𝑩𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒆'𝒔 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒇𝒆 [𝑱𝑱𝒌]❦☛

Chapter 16: [Shadows in the Light]

Chapter 16: Shadows in the Light

The mansion was eerily quiet, the kind of silence that only masked the turmoil brewing within. Y/n walked past the study, her steps faltering as muffled voices filtered through the door. She wasn't one to eavesdrop, but something in the low, hurried tone caught her attention. Pressing her ear to the wood, she froze.

"I've done what you asked," Liya's voice hissed. "But you promised I'd get the money once I'm back in the Jeon household. If this doesn't work, I'll make sure everyone knows your part in it."

Y/n's breath hitched. There was a long pause before Liya muttered, "Fine. I'll handle it." The call ended with a sharp click, and Y/n quickly retreated down the hallway, her mind racing. Who was she talking to? And what did she mean by "handle it"?

The next morning, the sun streamed into the dining room as Jungwoo munched on his cereal. Y/n sat beside him, her gaze drifting between the child's innocent face and the woman across the table who now seemed more sinister than ever.

"Mommy," Jungwoo chirped, looking up at Y/n. "Why is the new lady still here?"

The question made Y/n's heart clench. Before she could respond, Jungwoo turned to Liya, tilting his head in that curious way only children could.

"Why did you go away?" he asked, his tone filled with genuine curiosity.

Liya stiffened, the smile plastered on her face faltering. "I... I had to take care of important things, sweetheart," she replied, her voice overly sweet.

"But Mommy never went away," Jungwoo said innocently. "She stayed here with me and Daddy."

Liya's knuckles whitened as she gripped her coffee cup. Y/n reached out to place a calming hand on Jungwoo's shoulder, but the moment had already passed, leaving behind a tension so thick it was suffocating.

That evening, Y/n found herself in the nursery, surrounded by Jungwoo's toys. She picked up a stuffed bear, her fingers brushing against its worn fur, and tears welled in her eyes.

"Am I making it worse for him?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "Should I leave, Jungkook? Maybe... maybe it's better for Jungwoo if I'm not here."

Jungkook, who had been leaning against the doorframe, stepped inside and crouched beside her. His hands gently cupped her face, tilting it up so she had no choice but to meet his gaze.

"Don't you dare say that," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "You are his mother, Y/n. In every way that matters. And you're the only person who's held this family together."

"But Liya-"

"Liya is the past. You're my future. Our future," he said firmly. "And I'll do whatever it takes to prove that."

Later that night, Jungkook called Jimin and Taehyung over, their expressions grim as they sat around the kitchen table. Folders and documents were spread out before them, the weight of their contents pressing down on everyone.

"There's a way to nullify her claims," Jimin began, his finger tapping a highlighted clause. "If we can prove she's unfit or has ulterior motives, we can take this to court."

"But it won't be clean," Taehyung warned, glancing at Jungkook. "If this goes public, the Jeon family name will take a hit. Are you ready for that?"

Jungkook's jaw tightened. "I'll protect my family, no matter the cost. If she wants a fight, she'll get one."

Unbeknownst to them, Liya was already laying her own traps. The next morning, Y/n found Jungwoo sitting on Liya's lap in the living room, clutching a shiny new toy.