FACE-OFF | PJM

Chapter 60

Krystal's body tensed up. She had been hoping to keep this matter hidden from him, and his discovery was unwelcome.

She forced herself to stay composed. "No, it's just a stomachache," she replied, attempting to dismiss his suspicions.

"Why is your stomach hurting?" Taemin persisted, skepticism in his eyes. "Krystal, don't lie to me. You are pregnant, and it's my child!"

"Stop deluding yourself!" Krystal cut him off, her voice resolute. "Even if I am pregnant, I would never carry your child. If it were yours, I'd have an abortion immediately."

"If it was from that night, it should be two months old by now," Krystal countered, her voice shaking slightly. "But do you really think I'd let it stay inside me for much longer?"

"I don't care if you plan to abort it or not," Taemin stated firmly. "You are pregnant with my child."

Desperation had given way to a glimmer of hope within Taemin. It seemed that fate had granted him an unexpected blessing.

"I'm not pregnant!" Krystal insisted once more, her voice quivering with fear. She hadn't realized her voice was betraying her anxiety as she denied the truth.

Taemin firmly grasped her wrist and guided her back to the living room, urging her to sit down. He then held her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.

"Tell me that you're pregnant with Taehyung's child and not mine," Taemin demanded. His grip tightened, and he spoke with intense determination. "If you're carrying another man's child, I will hunt him down, no matter who he is—even if it's Kim Taehyung. I'm capable of doing anything for this. Now, will you tell me who the father is?"

Krystal returned his fierce gaze with one of her own, a resolute silence between them. She understood the inevitable truth: he would discover the secret sooner or later. She had her own concerns, her own people to worry about, but Taemin had no one. Now, the person he cared about most was the baby growing inside her—a fact that could drive him to the brink of madness.

Taemin saw right through her and smirked coldly. "Speechless, aren't you?"

"Lee Taemin, why don't you just die," Krystal retorted.

"I'm going to have a baby now. How can you ask me to die?" Taemin replied.

Krystal's anger flared, and she shouted, "Let me make this clear. I won't let this baby live."

"Try it. What can you possibly do? Do you think I'll let it happen again?" Taemin challenged.

He softened his tone and continued, "Alright, let's not stand here. Go upstairs and get some rest." His voice took on a gentle, caring tone that made her cringe. She didn't need or want his false concern.

Krystal didn't mince words and tried to leave the restroom, but as she passed by him, Taemin scooped her up in his arms.

"What are you doing!" Krystal protested, landing a slap on his back.

Taemin remained silent, allowing her to vent her frustration. He gently placed her on the bed. "Tonight, you can just rest here. I'll sleep on the sofa," he declared.

Taemin's words were calculated, and he locked the bedroom door, preventing any possibility of Krystal escaping. She sat on the bed, eyes fixed on him as he settled onto the sofa.

Krystal surveyed the room, finding it eerily similar to the way it was when she lived here before. She understood that escape wasn't an option at this moment. Concerned for her own well-being, she decided to rest and strategize a way out.

As she settled down on the bed, she couldn't escape the lingering scent of Taemin. Repulsed, she yanked the blanket away and tossed the pillow onto the floor. With determination, she laid back down, shutting her eyes tight.

During her slumber, she sensed a presence gently covering her with a blanket.

Krystal remained asleep throughout the night, undisturbed by any dreams or nightmares. It was the following morning when she suddenly awoke, greeted by the gentle rays of the morning sun streaming through the window.

As she became aware of her surroundings, the memories of the previous night flooded back, and she couldn't help but curse under her breath. Why wasn't it all just a terrible nightmare? The room itself served as a reminder that the events of last night were all too real.

She recalled how Taemin had carried her to his bedroom, and her emotions were a tangled mess. Initially, she had loved this room, having meticulously designed and decorated it to create a comfortable and homely atmosphere. However, after Taemin's actions, it had transformed into a nightmarish prison. Each moment spent within these walls felt like an eternity in a cage.

Krystal's eyes briefly darted to the sofa as she realized Taemin wasn't in the room. With a sigh, she lifted the blanket and left the bed, finding the room's door unlocked. She quietly exited the room.

Downstairs in the kitchen, Taemin was busy preparing breakfast when Krystal entered. She watched him for a moment, her mind drifting back to their shared memories. Despite her inability to cook, Taemin had always been a skilled chef. Even when they had a maid, it was often Taemin who prepared their meals.

She used to cherish the fact that he loved cooking for her, but now, looking at him in the kitchen, she felt an overwhelming sense of disgust. Her feelings toward him had drastically changed.

Taemin, sensing her presence, turned to look at her. "You're awake," he said, his voice devoid of any warmth. "Go freshen up, and let's have breakfast."

Krystal ignored his words and made her way to the living room, determined to find her phone. She searched around but couldn't locate it. Instead, she spotted Taemin's phone and hesitated for a moment. Her desperation got the better of her, and she swiftly grabbed his phone.

As she was about to make a hurried escape upstairs, Taemin called out her name, causing her to startle. Her body quivered, and her hands trembled, causing the phone to slip from her grasp and fall to the floor.

Taemin stood his ground, observing her every move. "You want to take my phone and call Taehyung to report?" he taunted.

"I want to call the police to catch you. Taemin, you'll be suspected of domestic violence. Damn it, you've imprisoned me!" Krystal retorted angrily.

Taemin let out a cold, humorless laugh. "You think they can do anything to me? You're my wife; you can't sue me. If you don't believe me, you can try!"

Krystal clenched her fist, determined to make a call. She knelt down to pick up the phone, determined to escape this nightmare. However, Taemin was quick to react, snatching his phone back. They engaged in a brief struggle, but Taemin prevailed, smashing the phone into pieces, scattering it everywhere.

"Lee Taemin, you're crazy!" Krystal exclaimed, staring at the shattered phone in frustration.

Taemin remained eerily calm and proceeded to the dining room. "Come and have your breakfast," he called out.

Krystal, however, stood her ground, refusing to move. Taemin's patience waned, and he slammed the table in frustration. "I said come and eat!" he snapped.

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A/N: Hello! I'm curious, is there anyone here like Taemin? Haha. Let me know!