Mirae POV
"Eh, you better get going now, or else you'll be late getting back," Mark shot me a sharp glance.
Taehyung and I nodded simultaneously.
---
I remained silent as soon as I stepped into the bustling restaurant filled with lively customers.
"Wow, it's crowded..." I commented, earning a small chuckle from Taehyung. I looked at him in confusion.
"What's so funny, Taehyung?" I raised an eyebrow deliberately.
"Nothing!" He immediately grabbed my hand and led me to a table.
After placing our order, I began scanning the surroundings, searching for the man Mark had instructed me to find.
Meanwhile, Taehyung turned on his phone and became engrossed in whatever he was doing. I had no desire to chat with him, so I was glad he remained quiet like this.
As I continued looking around for the person I was supposed to meet, I suddenly felt a gentle tap on my shoulder.
"What are you looking for, Mirae?" His eyes followed mine, surveying the area.
"Err, nothing... Just admiring the view," I teased casually.
"If you want to admire a view, you can just look in front of you," he propped his chin on his hand, gazing at me with an adorable smile.
"I'm just kidding, Taehyung!" I couldn't handle the intensity of his piercing gaze; it was making me weak.
He let out a small laugh, his rosy lips appearing even more beautiful when he smiled. His mother must have swallowed a whole sack of sugar while pregnanting him—his lips were red, and his laughter was incredibly sweet.
"Were you staring at my face? Is there something on it?" He hurriedly opened his phone camera to check himself.
"Nothing... You're just too sweet!" I responded sarcastically.
"Oh? Or do you want to continue our previous activity?" He arched a single eyebrow playfully. I gulped nervously.
Taehyung, who was sweet a moment ago, had suddenly turned daring... This was terrifying!
He puckered his lips at me.
"Yah, there are people around! Behave, please!" I smacked his shoulder firmly to snap him out of it.
Taehyung chuckled at my flustered expression. I pinched his arm in frustration.
"Hahaha, your face is priceless!" My cheeks began turning red from embarrassment.
"Ugh, enough, Tae... Do you want to add anything to the order?" I looked around for a waiter.
"Oh, don't worry about that. The food will be here soon." Taehyung checked his watch as if he was expecting something. But I didn’t pay much attention—his business was none of mine.
As I sat there, lost in thought, I noticed a man sitting not far from us staring at me intensely. Could he be the person Mark had mentioned? I examined his jacket—it matched the description Mark had given. It was definitely him. My mind began formulating an escape plan before he could notice me.
"Eh, Mirae, what are you staring at? Is that guy hotter than me? You can't take your eyes off him!" Taehyung's words made me force out a fake laugh. If I told him the truth, he'd end up being Mark's next target.
"It's nothing, Taehyung. He just looks familiar." I quickly changed the subject.
"By the way, what are you waiting for? You've been checking your watch nonstop!" I squinted at him.
"Actually, I'm waiting for—" Before he could finish, a woman holding a bouquet of flowers approached our table.
"Excuse me, are you Miss Mirae?" she asked. I nodded.
"Hmm, this is for you." She handed me the bouquet. I accepted it and placed it on the table. As soon as she left, Taehyung spoke up.
"Who sent you flowers? Your boyfriend?" His question left me stunned. I was just as confused as he was.
"If it wasn't you, then who else? I don’t know any guys other than you and Mark!" I examined the bouquet. The white roses intrigued me, and I leaned in to inhale their fragrance. Hidden among the petals was a small card. I pulled it out and read the message:
"I'm already attracted to you. I'm thankful that I've done the right thing to have you. ❤️
From: Mr. J
To: My Princess"
Taehyung looked perplexed, and I found the message rather strange.
"Actually, I sent you flowers too, but I didn't expect someone else to beat me to it!" Taehyung chuckled, though his laughter sounded forced.
I patted his shoulder lightly. I felt a little bad seeing the disappointment on his face. Without hesitation, I grabbed the bouquet and tossed it into the nearby trash bin.
"Eh, why did you throw it away?" He sounded surprised.
"Who knows who sent it? What if it's from a lunatic and creepy stalker?" I replied without guilt.
Taehyung let out a small laugh and ruffled my hair.
"Yah! You're messing up my hair!" I pinched his arm in frustration.
