Park Jimin Daring Wife || PJM ✔️ (COMPLETE)

C83

The chirping of the birds upon the blooming branch was what roused the sleeping woman on the bed. Weary, chestnut eyes swept across the spacious, yet tastefully decorated room. Flowy, muslin curtains flowed from the canopy bed, swaying to the tamed gust of air seeping through the cracks of the slightly ajar windows. She glanced upwards and saw a contemporary chandelier that seemed to be a jumble of large rings encrusted in diamonds.

She glanced down at her hands, bending her fingers one by one, then unraveling it like a confused child. Her hand immersed itself over the thick, fur comforter.

"Oh my." The maid’s eyes widened in shock when she saw the conscious woman sitting upright on the bed with a dazed and curious expression. "Madam, you’re awake."

Song Areum quirked her head and scanned the room again. ’Madam? Where?’

The maid tucked her hands in front of her and deeply bowed. "Please pardon my manners. I didn’t knock because I didn’t expect you to be awake." ’Oh dear, oh dear!’ She was slightly panicking at her ruined first impression of this breathtaking woman.

"Please excuse me. I will fetch for the Young Master right away!"

Song Areum reached her hand out her to stop her, "W-wait—"

Unfortunately, it was too late, the maid had already scurried off, in search of her so-called Young Master.

Song Areum dejectedly dropped her hand with distress written all over her face. She wanted to know where she was, who she was, and what she was doing here? Why was it that she couldn’t recall anything? Her head was as blank as a canvas. This place felt so unfamiliar and new to her.

Not less than five minutes later, the double-doors were flung open and a tall, brooding man entered. His hair was windswept as if he had run all the way here. His eyes were wide and rapidly searching the room for her.

There she was. Sitting on the bed like a little princess.

Not less than a second later, another man walked into the room with features similar to the first one.

Jeong Jin-soo took one hesitant step forward, waiting for her protest. But she didn’t say or do anything aside from curiously staring at him. Why didn’t she violently react and curse him to the deepest pits of hell? Then he walked another step and she tilted her head like a lost little bunny. His heart warmed at her actions. Simply too adorable.

"Hello..." Song Areum courteously said, clasping her hands together. Was this the Young Master? Her head throbbed. By some miracle, she recognized his handsome face but didn’t know where she had met or encountered him before.

"Song Areum, you’re awake."

"Song Areum...?" She repeated the name, testing it on her tongue. Quiet and demure, she was as defenseless as a hunted rabbit. "Is that my name? "Why did he look so nervous about approaching her? Wasn’t he the owner of this beautiful room?

Jeong Jin-soo’s heart pounded. Could it be? His breath was stuck in his throat and no matter what he told himself, he couldn’t calm down. The possibilities here were endless. "Yes, my little butterfly. Why? What’s wrong?" He had reached her bedside by now.

Song Areum wondered why he looked so eager to see her as if she was the bringer of light in this murky world. The pleading look in his eyes didn’t help her confusion. His gloved hands twitched, almost as if he wanted to touch her, but couldn’t bring himself to do so.

"I-I don’t..." She didn’t know what she was trying to say. Her hand traveled up to her chest until it settled at her collarbone. Her fingers brushed against the cold, metal necklace. "I don’t know what’s wrong with me." Was her conclusion.

"What do you mean?"

"I-I..." Fear and panic darkened her eyes, "I don’t remember who you are. I-I don’t even remember myself..."

Jeong Yi-jun’s eyes widened at this sudden turn of events. His head snapped to his older brother, who stood there like a statue. Neither man moved and neither of them knew what to do.

"W-who are you?" She finally asked. It was three simple words, yet its weight knew no bounds.

The opportunities here were endless. Jeong Yi-jun knew this first. He nudged his brother to take advantage of this situation. However, Jeong Jin-soo was too muddled with shock to even think about fooling her.

Song Areum’s finger latched onto the necklace that was securely lying underneath her dress, entering the dip of her chest. She pulled it out to reveal a warm, yellow ring. Her fingers enclosed around it and somehow, it made her feel safe and giddy inside.

Finally, Jeong Yi-jun had enough of his slow-minded brother. "I’m so glad to see you awake, sister-in-law. You gave us quite the fright when you rammed your head into the lamp poles outside the front gates." His warm smile made her feel uneasy.

"Sister-in-law?" She repeatedly blinked her eyes, then turned to look at the man beside him.

"It can’t be. Did you get amnesia like the doctors feared you would?" Jeong Yi-jun faked a gasp, covering his mouth. "This is why I always told you throwing a tantrum is not the best way to get what you want! Look at where your recent tantrum got you!" He turned to Jeong Jin-soo, "Oh my, brother what should we do?"

Jeong Jin-soo wanted to strangle his younger brother to death. What kind of horrible acting was that?! He raised his head to look at her. For odd reasons, she was...buying into it? He glared at Jeong Yi-jun who was digging a grave for both of them.

"I will call the doctor." Jeong Jin-soo left his words open-ended without implying anything.

Jeong Yi-jun’s shoulders sagged in disappointment. Seriously, what had gotten into his brother?! Wasn’t he forceful by nature and would do everything in his power to get Song Areum? Now, she was literally under their roof, stupid, and suffering from amnesia. How could Jin-soo not do anything!? This was such a perfect chance to make her his once and for all!

Jeong Jin-soo ignored the pointed looks that his brother was throwing him. He turned his back and stormed out of the room, leaving a confused Song Areum behind.


Jeong Yi-jun offered her a strained smile. "Please forgive him, sister-in-law. My brother is only angry because you got yourself injured to this extent." He grabbed her hands, "Next time, please do not repeatedly head-bash the lamp post just because my brother didn’t...uh, give you the purse you wanted."

