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Six months passed far more quickly than you had expected. Somehow, the grand estate that had once felt cold and unfamiliar became home. Jungkook has already apologised properly several times for his past actions.

Most surprisingly of all, life with Jungkook settled into something neither of you had anticipated. Your studies resumed within weeks of the wedding. True to his word, Jungkook never interfered if anything, he became your greatest supporter. When deadlines approached and you found yourself awake until absurd hours of the night, he would quietly bring coffee to your desk before returning to his own work. When presentations left you anxious, he listened patiently while you practised them.

And when one particularly difficult project nearly reduced you to tears, he spent an entire evening helping you organise your work despite understanding very little about architecture. Over time, studying together became routine. Jungkook would review contracts and business reports nearby. Hours would pass in comfortable silence.

As for your friendship with Margaret, it grew effortlessly. The two of you became inseparable you cooked together, watched films together spent afternoons gossiping over tea.

Cecilia, unfortunately, remained Cecilia. Six months had done absolutely nothing to improve her patience or her temper. She still complained dramatically still argued with everyone.

The greatest change, however, was Jungkook. The man who had once felt like a stranger became a constant presence in your life. You learnt his habits the way he always read reports before breakfast the way he removed his watch whenever he was deep in thought.

The way his expression softened whenever Margaret laughed. The way he pretended not to notice when Cecilia stole food from his plate.

And he learnt yours your tendency to sketch absent-mindedly on every available piece of paper. Your inability to wake up early without complaining. The friendship came first the trust followed and somewhere within those ordinary days—between shared meals, late-night conversations, unfinished drawings, and cups of tea left on one another's desks , the distance between husband and wife quietly disappeared.

The afternoon sun poured through the tall windows of Margaret's bedroom. You were currently sitting on the floor, surrounded by old boxes Margaret had dragged out from the back of her wardrobe.

"Look at this." Margaret handed you a framed certificate. You examined it carefully.

"First-class honours?"

Margaret looked smug "I was brilliant."

"You still are."

"I know."

You rolled your eyes Margaret laughed for the next half hour, she showed you everything from university photographs to old notebooks and embarrassing letters she'd written as a teenager. You had never seen her so animated. Then, while searching through another folder, something slipped out.

A document. You bent down automatically and picked it up at first, you didn't understand what you were reading then your eyes landed on a particular line. Your smile vanished.

Infertility. Permanent natural conception unlikely. Your heart dropped the words blurred before your eyes. Margaret noticed immediately. Her expression changed.

"Y/N."

You looked up. Margaret quickly reached for the report ,the paper slipped from your fingers as she snatched it away. Margaret stared down at the report clutched in her hands you had never seen her look so small.

Your chest tightened "Margaret..."

"It's ridiculous, really." She shook her head. The smile she attempted didn't reach her eyes. "I've had years to accept it." Yet tears were already forming. Her voice cracked on the final word. The fact that Margaret was still trying to smile through it as though she needed to make everyone else comfortable first.

You moved closer she looked away "I wanted children." A tear slipped down her cheek.

"I wanted them so badly."

Your own eyes began to sting Margaret laughed again a terrible, trembling sound "Every year I thought perhaps the doctors were wrong and every year they weren't."

Without thinking, you wrapped your arms around her. Margaret froze then suddenly she was holding onto you just as tightly. Years of quiet grief seemed to spill out all at once.

Later that evening, you found yourself in Jungkook's study. A place that had somehow become familiar over the past six months. You occupied one side of the desk. You stared at a page filled with calculations.

"This makes no sense."

Jungkook didn't even glance up from the report he was reading then he set his pen down and pulled the notebook towards himself. For the next several minutes, he patiently explained where you had gone wrong, the equation suddenly made sense.

You narrowed your eyes "I dislike how clever you are."

"I've grown accustomed to hearing that."

You rolled your eyes. A comfortable silence settled between you the sort that had become increasingly common. Then Margaret drifted into your thoughts you looked up .

"Margaret is infertile." The words escaped before you could stop them. Jungkook's pen paused slowly, he lifted his gaze.

"How do you know that?"

You immediately felt guilty "I saw a report."

His expression didn't change but something in his eyes did "I see."

You traced the edge of your notebook "She really wants children. Why don't you adopt one?"

Jungkook froze he room became very still. His gaze dropped back to the documents before him.

"I don't want children."

You blinked.

"Ever?"

"Hmm."

"Why?"

He didn't answer back you opened your mouth. Immediately, he reached towards the plate of biscuits beside him. Before you could speak, he pushed one directly into your mouth. You made a very undignified sound of protest.

