The CEO's Moon

Chapter Twenty-Four

Taehyung was in his office, meticulously going over the latest business reports and planning upcoming projects. He was signing some documents when his thoughts drifted to last weekend. It has been three days since that lunch with Jin and he somehow got the vibe that he felt so happy to have spent the time with his ex husband. He remembered he almost kissed Jin if only his son did not suddenly went out and teased them. He had spent time with Jin until the latter bid him goodbye after cooking a hearty dinner for them. Taehyung and Aunt Mina urged him to stay for dinner but Jin declined as he was still going to do some groceries for himself.  Jaehyun was almost teary eyed when Jin hugged him. Jaehyun wanted him to stay. But Jin promised that he will spend time the next Saturday. Before Jin rode the car, he gave Taehyung a small smile thanking him for the day spent. Taehyung, Jaehyun and Aunt Mina saw him off with heavy hearts. The tranquility of his thoughts was suddenly interrupted by Jiyoung who knocked and informed him of the arrival of his parents. The assistant left as soon as the older Kims entered and closed the door.

His parents, Kim Daeho and Kim Jieun, walked in, their expressions serious. They had just arrived  from a business trip yesterday and decided to pay Taehyung a visit. Taehyung smiled. It wasn't often that they made unannounced visits to his office.

Daeho, an imposing figure in his late fifties, carried an air of authority and elegance. His tailored suit and polished demeanor reflected his status as a successful businessman. Jieun, equally elegant, exuded grace and poise in her designer dress and subtle jewelry. Her presence was commanding yet gentle, embodying the balance of strictness and warmth that defined her.

"Mother, Father, what a surprise," Taehyung greeted, standing to welcome them.

They nodded in acknowledgment and took a seat on the plush couch in Taehyung's office. Despite their strict demeanor, they were doting parents and grandparents, always deeply invested in the well-being of their family.

"We need to talk," Daeho said, his tone leaving no room for pleasantries. He pulled out his phone and showed Taehyung a video. It was footage of Taehyung, Jin, and Jaehyun at a fast-food car parking lot. The scene was domestic, almost idyllic, which seemed to anger his father.

"I’ve learned that Jin is back in Korea after 10 years," Daeho said sternly. "And not only that, he’s working as the executive chef at our hotel. What are his intentions?"

Taehyung was taken aback. He hadn't realized his father had been keeping tabs on Jin. Gathering his thoughts, he replied calmly, "Jin is just trying to make up for the lost time with Jaehyun. I allowed it."

Jieun, who had been silently observing, spoke up, her voice laced with bitterness. "Have you forgotten what Jin did to you and Jaehyun? He left you both, causing you immense misery. Are you sure he's not just trying to take advantage of your wealth now that he knows you’re successful?"

Taehyung felt a pang of pain but remained silent. His mother’s words brought back memories of a time he had tried to put behind him.

Daeho leaned forward, his eyes searching Taehyung’s. "You need to guard yourself and Jaehyun. Don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment."

He then shifted the conversation. "How is Jin performing as the executive chef?"

Taehyung answered honestly. "He's doing exceptionally well. The staff respects him, and the reviews have been positive."

Jieun scoffed. "Positive reviews don’t erase the past, Taehyung. Be careful. He may be charming, but don’t let him fool you again."

Daeho's face softened slightly as he recalled a time from the past. "Taehyung, do you remember when you told us you had secretly married Jin? Despite my doubts, I accepted your decision because I trusted you. And when you were undergoing therapy, your mother and I, along with Mina, took care of Jaehyun. We saw how devastated you were after Jin left."

The memory of those difficult times made Taehyung wince. His parents had been there for him during his darkest days, and their concern now was a reflection of their love and protectiveness.

"I remember, Father," Taehyung replied softly. "But Jin wasn’t the only one at fault. I made mistakes too. I hurt him, and that’s why he treated me the way he did."

Jieun's eyes widened in disbelief. "Taehyung, are you saying that you deserved to be abandoned? That Jaehyun deserved to grow up without his father?"

Taehyung shook his head. "No, that’s not what I’m saying. I just want you to understand that it wasn’t all Jin’s fault. We both made mistakes, and now we’re trying to fix them."

His mother’s gaze softened, but her tone remained firm. "Just be careful. We don’t want to see you hurt again."

Seeing the emotion in his mother’s eyes, Taehyung’s resolve wavered. Jieun moved closer, wrapping her arms around him in a comforting embrace. "Taehyung, we’re just looking out for you and Jaehyun. We would do anything to protect you both."

Tears welled up in Taehyung’s eyes as he returned the hug, feeling the depth of his parents' love and concern. "I know, Mother. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and Jaehyun."

Jieun pulled back slightly, cupping Taehyung’s face in her hands. "Promise me you’ll be careful. I’ll visit Jaehyun soon; I miss him."

"I promise," Taehyung said, his voice filled with conviction.

Daeho placed a reassuring hand on Taehyung’s shoulder. "Good. I’ll visit the hotel kitchen one day to see for myself."

As his parents left, Taehyung sat back in his chair, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. He knew his parents were only trying to protect him, but their distrust of Jin reopened old wounds. He had promised himself to keep a clear head, but seeing Jin again had stirred feelings he had thought long buried.

As he watched his parents leave, he couldn’t help but feel torn. Part of him wanted to believe Jin had changed, but another part reminded him of the pain he had endured. He knew the road ahead was fraught with challenges, but he was determined to navigate it carefully, for his sake and Jaehyun’s.

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Hmmm....