𝓔𝓷𝓽𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓵𝓮𝓭 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓼

Chapter 26: Bonds

Taehyung's pov

The club’s lights flickered rhythmically, casting a neon haze over the dance floor. I sipped my wine, letting its warmth contrast with the chill of satisfaction that crept through me. The scene around me felt almost irrelevant; my focus was solely on the chaos I had unleashed.

“Am I really in love with Breeh?” I mused aloud to myself, a smirk curling my lips. “Truth is, I’m not sure. But making her life a living hell? That’s a different story. Seeing her struggle, witnessing her tears—there’s a twisted pleasure in it.”

I took another sip, feeling the wine’s bitterness meld with my own dark satisfaction. “This is what control feels like. The power to shape someone’s world just to watch them falter. It’s a game, and right now, I’m winning.”

With a final, satisfied look at my reflection in the bar’s polished surface, I set my glass down. “Let’s see how she handles this,” I said to myself, a cold resolve settling over me. Then, pushing away from the bar, I headed for the dance floor, eager to immerse myself in the evening’s hedonistic distractions.

Breeh's Pov

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, painting the room in soft, golden hues. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, trying to steady the turbulent emotions inside me. Today, I would not let anyone toy with my feelings—especially not Taehyung.

I selected a sleek, black dress that hugged my figure just right, its simple elegance matching the storm inside me. I styled my hair into a tight, ponytail, each strand meticulously in place. My makeup was understated but purposeful subtle enough to maintain my poise.

“Whatever’s happening now, no one has the right to manipulate me,” I declared firmly to my reflection, my voice steady despite the tremor in my chest. I picked up my phone and dialed a number, my mind made up. “I need your help,” I said as soon as the call connected, my tone resolute and clear. “It’s time to show Taehyung how to really entangle hearts.”

Lunch time~

The atmosphere at the dining table was tense as Taehyung arrived unannounced. Hae-in’s face lit up with surprise and delight as she saw him.

“Babe! Why didn’t you let me know you were coming? Were you trying to surprise me?” she asked, her voice a mix of excitement and confusion.

I rolled my eyes, well aware of the drama about to unfold. Taehyung cleared his throat, a self-satisfied glint in his eye. Without warning, he took Hae-in’s hand and removed the engagement ring. Her face paled, her eyes wide with shock and hurt.

“What are you doing, Taehyung?” my stepmother demanded, her voice trembling with anxiety. “Is everything alright?”

“There was something seriously wrong,” Taehyung replied coolly, a smirk on his face. “But don’t worry, it will all be sorted soon.”

Turning to me, he threw a mocking smile. “Consider yourself fortunate Kim Taehyung that I haven’t thrown a punch yet.”I thought to myself.

I met his gaze with defiant eyes as he approached me. Without a hint of hesitation, he slid the engagement ring onto my finger. “You’ll be the one regretting this action of yours,” I thought, glaring at him as the room’s tension reached a boiling point.

Hae-in’s face twisted with rage. “Taehyung, what’s going on? Why are you—”

“I’m in love with Breeh, not your daughter,” Taehyung interrupted, cutting her off with a finality that left no room for argument. “And don’t bother with a lecture. It won’t change anything.”

My father’s eyes shifted to me, filled with hurt and betrayal. “I’m sorry, Dad,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “I tried to ignore my feelings for Taehyung, but—”

Before I could finish, Hae-in’s hand connected with my cheek in a stinging slap. The impact was a sharp, physical manifestation of her rage, and I felt a burning humiliation. But her act of violence only solidified my resolve.

With a steady gaze, I met her furious eyes. “You’ve crossed a line, Hae-in. I don’t know what you’ve lost today, but you’ve certainly lost a sister who would have never thought ill of you.”

Turning on my heel, I walked out of the house, my heart heavy despite the external calm I tried to maintain. I passed by my stepmother’s scornful glare and my father’s wounded eyes with a feeling of profound isolation. Just as I neared the exit, I caught sight of Jungkook standing there, his eyes reflecting the pain I knew all too well.

“I’m sorry for existing in your life, Jungkook,” I thought to myself as I walked past him without meeting his gaze. I had to accept that sometimes, leaving was the best choice for everyone involved.

"Sometimes the heart needs more time to accept what the mind already knows."
🦋<3!!