"Focus." The command was delivered with suspicious calm. You glared while chewing. Jungkook returned to his paperwork. Then your eyes drifted towards him towards the sleeves rolled to his elbows towards the ink winding along his forearm which you've already admired so many times before .

You pointed "Nice tattoo."

Jungkook stared at you , you stared back. His expression was one of complete disbelief and judging by the expression on his face, he wasn't entirely sure whether he was amused by you or concerned for your future.

At uni you were currently sitting beneath a large oak tree with Daphne, your bestfriend, your sketchbook rested on your lap while Daphne pretended to revise. In reality, she was listening to you gossip.

"...and then Cecilia threw a cushion at Margaret."

Daphne blinked "A cushion?"

"A decorative one."

"That's somehow worse."

You laughed. Daphne shook her head "Your life sounds ridiculous."

"It is ridiculous."

You continued sketching. A smile appeared on your face as you continued.

"Margaret made cinnamon rolls afterwards."

Daphne immediately narrowed her eyes. "There it is that smile."

You looked confused "What smile?"

"The Margaret smile the smile you get whenever you talk about her."

You burst out laughing Daphne looked deeply unimpressed "I'm serious."

"You're ridiculous."

She pointed dramatically "You adore that woman. You're supposed to adore me."

"I do adore you."

"Not enough apparently."

You rolled your eyes "Daphne."

"I refuse to compete with somebody named Margaret."

You laughed so hard your pencil nearly slipped. Before either of you could continue, a voice echoed across the courtyard.

"Everyone!"

Several students looked up. One of the senior students stood on a bench, attempting to gather attention once he was satisfied he had an audience, he grinned.

"As most of you know, the university welcome party is this weekend. Attendance is highly encouraged."

"It means mandatory," Daphne whispered.

The senior continued "And before anyone asks yes, there is a dress code, this year's theme is—Midnight Elegance."

The girls around you immediately began whispering. The boys looked concerned.

"Formal attire only," the senior announced. "Black, silver, navy, or emerald. No trainers. No casual wear. No exceptions."

Daphne's eyes widened"Oh, I am going."

You sighed " I need permission first."

That evening, after much internal debate, you found yourself standing outside Cecilia's bedroom. You knocked once.

"Come in."

The room looked exactly as one would expect Cecilia's room to look, elegant , expensive and somehow intimidating. Cecilia sat before her vanity mirror, carefully applying skincare products with the concentration of a surgeon.

She caught your reflection in the mirror. "What do you want?"

You grinned "Hello to you too."

Without invitation, you wandered inside and promptly flopped onto the stool beside her. "Evening, Cece."

Cecilia sighed dramatically "You want something."

"...Maybe."

Cecilia returned to her skincare routine "What is it?"

You rested your chin on your hand "So....The university event this weekend."

Immediately, Cecilia looked interested"Go on."

You gestured vaguely. "It's formal and you're very good at... all of that." You pointed at her.

"The dresses, the makeup, the everything." You smiled hopefully "Will you help me?" The glare arrived immediately.

"Why don't you ask Margaret? Go to Margaret."

You tried not to smile. "You're jealous."

Cecilia looked offended "She's practically your mother."

"And you're my mommy." You wink at her.

Cecilia glare at you ."Get out."

You laughed "Cece—"

"Go away, you bitch ."

You gasped "I am not a bitch ."

"You absolutely are." With that, Cecilia abandoned her vanity and marched towards her bed. You immediately followed. "You haven't answered."

She threw herself onto the mattress. You bounced onto the bed behind her. The older woman groaned into a pillow. You poked her shoulder she ignored you, you poked it again.

"Ceciliiiiaaaa."

"WHAT?!"

You grinned "Will you help me?"

Cecilia stared at you for a long moment. Then sighed the sigh of a woman whose peace had been thoroughly destroyed. "You are unbelievably annoying."

Your grin widened "Is that a yes?"

"...Maybe."

You immediately hugged her "Love you"

"GET OFF."

The moment you left Cecilia's room, you nearly collided with someone in the corridor. Jungkook he had just returned. You immediately brightened.

"Jungkook!"

He looked up and before he could escape, you were already walking towards him.

" I need to ask you something"

"Say it quickly."

You clasped your hands dramatically. "There's a university welcome party this weekend."

"No."

You blinked "...I haven't finished."

"You want to attend."

"Yes ofc."

"No."