Head-bashing a lamp post? Song Areum had to ask herself why she was this selfish. A purse? When was this? Was she that horrible? "Your brother? Then, is he my husband?"

Jeong Yi-jun opened his mouth and closed it. Damn it. He couldn’t say yes or no without his brother’s permission. Currently, that bastard was nowhere to be found! "Boohoo, how can you ask a question like that? It hurts me, you know." He pouted, dropping her hand and standing up.

"I’ll let you answer that question yourself. In the meantime, I will look for my idiotic older brother. So, be good, and don’t wander off." Jeong Yi-jun left her without waiting for a reply. His smile became murderous the minute he spotted Jeong Jin-soo down the hallways, pacing back and forth.

"Bro, you know I care so much about you, but for the love of everything holy, how can you be this dumb?! Did Mother and Father not teach you anything? If they saw how you’re recently behaving, Father would puke blood and beat you to a pulp. You’re behaving like an indecisive woman!" Jeong Yi-jun bellowed, crossing his arms. "And because I care about you so damn much, I did all the talking for you!"

Jeong Jin-soo’s eyes darkened, "Fix that tone of yours. Do not forget who you are and who holds the most power in our family."

Jeong Yi-jun gritted his teeth, his fingers curled into fists. He hated it when their power imbalance was brought up. It reminded him that he was forever living in his older brother’s shadows. "I am only trying to help."

"Trying to help? TRYING TO HELP?!" Jeong Jin-soo roared, "You’ve made the situation worse! By calling her sister-in-law, do you know what you’re implying? You’ve only dug a grave for both of us to rot and die in. How long do you think this act will keep up? How long will it be before she discovers the truth? I didn’t want to lie to her from the start—"

"Then why don’t you return her to her loverboy?" Jeong Yi-jun deadpanned. "First, you reject the proposal from Park Mu-jin, and now you’re refusing to accept this miraculous gift. Do you even want her anymore? Look, I’ve already laid out the situation perfectly for you. All you have to do is play the part and fake it until you make it!"

In the blink of an eye, Jeong Jin-soo grabbed his younger brother’s collar and yanked the man closer. "Didn’t I just tell you to watch your fvcking tone? Do you want to die that desperately?"

"What’s going on?" Song Areum’s nervous voice echoed down the halls. She was holding one of the doors and standing by the doorway of her room. Her face crumbling when she saw their ugly dispute.

Jeong Jin-soo wished his heart didn’t foolishly skip a beat. His anger was washed away by the fear in her tiny voice, like a terrified child without a guardian. She needed him. She needed someone to rely on and tell her everything was going to be okay.

He released Jeong Yi-jun’s collar and ran a hand through his hair. Breathing in deeply, he closed his stormy eyes. When it opened again, there was fondness within them. "Why are you out of your bed, little butterfly? And you’re not wearing house-slippers either." He stalked towards her, with Jeong Yi-jun closely following behind him.

"That is not how a proper young lady should behave." Jeong Jin-soo stopped in front of her. His heart fluttered when she had to crane her neck to see his face. She curiously studied his features, her large eyes wandering over every nook and cranny. What was she looking for?

"Come now, I’ll take you back to bed."

"I don’t want to rest. I’m not tired." Song Areum stubbornly replied, dodging the hand reaching for her shoulders. She was finally on the defense. With no knowledge of who he was, she couldn’t trust him.

Jeong Yi-jun pressed his lips together and gave his brother a knowing look. They seemed to have a conversation without words. ’Just lie to her already!’

Jeong Jin-soo’s eyes narrowed in annoyance. ’I need time to think things over!’

Song Areum grabbed her elbow and awkwardly stood around in uncomfortable silence. She dropped her gaze to the necklace that was pulled out from her nightgown. Her eyes examined the golden ring with a sole emerald. It was so beautiful and oddly enough, it reassured the tremors of her heart. She was scared. Who was her enemy? Who was her friend?

Luckily enough, when she caressed the emerald, something flashed in her head. A man. His face was blurred, but she could tell he was beyond charismatic and suave. She rapidly blinked at the snippets of jumbled memories.

"Do you know who gave me this ring?" Song Areum finally asked, growing tired of their ongoing eye-conversation.

Jeong Yi-jun glowered at Jeong Jin-soo who was stuck between the crossroad.

After careful consideration, Jeong Jin-soo finally settled his mind on a decision: He was going to fake it until he make it. "I did."

Her head snapped up to him.

He desperately wished he knew what she was thinking. Her face used to be an open book for everyone to see. He was always good at figuring out what was inside that pretty little head of hers. Undoubtedly, at this moment, he wasn’t able to do so.

Song Areum was skeptical of his words. His strong features did indeed look a bit similar to the blurred face, however, the distinction was in their lips and brows. Then she began to self-contradict herself.

’What if the blurriness shifted the size of their lips and brows? Why would this man lie to me?’

"What is the meaning of this ring?" Song Areum carefully asked him, wrapping her fingers around it. When he reached out for it, her eyes widened and she took multiple steps back, shaking her head. "What are you doing?"

"There is no meaning behind the ring. I gave it to you when I wasn’t as wealthy as I am now. Here, give it to me, my little butterfly. It’s worthless and inexpensive." He didn’t know if the latter was true or not, because the ring looked very custom-made. He didn’t know about this particular piece of emerald, which had been cut from a large one discovered in a rainforest mine. He didn’t know the pure green color should’ve been the first distinction about the value of the emerald.

