(Y/N) POV
On the morning of my big court hearing, I wake up with butterflies in my stomach and a feeling of anxiety lodged deep in my throat. It's been days since I got that drunken call from Jaemin, and ever since then...radio silence.
I haven't even heard from his office. For all I know, I'm walking into the courtroom today without a lawyer to back me up.
The old me would've sat in quiet anticipation of what comes next, but the new me picks up the phone and texts Malorie.
(Y/N):
"I can't believe my court date is here. I'm finally gonna be a single woman."
MALORIE:
"It's about damn time! Have you heard from the dom-that-got-away yet?"
(Y/N):
"Not yet. But I trust him not to let me down. Jaemin might've broken my heart, but he won't abandon me in the courtroom."
"...I hope."
MALORIE:
"Do you want my advice?"
"Keep your head up."
"Dress to kill."
"And remember who you are."
(Y/N):
"(YF/LN)"
MALORIE:
"Damn straight!"
I take a deep breath and square my shoulders.
Even if Jaemin bails on me, I'm not gonna back down. I've come too far for that.
I approach my closet with firm resolve. Jay is used to seeing the old me, the one who dressed herself down, quiet and unobtrusive.
This is my chance to show Jay that I've changed...and to let the judge know I'm not a woman to be trifled with.
I can already feel myself growing more confident as I slip into my new outfit.
This'll show the world not to underestimate (YF/LN) ever again.
With one last look in the mirror, I turn on my heel and prepare myself to face the first day of the rest of my life. I enter the courthouse feeling as though the world is about to swallow me whole... As I glance around, I find no sign of anyone on my side...just an empty table and empty chair. Jay looks up from his side of the courtroom. It takes him a second to recognize me in my new outfit.
"(Y/N)? Is that you?"
Even though my heart sinks to find myself all alone, I draw strength from Jay's discomfiture at finding me looking my best.
"I'm not the same woman whose heart you broke...and it's high time you realized it."
"So glad you could join us, Ms. (YLN)." the judge greets.
"Your honor, could we please get things started? It's obvious that (Y/N)'s attorney is a no-show. I don't have all day to wait..."
"He'll be here, your honor. I just need a few more minute of the court's time..."
"I'm sorry, but if you can't produce your attorney, I'll be forced to rule in Mr. Park's—"
The sound of a door swinging open at the back of the courtroom draws everyone's attention. I turn, my heart in my throat, only to find...
...I have no idea who that is.
"I'm sorry, your honor, I was delayed at the door. I'm here to represent Ms. (YLN)."
What the hell? Is Jaemin really trying to ditch me during my court hearing? After everything we've been through...how could he do this to me?
"Very well. Everyone may be seated, and we'll proceed."
My head whirls as the woman sits next to me. I lean over to whisper to her...
"Not that I'm not grateful, but uh...who are you? "
"Jaemin sent me. He had something important to do this morning, so I'll be taking over your case. I'm Toni."
"What's more important than my court hearing? How can Jaemin just abandon me like this? "
"I know it's unusual, but I'm up to speed on everything. I promise you're still in good hands."
"Your honor, this woman isn't (Y/N)'s real attorney. This shouldn't be allowed!"
I turn toward Jay, surprised at how he's reacting. It shouldn't matter to him who represents me...
"Unless Ms. (YLN) has an issue with her representation, I don't see a problem with—"
"But you should! (Y/N)'s been sleeping with her other attorney!"
"Objection, your honor. Mr. Park is out of order."
"Sustained. This kind of behavior won't be tolerated in my courtroom. As I was saying, as long as Ms. (YLN) is ready to proceed...?"
"Yes, your honor. I'm ready."
I can't help smiling at how upset Jay looks right now. He obviously isn't used to being reprimanded, especially in the courtroom.
"Then let's get this hearing started..."
What feels like hours later...both sides have already presented and Jay is in the middle of questioning one of his party witnesses, the private investigator he hired to tail me.
"How often would you say that Ms. (YLN) spent time with her fellow deviants?"
"Between the sex dungeons and yacht parties, it was almost every weekend. Sometimes during the week too."
"And to your knowledge, what exactly did she do when she was with them?"
"Toni, can't you stop him? " I ask quietly.
"Let him dig his own grave. It'll be better for us in the long run. This is exactly how Jaemin wants us to play it."
