"You'll come back. They always come back."
Six years lost, a life stolen, and a love turned into chains. Awakening to a world filled with obsession and lies, she must unravel the truth while escaping the man who refuses to let her go-no matter the c...
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"Tae! Hurry up!" I shout from downstairs, tapping my foot impatiently. My husband is taking forever, as usual. All we're doing today is going to my ultrasound to find out the baby's gender—so why the hell is he dressing up like we're heading to a gala?
Sitting on the couch, my irritation grows as I glance at the clock. Just as I'm about to call him again, I hear Taehyung rushing down the stairs, slightly out of breath.
He jogs over to me, leaning down to plant a soft kiss on my forehead. "You ready, baby?" he asks, flashing that boxy smile of his that never fails to melt my frustration.
"Ready as I'll ever be," I reply with a small smile, taking his hand as we head out the door.
The car ride is typical Taehyung—him chatting animatedly about how excited he is to finally have an heir for his illegal business, or as he would call it: His Empire. I nod along, but my mind drifts elsewhere. For this baby, yes, I'm beyond excited. There's life growing inside me, a miracle considering... the others.
Stop. Don't think about it. Don't jinx yourself.
I glance at Taehyung, who's still talking. Despite my love for him, the thought of raising our child in his world fills me with dread. I've told him so many times I don't want our child to be part of his gang, at least not so young—preferably not at all. But it's always the same response: arguments, frustration, and his unyielding insistence that this is the way it has to be. He reminds me I knew what I was getting into when I chose to be with him. Chose? More like fate decided for me.
I can only pray to the heavens it's a girl. Taehyung might hesitate to make her his heir since tradition dictates a male successor. But knowing my husband's luck and determination... he'd find a way. He always does.
"Mmm, babe, you've ignored me this whole ride," Taehyung pouts as he parks the car.
Rolling my eyes, I sass back, "Maybe if you let me enjoy some peace and quiet, I wouldn't have to ignore you." I cross my arms, earning a chuckle from him.
"You're just saying that because you're pregnant, babe. Since we're here, I'll let it slide," he teases, stepping out of the car.
Something about his tone nags at me. Was that a threat? Before I can dwell on it, he's already opening my door, reaching out to help me. My six-month belly makes getting out of the car a challenge, but Taehyung's hands steady me. He's always like this—sweet one moment, infuriating the next.
"Thanks," I mutter, and we make our way into the hospital.
My nerves tighten as we step inside. I've never made it this far into a pregnancy before. The mere thought fills my eyes with unshed tears. Please, just let everything be okay this time.
"Mr. Kim! Right this way, sir," a nurse greets us immediately, guiding us toward the doctor's room. Taehyung's father owns this hospital—it's one of the best in Korea. Naturally, he acquired it to strengthen the family name even further.
As we enter the room, we're greeted by a... less-than-professional sight. Dr. Mina is locked in a heated kiss with her girlfriend, Sana. Both women gasp, separating abruptly. Mina flusters, trying to push Sana away, but Sana clings to her with a mischievous grin.
"How unprofessional of you, Mina," Taehyung says in a low, sharp tone, his voice laced with authority. Sana spins around, smirking, unfazed by his glare.
"Oh, shut it, Taehyung. You're early, anyway. She was just finishing her break," Sana retorts with a playful roll of her eyes.
I stifle a laugh, but Taehyung notices and shoots me a glare that instantly silences me.
"Get out," he orders coldly. Sana doesn't hesitate, slipping out of the room with a huff. She knows better than to test Taehyung's patience—his solutions to problems are swift and brutal. It's a side of him I've always hated.
"Ahem, my apologies," Mina says, bowing slightly. "Let's get started." She begins setting up the ultrasound equipment as I go through the routine of removing my clothes and putting on the hospital gown. Taehyung helps me with the ties at the back, his touch surprisingly tender.
I lie down on the cool hospital bed, nerves clawing at me. Taehyung takes my hand, squeezing it gently. His gaze locks onto mine, intense and sincere.
"Jisoo..." His voice is soft, almost trembling.
"What?" I ask, my heart skipping a beat under his scrutiny.
"No matter what happens, I'll always love you. I promise I'll take care of you... of this baby. I'll be a good father. I swear I'll—" His words break as tears roll down his cheeks.
"Tae..." I pull him into a hug, stroking his back soothingly. "You're so emotional lately. Are you sure you're not pregnant too?" I joke, earning a genuine laugh from him—the first one I've heard all day.
"Okay, let's begin," Mina announces, stepping forward with the transducer. Taehyung moves aside, and I flinch as the cold gel spreads across my swollen belly. Mina positions the transducer, and the screen lights up with the image of our baby.
"It's grown so much," I gasp, covering my mouth to hold back tears.
"That's our baby," Taehyung breathes, his eyes fixed on the screen with awe.
Mina frowns slightly, tilting her head. "Huh... that's odd. I can't hear the heartbeat."
Her words hit me like a freight train. Both Taehyung and I snap our heads toward her, panic swelling in our chests.
"What do you mean you can't hear the heartbeat?" Taehyung growls, his voice dangerously low.
Mina flinches, rushing to adjust the machine. Her hands move quickly, but her face betrays her growing worry. After a moment, she turns back to us, her expression hesitant and apologetic.
(to be continued...)
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