𝙼𝚢 𝙲𝚛𝚞𝚎𝚕 𝙱𝚎𝚊𝚞𝚝𝚢 ٭ 𝚃𝚊𝚎𝚗𝚗𝚒𝚎 ٭

٭𝟷𝟷٭

James lies in a hospital bed, groggy and disoriented. The antiseptic smell and the beeping of machines slowly bring him back to consciousness. His shoulder throbs where the bullet entered, and his body feels heavy and weak.

"Where... where am I?" He groaned.
The door creaks open, and Arthur Smith walks in, his face a mask of concern. Arthur is a tall, imposing man with a calculating look in his eyes. He approaches the bed with a mixture of sympathy and hidden satisfaction.

"James, you're awake. How are you feeling?" Asked the man.

"What happened? Why am I here? And why are you here uncle..?" James asked endless questions. "You were shot, James. By Taehyung." Said Arthur. James' eyes widen as the memories flood back: the deal, Jennie, Taehyung's cold eyes, and the gunshot. James struggled to sit up. "T-Taehyung.. That bastard. He took jennie!" Exclaimed James.

Arthur places a hand on James' shoulder, gently pushing him back. "Easy, James. You need to rest. Tell me what happened." Said Arthur.

"I was trying to pay off my debt. I offered Jennie to Taehyung, thinking he’d be satisfied. Instead, he shot me and took her away." Explained james, getting more angry as he recalled the story. Arthur listens, his expression carefully neutral, though inside he's pleased his plans are aligning.

Arthur acted as is he was shocked. "My God, James. That’s terrible. I had no idea Taehyung was that dangerous." Arthur lied through his teeth.  "Yeah, well, now you know. I want revenge, Arthur. I want to make him pay for this." Said James bitterly.

Arthur nodded. "I understand. And you will have your revenge, James. But we need to be smart about this. Taehyung is a powerful man." Explained Arthur. "I don’t care how powerful he is. I want him dead uncle" said James, seething.

"And you will have your chance. I have a plan, but it requires patience and precision. We can't rush into this." Said Arthur calmly. "What’s the plan?" James asked desperately. He earned a smile from Arthur in return. "We’ll discuss it in detail soon. For now, focus on getting better. We need you at full strength for what’s to come." Said Arthur. He pats James' head, a gesture that feels both comforting and patronizing.

Arthur stood up and dusted his suit. Rest up, James. I’ll arrange a meeting where we can discuss everything. You’ll get your revenge, I promise.
James nodded "Alright. I trust you, uncle." Said James, believing every single word Arthur said.

Arthur leaves the room, his mind already working on the next steps. He knows that manipulating James’ desire for revenge will serve his own ends perfectly.