Your jaw dropped you looked horrified Jungkook looked tired which unfortunately made him vulnerable to emotional manipulation. A fact you had discovered months ago you immediately pouted, a terrible sign. Jungkook recognised it instantly. You placed a hand over your heart.

"Daphne will be devastated."

"Daphne will survive."

You gasped dramatically. Margaret, who had just appeared from another corridor, immediately understood what was happening. You pressed your advantage.

"It means so much to me, everyone will be there , they'll enjoy they already say I became boring after marriage, please please lemme go , I'll study hard , I swear."

Jungkook looked defeated finally, he stopped walking. "You may go."

Your entire face lit up "Really?"

"But—you will take security, your guards will remain nearby and you will return early."

You considered protesting then remembered he had actually said yes. A rare occurrence. The next thing he knew, you had thrown your arms around him. "Thank you!"

Margaret walked over and gently tapped your shoulder. "He's exhausted." You blinked only then noticing the dark circles beneath Jungkook's eyes. Margaret smiled knowingly.

"Let the poor man sit down before you tackle him again."

Your eyes widened. "Oh."

Jungkook looked as though he was questioning every decision that had led him to this moment. You immediately released him. "But I'm still going."

The day of the university party arrived far sooner than expected after several shopping trips, countless opinions, and one minor disagreement regarding shoes, your outfit had finally been chosen. Margaret had been responsible for most of the decision-making, you had merely stood there while she declared things elegant or absolutely unacceptable.

The result was a dress that somehow managed to be both sophisticated and daring. You loved it , Margaret loved it which probably meant Cecilia would hate it.

Naturally, that was the first person you went to see you pushed open Cecilia's bedroom door. The room was empty you wandered inside anyway. Her vanity mirror was surrounded by expensive perfumes and cosmetics you were far too frightened to touch. While waiting, you sat on the stool your gaze drifted downward one of the lower drawers was slightly open.

A torn photograph peeked out of curiosity you carefully pulled it free. The photograph was old several people stood together in a garden. Your eyes immediately landed on a woman beautiful wasn't a strong enough word.

But something else caught your eye the woman's face had been scratched. You frowned before you could think further—

"What are you doing?"

You nearly jumped Cecilia stood in the doorway her expression darkened the moment she saw the photograph you immediately set it down.

"I found it in the drawer."

"That doesn't mean you pick it up." Her voice was sharp, embarrassment flooded through you. "I'm sorry."

"You should be." Cecilia crossed the room and snatched the photograph away.

"Has nobody ever taught you about privacy?People have personal things."

You looked down. "Sorry." The apology seemed to take some of the wind out of her sails. With a final huff, she shoved the photograph back into the drawer and sat before her vanity.

Soon the familiar routine began, brushes, powders , lipsticks. An alarming number of products you watched with fascination. By the time she finished, you had forgotten all about the photograph.

"So."

Cecilia glanced at your reflection. You spun once.

"How do I look?"

The older woman examined you her expression became increasingly strange. "You look like trouble."

You blinked before you could demand a proper answer, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen immediately, her expression changed.

"One moment."

She stood and walked towards the window you didn't pay much attention at first. Instead, you examined your earrings in the mirror. Behind you, Cecilia lowered her voice.

By the time you descended the staircase, the dress Margaret had chosen flowed elegantly around you, every detail carefully considered. You felt beautiful. Margaret was waiting at the bottom of the stairs. The moment she saw you, her hands flew to her mouth.

"Oh, darling. You look stunning."

"Margaret."

"No, I'm serious." She walked around you once. As though inspecting a masterpiece. "You look absolutely stunning."

Your cheeks warmed "Thank you."

A second voice interrupted "She's right." You turned Jungkook had just entered the hall for a moment, he simply stood there looking at you. You felt your stomach do something rather inconvenient. Slowly, he crossed the room stopping in front of you.

His hand settled lightly against your waist, a simple gesture yet somehow it made your cheeks burn.

"You look beautiful, my wife."

Heat rushed to your face. Jungkook tilted his head slightly studying the dress. "...However. I think it may be a little revealing." You groaned. Jungkook remained completely serious.

You folded your arms "You're old." His eyebrow rose "You won't understand fashion."

Margaret nearly choked. For one glorious second, Jungkook looked genuinely offended. Then—the front doors opened. The atmosphere changed instantly two police officers entered the hall the amusement vanished from Jungkook's face.

One of the officers removed his cap "Mr Jeon. Eleanor's brother has come forward."

