章節 25: The Met Gala Countdown.
Previously:
The door creaked open, revealing a figure shrouded in darkness, their face hidden in the shadows.
"You need to see this," the voice repeated, its tone laced with a chilling urgency. "It's about Junseong.. . . . . . . ."
Currently
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"He knows," the voice rasped, emerging from the shadows, his voice dripping with a chilling certainty.
Jaehyun stopped pacing, his face hardening. "Knows what?"
"He knows it was you," the figure said, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. "He knows about the embezzlement, about the shares, about everything."
Jiwoon slammed his laptop shut, a smirk playing on his lips. "Impossible. We were so careful."
"He's not stupid," the figure said, his voice low and menacing. "He's been piecing it together. He's been watching, waiting. And now he knows."
Jaehyun's eyes narrowed. "How? How did he find out?"
The figure shrugged, the movement obscured by his mask. "It doesn't matter. What matters is that he knows. And he's coming for you."
Jaehyun's jaw tightened. "He won't get away with this. We'll make sure of it."
"You're going to have to be more careful," the figure said, his voice a low growl. "He's not going to back down. He's going to fight back."
Jiwoon leaned back, his gaze cold and calculating. "He can try. But we'll be ready."
The figure turned, his shadow stretching across the floor like a menacing claw. "You need to disappear. You need to get out of the city, get out of the country. He's going to be looking for you. He's going to find you."
The figure turned and vanished into the shadows, leaving Jaehyun and Jiwoon alone in the opulent silence of the mansion. Jaehyun's mind was racing. He couldn't let fear paralyze him. He wouldn't let Junseong win.
"We can't run," Jaehyun said, his voice steely. "We have to fight back."
Jiwoon smirked. "He's coming for us because we're a threat," Jaehyun said, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous light. "He's coming for us because we have something he wants. And we're not going to give it to him."
"What do you mean?" Jiwoon asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"We have Seongho," Jaehyun said, a cruel smile spreading across his face. "He's the key to everything. He's Junseong's weakness."
Jiwoon's eyes gleamed with a similar satisfaction. "The Met Gala," Jaehyun said, his voice a low whisper. "It's a week from now. It's the perfect opportunity. It's a plus one event. He'll have no choice but to take Seongho with him. It'll be their first official public appearance since their wedding. We'll make it their last."
A wave of exhilaration surged through Jiwoon. He hated Junseong and his family with a passion. This was the perfect opportunity to strike back, to inflict pain and chaos.
"We'll gather our men at the event," Jaehyun said, his voice filled with a chilling confidence. "We'll create a diversion, a chaos. No one will suspect a thing."
Jiwoon nodded, his face pale but resolute. He knew he was playing with fire, but he was willing to burn everything down to protect himself and his friend.
The Met Gala would be their final act of defiance. It would be the moment they would strike back and reclaim what they had lost.
The mansion was silent, the only sound the echo of their own breaths. But in the darkness, a storm was brewing. A storm that would consume them all.
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The morning sun streamed through the expansive windows of their mansion, painting the luxurious bedroom in a warm glow. Junseong, clad in a crisp white shirt and tailored trousers, stood before the mirror, meticulously adjusting his tie. Seongho, still nestled in the plush duvet, watched him with a sleepy smile.
"You look handsome," Seongho murmured, his voice thick with sleep.
Junseong turned, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Thanks," he mumbled, his gaze still fixed on the mirror. "You look beautiful, even with your hair a mess," he muttered under his breath, but Seongho was too engrossed in watching him to hear.
Seongho chuckled, running a hand through his tousled hair. "I'm not going anywhere today."
Junseong nodded, his gaze still on his reflection. "I know, but I have to go to work. I'll be back for dinner, okay?"
"Okay," Seongho mumbled, snuggling deeper into the duvet.
Junseong turned to leave, but then paused, a slight frown creasing his brow. "Speaking of going places, I have something to tell you."
