BOUND BY SHADOWS : A DARK ROMANCE

Chapter 4- UNRAVELING THREADS

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Morning sunlight filtered through the heavy curtains, casting a warm glow in Tysha's room. But the light did nothing to lift the weight in her chest. The encounter with Taehyung still lingered in her mind, a constant reminder of the dark reality she was trapped in.

As she dressed, she felt the bruises on her wrist throb slightly-a physical manifestation of her struggles. Just then, she heard a soft knock at the door.

"Tysha," Taehyung's voice called, smooth yet commanding. "Get ready. We have a visitor."

She hesitated, her heart racing. "A visitor?" she asked, anxiety creeping in.

"Just get dressed," he replied curtly. "I'll be waiting downstairs."

With a reluctant nod, she finished putting on a simple dress, her mind racing with possibilities. Who could it be? Was it someone who could help her, or another person added to her prison?

As she walked downstairs, she found Taehyung waiting in the spacious living room, his expression unreadable. "You look lovely," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Thanks," she replied, keeping her voice steady despite the tension in the air. "Who's the visitor?"

"Someone who's going to help you understand your role as my wife," he said, his eyes glinting with something she couldn't quite place.

Her stomach twisted in knots as she took a seat on the couch. Taehyung remained standing, an imposing figure against the backdrop of the elegant room. Moments later, the front door opened, and a woman entered, exuding an air of confidence.

"Taehyung!" she exclaimed, her voice too bright, too forced. "It's so good to see you again!"

Tysha's heart sank as the woman approached, her demeanor warm and welcoming. Taehyung's posture shifted, softening as he embraced her. "I missed you, Eunji. It's been too long."

"Who is she?" Tysha asked, her voice barely above a whisper, a surge of jealousy coursing through her.

Eunji turned, her smile fading slightly as she took in Tysha's expression. Her gaze was cold, assessing. "I'm Eunji, an old friend of Taehyung's. He told me all about you."

Tysha felt a wave of insecurity wash over her. "What exactly did he tell you?" she asked, her tone sharper than she intended.

Taehyung stepped in, his gaze hardening. "Enough of this. Eunji is here to help you understand what it means to be part of this family."

"What do you mean?" Tysha asked, her heart racing. "What's there to understand?"

Eunji smiled, but it wasn't a friendly smile. It was the kind of smile someone gives when they know they have power over you. "Taehyung and I go way back. I know what it's like to navigate a relationship like yours. It can be difficult, but I'm here to guide you."

"Guide me?" Tysha echoed, confusion clouding her thoughts. "You mean control me like he does?"

Eunji's smile only grew wider, but there was no warmth in it-only condescension. "You'll learn," she purred. "Eventually."

Taehyung's expression darkened, and he stepped forward, grabbing Tysha by the chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. "You will learn to respect me, Tysha. This is your last chance to do so willingly."

Eunji watched with an almost amused look, her lips curling slightly. "Taehyung, don't be too hard on her. She's just a little confused. But you know," she added, her voice softening, "she'll figure it out soon enough."

Tysha's anger flared. "I'm not confused," she shot back, her defiance rising. "I refuse to let you manipulate me."

With a swift motion, Taehyung's grip tightened on her chin, his fingers digging in. "You think you have a choice? You think you can speak to me like that without consequences?"

Tysha swallowed hard, her pulse quickening as she tried to pull away. "You're hurting me," she said, her voice trembling.

"Good," he said, leaning closer, his breath warm against her skin. "Maybe you'll finally understand that I'm not to be trifled with."

Eunji stepped forward, her tone almost sugary as she interjected, "Taehyung, darling, don't hurt her too much. It's hard to watch someone still so... unrefined."

He released Tysha abruptly, causing her to stumble back. She gasped, her breath coming in shaky bursts. "You're making a mistake, Tysha," he warned, his voice low and threatening. "I can make your life miserable."

Tysha's heart raced as she stared at him, a mix of fear and anger surging within her. "You already are."

Eunji glanced between them, sensing the rising tension. "How about we take a break? Maybe a walk outside? Fresh air will do us good."

"Fine," Taehyung said, his voice cold. "But remember, Tysha, I'll be watching you."

As they left the house, Tysha couldn't shake the feeling of dread weighing her down. Walking alongside Eunji, she tried to remain calm, but the tension with Taehyung loomed overhead.

"So," Eunji began, breaking the silence, "what's your impression of Taehyung?"

Tysha hesitated, unsure of how to answer. "He's... intense. Controlling."

Eunji nodded, a knowing look in her eyes. "That's not uncommon for him. He has high expectations, but he also cares deeply. He just shows it in his own way."

"Cares?" Tysha scoffed. "It doesn't feel like care when he's hurting me."

"Maybe not physically," Eunji replied, her voice cool. "But he has his own demons. You need to understand that."

"What demons?" Tysha pressed, curiosity mingled with skepticism.

"Taehyung grew up in a world where vulnerability is seen as weakness. He's built walls to protect himself, but they've only made him colder," Eunji said, her voice dripping with condescension.

Tysha felt a flicker of sympathy, but it was quickly overshadowed by the anger she felt towards him. "That doesn't excuse his behavior. I shouldn't have to suffer because of his past."

"True," Eunji said softly, almost mockingly. "But you have to find a way to connect with him. To break through those walls. Otherwise, this will only escalate."

Before Tysha could respond, Taehyung's voice called out from behind them. "What are you two talking about?" His tone was sharp, a clear warning.

Eunji turned, her smile returning. "Just girl talk! Getting to know each other better."

Taehyung's eyes narrowed, suspicion evident. "Tysha, you're not sharing anything you shouldn't be, are you?"

"No, of course not," she replied quickly, forcing a smile to mask her anxiety.

As they continued walking, Tysha's mind raced. What was Taehyung really planning? Would she ever be free from his grip?

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As they approached the edge of the estate, Tysha felt a chill run down her spine. She spotted a figure lurking in the shadows, watching them. The figure was familiar, and her heart dropped as she recognized it-it was Jungkook, looking anxious and fearful. What was he doing there, and had Taehyung seen him?

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~to be continued💕