The name alone seemed to drain the warmth from the room. Your stomach tightened the officer held a folder. "He claims to have evidence regarding his sister's death." The hall fell deathly silent. Jungkook's expression became impossible to read. Beside you, Margaret had gone pale your heartbeat thundered.

Jungkook voice remained steady. "Margaret take Y/N upstairs."

Margaret's fingers immediately found your wrist. "Come." You looked between Jungkook and the officers. "Jungkook—"

"Go upstairs." Slowly, Margaret began guiding you towards the staircase. As you turned, something caught your attention, the corridor above. Cecilia stood partially hidden in the shadows, watching everything. Her expression unreadable. Your gaze shifted towards Margaret. Margaret had noticed her too for a brief moment, the two women looked at one another. Margaret's eyes hardened. Cecilia didn't react.

The moment the bedroom door closed behind them, Margaret turned towards you. "Listen to me carefully.There's a car waiting at the back entrance. Take it and leave for the evening."

"Absolutely not." You snap.

Downstairs, voices echoed faintly through the house. The police were still there Jungkook was still there. You shook your head "I want to see Jungkook."

Margaret's expression darkened "That is exactly what I don't want." The words stunned you for several moments, neither of you spoke then you said quietly, "Why are you acting like this?"

Margaret looked towards the rain streaking the windows "He is paying for his karma." The words landed heavily. You stared at her "Karma?" Margaret didn't answer immediately. You took a step closer.

"Have you completely forgotten who he is?"

Her jaw tightened "Y/n—"

"No." For once, you interrupted her. "Have you not seen how he treats us?" The frustration spilled out before you could stop it. "How much he respects you? How much he cares for Cecilia despite her driving everyone insane? And me." Margaret remained silent. "He brought me back to university he supported my studies he never forced anything he has done nothing except look after us." Margaret closed her eyes briefly.

"You think he's the one who killed Eleanor?"

Margaret looked down at her hands then finally spoke "I didn't say that."

"You implied it."

Her gaze lifted. "You've only known him six months." The words were gentle almost pitying. You hated them "And you've known him years."

"I have."

"Then you should know better."

A humourless laugh escaped Margaret "You think I don't ask myself that every day? Have you not seen his anger?" You immediately thought of that night, the newspaper , Eleanor's name, the panic that followed. Margaret noticed "Exactly. I'm not saying he's entirely bad but sometimes good men do terrible things and sometimes terrible things happen to good men."

Then she asked the question neither of you wanted to answer. "If not him....who else could it be?"

The evening passed in an uncomfortable silence no one mentioned the police, no one mentioned Eleanor , Margaret remained in her room, Cecilia disappeared somewhere within the estate and Jungkook locked himself inside his study.

The house felt haunted by memories, the sun had long since disappeared, leaving only the glow of lanterns along the stone paths. That was when you noticed her , an elderly woman sat on a wooden bench near the greenhouse, knitting quietly beneath a lamp. You recognised her immediately.

Mrs Whitmore. One of the oldest members of the household staff she had worked for the Jeons since Jungkook was a teenager.

"Good evening, Mrs Whitmore."

The old woman smiled warmly "Good evening, Mrs Jeon." You sat beside her for a while, the two of you spoke about ordinary things. Then eventually, your curiosity won "Mrs Whitmore..."

"Hm?"

"How did Eleanor and Jungkook meet?" The old woman stopped knitting. A distant smile appeared on her face.

"They were in love they met at university. Eleanor was two years older than him." A fond laugh escaped her. "Everyone thought she was far too clever for him."

You smiled "And yet?"

"And yet he followed her everywhere." The old woman shook her head. "They were inseparable." For a moment, she seemed lost in the memory. "They were happy,very happy." Then her smile faded.

"The day Margaret arrived...Eleanor cried every day, she loved him deeply but she never blamed Margaret she wouldn't even allow Margaret to feel guilty."

You stared "Really?"

"Eleanor would practically force Jungkook to spend time with Margaret she always said none of it was Margaret's fault."

The garden fell quiet "What happened then?" The old woman was silent for several seconds. "I don't know." The answer sounded sincere.

"But something changed, Jungkook changed , he became angrier, colder then one evening he brought Cecilia home." You immediately thought of the photograph hidden in Cecilia's drawer. Mrs Whitmore looked away.

"Whatever remained of their marriage shattered after that."

Your chest tightened "Eleanor and Jungkook fought often?"

"I believe so." The old woman sighed. "But Eleanor never let it affect Margaret or Cecilia. Lord help us, Cecilia never accepted either of them."

That, at least, sounded believable.

