Chapter 16: Missing Locket

We sat on the couch lazily. Taeyeon was resting her head on my lap.

Tomorrow would be our last full day on the island, and honestly I was really going to miss this place.

Taeyeon and I had become a lot more comfortable around each other. When she held my hand when we walked around the island, I didn't blush, instead it felt natural.

I ran my fingers through her blonde locks as she played with my iPhone. She put the phone down and looked up at me and smiled. She let out a happy sigh.

She was seriously too cute.

"Why do you wear it on your wrist like that?" She asked pointing to the locket wrapped around my wrist. "Wasn't it a necklace?"

"The chain broke. But I still really wanted to wear it so I just decided to wear it like a bracelet." I shrugged. "I've actually been meaning to get it fixed. I think I need to get it polished or something as well." I sighed.

She smiled at me again.

"Tomorrow is our last night here, and then we got back home." She said, lifting her head from my lap and sitting up beside me properly.

"I don't wanna go home." I whined.

"Then how about we make the most of tomorrow?" She suggested.

I nodded, and then things fell into a comfortable silence.

"Hey, Taeyeon?"

"Yeah?"

"Did you miss your dukongs?" I asked teasingly.

"That's it! This calls for a tickle attack!" She exclaimed as she launched herself at me.

"Taeyeon! You know I hate being tickled!"

But before I could protest any further she was already sitting on top of me, attacking my rib cage with her nimble fingers. I squirmed as I laughed uncontrollably.

I was laughing so hard tears began to form at the corners of my eyes. I tried to push her off but she was too strong.

"This is what you get for making fun of my dukongs!" She said, still tickling me.

"Taeyeon, stop!" I managed to plead.

She halted her attack and looked down at me. "Say you're sorry." She smirked.

"Fine! I'm sorry!"

She grinned, getting off of me.

I hit her shoulder playfully "Meanie!"

"Hey, it's your fault. You're the one who decided to insult my dukongs." She shrugged.

I waved her off and yawned tiredly. "Let's go to bed."

She nodded and we both went upstairs to the bedroom.

I let Taeyeon use the bathroom first.

Once she had gone inside I began to change into my pyjamas. I looked at the locket wrapped around my wrist and smiled. I really couldn't believe that Taeyeon gave me this all those years ago, good thing I kept it. Maybe it was fated that we met again?

I carefully unwrapped the broken chain from around my wrist and gently set it down on the nightstand.

The next morning I woke up as the sun light shone on my face.

I sat up and I rubbed my eyes. I noticed Taeyeon's absence, but then I heard her in the kitchen down stairs. I looked at the clock. 9:00 am.

I stretched as I got up. I got dressed at a pretty slow pace.

Just as I was about to put my locket on, I noticed it wasn't on the nightstand where I left it. I started to look around the room.

I began to panic when I realised it wasn't there.

What was I going to do? If I tell Taeyeon, she might get angry.

I had literally turned the whole entire room upside down, looking for it.

I would just have to look for it when she wasn't around, but that would be hard considering we were always together. I sighed in frustration.

Today was our last day here, and if I didn't find it now, we may have to leave without it.

I calmed myself slightly and went down the stairs, to be greeted by the smell of freshly made pancakes.

Once I had reached the bottom, I saw the dining table lined with a whole American breakfast feast. I gaped at the sight.

I hadn't had an American breakfast since I came to Korea, which was 6 years ago!

Taeyeon set the final plate of toast down on the table and smiled at me.

I walked up to the table.

"Taeyeon..." I was at a loss for words.

"It's okay of you don't like it. It's just that I know you lived in a America for a whi-"

I silenced her babbling with hug.

"I can't believe you would do this for me." I mumbled into her shoulder.

She hugged me back. "I'm glad you like it."

I pulled away from the hug, my hands on her shoulders and her arms still around my waist.

"Why did you do this?" I asked her.

"I just thought that I should make our last day here a happy one." She smiled.

I pulled her into another hug and inhaled her scent.

"You really are the best!" I pulled away from the hug and gave her the biggest eye smile I could.

She smiled back at me. "I know, I know. I really am the best." She gave a dorky grin and I pushed her shoulder playfully. "C'mon, let's eat before it gets cold." She said letting me go and gesturing towards the table.

