(COMPLETE)
Jungkook, a single father and CEO burdened by a recent betrayal, pours his heart into his game development company and his twin son. Life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Taehyung, a talented baker with a secret past battling a brut...
The aroma of freshly baked bread hung heavy in the air, a warm and inviting embrace to anyone who stepped into "Sunlit Buns." Kim Taehyung, the man behind the magic, a renowned baker, expertly dusted powdered sugar onto a tray of perfectly golden cinnamon rolls. His movements were practiced, a symphony of flour-dusted hands and the rhythmic clatter of mixing bowls.
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Taehyung had built "Sunlit Buns" from the ground up, each delicious creation a testament to his resilience and passion. The bakery bustled with activity; a testament to his success. Yet, beneath the confident exterior, a flicker of wariness remained, a remnant of a past he desperately tried to outrun.
The memory of that fateful day ten years ago was as raw as ever. The accusation hung heavy in the air, a death knell to the life he once knew: "You're an abomination!" His parents, once anchors of his life, cast him out, their faces contorted in a mixture of fear and disgust. The truth, his intersex condition and the ability to become pregnant were a burden they couldn't bear.
Alone and adrift, Taehyung found solace in the warmth of his childhood friend, Hoseok. Hoseok, with his infectious laugh and unwavering loyalty, refused to believe the bigotry. Together with his wife, Jiya, a fierce advocate for equality, they became Taehyung's family. Their apartment became his haven, the aroma of Jiya's cooking blending with the first batches of bread Taehyung experimented with.
Their encouragement fueled his passion. He poured his heart and soul into baking, the rhythmic kneading of dough a form of therapy. His creations, from delicate macarons to sourdough loaves bursting with flavor, became more than just food; they were a testament to his will to rise above adversity.
One rainy afternoon, seeking refuge in a crowded bookstore, Taehyung bumped into Minho, a graphic designer with a smile that could melt glaciers. Their meet-cute was straight out of a rom-com, an awkward fumble leading to a shared umbrella and a stolen cup of coffee. What started as innocent flirtation blossomed into a whirlwind romance.
Hoseok, initially hesitant, eventually warmed up to Minho, seeing the genuine affection in his eyes. Blinded by love, Taehyung ignored the occasional red flag - Minho's possessiveness masquerading as concern, his increasing control over Taehyung's social life. He married Minho, believing he had found his happily ever after.
The honeymoon phase was short-lived. One night, after a disagreement, Minho's true colors emerged. The first slap was a chilling surprise, the cruel words that followed a confirmation of Taehyung's worst fears. Minho, fueled by a warped sense of masculinity, saw Taehyung's secret as a weakness to be exploited.
Years of emotional and physical abuse followed. Taehyung, trapped in a gilded cage, hid the bruises beneath layers of makeup, the fear in his eyes masked by a forced smile. His once bright spirit dwindled under Minho's constant scrutiny.
One particularly brutal episode became the turning point. A loud thud and Taehyung's choked cry shattered the silence of the apartment building. Hoseok and Jiya, alerted by the commotion, burst into the apartment, witnessing Minho's reign of terror firsthand.
It was a turning point. With their unwavering support, Taehyung filed for divorce. The legal process was slow, the court mandating a six-month separation period. Minho, fueled by a twisted sense of ownership, frequented the bakery, creating chaos and threatening customers. The once joyful atmosphere was tainted by the specter of his abuse.
Taehyung kneaded a stubborn ball of dough, channeling his frustration into the rhythmic strokes. He had built a life of his own, a testament to his strength. Yet, the scars of his past remained, a constant reminder of the pain he endured.
As he gazed out the bakery window, a flicker of doubt crossed his mind. Would he ever find peace, a love that wouldn't exploit his vulnerability? The question hung in the air, heavy and unanswered, mirroring the uncertain future that lay ahead.
Author-talesof_winterbunny aka Deya See you in the next chapter
