Closer Than This...(vsoo)

The atmosphere in the room was thick with tension as Jisoo sat across from Taehyung, her gaze unwavering despite the storm of emotions swirling inside her. She had just agreed to go along with this forced alliance, but her mind was already working on a plan.

A contract.

A guarantee that she wouldn't be left vulnerable or manipulated in this arrangement. She needed something concrete, something that would protect her, her company, and her dignity.

Taehyung's eyes, always so sharp and calculating, studied her with a mixture of amusement and respect. "So, you want a contract?" he asked, his voice low and steady, the slightest hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I knew you'd come around eventually."

Jisoo clenched her fists under the table, trying to remain calm. She didn't trust him...not completely. This whole situation was a game to him, and she refused to be his pawn without some safeguards in place.

"I want an official agreement," she said firmly, her voice unwavering. "Something that ensures my role as Chairwoman of Bliss remains unchallenged, and that I have control over key decisions in the company. This marriage might be a business deal for you, but it's my family's legacy."

Taehyung leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepling in front of him as he considered her words. The way he sat, relaxed yet commanding-only added to the sense that he was in complete control. "Very well, Chairwoman Kim. I can agree to that. But I'll have certain conditions as well."

Jisoo's heart skipped a beat. She had known this was coming. The question was, what would he ask for?

"I'll agree to a legal separation of our finances. Your assets are yours, mine are mine. No interference from either side unless there's mutual consent," Taehyung continued, his voice smooth, calculated. "You will have full control over Bliss's daily operations, but the partnership will need to be recognized publicly, and I will have access to the strategic decisions that impact the alliance. Mainly the business and investment side."

Jisoo raised an eyebrow. "So, you'll be in control of the business side, and I get the brand side?" she asked, still unsure of how much of his influence she was willing to accept.

"Exactly," Taehyung replied, his gaze never leaving hers. "But remember, Bliss's survival depends on this alliance. If the deal fails, both of us lose everything."

Jisoo took a deep breath. She could feel the weight of the moment. This wasn't just about business, it was about her future, her family's legacy, and her ability to maintain control. She wouldn't let him have too much power over her.

"And what do you get out of this?" she asked, probing deeper into his motivations. "Why marry me, specifically? What do you want?"

Taehyung's lips quirked into a sly smile. "You're sharp, Kim Jisoo. I'll admit, there's more to this than just the business side. But the truth is, I'm in need of a position-a place to solidify my influence within Hyung's. Marrying you, with the backing of your family's wealth and status, gives me that."

Jisoo met his gaze, studying him closely. She could tell there was more he wasn't saying. But she wasn't about to back down now.

"I want something in writing," she said, determined. "An ironclad agreement that if either of us tries to pull away, there will be consequences. No one walks away easily from this deal, Taehyung. Not me, not you."

For a moment, Taehyung was silent, his piercing gaze never leaving hers. Finally, he leaned forward, the intensity of the moment crackling between them.

"Agreed," he said, his voice low and commanding. "But know this, Jisoo-shi: There's no turning back after this. Once the contract is signed, we're bound by it. There will be no room for mistakes, no second chances. You'll have your role, I'll have mine, and we'll both walk a fine line together."

Jisoo's heart raced, but she didn't flinch. This was her fight now, and she would be damned if she let him walk all over her. "Then let's draw up the contract."

Taehyung stood up, signaling for his assistant to bring in the papers. As the assistant laid the legal documents in front of them, Jisoo could feel the weight of the decision she was about to make.

The contract was a binding agreement, yes, but it was also a statement: she wasn't going to play by his rules without making her own moves. This wasn't just about a forced marriage, it was a power struggle, and she was ready to face it head-on.

"One last thing," Taehyung said, his eyes darkening as he locked eyes with her. "We'll sign the contract, but remember-this marriage is far more than just business. There are expectations. There will be moments when you'll have to play the part of a wife. A good wife."

Jisoo met his gaze with equal intensity, her voice steady. "I'll play my part, but make no mistake. I'm not your puppet, Taehyung."

With that, they both reached for the pen, sealing their fate.