I sat down and began to eat.

I hadn't had a breakfast this good in a long time.

We finished breakfast and I helped Taeyeon clear the table.

Once all the dishes were done, we both slumped onto the couch.

"Fany-ah, I have some things I need to do before we leave. I'll be gone for a few hours at the most." She said, looking at me.

I looked at her, slightly confused. What types of 'things' would she have to do on the island that were so important?

"Can I come?"

"I'm sorry, but it's a secret. But you'll find out later." She looked at me apologetically.

"But Taeyeon," I whined. "What am I supposed to do here all day?"

"You can pack your stuff and get some rest for the flight tomorrow?" She suggested as she got up and headed to the door.

I stood up. "Don't be too long, or else you'll regret it later." I glared at her playfully.

"Okay, I promise." She smiled before opening the door and leaving.

I slumped back on the couch and closed my eyes. What was I supposed to do all day, without Taeyeon here to make me laugh?

The Locket!

I got too distracted by Taeyeon this morning that I totally forgot.

I searched the entire villa, without much success. I had been looking the whole entire morning and Taeyeon still hadn't come back.

I lay on the bed and sighed in frustration.

What if I couldn't find it? Would Taeyeon be angry at me?

With questions like these swirling through my mind, I fell into a deep sleep.

When I woke up, the sky was dark and the stars were out.

I looked around and there were rose petals scattered around the bed, leading out of the door.

I noticed a note on the pillow beside me. I picked it up and began to read.

"Follow the rose petals,

They will lead you the right way."

What was going on?

I got out of bed with the note still in my hand and followed the trail of rose petals. They led me down stairs and out onto the beach. I followed the petals down the beach until I reached a tent.

I saw Taeyeon standing outside with a smile on her face.

I walked up to her. "What's all of this?"

"I'll explain in a minute." She smiled gesturing for me to go inside the tent. I gaped at the sight.

She had set up candles around the edges of the tent and a table with two chairs in the middle.

I looked back at her.

"Take a seat." She smiled.

I did as I was told and took my place on one of the chairs.

She sat opposite me. "So, do you like it?" She asked hopefully.

I gave her an eye smile and nodded. Nobody had ever gone to such lengths to make me happy like this. But why? Why was she doing all of this for me? It just didn't make sense.

Suddenly, a waiter came in with two plates of food.

"Dinner is served." He bowed, and then left.

I raised an eyebrow at her.

"What? I didn't have time to cook." She shrugged.

We ate our three course meal, finishing it off with a dessert of chocolate cake. I leaned back in my chair and smiled.

"Thanks you so much, Taeyeon."

She shook her head. "It's no problem. Do you want to go for a walk along the beach?"

I smiled and nodded.

"Shall we?" She said, extending her hand towards me.

I took it happily and exited the tent with her.

We walked along the moonlit beach, hand in hand. We walked in comfortable silence for a few minutes, before we decided to sit in the sand. We looked at out on the ocean for a bit.

Once I had mustered up enough courage, I decided to tell her I lost the locket. That way, we might be able to find it before we leave.

I took a deep breath. "Taeyeon, I have something to tell you."

She looked at me and tilted her head to the side. "What is it?"

"I lost the locket you gave me." I was ready for her to shout, but instead, I heard her chuckle. I looked at her, confused by her reaction.

"You didn't lose it." She said as she dug into her pocket and pulled out my locket.

I stared at it in disbelief as it glinted in the moonlight.

Once I came back to my senses, I hit her shoulder and grabbed the locket out her hand and examined it, making sure it was the right one.

"Yah! Why do you have this? I was looking for it all day!" I exclaimed angrily.

She looked at me and smiled. "Yesterday you said you wanted to fix the chain and get it polished, so that's what I did."

I seriously couldn't believe how much she had done for me today. – First of all, breakfast, then the tent with all the candles and that amazing dinner, and now this. She truly was the most amazing person ever.

I hugged her tightly. We stayed like that for a minute before reluctantly letting go.

"Okay, seriously, why are you doing all of this for me?" I asked.

