Unbinding Tradition

66. Promise of new beginning 💖

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Jungkook's black Ambassador car rolled to a stop before the grand gates of Jeon Haveli. He glanced at his watch and sighed-9 PM. He was late. Again.

The driver stepped out swiftly, opening the door with a slight bow.
"Sahab," he murmured.

Jungkook nodded, dismissing him, and stepped out, adjusting the stiff collar of his shirt. The air was unusually still, yet something about the silence felt... off. As he walked up the grand steps, he noticed the eerie glow of lamps flickering through the windows.

Why was the living room still lit? By this time, everyone would have retired to their quarters.

His brows furrowed as he stepped inside, his polished black shoes tapping against the marble floor. His eyes immediately scanned the hall.

All the family members were seated in the large, open living area-a rare sight at this hour. Dadi-sa sat upright on the central couch, her cane resting beside her, lips pressed into a thin line. Bua-sa sat beside her. Mr. Jeon stood near the grand pillar, arms folded tightly across his chest. Jung-guk leaned against the wall, watching with an amused smirk. Jungkook's mother, Mrs. Jeon, stood quietly with downcast eyes.

His eyes searched for her. Tae. But she was nowhere in sight.

Perhaps she was in the kitchen?

Brushing off the stares, Jungkook moved toward the staircase. He wasn't in the mood for whatever drama they had planned tonight.

But then-

Dadi-sa- Look who finally decided to grace us with his presence.

Jungkook turned on his heel to find Dadi-sa standing up from her seat, a slow, mocking smile stretching across her wrinkled face.

Dadi-sa- Jeon family's elder son, the great District Collector.. (she continued, her tone dripping with sarcasm) A man who can govern an entire district but cannot even control his own gharwali. Tell me, Jungkook, what good is your power when you let your Gharwali defy the very traditions that built this family?

Jungkook's brows furrowed in confusion.

Before he could speak, another voice-one colder, sharper-pierced the air.

Mr Jeon- What can you expect from the son of this b***h?

Jungkook's head snapped toward Mr. Jeon, who sat in his chair, arms crossed, his face carved with disdain.

Mr Jeon- He is just like his mother. A disgrace.

A muscle ticked in Jungkook's jaw. He clenched his fists by his side, his nails digging into his palm. His father's words had always been like knives, cutting deep, reopening wounds that never truly healed. But tonight, something in him snapped.

He exhaled sharply, pushing his anger aside.

Jk- I don't understand what you're trying to say, Dadi-sa. (his voice was controlled, but his patience was waning) If there's a problem, we can discuss it in private. There's no need for this spectacle.

Dadi-sa let out a bitter laugh before reaching down beside her.

A second later, books-Tae's books-came crashing onto the floor at Jungkook's feet.

The weight of the moment settled in his chest like a stone. His gaze remained fixed on the books, their worn edges, the inked words that reflected Tae's dreams, now lying discarded like filth.

Dadi-sa- This... (she spat, pointing a trembling finger at the books) This is the problem! How dare you let your Gharwali study? How dare you allow her to bring shame to this family? Do you have any idea what people will say? A bahu of the Jeon family, stepping out of the house, learning like a man? Have you lost your senses?