Chapter 3
Three hours later, Jungkook's car came to a bone-jarring stop in front of honourable Sejoon's Seoul residence. A groom ran forward, and Jungkook tossed the keys to him, not minding closing the door, bounded out and strode purposefully up the front steps of the house.
The butler intoned as he opened the front door and stepped aside
Butler
His grace is expecting you
Jeon Jungkook
I'll bet he d@mnéd well is!
Jungkook bit out scathingly.
Jeon Jungkook
Where is he?
Butler
In the room, my Lord
Jungkook stalked past him and down the hall, his long quick strides eloquent of his turbulent wrath as he flung open the drawing room door and headed straight toward the dignified, gray-haired man seated before the fire. Without preamble, he snapped,
Jeon Jungkook
You, I presume, are responsible for that outrageous announcement in the Times?"
Seojoon's boldy returned his stare
Jeon Jungkook
Then you will have to issue another one to take it back
the senior Jeon stated implacably
Senior Jeon
The young man is coming to Seoul and you are going to marry him. Among other things I want a grandson from you, and I want to hold him in my arms before I depart this world
Jeon Jungkook
If you want a grandson
Jeon Jungkook
All you have to do is locate some of your other by-blows. I'm sure you'll discover they've sired you dozens of grandson now
Seojoon flinched at that, but his voice merely lowered ominously.
Senior Jeon
"I want a legitimate grandson to present to the world as my heir."
Jeon Jungkook
A legitimate grandson
Jungkook repeated with freezing sarcasm
Jeon Jungkook
You want me, you're illegitimate son, to sire you a legitimate grandson? Tell me something with everyone else believing I'm your nephew, how do you intend to claim my son as your grandchild
Senior Jeon
I would claim him as my great-nephew, but I would know he's my grandson, and that's all that matters
Undaunted by his son's soaring fury, the older Jeon finished implacably,
Senior Jeon
I want an heir from you, Jungkook.
A pulse drummed in Jungkook's temple as he fought to control his wrath. Bending low, he braced his hands on the arms of Seojoon's chair, his face only inches away from the older man's. Very slowly and very distinctly, he enunciated,
Jeon Jungkook
"I have told you before, and I'm telling you for the last time, that I will never remarry. Do you understand me? I will never remarry!"
Senior Jeon
"You aren't entirely hateful at the notion of affection. It's common knowledge that you've had lovers and mistresses and that you treat them well. In fact, they all seem to tumble into love with you. They obviously like being in your bed, and you obviously like having them there – "
A spasm of pain contorted older Jeon's face and he raised his hand to his chest, his long fingers clutching his shirt. Then he carefully returned his hand to his lap.
Jungkook's eyes narrowed, but despite his suspicion that Seojoon was merely feigning the pain, he forced himself to remain silent as his father continued.
Senior Jeon
The young man I've chosen to be your spouse should arrive here in about three months. I will have a car waiting at the train terminal so that he may proceed to your house in Busan. For the sake of propriety, I will join the two of you there and remain with you until the nuptials have been performed. I knew his mother long ago, and I've seen a likeness of Taehyung – you won't be disappointed.
Senior Jeon
Come now Jungkook
He said, his voice turning soft, persuasive,
Senior Jeon
aren't you the slightest but curious about him?
The older Jeon attempt at cajolery hardened Jungkook's features into a mask of granite.
Jeon Jungkook
You're wasting your time, I won't do it
the older Jeon promised, resorting to threats in his desperation
Senior Jeon
Because if you don't, I'll disinherit you. You've already spent millions of Won of your money restoring my estates that will never belong to you unless you marry Kim Taehyung
Jeon Jungkook
Your precious estates can burn to the ground for all I care. My son is dead- I no longer have any use for legacies
Seojoon saw the pain that flashed across Jungkook's eye at the mention of his little boy, and his toned soften with shared sorrow
Senior Jeon
I'll admit that I acted precipitously in announcing your betrothal, Jungkook, but I had my reasons. Perhaps I can't force you to marry Taehyung, but at least don't set your mind against him. I promise you that you'll find no fault with him. Here, I have a photograph of him and you can see for yourself how handsome..."
the older Jeon's voice trailed off as Jungkook turned on his heel and stalked from the room, slamming the door behind him with a deafening crash.
The older Jeon glowered at the close door.
Senior Jeon
You'll marry him, Jungkook
Senior Jeon
You'll do it if I have to hold a gun to your head.
He glanced up a few minutes later as the butler came in carrying a silver tray laden with a bottle of champagne and two glasses.
Butler
I took the liberty of selecting something appropriate for the occasion
The old servant confided happily, putting the tray on the table near the older Jeon
Senior Jeon
In that case you should have brought vinegar
The older Jeon said wryly.
Senior Jeon
Jungkook has already left
Butler
Already Left? But I didn't have an opportunity to felicitate his Lordship on his forthcoming nuptials.
Senior Jeon
Which is fortunate indeed
The older Jeon said with grim chuckle
Senior Jeon
I fear he'd loosened your teeth
When the butler left. Seojoon picked up the bottle of champagne, opened it, and poured some into the glass. With a determined smile, he lifted his glass in a solitary toast
Senior Jeon
To your forthcoming marriage, Jungkook
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