She simply smiled at me. "Because I like it when you're happy and you have that amazing eye smile on your face. And since when we first met, we got off to a bad start and I just wanted this to make up for that lost time."

My heart swelled at her words. At that moment I wanted to jump on top of her and kiss her like there was no tomorrow.

But, of course, that would ruin our friendship, so I kept my composure and hugged her tightly, tears of happiness brimming my eyes.

I had never fallen for someone so much in my entire life. But that was before I met Kim Taeyeon.

...

Chapter 17: Because...

We had just arrived at the palace and were now tiredly making our way to what would now be our room.

I opened the door, surprised at what I saw behind it. My room was no longer pink, but royal blue and a blood red. The furniture had been changed so everything looked more regal. They had even built a mini kitchen in the corner, next to my desk.

"Wow…" was all Taeyeon could say.

We both inspected the downstairs area, before heading upstairs to where the bed was, so Taeyeon could put the bags down. Upstairs looked basically the same, though the walls had been painted a different colour.

Taeyeon flopped herself down on the bed. "Ah, I'm so tired." She yawned.

"Well Taeyeon, you'd better get used to it." A deep voice chuckled.

I turned around to see my parents standing at the top of the stairs, smiling at us.

"Mum? Dad? What're you doing here so late?" I asked as I hugged them both at the same time. It was well past midnight and I had expected everyone to be asleep.

They hugged me back and laughed. "To see you guys, of course." My father answered. I pulled away from the hug and smiled at them both.

I looked back at Taeyeon who was standing awkwardly beside the bed. My father chuckled and opened his arms.

"Come on, Taeyeon! You're part of the family now too." He chuckled, making Taeyeon look up and smile at him.

She walked into his embrace and hugged him. She did the same to my mother, only more gently this time. She then came back and stood beside me.

We then moved to sit on the couches downstairs, to talk about our vacation with my parents. We told them the events that had happened over the week. Once everything had been said, my father put on a more serious face.

"We have something to tell you." He said, my mother nodding.

"What is it?" I asked curiously.

"As you both know, we have four branches of Hwang Corp. Michelle and Donghae run two of them and your mother and I run the other two." He explained. "However, in a few months time, I would like the two of you to take of our roles and run two of the branches yourself." He stated.

I was surprised. Running half of an entire company was a big responsibility and I didn't expect my father to trust me to do such an important job.

We both nodded.

"But that will happen in a few months. As of now, you guys are going to have many interviews, press conferences and other matters to deal with."

He was right. I remember when Michelle got married. She was constantly doing interviews, press conferences and whenever you turned on the TV, you were guaranteed to see Michelle and Donghae on the screen. They were a much-loved couple. They still were even though they weren't in the media that often anymore.

"We won't let you down." I said determinedly. I wasn't going to fail or give up like before.

TAEYEON'S POV

We walked into the ballroom. Me, wearing my normal military style clothing that I usually wore to formal events, and Tiffany, looking absolutely breath-taking in a long black gown with her hair up and silver dangly earrings to top it off.

As we walked in, many important high-class people began to congratulate us on our marriage, despite the fact it was almost two weeks ago.

They told us what a cute couple we made. And asked us about when we were planning on having children.

We both responded the same way each time, by smiling, nodding and finishing it off with a "We're not having children just yet, maybe in a few years time."

After about an hour of greeting everyone, I led Tiffany to the table where the snacks and drinks were laid out.

"This is so tiring." She sighed.

"I know, don't worry. We can leave soon." I assured her with a smile.

From the corner of my eye, I could see and feel someone staring at us intently from the other side of the crowded room. I looked over to see who it was and made brief eye contact with him, but I acted as if I hadn't seen him.

It was Siwon.

Why was he here? Tiffany had told me that his father was one of the richest men in Korea, but still I didn't think that their families were that close.

"Taeyeon?"

I turned my attention back to Tiffany and smiled. "Yeah?"

"What were you staring at?" She asked suspiciously.

"Uhm, nothing." I lied.

I didn't want Tiffany to know Siwon was here. I put my arm around her lower back and pulled her closer. "I think we should leave" I whispered into her ear.

