𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐂𝐄𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐆𝐄 |•𝐤𝐭𝐡

Chapter 37

(Time Skip - Back at the Mansion)

The soft rustling of the curtains danced with the evening breeze as Y/N carefully placed a fresh set of pillows behind Taehyung's back. He watched her every movement with a lazy smirk, arms folded, eyes trailing over her concentrated face.

"Mrs. Kim, you're treating me like a patient at an old-age home. Should I start practicing my will?" he teased.

Y/N rolled her eyes, adjusting the blanket over his lap. "You're just injured, Mr. Kim, not on your deathbed. But if you want, I can call a lawyer for the will. I'll gladly take all your properties." She smirked, giving him a sarcastic look.

Taehyung chuckled, shaking his head. "Greedy much?"

She shrugged, plopping onto the armchair beside the bed. "Not my fault you're rich and annoying."

He clicked his tongue, pretending to be offended. "Tch, tch, Mrs. Kim, your words wound me more than my injuries."

Y/N sighed dramatically. "Oh no, what should I do now? Should I cry? Should I apologize?" she deadpanned.

Taehyung bit back a laugh, raising an eyebrow. "At least pretend to care, Mrs kim."

Y/N pursed her lips, tapping her chin. "Hmm... should I book a clown to cheer you up?"

Taehyung smirked, tilting his head. "No need. You're already here."

She gasped, grabbing the nearest pillow and launching it at his face. He winced slightly but still caught it mid-air, laughing.

"Yah! You're injured, stop moving so much!" she scolded, standing up in worry.

His laughter softened as he watched her fuss over him, adjusting the blanket again, making sure he wasn't straining his wounds. Taehyung felt something strange settle in his chest. It wasn't love, no. It was something else-something unfamiliar yet oddly comforting.

"You know, Mrs. Kim..." he started, his voice lower than before.

Y/N paused, raising an eyebrow. "Hmm?"

He leaned slightly forward, his face inches away from hers. "For someone who claims to hate me, you sure do care a lot."

Y/N blinked, her heart skipping a beat. She immediately straightened, clearing her throat. "I- I don't care! I just don't want to be accused of negligence if you die under my watch!"

Taehyung chuckled, the smirk never leaving his lips. "Sure, sure... whatever helps you sleep at night, Mrs. Kim."

She huffed, turning to leave, but just as she reached the door, his voice stopped her.

"wait."

She turned, raising a brow. "What now, Mr. Kim?"

His smirk deepened. "I think I need something else to feel better."

Y/N crossed her arms. "And what is that?"

He tapped his cheek. "A goodnight kiss, perhaps?"

Her jaw dropped. "IN YOUR DREAMS, MR. KIM!"

With that, she stormed out of the room, her ears burning, while Taehyung chuckled to himself, feeling oddly satisfied.

Y/N re-entered the bedroom, rubbing her tired eyes. She had just finished arranging a few things downstairs, making sure everything was in place for Taehyung's comfort. But now, exhaustion was hitting her like a truck.

She didn't even glance at Taehyung as she grabbed an extra pillow from the bed and made her way towards the couch in the corner of the room. Just as she was about to settle in, a deep voice stopped her.