"I am glad you’ve kept it all these years, though, I regretfully didn’t know. You’re now the Madam of this estate, you shouldn’t be seen with such a puny little stone like that."Jeong Jin-soo didn’t think he would be doing this earlier than planned. He reached into his suit jacket and brought out the velvet box he always carried. "This is the Jeong’s heirloom for the next Matriarch. It is yours now."

Jeong Yi-jun’s bewildered face mirrored hers. ’When the hell did he did get this ring?!’ It was their grandmother’s and the ring was supposed to be passed onto the wife of the eldest son. It was an extremely monumental ring that held too much importance to be easily given away like that.

Song Areum’s lips parted at the accessory in the small box. The ring had a princess-cut ruby whose bright red color resembled hand-raised roses. It was embellished by melee diamonds that curled on both sides of the ruby before spiraling down the edges of the white gold band.

Any normal heiress would’ve squealed and instantly struck their left hand out to try on the ring. She didn’t. Her eyes flickered. She suddenly remembered an image. A large vanity with jewelry to last a lifetime. Then she rapidly blinked. Where was that vanity?

"What’s wrong? You don’t like it?" Jeong Jin-soo dejectedly asked her. "It’s alright, I will have another handmade for you."

"No, it’s very beautiful. I was just surprised, that’s all." Even so, she was still hesitant about accepting the ring. Worried about his reaction, she nervously glanced up at his face. He didn’t seem mad or irked by her actions.

Her eyes grew when he tenderly placed his hand behind her neck, stroking the skin leading to the place where her neck met her shoulder. "That’s alright, my little butterfly. I figured this wouldn’t suit your taste."

Song Areum slowly nodded her head and forced herself to not fidget under his touch. She worked hard to ensure suspicion did not cover her face. She was suspicious that his family heirloom was ruby red, but the ring on the necklace was emerald. Maybe she was thinking too much into it, but she couldn’t help but feel uneasy around him. Even though he had never made any violent or harmful behaviors towards her...

"This is such a late question, but who are you? I-I never got your name or what your position in my life."

Jeong Jin-soo’s finger stopped caressing her skin. He was hypnotized by his actions. He glanced at Jeong Yi-jun for the briefest second before he said, "It pains me to see you’ve lost your memories, but it completely breaks me to know you’ve completely forgotten about me."

Guilt filled Song Areum whose eyes say it all. "I-I’m sorry..." She blamed herself for being such a selfish woman and ramming her head into...into the lamp post? Speaking of which, she didn’t see it anywhere out of her window. In the distance, she could see the pearl white metal gates, but never once did she see the lamp post that the other man mentioned.

Jeong Jin-soo sighed. "It’s alright, my little butterfly. We will overcome the obstacle together, similar to how we’ve done it in the past." He cupped her face and it almost seemed like he was going to kiss her forehead, but decided against it and kept his head where it was supposed to be.

"I’m your husband. My name is Jeong Jin-soo and the idiot standing there is your, uh brother-in-law, Jeong Yi-jun."

Song Areum felt her entire world crumble out of pure shock. Her husband?! She rapidly blinked her eyes, a ghastly look was etched into her face. When he said his name, a snippet flashed across her mind. A man in a navy green uniform undoing her hair. The location was so...strange. Why did it look like it could be a military base?

Jeong Yi-jun gave her a small wave and smile. "What? You look like you have seen a ghost."

"I’m just a bit surprised." Song Areum curtly said, brushing Jeong Jin-soo’s hands away. She was slowly, but surely, regaining her memories.

Neither of them knew it would just be a matter of time before she remembered everything.

"T-then who am I?" She asked them to which they exchanged looks.

"The daughter of a middle-class family." Jeong Yi-jun blurted out. He needed to make sure she kept her self-esteem low so that she would be grateful for the extremely well-off and wealthy Jeongs. Although their wealth came nowhere close to the Songs, they still had a lot of influence and power.

"And my parents? Where are they? Do I have siblings?" Song Areum pestered on, confused from his words. Middle-class family? Then did that mean the large vanity with accessories belonged in this house?

"Your parents mistreated you all your life. I ensured they would never harm you again." Jeong Jin-soo chilly answered for her.

Song Areum felt he was telling the partial truth. She did suddenly recount fragments of an older man who never looked her way and a mother that glared at her with hatred.

"In regards to siblings, you have a sister." Jeong Jin-soo didn’t disclose anymore, for he just saw something that frightened him. For a second there, she looked like she recollected something.

A man stalked down the hallways of the Underworld, his face completely unreadable. Just his presence alone was enough to indicate his fury and rage that could bring down the entire building. One stomp of his foot could make all of his enemies shake in their boots. No one was going to come out unscathed from his madness. Everyone will end up burning and whimpering in Hell. One way or another, blood would be spilled, and it would first be leached from a man that should’ve died a long time ago.

The hallway was lined with men whose bodies were dipped in a bow, arms tucked at their sides. Just the sound of his echoing footsteps was enough to make them break out in a cold sweat. Goosebumps rose and hairs stood up when he stalked past them. They didn’t know how he did it, but the air around him was even tenser and unbreathable than usual. Everyone held their breath, for fear that the smallest noise would trigger the ticking bomb.

Park Jimin coldly instructed Seung Woo, who was standing behind him, "This is a command. Everyone is to be present tonight."

Seung Woo paused in his steps. "What?"

Park Jimin’s face became thunderous with rage. "Are you deaf?!" He growled like an untamed beast ready to rip his head off.

Seung Woo dropped to one knee and bowed his head. Then in a lower voice, he asked, "Even the Imperial Team as well as Coiling Dragon?" He could barely make out the name of the last team whose name alone made his body stiffen in sheer fear.

When he delivered the news in the office, he barely got off with a minor punch in the stomach for being the messenger. Well, if buckling on the floor in withering pain counted as minor then what else could this manhandle?

