FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT| JJENINII

5.

Jennie felt the weight of the situation as she and Taehyung drove to his parents' estate. As the sleek, black car rolled up the immaculate driveway of the Kim family estate, Jennie felt the knot in her stomach tighten.

The grandeur of the Kim family mansion was intimidating, its sprawling grounds immaculately kept, a testament to the generational wealth and prestige of their lineage.

Taehyung, sitting beside her, remained impassive, his stoic demeanor offering little comfort.

"Remember, just follow my lead and keep the answers simple," Taehyung instructed, his voice cool as he glanced at her briefly.

Jennie nodded, her mind racing through the fabricated details of their relationship.

The closer they got to the front steps, the more surreal everything felt. This was not just a visit; it was a performance, one that required absolute precision.

They were greeted at the door by a butler, who led them through the opulent hallways to a sunlit dining room where Taehyung's parents awaited.

The elder Kims were every bit the picture of generational wealth—elegant, poised, and with an air that immediately set Jennie on edge.

"Mother, Father, this is Jennie," Taehyung introduced, his tone formal. "Jennie, my parents, Hyun-woo and Soo-min Kim."

"Delighted," Jennie managed, bowing in respect which was not well reciprocated.

"You're actually going through with this." His mother not so slyly scoffed, eyeing the same girl who had embarrassed her in her own son's office.

As they sat down to an exquisite table set for lunch, the atmosphere was charged with a palpable tension.

Mrs. Kim's eyes were sharp and assessing, taking in Jennie's appearance and demeanor in a glance that seemed to weigh and measure her worth.

"So, Jennie, Taehyung tells us you are an integral part of his company," Mr. Kim began, his voice deep and authoritative.

"Yes, I work as the head of legal," Jennie responded, trying to project confidence despite the intimidating setting.

No matter the hundreds of hours she spent in tense boardrooms and crowded courts, she still couldn't help but feel the most intimidated in this dining room.

"And how long have you been in this... relationship with our son?" Mrs. Kim interjected, her tone implying skepticism.

"A few months now," Jennie replied, sticking to the pre-agreed timeline.

Taehyung gave a curt nod, affirming her statement, though his expression remained unreadable as he focused on his soup.

"And we are to understand there is a child on the way?" Mrs. Kim's gaze then hardened slightly.

"How could you have been so irresponsible. This is not what we've taught you." Mrs.Kim harshly chided to Taehyung who glanced at his father.

"It's not abnormal for many to have children before they get married." He responded, gaze meeting his mother's.

"For uneducated people, yes. It is not our way. You had to make such a mistake, and then make it worse by doing so with a person who is of lesser status?" She immediately scolded, her glare flickering to Jennie who chose to occupy herself with her food rather than interrupting.

The ornate dining room, with its towering ceilings and looming portraits of Taehyung's ancestors, seemed to press down on her with the weight of expectations she felt ill-prepared to meet.

"Yes, we are expecting," Taehyung intervened, his tone firm, almost protective. "And it's a decision we are both happy about."

Mrs. Kim's lips pursed tightly at her son's rebuttal, clearly displeased with his defiance. "Happiness does not equate to responsibility, Taehyung. You know the family's stance on propriety and legacy."