In the quiet, candle-lit room filled with soft music and flower petals, Ryujin paced nervously. Chaeryeong, Yuna, Giselle, and Ningning watched her, each holding back smiles as they observed her rare display of anxiety.
"Guys, where should I put these flowers?" Ryujin asked, running her hands through her hair. "And my suit-did anyone see it? Is it even going to look good on me?"
Chaeryeong chuckled, shaking her head.
"Ryujin, calm down! Look at you. You're a bundle of nerves!" She laughed, nudging her. "Are you this excited for the proposal?"
Ryujin let out a shaky breath. "What if...what if Yeji's not ready? What if she doesn't want to marry me?" She ran a hand through her hair again, worry etching her features.
Yuna crossed her arms and gave her a reassuring grin.
"Oh, please, Ryujin. Yeji is crazy about you! Besides, you two have a kid together-do you really think she'd say no?"
Ningning and Giselle added their support, teasing her playfully.
"Relax, Ryujin! This is your big night, and she's going to say yes," Ningning said with a smile.
As evening fell and the room was transformed into a romantic haven, Yuna and Chaeryeong went to fetch Yeji, who was at home, completely unaware of what was about to unfold. They exchanged a conspiratorial glance as they approached her with serious expressions.
"Yeji, you need to come with us. Right now," Yuna said, feigning distress.
Yeji's heart skipped a beat, sensing their urgency. "What happened?"
"It's... it's Ryujin," Chaeryeong whispered, her tone low and grave. "She was in an accident. We need to take you to her immediately."
Yeji's hands flew to her mouth as panic set in.
"No...where is she? Is she okay? Please, take me to her!"
As the car sped toward the event venue, tears filled Yeji's eyes, and her mind raced with the worst possibilities. She kept her hands tightly clenched, trying to keep herself calm.
When they finally arrived, Yuna took her hand and said, "Yeji, before you see Ryujin, you need to put on this blindfold."
Yeji's brow furrowed as she pulled back.
"Are you serious, Yuna? I need to see her. Where is she?"
Chaeryeong put a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"The doctor insisted, Yeji. Please...just trust us."
Yeji swallowed hard, her mind still spinning with fear, but she followed their instructions, allowing them to cover her eyes as they led her down the softly lit path. The gentle sound of orchestral music played in the background, setting a romantic tone, but Yeji, her thoughts still full of worry, was too focused on getting to Ryujin.
Finally, she heard Ryujin's voice-a low, husky whisper that sent a shiver down her spine.
"Yeji...you can take off the blindfold now."
With trembling hands, Yeji pulled away the cloth, and the sight before her made her heart stop. There was Ryujin, kneeling before her, her eyes misty but filled with unwavering love, her hands holding a ring, and behind her, a large sign in glowing letters read,
"Will you marry me?"
Yeji gasped, her eyes widening with a mix of disbelief and overwhelming joy.
"Ryujin...all of this...was just for a proposal?"
Ryujin let out a soft laugh, her own emotions brimming as she spoke.
"Yeji, I wanted this to be unforgettable. You mean everything to me. You are my heart, my home, my everything. You've given me a love that's changed me entirely, and I never want to go a day without you by my side." She took a steadying breath, her voice thick with emotion.
"Yeji Hwang, will you marry m--"
But before she could finish, Yeji pulled her up into a fierce embrace, pressing her lips to Ryujin's in a passionate kiss that conveyed her answer. Their kiss deepened, full of longing and the promise of forever, their emotions so palpable that the gathered crowd couldn't help but feel the intensity of the moment.
When they finally broke apart, Yeji's face was flushed, her eyes shining with happiness.
"Yes, Ryujin," she whispered, smiling. "I will marry you. Forever."
Applause erupted around them as their friends and family clapped and cheered, celebrating the two of them. Ryujin's parents, Lia, Ryuseok, and Jiwon, beamed with pride as Chaewon hugged Yeji tightly.
With the music still softly playing, Ryujin and Yeji shared another kiss, the world around them fading away as they held each other close, lost in their love. The promise of their new life together felt real, vibrant, and more meaningful than ever.
As Ryujin and Yeji danced together under the soft, golden lights, basking in the joy of their engagement, Lia watched from a distance. She stood in front of the mirror, her gaze filled with a mixture of disbelief and anger. Staring at her reflection, she muttered bitterly,
"Yeji doesn't deserve this... she doesn't deserve Ryujin." Her eyes trailed down to Yeji's baby bump visible from afar, and her frustration only grew. Unable to contain her emotions, Lia stomped out of the bathroom.
The faint sound of Lia's frustrated outburst reached Yeji and Ryujin as they danced together. Yeji paused, looking over her shoulder.
"Was that Lia? I think I heard her... Maybe we should check on her."
Ryujin placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, giving her a reassuring smile.
"I'll go, love. You shouldn't be moving too much-you know, with the baby and all. Let me handle it," she said softly, pressing a kiss to Yeji's forehead. Yeji smiled back, nodding as Ryujin went to find Lia.
When Ryujin entered the bathroom, she found Lia sitting on the floor, looking unsteady. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes hazy with drink and resentment. Seeing Ryujin, Lia reached out, her voice soft but slurred.
"Ryujin... please. Leave her. Choose me instead. I can give you everything she can't."
Ryujin's expression turned serious as she realized Lia was heavily intoxicated. She bent down, trying to keep her distance but also showing concern.
