ᴛᴀᴇɴɴɪᴇ ʟɪꜱᴋᴏᴏᴋ | ᴏɴᴇꜱʜᴏᴛ

Birthday

It was the grand birthday celebration of Jeon Chang Wook, the indomitable head of the Jeon family. Despite his advancing years, he radiated a fierce aura that instilled fear in everyone around him. He had four children, each one a distinct character. His third wife, Mina, was fifteen years younger, adding another layer of complexity to the family dynamics.

Jeon Taehyung, a dedicated doctor, was the son of Chang Wook's first marriage, which ended in divorce after several turbulent years. Taehyung's marriage to Jennie had been arranged against his will, but their mutual animosity eventually blossomed into love, and they now shared a blissful life.

Jeon Jungkook, the son from Chang Wook's second marriage, had a tragic beginning. His mother had allegedly died giving birth to him, though whispers hinted at darker truths. Recently, for the sake of maintaining family alliances, Jungkook had been forced into a marriage with Lisa. The two harbored a deep-seated hatred for each other, making their union a constant battle.

Jeon Ye Jin and Jeon Shin Hyen, the daughters of Chang Wook and Mina, were infamous for their arrogance, a trait they flaunted with pride. They particularly despised the daughters-in-law, seeing them as interlopers in their tightly-knit family.

The birthday party was held at Chang Wook's lavish villa, drawing in business magnates, wealthy elites, and extended family members. Taehyung and Jungkook, despite their reluctance, had to attend to uphold the family's façade of unity and happiness, even though they lived separately from their father.

The grand hall buzzed with conversations, each attendee exuding an air of opulence. Jennie clutched Taehyung's arm tightly as they stood at the entrance. He looked down and gave her a reassuring smile, "It's okay, I'm here, honey."

Jennie despised the family even more than Taehyung did, particularly because of how Chang Wook treated his eldest son, as though he were invisible. Her eyes scanned the room, seeking a specific person, but her search was in vain.

As they made their way inside, a young woman approached, her smile failing to reach her eyes. She was a few years younger than Jennie but addressed her by name, "Jennie, you're here?" Jennie returned the smile, though it was strained. "You didn't want me here, Ye Jin?"

Ye Jin tore her gaze away from Taehyung and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's not like that. Of course, I wanted you and big brother here."

Jennie, fully aware of Ye Jin's interest in her stepbrother, felt her anger flare. Ye Jin's eyes remained fixed on Taehyung, who seemed indifferent to the exchange. Jennie turned to her husband and said, "Honey, don't you want to talk to your little sister?"

Taehyung looked at Jennie with a warm expression before turning to Ye Jin, his eyes turning cold.

Meanwhile, in the opulent embrace of the car's luxurious interior, Jungkook and his wife sat, separated by a long hand's breadth. The chauffeur, well aware of the tension brewing between them, had already raised the privacy divider, anticipating the inevitable argument.

Jungkook, struggling to contain his frustration, exhaled deeply. In a voice that betrayed his inner turmoil, yet remained courteous, he said, "I request you, Lisa. Do not create any scenes today." Despite their frequent clashes, they always presented as a 'good couple' before their families.

Lisa's lips twitched, a telltale sign of her urge to retort, but she merely rolled her eyes. "If I intended to create a scene, I wouldn't have come with you," she replied coolly. Jungkook, however, had long ceased to trust the calm veneer she often wore.

In a low, measured tone, he responded, "I can't believe you. But know this, if you cause a scene, I will do something you’ll never forget." His threat sent a chill down her spine, but Jeon Lisa was not one to back down from a challenge. She narrowed her eyes at him, brimming with defiance. "Why are you so worried, Jungkook? That family doesn’t even care about you—"