"But he couldn't even be bothered to show up today."
"He will...any second now."
At Toni's words, my heart starts pounding, and hope bubbles up inside of me.
Maybe Jaemin didn't completely abandon me after all...
"...In conclusion, this evidence proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that (Y/N) conspired with Trishana to frame me for infidelity."
The judge nods and dismisses the witness. During the exchange, I spot Toni checking a message on her phone.
"Does the opposing party want to call any witnesses?"
"I don't think so..." I begin to say, but then Toni stops me.
"Actually, we do. We'd like to all to the stand... Trishana Amin."
I turn to find Jaemin sitting like a statue in the back row...with Trishana right next to him.
"Jaemin's finally here..."
"It took him a while to convince Trishana to come."
"This is a trap! Something's not right..." Jay blurts.
"Mr. Park, don't make me hold you in contempt. I'd like to hear from this new witness."
Jay manages to get himself under control as the bailiff escorts Trishana to the stand. Toni moves to question her...
"Ms. Amin, can you state for the court your relationship with Ms. (YLN)?"
"I only met (YF/LN) after my...liaison with Jay began. Prior to (Y/N) interrupting us, she never once solicited my help. Even after we met, I think it's more fair to say I was the one who solicited her...but she wasn't interested. She was too busy wading through the pieces of her broken marriage."
"And Mr. Park's allegation that you and Ms. (YLN) colluded to trap him in a divorce?"
"Completely false. I would never treat my sub that way...even if he deserved it."
"Thank you. We have no further quest—"
"Wait! I have to ask... Why did you change your mind about helping me?"
Trishana casts a meaningful look at the back of the courtroom where Jaemin is still sitting.
"He convinced me."
I nod and sit back as the judge dismisses Trishana.
"I think I've heard everything I need to hear. I'm ready to make my decision."
"That's it? This isn't fair! (Y/N) cheated and—"
"No, Mr. Park. You cheated. It's obvious which of you is the more emotional and unprepared...and which of you is taking the court seriously."
The judge casts a glance at me, and I smooth down my skirt, grateful I took the time to dress nicely this morning.
"After carefully reviewing the paperwork and listening to testimony, my choice is clear... I find in favor of (YF/LN). All her requests and demands are to be met in full."
"I won?"
I immediately scan the courtroom for Jaemin, but he's already disappeared.
Stop looking for him, (Y/N). You didn't need him to win, and if he doesn't want to stick around, then you don't need him now.
"This is bullshit!"
"I've had enough out of you. Bailiff!"
The court officer rushes over to grab jay's arm and escort him out of the room. As they pass, he snarls at me.
"This isn't over, (Y/N). Not by a long shot..."
"I wish you all the best in your future... As long as I don't have to be in it."
As Jay is hauled away, I feel lighter than I have in months as the truth starts sinking in... I won. I actually won. Out in the hallway, Toni turns to me with a wide grin.
"Well, (Y/N)? How does it feel to officially be divorced?"
"I feel amazing. It feel wrong to celebrate something so awful, but I'm just relieved to have it behind me. I don't know how to thank you for stepping in like you did."
Toni nods toward the end of the hallway where Jaemin is waiting. He looks aloof and untouchable...and so gorgeous that he takes my breath away.
"I'll leave you two to talk. I suspect you have a lot of questions..."
I make my way toward Jaemin. As I approach, he lifts his hand as if to reach for me, but drops it at the last second.
"You have more poise and grace than any woman I've ever met, (Y/N)."
His gaze wanders my body, lingering on the curves of my hips in my form- fitting skirt.
"And more effortless beauty. That was one hell of a win."
"That's all you have to say to me? Honestly, I'm surprised you even stuck around after you got your victory."
"Of course not. I owe you so many explanations...starting with Toni. I wish I'd had time to warn you, but I had to rescue myself from your case. I couldn't..."
"It's okay, Jaemin. You can say it. If you don't want anything to do with me, I completely understand—"
"Don't say that. You're the only thing I want...you always have been."
Jaemin mutters a low curse before shaking his head and reaching into his briefcase.
"It'll be easier to show you what I mean."
I hold my breath as he unlatches the briefcase and pulls out a large, expensive jewelry box. As much as I love gifts, I can't help feeling disappointed by the sight of it.
