THE FORGOTTEN DAD

Chapter 61: The Queen's Cage

Dae Ho strode into the Aurelius Hotels Group headquarters, pulling Jasmine close to him as they walked through the grand entrance. His arm around her waist was firm, possessive. Jasmine could feel the weight of the moment as all eyes turned towards them, the whispers of the staff filling the air. Heads bowed in respect, voices murmuring greetings to the man who commanded their world. To them, Dae Ho was not just their boss; he was their king.

"Welcome to your new home," he whispered into her ear, his breath warm against her neck. "My queen."

Jasmine's heart sank at the words. She glanced at the staff, each of them watching with thinly veiled curiosity. She forced a smile, though inside she felt suffocated. This world of wealth and power felt like a prison. As they entered his opulent office, Dae Ho's confident grip never wavered. He was taller than most, with a sharp jawline and those cold, piercing eyes—eyes that demanded submission. His handsomeness was undeniable, every inch of him perfectly put together, his sharp suit emphasizing his broad shoulders and lean frame. His Korean features, striking and elegant, seemed carved from stone. But there was something cold about him—something unyielding that made Jasmine feel trapped.

Dae Ho's personal assistant, Ji Hoon, stood by the door, nodding respectfully. "The wedding announcement is ready, sir. The journalist will arrive within the hour."

"Good," Dae Ho replied, his voice commanding yet smooth. "Prepare Jasmine. She needs to look perfect. After all, she's the future Mrs. Kim." He shot Jasmine a look, half-amused, half-possessive.

He then turned to Ji Hoon, his tone sharpening. "And remind them—no questions about Langston Group or her past with Emil. I won't tolerate it."

Jasmine listened quietly as Dae Ho dictated the terms of the interview, his possessiveness evident in every word. He was controlling the narrative, ensuring that only the perfect image of them as a couple was presented to the world. She had no say in any of it.

Jasmine stood there, speechless, as Yoo Na, her new personal assistant, came forward to introduce herself. "I'll be assisting you with all your daily routines from now on," Yoo Na said, her voice polite but firm. "Everything is already in motion for the wedding—the dress fittings, venue inspections, floral arrangements..."

Jasmine nodded, overwhelmed by the rush of events. "Thank you, Yoo Na. It's... nice to meet you. I guess we'll be working closely from now on."

Yoo Na smiled politely and continued outlining the details of the upcoming events, but Jasmine barely registered them. She felt like she was watching her life spiral out of control, as if she was merely a guest in her own future.

As the interview began, Jasmine and Dae Ho sat next to each other, the image of a perfect couple. The journalist, seated opposite them, adjusted her notes and smiled brightly. "How did you both meet?"

Dae Ho leaned back confidently, resting his hand on Jasmine's thigh. "We've known each other since our time in New York," he said smoothly, his voice dripping with charm. "We were friends first, but I always knew Jasmine was special."

Jasmine swallowed hard, feeling his hand tighten slightly on her leg. "It... it took me a while to realize it, but Dae Ho was always there for me, even when things were difficult," she added, her voice quieter, almost rehearsed.

"And when did you know you were in love?" the journalist asked, her pen poised.

Dae Ho smiled, turning his head slightly to look at Jasmine. "It was inevitable. She's the woman I've always wanted." His voice lowered as he added, "And now she's mine."

The words felt like a chain wrapping around her heart, each one tightening the bond she was being forced into.

The interview continued, mostly led by Dae Ho, with Jasmine offering the occasional polite response. She felt like a decoration—something to showcase but not really listen to. Her mind kept drifting back to Emil, to what her life could've been if things hadn't spiraled out of control.

Afterward, Dae Ho led her to his new mansion. The building stood massive and imposing, all sleek lines and modern architecture. It was beautiful, but it felt sterile, like something designed to impress rather than to live in. Jasmine stared at it, feeling a deep unease in her chest.

"It's... huge," she murmured, her voice small.

Dae Ho wrapped his arms around her from behind, his hands resting possessively on her stomach. "I've always dreamed of this," he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear. "Of having a home, a family... with you." His voice was soft, but there was an edge to it, a hunger that made her feel trapped.

Jasmine swallowed, her hands instinctively covering his. "It's a beautiful home," she whispered, though the words felt hollow.

Dae Ho turned her around to face him, his dark eyes intense, his hands still resting on her waist. "And now, we can make it a real home," he said, his gaze dropping to her lips. "We'll have everything we ever wanted. You, me... and a child."

Jasmine froze, her breath catching. She knew this moment would come—the moment he would push her towards starting a family. "A child..." she repeated softly, her voice trembling.

He smiled, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "You want that too, don't you? A child of our own... a new beginning. I want to give you everything, Jasmine. All the happiness you deserve."

His words felt like a vice around her heart. She had dreamed of a family once, but not like this. Not under these circumstances, not with this man who had stolen her future with Emil. But what choice did she have? Dae Ho was relentless, powerful, and controlling. He was offering her the world, but it wasn't a world she had ever asked for.

He kissed her softly, his lips moving against hers in a way that felt more like claiming than affection. Jasmine kissed him back, but there was no passion in it, no real feeling. It was just something she had to do, another role to play in this twisted game of power and control.

Dae Ho pulled back, his eyes shining with satisfaction. "I'll make you happy, Jasmine. I promise. All you have to do is trust me."

Jasmine forced a smile, her heart heavy. "I... I trust you," she whispered, even though deep down, she knew that was the farthest thing from the truth.