SHATTERED VOWS | JEON JUNGKOOK X OC |

Chapter 8

Time moved forward, and life for both Jungkook and Arin settled into a rhythm. Every day was much like the one before—a steady cycle of work, quiet mornings, and silent dinners. They shared the same space, but the distance between them was still vast, unbridgeable.

Arin was flourishing. At work, she was unstoppable.  Her competence and strategic brilliance didn’t go unnoticed—clients and colleagues alike praised her for her sharp mind and leadership. Every day brought new accolades, and with them, a sense of accomplishment that filled the void left by her hollow marriage.

She attended social events, met with high-profile clients, and even appeared in the press for her contributions to the company. Her name was starting to carry weight, not just as Min Arin, but as someone who could stand tall on her own. Each success was a step toward building the life she wanted—one where she didn’t need to rely on anyone, least of all Jungkook.

But behind closed doors, in the apartment she shared with Jungkook, things were different. They barely spoke, their interactions polite but distant. Arin had accepted the reality of her marriage. She didn’t need Jungkook’s affection or approval to feel complete. In fact, the silence gave her space to focus on herself.

Jungkook’s life, on the other hand, was equally filled with triumphs, though in a different world entirely. The Violent Crimes Unit kept him busy—too busy, some might say. He was solving cases, earning commendations from his superiors, and building a reputation as one of the most talented detectives in the force. His colleagues admired him, not just for his skill, but for his dedication.

What they didn’t know, though, was that Jungkook was hiding something. The ring on his finger stayed tucked away in his pocket most days, only slipping back on at night when he came home. No one at the station knew about his marriage. He had told them long ago that he wasn’t interested in settling down anytime soon, and now, the thought of admitting he had gone back on his word made his stomach turn. Maybe it was the shame of it, or maybe it was something else—something about the idea of being called “married” felt... uncomfortable.

Jungkook wasn’t sure why. He and Arin lived separate lives. It wasn’t as though he had to answer to her or be involved in her world. But still, every time someone at work asked about his personal life, he avoided the subject entirely. The idea of them finding out gnawed at him, but he couldn’t explain why.

Breakfast had become a regular occurrence for them. Where Jungkook used to leave the apartment early, grabbing a coffee on the way to work, he now found himself sitting across from Arin most mornings. The quiet of the apartment as they shared their meal had become a part of his routine. Sometimes, he even stayed for dinner, though the conversation between them was minimal.

This morning was no different. The sound of toast popping from the toaster broke the silence. Jungkook sat at the table, sipping his coffee as Arin poured over her emails. She had been up early, as always, getting a head start on her day.

The only sound between them was the clinking of cutlery and the quiet hum of the city outside. Jungkook glanced at the clock. He had about twenty minutes before he needed to leave for the station, but he made no rush.

Arin broke the silence first, her voice calm as she looked up from her phone. “Your parents called me yesterday,” she said, keeping her tone even. “They invited us for dinner tonight.”

Jungkook’s expression didn’t change, though his grip on his coffee cup tightened slightly. He took a moment before responding, his voice as cool as ever. “I’ve got a lot of work at the station today,” he said. “You can go by yourself. I’ll join later.”

Arin wasn’t surprised. It was the same answer he always gave. She had stopped expecting him to come to these family dinners, knowing that work was his priority. Still, it didn’t stop the slight twinge of disappointment she felt, even though she had long accepted the situation.