"Yes."

Seung Woo choked on his saliva. He rapidly nodded his head, "Understood." He firmly replied, standing up to his full height.

Seung Woo never thought he would hear the day Coiling Dragon was going to be used again. How long was it since the last time they were mobilized? He wasn’t sure if he was even with Park Jimin when it occurred. The ultimate trump card in the entire world was the Coiling Dragon Squadron who made Imperial Team seem like a bunch of children.

The world was ending tonight.

- - - - -

Park Jimin stood in the center of the room surrounded by men and women of all different sizes, but equally overwhelming presence. Needless to say, no one could breathe in here with everyone’s aura contradicted with each other. Heavily armed and dressed in all black with a sole thunder blue string differentiating them, their vibes were cruel and deadly.

"I have always remained patient." Park Jimin slowly said. "I contributed back to this city and have helped it flourish. It has bit the hand that fed it." He slipped on his black leather gloves.

"I want this city conquered." His voice, rigid and unwavering, sent chills down the backs of the strongest people. He meant business.

- - - - -

No stones were left unturned, all except two. Park Jimin would personally deal with that one. Those that suffered the most were the other triads and clans who never suspected the sudden ambush and attack. With the Imperial Team and Coiling Dragon Squadron both on the move, not a single leader was spared. Prominent and esteemed bosses were forced to submit or have their entire clan wiped out. A few even thought it was a joke and refused to bend their knee.

Blood splattered on the floor and broken bodies were tossed onto it like decorations. They weren’t dead nor could they be identified as alive. They were hanging by a thin thread and it was their gasps of air that proved their life-line was still beating.

It had only taken one member from Coiling Dragon to take down an entire medium-sized triad who had been around for quite some time. They controlled the shipping ports where illegal supplies were smuggled into the country. Park Jimin took care of the ports. Their bodies were on the streets to set an example to the other clans. It would be removed tomorrow morning before any civilians could report about the injured bodies.

While the Coiling Dragon Squadron was busy taking over the East Side of the city, the Imperial Team worked on the West. The team closed onto the people who ruled over the weapon infantry. They also stubbornly refused to pledge their allegiance to Park Jimin. Silly fools, Jang Se-joon was with the certain team that came to them.

"P-please...spare us." A man dry heaved, on the floor, panting for air.

It was amazing how much a person’s appearance could change in a matter of five minutes. Before the Imperial Team ambushed this location, the man was well-dressed like a wealthy, local thug. He was wearing an unbuttoned white shirt, whose original color was now dyed red by blood, making it seem as if crimson was the original color. There used to be a golden chain on his neck, but now it was being used as a searing template after Jang Se-joon dangled it over a fire. He held it just long enough to heat the authentic gold, but not melt it.

Jang Se-joon fiddled with his knife, tapping his finger on the sharpest point of the weapon. "Hm, let me think about it." He placed his best thinking face on, tapping his chin. "Because I am well-fed tonight and Big Boss is in a good mood, I suppose, I shall spare you."

The leader let out a massive sigh of relief.

"But!" Jang Se-joon raised a finger into the air, "I want something in return." His lips curved into a devious smile that hid his true intentions. So many weapons came into mind...

"A-anything! Take anything you like! T-the key to the safe is found under the largest rock outside of the warehouse."

"Gasp! Really? Uncle, you’re so nice." Jang Se-joon clapped his hands, watching the man’s shoulders sag. He looked like ten years had been shaved off of his life, but regained twenty in return.

"T-then please untie the ropes."

"I have to make sure you’re not lying, Uncle." Jang Se-joon concluded, turning to one of the members of the Imperial Team who had already walked off to inspect the largest rock. Sure enough, there was a hidden key in a medicine bottle. Not less than two minutes later, an assortment of different sharp-objects was brought out in a suitcase.

"Aw, Lanlan you know me best!" Jang Se-joon showed a toothy grin to the woman who handed him the unlocked suitcase. ’Lanlan,’ which wasn’t even her real name, monotonically nodded her head like a robot and strode back to the group.

"See, it’s real! So, about the ropes—"

"Mmmmm..." Jang Se-joon hummed, "I don’t want to."

"BUT WE HAD A PROMISE!" He wailed, his screeching resembling a pig ready to be slaughtered.

Jang Se-joon’s eyes wickedly lit up. He loved it when he toyed with his victims’ emotions before ending them. Seeing the hope fill their eyes only to leave right after was so amusing to witness! "But Uncle, you’ve given me so many weapons. It’d be a shame if we didn’t put it to use. Don’t you think so?" His fingers skimmed over the variety of knives, daggers, and even a small sword.

"The night is still young. Let’s have some fun." He dropped the suitcase onto the floor like it was trash. His interest in it had faded when he selected a nicely carved Arabian Knife.

- - - - -

Seung Woo was seated in a different car from his boss, but even in the passenger seat of the car trailing behind the black Maybach, he could feel his boss’ wrath. There was a steady distance between the vehicles. Even so, the entire atmosphere was painted with lust for blood. Helicopters whirred in the distance as armored trucks accompanied both cars from all four directions. His Boss meant business tonight.

Seung Woo only hoped the next target would be ready. Park Jimin’s plan, aside from claiming this city, was removing all of Park Mu-jin’s chess pieces. It started with the minor pawns that were wiped out with a snap of his fingers. Then he moved onto the "rookies" who put up a small fight but were still defeated in the end. The knight and bishops were next. Judging by the green scenery and unimpressive replica house in the distance, he already had an inkling on which family it would be.

