The Banquet & The Devil’s Smile

The Jeon mansion was unusually quiet that evening.

Taehyung stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the cuff of his black suit. The fabric hugged his frame perfectly, sharp and elegant. He barely recognized the man staring back at him.

In his previous life, he had worn something softer. Something safe.

Tonight—

He chose black.

Not because it looked good.

But because it matched the darkness he had returned with.

A soft knock echoed.

“Madam said the car is ready,” a servant informed.

Taehyung nodded. “I’m coming.”

When he stepped outside, Jungkook was already standing beside the car.

Tall. Cold. Untouchable.

His black suit was perfectly tailored, his presence dominating even the air around him. He glanced at Taehyung—

And paused.

Just for a second.

Taehyung noticed.

But said nothing.

“Get in,” Jungkook said calmly.

No warmth.

No affection.

Just distance.

Like always.

But that would change.

Soon.

The banquet hall shimmered with golden lights and crystal chandeliers. Powerful businessmen and socialites filled the room with fake smiles and expensive perfume.

The moment Jungkook entered, attention shifted.

“President Jeon!”

“Director Jeon!”

Taehyung walked beside him, feeling dozens of eyes scan him.

In his last life, whispers had followed him everywhere.

“He forced the marriage.” “He’s not good enough.” “He’s just decoration.”

Tonight—

He walked with his head high.

No fear.

No insecurity.

And then—

He felt it.

That familiar gaze.

Slow. Calculating. Predatory.

Taehyung turned slightly.

There he was.

Kang Dohyun.

Leaning casually against a pillar, champagne glass in hand. His smile was charming enough to fool anyone.

But Taehyung knew better.

That smile destroyed lives.

Dohyun pushed away from the pillar and walked toward them.

“President Jeon,” he greeted smoothly.

Jungkook gave a short nod. “Director Kang.”

Dohyun’s eyes shifted to Taehyung.

“And this must be your husband.”

His gaze lingered longer than necessary.

Taehyung met his eyes without hesitation.

“Kang Dohyun,” he said calmly.

Dohyun’s brows lifted slightly.

“Oh? You know my name?”

Taehyung gave a faint smile.

“I’ve heard about you.”

Something flickered in Dohyun’s eyes.

Interest.

In the past, Taehyung had avoided eye contact. He had looked nervous.

Now?

He looked… composed.

Dangerously composed.

“Is that so?” Dohyun chuckled. “I hope it was something good.”

Taehyung tilted his head slightly.

“That depends.”

The air between them tightened.

Jungkook noticed.

His expression darkened.

“You seem very interested in my husband,” Jungkook said coldly.

Dohyun laughed lightly. “Just being friendly.”

But his gaze never left Taehyung.

Taehyung understood immediately.

The game had started.

Later that evening, Jungkook was pulled away by investors.

Just like before.

In his previous life, this was the exact moment Dohyun had cornered him near the balcony.

This was when the staged photos were taken.

This was when everything fell apart.

Taehyung slowly placed his glass down.

He wouldn’t wait this time.

He walked toward the balcony first.

The night air was cool against his skin.

Footsteps followed.

Right on time.

“You came out alone,” Dohyun’s voice came from behind.

Taehyung didn’t turn immediately.

“I like fresh air.”

Dohyun stepped closer.

“You’re different tonight.”

Taehyung finally faced him.

“How?”

“Confident,” Dohyun said softly. “You weren’t like this before.”

Taehyung’s lips curved faintly.

“People change.”

Dohyun studied him carefully.

“You know… if you’re unhappy in this marriage, there are other options.”

There it was.

The bait.

In his previous life, those words had shaken him.

Tonight—

They amused him.

“Director Kang,” Taehyung said calmly, “do you always approach married men this boldly?”

Dohyun smiled slowly.

“Only when they look lonely.”

Taehyung stepped closer instead of retreating.

“Be careful.”

Dohyun’s expression shifted slightly.

“With what?”

Taehyung’s voice dropped.

“Some games are dangerous.”

Before Dohyun could respond—

A firm hand wrapped around Taehyung’s wrist.

Jungkook.

His grip wasn’t painful.

But it was possessive.

“What’s going on?” Jungkook’s voice was ice-cold.

Dohyun stepped back casually.

“Nothing. Just conversation.”

Jungkook’s eyes moved to Taehyung.

“Inside.”

It wasn’t loud.

But it was an order.

Taehyung allowed himself to be led back in.

Dohyun watched them go.

His smile slowly faded.

Interesting.

Very interesting.

Inside the hall, whispers had already begun.

“Did you see President Jeon?” “He looked angry.” “Director Kang was there too…”

Jungkook didn’t let go of Taehyung’s hand.

Not even once.

When the event finally ended and they got into the car—

Silence filled the space.

After a long moment, Jungkook spoke.

“What did he say to you?”

Taehyung looked out the window.

“Nothing important.”

“Don’t lie.”

Taehyung turned slowly.

“Would it matter if I told you?”

The question hung heavy.

Jungkook stared at him.

For the first time—

He realized something unsettling.

He couldn’t read his own husband anymore.

And that…

Made him uneasy.

Across the city, Kang Dohyun stood by his window, replaying the evening in his mind.

Taehyung’s calm eyes.

His quiet warning.

His confidence.

Dohyun smiled slowly.

“Now this is interesting.”

The hunt had begun.

And this time—

His prey wasn’t weak.

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