Chapter 1
1415 Words
CHAPTER 1:ULTIMATUM
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**DISCLAIMER**
Any reproduction, distribution, or usage of this work in whole or in part, in any online or offline media, using technology now known or hereafter invented—including photocopying, mobile technology, and recording—is forbidden without written and signed permission from the author.
The story is written in English and contains mature scenes not suitable for fifteen years old and below. All characters and events in this book are products of the author's imaginati loon and have no relation to any namesake. All incidents in this work are entirely fictional and are in no way related to anyone who is known or unknown to the author.
Plagiarism is a crime and therefore punishable by law.
Copyright, **Jelina.G. Krystal**
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 2025
I'm not a native English speaker... if you find any mistakes, please forgive me.
Now, let's get into the story.
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**KIM TAEHYUNG POV....**
I heard a knock on the door while I was about to put on my shoes. My heart skipped a beat, a strange mixture of anxiety and resignation washing over me.
"Come in," I said softly, trying to keep my voice steady.
The door opened, and my personal assistant stepped in. Her face was serious, eyes showing concern.
"Your dad called you."
I swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in my throat. "What did he say he wants?" I asked, already knowing the answer deep down.
Two months ago, my parents had called me from South Korea. I was in London, trying to build a company—my escape from their control, my attempt to carve out my own life. I answered their call, greeting them with a forced smile.
"Hey dad, hey mom," I greeted, voice somewhat shaky.
"Is that how you are going to greet your parents?" my dad asked sharply, his tone cold and commanding.
My mother’s voice softened, but there was a hint of worry.
"Baby, he's okay. It's been a long time since he left home and he's meeting new people, so there's going to be a little change in how he talks and does things."
I loved her for that—she was my backbone. But inside, I felt the weight of their expectations crushing me.
"Daddy, you called?" I asked, trying to steer the conversation away from the nagging feeling that I was disappointing them again.
"Yeah, I did, and I know you don’t have to remind me." His voice was sharp, angry.
"Sorry," I whispered.
"Kim!" he barked.
"Dad!" I responded, voice trembling with a mix of frustration and helplessness.
"When are you going to get married? When are you going to give us grandchildren? When are you going to make us proud? You know you’re our only child."
I felt a pang of guilt, mixed with defiance.
"Dad, you know it’s just a waste of time. Marriage isn’t a must now. I’ve got a lot of work to do. I can’t be dealing with marriage problems on top of that. And by the way, I don’t want to have a baby with...."
My words were cut off by my mom’s loud shout.
"Oh my God...."
"Mom, is anything wrong?" I asked, pretending I wasn’t already knowing what she was about to say.
"I’m giving you two months to find a bride, or I will do it myself. And if you refuse to marry her, you’re going to have yourself to blame." His voice was firm, final. Then he hung up abruptly.
**BACK FROM THE FLASHBACK....**
Now, they’re the ones calling me. It’s been two months since he gave me that ultimatum, and I still have no one in mind. I’ve even forgotten their faces. If not for their relentless calls, I might have forgotten completely.
The phone vibrated again. I hesitated, then answered.
"Good day, dad."
"Kim, have you seen someone?" His voice was direct, impatient.
"No, dad, but I will soon," I replied, voice uncertain.
"When?"
"I don't know," I admitted, feeling the pressure mounting.
"Get the next available flight to Seoul tomorrow. It’s your wedding, and it’s going to happen. Nothing is going to stop it. I already prepared a bride for you," his tone was commanding and unyielding.
I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly.
"Dad, you’re joking, right?"
His voice grew colder.
"If you think I’m joking, miss the wedding—you will see what I’m capable of. By the way, I’ve withdrawn all the companies under you. I’ve disconnected every joint account you have with me and the company. Your allowance has been canceled. The company you built in London? Terminated."
My stomach sank.
"Dad!!! You’re joking. Tell me you’re joking. You can’t do this to your only son, right? Remember, I’m your only son..."
His voice was icy.
"If you miss the wedding, I will disown you. You know what that means? I’ll put all my properties under charity homes, schools, and churches. And if you think I’m joking, check your phone."
He hung up. And in that moment, everything around me seemed to freeze. Tears blurred my vision, my chest tightening painfully. I reached for my phone—his words were no joke. I saw the message. It was real. I was terrified.
I quickly left my room, finding my assistant arranging files in the living room.
"Xiao Mianhua!" I called, voice trembling.
"Sir!"
"I won’t be going to the office today. I don’t know when I’ll come back."
"Sir... are you sure?" she asked softly, knowing I never missed a day.
"Arrange the next available flight leaving London for Seoul now."
"Yes, sir. Sir... what about the private jet?"
"I won’t be using it. Tell Zhou Yunsheng to put all my luggage in the car."
"Okay, sir. There’s a flight leaving in an hour. Should I book a seat or two?"
"Book just one. I’m going alone. No one else is coming."
"Understood, sir. I’ll do that immediately."
"And also, prepare a marriage contract document. I might need it before I leave. I want it ready right now."
"Yes, sir. I’ll handle it."
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**THE NEXT MORNING....**
Kim Taehyung stepped off the jet, his eyes narrowing as he took in the familiar sights of Seoul airport. After five years away, everything looked the same—yet he felt like a stranger. The city’s buzz, the crowd’s noise—it all felt distant, like a blur in his mind.
A sleek car waited. The driver opened the door, and he slid inside, silent and weighed down by unspoken fears.
Arriving at his father’s house, he greeted the family and guests with a polite nod. But inside, his stomach twisted with nerves and dread. He needed a moment—somewhere private.
"Good day, dad. Hey, mom," he greeted softly, voice strained with emotion.
His father’s eyes were cold, unyielding.
"I'm not canceling the wedding," he declared.
Taehyung’s heart sank.
"Can I talk to you?" he asked quietly, voice trembling.
His father’s expression was stern.
"You’re getting married today. That’s final."
Tears threatened his eyes.
"Please, Dad," he begged, voice cracking. "Just cancel it. I’m not ready—I can’t do this."
His father’s stare was unwavering.
"No. Today, you marry her."
A wave of despair washed over him.
"Just give me two months," he whispered hoarsely. "I swear I’ll get to know her."
His father’s lips curled into a cold smile.
"Is that what you want?"
Taehyung nodded, feeling defeated.
"Yes. I need my inheritance. My companies."
His father’s voice was icy.
"Okay. I’ll cancel the wedding. But you won’t have access to anything until you’re married."
Tears welled in Taehyung’s eyes.
"Please, I didn’t want this. I just want to be free."
His father’s gaze stayed cold.
"Get ready. She’s in the guest room. You’ll see her soon."
Taehyung moved toward the room, heart pounding. Inside, he saw a woman seated, her face hidden behind a mirror. Her hair draped over half of her face. He hesitated, then softly handed her a paper.
"Look, I didn't want to waste my time on you. I didn't want to marry you—that's just a waste of time. Sign those papers. After signing those, we will be a married couple officially. When the time comes, my parents are going to ask us to get married. Just do your part. No fuss, no ceremony. Sign, an
d I’ll handle everything else."
His words felt heavy with emotion resentment, guilt, and a faint hope that someday, somehow, this nightmare might finally end.
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- Writer
