45

Chapter 45

The crisp autumn air of New York carried a faint chill as Jungkook, Y/N, and Taehyung stepped out of the sleek private jet, their breath visible in the cool morning light. The past month in America had flown by in a whirlwind of moments—some tender, some triumphant, all binding them closer together. Jungkook had rejoined his company, The Jeon Corporation, slipping back into the rhythm of leadership with a renewed sense of purpose. Taehyung, now at the helm of The Kim Enterprises, had forged a powerful alliance with Jungkook and Jimin’s Park Industries, their three companies forming a formidable triad that dominated the business world. But more than their professional successes, it was the mending of their personal bonds that warmed Taehyung’s heart. He and Jungkook were becoming close again, their shared laughter and late-night talks slowly erasing the scars of their past. The weight of old grudges was lifting, replaced by a brotherhood reborn.

Now, the trio stood outside the imposing gates of the Kim mansion, a sprawling estate nestled in the heart of an exclusive neighborhood, its stone facade softened by ivy and blooming roses. Y/N’s hand found Jungkook’s, her fingers lacing tightly with his, her touch a quiet anchor against the nervous anticipation fluttering in his chest. She wore a soft cream sweater and a flowing skirt, her hair cascading in loose waves, her eyes bright with love and a hint of nervousness. Jungkook, dressed in a tailored navy suit, his tattoos peeking out from the rolled-up sleeves, squeezed her hand, his heart pounding at the thought of seeing his mother, Sara, after so many years. Taehyung, in a sleek black coat, stood beside them, his usual confident smirk softened by a quiet understanding. He knew what this moment meant to Jungkook, and his presence was a silent promise of support.

“Ready, Kookie?” Y/N whispered, her voice a gentle caress, her thumb brushing over his knuckles.

Jungkook’s lips curved into a small, nervous smile, his dark eyes meeting hers. “With you by my side, angel? Always,” he murmured, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her forehead, his breath warm against her skin.

Taehyung clapped a hand on Jungkook’s shoulder, his grin warm but teasing. “Come on, man. Let’s do this. Mom’s gonna love you both.”

With a shared nod, the three stepped forward, the gates opening smoothly to reveal a grand driveway lined with manicured trees. Mr. Kim, a distinguished man with silver-streaked hair and a commanding presence, stood at the entrance, his arms open wide, his smile radiant with pride. “Jungkook! Y/N!” he called, his voice booming with warmth. “Welcome to our home! Taehyung’s told me so much about you both.”

Jungkook’s throat tightened, but he managed a polite nod, his hand never leaving Y/N’s. “Thank you, Mr. Kim,” he said, his voice steady despite the emotions swirling within him. “It’s an honor to be here.”

Y/N smiled, her nerves easing under Mr. Kim’s warmth. “Thank you for having us,” she said, her voice soft but sincere.

Mr. Kim waved them inside, his laughter hearty. “Come, come! Let’s get out of this chill.”

They stepped into the grand living hall, a breathtaking space with high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and plush velvet furniture arranged around a roaring fireplace. The warmth of the room enveloped them, the scent of cedar and vanilla filling the air. Taehyung led the way, his steps confident, but Jungkook’s gaze was drawn to the staircase, where a soft rustle of fabric announced Sara’s arrival.

Mrs. Kim—Sara—descended the stairs with an effortless grace, her elegant cream dress flowing around her, her dark hair swept into a loose bun. Her eyes, so much like Jungkook’s, sparkled with a warmth that made his heart ache. Jungkook froze, his breath catching as he watched her, his vision blurring with unshed tears. It was like stepping into a dream, a memory he’d held onto for years—his mother, radiant and real, standing before him after so long. He fought to control the emotions threatening to spill over, his jaw tightening as he held himself together.

Sara’s smile was warm, welcoming, but as her gaze landed on Jungkook, a flicker of confusion crossed her face. She tilted her head, her brows furrowing slightly, and she stopped a few steps away, her eyes searching his face. Taehyung, sensing the moment, stepped forward, his voice quick but gentle. “Mom, this is Jungkook,” he said, his tone carrying a weight that only he and Jungkook fully understood. “My friend—more like a brother—and our new business partner. And this is Y/N, his fiancée.”