What I need right now isn't more diamonds... I need Jaemin to be honest with me.
"Go ahead. Open it."
When I open the box, I find a chain encrusted with diamonds.
"I still have the other one you gave me. Beside, given our current situation, I'm not sure I need another collar..."
"This one isn't for you... It's for me."
"Wait, what?"
"I'd like it very much if you'd put it on me, (Y/N). Right here, right now. I want you to show the world who I belong to."
My eyes widen as the implication of Jaemin's words sinks in. He's asking me to publicly mark him a mine.
"Before you came into my life, I thought love and commitment only belonged in the pages of fairytale. I spent too many years watching marriages dissolve around me...first in my own home, and then throughout my career."
"That is what happens when you become a divorce attorney."
"Everywhere I turned, I only saw heartbreak and pain. Love didn't seem worth the risk...not when it destroyed lives. Not when people like Park Jay could use it to hurt an innocent woman like you."
He clenches his hand into a fist when he says my ex's name. I'm not even sure he realizes until I cover his hands with mine.
"But you showed me just how wrong I was. Watching the way you navigated your loss with grace and dignity made me hope for something better. I have no way of knowing what the future holds. Maybe it'll always contain more pain than pleasure."
"Jaemin..."
"Or maybe people like Jay will always get away with treating others like dirt. But as long as people like you exist in the world, there will always be hope. Hope that things can be beautiful and pure. Hope that people can change. And most importantly, hope that love will be worth the risk."
I know what it costs for a man like Jaemin to set his pride aside like this...
This is everything I've been fighting for since that start and he's offering it with no strings attached.
"I... I don't know what to say. Are you sure?"
His gaze holds mine with an intensity that seems to stretch for an eternity.
"I've never been more sure about anything. You've let me possess you in every possible way. Now it's my turn to return the favor."
"I allow the collar to slide through my fingers..."
"Then come closer so I can put it on you."
"Is that an order?"
"We both know I'm not the one who makes the rules."
As much as I'd love to toy with Jaemin, I can't fight my impulse to submit.
"I'm not bold enough—or foolish enough—to think otherwise. I only want to put this on you because you're allowing it."
Jaemin's hands close over mine, his fingers warm.
"It would be my pleasure."
I lift the collar to Jaemin's throat, allowing my fingers to lightly graze his neck. He holds himself perfectly still, as if inviting me to touch him all over... I step back to admire my handiwork. He looks gorgeous, his head held high as the weight of the collar pins him in place. The chiseled lines of his throat beckon for me to touch...to taste...
"Well?"
"I like how it matches mine."
"I wanted you to know that I belong to you as much as you belong to me..."
Now that I have Jaemin standing before me in his collar, I can't help playing with him just a little...
"You know, when I think of all the ways you used my collar to tease me, it seems only fair that I return the favor."
His eyes narrow in sharp, playful suspicion.
"What did you have in mind?"
"You're always saying that anticipation is half the fun..."
Licking my lips, I draw close enough to feel the heat rising off his body.
"It'd be so easy to make you beg for me right now..."
"You think so? I'd like to see you try."
The thrill of teasing Jaemin in such a public setting is too much for me to resist. Shifting my weight from one leg to another, I consider my best option. I lift my hand to my throat and run a finger lightly over my neck where my collar normally sits. Jaemin watches my movements with deep intensity.
"Seeing you in your collar reminds me of how mine feels... How tightly it fits around my neck. How much I'm under your power every time you slip it on."
"You're playing a dangerous game, (Y/N)..."
Instead of backing off, I trail my hand down the line of my throat, my fingers tracing my clavicle before moving enticingly down to my chest.
"You wanted to give yourself to me, Daddy. You brought this on yourself..."
I long to grab him by his new collar and pull him in for a kiss, to feel his lips under mine...but I don't give in. Not yet.
"Jaemin, I appreciate what this means...but there's still so much I don't understand."
"You're right. You deserve an explanation, about all of this."
Jaemin reaches for my hand and leads me outside. I blink against the bright sun after being inside for so long.
"To be honest, I should've rescued myself from your case as soon as we got involved, but I was too...distracted. Once Jay found out, stepping aside was the only way to ensure you got a fair hearing. I only wish I'd done it form the start."
"I wouldn't trade one minute of our time together, Jaemin."