Seongho's eyes fluttered open, curiosity replacing sleepiness. "What is it?"
"The Met Gala," Junseong said, his voice a low murmur. "It's a week from now."
Seongho's eyes widened. "The Met Gala? But...that's a huge event. Why are we going?"
Junseong chuckled, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "Well, I'm being awarded this year for my work. And since it's a plus one event, I thought..."
He paused, his eyes meeting Seongho's. "I thought you could come with me."
Seongho's face flushed, a mix of excitement and apprehension. "But...I've never been to a gala before."
"Don't worry," Junseong said, his voice calm and reassuring. "It's just a fancy party. We'll have fun. We just need to go shopping for a new outfit."
Seongho's brow furrowed. "Shopping? But I have plenty of clothes."
Junseong smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "This is the Met Gala, Seongho. It's not just any party. We need to look our best."
He leaned in, his voice a soft whisper. "We need to make a statement."
Seongho's heart skipped a beat. He was nervous, but he also felt a thrill of anticipation. The thought of attending such a prestigious event with Junseong, of being his partner, his husband, in the spotlight, filled him with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.
Suddenly, a furry shadow darted across the room, interrupting their moment. Mangchi, their sleek black cat, leaped onto the bed, purring loudly as he rubbed against Seongho's legs.
Seongho chuckled, scratching Mangchi behind the ears. "He's jealous," he said, looking at Junseong. "He wants to come to the gala too."
Junseong laughed, picking up Mangchi and holding him close. "Maybe next time, buddy. This one's for the humans."
Seongho smiled, his nervousness fading as he looked at Junseong, a warmth spreading through him. "Okay," he said, his voice a soft whisper. "Let's go shopping."
As Junseong headed out the door, he glanced back at Seongho and Mangchi, a sense of contentment washing over him. He was grateful for Seongho's presence in his life, his unwavering support, and the quiet comfort he brought. He hadn't quite realized the depth of his feelings for Seongho, but he knew he valued him deeply.
The Met Gala was a week away, and he knew it was going to be a night they would never forget. He was looking forward to it, not just for the award, but for the chance to spend time with Seongho, to show him the world, to make him proud.
He was yet to understand that the warmth he felt towards Seongho was more than just appreciation. But as he walked away, a flicker of something deeper stirred within him, a feeling he couldn't quite name, a feeling that was slowly but surely changing everything.
The quiet of the mansion was broken by the melodic chime of the doorbell. A maid, her face beaming with a welcoming smile, opened the door, ushering in Mrs. Shin and Hyeri.
"Welcome, Mrs. Shin, Hyeri," the maid greeted them warmly. "Mr. Seongho is upstairs, I'll inform him of your arrival."
With a nod of gratitude, Mrs. Shin and Hyeri stepped into the grand foyer, their eyes adjusting to the opulent décor. They had last seen Seongho at the airport, his face flushed with the glow of his honeymoon in Bora Bora. It had been a few weeks since then, and while they spoke regularly over the phone, nothing replaced the joy of seeing him in person. The air felt a little quieter, a little less lively than usual, even though Junseong had only been at work for a few hours. His presence, even when absent, had a way of filling the space with a certain energy.
The maid, her footsteps silent on the plush carpet, ascended the grand staircase, her knock on Seongho's door gentle yet firm. "Mr. Seongho, your mother and sister are here," she announced, her voice a soft whisper.
Seongho, still in his pajamas, looked up from the book he was reading, a surprised smile spreading across his face. "Mom and Hyeri? But they didn't inform me they were coming !"
"They just wanted to see you," the maid replied, her smile warm. "They said they missed you."
Seongho's heart swelled with warmth. He loved his family dearly, and their surprise visit filled him with a sense of comfort and joy. He quickly changed into a more presentable outfit, his mind already racing with thoughts of what to tell them.
He descended the stairs, his steps light and eager, and was greeted by his mother's warm embrace. "Seongho, my dear boy," she said, her voice filled with affection. "It's so good to see you."
