Chapter 3: Chapter 3: The Duke's Mansion

The journey to Duke Taehyung’s mansion was quiet, the only sounds being the rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels and the occasional creak of the wooden frame. Jungkook sat across from Taehyung, his hands folded in his lap as he tried to calm his nerves. The air between them was heavy, and though Taehyung’s expression remained as cold as ever, his presence was overwhelming.

Jungkook stole a glance at the man who now held his fate. Taehyung’s sharp jawline and dark eyes seemed carved from marble, and his posture radiated authority. Jungkook felt small in comparison, like a speck of dust in a storm.

“Do you always stare this much?” Taehyung asked, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade.

Jungkook flinched, his cheeks flushing. “I-I wasn’t— I mean, I didn’t mean to—”

“You’re bad at lying,” Taehyung interrupted, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

Jungkook pressed his lips together, his embarrassment growing. “I was just... thinking about the mansion. What is it like?”

Taehyung leaned back, crossing his arms. “It’s big, cold, and quiet. Much like its owner.”

Jungkook blinked at the honesty, unsure how to respond. “Well... I suppose I’ll find out soon.”

Taehyung raised an eyebrow. “You don’t seem afraid of me. Most people tremble just hearing my name.”

“I’ve had my fair share of fear growing up,” Jungkook admitted softly. “You’re not the first person to intimidate me. And besides, you agreed to this marriage. That gives me a reason to trust you.”

Taehyung studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. “Interesting.”

The rest of the ride passed in relative silence, though Jungkook occasionally caught Taehyung glancing at him.

---

When they arrived at the mansion, Jungkook’s breath hitched. The Duke’s estate was massive, its towering gates adorned with intricate ironwork. The mansion itself was a sprawling structure of dark stone, with ivy climbing its walls and turrets reaching into the sky.

“Welcome to your new home,” Taehyung said, stepping out of the carriage and offering Jungkook his hand.

Jungkook hesitated before taking it, his smaller hand dwarfed by Taehyung’s. The contact sent a strange warmth through him, though he quickly dismissed it.

The butler, an older man with a stern expression, greeted them at the entrance. “Welcome back, Your Grace. And this must be...”

“My spouse,” Taehyung said without hesitation, cutting off any potential questions. “Prepare a room for him.”

“A room?” Jungkook echoed, looking up at Taehyung.

“You didn’t expect to share mine, did you?” Taehyung asked, his tone teasing.

Jungkook’s cheeks burned. “N-no, of course not. I just... never mind.”

The butler cleared his throat. “Right this way, sir.”

---

Jungkook’s room was luxurious, far beyond anything he had ever experienced in his family’s home. The bed was enormous, draped in silk sheets, and the windows offered a breathtaking view of the gardens.

“It’s beautiful,” he murmured, running his fingers along the edge of the bedframe.

Taehyung stood in the doorway, watching him. “If there’s anything you need, let the staff know. They’re here to serve you.”

Jungkook turned to him, frowning slightly. “I’m not used to being served. At home, I always did everything myself.”

Taehyung’s expression darkened. “Your family treated you poorly.”

Jungkook hesitated before nodding. “Yes, but I don’t want to dwell on that. I’m here now, and I want to make the most of the time I have left.”

Taehyung’s gaze softened slightly, though his voice remained steady. “Then rest. We have much to discuss tomorrow.”

---

That evening, Jungkook wandered the mansion, unable to sleep in the unfamiliar surroundings. He found himself in the library, its walls lined with books from floor to ceiling.

As he scanned the shelves, a deep voice startled him. “Can’t sleep?”

Jungkook whirled around to see Taehyung standing in the doorway, his hands tucked into his pockets. “I didn’t mean to intrude,” Jungkook said quickly.

“You’re not intruding,” Taehyung said, stepping inside. “This is your home now, too.”

Jungkook’s heart skipped a beat at the words. “Thank you. For... everything.”

Taehyung tilted his head, studying him. “Most people would resent me for forcing them into this situation. Why don’t you?”

Jungkook looked down at his hands. “Because you gave me a choice, even if it wasn’t much of one. And you’re treating me better than my family ever did.”

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Taehyung said, “You’re braver than most. I admire that.”

Jungkook blinked, surprised. “You do?”

Taehyung nodded. “Now get some sleep. You’ll need your strength.”

Jungkook watched as Taehyung left the library, his heart feeling lighter than it had in years. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he might actually belong somewhere.

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