"You wouldn't be saying that if he'd walked away with everything..."
"If there's one thing I've learned these past few months, it's that money can only buy so much. It's the people in my life who really matter. I still can't believe you got Trishana to actually show up in court and speak out against Jay. How'd you know we'd need her?"
"You can thank Jay himself for that. He all but laid out his plan during a preliminary meeting, but I was too worked up to realize it. He thought he was outplaying me. And for a second there, I thought so too."
"He's always had a way of getting under people's skin."
"It's more than that. Playing head games is part of what being a good attorney is all about. He and I are the same that way..."
"You're nothing like Jay. Don't ever say something like that to me again, got it?"
"Whether you agree or not, the world is full of people like me and Jay...driven, determined, arrogant. To beat Jay, I had to put my own arrogance aside. As much as I wanted to be the one standing next to you, I had to let someone else take the lead. For too long, I wanted you so badly for my own that I refused to acknowledge what was happening right in front of me."
"Jay's underhanded tricks?"
"No. That I care so much more about you than I thought possible..."
I can't wait any longer. I throw my arms around his neck and press my lips to his. The taste of him is like coming home...
"Damn, (Y/N). Every time you kiss me, I think it can't get any better...until it does."
"My poor, sweet innocent."
"What did you just call me?"
"You heard me. You might know more about BDSM, but I know more about relationships. You have no idea how good it can be when you let your whole heart participate."
Jaemin pulls back, his eyes glazed with desire...
"What do you say we go somewhere a little more private to test that theory?"
I squeeze his hand and start leading him away from the courthouse.
"I know just the place..."
Thirty minutes later, Jaemin and I enter my dungeon, now stocked with the toys I've accumulated on my journey. The room, once bare of everything but possibility, is now ours to explore...together."
"I love what you've done with the place..."
His gaze skims over the room until it land on the bed in the center. That bed is where everything started...
"Everything in this room is now yours, sir...including me."
Without waiting for his command, I strip off my clothes until there's nothing between us but a few scraps of fabric. I've been exposed in front of Jaemin before, but not like this. There are so emotional barriers now, nothing holding him back...
"You get more beautiful every time I see you..."
"How do you want me?"
He strokes a finger down the side of my face. He doesn't stop until he's gently tracing the outline of my mouth.
"You already please me just by being you..."
Chuckling, he traces my mouth again...much less gently this time.
"But for now, you can get into position."
I don't hesitate. Falling to my knees, I settle myself in Jaemin's favorite submission position. Knees apart, hands behind my back, eyes lowered...
"Remember your safe word?"
"Apples."
Jaemin nods, pleased. He quickly sheds his clothes, then wanders the dungeon, pulling out the toys I've been so careful to collect and store.
"The first thing we should do is set the mood, don't you think?"
I strain to hold my position as Jaemin walks over to my candles."
"Yes..."
The flickering candlelight is soft and romantic, but there's nothing soothing about the way he approaches with one tall taper in his hand. I shiver as I remember the sweet, hot burn of the wax...
"I've been dreaming of painting your body with this for weeks. But where to start...?"
"Please, sir. I want to feel it dripping down my breasts."
"Well, since you asked so nicely."
I hold my breath as Jaemin draws closer. As soon as the first drip of wax falls, I release a sharp cry.
"Oh God..."
Jaemin tilts the candle again, this time so close to my skin that I can feel the heat from the flame. My nipples tighten in anticipation of that sweet, sharp burst of pain. Jaemin doesn't stop there, meticulously painting my skin with the dripping wax.
"More..."
As much as I love the sound of you begging, I refuse to be hurried.
True to his word, Jaemin takes his time. I can barely catch my breath as the heat engulfs my body inch by tantalizing inch... Eventually, Jaemin blows out the candle with a soft whisper. I'm already starting to feel hot and bothered, but Jaemin's movements are methodical as he pulls out my diamond collar.
"Remember this?" he asks.
I nod, the sight of those exquisite diamonds glittering between Jaemin's fingertips taking my breath away. Especially since they match the collar clasped around Jaemin's throat.
"I like that we match."
"Me too, little lamb. If it were up to me, I'd make you wear this collar every single day of your life."
"Every day? Like, to work and grocery shopping? What would people think?"