Hyeri, her eyes sparkling with mischief, joined the embrace, her laughter echoing through the grand hall. "You look so handsome, Seongho," she teased, her voice a mix of affection and playful teasing. "I can't believe you're already married."
Seongho chuckled, his cheeks flushing a rosy pink. "I know, it feels strange to say it out loud, doesn't it? But it's true. I'm married to Lee Junseong."
"And how is he?" Mrs. Shin asked, her gaze filled with warmth and curiosity. "Is he treating you well since the trip?"
"He's amazing," Seongho replied, his voice filled with genuine affection. "He's kind, caring, and always there for me. He's the best thing that's ever happened to me."
"We're so happy for you, Seongho," Mrs. Shin said, her voice filled with pride. "We knew you were destined for great things, and we knew you'd find someone who loved you as much as you love them."
"Speaking of great things," Seongho said, a mischievous glint in his eye, "I have some news to share."
Hyeri leaned forward, her eyes wide with anticipation. "What is it? Don't tell me you're already expecting a baby already!"
Seongho laughed, shaking his head. "No Noona, not yet, but I'm going to the Met Gala next week."
Mrs. Shin's eyes widened in surprise. "The Met Gala? But that's a huge event! How did you get invited?"
"Junseong is being awarded for his work this year," Seongho explained, his voice filled with pride. "And since it's a plus one event, he asked me to go with him."
"Oh, Seongho, that's fantastic!" Mrs. Shin exclaimed, her face beaming with joy. "You have to tell us everything about it. What are you going to wear? Who are you going to meet?"
Hyeri, her teasing nature bubbling to the surface, chimed in, "Don't forget to get a picture with all the celebrities, Seongho. And make sure you get a selfie with Junseong. He's probably going to be surrounded by all the beautiful actresses, so you need to make sure he knows you're his only true love."
Seongho chuckled, his cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and amusement. "I'll try my best, Hyeri noona. But I'm not sure he'll be too interested in selfies with me. He's the serious type you know."
As they chatted, Seongho felt a wave of anxiety wash over him. He knew he had to tell his family about the embezzlement case that had been plaguing Junseong's company. It had been weighing heavily on his mind, and he knew he couldn't keep it from them any longer.
"Eomma, Noona," he began, his voice a low murmur. "There's something I need to tell you."
Mrs. Shin and Hyeri exchanged a concerned look, their faces etched with worry. "What is it, Seongho?" Mrs. Shin asked, her voice filled with concern. "Is everything alright?"
Seongho took a deep breath, his gaze meeting their worried eyes. "There's been some trouble at Junseong's company. There's been an embezzlement case, and it's been causing him a lot of stress."
Hyeri gasped, her eyes wide with shock. "Embezzlement? But how could that happen? But Junseong- nim is such a good man!."
"I know," Seongho said, his voice filled with sadness. "He's doing everything he can to fix it, but it's been really hard on him."
Mrs. Shin reached out and took Seongho's hand, her touch gentle and reassuring. "Don't worry, Seongho. We're here for you and Junseong. We'll help you through this."
Hyeri, her playful teasing forgotten, wrapped her arm around Seongho's shoulder, her voice filled with comfort. "We're a family, Seongho. We'll always be there for you, no matter what."
Seongho felt a wave of relief wash over him. He was so grateful for his family's unwavering support. He knew he could always count on them, and that gave him the strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He looked at his mother and sister, their faces filled with love and concern, and he knew he was truly blessed.
"Thank you," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "I don't know what I would do without you."
As the afternoon wore on, Seongho found himself confiding in his family about the details of the embezzlement case, sharing his fears and anxieties. His mother and sister listened patiently, offering words of encouragement and support. They reminded him that he was not alone, that they were there for him every step of the way.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the grand hall, Seongho's family prepared to leave. They had shared a warm and comforting afternoon, filled with laughter, love, and support. Seongho knew that no matter what challenges he faced, he had his family by his side, and that was all that mattered.
