Not Just An Infatuation ( COMPLETED )

chapter 68

The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the bustling city as Taehyung’s sleek black car pulled up in front of an upscale restaurant. He stepped out first, his presence commanding as always, before circling around to open the door for Sia. She stepped out, her movements slow and mechanical, her eyes dull, devoid of the spark they once had.

Taehyung glanced at her, a slight frown creasing his brow. Sia’s robotic demeanor had persisted since they left the mansion. He knew she had been through a lot, but this lifelessness was beginning to irritate him. He didn’t want her to be broken; he wanted her to submit, to obey, but still retain the essence of who she was.

They entered the restaurant, the soft lighting and elegant decor doing little to lift Sia’s spirits. The maître d' greeted them with a warm smile, recognizing Taehyung immediately. “Mr. Kim, your usual table is ready,” he said, leading them to a secluded corner of the restaurant, away from prying eyes.

As they sat down, Taehyung noticed how Sia’s hands rested limply in her lap, her gaze fixed on the table as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world. He clenched his jaw, trying to suppress the frustration building inside him. This wasn’t how he had envisioned their evening.

The waiter approached, handing them the menus. Taehyung barely glanced at his before ordering, his tone sharp. “The usual for me.” He looked at Sia, waiting for her to speak, but she remained silent, her eyes still downcast.

“Sia,” he said, his voice low but firm. “Order something.”

She blinked, her eyes slowly rising to meet his. There was no defiance, no fear, just emptiness. “I’m not hungry,” she murmured.

Taehyung’s eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. “Order something,” he repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Sia hesitated for a moment before finally speaking, her voice barely audible. “A salad… please.”

The waiter nodded and left, leaving them in an uncomfortable silence. Taehyung’s eyes bore into Sia, searching for any sign of the woman she used to be, the woman who would challenge him, who would try to fight back, even in her helplessness. But she was gone, replaced by this shell of a person.

“Sia,” he began, his voice softer now, though laced with an undercurrent of warning. “You can’t continue like this. You’re not a robot.”

Sia didn’t respond, her eyes drifting back down to her hands. Taehyung leaned forward, his voice dropping to a whisper.

 “ Sia. I’ve told you this before.  I don’t want a lifeless doll. I want you. The real you.”

She flinched at his words, but still said nothing. The food arrived, but Sia barely touched her salad. Taehyung, however, ate methodically, his eyes never leaving her. The silence between them grew heavier with each passing moment.

Finally, Taehyung set down his fork and reached across the table, taking one of Sia’s hands in his. She tensed at the contact, but didn’t pull away.

 “I’m giving you everything, and I'm willing to give whatever you want luxury, staus everything ”

 he said, his voice low but intense.

 “And I expect you to give me everything in return. But not like this. I need you, Sia. All of you. I don't want you to behave like a lifeless doll it's getting in my nerves”

Sia’s eyes filled with tears, but she still couldn’t bring herself to speak. Taehyung’s grip on her hand tightened, his thumb brushing over her knuckles.