Rewriting Our Fate ( Sequel Of LoM )

A Second Chance

As I stepped through the airport doors, a wall of reporters rushed toward me, shouting questions over one another. The flashes from their cameras were blinding, and their voices blended into a demanding, impatient blur.

"Jennie! What's your response to the rumors about you and Kim Taehyung?"

"Is it true you were a K-pop idol? Why did you leave your group without a word?"

"What are your thoughts on the recent incident?"

Their words were sharp and relentless, cutting through the air as they tried to get a reaction. I kept my expression neutral, pressing forward, even though the weight of their questions threatened to slow me down.

As I finally made it back to the company, the atmosphere was thick with tension. The boardroom was already filled with shareholders, each one looking at me expectantly. Their eyes held a mix of frustration and concern, and I knew the questions would come fast.

"You managed to solve the case in three days," one of them began, his tone critical. "But what about the new controversy you stirred up?"

Another shareholder leaned forward, adjusting his glasses. "It's worse now. Kim Taehyung's fans are furious, and our Korean store sales have nearly plummeted to zero."

I took a steadying breath, meeting each of their gazes in turn. "I'm fully aware of the situation," I said, keeping my voice calm. "I'll work on clearing things up and getting us back on track."

It was a promise I intended to keep, but I knew all too well that words alone wouldn't be enough to ease their concerns-or to resolve the storm waiting outside these walls.

------

Taehyung sat across from his manager, listening intently, though his mind was already miles away.

"Taehyung, we're terminating your contract with RUBY COSMETICS," his manager said, tone brisk but assuring. "The recent rumors have hurt your image as well. Thankfully, most of your fans just want you to stay clear of that brand. I'm sure once we cut ties, things will go back to normal."

Taehyung nodded slowly, knowing the manager was right in a way. For him, this scandal could blow over. But for Jennie... he felt a sinking weight in his chest as he thought of the impact on her.

"Yeah, maybe it's not too bad for me, but Jennie... this could ruin her," he muttered under his breath, staring into the distance. "If I terminate the contract, everyone will assume she was the one trying to get close to me. She'll get even more hate."

"Taehyung, are you listening?" his manager's voice cut through his thoughts.

He blinked, bringing himself back to the moment. "Oh-uh, yes. Let's talk about it later," he said, standing up. He needed air, a moment to think.

Outside, he leaned against the wall, but soon heard familiar footsteps approach. It was RM, his older friend and confidant.

"Taehyung, your termination will only make things worse for Jennie," RM said. "Fans are relentless. They're boycotting her products, flooding her social media with hate. I heard her store in Korea shut down, and even investors are pulling out. If this keeps up, her entire company could go under."

Taehyung's jaw tightened. "I know, hyung. But if I walk away now, it's like admitting everything people are saying about her is true."

He felt his voice shake as frustration surged through him. "I don't want this, hyung. I can't lose her again. When I found her after all these years, I thought I got a second chance to make things right. But it's all happening again, and she's the one taking all the blame-again. Why is it like this?"