As he watched his mother and sister leave, a sense of peace washed over him. He knew that he had a lot on his plate, but he also knew that he had the love and support of his family to help him through it all. And that was all that mattered. The mansion felt a little emptier now, the silence a bit more pronounced, but he knew that Junseong would be back soon, and the familiar warmth would return.
The sleek, modern office of Lee Corporation hummed with the controlled chaos of a bustling business. Junseong sat at his desk, his brow furrowed in concentration as he reviewed a stack of documents, his phone clutched tightly in his hand. The weight of the embezzlement case pressed heavily on him, a constant undercurrent of tension that permeated his every thought. He had called Taesung earlier, his voice tight with urgency, and now he waited, his gaze fixed on the door, anticipation gnawing at his insides.
The door swung open, and Taesung, his face etched with concern, strode into the room, his presence radiating a calming energy. He had flown in from Japan, his business trip cut short by Junseong's desperate call. They had been friends since university, their bond forged in late-night study sessions and shared dreams. Now, Junseong needed his friend more than ever.
"Junseong," Taesung said, his voice a soothing balm to Junseong's frayed nerves. "I'm here. Tell me what's going on."
Junseong shoved the documents aside, his gaze meeting Taesung's. "It's Jaehyun Kim," he said, his voice a low murmur. "He's the one behind the embezzlement."
Taesung's eyes narrowed, his expression hardening. "Jaehyun Kim? But why? What did he have to gain?"
Junseong leaned back in his chair, his gaze distant. "He's been jealous of my success for years. He always wanted to be at the top, but he never had the drive, the ambition. He saw this as a chance to bring me down, to take everything I've built."
"And you have proof?" Taesung asked, his voice sharp with concern.
Junseong nodded, a steely glint in his eye. "I have enough to expose him. I'm going to do it at the Met Gala."
Taesung's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "The Met Gala? But that's a huge event. Are you sure that's the right place to do this?"
Junseong's jaw tightened, his gaze unwavering. "It's the perfect place. It's where all the elite, all the people who matter, will be. I'm going to expose him in front of the whole world. He'll never recover."
Taesung knew Junseong's determination was unwavering. He had always been a man of action, a fighter who never backed down from a challenge. But this was different. This was a battle that could cost him everything.
"Junseong," Taesung said, his voice a mix of concern and admiration. "I know you're determined to do this, but I have to ask, are you sure this is worth the risk?"
Junseong's gaze softened, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his features. "I have to do this, Taesung. This isn't just about me anymore. It's about justice. It's about protecting my company, my employees, my legacy. I can't let him get away with this."
Taesung nodded, understanding the fire that burned within his friend. He knew that Junseong wouldn't back down, that he would fight for what he believed in, even if it meant sacrificing everything.
"Alright, Junseong," Taesung said, his voice firm with support. "I'm with you. We'll expose him together. But we need a plan. We need to be smart, we need to be strategic. We need to make sure this doesn't backfire."
Junseong's gaze met Taesung's, a flicker of gratitude lighting up his eyes. "Thank you, Taesung. I knew I could count on you."
Together, the two friends began to strategize, their minds working in tandem, their determination fueled by a shared sense of justice and a deep-seated loyalty to their friend. The Met Gala was a week away, and they had a lot of work to do. But they were ready. They were ready to fight. They were ready to expose the truth.
After they were done,they went to the Lee's, Junseong's parents house.
Taesung's point of view
The grand gates of the Lee mansion swung open, revealing a sprawling estate bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. I stepped out of the car, my gaze sweeping across the manicured lawns, the elegant façade of the mansion, and the vibrant flowerbeds that burst with color. It felt like coming home, even though I hadn't been here in months. This place, with its warm hospitality and the comforting aroma of Mrs. Lee's cooking, had always held a special place in my heart. And then there was Minsung, Junseong's younger brother, a charming young man with a disarming smile, whose presence always sparked a flutter in my heart. I had vowed to myself, upon my return from Japan, that I would finally pursue him, my feelings for him simmering for years, a secret yearning that had only intensified with time.
