THE UNSEEN THREAD

PART 14

AUTHOR POV

As dawn broke, Taehyung sat up in bed, his head pounding with a dull ache, a reminder of last night's conversation with Hyuk. The thrill of the plan had felt intoxicating then, a tempting path to reclaim his pride. But now, in the quiet light of early morning, the weight of it settled heavily on him.

He rubbed his temples, replaying Hyuk's words, the promise of "teaching her a lesson" echoing over and over. The plan had sounded almost simple-a quick way to restore the balance after Areeba's slap had left him humiliated. Yet, beneath the surface, unease was stirring. He wasn't sure if it was doubt or just the remnants of his conscience, but it gnawed at him.

Taehyung moved to the sink, splashing cold water on his face. But even as he tried to wash away the lingering thoughts, they stayed with him, pulling him back into the dilemma. Somewhere inside, he knew he was standing at a crossroads. Would he go through with this? Or was he letting his anger blind him to something he will regret?

In the silence, as dawn turned into day, the weight of his decision lingered like a shadow over him.

On his way to the office, Taehyung's gaze fell on a small bouquet shop nestled between the buildings. Bright blooms filled the display window, vivid colors catching his eye. He stopped, considering the idea of buying flowers-a gesture that would make his apology seem genuine, a small piece in the act he was supposed to play.

Hyuk's plan ran through his mind again. He'd suggested starting with a heartfelt apology to lower Areeba's guard. And, Taehyung knew, a bouquet would make it all seem real, something soft to mask the intention beneath. Still, something about it felt off. The thought of presenting her with flowers just for show twisted something inside him.

But he pushed the hesitation down. This was just a step, he reminded himself. One small move to set the plan in motion.

After a moment's pause, he went into the shop, selecting a bouquet with careful precision. The soft fragrance and bright colors were at odds with the thoughts swirling in his mind. But he paid for it anyway, holding the bouquet tightly as he left, determined to see this act through.

Taehyung stepped into the office, bouquet in hand, his expression carefully composed. Without a moment's pause, he headed straight for his office, the scent of flowers trailing behind him-a stark contrast to the tension he felt beneath the surface.

Once inside, he placed the bouquet on his desk and picked up the phone, dialing Mr. Choi's extension. The phone barely rang before Mr. Choi picked up.

"Did Areeba come in today?" Taehyung asked, keeping his tone even, businesslike, as if he were simply confirming any other routine matter.

"Yes, she's here," Mr. Choi replied. "She arrived on time and is already working."

Taehyung nodded to himself, a small, almost relieved sigh escaping. He glanced at the bouquet, rehearsing in his mind how he'd make this apology convincing enough. The gesture was simple, but if he played it right, it would be the first step in executing Hyuk's plan.

Taehyung walked through the office with a steady, confident stride, bouquet in hand, drawing the attention of nearly every employee he passed. Whispers floated through the hall as people glanced curiously, wondering why he was holding flowers-and who they were for.

Maha, seated a few desks away, noticed Taehyung's approach and raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. She watched as he reached Areeba's cabin, his hand lifting to knock gently on the glass of the cabin.

The murmurs around him quieted as he knocked, everyone in the vicinity subtly pausing to see what would unfold.

Areeba looked up from her computer screen, her fingers pausing over the keyboard as her eyes landed on Taehyung, standing at her door with a bouquet of flowers. Her mind raced, trying to process the scene in front of her.