Eun Ha Won knew he was coming soon. It wasn’t because she was still his employee and had connections. He was the type of man who would violently retaliate when something happened to his woman. And currently, Song Areum was nowhere to be found.

Song Areum’s existence seemed to be wiped off the surface of Earth. No one could track her down. No one knew what had happened in the office, all except for Eun Ha Won. The security cameras in Muera had been off the entire day and no one knew about it until Seung Woo stepped forward to request the footages. Supposedly, it was an inside job, but no one has figured out who it was.

Eun Ha Won slowly rose from the floor and made her way to the broken vanity mirror. There was a massive crack running down the middle. Even so, she sat in front of it. Her shaky hands ran over the bruises on her face, the busted lip, and the large gash on her forehead. She was surprised she didn’t die from the beating. She could never win against her father in a fight.

Her room was in disarray. The bed was torn apart, curtains slashed, tables flipped, and priceless jewelry pieces were on the floor. Pearl and jade beads were scattered throughout the entire room.

Her eyes lifted to the mirror where the crack seemed to ironically split her face into two. She wanted to laugh at the message behind it. Shaking her head, she began to put on make-up to cover her marks. A guest was coming and she had to make herself presentable — even if no one knew he was coming, except for her.

With the foundation cushion in one hand, and the other pulling her hair back, she realized how foolish it would be to put make-up on for Park Jimin. Her crazed eyes scanned the make-up on her vanity and in one fell swoop, it clattered onto the floor. The sound of bottles falling was music to her ears and watching all of the palettes go into ruins was like staring at a painting drawn by Leonardo Davinci.

Everything there was not brought with her money nor was it at her will. Every piece of make-up she learned to apply was not taught for herself. Everything was given to her by her father. Her weapon was not supposed to be any guns or knives. It was her undeniable beauty and the flower between her thighs.

Eun Ha Won stood up and walked to gather her purse where she pulled out the wad of cash bound together by a yellow rubber band. The cash was offered to her this morning by a man she never expected to see. The irony of this situation was enough to make her feel disgusted to the core.

Men were so quick to betray. He was wagging his tail for Song Areum two months ago and now he was finding ways to bring her down.

Eun Ha Won shook her head and tied up her long hair with a rubber band. The messy bun on top of her head revealed her ruined face. She wore it like a trophy. Today was the first day she went against her father, and despite the battle scars, she felt proud of it all.

Picking up the wad of cash, her lips tilted up into a smile. They were here.

She opened the door and walked down the halls with her chin up and shoulders back. The servants didn’t flinch at the sight of her battered face. It used to be a daily occurrence. However, they were surprised to see the hits were on her face and not her body.

Wasn’t Eun Ha Won’s face her money-maker? It was the only thing Won Jae-myung cared about when it came to his daughter. Now that it was ruined like this, what was he going to care about from now on?

She could hear the sound of helicopters and cars rolling up near the front entrance. Servants rushed past her in a rush to greet the guest, but she went against the grain and continued walking towards her desired direction.

"Father." Eun Ha Won addressed when she opened the door without his permission. Her eyes scanned over the discarded clothes on the floor, the distinctive black and white clothing of a servant amused her.

Won Jae-myung had finished his business when he heard the commotion. He was currently getting dressed in a scramble, whereas the maid in the bed couldn’t even move a muscle. He acted like he didn’t even hear her as he continued to button up his clothes.

Finally, he said, "I should’ve broken your legs and sewn your mouth shut."

In the past, these types of words would’ve made her tremble on the spot. His eyes, fierce as a hawk, clashed with her lifeless ones. Her smile deepened and that irked him more than necessary.

"Useless wench, I should’ve never given birth to you. I should’ve left your mother to rot when she gave birth to a worthless girl like you."

"You raped my mother, day and night, similar to the servant on the bed." She tilted her head. "I’m not the one who needs to force my workers to sleep with me because others won’t."

"Why you—"

"You’re going to die today." Eun Ha Won was just delaying time for Park Jimin. She wanted to permanently leave him without looking back. It was what she planned to do when drafting the resignation letter. But then Song Areum contacted her and the rest was history.

She stayed behind for the sake of Song Areum, even if it meant Park Jimin might capture her and view her as a potential suspect because she was the last person Song Areum was seen with.

"What did you just say?" Won Jae-myung’s voice dropped, low and angered. His face was reddened with anger, a vein popping out of his forehead.

Eun Ha Won could hear it from where she was standing. She could hear the footsteps, even though they were light and stealthy, storming down the hallways. She glanced down at stacks of cash in both of her hands and then smiled. "That’s right, today will be your doomsday. The same day mother died."

He was so shocked by her words and behavior that he did not register her crossing the distance and approaching the fireplace. She tossed the money worth an entire house into the pits, watching it burn and dance, as it turned into ash black. Her false evidence was planted.

The people were here. The last thing she saw was Park Jimin’s emotionless, detached face before the room turned chaotic.

- - - - -

Song Yun Gak’s world was spiraling out of control. Kidnapped. Again. His well-aged face was showing signs of stress and dismay. The creases on his forehead became more prominent, his lips dipping into a disapproving scowl. It was getting late now and was the usual time he went home. His legs were acting up again and Jae Hwan had brought the cane with them into the car.

"President, please, you have to take the medicine at least." Jae Hwan desperately pleaded from the driver’s seat. He watched with apprehension when Song Yun Gak continued to stare out of the window with a troublesome face.

"How long have you worked for me?" Song Yun Gak queried, his hands resting on top of the golden lion head of his cane.

"I am not sure of the exact date, but it was when you deemed I was useful enough to stay by your side." Jae Hwan perplexedly answered, unsure of the reason for the random question. He didn’t voice his thoughts and kept his eyes concentrated on the road.

