Chaebol Fate

THE CONSEQUENCES

I had no idea where to go. If I went home, Jimin would show up there. I never wanted to see him again. If I went to my parents' house, they would call Jimin. If I went to his parents' house, his father would find out about his infidelity and disown him. As much as I loathed him, I didn't want Jimin to be disowned. My female friends wouldn't understand. They all thought I should put up with Jimin's womanizing ways. I realized I was all alone. All alone except for Taehyung. He would never treat me this way. I heard every word he said in the restaurant. He wanted me. He actually wanted me. I wasn't just a possession for him. I gave the driver Taehyung's work address and called him, hoping he was there. I fought back the tears as he answered.

"Hello?"

His warm, deep voice was so welcome to my ears.

"Taehyung?" I sobbed.

"Ji-Hye, what's wrong?"

"Jimin...he...he..."

"He cheated on you, didn't he?"

"I walked in on him kissing another woman."

"That asshole! I'm so sorry, Ji-Hye."

"Taehyung, I have nowhere to go, and I can't go home. I never want to see him again. I don't think I can be alone right now. Can I come to see you? I feel like you're the only one who understands and supports me. Even my friends think I should put up with his behavior."

"Where are you?"

"I'm in a cab on my way to your office."

"I'll text you my home address. Give the driver the new directions. I'll meet you there."

"Okay. Thank you, Taehyung."

I hung up and gave the driver the new address as soon as I got the text. Taehyung was waiting for me outside his apartment building. He hugged me as soon as he saw me.

"I'm so sorry, Ji-Hye. I can't believe Jimin reverted to his old ways. He almost had me convinced the other day at the restaurant that he was a changed man."

"Yeah, well, he's pretty good at that, isn't he? He almost had me convinced, too," I sniffed.

"Come with me." Taehyung took my hand and led me up the stairs to his apartment. It was nothing fancy, but it was cozy, clean, and clutter-free.

"Make yourself comfortable. Would you like something to drink?"

"Tea would be nice. Thank you."

He put a kettle on the stove to make some tea and joined me on his couch.

"Ji-Hye, I am so sorry. Jimin has broken a lot of hearts over the years, but I can't believe he stooped this low and broke yours. He's such a fool."

"Well, he was forced to marry me. He never loved me. It was all an act. I just can't believe I almost fell for it. I just don't understand why he had to take it this far. I told him I was fine if we just stayed friends. I gave him permission to sleep with other women. But just being friends wasn't good enough for him. He had to steal my heart and crush it just like all the others. It must be some sick compulsion for him. He told me he loved me. He told me he would be faithful to me and not just because he would be disowned. He begged me to let him love me."

"Jimin actually told you he loved you?"

"Yes."

"In all the years I've known him, he's never told any of his girlfriends he loved them. Ever. He even told me the other day that he was in love with you, but I didn't believe him. I figured he just said that to keep me away from you so he could have you all to himself."