Jungkook’s heart stuttered at the word *brother*, but he stepped forward, his movements slow, almost hesitant. “Mo—” he began, the word *mom* catching in his throat, raw and unbidden. He caught himself, his voice softening as he corrected, “Hello, Mrs. Kim.”

Sara’s confusion melted into a radiant smile, and without hesitation, she closed the distance between them, pulling Jungkook into a gentle hug. “Hello, Jungkook,” she said, her voice warm and melodic, wrapping around him like a long-forgotten lullaby. Jungkook froze for a moment, overwhelmed by the warmth of her embrace, before his arms slowly wrapped around her, his head resting on her shoulder. The scent of her perfume—jasmine and warmth—flooded him with memories, and he closed his eyes, letting himself sink into the moment, his heart trembling with love and longing.

Y/N’s eyes glistened, a tear slipping down her cheek as she watched them, her hand pressing to her lips to stifle a soft sob. Taehyung glanced away, his own eyes misty, while Mr. Kim stepped closer, his hand resting gently on Y/N’s back, a silent reassurance that everything was alright. The room was heavy with emotion, the air thick with the unspoken weight of years apart, now bridged by this single, tender moment.

Sara pulled back, her hands moving to cup Jungkook’s cheeks, her touch soft and maternal. “Have we met before?” she asked, her voice curious, her eyes searching his face with a familiarity she couldn’t place. “You seem… so familiar.”

The question hung in the air, and everyone froze, the weight of her words sinking in. Jungkook’s breath caught, his heart pounding, but he managed a small, bittersweet smile, shaking his head. “No, Mrs. Kim,” he said, his voice thick with emotion, barely holding together. “We haven’t met.”

Taehyung, quick to ease the tension, stepped forward with a playful grin. “Mom, you’ve probably seen Jungkook on TV,” he said, his tone light but careful. “He’s a big-shot businessman, you know. Always in the news.”

Sara’s eyes lit up, her confusion giving way to a cute, almost childlike realization. “Oh, that must be it!” she said, her smile mirroring Jungkook’s in a way that made his heart ache. “You’re quite the star, aren’t you?”

Jungkook chuckled, the sound soft and genuine, his eyes never leaving hers. “Something like that,” he said, his voice warm, his heart swelling with the joy of being near her, even if she didn’t know the full truth.

Mr. Kim clapped his hands, his voice booming with enthusiasm. “Alright, enough of this! It’s Y/N’s turn now,” he said, his eyes twinkling as he gestured toward her.

Jungkook’s hand found Y/N’s again, giving it a gentle squeeze as he guided her forward. Y/N’s nerves fluttered, her heart racing at the thought of meeting Jungkook’s mother, even if Sara didn’t remember her son. To Y/N, Sara was still the woman who would one day be her mother-in-law, and the weight of that made her voice tremble slightly. “Hello, ma’am,” she said, her tone soft but polite. “I’m Y/N… Jung Y/N.”

Sara’s face softened, her smile warm and inviting. “Oh, sweetie, why so nervous?” she said, her voice like a warm embrace as she stepped forward, pulling Y/N into a tight hug. “Come here!”

Y/N melted into the hug, her arms wrapping around Sara as she buried her face in her shoulder, a tear slipping free. “It’s so nice to meet you, Mrs. Kim,” she said, her voice muffled but filled with sincerity, her heart swelling at the warmth of Sara’s embrace.

“Nice to meet you too, sweetie,” Sara said, pulling back to cup Y/N’s face, her smile radiant. “You’re absolutely lovely.”

Jungkook watched the scene unfold, his heart so full it felt like it might burst. His two most important women—his mother and his fiancée—together in one moment, their smiles mirroring each other, their warmth filling the room. It was a dream he’d held onto for years, now unfolding before his eyes. Taehyung stepped beside him, his hand clapping Jungkook’s back, his voice low and teasing. “You made it, man,” he said, his eyes warm with pride. “You really made it.”

Jungkook nodded, his smile soft but radiant, his eyes glistening. “Yeah,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m more than worthy now.”