"Haha, sorry! Alright, let's eat." He placed a napkin on my lap just as our food arrived.
"Enjoy your meal, Tae!" I picked up my chopsticks.
"Enjoy your meal, sweetheart!"
I was just about to sip my orange juice when I choked.
"Hahahaha, be careful next time!" He patted my back. I nodded weakly, my face now as red as a tomato.
---
After finishing our meal, I excused myself.
"Why won’t you let me walk you home? It's dangerous for a beautiful girl like you to be alone!" Taehyung's pouty expression made me burst into laughter.
"Aww, Tae, I'm not alone! A friend is waiting for me." I pulled out my phone.
"Hmm, where?" he asked.
"Uh, just at a park nearby!" In truth, I was running out of excuses.
"Sigh, alright. Take care!" He playfully pinched my chin before letting me go.
I flashed him a small smile and nodded.
---
Once I was sure Taehyung had left, I quickly made my way to the nearby park.
"Where should I hide?" My mind was in chaos, searching for a safe spot.
Tap! Tap! Tap!
The sound of approaching footsteps sent chills down my spine. I hurriedly hid behind a bush.
My body trembled as I heard the deep, husky voice of the man in the black jacket.
"Darling, where are you?" His romantic yet sinister tone made my skin crawl.
"I know you're here..." He was getting closer.
I squeezed my eyes shut as he neared my hiding spot.
"Gotcha!"
I felt myself being grabbed from behind. I struggled to break free.
"Please, let me go!!" I shoved him away with all my strength.
With no other option, I jabbed my elbow hard into his stomach.
"Ugh!" He groaned in pain.
I took off running into the dark.
I ran until I collided with something—or rather, someone.
"Boss, I found her!"
Before I could react, I was restrained tightly.
"Please, let me go!" Tears streamed down my face.
"Hey sweetheart, you're mine now!" The man in the black jacket stepped forward.
"Arghh!"
I feel weak. 
Bang!!!
A gunshot rang out. My head spun, and then—darkness.
The last thing I remembered was a man in a black hoodie, wearing dark sunglasses, whispering in my ear:
"You're safe now..."
A relieved smile graced my lips before I lost consciousness.
---
The first thing I realized upon regaining consciousness was that I was in a hotel room. A shiver ran through my body as I considered the possibility of something I desperately wished had not happened.
Slowly, I sat up. A wave of relief washed over me upon realizing that I was unharmed.
"Thank God…" I muttered, getting up, when my eyes landed on a small note by the bedside.
"You're safe now. Take this money and give it to Lee Mark.
From: Your Hero."
I stared at the note in shock. How did that man know about Mark? The envelope was filled with a substantial amount of money—just enough for me to hand over to Mark without raising suspicion.
Shaking my head, I dismissed the thoughts crowding my mind. There was no use dwelling on things that had already happened.
---
As soon as I arrived home, Mark was already waiting with a serious expression.
"Where's the money?" he demanded.
Without a word, I handed him the envelope. He snatched it swiftly, pulling out the bills and counting them.
"Mirae!!"
I froze mid-step, just as I was about to enter my room.
Please don’t suspect anything, I prayed silently.
"Hmm… you got tips?" he asked, a smug grin spreading across his face.
Forcing a smile, I nodded hesitantly.
"Good!" He patted my back before walking away.
I exhaled in relief.
If only I knew who my mysterious savior was—I would be forever grateful.
---
Two Months Later…
A K-drama starring Kim Soo Hyun was playing on the TV, instantly captivating my attention. As an avid fan, I couldn’t look away. Slowly, I nibbled on a Tiger biscuit, fully engrossed in the screen.
"Mirae!!"
Startled, I choked on my snack, coughing violently. Grabbing my hot chocolate, I took slow sips to soothe my throat.
"Y-yeah, brother?" I called out loudly so Mark could hear me.
"Are you deaf or something? Didn't you hear someone knocking?!" His sharp tone made my stomach churn in nervousness.
"What are you waiting for? Open the door!" he snapped.
Scrambling to my feet, I rushed to answer it.
Standing outside was a strikingly beautiful woman, accompanied by a man wearing dark sunglasses. Her attire—minimal fabric and all—radiated arrogance.
"Uh… please, come in," I gestured awkwardly.
