Silent Vows

Part 13

“Keep your eyes on me and answer my questions,” he instructed, his voice stern and unyielding.

Her heart raced in her chest, fear evident in her eyes. "You were forced into this marriage?"

She swallowed hard, standing in silence, her lips sealed. "I asked you a question, Y/N..." His voice pressed her for a response as she looked up at him, tears brimming in her eyes.

"C-can't we just let it go...?" Her words trailed off as he shot her a sharp glare, yanking her closer. Her breath caught.

"Answer me!" Nervousness flooded her senses, and under the weight of his intense gaze, she finally relented, nodding slightly.

Jungkook exhaled softly. "What’s going on between you and your family?"

Her eyes widened, her heart pounding even harder, and she looked away. "N-nothing..."

He let out a frustrated sigh. "You’re not going to tell me?" His voice was stern, intimidating. She swallowed again, clearly shaken by his tone and demeanor.

"Fine. If you won’t tell me, I’ll find the answers myself."

Her head snapped up, her throat suddenly dry. "W-what do you mean?"

Jungkook pulled out his phone from his pocket as Y/N watched in confusion. "W-what are you doing?"

He glanced at her, a faint smile on his lips. " Informing Mr. Park about my visit."

Her reaction was immediate—she shook her head frantically, her breathing becoming ragged. "NO! Please, don't! You can't do that!"

He raised an eyebrow. "And why not?"

Her eyes were filled with fear as she looked at him, pleading. "I-..." She hesitated before continuing softly, "I'll tell you... Just don’t tell Appa anything, please. I'm begging you."

Her voice trembled, and Jungkook sighed quietly. He put his phone away and gently took her arm, guiding her to sit down. He settled beside her, his tone softening. "Alright, I'm listening."

Y/N took a deep breath, her words slow and heavy. "Eomma died when I was 13... Appa raised me alone until one day, he brought her home... My stepmother. Everything changed after she came, especially for me."

[Flashback]
"Appa… how could you do this to me? You could’ve at least told me before making this decision," Y/N's voice trembled as she spoke.

"I know," her father sighed, "but I knew you’d be against it. All I wanted was your well-being. Trust me, Sophia is a really kind person.

She won’t let you feel alone. She’ll take care of you, just like your own mother would."

Y/N stared at him in disbelief. "It’s barely been a month since Mom passed away, Dad! I don’t want anyone else. You’re enough for me—why can’t you understand that?"

Her father rubbed his temples, clearly frustrated. "It’s done now, and I expect you to respect my decision—and Sophia too.

She’s just like a mother to you. Don’t forget that." With that, he left the room, leaving Y/N shattered and alone.

[A week later]

A week had passed since Sophia became part of their family. Y/N had fallen silent, accepting that Sophia’s presence was now a reality, with no way to change what had already been set in motion.

Y/N had just returned from college. After setting her bag aside, she headed to the kitchen, poured herself a glass of water, and quickly downed it.

Suddenly, she sensed someone nearby and turned to look. “You’re back! How was your day?”