GOLDEN HEADLINES

71: Heartbreak & Blame

"NOT MY FAMILY ANYMORE"

As Alessia entered the room, her eyes locked onto the lifeless form covered by a white sheet. Her breath hitched, and before she could think, she ran toward the body.

But Marco stepped in her way, his hand outstretched like a wall of pure hatred.

"Get your dirty hands away from my wife's beautiful soul," Marco spat, his voice dripping with venom.

Alessia froze, her heart shattering at his cruel words. "D-dad, please. Let me see her. She's my mother. Please!"

Marco sneered down at her. "Your mother? You don't deserve to call her that. You disgraced her name the moment you chose to live with him. She would've been ashamed to even look at you."

Tears spilled down Alessia's cheeks as she dropped to her knees, her hands clasped together in desperation.

"Please... I'm begging you. Just one moment, Marco. Just one moment to say goodbye!"

Marco looked at her with pure disdain, his lip curling in disgust. "Beg all you want. You're nothing but a stain on this family." And then, with a cruel smirk, he raised his leg and shoved her back with his foot.

Alessia fell, gasping as the impact sent her reeling.

"ENOUGH!"

Jungkook's voice roared through the room, echoing like a thunderclap. He dropped to his knees beside Alessia, pulling her into his arms. His gaze was sharp, his eyes burning with fury as they locked onto Marco.

"NO. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BEG TO SEE YOUR MOTHER!"

His voice was commanding, filled with a chilling rage that made everyone in the room pause. Jungkook gently cupped Alessia's face, brushing her tears away.

Then he stood, his towering presence radiating pure menace.

"Let's see who stops her," he growled, his voice low and dangerous.

Jungkook's eyes turned red with fury as he took a step forward, his piercing gaze boring into Marco's soul.

The guards around the room faltered, their fear palpable. Some stepped back, unsure if they should intervene.

Jungkook pointed to the guards, his voice deadly calm. "You touch her, and I'll make sure you never touch anything again."

The guards exchanged nervous glances, then retreated further, stepping out of his way entirely.

Jungkook turned back to Marco, his face mere inches from his. His voice was sharp, like the edge of a blade.

"Alessia is going to see her mother. And you, Marco, are going to do nothing. Do you understand?"

Marco's jaw clenched, but he didn't dare move.

Jungkook's voice dropped to a whisper, just loud enough for Marco to hear. "You can hate me all you want. Say whatever you want about me. But if you try to stop her again, I will show you what it means to cross me."

Then, without breaking eye contact, he spoke over his shoulder. "Alessia, go to your mother."

Alessia, trembling but resolute, stood and walked toward the body, her heart breaking with each step.

Jungkook didn't move, his eyes locked with Marco's, a silent battle of wills. Marco's face was tight with rage, but he didn't dare speak.

As Alessia knelt beside her mother, Jungkook stayed rooted in place, his presence a shield against anyone who would dare hurt her again.