𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐒 || 𝐊𝐓𝐇

Chapter-21: Danger in dark

Millie

The moment Taehyung dropped me off at the bungalow, a wave of relief swept over me. Finally, I was alone. Free from his intense gaze that seemed to pierce right through me.

Stepping into the living room, I flopped onto the plush couch and let out a long sigh. Pulling out my phone, I began scrolling through my messages when I saw a string of teasing texts from my friends, Emilia and Hannah.

Emilia: Honeymoon phase is real!
Her message was accompanied by an annoying number of winking emojis.

Hannah: I want all the deets! Is Taehyung as romantic as he is handsome?

Rolling my eyes, I couldn't help but laugh. These two were impossible. Quickly, I tapped out a reply, hoping to shut them down.

Millie: Guys, stop. You're so shameless. This isn't a honeymoon. It's just a...a business arrangement.

I hesitated, unsure of what to call my situation with Taehyung. It wasn't love. It wasn't business either. It was... complicated.

The response was instant, flooding my screen.

Emilia: Business arrangement? Is that what they're calling it these days?

Hannah: Yeah, sure, Millie. Keep telling yourself that.

I laughed again, shaking my head at their antics. But as I looked around the luxurious bungalow, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of curiosity. When did he arrange all of this?

Sinking deeper into the couch, I stared blankly at my phone, my thoughts spiraling. I'd never felt like this before. Not with Mingyu. But Taehyung? He stirred something different in me-something I couldn't name.

Without thinking, I began typing again, spilling my thoughts to my best friends.
Millie: Guys, I need to talk. I've been feeling weird lately. I know I just got married, but...I don't know. It's like I feel something for Taehyung. Like there's a connection or something.

Emilia: OMG, Millie, what's going on?! You actually feel something for him?

Hannah: Are you okay? You're not feeling pressured or anything, are you?

Hannah's concern made me pause. I didn't want to worry them.
Millie: I'm fine. It's just... I feel like I can be myself around him. Does that make sense?

Emilia: YES! That makes total sense! You're falling for him, Millie!

Hannah: Be careful, okay? Just take care of yourself.

Shutting my phone, I leaned back and sighed. What was happening to me? How could I feel anything for a man who made it clear this marriage meant nothing to him?

Images of Taehyung flashed in my mind-his cold gaze, commanding tone, and the rare, fleeting gentleness in his touch. He didn't love me. He didn't care. I was just... his wife. And yet, I couldn't stop myself from hoping.

I shook my head, scolding myself. Get it together, Millie. Love? That wasn't in the cards for us.

Standing up, I wandered over to the window, gazing at the picturesque view. The vibrant greenery and calm breeze should've soothed me, but I felt restless. I needed to move on. Forget him.

Suddenly, the lights flickered and went out, plunging the bungalow into darkness. I let out a startled cry, spinning around to understand what was happening. That's when I saw him-a tall man, cloaked in shadows, his face obscured by a black mask.

In his hand, a knife gleamed under the faint moonlight. Fear locked my body in place as my mind screamed for me to run. Who was he? What did he want?

Breaking free from my paralysis, I dropped to the floor and crawled to the far side of the room, hiding behind the wall. My heart hammered in my chest as I peeked around the corner. The intruder moved slowly, scanning the room.

Gripping my phone, I dialed the only person I could think of-Taehyung. My hands trembled as I pressed the call button. Just as I brought the phone to my ear, a hand clamped over my mouth, stifling my scream.

I struggled, my heart pounding, until I caught a glimpse of the face behind me.

"Taehyung," I whispered in relief as he pulled me into the shadows of a nearby cupboard, locking the door behind us.

His arms wrapped around me, steadying my shaking frame. "You're safe now," he murmured, his voice low and firm.

I buried my face in his chest, tears spilling over. "I...I was so scared."

He held me close, his warmth chasing away the chill of fear. "I'm here," he whispered again, but his focus shifted to the faint sound of footsteps outside.

"Who is he?" he asked. "How did he get in?"

"I don't know," I stammered, still clutching his arm. "The lights went out and suddenly... he was there."

Taehyung's jaw tightened, his gaze fixed on the door. "Stay here," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"No!" I grabbed his wrist. "He has a knife, Taehyung. You can't-"

"I won't let him hurt you," he interrupted, his voice fierce.

"Please," I whispered, tears pooling in my eyes. "Please don't leave me."

For a moment, his resolve faltered. Then, he nodded. "We'll wait."

Pressed together in the cramped cupboard, I couldn't ignore the tension crackling between us. His warmth was a lifeline, his presence grounding me. For the first time, I felt protected-truly protected.

But the moment shattered as the cupboard door swung open. The man yanked me out, his grip bruising. I screamed, struggling against him.

"Let her go!" Taehyung's voice was a dangerous growl. "I'll give you whatever you want. But if you hurt her, you're dead."

The intruder hesitated, but before he could respond, the wail of sirens filled the air. Taehyung seized the opportunity, lunging at the man.

The knife flashed, and I gasped as the blade sliced across Taehyung's collarbone.

"Taehyung!" I cried.

Ignoring the pain, he wrestled the man to the ground. The knife clattered to the floor as the police burst through the door.

Taehyung pulled me into his arms, his voice low in my ear. "You're safe now."

But as I touched his bleeding collarbone, tears filled my eyes. "You're hurt," I whispered. "It's just a scratch," he replied, his voice soft but unyielding.

Looking up at him, I saw something new in his gaze-something that made my heart race.

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