Chapter 9: Chapter 9: The Unwanted Visitor

Jungkook woke up feeling lighter after his heartfelt conversation with Taehyung. For the first time in weeks, he didn’t feel the weight of doubt crushing his chest. Taehyung’s reassurances echoed in his mind, and he decided to trust in the bond they had built.

As he stepped into the dining hall for breakfast, he was greeted by Taehyung’s warm smile.

“Good morning,” Taehyung said, placing a cup of tea in front of Jungkook. “You’re up earlier than usual.”

Jungkook smiled shyly. “I thought we could spend the morning together before you leave for the council meeting.”

Taehyung’s expression softened. “I’d like that.”

They ate in comfortable silence, a stark contrast to the tense meals of the past few weeks. Jungkook was beginning to feel at ease, but his peace was short-lived.

A servant entered the room, bowing deeply. “Your Grace, there’s someone at the gate requesting an audience with you.”

Taehyung raised an eyebrow. “Who is it?”

“She claims to be... your lover, my lord,” the servant said hesitantly.

Jungkook froze, his hand hovering over his teacup.

Taehyung’s expression darkened instantly. “My lover? That’s absurd. Bring her here.”

The servant nodded and quickly left the room. Jungkook’s heart raced as he looked at Taehyung.

“Why would someone claim to be your lover?” Jungkook asked, his voice trembling.

“I have no idea,” Taehyung said, his tone cold. “But we’re about to find out.”

---

Minutes later, the doors to the dining hall swung open, and a woman in an elegant yet overly flashy dress entered. Her confidence filled the room as she looked directly at Taehyung, ignoring Jungkook entirely.

“My dear Duke,” she began, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “It’s been too long.”

Taehyung’s jaw tightened. “Who are you, and what nonsense are you spouting?”

The woman’s expression faltered for a moment before she recovered. “Surely you remember me, Duke. We spent such lovely times together before your marriage.”

Jungkook felt his heart sink, but Taehyung stood and crossed his arms, glaring at the woman.

“I don’t know who you are, and I’ve never had a lover,” Taehyung said firmly. “You’re here to cause trouble, but you’ve come to the wrong place.”

The woman smirked, her gaze shifting to Jungkook. “Oh, but does your sweet husband know that? Do you know how many nights he spent with me before he ever looked at you?”

Jungkook clenched his fists, struggling to keep his emotions in check. Taehyung, however, was furious.

“Enough!” Taehyung barked. “You think you can waltz in here and spread lies? I don’t tolerate deceit in my home.”

The woman laughed mockingly. “Deceit? You’ve forgotten so quickly, my lord. Perhaps I should remind you.”

She stepped closer to Taehyung, but before she could say another word, Taehyung called for the guards.

“Remove her from the estate,” Taehyung ordered.

The guards appeared instantly, grabbing the woman by the arms.

“You’ll regret this, Taehyung,” she hissed as she was dragged away.

---

Once the woman was gone, the room fell silent. Jungkook stared at his plate, his appetite gone.

“Jungkook,” Taehyung said gently, sitting beside him. “Don’t let her words get to you. She’s a liar, and I have no idea why she came here.”

Jungkook nodded slowly. “I want to believe you, but... it’s hard when she seemed so sure of herself.”

Taehyung sighed and took Jungkook’s hands in his. “I swear to you, on my honor and everything I hold dear, that woman means nothing to me. I don’t even know her name.”

Jungkook looked into Taehyung’s eyes, searching for any hint of deception. All he saw was sincerity.

“I believe you,” Jungkook whispered, though the doubt still lingered in the back of his mind.

---

Later that evening, as Jungkook prepared for bed, he couldn’t stop thinking about the woman’s visit. Her confidence had shaken him, even though Taehyung had stood by his side.

“Are you still thinking about her?” Taehyung’s voice pulled Jungkook from his thoughts.

Jungkook turned to see Taehyung standing in the doorway, his expression soft.

“A little,” Jungkook admitted.

Taehyung walked over and placed a hand on Jungkook’s cheek. “I’ll do whatever it takes to prove to you that you’re the only one for me.”

Jungkook leaned into the touch, tears welling in his eyes. “I don’t want to doubt you, Taehyung. I really don’t.”

“You don’t have to,” Taehyung said. “Let me handle this. I’ll find out who sent that woman and why.”

Jungkook nodded, finally feeling a glimmer of hope. As he lay in bed that night, Taehyung’s promise echoed in his mind. For the first time, he allowed himself to trust that they could overcome anything together.