𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐒 || 𝐊𝐓𝐇

Chapter-36: Mine to ruin, mine to love

Millie

It had been two days since I made the choice to stay in Ava’s room, but it wasn’t without a heavy cost to my heart. Ignoring Taehyung had become my way of punishing him—a deliberate effort to make him understand the hurt he had caused. Each time he tried to approach me, I would quietly slip away, finding refuge in Ava’s company. But while I wanted him to feel the weight of his mistakes, the truth was, it wasn’t any easier for me.

Every time I saw him, my heart betrayed me. I craved his presence, the warmth of his arms, the deep timbre of his voice. I wanted to run to him, to forgive him completely, but my stubborn resolve reminded me to stay firm. I needed him to prove he deserved me.

Tonight, Ava’s words interrupted my internal conflict.

“Ava?” I called softly. She peeked out from her doorframe. “Millie, I think I’m okay on my own tonight. You don’t have to stay.”

Her tone was light, but my instincts told me something else was at play. Had Taehyung asked her to do this? The possibility ignited a flicker of annoyance, but I swallowed it down, offering her a smile.

“All right, Ava. Goodnight.”

As I left her room, an odd mixture of nervousness and anticipation settled in my chest. I headed to my own room, opening the door cautiously, but the moment I stepped inside, the faint sound of water running from the bathroom stopped me. Then, the door creaked open, and there he was.

Taehyung stepped out, his damp hair clinging to his forehead, droplets of water gliding down the sharp angles of his jaw. He looked like he belonged in a painting—every movement deliberate, every glance piercing. His eyes met mine, and in that moment, the air in the room seemed to shift.

“Millie,” he said, his voice low and smooth, carrying a weight that made my chest tighten.

I froze, unsure whether to stand my ground or retreat. Before I could decide, he closed the space between us, his gaze holding mine captive.

“I know you’re still angry with me,” he began, his voice soft but unwavering. “And I don’t blame you. But I need you to know… I love you. More than anything, Millie. And I’ll do whatever it takes to make this right.”

His hand brushed against mine—a fleeting touch that sent a shiver up my spine. He stepped closer, his presence so overwhelming it was impossible to look away.

“I know I hurt you,” he continued, his voice cracking slightly. “I hate myself for it. But I promise you, I’ll never make you feel that pain again. You deserve to be loved, cherished… and I swear I’ll spend the rest of my life proving that to you.”

His words wrapped around me like a balm, soothing the ache I hadn’t realized I was still carrying. My resolve began to falter. I searched his face for any trace of insincerity, but all I found was raw, unfiltered love. I took a deep breath, my voice trembling as I replied, “I forgive you, Taehyung. I already have.”

Relief flooded his features, and the smile that spread across his face felt like sunlight breaking through a storm. Without hesitation, he pulled me into his arms, holding me like he was afraid I’d disappear.

“Thank you,” he murmured, his breath warm against my ear. “I promise, I’ll spend every day being the husband you deserve.” His hands began to wander then, tracing the curve of my back, and a mischievous grin tugged at his lips.