The next day at 6 PM, just as he had said, I was ready. I had a strong feeling I knew where we were headed. It had to be Lees—the only person Jungkook truly trusts. More importantly, the only person he would take me to. I was genuinely looking forward to it.

Justin Seo. I was anticipating his presence. He's here to secure the partnership with Lees—the same opportunity I've been working so hard for. Losing to someone who merely inherited his father's business and lacks any real understanding of semiconductor technology would be a significant blow.

Jungkook and I entered together, but the moment we stepped inside, we went our separate ways. For me, it was unfamiliar territory. I found myself tucked away in a quiet corner, away from the crowd, and approached the bartender. "A glass of scotch, please," I said.

"I'll have whatever the lady is having," came a voice from beside me. I turned slightly, only to see Justin Seo. I let out a quiet scoff.

"Mr. Seo, it doesn't suit you to be lingering around a married woman."

"You mean widowed," he corrected, his words igniting a deep anger within me.

"YN, come on. How long are you going to live in the shadow of a dead man? I've told you before—if you and I got married, it would be beneficial for both of us," he continued smoothly. "We wouldn't have to compete anymore. We could collaborate on projects—"

"Mr. Seo," I interrupted sharply, "are you suggesting that you marry me only to exploit everything I've built, boost your company's success on my efforts, and then discard me once you become director?"

"Isn't that still better than living your life as a widow and childless for the rest of your days?" he said, his tone laced with arrogance.

"Mr. Seo! I never imagined you were capable of saying such things," a firm voice cut in.

I turned to see Mr. Cha—more precisely, Cha Ji Kyung.

In South Korea, there are three dominant mafia families—the Kims, the Jeons, and the Chas. So, seeing Cha Ji Kyung here wasn't surprising. That old fox had a reputation for preying on young women. He strolled through the crowd confidently, finally positioning himself between Justin and me.

"Why trouble such a young beauty?" he said, placing a hand around my waist and caressing it lightly.

He began rambling about how women were the divine muses of men, but his actions betrayed every word. I could feel his hand deliberately sliding over my back and lower, making me squirm with discomfort and disgust. Forcing a polite smile, I tried to excuse myself, but he didn't let me go.

What should I do? I thought, glancing around anxiously. If only Taehyung or Soobin were here, I mumbled under my breath.

Justin, at first, seemed to be enjoying the show, silently watching. But as time passed, his expression turned restless, as if he wanted to intervene. Every time he tried to speak, Ji Kyung shut him down effortlessly.

"Ji Kyung-ssi, Dong Min is looking for you," came a voice I knew well. I turned to see Jungkook approaching us with calm authority.

"Dong Min? Really? That's great, I'll go greet him," Ji Kyung replied, but not before grabbing my hand. "You come with me," he added, his tone possessive and loud enough for everyone to hear.

Justin was about to stop him, but before he could move, Jungkook stepped in, pulling me gently yet firmly into his arms. I stumbled, my face brushing against his chest.

"Hyung, tonight she's with me," Jungkook said coldly.

Ji Kyung paused, clearly surprised. "Jungkook, this is the first time you've ever asked for anything. Of course—yes, yes, take her. Enjoy," he said with a smirk before walking away.

Still pressed against Jungkook, I wasn't sure whether I was more furious at myself for staying silent or just consumed with the urge to chop off Ji Kyung's head on the spot.

"Mr. Seo, you can leave now. I'll make sure Ms. Kim gets home safely," Jungkook said, dismissing Justin without even looking at him.

With no choice, Justin turned and walked away, leaving me alone with Jungkook—grateful, angry, and confused all at once.

Jungkook pulled me aside. "You can stand up for yourself, can't you? Then why didn't you say anything? What would've happened if I hadn't shown up?"

"Nothing much," I muttered. "I probably would've killed him."

"I didn't want to cause a scene."

"Are you serious? Everyone knows what kind of man Ji Kyung is," he snapped, clearly frustrated. Letting out a deep sigh, he ran a hand through his hair. "I'm trying not to yell, but seeing you act so passive and naive—it drives me mad."

If it weren't for the circumstances, I would've shown him exactly who I am, I thought bitterly.

"Sorry," I said softly.

"Let's go home," Jungkook muttered, his voice laced with disappointment and anger—not just at me, but perhaps at himself, too.

Still, a part of me couldn't help but think this was partly his fault—for leaving me alone in the first place.

Jungkook was driving faster than usual—clearly furious. But why? It wasn't his responsibility to look after me, and I wasn't obligated to follow his orders. Not anymore.

We reached home quickly. He stepped out first, slamming the door behind him. As I was about to head inside, a memory flashed in my mind:

"Don't ever go near the back of the house," Jungkook had once warned.

"The back? What's even there?"

My curiosity got the better of me. Unintentionally, I wandered past the garden until I stumbled upon what looked like a hidden entrance—almost like a dungeon door tucked discreetly behind the trees.

"What does he mean by hiding people here? Near his house? Is he insane?" I muttered to myself. No... Jungkook wouldn't be that reckless. He's too smart for that.

I should only come back here when I'm fully prepared, I thought, turning to head back. But then—there it was.

A faint noise.

What was that? Is there really someone down there...?

I hesitated, reaching out to open the door—only to be startled by a loud voice.

"I TOLD YOU NOT TO BE HERE!" Jungkook's voice roared behind me.

