Daehyun shot her a frustrated look, pointing toward the now-silent phone on the table. "That's not the point, Hana! He's arrogant, disrespectful, and completely out of line! What does he think this is? Some kind of game? Taehyung deserves better than some reckless,

entitled brat who thinks he can get whatever he wants!" Taehyung flinched at his dad's words, clutching his mother's sleeve. "Dad, please..." His voice was shaky. "I just want him to leave me alone."

Daehyun softened a bit when he saw his son's distress. He moved closer, putting a hand on Taehyung's shoulder, trying to comfort him. "Don't worry, son. I'm not going to let anyone—especially him—force you into something you don't want. I promise you; I'll protect you."

— "Let me come with you," Hana said, hurrying after Taehyung as he grabbed his coat. He seemed in a rush, clearly determined to leave. Seojoon had called, asking to meet, and Taehyung still held onto a small hope that maybe the marriage plans weren't entirely off—that Seojoon

still wanted to make it work. "Mom, it's fine. I'll be okay," Taehyung said, glancing back at her. "Seojoon Hyung will be there. You don't need to worry." Hana crossed her arms,her expression tight with concern. "I don't trust him or his family after everything that's happened.

And seriously, why does he even want to meet you? You should just tell him it's pointless. This marriage is over, Taehyung. And honestly, it's for the best. It was an arranged marriage, after all. Not like you've lost anything."

Taehyung stopped, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder. He offered a small smile. "Mom, he asked to meet, and I want to hear him out. Seojoon's a good alpha." Hana frowned,clearly unconvinced. "A good alpha? Tae, baby, his family walked away from us without a second thought.

They left you standing there. How is that good?" Taehyung sighed, trying to calm himself. "It wasn't his fault," he said quietly. "His parent's. They were scared. And honestly, who wouldn't be scared? That alpha had a gun, Mom." His voice grew sharper,

frustration slipping through. "A gun pointed at Dad and Seojoon Hyung. Tell me, how could Hyung's parents stay calm after that? What were they supposed to do?" Hana's lips pressed into a thin line, her worry and frustration still present. "That doesn't mean they had to leave

like that," she said softly. "They could've stood with us, found another way." Taehyung shook his head, his voice softer now, vulnerable. "They did what they thought was best to protect Seojoon. Just like you're trying to protect me now. But I need to talk to him, Mom. Please."