"Were you there when Areum was abandoned by Park Jaemin?" Song Yun Gak knew his mistakes would one day come to haunt him again. He just wished it wasn’t so soon.

Song Yun Gak anticipated something malicious would happen to his granddaughter when Park Mu-jin showed the first signs of disapproval, however, he had trusted his granddaughter’s capabilities of pacifying that man. It was clear to him tonight that nothing could pacify the Elder, not even his grandson.

"I—"

"Nevermind. Don’t answer that question." Song Yun Gak interrupted and the two fell into silence again. "I have been passive for too long, don’t you think so?" He was usually a man of very few words when it came to his secretary, but today was the day of reflection. It was time to stop running away from the past and to begin addressing all of his regrets and mistakes.

Jae Hwan glanced at his President in the rearview mirror before looking back onto the road. A large house was approaching in the distance. "You’ve done the best you could to protect the Young Miss. No one had anticipated that the transmission hacking would affect our side as well."

"I shouldn’t have allowed her to go back to his side." Song Yun Gak listlessly replied. "It was already dangerous the first time Park Mu-jin loomed over her. I should’ve known. That old tiger, he never changed."

’But you also have not changed. You’ve continued to blame yourself for the past three years about the unpredictable events.’ Jae Hwan replied inside his head, his grip tightened on the steering wheel. He wished his boss was not so hard on himself. He was already suffering from a few health conditions.

"It seems you have already anticipated my arrival." Song Yun Gak said when he walked into the study room where the tea and pastries were already set out. Then he realized something highly entertaining.

The bitter oolong tea and unsweetened lotus seed cake were Park Jimin’s favorite. Song Yun Gak only knew of this when he encountered the rascal when he was fifteen and accompanying Park Mu-jin in the study.

"Or perhaps you were waiting for your dear grandson..."—Who is currently after your head. Song Yun Gak wisely kept the last comment to himself. He was not going to reveal and snitch on Park Jimin, though he was sure Park Mu-jin would’ve known by now. Park Jimin was making his rounds throughout the city and everywhere his eyes settled on, would surely become his.

"I expected both of you would arrive." Park Mu-jin shifted his head away from the window but kept his body facing the garden. It was the least dazzling one he owned and smaller than the rest, but it was his favorite because this was the spot Park Jimin used to frequent when he visited.

"You should’ve known by now. I don’t tread lightly on those who have harmed my granddaughter." Song Yun Gak had brought his men today and kept them outside with Jae Hwan. He didn’t need outsiders to know of their conversation.

"Then how did you punish yourself when you harmed her first?" Park Mu-jin figured there was no need for friendly chatter anymore. He could sense the people outside, even so, he didn’t seem to care. His life’s mission was fulfilled tonight. Finally, his grandson had unleashed the beast that is chained within him. The only problem was, Park Mu-jin didn’t know Park Jimin was a lot worse when Song Areum wasn’t present.

Park Jimin was so worried for her safety, he was willing to privately cut down anyone in her way. Park Mu-jin didn’t know the increase in skeletons after Song Areum, he didn’t know nor care that Park Enterprise was brought to an even greater level after the investment with Muera. So many things that this old man didn’t know...So why was he still worried about power?

Park Mu-jin could’ve lived his last few years in bliss and surrounded by the love of his grandchildren or even great-grandchildren; however, he chose to go down the worst path possible. Targeting the first granddaughter-in-law who would provide him with great-grandchildren was the stupidest thing to do, especially when there was a dragon hovering over her like a mother hen.

Song Yun Gak’s face was twisted in a wicked and crafty smile to mask the pain in his eyes. The prick on his heart reminded him that even to this day, he had not healed from the mistakes in the past. That even to this day, he still cursed himself for indirectly bringing his granddaughter to ruins.

"You took her back there. To a place I swore I would never bring her to ever again." It was time to acknowledge the past and every atrocious sin he had ever committed, and the majority of it was rooted around Song Areum. His eyes flashed. He remembered her distant expression when the memories of Park Jimin were completely wiped from her head. Then, she had to go back there to get her memories altered to be Choi Soobin rather than Park Jimin.

"Didn’t you hear yourself? You swore to not do so, I never swore on anything." A droplet of water landed on a leaf and soon, the rain started to pour down. Lightning loomed in the distance, flashing, but silent, reminding him of Park Jimin.

The wind howled like a wolf during a full moon. Grey clouds rolled across the sky in no particular pattern. He didn’t know crows existed around his manor until he saw a murder of them ominously circling in the sky.

Finally, Park Mu-jin decided to sit down, gesturing for Song Yun Gak to do the same. For old times’ sake, Song Yun Gak sat down with his cane still in hand. Because they had been close friends for so long, Park Mu-jin would never go for a low-blow that targeted the Song Patriarch’s aging body, for he too, was slowly deteriorating.

"You can’t place the full blame on me when you were the one who introduced me to the institution." Park Mu-jin mused, pouring Song Yun Gak a cup of tea before pouring himself one as well.

Song Yun Gak stared at the lone petal that had slipped out of the teapot. "The first time, I did it for her sake and protection. This time, you did it for your selfish gains." He grunted, leaving the teacup on the table.

"Regardless of the reason, you still did it to her." Park Mu-jin deeply chuckled, taking a sip of his tea and wrinkling his nose. The tea had gone cold.

Song Yun Gak knew he would be forced to come into terms of what he had done in the past. It was going to bite him one day and it was finally today. If there was one thing he had ever regretted in his lifetime, it was not letting his wife go, it was destroying Song Areum’s adulthood and future before anyone else ever could.

- - - - -

Eighteen years ago.