"Lia, are you out of your mind? You're drunk."
Lia leaned forward, her face close to Ryujin's, her intentions clear as she tried to close the distance between their lips.
"I could make you happy, Ryujin," she whispered, her voice filled with desperation. "Just leave her..."
Ryujin pulled back, raising her voice slightly.
"Lia, stop it! I will never leave Yeji. She's the love of my life, and I won't betray her."
Hearing the commotion, Mr. Ryuseok appeared, concern on his face.
"Is everything alright, Ryujin?" he asked, noticing Lia's state.
Ryujin looked up at him, nodding. "Yes, but I think Lia needs to go home. She's... not herself right now."
Ryuseok sighed, helping Lia to her feet.
"Let's go, Lia. You've had enough for tonight," he said firmly, guiding her toward the door. As they moved through the crowd, Lia turned back, her voice rising in a bitter cry.
"You'll never be happy, Yeji! Remember that!"
Her words echoed through the room, causing a brief silence. Ryuseok quickly led her out, and Jiwon her spouse, approached Yeji and Ryujin, bowing in apology.
"We're so sorry for our daughter's behavior. She... doesn't always handle her emotions well," Jiwon said with an embarrassed smile.
Yeji forced a smile and nodded in understanding, though the moment had clearly disturbed her. Later that night, after everyone had left, she sat on the edge of their bed, her brows furrowed in thought. Ryujin noticed her distant expression and sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her waist.
"What's on your mind, love?" Ryujin asked softly, pulling Yeji close.
Yeji bit her lip, her fingers nervously tracing circles on her lap.
"I'm just... worried, Ryujin. What if Lia really tries to ruin us? She was so angry... and so sure we wouldn't be happy."
Ryujin gently took Yeji's hand in her own, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles.
"Yeji, listen to me. No one-especially not Lia-can come between us. What we have is stronger than that. I'll always protect you, and I'll always be here for our family."
Yeji looked up at her, a small smile playing at her lips.
"You're right. I shouldn't worry so much... but what if she tries something?"
Ryujin caressed her cheek, her gaze intense and reassuring.
"Then we'll face it together. But don't let her take away this happiness we've built." She leaned forward, her lips grazing Yeji's as she whispered, "You and our baby mean everything to me."
Yeji's breath hitched, her heart pounding as she felt Ryujin's warmth against her.
"Promise me, Ryujin," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
Ryujin kissed her deeply, her voice soft and full of love.
"I promise, Yeji. I'll keep you safe, always."
Their kiss grew more passionate, fueled by the intensity of their love and the promise of the future they'd build together. As they held each other close, the world outside faded away, leaving only the warmth and strength of their bond to guide them forward.
As Ryuseok paced back and forth in his study, he looked over at his wife, Jiwon, with a troubled expression.
"Jiwon," he said, his voice low, "I don't know how much longer I can take Lia's behavior. What she did at Ryujin and Yeji's engagement party was humiliating. She needs to be taught a lesson."
Jiwon sighed, shaking her head. "I know, Ryuseok. I don't like it either, but she's still our daughter. Maybe she just needs understanding."
Ryuseok's gaze hardened as he looked down, hesitating before speaking.
"Jiwon... there's something you need to know. Please don't be angry, but I hired a private investigator to look into Lia."
Jiwon's eyes widened, startled. "A private investigator? Ryuseok... you're serious?"
"I am," he replied, his voice heavy. "There's something off about her. And that bracelet Ryujin dropped-that family bracelet she should have, if she's really our Joanne... Lia doesn't have it. Why wouldn't she?"
Jiwon bit her lip, considering. "Ryuseok, I don't want to believe it, but... if there's a chance she isn't truly our daughter, then maybe it's time to find the truth together. If she isn't Joanne, we'll find the real Joanne, wherever she is."
Ryuseok felt a surge of relief, taking her hands.
"Thank you, Jiwon. We'll get through this together."
At that moment, Ryuseok's phone buzzed with a text from the investigator, who provided a key location where Lia was staying. Ryuseok looked at Jiwon.
"Hon, this is it. I need to check this out-it might give us the answer we're looking for."
Jiwon nodded, worry creasing her brow.
"Be careful, hon. Call me as soon as you know anything."
A short while later, Ryuseok found himself outside Lia's house, hiding behind a streetlamp as he heard voices from inside. Through the open window, he could hear Lia talking with Jae, the man she'd claimed was just a friend of the family.
"Ugh," Lia huffed, annoyance thick in her voice. "Ryuseok and Jiwon are so nosy! They're always meddling, like they know everything. Good thing they aren't my real parents. All I want is their money, and soon enough, it'll be ours."
Jae chuckled darkly. "That's my girl, Lia. You're the best daughter a man could have." His tone softened, growing affectionate but chillingly calculating. "And don't forget the plan keep sabotaging Yeji. Once we get Ryuseok and Jiwon out of the way, we'll find your sister."
Ryuseok felt his heart plummet. So she isn't ours... she was only using us. His hand trembled as he reached for his phone, desperate to call Jiwon. But before he could press the dial button, a sharp blow struck the back of his head. Pain burst through him, and the world blurred as he stumbled forward.
Jae's voice hissed in his ear.
"You won't ruin my plans, Ryuseok."
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Sorry for the delayed update; I've just been busy this week and I'm not feeling well. This story is also nearing its end, so if you have any suggestions for a new story that I could work on, feel free to message me on my IG: imforryu.