From Reluctance to Desire: A Mafia Story [JJK]

✨IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER✨

I wore the gown—it was so good, hugging my figure perfectly, as if it had been made just for me. How did he get this so perfect? The wife of Korea's biggest mafia king, I thought, staring at my reflection in the mirror. The weight of that title sat heavily on my shoulders, but tonight, I had no choice but to carry it with poise.

As I fastened the last earring, a knock echoed from the doorway. Turning, I saw Julia standing there, a velvet box in her hands. Her expression was soft yet unreadable, and as she stepped inside, she exuded the quiet grace that always seemed effortless to her.

She held the box out to me, her eyes steady. "I have something for you," she said, her voice smooth but laced with something I couldn't quite place.

Curious, I watched as she opened the box, revealing a stunning diamond necklace—intricate yet timeless, each stone catching the light with an almost ethereal glow.

"Jungkook asked me to give this to you," Julia said, lifting the necklace carefully. "It belongs to his mother."

My breath hitched slightly as I took in the delicate yet powerful design.

"His mother?" I echoed, my fingers hovering just above the diamonds.

Julia nodded, stepping closer. "Yes. She wore this to important events. It was precious to her... and to him." She met my gaze, something meaningful in her expression. "Jungkook giving this to you means a lot. He loves his mother deeply."

I swallowed, my fingers brushing against the cold metal as she fastened it around my neck. The diamonds rested against my collarbone, their weight heavier than I expected—not just because of their worth, but because of what they represented.

Jungkook never spoke much about his mother, but I knew enough to understand that she had been one of the few people he had truly cared for. And now, he was giving me something that had belonged to her.

This wasn't just a statement for the world to see. It was personal.

I met Julia's gaze in the mirror. "Did he say why?"

She smiled faintly. "No. But he didn't have to."

A strange warmth spread through me—confusing and unexpected. I wasn't sure what to make of it.

Julia gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "You should go. He's waiting."

I took a deep breath, my fingers brushing over the diamonds. Tonight, there was no room for hesitation. I had a role to play, and the world was watching.

I took one last glance at my reflection. The gown fit me perfectly, its fabric smooth against my skin, flowing elegantly with every movement. The diamond necklace shimmered under the soft lights, a symbol of something deeper than just status. As I ran my fingers over the cool stones, my thoughts lingered on Jungkook.

Would he notice? Would he care?

Brushing away the uncertainty, I stepped out of the room.

As I descended the grand staircase, my eyes instinctively found Jungkook. He stood at the bottom, his presence commanding, dressed in a sleek black suit that fit him effortlessly. The air in the room seemed to shift the moment his gaze landed on me.

His expression hardened at first—his usual unreadable mask—but then, something changed.

His gaze softened, sweeping over me slowly, deliberately. He took his time, his eyes dragging over every inch of me, from the delicate straps of my gown to the way the fabric cascaded down my body. His tongue darted out to wet his lips, and his jaw clenched, as if physically restraining a reaction.