From Reluctance to Desire: A Mafia Story

✨IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER✨

Days passed since the unsettling warning, yet Jungkook hadn't said a word about the threat that Luca mentioned. He was distant but calm, as though nothing had changed, which only strengthened my unease. Meanwhile, the party Jungkook's father had announced loomed over me like a shadow. It was the first time I would be openly stepping into the mafia world—no longer hidden behind Jungkook's powerful name but presented as his wife.

The wife of Korea's biggest mafia king, I thought, staring at my reflection in the mirror. The weight of the title made my chest feel tight. It was more than just a label—it was a responsibility, a constant reminder of the dangerous world I had married into.

Jungkook had gifted me a gown for the event—a stunning piece that felt as heavy as the title I was about to carry in front of the world. I slipped it on, the fabric hugging my curves and flowing gracefully down to my feet. It was beautiful, but the significance of the evening made my stomach churn with nerves.

As I made my way down the grand staircase, I saw Jungkook waiting at the bottom. His eyes locked onto me, and his hardened gaze softened for the first time in what felt like weeks. There was admiration in his eyes, something I hadn't seen in a long time. He looked... almost proud.

I felt heat rush to my cheeks, a blush creeping up as his gaze lingered.

"You look beautiful," Jungkook murmured when I reached him. His voice was low, and controlled, but there was an underlying warmth that made my heart flutter despite myself.

Without another word, we left the house and got into his sleek black car. The silence between us was thick, but there was something different in it—not the usual cold distance. I couldn't put my finger on it, but it felt... calmer like we were both waiting for something to break the tension.

As we neared the venue, my hands began to tremble slightly. Jungkook noticed and reached over, placing his hand on mine. The gesture was genuine, almost gentle, and it surprised me. I glanced at him, but he didn't look back, keeping his eyes on the road. His touch, though, was reassuring in a way I hadn't expected.

When we arrived, the venue was breathtaking—massive, elegant, and intimidating all at once. The grandeur of the place reflected the power and influence of everyone inside. Jungkook stepped out first, opening my door and offering his hand. I took it, and he led me into the party, his hand resting possessively on my waist, sending shivers down my spine.

The room was filled with the most influential people in Korea's underworld—politicians, businessmen, and of course, mafia leaders. I didn't know any of them, but I could feel their eyes on me, sizing me up, wondering who I was.

Jungkook's father, standing at the center of the room, gestured for us to come over. His voice boomed over the crowd as he introduced me.

"This is my daughter-in-law, Jungkook's wife," he announced with pride, his gaze sweeping over the room. "The woman behind the man."

For a moment, I felt all eyes on me, but I held my head high, refusing to show my nerves. I glanced around, trying to take in the crowd, when I noticed familiar faces—my family. I hadn't expected them to be here, but there they were, my mother among them.

"I need to speak to my mother," I whispered to Jungkook, who nodded, his eyes never leaving the crowd. He seemed distracted, and I could feel the weight of his responsibilities bearing down on him.

I made my way over to my mother, her face lighting up as soon as she saw me. "Y/N," she said warmly, pulling me into a hug. "You look stunning, darling."