His Devious Love✓(Book 1)

Melting

"Here they are," Jungkook said softly, gesturing toward the room where Seol and Jae were playing.

Annie's eyes locked onto her children, and in that moment, the weight of her fear and worry seemed to break free. Without a second thought, she dashed toward them, her breath hitching with each step. The sight of Seol and Jae, safe and sound, was more than she could bear. She pulled them into a tight embrace, her arms wrapping around them as if she could fuse their warmth into her very soul.

Her tears began to fall, each one a testament to the sheer relief and love flooding through her. The sobs that escaped her were raw and unrestrained, her body trembling as she clung to them. "I was so scared... so scared I’d lost you," she managed to whisper between sobs, her voice breaking under the weight of her emotions.

Seol and Jae looked up at her with wide, tear-streaked faces. "Mumma, why are you crying?" they asked in unison, their own tears reflecting their confusion and concern.

Annie struggled to steady her voice, taking deep, shuddering breaths. "I’m not crying, my babies. I was just missing you so much," she said, though her words were still thick with emotion. She gently cupped their faces in her hands, wiping away their tears with a soft touch.

The fear that had gripped Annie’s heart slowly began to dissipate, replaced by the comforting reality of her children's presence. The quiet reassurance of their closeness allowed the three of them to find solace in each other, a powerful reminder of the strength and depth of their bond.

It had been three months since they arrived. Although Annie hadn’t completely forgiven Jungkook yet, she couldn’t deny that he was making a genuine effort. Over these months, he had respected her boundaries—he hadn’t touched her or asked for anything beyond what she was willing to give. Instead, he focused on showing her that he cared in every possible way.

Annie sometimes had nightmares, and each time, Jungkook was there to console her. Though she tried to hide her feelings, inside she felt her defenses slowly melting. His consistent support and quiet patience were breaking down her walls, even if she wasn’t ready to fully acknowledge it yet.

“So did you forgive him?” Somi asked over the phone, her voice tinged with concern.

Annie glanced at Jungkook, who was playing on the floor with their kids, their laughter filling the room.

“It’s not just about forgiveness,” Annie replied, her tone steady. “He asked for a chance, and I gave it.”

“But unnie—”

Annie cut her off gently. “Why should I care about what society thinks of me when I know who I am and what I stand for? People are quick to judge and label, but their opinions don’t define my worth. Take my relationship with Jungkook, for instance. Some people say I’m pathetic or lacking in self-respect because they think he’s toxic. They don’t know the full story—they don’t know me. They don't know him. So why should I let their judgment affect me? Their opinions are just noise. Today, they may criticize me, but tomorrow, they’ll move on to something else. The harsh labels and gossip will fade away, and what really matters is how I see myself and how I live my life.”

Annie’s gaze softened as she watched Jungkook and the kids, her resolve clear. “I refuse to be defined by societal pressures. I refuse to let people’s opinions dictate how I feel about myself or my choices. I choose to live authentically, to be true to myself regardless of the judgments that come my way. In the end, what matters most is how I live my life and how I see myself, not the fleeting opinions of others.”

“So you want to fix your bad boy?” Somi asked, her tone skeptical.

Annie took a deep breath before responding. “It’s easy to read about a ‘bad boy’ who falls in love with a ‘good girl’ and magically changes for the better. In books and movies, it seems like love can fix anything. But real life is far more complicated.”