𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐒 || 𝐊𝐓𝐇

Chapter-8: Admiring?

Taehyung

The city skyline stretched endlessly beyond my office window, a labyrinth of lights and shadows that mirrored the chaos in my head. The upcoming merger consumed my every thought, leaving little room for anything else.

The sharp buzz of my phone on the desk shattered my focus. With a sigh, I picked it up.

"Yes, Mom?" My voice was curt, clipped—straight to the point.

"Taehyung-ah, I need your help," came my mother’s chirpy reply.

"What is it?" I leaned back in my chair, already bracing myself for whatever trivial matter had her calling during work hours.

"I need you to pick an outfit for Millie for your reception," she said matter-of-factly. I frowned. "You called me for this? Can’t she pick something herself?"

"She doesn’t even know I’m asking you," she countered. "And as her husband, it’s your duty to be involved in these things."

I ran a hand through my hair, frustration simmering beneath the surface. "Fine. Send me the options."

Moments later, my phone vibrated with incoming images. Dresses of various colors and styles filled the screen, but one stood out—a pale blue gown. Simple yet elegant.

"This one," I texted back.

"Perfect choice! Millie will love it," Mom replied almost instantly, her enthusiasm practically jumping off the screen.

"Don’t tell her I picked it," I quickly added.

"Why not?"

"Just don’t, Mom. Please."

There was a pause before her amused response came through. "Alright, alright. You’re so secretive." Hanging up, I tossed the phone onto the desk and exhaled sharply. Of all the things I had to deal with, why was I wasting time on this?

"Sir," my assistant’s voice interrupted through the intercom, "the Smith meeting is ready to begin."

I adjusted my tie, pushing the irritation aside. "Let’s proceed."

Millie

For two days, my phone had sat untouched, ignored as I tried to navigate the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me. But I couldn’t avoid it forever. With a shaky breath, I finally picked it up.

The screen lit up with a flood of messages, most of them from Emi and Hannah.

Emi: OMG, Millie! Where are you? Not hearing from you is freaking me out!

Hannah: Millie, please respond! We’re worried sick. Is everything okay?

I hesitated, my fingers hovering over the keyboard before I finally typed a reply.

"Hey, guys. Sorry for making you worry, but I’m fine. Let’s meet tonight and catch up."

Their responses were immediate.

Emi: We were so worried about you!!

Hannah: Taehyung must be taking such good care of her that she hasn’t had time to text!