Unbinding Tradition

70. Final Goodbye 👋

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FLASHBACK TO 5 MONTHS

The car rolled smoothly on the dirt road, its wheels kicking up soft clouds of dust under the moonlit sky. The night was quiet, save for the occasional rustling of leaves and distant sounds of village life settling into slumber.

Tae pulled the shawl tighter around herself, seeking warmth against the night’s chill. Her gaze drifted out of the window, where the distant lamps flickered like tiny stars on the earth.

They were scattered, some burning steadily, others dancing unsteadily with the wind. Yet, no matter how feeble, they continued to shine—resilient against the overwhelming darkness.

It was as if they carried a silent message, whispering through the night:

"No matter how dark the path may seem, the light will always find its way. Even the smallest flame can defy the night, refusing to be swallowed by the shadows."

Tae sighed, her heart both heavy and hopeful. She wasn’t sure why, but the flickering lights felt like a quiet reassurance—a reminder that she, too, must keep shining, no matter how suffocating the darkness surrounding her became.

Jungkook glanced at her, noticing the distant look in her eyes. Without a word, he reached over and took her hand in his, squeezing it tightly.

Tae turned to him, her expression softening at the gesture. She gave him a small, grateful smile.

Jungkook didn’t say anything—he didn’t need to. Instead, he focused back on the road, his grip firm and steady, as if silently promising her that no matter what, he would always be there to hold her hand through the darkness.

But back at Jeon Haveli, a different kind of darkness had already descended.

The moment Mrs. Jeon stepped into the haveli, the air felt heavy—thick with something usual.

Dadi-sa sat on the main couch, her gaze sharp and unyielding. The other family members stood around, tense and silent.

Mrs. Jeon barely had time to process the atmosphere before the heavy sound of footsteps echoed through the hall.

Mr. Jeon stormed in, his face twisted with anger.

Mr Jeon- WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU?! (his voice thundered through the haveli)

Mrs. Jeon kept her gaze lowered, knowing better than to challenge him openly.

Mrs Jeon- I... I went to the market. (she said softly, her voice calm yet wary)

Mr. Jeon’s eyes darkened.

Mr Jeon- Don’t LIE TO ME!

Before she could react, his hand fisted in her hair, yanking her forward. A sharp gasp escaped her lips as she stumbled.

Mr Jeon- You went to Kim Haveli, didn’t you? To meet that wretched girl?!

The silence in the hall was deafening. No one moved. No one spoke.

Mr Jeon- How dare you defy me? (he yelled, dragging her by the hair through the corridor)

Mrs Jeon- Jungkook's Bapu-sa... please... (she whispered, but her plea was met with nothing but rage)

He pushed open their bedroom door and threw her inside. She barely had time to catch her balance before a stinging slap landed across her cheek.

The force of it sent her reeling, her head snapping to the side. A burning sensation spread across her skin, but she didn't cry out. She was used to this.