He slides the collar around my throat, allowing the hard-edged stone to graze my bare skin. I swallow as he fits the tight band over my neck.
"They'd know you belong to someone rich and powerful...and that anyone who dares to touch you will answer to me."
"I'll proudly wear it for you. I'd do anything you asked me to, Daddy."
"And I'll give you the world."
My chest tightens at the serious tone of his voice. I know he means it, and it lights a fire inside of me. Jaemin steps back to admire his handiwork. I can feel the weight of his gaze as he drinks in every part of me.
"Perfection."
Next, I hear the crack of the flogger before I see it, the promise of all those tresses causing me to shiver.
"I haven't done anything to deserve the flogger, have I, Daddy?"
Jaemin drops his lips to the side of my neck, his words a whisper.
"You're mine to mark and worship. Do I need more reason than that? "
Whimpering, I dart my tongue out and wet my lips.
"Now, get down on all fours."
I gulp as I position myself on my hands and knees, my body arched in anticipation of Jaemin's touch. He strikes the flogger before I'm ready for it, the lashes catching me between the shoulder blades.
"Oh!"
"You have no idea how delicious your skin looks after a lashing...or how much I want to taste it."
He drops his mouth to the skin at the base of my neck, his tongue tracing the heated sore spot.
"Please, Daddy...more..."
Jaemin growls his approval before lifting the flogger and hitting me again, this time on the curve of my ass.
"Yessss..."
"For every lash, you get a kiss."
He drops his mouth to my ass, his lips so soft that I can geel myself responding as he moves closer to my center. Jaemin's breathing starts to come harder and faster the longer I remain at his feet. I lick my lips as I imagine how hot and hard he must be by now...how he strains to feel my mouth wrapped around his length.
"Please let me taste you, Daddy. I want you to feel so good as I do..."
Jaemin groans, his boy surging forward with need...but he holds himself back before actually touching me. I feel a tight clench deep inside me, the anticipation almost more than I can bear.
"Not yet, little lamb... Not until I have you spread wide for me."
His grin turns deliciously wicked as he pulls out the spreader bar I bought without his permission.
"You wanted this toy, so now you have to use it."
"That seems fair."
I moan as Jaemin grabs my ankles and guides my legs open, urging me to expose my most intimate parts. He secures the leather bands in place. In this position, sitting in full view for him, there's no way to hide my glistening desire.
"I've seen every view the world has to offer, but this is my favorite one..."
I moan as he slides a finger along my slit... Soon, I'm reduced to a quivering pile of nerves.
"So wet for me..."
"Yes, Daddy. Always."
"Would you like me to slide my fingers inside you?"
"Yes, please..."
Instead of complying, he teases a fingertip around my pleasure point, just enough to torture me...
"More... I need..."
"Oh, I know exactly what you need."
I whimper as Jaemin pulls back, leaving me aching. The longer my legs stay spread open for him, the more desperate I am. But instead of giving me what I want, he pulls back and releases me from the spreader bar.
"You'll get what you need...after we put all your toys to good use."
I'm not sure what to expect as Jaemin stands back and surveys the larger pieces of furniture in the dungeon. Finally, his gaze falls on the spanking bench.
"Please, sir. I haven't done anything to deserve that."
"That's not what I heard... Jaehee had plenty to say about your behavior the night you went out."
"That doesn't count! You and I weren't together..."
Despite my protest, Jaemin bends me over the bench. He slowly traces the outline of my body, his fingers light as they take in my every curve.
"You have no idea how stunning you look right now..."
He strikes so hard that my hips buck against the bench. My cries are a blend of pleasure and pain.
"Oh God! Yes..."
"I don't hear you counting."
"One! That's one!"
The second blow lands even harder than the first, the sting lingering long enough that I can feel its fiery burn dull to a hot throb.
"I could make it hurt so much worse...or I can make it feel better."
"Please, make it hurt."
I cry out as Jaemin slaps the side of my ass with a sudden blow.
"Yes! Don't! Stop!"
It's followed by three more in quick succession, each one filling the dungeon with the sound of skin on skin.
"Is that what you wanted?"
I sag against the bench, my whole body throbbing with the need to feel Jaemin's hand on me again. I have no idea how much time passes in that position, with Jaemin bending me over the spanking bench, but it's both too much and not enough.