"It's good to be back," I said, my voice filled with a genuine warmth that belied the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. I had been away for months, immersed in my work in Japan, but the pull of the Lee family, the promise of Mrs. Lee's cooking, and the unspoken hope of reconnecting with Minsung had always lingered in the back of my mind.
Mrs. Lee, her face aglow with a welcoming smile, stood at the entrance of the mansion, her arms open wide. "Junseong, Taesung, you're both back!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with affection. "It's so good to see you both. Come in, come in, you must be famished after your journey."
I embraced Mrs. Lee, my cheeks flushed with a mixture of joy and embarrassment. "It's good to be back, Mrs. Lee," I said, my voice choked with emotion. "You haven't changed a bit. Still the best cook in the world."
Mrs. Lee, her eyes twinkling with amusement, patted my hand. "You're getting thinner, Taesung," she said, her voice laced with concern. "You need to eat more. I can't have my favorite son looking so pale."
I laughed nervously. "I've been working hard, Mrs. Lee," I said, my voice a mixture of embarrassment and genuine gratitude. "But I promise I'll make up for it. I'll eat until I can't eat anymore."
Mrs. Lee, her eyes filled with warmth and understanding, led us into the grand dining room, where a feast fit for a king awaited us. The aroma of roasted meats, fresh vegetables, and fragrant spices filled the air, a symphony of flavors that tantalized our senses. I took my seat at the table, my gaze lingering on Minsung, who sat across from me, his charm radiating an irresistible allure.
"Taesung, you're back!" Minsung exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine delight. "It's so good to see you again. You've been gone for ages."
My heart skipped a beat. "It's good to be back," I replied, my voice a low murmur. "I've missed you all."
Mrs. Lee, her eyes twinkling with amusement, watched the exchange between us, a knowing smile playing on her lips. She had always been a keen observer, her intuition sharp as a knife, and she had sensed the unspoken connection between us. She had always hoped that we would find happiness together, our bond a testament to the enduring power of love.
"Taesung, you're like a son to me," Mrs. Lee said, her voice filled with warmth and affection. "You're always welcome here. You know that, don't you?"
I nodded, my gaze meeting Mrs. Lee's. "I know, Mrs. Lee," I said, my voice choked with emotion. "Thank you."
As the evening wore on, the laughter and conversation flowed freely, the air filled with a sense of warmth and camaraderie. I reveled in the comfort of the Lee family, the familiar warmth of the home, the delicious food, and the unspoken promise of a future filled with hope. I knew that I had a lot to figure out, a lot to work through, but for now, I was content to simply be present, to savor the moment, to bask in the glow of love and support. I had found a safe haven in the Lee family, a place where I could be myself, a place where I could finally pursue my dreams, my heart filled with the hope of a future filled with love and happiness.
End of Taesung's point of view.
The warmth of the dining room, filled with the laughter and chatter of his family and Taesung, was a welcome respite from the storm brewing within Junseong. He watched as Taesung, his cheeks flushed with a healthy pink, devoured the food Mrs. Lee had prepared, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of genuine appreciation and a hint of mischief. He knew Taesung was smitten with Minsung, their unspoken connection a silent current running beneath the surface of their interactions. Junseong smiled, a warmth spreading through him as he witnessed the budding romance, a stark contrast to the turmoil that plagued his own life.
"Junseong, how is Seongho?" Mrs. Lee asked, her voice filled with concern. She had always adored Seongho, her son-in-law, a kind and gentle soul who brought a quiet joy to their family. She knew about the embezzlement case, the weight of it hanging heavy in the air, and she worried for both her son and his husband.
Junseong took a deep breath, his gaze meeting his mother's. "He's doing alright, Mom," he replied, his voice a low murmur. "He's been a bit stressed, more than me that's even the most affected but he's holding up and constantly reassuring me."