"Erm, thanks…" she muttered curtly, pulling her companion toward the couch.
"I’ll go get Mark," I said, before dashing upstairs.
"Brother, you have guests…"
Mark put down his comb, his expression unreadable.
"Hmm… go make some drinks," he ordered.
I quickly nodded and hurried to the kitchen.
"Baby…"
The endearment from the woman in the living room nearly made me drop the tray of drinks. I could hear them talking, but the TV’s volume drowned out most of their conversation.
Great, now I missed my K-drama!
After placing the drinks on the table, I grabbed the remote and turned off the TV—the show was over anyway. I sighed, resigned to waiting for a rerun.
Glancing toward Mark and the woman, I noticed them leaving with the sunglasses-wearing man following closely.
"Mirae, I'm going out with my girlfriend. You stay here with him."
"H-him?" My confusion deepened.
"Yeah, this is Kai—Katherine's younger brother."
I nodded hesitantly.
"Where are you going with Katherine?" I asked impulsively.
Mark shot me a deadly glare, silencing me instantly.Suddenly I feel uneasy in my heart. I watched Mark and his girlfriend leave the house. It seems that only Kai and I are left.
Kai, who had already settled on the couch, was preoccupied with his phone.
"You… you're Mark's sister, right?" His deep, intimidating voice startled me.
"Uh-huh," I responded absentmindedly, turning the TV back on.I sit back on the sofa.
"So that means… you belong to me tonight."
A chill ran down my spine.
Kai suddenly stood and approached me. My breath hitched.
He reached out to grab me, but I struggled, shoving him away before landing a harsh slap across his face.
Smack!
His head snapped to the side. My entire body trembled.
"Y-you dare hit me?!" His voice was laced with fury.
Without warning, he slapped me repeatedly before shoving me onto the couch.
"Let me go!" I screamed, reaching for a vase on the table and smashing it against his head.
Crash!
The vase shattered upon impact. Seizing the opportunity, I bolted toward my room, slamming the door shut behind me.
BAM! BAM! BAM!
The door rattled under Kai’s furious kicks.
"Tae, where are you!" I whimpered, covering my ears as his furious voice echoed through the house. I took out the phone and called Taehyung with a trembling hand. Not long after, Taehyung answered the phone call. 
"Taehyung, please help me..im scared.. Taehyung.. "
"Mirae? What's happened? Relax dear, I will come for you now. Wait for me!" I feel a little relieved. I have to wait for Taehyung to come.
"Hey, get out, girl!"
I curled into a ball, pressing myself against the door. My entire body was trembling.
BAM!
The door burst open.
Kai strode in, a cruel smirk on his lips.
"Well, well, well… where do you think you're going, baby?"
Slowly, I stood up, my hands trembling as I grabbed another decorative vase.
"Come to me," he taunted, stepping closer.
Taking a deep breath, I swung the vase toward him—
But he snatched it from my grip and smashed it against the floor.
CRASH!
His sinister laughter echoed in the room.
I tried to escape, but he yanked me back, shoving me against the wall.
"Let me go!" I spat in his face.
SLAP!
My cheek stung as I reeled from the force.
"Remember this, Mirae—your brother has already accepted payment for you!"
Disgust churned in my stomach.
"I will never do something dirty like that again!" I shoved him off me.
"Feisty, huh? I like that."
He pinned me against the wall again, but I jabbed my elbow into his ribs—hard.
"Argh!!" He collapsed, groaning in pain.
Without a second thought, I sprinted out of the room and ran for the front door.
As soon as I stepped outside, I crashed into someone.
Heart pounding, I looked up—
"Mirae!"
My breath hitched.
"Tae, I’m scared!" I sobbed, clinging to him.
"I'm here… I’ll protect you. Shh… don’t cry." His comforting voice made me break down even more.
After I calmed down, I pulled away slightly.
"What happened, Mirae? Tell me."
I inhaled deeply before whispering, "Mark… he sold me."
Tears streamed down my face.
"I can't live like this anymore, Tae!"
He clenched his jaw, his eyes filled with rage and sympathy.
"Don’t worry, love. I will always be with you."
He pulled me into another embrace, and for the first time, I felt safe.
"Kim Taehyung… I’ve fallen in love with you." I think I'm crazy. I said that without realizing it.