Finally, much later. There's only one toy left in the dungeon I have yet to explore...and my whole body trembles at the thought of it.
"That's right, my pet. You know what's coming next, don't you?"
He takes me by the hand and draws me toward the X-cross. As we approach, I can feel my knees start to give way underneath me.
"You were a very bad girl when you sent me that photo..."
"I was just trying to get a reaction out of you."
"It worked...and now you'll pay the price for it."
Even though I imagined Jaemin tying me to the X-cross dozens of times, the real deal is so much more thrilling. He carefully lifts my arms above my head and shackles each one in place. I can feel the strain of my muscles as they're stretched to the limit, my body opened wide from every possible angle.
"There's no hiding any part of you now."
I feel how true this is as Jaemin tightens the leather bands around my ankles and steps back.
"What happens now?"
"That depends on what you want... I can touch you. I can taste you. Or I can slide a toy between your legs until you beg me to let you down."
"Surprise me."
With a mischievous grin, he nods and pulls out a sleek vibrator. I gasp as Jaemin guides the toy between my legs, but the leather bands hold me completely still.
"Oh God..."
"The best thing about an X-cross is that I can fill any part of you that I want...for as long as I want."
Jaemin slides the toy out, clicking it on before holding it against my pleasure point. Then, just when I think I'm about to break, he slides his fingers deep inside me.
"Jaemin!"
He pulls out to push the vibrator inside of me again and again. As I whimper and plead for more, Jaemin continues toying with my body. Unless I say my safe word, there's no way to stop him from doing whatever he wants... What feels like hours later, I can't hold back any longer.
"Jaemin, please, put me out of my misery..."
"Is that begging I hear?"
"Yes! I'm begging you to let me cum..."
Jaemin releases me from the X-cross and helps me down. Every part of me is weak and shaking, his body so strong compared to my own. I can't remember the last time I felt so drained...or ready for what comes next. My body thrums with anticipation, but it's nothing compared to how my heart feels as Jaemin carries me to the bed.
"Will you please take me now, Daddy?"
"Only because you asked so nicely..."
I squeal as Jaemin closes his hand around my ankle and tugs me to the end of the bed.
"What're you gonna do to me?"
"I plan to pin you to this bed and ride you until you can't walk straight."
"Jaemin!"
My blood courses hot and hard as Jaemin looms over me, his gaze hungrily devouring mine. I can see how desperately he wants you.
"Get into position, (Y/N). I won't ask again."
I lie back further on the bed, spreading my body before him.
"I want to see your face when I cum."
Jaemin's hands flex hard against my hips, his mouth hungry as it dips to mine and claims me in a kiss. I gasp as he lowers his body to mine, giving my body time to adjust as he enters me fully.
"Oh God...you're so hot...and tight..."
He pants hard as he buries himself to the hilt. I wrap my legs around his back, urging him closer then possible. He grips my hips tightly as he begins moving against me, slowly at first and then gaining speed."
"Daddy... I'm so close..."
"Not yet. Not until I'm finished with you."
I can feel Jaemin getting closer to release, his hips driving so hard against me that my legs quake.
"Now, little lamb. Cum for me."
"Yes! Yes! Yes! "
Jaemin waits only until I crash over the edge before driving his body home one last time as ecstasy takes him. The two of us sag against the bed, sated, exhausted, and unable to say much of anything.
"My God. That was..."
"I know." I smile.
Eventually, we'll untangle our limbs and clean up. He'll take care of me before we prepare for round two...and three...and four. But right now, this moment in Jaemin's arms is perfect.
The next morning, I awaken to the light tinkling of metal sounds above me. Surprised, my gaze flies up to Jaemin's just in time to see him pull out a pair of handcuffs and dangle them in front of me.
"Remember these, little lamb?"
"How could I forget? We've come a long way since that first day in your office..."
"I wish I could reward you, but you've been bad. So...very...bad..."
"I haven't!"
"I had rules in place when we started this thing, and you broke both of them."
"You broke them first, Jaemin. I've been nothing but a good girl this whole time."
Jaemin's low growl sends a delighted shiver down my spine.
"We'll see about that..."
Jaemin swiftly clasps one of the handcuffs around my wrist before threading it through the headboard, locking me into place.
"Until I'm done with you, you have no choice but to obey. Got it?"
"...Yes, Daddy."
To Be Continued