𝑩𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒆'𝒔 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒇𝒆 [𝑱𝑱𝒌]❦☛

CHAPTER 17 :- [UNSPOKEN FLAMES]

CHAPTER - 17

The Jeon mansion was quiet, but not calm. Paperwork from the custody trial lay stacked neatly on Jungkook's desk like trophies from a war. Y/N stood at Jungwoo's bedroom door for a long moment, watching her little boy sleep. Relief settled in her chest like warm tea, but underneath it churned a cold, persistent worry.

Liya's last words... don't be happy Jeon, you'll regret it.

She could still hear them, a hiss under the gavel's crack. She stroked Jungwoo's hair and whispered a silent prayer. She had won custody but at what cost?

Down the hall Jungkook's phone buzzed. He opened an encrypted email from Jimin:

"You were right. Liya's been meeting with a man from ShinTech Group your competitor. Looks like she's trying to leak information about the new project. Also heard a rumour she's contacting a reporter."

Jungkook's knuckles went white. He had anticipated she'd lash out; he hadn't expected her to move this fast. He typed back: "Handle security. Quietly. No mistakes."

When he looked up, he saw Y/N through the doorway. She was sitting on the edge of Jungwoo's bed, hugging her knees, looking both triumphant and afraid. He realised suddenly that he wanted to be her safe place too, not just her co-parent. The impulse to do something anything to shift them out of battle mode took over before he could talk himself out of it.

He dialled his secretary. "Mr. Han. Book the best table at La Vienta, rooftop, seven tonight. And send over the black dress we chose, the one with the low back. Also a suit for me. Yes. Discretion." He hung up and went straight to the bedroom, still in his shirt sleeves.

After an hour

"Be ready by seven," he said, setting the box on the bed. "We're going out. Just the two of us. Mother will stay with Jungwoo." He didn't wait for her response; if he did, he might lose his nerve.

Y/N stared at the box long after he left. Her fingers trembled on the ribbon. The fabric inside was midnight and silk and memories of a life she'd never lived. Why now? she thought. Why me?

At seven Jungkook waited at the foot of the staircase. For a man who signed billion-won deals without blinking, he felt absurdly nervous. Then she appeared.

Y/N descended slowly, the dress clinging like water poured over her skin, hair in soft waves, eyes wary. He forgot to breathe.

"You're taking me out because I helped you with Jungwoo's custody, aren't you?" she blurted, eyes downcast. "That's why you're doing this?"

Jungkook blinked. "What? No" He raked a hand through his hair. "Yes, you helped me. But that's not the only reason. Why do you think like that?"

"It's so sudden," she murmured. "You always said we're just Jungwoo's parents. And now..." She turned toward the door, cutting herself off.

He stepped closer. "Y/N, you don't like this?"

"I like it. I'm just shocked, Mr. Jeon. A billionaire taking me out for dinner? It's... unexpected."

The words pricked something deep in him pride, hurt, longing all at once. He didn't reply. They rode to the restaurant in silence, city lights flickering across their faces.

La Vienta's rooftop glowed with candlelight. The skyline stretched like a jeweled crown around them. He pulled out her chair. "Please."

"Thank you," she said politely but distantly, smoothing her dress. She hadn't smiled once since leaving the house.