She turned her head and looked at me. "Why? We just got here, and the gathering hasn't even begun yet…"

"I just thought you were tired." I said innocently

"Don't worry about me, I'm fine." She gave me an eye-smile.

I smiled back at her. "Okay, let's just enjoy the party."

As the night went on, I made sure I kept close to Tiffany - holding her hand, putting my arm around her, whispering things into her ear. I did anything and everything I could to give off signs that she was mine.

However, he never took his eyes off of us, and I made sure he kept his distance, by glaring at him every time her got closer.

"Taeyeon, what's wrong with you?" Tiffany said, turning her head to the side so she could see me.

I was standing closely behind her with my hands on her waist. I could tell she was slightly flustered.

"What'd you mean?" I asked her.

"You're being extra touchy-feely…" She said under her breath, now that people were looking at us and awing.

"I'm just putting on a show." I whispered back. The way it came out of my mouth made it sound harsh, and cold-hearted.

Tiffany just nodded her head and turned back around. Did I hurt her feelings?

The party ended and I quickly grabbed Tiffany by the hand and took her back to our room.

"Taeyeon! Stop it!" She exclaimed as I pushed her into the room and closed the door.

"Sorry, I'm just really tired and wanted to go to bed."

"Well, you could have just said that instead of dragging me here." She said, frustrated. I could tell that she was hurt by what I said earlier. Why was she though? We were putting on an act. We weren't really a married couple. We just acted like one in front of everyone.

I thought Tiffany especially would understand that, even though what I felt for her was real.

"Whatever, I'm going to get changed." She said as she walked up the stairs.

I heard the bathroom door close. I sighed. How much did I really have to lie to her?

I heard a ringing sound. I looked down to see that Tiffany had left her phone on the coffee table. I picked it up and checked the caller ID.

Choi Siwon

I felt my blood begin to boil. Why was he calling my wife? Especially after he tried to rape her!

I hit the reject button and put the phone back on the coffee table. Tiffany came back down the stairs wearing her usual cotton shorts and singlet.

"Was my phone ringing?" She asked.

But before I could answer someone burst through the door. We both snapped our heads around in the direction of the intruder.

It was Siwon. Oh fuck.

"Fany-ah…" He said breathlessly, "How come you didn't answer any of my calls? I haven't seen you in two freaking months!" He said as he made his way inside of our room.

I looked at Tiffany and I could tell she didn't know what to do.

"I think you should leave." I said sternly as I stepped in front of him, preventing him from getting any closer to Tiffany.

"No." I turned to look at Tiffany, stunned by her actions "Let him stay."

I turned to face her. "What? Tiffany, you know what he tried to do to you!" I exclaimed in disbelief.

"We have to sort things out." She said calmly.

What was there to sort out? He got drunk and tried to rape my Tiffany and I had to save her.

Siwon stepped forward and took Tiffany's hands in his. I was too much in shock to stop him.

"Look, I know what I did was wrong. But I really missed you these past months. Please give me a second chance" He pleaded.

I was so close to punching him in the face, but Tiffany was in the way.

She was confused. "Siwon...I..."

Please Fany-ah...don't say yes…

"I have to think about it." She said unsurely.

What? If someone tried to rape you, would you consider giving them another chance?

Finally I stepped forward. "Get the fuck out."

Siwon glared at me as Tiffany looked at me in disbelief.

He smirked. "Fine, midget. I'm only leaving because I don't want my nice new shirt to get dirtied by your filth." He scoffed as he walked off. "Oh, and Tiffany, I feel sorry for you, having to be stuck with this little dwarf." He finally left and had to restrain myself from running after him and beating the shit out of him.

Tiffany was still staring at me. I walked past her and stormed up the stairs and slammed the closet door out of anger. I paced back and forth trying to calm myself down. I heard the door open, I looked over and it was none other than Tiffany.

"Taeyeon, what's wrong?" She asked carefully, walking closer to me

"What's wrong?" I exclaimed. "Tiffany, you're giving him another chance!"

I saw anger and hurt in her eyes. "So what?" She shot back, equally as frustrated.

"He tried to rape you!"

"Because he was drunk!"

"And if I hadn't been there, what might've happened?"

