Heart That I Desire || Taekook, Vkook

Chapter 23 : Caught

Third Person's P.O.V :-

"Finally you've decided to grace us with your presence" Park Jihye, the clan mistress, uttered out arrogantly as she stepped aside allowing her grandson and grandson-in-law to enter the room.

"Sit, my dear" The mistress gently patted Jimin's back and encouraged him to sit on one of the chairs as she smiled down at him,"I'll call you in when the food is served" She whispered as she turned towards Taehyung,"Come with me" She ordered.

Taehyung followed behind her obediently as he glanced back a little to take in Jimin's state.

The tears marks were gone but the puffiness of the eyes were still very much present, blatantly giving away the fact that Jimin had been upset.

Taehyung remembered how he helped Jimin wash his face in the nearby washing area by the koi pond and sat down with him in one of the stone benches under the starry sky for a good amount of time, silently comforting his sniffling husband.

"I love you too, Jimin" He remembered whispering to his husband, his heart no longer hurting since he knew he did love his childhood friend dearly, "Just give me a bit more time" He had added hoping Jimin would understand.

And his husband had nodded.

"Close the door behind yourself"

Taehyung was brought out of his trance by the sudden comment of the mistress,"Ye-yes" He stuttered out, a little startled but did as he was told anyway.

"I put guards around the guest quarters, you must have noticed" She suddenly spoke making Taehyung watch her back in concern.

When no other word was spoken, Taehyung reluctantly opened his mouth to respond, "Yes, mistress, I noticed, do you perhaps not trust the house guest?" He asked out, a little paranoid, whether she answered yes or no, both would curate trouble for Taehyung.

The clan mistress chuckled and turned to face him, her own face amused at Taehyung's words,"Thievery? That's the least of my worries" She said easily as she sat down in one of the dining chairs.

"I am, however, saddened by the fact that I can't trust my own seedlings" She stated, crossing her arms over his chest,"I give them food, shelter, clothing, education, medical attention, a good environment, put my trust in them and what do they do?" She asked, her hard stare rooting Taehyung in his spot, his blood running cold.

"They betray me" She hissed out glaring at Taehyung.

Taehyung just stood there, his head bowed down, fists as white as paper from clenching, heart beating rapidly inside his ribcage, his breathing uneven.

He knew where this was heading.

She found out.

"Seems like you've already realised why we're having this conversation" She said staring at the tall boy in front of her, who in spite of being lean and tall, came across as vulnerable.

"You have always been a clever boy, Taehyung, I'm not surprised" She said, leaning back on her seat, her eyes as stern as ever,"Do you want to admit it on your own or would you rather I say it?" She asked, hints of anger now starting to mix in within her tone.

Taehyung felt nauseous, he wanted to run out of there and go somewhere far, far away where he wouldn't have to face those accusing eyes and unbearable pressure.

He knew he was caught, there was no going back now yet he still hoped that she had been talking about something else. Taehyung desperately prayed she was being harsh on him for something else.