"That's good to hear," Mrs. Lee said, her voice laced with relief. "You know, Seongho is like a son to me. I worry about him just as much as I worry about you."
Junseong nodded, a wave of gratitude washing over him. He knew he could always count on his mother's unwavering love and support.
"Speaking of Seongho," Mrs. Lee continued, a mischievous glint in her eye, "I heard you're going to the Met Gala next week. Are you two going to go shopping for outfits together?"
Junseong chuckled, his cheeks flushing a rosy pink. "We haven't had a chance to plan yet, Mom," he admitted, his voice a mixture of embarrassment and excitement. "But I'm sure we'll find something spectacular. The Met Gala is a big deal, you know."
"Oh, I know," Mrs. Lee said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I've seen the pictures. It's a night of glamour and extravagance. You two better make a grand entrance."
Junseong laughed, his heart warming at the thought of sharing the night with Seongho, their shared joy a beacon of light amidst the darkness that threatened to consume him. He knew that the Met Gala would be a whirlwind of events, a night of celebration and spectacle, but he also knew that it would be a night of reckoning, a night where he would finally expose Jaehyun Kim and bring him down.
"Don't worry, Eomma," he said, his voice filled with a newfound confidence. "We'll make sure to make a grand entrance. And we'll make sure to have a good time, too."
Mrs. Lee smiled, her gaze filled with pride and love. She knew that Junseong, with his unwavering determination , would overcome any obstacle that stood in his way. She had faith in him, just as she had faith in their marriage, a beacon of hope in a world that often felt dark and uncertain.
"I know you will, Junseong," she said, her voice filled with a strength. "You always do."
The conversation flowed more naturally now, with a comfortable rhythm that eased the tension that had been building within Junseong. He knew that he could confide in his mother, that she would always be there for him, a constant source of love and support. And as he looked at his family, their faces radiating warmth and affection, he felt a surge of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, love could prevail.
The sound of the front door opening and closing broke the comfortable silence. Mr. Lee, his face flushed with a healthy glow, entered the dining room, his hands freshly washed. He had been out tending to the rose bushes, his hands stained with the fragrant soil. He smiled at his family, his eyes twinkling with a warmth that only a loving father could possess.
"I see I've missed a lively gathering," he said, his voice booming with a hearty laugh. "What's all the excitement about?"
"We were just talking about the Met Gala," Mrs. Lee replied, her voice filled with a playful smile. "Junseong and Seongho are going next week."
Mr. Lee's eyes widened in surprise. "The Met Gala? That's fantastic,I never doubted my son's potential for once in my life! You two better make sure to have a good time."
"We will, Appa," Junseong said, his voice filled with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. "It's going to be a night to remember."
And as Mr. Lee joined them at the table, the warmth of the family gathering intensified, a testament to the power of love and support. Junseong knew that he was blessed to have such a loving family, a constant source of strength and comfort in the face of adversity. He knew that with their love and support, he could overcome any obstacle that stood in his way.
After dinner, Junseong and Taesung stood up to leave. Junseong felt a wave of gratitude for the warmth and support he had received from his family. He knew he had a lot to worry about, but knowing that they were always on his side gave him a sense of peace.
"I'll see you later, Taesung," Junseong said, his voice filled with a sense of camaraderie. "Take care of yourself."
"You too, Junseong," Taesung replied, a knowing smile on his face. "And good luck with everything, I'll see you tomorrow."
As they walked out of the mansion, Junseong felt a sense of relief wash over him. He knew that he had to return to his own home, to face the challenges that awaited him, but he was no longer alone. He had his family, he had Taesung, and he had Seongho, his little persistent husband.
The drive back to his own mansion was long. He couldn't wait to see Seongho, to share the events of the evening with him even though he couldn't figure out why. He pulled into the driveway, his heart pounding with anticipation.
