The Husband Arrangement| TAEHYUNG

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Café
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I have no idea how many times I adjust my uniform out of nervousness to meet Mr Leonard. He was either going lecture , warn or fire me for getting into a quarrel with a customer. But, jungkook was the one who started it. The thought of jungkook made me nauseous. I still couldn't wrap my mind around the flashing images repeating itself. Blood , painful grunts. It was a horrible sight to drink in. Why was taehyung wired this way?

Surely he had some emotion...

The office door was slightly cracked open. The sound which filled my ears were not pleasant. Was he watching porn? During working hours? God knows why I decided it would be a good idea to peep in. Mr Leonard had Gwendolyn pinned to his desk while fondling and groping her most private, fragile parts. The gasp that left my quivering lips made them both turn to my direction. My body froze as my eyes remained on her pale , tear stained cheeks.

"What-", I whisper. I couldn't form a sentence, let alone piece together what's happening. Was he sexually harassing her? "Anastasia, do you have no manners?", he barked,  removing himself from her and quickly zipping up his pants. Gwendolyn wiped her cheeks and got to her wobbly feet. "Did your parents not teach you to knock?", he hissed, combing a hand through his almost silver hair. "Why were you touching her ?", I manage to utter. My question clearly annoyed him. "Do not question me girl. Gwen gave consent. Get back to work ", he snarled. His tone giving away that he's agitated by my presence. My glossy eyes roll to Gwen who stood in the corner, hands clutching on the material of her skirt.

"Gwen. Is that true? You gave consent?", I courageously ask. Her eyes widen but she remained silent. "You fucking-", he bolt forward, pushing me against the wall. I collide into it with a sharp groan. "I asked you to leave. Gwen works for me", he gripped my jaw. "You have no business here. Why were you even sneaking around my office? Do you want something?", his free hand hiking up my skirt. "No!", I tried to yelp but her blocked my mouth. "Stop-", I hear Gwen plead. "Trying to seduce the boss?", his grin made my stomach churn and heart pound. His hand squeezing my thigh. "Maybe you want a turn. Jealous of Gwendolyn?", he chuckled.

"Mr Leonard, let her be", Gwen sniffled. "I'm blessed with beautiful employees ", he whispered. He reeked of cigars. I push at his chest the second his index touched the waistband of my panties. "Rude bitch", he smacked me across my cheek before  throwing me across the office. I trip over my own feet, landing hard onto my stomach. The sting of his ring against my lip could be felt. "Ana-", Gwen was quick to kneel down at my side. The world was spinning. I had no clue that such evil lurked within the most jolly places. To think men were such fools. Oppression is great in our lands. The female race are slaves.

The tears gush down my cheeks. I didn't realize I was sobbing so much until Gwen helped me up to give me a hug. "Get out", he snapped. "You tell anyone about this and I'll kill you both", he threatened. I sniffle , taking gwens hand and walking out the dim office. My heart still racing and body shivering. "Wait", she whispered, making us halt in the long passage. "Are you okay?", she wiped my cheek. "Are you?", I sob. She sighed , stroking my head. "Anastasia, I'm fine. This isn't the first time he's done this", she trailed. So much pain her voice. "Gwen, why are you silent? Why", I almost yell.

"You see. My parents are back home in Australia. We aren't rich or average ", she lowered her gaze to our feet. "Mr Leonard gave me this job 3 years ago. He pays my rent. He gets me groceries-", she whimpered, placing a hand over her face. "I'm embarrassed ", she wept. My brows slouch as I reach out, holding her hand. "He does whatever he wants with me", she hugged me, body shaking like rattle. "Gwen", I whisper, holding her tighter. "Don't he ashamed. He is taking advantage of your weak state", I furrow my brows. How much I hate Leonard. "I'm here for you ", I say softly.

"I'm here ".

-
18 : 39 pm

"Are you sure your husband will be okay with me being here?".

I kick off my shoes at the door and turn to smile at Gwen. "Ofcourse he'll be fine", I'm praying he would be. I was suddenly playing mother Mary. I made it my goal to help Gwendolyn become stable by herself. She didn't need Leonards dirty money. "We have two bedrooms. Besides, you'll be financially comfortable soon. We will job search together ", I gesture for her to follow me. "Our home is little but it's cozy , I promise ". Gwen smiled , allowing her eyes to travel as I lead her to the kitchen. We both halt. His eyes lift to find mine before scrolling to Gwen. I swear I heard her gulp. "He's your husband?", she whispered as low as possible. I glance over my shoulder at her wide eyes.

"Who's she?", his voice made me snap my attitude back to him. "A friend ", I force a smile. "Did I give you permission to bring strangers here?", he frowned, tossing the cereal bowl into the sink. "There is no fucking food", he deadpan. "Gwen, will you excuse us. You can wait upstairs, room on your right". She gives a nod and walks away. I take in a deep breath before turning to taehyung. He seemed pretty normal for someone who almost murdered a person.

"Taehyung. I'm sorry for bringing her unannounced but I had no choice. The girl is in need and I want to help her", I explained. He crossed her arms over his chest,  leaning against the counter. "Forming a cult?", his question made me frown. "Please, you won't even see her. She just needs a roof", I beg. "This is not a homeless shelter and you are not Jesus. Send her away before I do it", he drawled. "Taehyung, please ", I go to where he stood. "Please, I'll do anything", I clap my hands together as if praying. He raised a brow , staring down at me. I was hoping he wouldn't make me do something silly.

He clasped my chin, tipping my head to the side. Eyes on my lips. "What happened here?". I furrow my brows , confused for solid minute before realizing what he's speaking about. "Oh", I step back so he could drop his hand but he did not. "I asked a question ", he pulled me closer until I could inhale his strong scent. "I got hurt at work". More like slapped by my rapist boss. "How did you get hurt?", he repeat. I stare up at him blankly. I have no response. He was not buying my lies. "I can't tell you", I whisper. His face held no expression. "Secrets are not good", he raised a brow. "Taehyung, you're a museum of secrets", I step back. "I don't know anything about my own husband. You almost killed a man today ", I make sure to whisper that last bit. "You own guns. Go out at night to do god knows what", I was snapping. I've had a horrible day and he needs to get off my damn back!

Silence.

We just stared at each other. I wanted him to say something. Share a secret with me. Reassure me that he wasn't a bad guy. Tell me he didn't mean to hurt jungkook. His gun was for safety purposes. Why did he agree to marry me?

I'd take anything at this point.

"I have a condition if your uninvited friend wants to stay here ", he pushed himself off the counter, stepping to where I stood. "What?", I whisper. He slipped his hands into his pants pockets. Eyes bouncing around my face. I wish I weren't so eager to hear his words.

"Sleep in my bed".