The Romanov estate was shrouded in a tense silence, heavy and suffocating like a storm gathering at the edge of the horizon. Night had fallen, yet Taehyun had not slept in a bed for days. His wedding attire still clung to his skin, the blood now dried and crusted onto the fabric—a haunting reminder of what had been taken from him.
His breath hitched as he stirred on the cold marble floor of his room. The ornate chandelier above cast long shadows on the walls, and as his gaze landed on the door, his rage reignited. He rose with trembling limbs and began throwing anything he could get his hands on—vases, cushions, books—anything that wasn't nailed down. The room erupted into chaos, much like the whirlwind inside him.
"You think you can cage me like a pet?" he screamed, voice cracking with fury. "You think you've won, Vasilliy?!"
As if summoned by the rage, Vasilliy entered. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes sharpened when he saw the destruction.
"I see your spirit isn't broken yet," he said calmly.
Taehyun grabbed a heavy lamp and threw it, but Vasilliy caught it mid-air and dropped it with a thud. He crossed the room in slow, measured steps.
"You ruined me ! You ruined my family!" Taehyun's voice broke as he pounded his fists against Vasilliy's chest.
"I saved you," Vasilliy replied, voice low, steady. "You just don't see it yet."
Taehyun clawed at him, trying to scratch his face, but Vasilliy only grabbed his wrists and pulled him into a crushing embrace. Taehyun thrashed, kicking and screaming.
"Let me go!"
But Vasilliy didn't flinch. "Not anymore … moya lyubov'."
—
The next morning, Valdamer entered Vasilliy's study, irritation clear in his stride.
"You wanted to see me?" he asked, not even bothering to sit.
Vasilliy poured himself a drink and looked out the window. "The Park family has started moving. Taeho is leading it."
Valdamer's brow twitched. "Taeho? He's more dangerous than his father and cousin combined. He's not impulsive—he's calculating."
"That's why it's time for the next step," Vasilliy said.
"What the hell are you planning now?"
Vasilliy turned, eyes glinting. "I'm going to make Taehyun my official partner. Publicly. And you'll go to Korea and make sure his family doesn't interfere—for the next two weeks, at least."
Valdamer blinked. "You're serious?"
"As death."
Valdamer groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "My son wants to go on a trip with me. I promised him."
"Then take Alexei with you. He's always wanted to see Korea."
Valdamer narrowed his eyes. "You hate Korea."
"I still do," Vasilliy said, cracking a small smile. "But Taehyun is an exception."
Valdamer snorted. "You're insane."
"I'm in love."
Valdamer rolled his eyes. "Fine. I'll go. But tomorrow."
"Good. Also, the Smirnov family's head wants a meeting. He's been trying to visit."
"I stopped him," Valdamer muttered. "That bastard causes problems wherever he walks."
"Tell him to meet me in Omsk," Vasilliy said.
"Omsk? Why?"
"There's a Korean chef I want to bring to the estate."
Valdamer stared. "You're choosing meeting locations based on food now? I'm done."
—
Later, Vasilliy quietly entered Taehyun's room. The young man was asleep on the floor, curled up tightly. Vasilliy crouched beside him, gently scooping him into his arms and placing him on the bed. He brushed the strands of hair from Taehyun's face and paused at the dry tear stains.
"You don't know what you've done to my heart," he whispered. "I can't live without you."
He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Taehyun's forehead.
When he exited the room, he addressed his secretary.
"We leave for Omsk tomorrow."
Then, turning to the servants, his voice dropped to something lethal.
"If he refuses food again, I'll kill every last one of you."
They trembled, nodding rapidly.
—
The next morning, Vasilliy stood tall in his black tailored suit. He was every inch the mafia king—composed, regal, deadly. Even the staff couldn't stop staring as he walked through the halls.
He paused before Taehyun's door. He entered quietly, leaning over the bed. Taehyun was still asleep.
Vasilliy kissed him softly on the cheek, then his nose, then forehead.
"I'll be back in two days, moya lyubov'. Eat your food, hmm?"
He left the room and boarded the helicopter. As the blades began to spin, Taehyun stirred.
He walked to the window, watching the helicopter rise into the sky.
"When you come back…" he whispered, voice low and full of steel, "you won't find me here, Vasilliy Romanov."
He pulled the curtains shut.
—
Meanwhile, at Incheon International Airport, Valdamer and his son Alexei stepped onto Korean soil. The young boy squealed, hopping in excitement.
"Appa! Appa! Look, look! Everything's so different!"
Valdamer exhaled deeply, looking up at the grey sky.
"This visit," he muttered, "feels like it's going to last longer than I want…"
But deep down, he knew—it had already begun.
—
To be continued.