Beyond the Mansion's Gates || TAENNIE

chapter 45

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I do.

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𝙹𝚎𝚗𝚗𝚒𝚎'𝚜 𝙿𝙾𝚅

My hand gripped the bouquet tightly, stopping myself from crying. I couldn't help but feel my heartbreak.

It really is happening huh?

"Song Kang, do you take Jennie Ruby Jane Kim to be your wife? Do you promise to be faithful to her in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love her and to honour her all the days of your life?"

Song Kang looked up, meeting my eyes. His lips were slightly pulled apart before he bit his lower lip, staring at the priest.

His adam's apple bobbed as he gulped, looking rather nervous. I furrowed my eyebrows at his suspicious behaviour.

"Can the bride answer first before I give mine? Is that allowed?" his question surprised everyone, my lips were apart when I stared at him, confused.

I thought he'll immediately say I do since he confessed days ago, why did he suddenly...

"I j-just want to hear her answer first before I give mine," he stuttered but immediately picked himself up.

The priest sighed, shaking his head slightly. "Okay, then..." he coughed awkwardly, facing towards my direction.

"Jennie Ruby Jane Kim, do you take Song Kang to be your husband? Do you promise to be faithful to him in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love him and to honour him all the days of your life?"

I lowered my head, letting out a shaky breath. This is it.

"I-I..." the words couldn't— wouldn't go out. They were stuck down on my throat, my chest raised and lowered as I breathed heavily.

I looked back to the crowd, seeing them whisper with each other throwing glances in our direction.

"Just answer already!" my body flinched when my father's voice boomed through the church in an angry manner. My eyes saw them, his nose was flaring while his mother was clenching on his suit, tight.

Taking a harsh breath-in, I looked at Song Kang and gave him a brief smile. My lips opened up with a heart, ready to accept defeat to my destiny.

This is it, the moment when my freedom finally ends.

"I do," I said in one breath.

The priest smiled, nodding his head and turned once again at Song Kang, reading his speech.

"Once again, Song Kang, do you take Jennie Ruby Jane Kim to be your wife? Do you promise to be faithful to her in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love her and to honour her all the days of your life?"

"Can I say something first?" Song Kang laughed out while the priest sighed, raising his hand, letting him do his thing.

"Thanks, I owe you this, cousin,"

Cousin?

He took the microphone from its stand, taking a step forward and faced the audience.

"Uhm, hello distinguished guests. I would like to formally introduce myself, I am Song Kang, the groom-to-be. The lady beside me is the best woman that I've ever met, aside from my mother," he stated with a proud smile on his lips. He took a step forward, grasping the microphone tight.

"Months ago, I was told that I would be marrying a wonderful perfect lady. I was contemplating if I want to get married to her with questions swirling inside my head. What if this, what if that. Then she suddenly disappeared, like she doesn't want to be found," he chuckled.

"I thought she hated me, probably a reason why she ran away but then I met this lady on a museum, running away from the men of my father's partner. She piqued my interest, of course. She even threatened to kick my ass. I helped her escape then thus offered a fake dating contract. A fake dating contract, a way for me to avoid getting married to an unknown perfect lady to find real love for myself yet life made another surprise, she ended up being that perfect lady," the crowd laughed, my eyes blinked when I realized that he's spilling a familiar tale.

Our story.

"That made me realize that I love her..." he whispered, lowering his head. My heart quicken its pace when he walked back towards me, his head slightly tilted to the side.

"I love the way the corner of your eyes crinkle while you laugh. The bright smile on your lips and the heart on your sleeve. You deserve the world... And I—" he breathed out, closing his eyes with a small smile on his lips.

"I want to protect your happiness."

"Jennie!" a loud bang was heard, the large oak doors opened revealing Taehyung drenched in sweat, breathing hard.

His mouth was clenched, tears following down his eyes when he saw me. My tears couldn't stop themselves and fell on my cheeks, my hands covered my mouth from shock.

"To give you your happiness, I'll let go of mine. Be happy for me, Jennie-ah, be free from this arranged marriage..." he hiccuped, covering his face with his arm. I gaze at him, my heart clenched and immediately hugged him tightly.

"Thank you for loving me, Song Kang. Thank you for setting me free..." I cried, not caring if mascara fell from my cheeks.

Tears wouldn't stop falling from my eyes, my heartfelt lighter after these days of feeling grief.

For the first time in a while, I felt free and Song Kang gave me that. He kept his promise since before.

He promised to protect me.

"I'll help you with your father, don't worry..." he comforted, patting my back in comfort.

We pulled apart, he gently wiped the tears from my cheeks and he gave me a subtle laugh, a smile on his lips. "You deserve this happiness, go..."

"But how about your happiness?" I frowned, worried but he only shook his head.

"I'll find mine someday, hurry. He's waiting," he pushed me towards Taehyung who was still on the front doors.

I ran fast, lifting my gown and threw the veil away as tears streamed down my face. Taehyung ran after seeing me dash towards him, I could finally love him freely.

"STOP RUNNING OR I'LL KILL THAT FUCKING MAN!"

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GUESS WHO GOT BETTER? THIS PERSON DID MWAHAHAHHA

I WON'T ADD MORE SINCE I MIGHT SPOIL KEKE SO BYE.

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Planet_A