He stormed toward me, his face livid. "You—! I honestly don't know what to do with you. You ignore the things I tell you to do, and instead, you go and do exactly what you're told not to!"

"I heard a noise, I thought—"

"GO. I SAID GO INSIDE," he cut me off sharply. "I won't be home tonight. Stay inside. Don't wander. Don't go anywhere."

"...Okay," I replied quietly, my mind still reeling from what I'd seen—and heard.

[After few minutes]

With Jungkook away and Junghoon fast asleep, I knew this was my chance. "Time to pay Mr. Cha a little visit," I muttered to myself with a smirk, gathering everything I needed. "Let's go, Ava."

Silently slipping into Cha's mansion, I navigated through the hallways until I reached his room. It didn't take much—within moments, I had him restrained. What was that old creep even going to do?

"Who are you? What do you want?" he demanded, his voice sharp with fear.

"Mr. Cha, you should be thrilled. It's me—you invited me today, didn't you?" I chuckled, mocking him.

"If it's money you want, I'll give you everything I have. Just tell me who's behind all this!" he shouted.

"Shhh... you shouldn't raise your voice at your age," I replied coldly. "I'll ask you three questions. Answer honestly, and I might leave you in one piece."

"You filthy wench, you think you can order me around? You little—AAAAARGH!"

He screamed in agony as I yanked out one of his nails.

"I told you. Three questions. And with every wrong answer, I won't hesitate to move from your fingers to your hands."

"First question: You raped that girl and left her to die, didn't you?"

"I did," he said with a disgusting smirk. "She was hot as f—"

Before he could finish, I slammed the butt of my weapon into his face.

"Second question. You stole the gold hidden in the vault, leaving hundreds penniless. Where's the money?"

"Money?" he laughed maniacally. "That went straight to the gambling houses."

So he did squander it all. Pathetic.

"Third question. Where is Park Jimin?"

"Park who? Jimin? How would I know—are you here to—?"

Before he could finish his sentence, a sound caught me off guard. I turned to see Jungkook climbing in through the window, that signature smirk playing on his lips.

What the hell is he doing here? I froze, completely stunned.

"Ms. Ava... always showing up at the wrong place, at the wrong time," he said coolly.

"Huh? Look at you barging in—and I was here first, Ajusshi."

"What? Ajusshi?" he laughed, approaching us. "Well, for tonight, he's mine."

"What—I—you always steal the credit! I captured him!" I protested.

"Jungkook? Jungkook-ah, thank god you're here!" Cha cried. "This crazy woman tied me up and started interrogating me—just release me, and we can teach her a lesson together!"

Jungkook let out a dark, humorless laugh. "Old man... first, you dared to touch my wife. Now, you think I'm going to help you?"

"Huh? What are you saying?" Cha stammered.

Jungkook cut him off. "Ms. Ava, you shouldn't be here. If you truly wanted revenge, you would've just killed him."

"No," I replied, eyes narrowed. "Revenge is best when it's served slowly, Jeon Jungkook. I was planning to chop his fingers off."

"Fingers?" Jungkook echoed, grinning wildly. Suddenly, he grabbed the gun from my hand and, without hesitation, began shooting Cha repeatedly.

"NO MAN HAS THE RIGHT TO LOOK AT MY WIFE WITH LUST AND FILTH!" he roared. "YOU TOUCHED HER. YOU DISGUSTED HER. YOU MADE HER FEEL POWERLESS. YOU DESERVE TO DIE!"

Breathing heavily, he lowered the gun. "But I'll let you live—just barely—as an example."

Then he turned to me, eyes burning with intensity. "You didn't hear anything tonight," he said firmly, pointing the gun in my direction.

I nodded silently.

At first, I thought he had come to save him. But no... he had come for me. Why? Why would Jungkook protect me like that? I was just a paper wife. A name on a contract.

Before I could process it, Jungkook disappeared through the window, leaving me in the eerie silence of the aftermath.

"I should get back home," I whispered. "Before he does."

I looked at Cha, barely clinging to life. Without a second thought, I aimed the gun at his head and pulled the trigger.

"You don't deserve to be alive."

[time skips]

Jungkook was already in the room when I walked in, just a few minutes late.

"Where were you?" he asked, his eyes flicking toward me.

"In the study," I replied casually.

"Don't lie. I checked—you weren't there."

"I was... in Junghoon's room—"

"Okay," he interrupted, sighing. "It's late. You can sleep—I just..."

"You want to say something?" I asked, watching him closely.

"I'm sorry," Jungkook muttered, scratching the back of his head. "I shouldn't have yelled at you. It was my fault, and... I'm really sorry."

I gave a small nod, the tension softening just a bit.

"Tomorrow's Sunday. If you're free, we could take Junghoon out somewhere."

"Yeah... I guess. Sure. What time?"

"Maybe from 10 in the morning until around 6 in the evening? It's okay if you're busy—I'll go with Taehyu—"

"NO—I'll be there," Jungkook cut me off abruptly.

The air felt awkward for a moment.

"I mean... there's no need to call him. I'll come with you," he added more calmly.

"Okay," I replied, raising a brow at his overreaction.

Lying down on the far side of the bed, I let out a quiet sigh. Today had been long and exhausting. I just hoped Junghoon would be happy tomorrow.

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