She stopped, her breathing deep. "Why do you even care?"

"Because I'm in love with you!"

...

Chapter 18: Confessions

Everything just came pouring out of me like a waterfall. Every single emotion I felt for her came out in my confession. I had kept everything bottled up inside of me and I couldn't take it anymore. I had to tell her or else I might go crazy. I would have to deal with the consequences later.

"What?" Her voice was quiet, almost a whisper.

"I love you." I said, my voice soft. "I fell for you the first time I saw you. Even when you acted cold towards me, all I wanted was to be close to you. Then we became so close in such a short space of time. It's okay if you can-" I was cut off by her lips being pressed against mine.

I felt as if a surge of electricity shot through my body. I was in utter bliss. It felt so perfect, the way her lips curved into mine. It was like they were made to fit together.

At first I didn't respond, but once I realised what was going on, I began to move my lips in sync with hers. She wrapped her arms around my neck and deepened the kiss even more.

Much to my disappointment, she pulled away and leaned her forehead against mine, staring deeply into my eyes.

"I love you too." She said breathlessly. "I love you, Kim Taeyeon."

I felt as though my heart was about to burst out of happiness.

She un-wrapped her arms from my neck, and stood back, waiting for my response. I stood still for a minute, taking on everything I just heard. Then it hit me.

She kissed me…She loves me…

Once reality had set in, I jumped around while dancing like a fool. "I can't believe it!" I exclaimed.

Tiffany began laughing at me. I stopped dancing, and turned to look at her. I smiled. I rushed towards her, and grabbed her face and smashed our lips together again. That same current of electricity coursed through my body.

I pulled away and gave the biggest grin I could. "I love you, Tiffany Hwang MiYoung." I said sincerely.

She smiled at me. "I-" But before she could finish a maid came running in. She looked very flustered.

"Please excuse me for barging in on you, Your Highness," She said quickly as she bowed. "The Queen is in hospital and it's very urgent that you go see her immediately." She said with her head down.

I looked at Tiffany. Her eyes were wide with worry and fear. The maid quickly left.

"I think we should go." I said, taking her hand.

We stood outside of the hospital room.

"Your mother's heart is getting weaker and she has to take it easy for a while if she wants to survive." The doctor said to Tiffany.

She nodded.

"I want you to be ready for what you're about to see, because it might be quite hard to look at." The Doctor said, pushing the door open, bowed and then disappeared down the hallway.

Tiffany grabbed my hand and held it tightly. She looked at me with worried eyes. I gave a reassuring smile and a small squeeze on her hand, telling her not to worry.

She took a deep breath and pushed the door fully open. We walked in slowly, readying ourselves.

"Mother..." Tiffany had her hand over her mouth. She quickly rushed over to her mother's bedside and hugged her tightly.

The Queen had a needle in her arm that was connected to a drip. She looked weak and pale. Her body was frail.

She was a good person. She was the first person I told about my feelings for Tiffany. She made me feel welcome in a place that was new and mysterious.

"Oh, Fany-ah, why are crying? I'm perfectly fine!" The Queen chuckled as she rubbed her daughter's back.

Tiffany pulled away and looked into her mother's eyes. "I was so worried that something bad happened to you." Tiffany sobbed.

The Queen just chuckled.

Tiffany moved to the side and that's when the Queen noticed my presence.

"Oh! Taeyeon-ah, come give me a hug." She said cheerily, opening her arms.

I smiled and walked over to her bed and gave her a hug. Once we had greeted each other properly Tiffany and I sat on the chairs beside the bed.

"Where's everyone else?" Tiffany asked.

As if we were magnets, she intertwined her fingers with mine. The Queen noticed and gave a warm smile.

"They were here a few minutes ago. They just left when you arrived." She smiled. "How are you two doing? As a couple?" She added.

Tiffany and I both blushed slightly as we thought back to the kiss earlier that evening.

"We're getting closer by each passing day." Tiffany smiled at me.

I smiled back at her. She really was just too beautiful.

"That's good. I'm glad to hear." The Queen smiled at us.

"So, how are you feeling?" Tiffany asked in concern.

"I'm doing much better, dear." She replied sweetly.

