𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐒 || 𝐊𝐓𝐇

Chapter-2: Fractured relationships

Taehyung

As I walked back to my car, the memory of that careless girl lingered in my mind. Her fiery spirit, her sharp features—it was an irritating yet fleeting distraction. I shook my head, scoffing at myself.

"Idiotic girl," I muttered, gripping the steering wheel as I slid into the driver’s seat. "Doesn’t even know how to watch where she’s going."

When I reached home, my focus shifted to the mountain of business deals awaiting me. Yet, as I poured myself a glass of whiskey, her face flashed in my mind again—those blazing eyes, that unyielding tone. "What’s wrong with me?" I growled, downing the whiskey in one swift gulp.

Just then, my mother entered the room, her warm smile softening my irritation. “Taehyung, dear, I have some news,” she began. “Tomorrow, we’re invited to dinner at Mr. Jeon’s residence.”

I stiffened, my jaw clenching at the mention of their name. “You can’t be serious,” I hissed. Her smile faltered. “Taehyung—”

“After what they did to Ava?” My voice was low and cold, my emotions threatening to boil over. Mother stepped closer, her expression gentle but firm. “Taehyung, it wasn’t their fault. The accident—”

“I don’t care,” I snapped, my grip tightening around the glass in my hand. “Jungkook’s recklessness nearly killed Ava. And now you want me to sit with them as if nothing happened? To watch him pretend to care when he backed out of their engagement?”

Ava’s fragile, broken body flashed in my memory—her unconscious form in the hospital, the endless days of waiting for her to wake up. “Dad’s friendship with Mr. Jeon doesn’t excuse their negligence,” I continued, the bitterness in my tone undeniable.

Mother sighed, placing a hand on my arm in a calming gesture. “Taehyung, Millie’s return is significant for the Jeons. We must show respect.” “Millie?” I frowned, the name catching my attention. “She’s Jungkook’s sister."

“Fine,” I said after a moment, the corners of my mouth curving into a menacing smile. “I’ll attend.” As my mother left the room, I whispered to myself, "I’ll make your life hell, Jeons."

I made my way to Ava’s room, my heart clenching at the sight of her pale, sleeping face. The soft glow of the nightlight cast gentle shadows on her features, but all I could feel was rage. I sank down beside her bed, gently taking her hand in mine. “Ava,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “I promise you, I’ll make them pay. The Jeons will regret ever crossing us.”

Her stillness only deepened my determination. “You’re still trapped in this prison,” I murmured. “And they’re living their lives as if nothing happened. But I won’t let it go. I’ll destroy everything that matters to Jungkook. You’ll be avenged.”

With tears brimming in my eyes, I leaned forward, pressing my forehead to hers. “Stay with me, Ava,” I whispered. “I’ll make this right.”

In that moment, I made a vow—a vow I intended to keep no matter the cost.

Millie

The next morning, Eomma’s voice rang through the house. “Millie, today’s a special day. The Kim family is coming over for dinner!”

“Eomma,” I called from the kitchen, “can I invite Mingyu too? We can discuss our wedding plans.”

“Of course, dear! Invite Emi and Hannah as well. Make it a dinner party!” Excitedly, I called Mingyu, who immediately agreed. Emi and Hannah, predictably, squealed with delight at the invitation.