Unbinding Tradition

28. Promise of respect🤞

PLEASE VOTE AND COMMENT DHER SARA...

As days passed, Tae had quickly adapted to her role as the Jeon family's eldest daughter-in-law. From the break of dawn until the late hours of the night, she handled everything with grace—whether it was preparing meals, overseeing the servants, or managing the household's daily affairs.

At first, Dadi-sa had been doubtful of her, but now she had started praising Tae to other family members. This made Tae feel proud of finally being accepted, yet there was something that still bothered her deep inside.

Jungkook.

He was still a mystery to her. While everyone else had shown approval, she couldn't tell if he was pleased with her efforts or if he still thought she wasn't enough.

One evening, as they sat together in their room after dinner, Tae made up her mind to speak. She had been thinking about this conversation for days. Jungkook, leaning back in his chair, was busy looking over some work documents, but Tae knew this was her best chance to talk to him.

Tae- Sa.. (she started hesitantly, trying to mask the nervousness in her voice)

He hummed in acknowledgment but didn't look up from the papers.

Tae- I've been thinking... I've been fulfilling all my responsibilities as the eldest daughter-in-law. Dadi-sa seems happy with me including rest of the family members and I've been taking care of everything. (she said, her voice soft but determined)

Jungkook finally looked up from the papers, his eyes locking onto hers. His gaze was intense, as always, making her heart race slightly.

Jk- Hmm.. (he responded, his expression unreadable) And?

Tae swallowed hard.

Tae- Does that mean... I'm a good wife too?

A small smirk tugged at the corner of Jungkook's lips, and he raised an eyebrow.

Jk- Good wife? What makes you think being a good daughter-in-law automatically makes you a good wife?

Tae blinked, taken aback. She had assumed that the two roles overlapped.

Tae- But I've been performing all my duties. I've done everything expected of me.

Jungkook set the papers aside and stood up, walking slowly toward her.

Jk- Are you sure about that?

His tone was teasing, yet there was an edge to it. He stopped just inches away from her, making her feel the tension in the air.

Jk- You think that doing chores and managing the house is all there is to being a wife?

Tae felt her heart skip a beat. She knew where this conversation was heading, and she wasn't ready for it. Her breath hitched as Jungkook leaned down slightly, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered,

Jk- You're still lacking in one major role of being a wife.

She clenched her hands tightly at her sides, her pulse quickening.

Tae- I... I don't think I can... (she stammered, trying to back away slightly, but Jungkook's presence was overpowering)

Jk- You know exactly what I'm talking about, don't you? (his voice was low, filled with amusement as he pulled back just enough to look into her eyes) I've been patient. But don't think I haven't noticed.

Tae looked away, feeling her cheeks burn with embarrassment. She couldn't meet his gaze anymore. She had been fulfilling every other duty, but this... this was something she had struggled with.