Chapter 3

"Yes. I'm staying to fight."

He doesn't want to, I know he doesn't. Jin isn't a fighter, he'll pretend to be the cold murderer Father expects of him, but just like me—he doesn't want to be a part of this lifestyle.

***

We landed in Seoul and took the car straight to the penthouse. It was just past midnight and Father rushed me off to bed, probably so he could talk business with my brothers.

I sit on the stairs and eavesdrop instead.

"I don't like this," Jin says.

"It doesn't matter what you like. It's what will benefit the mafia," my father barks through what sounds like gritted teeth.

"You should let her decide!" Jin continues to argue.

"I won't hear another word about this. You will learn your place, Jin!" Father yells. "Do you see your brother complaining? No, because he knows this will be a beneficial union. I will hear no more arguments, and no more back talk! "After a few seconds of no talking I'm startled by Jin turning the corner looking pissed off.

"You should go to bed. Go". He sounds cold and distant.

I nod my head, part of the reason is that I am getting tired.

Her. Jin said, 'let her decide'. I lay awake in my room staring at the ceiling trying to decipher who her is.

Could it be me? Or maybe it's about mother.

******

Y/N

I wake up to sound of my alarm beeping. I guess I was so exhausted that I passed out. I don't even remember falling asleep. I do remember what I was pondering over though. 'Her'.

I head down the stairs but stop at the top when I see Jungkook sitting alone eating cereal, I'm surprised Mother isn't up. Usually she will keep herself busy by cooking. Since it's short notice our maid and cook won't be at the penthouse, so in situations like this Mother will cook. For breakfast she always makes pancakes, eggs, and bacon.

I turn around and head towards my parents room to see if maybe Mother is sick. I stop in front of the door and lift my hand to knock when I hear sobbing coming from inside.

"I don't want her to!" My mother weeps.

"Get a hold of yourself, Valentina! You know it is her duty!"

"He might say no! There's still a chance!"

"He will not say no to my offer. Not when the Outfit has been weakened like this."

"But—" "Stop crying god damn it!" Father screams and Mother shrieks.

A sound of slapping came through the door."Argh! Please, don't!" Mother pleaded.

I rush away from the door and want to cry for being such a coward. I should've rushed in and stopped my father from hitting my mother. I should've stopped it so many times.

"Eavesdropping again?" Jin taps on my shoulder from behind.

"You scared the crap out of me!" I hold my rapid beating heart.

"Leave it alone. It's none of our business."

"Isn't it? Isn't it at least my business?" Jin clenched his fists.

You should let her decide.

I am her.

"I know what you're thinking, that you can save Mother. Father is much stronger, he'd hurt you too if you got in the way of his business. Let it go."

"Doesn't it hurt you knowing what father did to mother!" I shout.

"Y/N . Go take a shower and start getting ready." Jungkook says from down the hall. He looks angry. " Jin, a word."

"But—"

"That is enough out of you, Y/N! You need to stop acting like a nosey brat. Jin is right, it's none of your business," Jungkook growls. He gives me a warning look as if to say he dares me to talk back to him. I press my lips into a thin line and push past them to go to my room.

Downstairs everyone seems to be waiting for me. All of them already dressed in black and wearing stoic faces.

I'm hungry by the time I finish readying myself. "Do you mind if I grab something to eat?" I walk toward the pantry.

"Yes, I do mind. We are leaving. Now." Father says heading out the door and the rest follow him. Slumping my shoulders and fantasizing about food, I groan and my father gives me a dark look daring me to complain again.

"Could've ate something if you didn't spend your morning listening in on things that aren't your business to begin with," Jungkook says before ducking his head to get into the car. I wanted to scold him but there isn't a point when I know Father will take his side in any battle.

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