Bridges and Boundaries / Kim Taehyung

Chapter 5

Y/N's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. "Marry Seungmin? Father, I—"

"This is not up for discussion," Mr. Han interrupted, his voice cold and resolute. "Seungmin is an excellent match for you. He comes from a reputable family, and his background and values align with ours. This marriage will secure your future and restore the family's honor after the recent... disruptions."

Y/N's mind raced as she tried to process the magnitude of what her father was proposing. "But, Father, I don't love Seungmin. I can't marry him just because of this arrangement."

Mr. Han's expression hardened. "Love is a luxury we cannot afford. Our family's reputation and future are at stake. Seungmin is a suitable match, and I expect you to honor this decision."

Tears welled up in Y/N's eyes as she struggled to keep her composure. "What about Taehyung? What about the love we shared? You can't just erase that."

Mr. Han's face remained stern. "Taehyung is no longer a part of your life. He was dismissed from his position, and any further contact with him is strictly prohibited. You need to move forward and accept the reality of your situation."

Y/N's heart ached with every word her father spoke. The love she had for Taehyung felt like a distant, cherished memory now overshadowed by her father's uncompromising decisions. "Isn't there any way we can find a compromise? Can't we at least try to work things out differently?"

Mr. Han's gaze was unyielding. "There is no room for compromise in this matter. The arrangements have been made, and Seungmin's family is already informed of the engagement. I expect you to accept your new role with grace and dignity."

The finality of Mr. Han's words left Y/N feeling helpless. The prospect of a future with Seungmin, whom she had always seen as a mere acquaintance, was overwhelming. The idea of marrying someone she did not love felt like a betrayal of her own heart.

"Father," Y/N said, her voice trembling, "I need time to process this. Can I at least have a few days to come to terms with everything?"

Mr. Han's expression softened slightly, but his resolve remained firm. "You have until the end of the week. After that, the preparations will begin in earnest. I suggest you use this time wisely."

With that, Mr. Han dismissed her, leaving Y/N alone in the study. The weight of her father's decision pressed heavily on her shoulders as she left the room. The walls of the estate, once familiar and comforting, now felt like a prison enclosing her in a future she had never imagined.

Over the next few days, Y/N found herself trapped in a whirlwind of emotions. Her interactions with Seungmin became increasingly formal and strained, as she struggled to reconcile her feelings with the expectations thrust upon her. Seungmin, ever the charmer, remained attentive and hopeful, but Y/N's heart was not in the engagement.

In private moments, Y/N replayed the memories of her time with Taehyung, finding solace in the fleeting moments of happiness they had shared. The pain of his absence was a constant ache, and the thought of moving forward with Seungmin felt like a betrayal of everything she had once held dear.

Y/N's days were filled with a mix of reluctant acceptance and inner turmoil as she faced the reality of her impending marriage to Seungmin. The future seemed uncertain and fraught with compromise, and she struggled to find a sense of peace amid the storm of her emotions.

As the week drew to a close, Y/N prepared to face the inevitable changes in her life. The engagement to Seungmin was becoming an undeniable reality, and the dreams she had once held dear were slipping further away. The path forward was unclear, but one thing remained certain: the love she had for Taehyung was something she could never fully let go of.

The night before the engagement announcement, Y/N stood by the window of her room, gazing out at the moonlit garden. The memories of her time with Taehyung felt like a distant dream, and the future with Seungmin seemed like an uncharted territory. As she looked out at the garden where she had once shared moments of joy and intimacy, she couldn't help but wonder if there was a way to bridge the gap between her past and her present.