"Have the doctors told you about you're condition?"

She shook her head in negative "No. They just said that I was overworking myself." She said as she rolled her eyes. Tiffany and I both laughed. "I mean, really, doctors these days are so over dramatic." She expressed. "I'm perfectly fine."

"Mother, you have to listen to them. They're trying to help you get better." Tiffany scolded.

"Actually, Tiffany, could you get me a glass of water?" The Queen asked.

Tiffany smiled and nodded "Of course."

She got up and left the room. We sat in silence for a few moments.

"Taeyeon, come here." The Queen called, gesturing me to come closer. I moved closer. "Closer." I leaned more forward. She looked into my eyes and smiled. There were tears at the corners of her eyes. She caressed my cheek with her hand. "Taeyeon, I'm afraid that I might have to leave this world early." She said. A tear escaped her eye, though she was still smiling as she cupped my face in her hands. "And I want you take care of Tiffany. She has become a happier person because of you and when I go she will only have you left."

A tear rolled down my cheek as I nodded. Tiffany came back with jug of water.

What was I supposed to do? I loved Tiffany with all my heart, but my main priority was my family's happiness. Right now, they weren't happy and I needed to take them away so we could live a normal life together. But now that Tiffany and I have confessed to each other, what was I supposed to do?

...

Chapter 19: Make the Most of It

I laid my head on Tiffany's lap as she stroked my hair lovingly. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the sensation of her fingers running over my scalp.

We were lounging around in our room, just relaxing and enjoying each other's company.

"I'm worried about my mother." Tiffany said suddenly, her eyes filled with worry. "She didn't look well when we saw her yesterday."

I gave her a concerned look and sat up, taking her hand in mine. "Don't worry, she'll be fine." I kissed the back of her hand gently.

She smiled. I loved that smile. And it pained me knowing that I would be leaving her very soon. I had to make the most of it, or else I would regret it for the rest of my life.

"Tiffany, let's go somewhere." I suggested.

She raised her eyebrow at me. "Where?"

"To the park, where we had our first date." I smiled.

She nodded and smiled back.

We sat on top of the hill, as a gentle breeze blew by and the sun was just about to set.

I leaned back on my elbows and stretched my legs out.

"The sunset is beautiful." She smiled, the orange glow of the sunset illuminating her face, showing a level of beauty that I didn't think was possible.

I could finally say she was mine, even if it was for just a short amount of time. She was mine and didn't want to let her go.

"Taeyeon?"

"Hmm?" I hummed as I felt the breeze roll over my face.

"Since you're a girl, why do they call you prince and not princess like me?" She asked.

I sat up and looked at her as I thought of way to explain. "Well...because you were already a princess and there was no point in changing your title and I would be fulfilling all the duties the husband would within the marriage. I guess your parents decided?"

I wasn't actually sure why I was the husband in the relationship, but I guess I suit the role better that Tiffany does. I've never really been a girly girl.

She nodded her head. "Does it bother you that you have to play the male role?"

I shook my head. Honestly, I never really thought about it. "As long as I'm with you, it doesn't matter." I said sincerely.

"Why are you so cute?" She said, leaning over and kissing my cheek.

I blushed slightly. She giggled as laid her head down on my lap and sighed happily.

"You know Taeyeon, sometimes I don't know what I'd do without you." She said with her eyes closed.

Why did she have to make things so hard? Why did I have to fall for her? She was just too perfect to be real. We had only known each other for less than 6 months and I already felt that I couldn't live without her. I guess that's the effect that an amazing beauty like her has on people.

"I dread the day that you will have to leave me." She sighed.

I froze. As much as I hate to say it, that day would be coming dangerously soon.

"You wouldn't leave me, would you?" She asked, her eyes were now open and staring back at me.

I gulped. How could I answer?

I shook my head. "I wouldn't leave you, unless I was dragged away by a pack of hungry wolves." I chuckled, masking how I was truly feeling.

We got home later that night. Tiffany was in the bathroom doing her normal routine.

I stepped out onto the balcony and gazed up at the stars.

"I miss you Dad. I wish you were still here." I whispered.

I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket, I took it out to see Hayeon's number calling. I smiled and answered it. "Hello?"

