Chapter 2

The morning arrived too soon. Kim Taehyung sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the single suitcase he’d packed the night before. It contained his essentials: a few sets of clothes, toiletries, and a small picture frame of himself as a child with his grandmother—the only person who had ever truly understood him. The thought of leaving his familiar, albeit suffocating, life behind left a sour taste in his mouth. But the promise of a million dollars drowned out his doubts.

At precisely 8 a.m., a sleek black car pulled up in front of his apartment building. Taehyung took a deep breath, grabbed his suitcase, and made his way downstairs. The driver, a stoic older man dressed in a crisp black suit, wordlessly opened the trunk for him.

“Mr. Kim,” the driver greeted him with a polite nod. “Please get in. We have a long drive ahead.”

Taehyung hesitated for a moment, glancing back at his apartment building. He was leaving behind everything—his struggles, his failures, his solitude—but he wasn’t sure if what lay ahead would be any better. Shaking off the uncertainty, he climbed into the car.

The drive was silent, save for the soft hum of the engine and the occasional sound of passing cars. Taehyung’s mind raced with questions. What kind of baby was he going to take care of? Why was the pay so astronomical for a simple babysitting job? And why the secrecy about his location?

After what felt like hours, the car pulled into a modest, yet well-maintained estate nestled within a quiet suburban neighborhood. Taehyung’s jaw dropped as he took in the surroundings—this was not the opulent mansion he had envisioned, but it exuded a sense of warmth and tranquility.

“This is where you’ll be staying,” the driver said, breaking Taehyung’s thoughts.

Taehyung stepped out of the car, his suitcase in hand, and followed the driver to the front door. A friendly-looking woman, impeccably dressed, greeted him with a warm smile.

“Welcome, Mr. Kim,” she said with a slight bow. “Please follow me. Mrs. Lee will meet you shortly.”

“Mrs. Lee?” Taehyung asked, his curiosity piqued.

“Yes, she’s the head of the household and will be assisting you during your stay,” the woman explained.

They entered the house, which was tastefully decorated with a blend of modern and classic furnishings. The butler led Taehyung through a cozy hallway adorned with family photos and soft lighting. The atmosphere was inviting, easing some of the tension that had been building up inside him.

“Here is your room,” the butler announced, opening a door to reveal a comfortable bedroom. “Feel free to settle in. Mrs. Lee will be downstairs shortly.”

Taehyung nodded, placing his suitcase by the bed. He took a moment to breathe deeply, trying to calm his racing heart. The reality of his decision was starting to sink in. This was his chance for a fresh start, albeit under mysterious circumstances.

After a short while, the butler returned to inform him that Mrs. Lee was ready to meet him. Taehyung was led to the living room, where a graceful woman with kind eyes stood waiting. She extended her hand warmly.

“Mr. Kim, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Mrs. Lee greeted him. “I understand this must be a challenging time for you, and we’re here to help in any way we can.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Lee,” Taehyung replied, feeling a sense of relief at her welcoming demeanor.

“We have a lovely child who will be your responsibility,” Mrs. Lee continued. “His name is Minho. He’s just seven years old boy and requires a lot of attention and care. I believe you’ll find him delightful.”

Taehyung felt a mixture of apprehension and hope. Taking care of a child would be demanding, but it also meant having someone to care for—a stark contrast to his lonely existence.

“Is there anything specific I should know about Minho?” he asked.

“Minho has a very routine-oriented schedule. He enjoys music and drawing, so having some activities planned would be beneficial,” Mrs. Lee explained. “We also value privacy, so it’s important to maintain discretion during your stay.”

“I understand,” Taehyung replied, nodding thoughtfully.

As the day progressed, Taehyung began to acclimate to his new environment. He explored the house, noting the comfortable furnishings and the serene backyard garden. He spent time setting up his room and familiarizing himself with the household's daily routines.

That evening, Mrs. Lee introduced him to Minho. The child was energetic and curious, with bright eyes that seemed to light up the room. Taehyung felt a warm connection as he played with Minho, engaging in simple games and enjoying the innocence of childhood.

As night fell, Taehyung lay in bed reflecting on the day's events. Despite his lingering doubts, there was a small spark of hope within him. Perhaps this unexpected turn of events was the beginning of a new chapter in his life—one filled with new responsibilities, connections, and the possibility of finding happiness once more.

Little did he know, the shadows of his past were just beginning to intertwine with the secrets of his present.

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