling dizzy and confused.

I bit my lip, trying to push away the memories of his touch and of the way he made me feel alive and desired in a way I had never experienced before. But no matter how hard I tried to deny it, there was no escaping the truth-I missed him.

But I couldn't allow myself to give in to those feelings, to the dangerous allure of forbidden desire. He was my stepbrother, and any feelings I harbored for him were wrong, forbidden, and a betrayal of everything I believed in.

Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to focus on the task at hand, banishing thoughts of Taehyung from my mind as I slipped into my nightdress and turned toward the vanity.

Plucking the diamond hairpiece from its resting place, I stared at it for a moment, the sparkle of the jewels a stark reminder of the forbidden temptation that lay just beyond my reach.

With a sigh, I placed the hairpiece back in its velvet-lined box, determined to bury my feelings deep within me and to resist the pull of desire that threatened to consume me whole. No matter how much I might long for him, I knew that loving Taehyung was a dangerous game-one that could only end in heartache and ruin.

Stepping into the bathroom, I closed the door behind me, relishing the solitude it offered. With steady hands, I began to peel off the dress Taehyung had given me earlier, each movement a deliberate act of defiance against the tumultuous emotions swirling inside me.

As the fabric pooled at my feet, I hesitated for a moment, my gaze lingering on the dress, before I banished it from my mind. Turning away, I stepped into the warm embrace of the shower, letting the hot water wash away the remnants of the evening's events.

With closed eyes, I stood beneath the steady stream, allowing the water to soothe both body and mind. The rhythmic patter of the droplets against my skin drowned out the chaos of my thoughts, leaving me enveloped in a peaceful haze.

After what felt like an eternity, I emerged from the shower, my skin tingling and refreshed. Wrapping a fluffy towel around myself, I took a moment to simply breathe and center myself amidst the turmoil of conflicting emotions that threatened to overwhelm me.

With resolve hardening within me, I reached for the nightdress, slipping it over my damp skin with practiced ease. But this time, I made a deliberate choice, leaving behind the constraints of pants and bras-a silent rebellion against the rules and expectations that bound me.

Standing before the mirror, I studied my reflection, the soft fabric of the nightdress clinging to my curves, and the absence of undergarments-a bold declaration of independence. As I met my gaze in the mirror, I felt a flicker of defiance ignite within me, a silent promise to embrace the forbidden desires that simmered just beneath the surface.

As I walked back into my room, the familiar scent of lavender greeted me, soothing my frayed nerves and easing the tension that lingered in the air. With practiced ease, I made my way to the vanity, the soft glow of the dimmed lights casting a gentle warmth over the room.

Taking a seat, I began my nightly routine, methodically removing the remnants of makeup from my skin, each motion a comforting ritual that grounded me in the present moment. I massaged moisturizer into my skin, and the gentle caress of my fingertips was a balm to my weary soul.

After tending to my skin, I turned my attention to my hair, brushing out the tangles with slow, deliberate strokes. The rhythmic motion was almost hypnotic, lulling me into a sense of calm as I allowed myself to get lost in the repetitive task.

Finally, with my nighttime routine complete, I made my way to the bed, the soft comforter beckoning me with promises of warmth and solace. But despite the exhaustion that weighed heavy on my limbs, sleep eluded me.

Restless thoughts swirled in my mind, taunting me with memories of the evening's events and the forbidden desires that simmered just beneath the surface. I tossed and turned, unable to find respite from the turmoil that threatened to consume me whole.

Enormous silence fell as the hours passed, with only the faint ticking of the clock acting as a constant reminder of time passing. Despite my efforts, sleep seemed to elude me, like sand grains passing through my fingers.

As dawn began to break on the horizon, casting a pale light through the curtains, I resigned myself to another sleepless night. As I lay there in the darkness, grappling with the tangled web of emotions that ensnared me, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held and whether I would ever find peace amidst the chaos that seemed to follow me wherever I went.