"Taeyeon!" I heard Hayeon's excited voice over the phone. I chuckled at my little sister.

"How are you?" I asked.

"I'm fine. How's Tiffany Unnie?"

"She's fine, although the Queen is in hospital."

I heard her gasp on the other side of the phone. "What happened?"

"I'm not really sure." I answered truthfully.

"Mum said we'd be going home soon, is it true?" She asked hopefully.

I sighed. "Yes, Hayeon-ah. We are going home soon."

"Yay!" She yelled happily on the phone. "When we get out, can you take me back to that special park?" She asked.

I smiled. "Of course."

Hayeon was a simple girl and didn't need fancy clothes or toys. She was perfectly happy with just the simplest of things. Something I admired about her.

"Okay, Taeyeon. Mum said I have to go to bed now." She sounded thoroughly disappointed.

"Okay, be a good girl and do as Mum tells you. We'll be home soon." I promised her.

"Good night Taengoo, I love you."

I chuckled at my nickname. "Good night, love you too."

Today could be the last day I spend with Tiffany. I wanted to make it as special as possible, even if she didn't know it herself.

I stood beside the bed as I gently shook the sleeping Princess.

"Hmm." She grumbled

"Fany-ah, wake up." I nudged her.

She just pulled the covers over her head and sunk deeper into the mattress.

"Please, Fany-ah. I have a surprise for you." I pleaded.

She slowly and reluctantly removed the covers from her head and sat up and rubbed her eyes sleepily. She was just effortlessly cute.

"What is it?" She mumbled.

"I want to take you shopping." I smiled. Her face lit up immediately as she began to nod her head eagerly. "Get ready. I'll be waiting downstairs." I said as I kissed her nose and went down the stairs to wait.

I was tagging behind Tiffany as she literally cleared every store we went into.

I had made sure that the mall was closed to the public for a few hours, so Tiffany and I could enjoy our day.

I sat in the changing room while Tiffany was showing me a bunch of dresses she liked. I smiled at her excited expression. She was smiling non-stop.

"Taeyeon, what do you think of this one?" She asked twirling around.

I chuckled. "Tiffany, you've looked amazing in everything you've tried on."

She smiled, pecked my lips and went back into the changing room.

"Wow!" She exclaimed as I removed my hands from her eyes. She turned around and hugged me tightly. "I can't believe you went to all this trouble!"

I had taken her to an all American restaurant. I knew that she had grown to love American food, and that she couldn't have it very often. So that's why I found the best American Restaurant I could in whole of South Korea.

I saw the excitement and happiness in her eyes. That's all I wanted. A smile.

She ate her food and leaned back in satisfaction.

Honestly, I didn't have much taste for this type of food. I found it bland, but I ate it because I didn't want Tiffany to think that I wasn't enjoying myself.

After a long day of shopping, we had finally made it back to the Palace. It was already 9:00 pm.

I had ordered the maids to bring Ice cream to our room. We were now sitting on the balcony, eating our frozen desserts.

"Why did you do all of this today?" She asked as she put her empty bowl down and leaned her head on my shoulder.

"Because I wanted to make you happy."

She lifted her head and looked me in the eye and sealed my lips with hers. It was simple yet passionate. I savoured her lips, knowing that it might be our last kiss.

We both settled into bed. She lay with her back facing me as I had my arms around her waist.

"Good night, Taeyeon. I love you." She said as she drifted off to sleep.

I inhaled her scent. "I love you too."

I looked at her beautiful sleeping face in the dark. I kissed the top of her head gently.

A tear escaped my eye and rolled down my cheek. I'm so sorry, Tiffany.

...

Chapter 20: Goodbyes

Taeyeon and I have been together for just over a week now, and I don't remember a time when I was happier. I love more her more than you could imagine. I didn't think that two complete strangers could become basically inseparable within such a short amount of time.

She was kind, caring and patient with me. Exactly what I needed. She was million times better to me than Siwon ever was.

But she's has been acting very strangely lately, like she's been hiding something from me. Whenever I looked into her eyes, of course I saw love but I also saw fear and worry. Every time I asked if there was something wrong, she would simply brush it off and tell me she was fine.