Park Mu-jin had never intentionally wanted to harm the innocent little girl distracting his grandson’s duties. He figured the abrupt separation between the two of them was enough, for she was just a child and didn’t seem to pose any deliberate threat. Also, because she was the first-ever granddaughter that was fully acknowledged by Song Yun Gak. Cherished by the Baek’s and Song’s, should any harm come her way, everything would go

Yoon Seo-jung knocked on the door and was greeted with a normal, "Come in." He opened the door, stepped into his Boss’ private studies, and then bowed his head.

"How are his studies doing so far?"

Yoon Seo-jung already knew who the Patriarch was referring to. "Young Master Jimin’s grades are still stellar, however, it will be affected soon. On the most recent ethnic test, he scored 99/100 and for his Philosophy paper, he received a 98/100."

Park Mu-jin’s face became stormy. It was the first time since that child was born to not have a perfect score. What happened?! The institution overseas was supposed to help him, not ruin him! "Prepare the jet."

"Yes, Master."

Half an hour later, Park Mu-jin boarded the aircraft and traveled to the nearby country where he had sent Park Jimin. The Headmaster came out to greet Park Mu-jin but he was blocked off by the forces and men of the Park Clan.

Yoon Seo-jung silently accompanied his Master up a flight of suspending staircases leading to the dormitory. Since this was an all-boys school, there was no need to worry about any other distraction the Young Master might get. So, how was it that his grades were slipping?

No one had anticipated the abrupt arrival of Park Mu-jin, thus, no one prepared to greet him. At this moment, none of this incompetence mattered. There were a few boys in the hallway who scrambled to the walls, standing up as straight as their postures would allow them. A few didn’t know who he was, but those who paid attention to their parents’ lessons and advice were familiar with the likes of Park Mu-jin and the Park clan, who ruled over more than half of the country besides this one.

Being the first Young Master of the Parks, Park Jimin had his own room. This was a private institution swarming with elite and overly wealthy sons. Even so, everyone had to share a room, all except Park Jimin.

The door to his dorm was busted open without warning. Park Jimin didn’t flinch or jump, but he did show a flicker of emotion and Park Mu-jin viewed it as the first sign of weakness. "What is the meaning of your imperfect score?" No greetings, no pleasantries, this was the treatment that Park Jimin was used to. Sure, the servants greeted him and treated him well, but he needed more than that. And Areum did exactly that. The little bundle of cherished innocence and naivety was all he needed to keep him afloat and sane.

"I am studying." Park Jimin monotonically replied, standing up with his hands behind him. He put up a front that he was not panicking, but deep down he was a bit. His hands worked quickly to hide the white envelope lined with blue and red.

"Really now?" Park Mu-jin was quick to sense that something was off. The room was neatly organized and not a single thing was out of place except for Park Jimin’s desk. There was a stack of books on top of it, but that was not the suspicious part of it all.

Park Mu-jin tilted his head towards Park Jimin, and Yoon Seo-jung stepped forward to examine the desk.

"Touch my belongings and you won’t have a functioning arm." Park Jimin’s voice was cold and hard with an edge to it, his eyes flaring and glaring daggers at the assistant that seemed like a lap dog to him.

"Fine, then." Park Mu-jin held up a hand and did the inspection himself to which Park Jimin’s eyes darkened. "What? Do you have something to hide from me?"

Park Jimin was already in a horrible mood from his test results this morning, not to mention, Park Jennie was not updating him on Areum’s conditions. He was infuriated enough. He didn’t need his grandfather to poke his nose in everything.

"No."

"Then, step aside. I only want to check if the textbook is suitable for the missed points." Park Mu-jin didn’t wait for Park Jimin’s reply before he stepped up to the desk and peered at it. Sure enough, a textbook was opened with a notebook right beside it. In Park Jimin’s abnormally perfect handwriting, there were resourceful notes. As expected of Park Jimin, he captured the most important points of every topic.

The only problem was, the notebook page had a slight bulge to it. Park Mu-jin could make the distinctions of a letter. "My, even during finals week, you still have the time to play penpals?"

Park Jimin stiffened, his eyes becoming stone. "Don’t you dare—"

"Dare to do what? You think I would hurt a little girl?" Park Mu-jin shook his head, "She reminds me of dear Jennie. She is also Song Yun Gak and Baek Young-ok’s granddaughter. I would never lay a hand on her."

Park Jimin gritted his teeth, his fingers curled into a fist. If only he wasn’t so young, if only he could grow up faster. He had never felt powerless until today. He couldn’t protect her. He was thousands of kilometers away from her.

"You have a week to fix this score." Park Mu-jin stormed out of the room and not less than five minutes later, he heard the sound of a piece of furniture crashing onto the floor. He chuckled, shaking his head while sauntering back to the private jet.

"Song Yun Gak is currently at the capital for a meeting, isn’t he?"

Yoon Seo-jung nodded his head. "Yes, Master. By car, his vacation home would be an hour away. From the reports, the meeting will end in exactly fifty minutes."

"Good. Take me there."

Yoon Seo-jung opened the door for his Master and then went to the driver’s seat to fulfill the request. Just as he had predicted, it was an hour drive and when the car rolled into the driveway, Song Yun Gak already knew who it was. Earlier, he had received word of an irritating tiger wandering around.

"To what pleasure do I owe your presence?" Song Yun Gak mused, sitting on the couch.

He checked the time and saw that it was going to be a few minutes before Song Areum woke up. Thinking of her, his heart became heavy and he resisted the urge to sigh. The tantrums she was throwing these past few weeks ever since Park Jimin left were horrendous.

