𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐒 || 𝐊𝐓𝐇

Chapter-3: Crossing paths

Taehyung

The crisp evening air slapped my face as I stepped out of Jeon's mansion, the cold a perfect mirror of the reality check I desperately needed. Millie's performance tonight? Flawless. Either she deserved an Oscar for her act, or her shamelessness had reached an unfathomable level.

How could someone look so innocent and yet hide so much? Her facade made my stomach churn with a mix of curiosity and disdain.

The drive home was a blur, the city lights streaking past as my mind replayed the night’s events on an endless loop. I barely noticed when I pulled into my driveway. The moment I stepped into the warmth of my home, Jimin’s voice greeted me.

"Hey! You look like you’ve lost your last marble," he teased, a chuckle escaping as he clapped a hand on my shoulder. "Just a long night, Jimin," I replied, brushing past him toward the couch.

"Long night or long thoughts about a certain someone?" His tone was dripping with mischief, his eyes sparkling with amusement. I rolled my eyes, sinking into the cushions. "You know me too well."

"Someone’s gotta keep you in check." He plopped down beside me. "So, spill it. What’s got you brooding?"

I hesitated for a moment, debating whether to share the storm swirling inside my head. "Just wondering how people can be so good at pretending," I admitted, my voice low. "Pretending?" he echoed, eyebrows furrowing.

"Yeah," I said with a shrug. "Putting on a mask, hiding the truth." My gaze flicked to him, and he was watching me intently. "Sounds like you’re talking about someone specific," he probed, his curiosity evident. "Let’s just leave it," I said sharply, cutting the conversation short.

He sighed, leaning back. "Fine, but you’re getting too caught up in your head. Let’s drop it for now. I want to go shopping tomorrow." His face lit up with excitement, his mood as infectious as ever. "Come with me?"

"Sure, sounds fun," I replied automatically, though my mind was still miles away.

He continued rambling about his shopping plans, but I was elsewhere, consumed by Millie’s innocent act. It was an affront, a challenge I couldn’t ignore. My lips curled into a cold smile. They would all see soon enough—the real Taehyung. No one betrayed me and got away with it. Not Millie. Not the Jeons.

"Hey, you listening?" Jimin’s voice cut through my thoughts. He waved a hand in front of my face, his expression laced with concern. "Yeah," I said with a low chuckle, leaning back into the couch. "I’m listening."

But my mind was already elsewhere.

Millie

The warmth of the sun kissed my skin as I strolled through the bustling streets with Hannah and Emilia. Their cheerful chatter filled the air, momentarily easing the weight on my shoulders. Today was all about me—finding the perfect wedding dress and finalizing details for the big day.

"I’m so glad we’re doing this, girls," I said, smiling at them. "I need your expert opinions."

"We’re honored to be part of it," Emilia said, scanning the storefronts. Her eyes lit up. "That new bridal boutique just opened up—let’s check it out." The boutique was a vision of elegance. Rows of stunning gowns surrounded us, each one more breathtaking than the last.