But I trusted her. Why wouldn't I?

I began to stir in my bed. I frowned when I realised Taeyeon's arms were no longer around me.

I sat up and looked over to her side of the bed. Empty. I checked the time. 7:35 am.

I guessed she was in the bathroom, but when I checked, again, it was empty. Where did she go? Why would she leave so early in the morning?

Normally, she would wake me up and tell me if she was going somewhere, or even leave me a note.

I checked my phone. No texts and no missed calls. Something was wrong.

I got dressed, and headed out to find Taeyeon.

TAEYEON'S POV

I knocked on the office door, waiting for a reply.

"Come in." I heard his gruff voice from inside the room. I slowly entered.

He smiled when he saw it was me, but his smile slowly faded when he saw my expression. I sat down in the leather chair in front of his desk.

"Everything okay, Taeyeon?" He asked, his voice full of concern.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath in. I had no idea how he was going to react.

Would he force me to stay? Or punish me for even considering leaving? The possibilities were endless. But I had to announce that I was leaving, especially to him, the King.

That way, maybe he could figure out a way to tell Tiffany without hurting her feelings. If he told her, maybe it wouldn't hurt as much?

"I would like to inform you that I'm leaving." I said seriously.

He looked at me, confused. His brown eyes glinted with concern. "Why?" He asked softly.

"Because I can't take this anymore!" I stood up, my voice rising in volume. All the frustration, lies and promises I had kept bottled up, were finally exploding.

"Take what, Taeyeon?" I could tell he didn't fully understand what I meant my 'leaving'.

"All these lies! I can't lie to Tiffany again!"

He began to make his way towards me to calm me down but I took a step back. He understood and stayed in his place.

"It's okay." He tried to reason.

"Okay? She doesn't even know who I really am! She thinks I'm rich and have been all my life!"

He nodded in understanding. "Where are you going to go?"

I calmed myself and took another deep breath. "I want to take my family away with me, so I can give them a normal life."

"You...lied to me..."

My eyes widened when I heard that painfully familiar voice.

I turned my head towards the door to see the love of my life standing there with tears flowing out of her eyes. Her fists clenched tightly together.

I didn't know what to say. I watched in pain as she cried in front of me. I caused those tears. I was the reason for her crying.

"Tiffany, I—" I finally was able to speak up, but before I could continue she had already ran off down the hall. A tear escaped my eye. I clenched my fists into a ball.

I looked back at the King. His expression was sad and dark.

"Are you sure about leaving?" He asked carefully.

I nodded my head slowly. "I have to talk to Tiffany before I leave."

He nodded. "Remember Taeyeon, you are always welcome back here." He smiled sadly before returning to his original place at his desk.

I quickly ran after Tiffany. I didn't want it to end like this.

I had finally arrived at what used to be 'our' room. I slowly entered, not prepared for what was about to come my way.

TIFFANY'S POV

The door slowly creaked open and I knew it was Taeyeon. I didn't want to hear her excuses. I had heard it all already.

She slowly approached me, I stepped back, telling her not to come any closer.

"Tiffany, let me—"

I cut her off. "No, Taeyeon. I don't want to hear your excuses." I said harshly. "Or is that even your real name?"

"Tiffany, you don't understand." I could tell she was getting angry now.

"Don't understand what? That you never loved me or that everything was just a lie?" I questioned her.

She shook her head. "Tiffany, I'm not lying when I say I love you because I really do care about you."

I turned my back to her. "If you loved me, you would have told me before! Instead of me having to find out that the person I love is leaving by myself!" I finally exploded.

I heard her take a step closer "Tiffany—"

I cut her off once again. "Just leave Taeyeon. " She remained silent. My heart was breaking, literally. "I don't want to see you again. It would just cause me even more pain." The tears were falling again uncontrollably.

We both stood in silence. I heard her walk towards the door. She was really leaving me.

"I'm so sorry. Tiffany."

With that, she closed the door, leaving me alone and heartbroken.

I fell to my knees and cried my eyes out. It was true, she never really loved me, she was forced.

That was probably the last time I was going to see her.

Goodbye, Taeyeon.