He stepped inside, the familiar scent of lavender and sandalwood filling his senses. He walked through the grand foyer, his eyes scanning the room, searching for Seongho. He found him in the living room, curled up on the couch, half asleep, Mangchi curled up on his lap. The sight of them, a picture of peaceful contentment, filled him with a wave of love and longing. But a twinge of guilt also stabbed at him. He had stayed out later than he intended, and he couldn't help but feel bad for Seongho, waiting for him alone. Their marriage was a matter of convenience, a business arrangement, but he cared for Seongho, and he hated to see him unhappy.
"Seongho," Junseong said, his voice a low murmur.
Seongho's eyes fluttered open, his gaze meeting Junseong's. A sleepy smile spread across his face. "Junseong," he murmured, his voice soft and warm. "You're back."
Junseong walked over to the couch, his heart overflowing with a complex mix of emotions. He sat down next to Seongho, the warmth of his presence radiating through him. He reached out and gently stroked Seongho's hands, his touch soft and reassuring.
"How was your day?" Junseong asked, his voice filled with a affection that only his husband could elicit.
Seongho yawned, stretching his arms above his head. "It was alright," he replied, his voice still thick with sleep. "I just spent the day reading, watching make-up tutorials because I wanted to resume my channel on YouTube, and Mangchi kept me company even Eomma and Noona came to visit me too but I missed you hubby."
Junseong nodded, his gaze fixed on Seongho. "Me too," he said, his voice devoid of any emotion. He didn't want to lie, but he didn't want to give Seongho any false hope either.
He sat down, his gaze fixed on Seongho. "Mom wants us to go shopping with her in two days," he said, his voice low. "For the Met Gala."
Seongho nodded, his eyes still closed. He looked adorable, pouting in his sleep, and Junseong felt a pang of guilt for not being able to give him the love he deserved.
"Come on, the couch is uncomfortable," Junseong said, trying to sound as gentle as possible. He didn't want to wake him up completely.
Seongho nodded again, his eyes still closed. He handed Mangchi to Junseong with a sleepy smile. "Good night, Mangchi," he mumbled, his voice barely a whisper.
Junseong took Mangchi, the little cat snuggling into his arms. He watched as Seongho got up from the couch and headed towards the stairs. Junseong followed behind him, his heart heavy with a mixture of guilt and affection. He knew he couldn't give Seongho the love he deserved, but he would continue to care for him, to be there for him, to make sure he was happy, as much as he could.
As they reached the bedroom, Seongho turned to him, his eyes filled with a mixture of sleepiness and gratitude. "Thank you," he whispered.
Junseong nodded, his heart aching for the man he couldn't love. He knew he owed Seongho more than just a comfortable bed. He owed him the truth, even if it meant hurting him. But that was a conversation for another day. For now, all that mattered was that Seongho was safe and comfortable. And that, he knew, was something he could provide.
創作者的想法 
Amyratu
Amyratu This chapter is a beautiful blend of family warmth and the looming tension of a brewing storm. It's a reminder that even in the face of adversity, love and support can be a powerful force.
We see Junseong finding solace in his family's embrace, a stark contrast to the anxieties surrounding the embezzlement case and the unspoken understanding that family is a source of strength.
The budding romance between Taesung and Minsung adds a layer of sweetness and hope to the story. It's a reminder that even in the midst of darkness, love can blossom and bring joy.
The chapter ends with a poignant scene between Junseong and Seongho, highlighting the complexity of their relationship. While their marriage may be a matter of convenience, there's a clear sense of care and affection between them, even if it's one sided.
This chapter sets the stage for the unfolding drama, leaving the reader with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead. Will Junseong be able to expose Jaehyun Kim and bring him down? Will Taesung and Minsung find happiness together? And what will become of the fragile bond between Junseong and Seongho?
The answers to these questions lie ahead, but one thing is clear: This story is filled with emotion, intrigue, and a powerful sense of hope.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票