Love or Destiny

The Unexpected Announcement

Today was the day Taehyung had been waiting for. The official unveiling of his car designs. Jungkook and Taehyung woke early, heading to the event with a sense of anticipation. He expected Jennie to be there already, after all, she was not only his secretary but the one person who had been supporting him through everything.

But she wasn't.

Suddenly, Taehyung heard Jungkook calling out.

"Lisa!"

She came running toward them, slightly flustered.

"Where were you?" Jungkook demanded.

"Sorry...something came up suddenly," she replied, catching her breath.

"It's okay. You're not late," Taehyung said, glancing around. "But where's Jennie?"

Lisa hesitated, about to answer, when the announcement began.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please give a big round of applause and welcome the owner of the company and his lovely daughter!"

The room erupted in applause. Taehyung turned and his jaw nearly dropped.

There she was. Jennie. Standing beside a man he instantly recognized. Her father.

Could it really be?

Jungkook whispered, incredulous, "Jennie is the daughter of the company's owner?"

Lisa nodded. "Yeah. Uncle Kim Jisung is her father."

Jungkook's eyes widened. "What!? Then why didn't anyone tell us? Not even Jennie?"

Lisa shrugged. "Jennie wanted to keep it a secret."

Jungkook muttered, "Really...he's Kim Jisung, the famous businessman, and Jennie is his daughter?"

Taehyung could barely process it as Jennie and her father walked toward him.

"Hello, Kim Taehyung. I am Kim Jisung, the owner," he said, his voice warm but commanding.

"Hello, sir. Nice to meet you," Taehyung managed.

"I've already seen your work. It's truly impressive. We've approved you as our permanent designer. Here is your advance one million dollars," he said, handing over an envelope.

"Thank you, sir. Thank you very much," Taehyung said, stunned.

"And I'd like to make another announcement," he continued, his voice booming over the crowd.

"Attention, everyone! Kim Taehyung, who is now our permanent designer, will be engaged to my only daughter, Jennie."

The words hit Taehyung like a punch. His eyes shot to Jennie but she didn't even blink. She was smiling politely, as if she had expected this.

"What!? Sir...no...I mean, sir, listen—" Taehyung started, but before he could finish, the crowd began congratulating them.

Jungkook nudged him. "What's happening, bro?"

"I...I don't know!" Taehyung muttered, completely bewildered.

"Taehyung, you should talk to Jennie," Jungkook advised, his tone a mix of surprise and concern.

Jennie approached him. "V, I'll talk to you outside," she said gently.

────୨ৎ────

"Jennie... what is all this?" Taehyung asked, trying to stay calm.

She hesitated, then sighed. "V, I didn't even know this would happen. But Dad found out that I...like you. Maybe that's why he announced our engagement."

"But Jennie—"

Her father's voice interrupted them.

"Taehyung, wait," Jennie's father said firmly. "I know you are capable and I've seen your work. That's why I made this decision. Jennie is dearest to me. I cannot see her hurt. She likes you and I trust her choice. So...it's only fair you marry her."

Taehyung could feel the weight of his words pressing down. He wasn't asking. He was ordering, smiling to soften the blow but there was no room for negotiation.

"Taehyung, don't be afraid. This is only my love for my daughter. That's it. Now, let's go back inside," he said gently.

Taehyung nodded silently, following him. His mind was in turmoil. Jennie looked happy but he wasn't. He didn't want any of this, not like this.

The opening ended. The big day of his career, the culmination of his dreams, had been overshadowed by a personal dilemma he wasn't ready to face.

────୨ৎ────

Back home, Jungkook could immediately sense his mood. He didn't push for answers at first, letting him stew in silence. But eventually, he broke the quiet.

"What happened, Taehyung?" he asked carefully.

Taehyung told him everything. Jennie's father, the engagement, the announcement.

"Really? But he didn't even ask you!" Jungkook said, incredulous.

Taehyung remained silent.

"But V," Jungkook continued, softer now, "Jennie is a good girl and her father is incredibly famous. And I think...she really likes you."

"I know," Taehyung sighed.

"V, Jennie is tied to your dream job. Everything you achieved today it's because of her."

Taehyung clenched his fists. "But for that reason alone, I can't marry her."

"Why? You don't love anyone, so what's the problem?"

Taehyung's voice dropped.

"Because...there is already someone in his life..."