SKYFALL ↠ Haechan ✔

VII

CHAPTER VII: Knots are Tied

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Chaos erupted as the rival mafias clashed in a high-stakes showdown. Tires screeched and engines roared as sleek black cars careened through the narrow alleys, a deadly dance of metal and determination.

Rain-soaked pavement glistened beneath the harsh glow of streetlights, lending an air of tension to the impending collision.

Haechan gripped the steering wheel of his vehicle, his jaw set in grim determination as he pursued Jake's car with unwavering resolve. Raindrops splattered against the windshield, obscuring his view as he deftly maneuvered through the twisting alleyways.

Haechan's heart raced, adrenaline pumping through his veins as he closed the distance between their vehicles.

Jake's malicious laughter echoed through the night, his car swerving dangerously, daring Haechan to follow. A sharp grin twisted his lips as he taunted Haechan through the rearview mirror. "You think you can take me down, Haechan? You're in way over your head!"

Haechan's voice was a low growl as he responded, his focus unyielding. "You've underestimated me for the last time, Jake. Your reign of terror ends tonight"

With a determined twist of the wheel, Haechan accelerated, his car drawing perilously close to Jake's. The two vehicles seemed entwined in a deadly ballet, weaving and dodging with breathtaking precision.

Rain-soaked streets became a battleground, the clash of metal and the wail of sirens composing an ominous symphony.

As the cars hurtled toward an intersection, Haechan seized an opportunity. With a calculated maneuver, he slammed into the side of Jake's car, sending it spinning out of control. The screeching of metal against metal was drowned out by the blare of horns and the chaos of the night.

Amidst the wreckage, Haechan emerged from his car, his eyes locked onto the battered figure of Jake stumbling out of his vehicle.

Rain mingled with sweat on his brow as he approached his adversary, a mix of exhaustion and determination coursing through him. "It's over, Jake. Your reign ends now"

Jake's laughter had turned into a manic snarl, his gaze burning with defiance. "You might have won this round, Haechan, but the game's far from over. I'll be back"

Haechan glared him and signaled his men to take over all those drugs that Jake had stolen from them last week.

-

Meanwhile, Areum sat by the window, a storm of conflicting emotions swirling within her.

Tomorrow was meant to be her wedding day, a day of celebration and joy. Yet, the reality was far from that idealized picture. Instead, a feeling of annoyance twisted in her chest, a bitter taste in her mouth as she contemplated the circumstances that had led her to this point.

With a sigh, she ran her fingers along the delicate lace of her wedding gown, her gaze unfocused. The gown, a symbol of opulence and extravagance, felt like a mockery of her own wishes.

Areum's annoyance deepened as she thought about the expectations that were being forced upon her. She was meant to smile, to exchange vows with a guy that did her wrong.

"I wish you were here, Eomma" She carved a small smile on her face

Outside, the stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky, mirroring the glimmer of defiance in Areum's eyes.

She yearned for a life of her own making, one where her heart's desires were respected and cherished.

-

On the day that Areum dreaded the most, she stood before her vanity. Her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted the delicate pearls nestled in her hair, the weight of her ornate wedding gown a physical manifestation of the burden she carried. The scent of fresh flowers and anticipation hung in the air, mingling with her own apprehension.

Just as her thoughts were threatening to engulf her, a soft knock at the door drew her attention. With a gentle sigh, she turned, her eyes meeting the familiar gaze of her best friend, Yoona. She's dressed in a simple yet elegant gown.

"Areum," Yoona's voice was a soothing balm, filled with empathy and understanding. "I knew I couldn't let you face this day alone"

Tears pricked at the corners of Areum's eyes as she embraced Yoona tightly, the familiar touch a reminder of the genuine connection they shared.

"Thank you for being here, Unnie. I don't know how I would get through this without you."

Yoona's smile was warm and reassuring as she stepped back, studying Areum's reflection in the mirror.

"You look stunning, you know. But more importantly, you look strong. You're facing this head-on, even when it's against your will."

Areum nodded and gave her a smile. Yoona's eyes sparkled with pride as she handed Areum a delicate bouquet of white roses.

"These are for you. A symbol of your purity and strength. I made this bouquet myself" Yoona said and Areum thanked her

-

Underneath the ornate canopy, the air was thick with a palpable tension as their gazes met, an unspoken understanding passing between them. The officiant's voice resonated through the opulent hall.

"Dearly beloved," The officiant's voice held a somber cadence "We are all gathered here today to witness the union of these two souls. In the union of marriage, we recognize the merging of families and the binding of lives."

Areum's fingers tightened around her bouquet, her heart beating a rapid rhythm that seemed to drown out the rest of the world. Haechan stood beside her, his expression a mirror of her own conflict, a silent solidarity between them.

"Lee Haechan," The officiant's voice directed toward him "Do you take Song Areum to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

Haechan's gaze never wavered as he responded firmly "I do"

The officiant then turned to Areum, his gaze meeting hers "Song Areum, do you take Lee Haechan to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

Areum's voice held a subtle tremor, a mixture of resolve and defiance as she replied "I do"

"As you have pledged your love and commitment before this assembly, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride"

With a glance, they leaned in, their lips meeting in a rather sad kiss. The world around them blurred as their lips lingered.

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