Ms. Kim wants me!

CHAPTER 36

JENNIE'S POV

I was having dinner with Taehyung and his mom. The table was set beautifully, the lighting dim, and soft music played in the background.

But despite the fancy setting, I felt uneasy, like something was about to happen.

"So, why don't you like the idea of combining our companies?" Amanda asked, tilting her head with a polite smile.

"Because there's no use if both our companies are already successful," I said, looking straight at her, trying to keep my voice firm.

"Mom, tell her," Taehyung said quietly, almost nervously.

"Tell me what?" I turned to Taehyung, frowning.

"You leave me with no choice..." Amanda interrupted, her voice calm yet firm.

"You and Taehyung are getting married when we come back home." She said it with a bright smile, as if she'd just announced good news.

I froze, my fork slipping slightly from my fingers. "W-What?" I stuttered, my voice shaky.

"Isn't that great?!" Taehyung said, forcing a smile. But even through that smile, I could hear it in his tone.

He sounded...

Sad.

"The only way to combine our companies is to have you and Taehyung get married," Amanda explained, her smile never faltering.

"No! I don't accept this," I yelled, my chest tightening.

"Too bad. I don't care. I'm doing this for our future," she said, still smiling like this was the most normal thing in the world.

I groaned in frustration, feeling trapped.

Later that night, Taehyung and I returned to the hotel room. As soon as I walked in, I saw Lisa sitting with Jisoo on the couch, their conversation stopping the second we entered.

"Jennie, I need to talk to you," Lisa said immediately, her eyes locked on mine.

"That can wait," Taehyung cut her off quickly, his voice filled with forced excitement. "Right now, we have an announcement."

"What is it?" Jisoo asked, leaning forward with curiosity.

"We're getting married!!!" Taehyung said proudly, holding my hand high in the air.

I turned to Lisa, and my heart sank when I saw her expression. She looked confused, heartbroken, and completely crushed. The sadness in her eyes made my chest ache.

"What? When? How? Why?" Jisoo asked in a panic, her voice rising with every word.

"Oh no..." Rosé whispered under her breath, her face falling.

"We're going to combine our companies! We're getting married when we get back home!" Taehyung announced, his smile plastered on his face.

"Jennie?" Jisoo called softly, her eyes full of worry.

"Yeah?" I asked, forcing myself to look at her.

"Is this true?" she asked, her voice laced with sadness.

I glanced at Lisa again, and she was already staring at me, her eyes searching mine for answers. I felt my throat tighten.

"Yeah..." I sighed, my voice barely above a whisper.

I wanted to cry right then and there.

"You're all invited!!!" Taehyung said cheerfully, oblivious to the storm brewing in the room.

"We're leaving California tomorrow," I muttered, sighing.

"When we arrive home, we can start planning our wedding!" Taehyung said, hugging me tightly.

"I-I'll go pack my stuff," Lisa said quickly, her voice cracking.

Then she rushed out of the room without another word.

LISA'S POV

What the heck?!!!

Why did Jennie say yes to him?!!

She doesn't even like him! I know she doesn't!

Anger and heartbreak tangled inside me. I quickly packed my suitcase, shoving my clothes in carelessly.

I couldn't even think straight. My chest hurt too much.

Finally, I crawled into bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind filled with Jennie.

The next day, we were on the plane, flying back home. I should've been happy, we were finally leaving California, and all I wanted was to sleep in my own bed again.

But happiness was the last thing I felt.

Taehyung was practically glued to Jennie, hovering around her every second, holding her hand, whispering things in her ear.

Meanwhile, Jisoo was trying her best to cheer me up, cracking jokes and nudging me. But eventually, she got tired, leaned back, and ended up falling asleep with her mouth open.

I just sat there, staring out the window of the plane, my reflection looking as broken as I felt.

When the plane finally landed, we all got off and waited for a car to take us to the parking lot.

I spotted my car quickly, grabbed my things, and without saying much to anyone, I drove straight home.

A couple of days later, there was a dinner party to celebrate Jennie and Taehyung's proposal. I had no choice but to attend.

I arrived at the restaurant, and it was already packed with people, family, friends, business partners.

Everyone was smiling, congratulating them, handing them gifts. At the front, Jennie and Taehyung stood side by side, thanking everyone. My chest tightened at the sight.

I tried to avoid them, so I went straight to the drinks table and grabbed a glass of water. But as I turned to leave, I saw Jennie walking toward me.

Panic set in, and I quickly turned around, pretending I hadn't seen her. I started walking away slowly, but before I could escape, someone grabbed my arm.

I turned back, and there she was. Jennie. Looking at me with those eyes that always made me weak.

"Hey," she said softly.

"Hi," I forced a fake smile, trying to act normal even though my heart was racing.

"Hey ladies," Taehyung appeared out of nowhere, his arm brushing against Jennie's.

"Congratulations on your proposal," I said quickly, forcing the words out before I broke.

"Thank you," Taehyung said warmly. Then, without hesitation, he leaned in and kissed Jennie on the lips.

I froze. My chest twisted painfully. I couldn't take it anymore.

I didn't want to be here.

I couldn't watch this.

Without a word, I left the restaurant, stepping outside.

And of course, it was raining.

"Are you serious?!" I groaned, tilting my head up toward the sky as cold raindrops splashed down on me. It was 9 p.m., the streets empty except for me.

I sighed, wrapping my arms around myself, and began walking through the rain, not caring if I got soaked or sick. At least the rain disguised the tears threatening to fall.

"Lisa! Lisa, wait!" A familiar voice called from behind me.

I froze, my heart leaping.

I turned around, and there she was.

Jennie.

Running in the rain, her hair plastered to her face, her clothes drenched, but her eyes... her eyes were only on me.