Love In The Shadows Of Guilt

Jaehyun's POV

The day was coming to an end, and it was time for us to head home. I called a taxi and stood by the side of the road, waiting for it to arrive.

Today was a day I wouldn't forget-a whirlwind of emotions and events. Spending time with her, seeing her smile despite everything, and realizing how deeply I cared for her...it was all new and overwhelming. A day like this wasn't supposed to exist in my world.

Not long after, the taxi arrived. I opened the door for Eunji, but something caught my eye-a black car parked a few meters away. My heart dropped as I instantly recognized it.

"What's wrong?" Eunji asked, leaning closer to see what I was looking at.

"Nothing," I replied quickly, masking my unease. "Get in."

Once Eunji was seated, the driver of the black car stepped out. My suspicions were confirmed.

"You go ahead first," I told Eunji abruptly, trying to sound casual. "I just remembered I need to meet Seungmin around here."

"What? Out of nowhere? Are you sure?"

"Yeah," I reassured her, closing the taxi door gently. "I'll see you tomorrow."

The taxi pulled away, leaving me alone with the figure approaching me. The man stopped a few steps away and bowed slightly.

"Please get in the car, Young Master. Mr. Jaesung is waiting for you."

I glanced at the car again, hesitating for a moment before walking toward it. The back door was already open. I stepped inside, met with the intimidating presence of my father sitting with his arms crossed.

"How did you know I was here?" I asked, pulling out my phone as if to distract myself.

His response was sharp and cold, cutting through the tense atmosphere. "You like that girl, don't you?"

I froze, my fingers hovering over the screen. I turned to face him, forcing a calm expression. "That's none of your business."

"Don't," he said, his tone firmer this time.

I narrowed my eyes, unsure of what he meant. "Don't what?"

"Don't fall for her."

A bitter laugh escaped me. "Why? Does it bother you that much? She has nothing to do with you or your perfect little empire."

My father's gaze darkened, his voice lowering to a dangerous tone. "Her father...he was once my business partner."

17 years ago
Third-Person POV

"Why are you doing this to me, Jaesung?!" Eunseok yelled, his voice trembling. His hands were bound, his body battered and bruised.

"You betrayed me first, Eunseok," Jaesung spat, his face twisted in anger. He aimed a gun at his former partner without hesitation. "You shouldn't have sided with them."

"They had the right to that land! We stole it from them!" Eunseok shouted back, defiance flickering in his bloodied face.

BANG!

The gunshot echoed in the room as the bullet tore through Eunseok's leg. He screamed in agony, collapsing onto the floor.

"You have no right to interfere with my plans!" Jaesung barked, his hand steady on the gun.

"I have every right," Eunseok rasped, his voice weaker but still resolute. "I built that company with you."

"Not anymore," Jaesung hissed, taking aim once more.

BANG!

The second shot ended the argument.

---

Present Day
Jaehyun's POV

My father's words hung in the air like a storm cloud. I stared at him, my mind racing as the pieces of the puzzle began to connect.

"What did you do to him?" I demanded, my voice barely above a whisper.

"That's none of your concern," he replied coldly. "Stay away from her, Jaehyun. For your sake..and hers."

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➳ humm what happened 17 years ago? 🤔 sks