The group moved to the plush sofas, the conversation flowing easily as Mr. and Mrs. Kim shared stories of Taehyung’s rise to success, their pride in him evident in every word. Jungkook and Y/N sat close, their hands intertwined, their smiles bright as they listened, their hearts light with the promise of family and new beginnings. Taehyung, too, joined in, his laughter mingling with Jungkook’s, their bond stronger than ever, the past forgiven, the future bright.

As the evening unfolded, the mansion filled with warmth, laughter, and the quiet joy of a family reunited, even if only in part. Jungkook stole glances at Sara, his heart aching with love, while Y/N squeezed his hand, her presence a constant reminder that they were in this together. The Kim mansion, once a place of uncertainty, became a haven of hope, a testament to the power of forgiveness, love, and the unbreakable bonds that tied them all together.

---

Time skips

The dining room of the Kim mansion glowed with the warmth of a shared meal, the table adorned with the remnants of a lavish dinner—empty plates of bulgogi, kimchi jjigae, and an array of banchan, their flavors lingering in the air alongside the laughter and stories that had filled the evening. The grand chandelier cast a soft, golden light over the room, reflecting off the polished mahogany table and the sleek, modern decor that spoke of the Kim family’s refined taste. Jungkook and Y/N sat side by side, their hands intertwined under the table, their smiles radiant as they exchanged glances, their hearts full from the evening spent with Taehyung, Mr. Kim, and Sara—Jungkook’s mother, though she didn’t know it. Taehyung sat across from them, his usual charm softened by a quiet gratitude, while Mr. and Mrs. Kim presided over the table, their warmth making the mansion feel like a home.

As the meal drew to a close, Jungkook leaned back in his chair, his navy suit jacket draped over the back, his rolled-up sleeves revealing the tattoos that curled around his forearms. Y/N, in her soft cream sweater and flowing skirt, leaned into him, her head resting lightly against his shoulder, her eyes sparkling with contentment. The conversation had slowed, replaced by a comfortable silence, the kind that comes when hearts are full and words are no longer needed.

Mr. Kim clapped his hands, his voice warm and jovial. “Well, that was a meal to remember,” he said, his eyes crinkling with a smile. “Jungkook, Y/N, you’ve made this evening unforgettable.”

Y/N’s cheeks flushed, and she smiled shyly. “Thank you for having us, Mr. Kim,” she said, her voice soft but sincere. “It’s been… more than I could’ve hoped for.”

Jungkook squeezed her hand, his gaze softening as he looked at her before turning to Mr. Kim. “It’s been an honor,” he said, his voice steady but thick with emotion. “Thank you for welcoming us into your home.”

Sara, seated at the head of the table, smiled warmly, her eyes lingering on Jungkook with a curiosity she couldn’t quite place. “You’re welcome anytime, Jungkook, Y/N,” she said, her voice melodic, carrying a maternal warmth that made Jungkook’s heart ache. “This house feels brighter with you here.”

The group rose, moving toward the grand foyer, the marble floor gleaming under the soft ambient lighting. Jungkook and Y/N prepared to leave, their hands still clasped, their connection a quiet anchor in the emotional weight of the moment. Taehyung followed, his black coat slung over his shoulder, his expression a mix of contentment and brotherly pride.

At the entrance, Jungkook turned to Sara, his heart pounding as he met her eyes—eyes so much like his own, filled with a warmth that stirred memories he’d buried deep. “Mrs. Kim,” he said, his voice soft but steady, “thank you for tonight. It means more than you know.”

Sara’s smile was radiant, and she stepped forward, pulling him into a gentle hug. “Jungkook,” she said, her voice soft, almost wistful, “you’re such a kind young man. Take care of yourself, alright?”

Jungkook nodded, his throat tight as he returned the hug, his arms lingering for a moment longer than necessary. “I will,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, his heart aching with the unspoken truth of their bond.

Y/N stepped forward, her smile warm but tinged with nerves. “Mrs. Kim, it was so wonderful to meet you,” she said, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. “Thank you for everything.”

