SHADOWS OF THE FALLEN

The mansion buzzed with activity as preparations for the upcoming gala continued. Jennie, seated in the lounge, sipped her wine leisurely while Jungkook stood nearby, giving final instructions to the security team. Her presence alone commanded respect, her sharp gaze daring anyone to step out of line.

Taehyung entered the room with Irene on his arm, their entrance drawing the attention of everyone present. Irene was radiant, her smile warm and alluring as she clung to Taehyung. Jennie’s expression didn’t falter, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes as she saw Irene whisper something in Taehyung’s ear, earning a soft chuckle from him.

Jungkook, ever observant, leaned down toward Jennie. “You good, noona?”

Jennie didn’t respond immediately, her gaze fixed on the pair across the room. Finally, she set her glass down, her lips curving into a dangerous smile. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

Jungkook smirked, sensing the subtle tension. “Just making sure. Want me to handle something?”

She waved him off. “I’m fine, Jungkook. I have my own ways.”

---

The Encounter

Jennie rose from her seat, her steps purposeful as she made her way toward the pair. Irene noticed her approach and tightened her grip on Taehyung’s arm, a subtle yet obvious display of possession.

“Winter Bear,” Jennie said softly, her voice carrying a dangerous undertone as she addressed Taehyung.

Taehyung’s eyes flickered with something unspoken as he looked at her. Hearing that nickname after so many years stirred something inside him, but he quickly masked it with his usual cool demeanor. “Jennie.”

Irene’s eyes narrowed slightly at the nickname but forced a smile, her fingers brushing against Taehyung’s arm. “Jennie, you look stunning tonight.”

Jennie’s eyes didn’t leave Taehyung. “Irene,” she said, acknowledging her briefly before returning her attention to him. “I hope you’re not too tired from last night’s meeting. It was... quite intense.”

Her words hung in the air, laced with a deliberate ambiguity that made Irene’s grip tighten further.

“Not at all,” Taehyung replied, his voice steady. “I can handle more than you think.”

Jennie’s lips curled into a smirk. “I’m sure you can.” She turned to Irene, her expression softening just enough to appear genuine. “You must keep him very busy. He seems different these days.”

Irene laughed lightly, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “I do my best. Taehyung is... everything to me.”

Jennie tilted her head, feigning innocence. “How sweet. Take care of him, Irene. Men like him are rare.” With that, she turned and walked away, her confidence radiating as if she’d just won a battle.

---

The Dance

Later that evening, as the music filled the grand ballroom, Jennie found herself on the dance floor with Kai. He held her waist lightly, spinning her around effortlessly. Jennie laughed softly, her guard lowered just enough to seem carefree.

Taehyung stood on the sidelines, his jaw clenched as he watched them. Irene was beside him, her fingers brushing against his arm in an attempt to regain his attention.

“She’s quite the dancer,” Irene remarked, her tone light but pointed.

Taehyung didn’t respond, his eyes glued to Jennie as Kai whispered something in her ear, making her laugh again. The sight of another man so close to her, touching her, made something dark and possessive stir within him.

“Taehyung?” Irene pressed, her voice softer now, as though she were genuinely hurt by his distraction.

He blinked, finally looking down at her. “Sorry, what were you saying?”

Irene bit her lip, playing her part perfectly. “I was just saying how beautiful the evening is. But you seem... distracted.”

Taehyung forced a smile, placing a hand on her waist. “I’m right here, Irene.”

Irene leaned closer, resting her head briefly against his shoulder. “Good. Because I want all of you tonight.”

Her words were calculated, loud enough for Jennie to hear as she passed by. Jennie’s steps faltered for the briefest moment, her expression unreadable as she walked past them.

---

Behind Closed Doors

Taehyung excused himself shortly after, needing a moment to collect his thoughts. He found himself in the library, the only quiet place in the mansion.

The door creaked open behind him, and he turned, expecting Irene. Instead, it was Jennie.

"Taehyung,” she said again, closing the door behind her.

Taehyung leaned against the desk, his expression neutral. “Jennie.”

“You seemed... off tonight,” she said, her tone light but probing. “Is everything okay?”

He raised an eyebrow. “You’re asking me that?”

She stepped closer, her presence overwhelming even in the vast room. “Why not? I’ve always cared about you, Taehyung.”

He studied her, his gaze intense. “And yet you were all smiles with Kai.”

Jennie tilted her head, a small smirk playing on her lips. “Why? Did it bother you?”

Taehyung’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t respond.

“Thought so,” Jennie said softly, her voice almost a whisper as she turned and left the room, leaving him to his thoughts.

---

Irene’s Performance

Outside, Irene watched Jennie leave the library, her mind working furiously. Taehyung’s distraction wasn’t something she could ignore.

But instead of confronting him, she decided to play her part. If Jennie thought she could win, she had another thing coming.

“Time to remind them both who’s in control,” Irene whispered to herself, a dark smile curving her lips.