Golden Chains of Love

CHAPTER 3

Jungkook stared at his reflection in the mirror, his fingers trembling as they adjusted the tie around his neck. The suit he wore was expensive, tailored to perfection, yet it felt suffocating. Today was his wedding day, but instead of joy, he felt dread.

“Are you ready, dear?” Taehyung’s mother appeared in the doorway, her warm smile offering him a sliver of comfort.

“Yes, ma’am,” he replied softly, bowing his head.

She stepped closer, lifting his chin gently. “You look wonderful. Don’t let Taehyung’s coldness get to you. He just needs time.”

Time. That was something Jungkook wasn’t sure he had in a marriage that already felt doomed. But he nodded, determined to honor the promise he’d made to this woman who had shown him kindness when no one else had.

As the grand doors to the wedding hall opened, Jungkook’s breath hitched. The venue was breathtaking, adorned with cascading white roses, gold accents, and crystal chandeliers. Hundreds of guests filled the pews, murmuring among themselves as they turned to look at him.

At the end of the aisle stood Kim Taehyung, looking impossibly handsome in his black tuxedo. His expression, however, was as cold as ever. He didn’t smile. He didn’t even glance at Jungkook as the younger man walked toward him.

Jungkook’s legs felt like lead, but he forced himself forward, step by step, until he was standing beside Taehyung.

The officiant began speaking, his voice echoing through the grand hall, but Jungkook barely heard a word. His focus was on Taehyung, who stood rigid, his jaw tight and his eyes fixed ahead.

When it came time for the vows, Taehyung’s voice was flat, almost robotic. “I, Kim Taehyung, take you, Jeon Jungkook, to be my lawful wedded spouse. I promise to... uphold this arrangement.”

Arrangement. That word stung, but Jungkook kept his composure as he recited his own vows, his voice barely above a whisper.

When the officiant declared them married and asked them to kiss, Taehyung hesitated for a fraction of a second before leaning in. His lips brushed Jungkook’s in the briefest, coldest kiss imaginable, and then he pulled away as though nothing had happened.

The applause was deafening, but Jungkook felt hollow.Jungkook sat nervously on the edge of the bed, the silence of the grand room weighing heavily on him. He had been shown to Taehyung's bedroom after the reception, a space so vast and luxurious that it felt like another world.

Just as he was contemplating whether to stay or leave, the door opened. Taehyung walked in, his tie loosened and his jacket slung over his arm. His expression was unreadable, but the tension in his posture was unmistakable.

“Why are you sitting there?” Taehyung asked coldly, his gaze sharp as it swept over Jungkook.

“I wasn’t sure where…” Jungkook trailed off, unsure of what was expected of him.

Taehyung sighed, running a hand through his hair. “We’re married now, Jungkook. That means certain… duties are required.”

Jungkook blinked, his heart racing. “Duties?”

Taehyung’s jaw tightened as he moved closer. “Yes. My mother expects this marriage to appear real, which means you’ll fulfill the role of my spouse—in every way.”

Jungkook swallowed hard, his cheeks burning. “You mean…”

“Yes.” Taehyung’s voice was firm but low, his eyes locking onto Jungkook’s. “I don’t have time for games, Jungkook. If we’re going to make this work, you’ll do as I say.”

The words stung, but Jungkook nodded slowly. He had agreed to this marriage, after all.

Taehyung stepped closer, his gaze softening slightly as he reached out to brush a strand of hair from Jungkook’s face. “Don’t look so terrified,” he murmured, his voice dropping an octave. “This is just an arrangement. Nothing more.”Taehyung’s lips brushed against Jungkook’s, firmer this time than the fleeting kiss during the ceremony. Jungkook froze, unsure of how to respond, but Taehyung didn’t stop. His hands rested on Jungkook’s waist, pulling him closer with surprising gentleness.

“You can tell me if you’re uncomfortable,” Taehyung said quietly, his breath warm against Jungkook’s neck.

Jungkook’s voice trembled. “I… I’m fine.”

Taehyung didn’t wait for further permission. He guided Jungkook onto the bed, his movements deliberate but controlled, as though he were holding back. Despite his earlier coldness, his touch was surprisingly tender.

The rest of the night passed in a haze of soft whispers and tentative touches. For the first time, Jungkook glimpsed a side of Taehyung that was almost human—a fleeting warmth that contradicted his otherwise harsh demeanor.