He gazed at me, then smiled warmly. My heart was pounding.
"I love you too. Will you marry me?"
My heart nearly stopped. But I feel happy and grateful. I hugged him tightly, sobbing. He patted me on the shoulder persuasively before he took out a ring, slipping it onto my finger. Though a bit loose, it felt perfect.
To be honest I'm very surprised by what's just happened but I can't afford to put it to rest. I just want to survive with Taehyung. 
•••
Taehyung pulled me away to hide before Kai or Mark could find us. We arrived at a park filled with children playing.
"So, when's our wedding date?" he asked as soon as we reached a nearby bench.
I sat down, my mind drifting elsewhere. Taehyung took a seat beside me and handed me a bottle of mineral water that he had bought earlier.
"What about Mark? He won't just let me go..." I said, my face filled with worry. I knew Mark's personality all too well.
"Don't worry, I'll handle him." Only then did I feel a bit relieved. I nodded slowly.
"So, if I say we're getting married next week, are you okay with that?"
I choked on the water I was drinking, barely avoiding a spill.
"N-next week? Isn't that too soon? Will there be enough time to prepare?"
Taehyung chuckled at my reaction before handing me a handkerchief to wipe the water from my lips.
"I've had everything planned from the start, so don't worry. Your only job is to get ready to marry me."
"From the start?" I frowned.
"I've been preparing for our wedding for a long time!"
I burst into laughter.
"Doesn't that make you look desperate to get married?" I teased.
He pouted.
"My mom! She said it's better to be prepared early... I just went along with it!"
I patted his shoulder, trying to console him.
"Alright then, next week it is!"
Taehyung nodded, flashing a wide smile.
"Tomorrow, I'll introduce you to my mom."
I nodded eagerly. What was best for Taehyung was best for me too.
---
"So, this is your future wife?" Mrs. Kim asked. Taehyung wrapped his arm around my shoulder.
"Meet my future wife, Lee Mirae."
I bowed slightly as a sign of respect.
"She's beautiful! No wonder my son couldn't wait!" Mrs. Kim pulled me into the house.
Their home was modest, furnished with simple decorations.
"Alright, Tae, what are you waiting for? Go serve the food!" She playfully pushed her son toward the kitchen.
I chuckled when see Taehyung complain before going to the kitchen. 
"So, Mirae, how long have you known Tae?" she asked suddenly.
"Uh, about two months..."
Mrs. Kim nodded.
"Do you love him?"
I nodded slowly.
"It's just that... I want to see him happy before I close my eyes forever."
I gently hugged her shoulder.
"Tae said the wedding is next week. You don't mind, right?"
"I'm okay with it..."Mrs Kim smile before hug me.
"Mirae, I hope u will make him happy. I will always pray for both of you. I'm already old, but I hope I can die with a peace.. " Said Mrs Kim with low tone voice. 
"I'm happy to see you. I hope you can accept me as your daughter. Don't think negative, I and Taehyung will take care of you okay?" I said while wiping away Mrs Kim's tears.Mrs Kim nodded while kissing my head softly. My heart felt calm, as if I were with my own mother. 
"What are you two talking about?" Taehyung appeared from the kitchen, carrying several bowls of food.
"Oh, nothing, just some ladies' talk," his mother replied.
Taehyung shot me a suspicious glance. I just nodded and gave him a sweet smile.
"Alright, let's eat!"
---
"Are you okay, Mirae? Did my mom say anything bad to you?" Taehyung asked as we drove back.
"Not at all! Your mom is so nice... If only I still had my own mother."
I stared out the window.
Taehyung reached for my hand.
"You’ll have a mother now..."
I nodded slowly.
"Uh, Tae, can you drop me off at a hotel?" I started to panic as we got closer to Mark’s house.
"Okay, whatever you want, Mirae."
He made a U-turn and drove to the nearest hotel.
"Here."
He handed me a bunch of cash as soon as I stepped out of the car.
"No need, Tae... I have my own money."
I gently pushed his hand away. He sighed in frustration and pulled me inside with him.
"Miss, book a room for one week. Make sure it has all the necessary amenities," Taehyung instructed firmly.
The female employee nodded quickly. She handed him the room key, and before I could offer my money, Taehyung had already paid. The staff member eagerly accepted his cash—probably because he was handsome!