Unbinding Tradition

64. Frustration 🥴

Please comment down your thoughts and don't be a dumb silent reader. Very few readers show some appreciation by leaving comments...

The morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow across the spacious bedroom.

Tae stood in front of the mirror, drying her damp hair with a towel. Her movements were slow, her shoulders slumped as though carrying the weight of a world no one else could see. Her eyes, though bright, were shadowed with exhaustion.

The constant taunts from family, the whispered words of neighbors, and the relentless questioning of her worth were eating away at her resolve.

With a heavy sigh, she threw the wet towel onto the bed, barely noticing where it landed. Her hands reached for her comb, and she began working through her hair, her fingers trembling slightly as she braided it into a neat plait.

The door to the bathroom creaked open, and Jungkook emerged, his hair freshly wet, his body wrapped in a pristine white towel tied low around his waist. He was whistling softly, the sound carefree, as though he hadn’t a worry in the world. But as his eyes fell on the wet towel sprawled across the bed, his carefree demeanor changed instantly.

His brows furrowed in irritation as he strode toward the bed, picking up the offending towel.

Jk- Bawri chori.. (he scolded in his deep, authoritative tone) How many times do I have to tell you not to leave wet towels on the bed? Are you a child?

Tae turned to him, her expression neutral, though her mood was clearly off. Her lips parted as if to say something, but all that came out was a soft,

Tae- Sorry, Sa.

Her gaze dropped to the floor, and she moved to leave the room, but Jungkook wasn’t having it.

Before she could take another step, he reached out and grabbed her wrist, pulling her back to face him.

Jk- What’s with your mood, huh? (he asked, his tone stern but laced with curiosity)

Tae avoided his gaze, her voice quiet.

Tae- Let me go, please.

Jungkook’s grip on her wrist tightened slightly. His frown deepened as he studied her face.

Jk- Don’t tell me, you’re still stuck on that pregnancy topic.

At that, Tae yanked her wrist free, her eyes instantly turning glossy with unshed tears. Her voice trembled as she replied,

Tae- Then what should I do, Sa? What else am I supposed to do? (her voice cracked, and the tears she’d been holding back began to spill) I’m tired… tired of listening to everyone’s taunts, being called a barren wretch, being insulted in ways I can’t even repeat. It’s too much. Everything has a limit!

Jungkook’s jaw tightened, but Tae continued, her voice rising with emotion.

Tae- Your family keeps pressuring me, neighbors whisper behind my back, and everyone keeps reminding me of my failure. And you— (her voice broke again as she pointed at him) —you get angry even when I try to talk to you about it! Since when have I been asking you to make me preg—

Jk- ENOUGH! (he roared, cutting her off mid-sentence. His voice was sharp and loud, echoing off the walls) Are you mad or what? For God’s sake, how many times do I have to tell you; we won't have a child now? Why can’t you understand?

Tae flinched at his tone. Tears continued to stream down her face, but she wiped them away quickly.

Tae- I’m not asking for much. (she said, her voice breaking) I’m only asking because everyone else keeps blaming me. They’re targeting me, Sa. No one says a word to you, but their taunts… they’re killing me. I can’t take it anymore.