The smile disappeared once more then came the part that made your stomach knot.

"A few months later, Eleanor became pregnant. I was the first person to notice. She was happy. The same week...The same week she was found dead."

Your throat tightened. Mrs Whitmore stared into the darkness. "The police searched the entire estate.They found one thing."

Her eyes met yours "Jungkook's ring. It was found in Eleanor's room beside her."

Your heart sank "No wonder people believed it."

The old woman looked saddened "Most people decided his guilt before the investigation had even ended."

A tear slipped down your cheek before you realised it. Mrs Whitmore noticed immediately the old woman gently squeezed your hand.

Lost in thought, you barely noticed where your feet had taken you. Until you found yourself standing outside Jungkook's study the door was slightly open. You hesitated then gently pushed it further Jungkook sat behind his desk the room was dark except for the lamp beside him.

He was simply staring at the ceiling for a moment, he didn't realise you were there and that's when you saw it. The faint tracks of dried tears along his cheek. Your heart ached, you crossed the room. Only when you stopped in front of him did he finally look up.

His eyes met yours.You reached down and gently cupped his face his gaze softened immediately "Why are you here?" His voice was rough you smiled faintly.

"Can't I come and see my husband?"

A ghost of a smile touched his lips. "Your old husband?" You couldn't help laughing. "You're thirty-five."

"Ancient."

"Completely ancient."

For the first time all evening, something warm appeared in his eyes. You brushed a thumb across his cheek. "You alright?" Jungkook looked away "Obviously. What will happen to me?" The answer came too quickly. You recognised it for what it was , a lie.

Instead of arguing, you stepped closer until you were standing between his knees. Slowly, you rested your forehead against his.

The room fell quiet. After a moment, Jungkook's arm slid around your waist holding you close as though he needed proof that someone was still there. His eyes closed briefly.

"Stay."

You felt your chest tighten "I'm not going anywhere." The confession seemed to reach somewhere deep inside him. For several seconds, neither of you moved neither wanted to break the moment. Eventually, Jungkook opened his eyes. Your faces were only inches apart, close enough to see every emotion he was trying so desperately to hide.

The distance between you had disappeared months ago. Tonight, for the first time, both of you seemed to realise it. His hand tightened slightly at your waist. Your breath caught.

And when the kiss finally happened, it wasn't rushed it was a choice. A moment neither of you had been expecting, yet both had wanted for far longer than either cared to admit. Both of you kissed each other so passionately, romantically, his lips was softer than you ever imagined. He pull you closer .

Your tongues tangled with his and went to war in yours locked mouths, battling madly for dominance, your lips parted slightly, allowing his tongue to slip inside, warmth blossomed in your chest.

When you finally pulled apart, the room remained silent. Jungkook rested his forehead against yours once more. You looked into his eyes and softly, honestly, you said,

"I trust you."

Jungkook froze as though nobody had spoken those words to him in a very long time and beneath all the walls he'd spent years building, you caught a glimpse of something heartbreakingly vulnerable. When he finally spoke, his voice was barely above a whisper.

"Thank you."

Still thinking about Jungkook's words, you made your way through the dimly lit corridor towards your room. You turned a corner Cecilia stood at the end of the hallway. A small kitchen knife rested in her hand, the sight made your stomach drop. Cecilia ask.

"Where were you?"

"Downstairs." The answer came too quickly. Cecilia clearly didn't believe it. She took a step closer.

"Stay away from him."

You blinked "What?"

"Stay away from Jungkook." The words were firm. You stared at her "Cecilia—"

"I'm serious." She took another step something in her expression felt wrong.

Your pulse quickened you took a cautious step back "I'll scream."

"Then scream." The response surprised you. Cecilia ran a hand through her hair.

Before you could answer, another voice cut through the corridor "CECILIA." Both of you turned Margaret stood several feet away her expression was ice-cold "What exactly are you doing?" Cecilia laughed bitterly she looked towards you again her eyes shone with frustration.

"Y/N"

Margaret stepped between you both"Enough"

For a moment, neither woman looked away Cecilia spoke quietly. "You're making a mistake" The words were directed entirely at you "Don't be so close with him"

"That's enough," Margaret said . The tension between them felt unbearable finally, Margaret turned to you.

"Darling." Her voice softened instantly "Go to your room." You hesitated looking from Margaret...to Cecilia...to the knife still hanging loosely at Cecilia's side nothing made sense anymore. You hurried towards your room and just before the door closed behind you, you heard a tight slap echoed.

CONTINUE IN NEXT PART