She refused to eat, sleep, or do anything except whine and beg for her "Chimchim." It had gotten so bad that she had begun to stop drinking water. The only reason she slept today out of her three-day strike was because one of the maids had to use chloroform.

It pained him to see her like this, especially when she was under his care and in his own house. The smashed furniture, vases, picture frames, decoration pieces, and any item her devious little hands could grab, were not spared from her wrath.

She was becoming a shell of the little girl that he knew. On frequent accounts, she would break out into tears. Lately, she had stopped throwing tantrums but the calm was eerier than her rash temper. It was fine and dandy until he saw a horrific video footage of her staring at the wall, then attempt to bash her head into it as a rebellion. If it wasn’t for the private maid watching over her, she would’ve surely damaged that capable head of hers. Such a well-behaved child turned into a monster all in a week and it was all because of a boy.

"You look very tired." Park Mu-jin cackled, laughing at his friend’s displeasure. It was true. There were dark circles and eyebags underneath Song Yun Gak’s eyes.

"Is that all? Unlike you, I have things to tend to." Song Yun Gak snapped with an unamused frown. He was not in the best mood today after recollecting memories of her crying face.

He was even more disappointed in her when she threw herself at his feet, clunking into his leg and begging him to take her to her ’Chimchim.’ It broke his heart. She had never lowered herself to that extent. His heart was already hurting for her, but when she reached her arms up for a hug, it shattered. He still remembered her sobbing and shaking in his arms, her small body trembling while she continued to pester for her "Chimchim."

"How about I take away all of your worries?" Park Mu-jin knew he couldn’t touch Song Areum without this sly fox’s permission. If anything were to happen to her, there would be too many conflicts that would arise.

"What are you implying?" Song Yun Gak narrowed his eyes in suspicion. He knew Park Mu-jin didn’t offer help to just anyone without desiring something in return.

"You’re worried about your granddaughter. I am worried about my grandson. Why don’t we come to an agreement?" Park Mu-jin handed a business card to Song Yun Gak who grabbed and examined its contents.

"A memory altering facility?" Song Yun Gak was highly intrigued but equally doubtful of the horrible outcomes from this.

"They have been perfecting their craft for years now. It’s nearly perfect and there will be no side-effects to it." Park Mu-jin knotted his fingers together. He could see the engines moving in Song Yun Gak’s brain while he put two and two together.

"Your granddaughter will heavily benefit from this. By wiping her memories of Park Jimin, she will not suffer from heartbreak, for how could she be in pain because of someone she didn’t know?"

Song Yun Gak looked doubtful, so Park Mu-jin added on, "Park Jimin will not return from overseas anytime soon. He needs to be here but he wants to be there." Park Mu-jin shook his head, "I don’t want him in that foreign land, but the stubborn mule thinks its best if he didn’t have any distractions." He lied.

Song Yun Gak would never admit it, but he was desperate for anything that could cure his Areum. The longer this goes on, the more she will be affected by it. "I know exactly what you’re doing. Furthermore, what is wrong with my granddaughter marrying into your family?"

"Of course there is nothing wrong with it. Nothing would benefit either of us more than joining families with our grandchildren as the bond. I can see Park Jimin matters to her more than she does to him." Park Mu-jin had a way of words and speech. He was always good at twisting it around to make it seem it favored the other side and he was being a selfless man.

"You’re losing sleep because of her. Think about it. She’s losing a lot more by having Park Jimin constantly on her mind."

Song Yun Gak gritted his teeth at the painful truth. She was, indeed, very affected by Park Jimin’s absence. So much so that he even contemplated sending her to a private all-girls boarding school to straighten her out. But then that means she would be far away from him and that was not something he favored. "And what if there’s a hole in her heart because someone once filled it before?"

"This is where we bring in another boy similar to Park Jimin’s temper."

Song Yun Gak scoffed, "There is no boy in this country who shares Park Jimin’s horrid behavior."

Park Mu-jin’s lips twitched, curving into a ghost of a smile. Indeed, his grandson was very ill-tempered, but that was what made him so intriguing. "No there isn’t; however, there’s an eligible bachelor nearly as handsome and wealthy as my grandson."

Park Mu-jin came prepared to win.

He stuck his hand out and Yoon Seo-jung placed an envelope down. "Your family has been friends with the Chois for awhile now. As you know, we can be considered the Big Three." He took out a picture of a younger version of Choi Soobin.

"This is their firstborn son who will one day inherit the Choi Corporation. He’s very friendly but standoffish to girls his age. Fortunately, I’ve seen the way he interacts with his younger sister. Once he realizes the importance of someone in his life, especially a girl that will be his potential fiancé, she will be the apple of his eye."

Song Yun Gak had met Choi Soobin before. He had to admit, the brat was a bit similar to Park Jimin in that they were both like a closed-book. He had also seen on first account the doting Choi Soobin gave his younger sister.

"I know what you’re thinking. There are more benefits in having Song Areum marry Park Jimin, but her life will constantly be put at risk. Park Jimin will takeover the Underworld once he comes to age. There will be countless assassination attacks and attempted kidnappings. If word gets out that such a young girl is the future leader’s sole weakness, what do you think will happen to her? She would be the target of everyone. The best way to break a man is to ruin his woman."

Song Yun Gak’s heart dropped. ’No, that could not happen. Areum must not be subjected to such dangerous things early on in her life.’ And because she was so young and innocent, he couldn’t see past the bigger picture that one day, she would change and come back as a killing machine. But this was the present and they were nowhere near the future.

For the sake of Song Areum’s wellbeing, Song Yun Gak slowly nodded his head. "I’ll bring her to the institution." He was not going to the one Park Mu-jin recommended. It was going to be another one that would favor him a lot more