The Escort: A Taekook Love Story, Season One

Part 61: Deception, trust, and forgiveness

Teahyung's POV

Jin starts as we all settle. "Kookie, your mother was the mother I never had. She welcomed me with open arms into this family that hated me." I snap my head in Jin's direction. How horrible that must have been. I grit my teeth as all my prejudices against the super wealthy start to boil under my surface, but this is not about me. Fuckin assholes.

Kookie now looks up at Jin with softened eyes. "Kookie, your mother loved you so much. She had heart problems from childhood. After Namjoon was born, she was told that another child would weaken her heart more and she'd likely die in childbirth. She and your uncle rekindled their love that had never died several years before you were born." Jin then diverts his eyes to his husband. "It was Soho and I who helped them. I'd send messages and lie to Namjoon's father and even my husband so they could be together, because I believed in their love." Softly the toe of Kookie's shoe begins to tap on the floor.

"When she became pregnant, she refused to ... you know... end the pregnancy. Your uncle pleaded with her because, as much as he wanted you, he couldn't risk losing her." Kookie sniffles and I pass him another tissue taking another one for myself.

Jin wipes his eyes, finding it hard to go on. "Jin, just a bit more, you can do this," Namjoon encourages. "Y-You were born, and her heart sustained more damage, but she was so happy. To her it was all worth it. Your uncle saw you frequently and I'd help arrange times when the three of you could be together. I'd known her for many years, and I had never known her to be so happy."

I glance over to Kookie, hearing his heavy breathing. He taps the side of his eyes with his tissue. "They planned to run away and leave their spouses, knowing it would be a huge family scandal, but they no longer cared. They had already lost too much time. Soho and I made the arrangements and then something happened." Jin then settles back in his chair and Namjoon comes forward.

"This is my part and I hope you will forgive me." Namjoon clears his throat and wrings his hands together. "One night I couldn't sleep and was coming from the kitchen with a snack. I saw uncle leaving mother's room. He did not see me." Oh God, I'm about to fall off my chair. Could this drama get any thicker? Of course, it could. "They kissed passionately, and I was confused. I told father and he immediately became enraged and confronted our mother." Namjoon's eyes fill with tears. "I'm so sorry Kookie." That's interesting, I thought. I've never heard Namjoon refer to him as Kookie. "I-I was young and didn't understand." He looks at Kookie who just shakes his head. I have no idea what he's thinking, but he seems to be calmly listening and that's good.

"I still don't know why you both waited so long to tell me. It just doesn't make sense." His voice lowers to a whisper.

"Kookie," Jin says, "shortly after your father found out, your mom told me she... she was dying. Her heart was depleted. She asked me to help her protect you. She asked me to think about it before I agreed." I suck in a breath as Kookie reaches for my hand. "It would be deplorable; however, it was the only way to keep you really safe. I considered what she asked and agreed. I would do it again, given the choice." Kookie pins his gaze to Jin.

"Jin, what do you mean?"

"Your mom knew that once she was not there, your dad would send you away. I told Namjoon everything and he immediately agreed to do anything to protect you." Namjoon places the palm of his hands on his knees and leans forward.

"I went to father and let him know I knew everything. I threatened to leave him and the business unless he gave Jin and I total custody of you until you were an adult and secured your trust fund." I gasp softly and reach for more tissue. I get it now and I hope Kookie does too.