Sara’s eyes softened, and she pulled Y/N into a tight embrace, her hands gentle on her back. “Oh, sweetie, the pleasure was mine,” she said, her voice warm and maternal. “You’re a treasure. Keep that Jungkook in line, alright?”

Y/N laughed, her eyes glistening as she nodded. “I’ll do my best,” she said, her voice light but filled with affection.

Jungkook turned to Mr. Kim, extending his hand. “Mr. Kim, thank you,” he said, his tone formal but sincere. “This night… it’s something I’ll never forget.”

Mr. Kim shook his hand firmly, his eyes warm with understanding. “You’re family now, Jungkook,” he said, his voice low and meaningful. “Both of you.”

Taehyung stepped forward, clapping Jungkook on the shoulder with a grin. “See you soon, brother,” he said, his voice teasing but filled with warmth. “Don’t go getting too comfortable without me.”

Jungkook chuckled, pulling Taehyung into a quick, brotherly hug. “Not a chance, Tae,” he said, his voice light but carrying the weight of their mended bond.

Y/N hugged Taehyung next, her smile bright. “Thank you, Tae,” she said softly. “For everything.”

Taehyung winked, his charm returning full force. “Anything for you, Y/N,” he said, his tone playful but sincere.

As Jungkook and Y/N stepped toward the sleek black car waiting outside, Taehyung’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced at the screen, his brow furrowing slightly. “Sorry, guys, I need to take this,” he said, stepping aside with a quick wave. “I’ll catch up with you later.”

Jungkook and Y/N nodded, sliding into the car, their hands still intertwined. As the driver pulled away, the mansion’s grand gates receding in the rearview mirror, Jungkook leaned over, pressing a soft kiss to Y/N’s temple. “You okay, angel?” he asked, his voice a low murmur, his breath warm against her skin.

Y/N smiled, leaning into him, her head resting against his shoulder. “More than okay,” she whispered, her voice filled with love. “Tonight was perfect, Kookie.”

He smiled, his heart swelling as he held her close, the city lights blurring past them as they drove into the night.

---

Outside the mansion, Sara and Mr. Kim stood side by side, watching the car’s taillights disappear down the winding driveway. The cool night air brushed against them, the scent of roses from the garden mingling with the faint chill of autumn. Sara’s eyes lingered on the horizon, her expression soft but tinged with a quiet confusion. She murmured Jungkook’s name under her breath, almost as if testing its weight, her voice barely audible. “Jungkook…”

Mr. Kim turned to her, his gaze careful, his heart tightening at the sound of her voice. “Honey, what’s wrong?” he asked, his tone gentle, his eyes searching her face. “Is everything alright?”

Sara tilted her head, her brows furrowing as she looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with an emotion she couldn’t name. “I don’t know why,” she said softly, her voice laced with a wistful curiosity, “but I feel… a strange connection to that boy. Are we sure we’ve never met him before?”

Mr. Kim’s smile was bittersweet, a mix of pain and quiet happiness flickering in his eyes. He knew the truth—Sara was Jungkook’s mother, though her memories of her past life were fragmented, lost to time and trauma. Yet, the love she felt, the pull toward her son, was undeniable, a universal force that transcended memory. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close, his touch warm and reassuring. “You like him, don’t you?” he asked, his voice soft, a gentle nudge to keep her from dwelling too deeply.

Sara leaned into him, her smile returning, soft and genuine. “Yeah,” she admitted, her voice tinged with a warmth she couldn’t explain. “He’s one of a kind, honey. I can’t describe it… it’s like I’ve known him forever.”

Mr. Kim pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, his heart aching with the weight of the truth he carried for her. “Don’t worry, love,” he said, his voice steady but filled with quiet promise. “We’ll meet them again. I’m sure of it.”

Sara’s smile widened, her eyes brightening at the thought. “I’d love that,” she said, her voice soft but filled with hope. “I’d love to see them again.”

With a final glance at the now-empty driveway, they turned, their arms still wrapped around each other, and headed back into the mansion. The grand doors closed behind them, the warmth of their home enveloping them as they stepped into the future, carrying the promise of more moments with Jungkook and Y/N—moments that would weave their fractured family back together, one heartfelt meeting at a time.

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To be continued..

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