Yoon Se Ri POV
I let out a long sigh and reclines my body to lean on the pillows Jeong Hyeok has stacked for me. We sit on the bed in the attic, our love nest where it all began. I thought it was only a casual fling, and not once ever crossed my mind that this fling would result in a commitment of a lifetime. To be a mother.
"How are you, Yoon Se Ri?" he softly asks.
"I'm better today. How are you, Jeong Hyeok?"
"I'm fine. Still processing it, but I'm glad you're here."
"This pregnancy is harder than I thought and I got too exhausted a couple of times. Fainted twice this week, I guess Jin Ah has told you."
"So you are, pregnant. I'm happy that you have decided to keep it."
"Of course I'm keeping it. I may not look domestic at all, but having children is one of the many things I want for my future. The timing is a bit unexpected, but it's fine."
"Se Ri," Jeong Hyeok fixes his eye on me, then carefully asks, "Is it mine? My child?"
"Yes," I hold his hand on mine, smiling, "it's our child, Jeong Hyeok."
He can't hide his emotion. He smiles and pulls me in his arm to hug me. Now I get emotional too. Running his fingers on my hair and soothe my back. I feel his nose on my hair and his lips kissing my temple.
"Se Ri, baby, thank you. Thank you for bearing our child. I want to take responsibility. Let's do this together."
I pull away from his hug, "stop right there. I didn't ask, and I'm not asking you too, now."
"What? Are you expecting someone else to?"
"I don't know how can we work it out. What we have were a brief two months of fling-"
"Fling? I went crazy when you left without saying goodbye. I thought you were kidnapped, but then I checked on your things, no wallet no phone no passport. You were running away," his tone gets higher, as he gets emotional.
"You knew then that it was my own will to leave, but then why did I hear that you came to London?"
"I saw on the news, about Yoon Se Ri going to marry Yoo Jin Woo, and a picture of you two together. I thought that was you, I didn't know that you have a twin."
"What were you expecting from me by coming there?"
"I found the pregnancy test packs. Four, all positive. Then a receipt of your visit to an obstetric. I wanted answers if that's my child, or it isn't. Don't you want our child to have a father?"
"He will always have you as his father. I will never lie or conceal that fact. One day, I will bring our child here so you know each other, and maybe spend the school holiday here, or sort of. We can always arrange that."
"What is that, Se Ri? Are you talking about we live our way, separately?" his voice turns even sternly now.
"Ri Jeong Hyeok," I soothe his arm, intend to calm him down.
"I love you, and now I'm carrying our child, you will always be someone special for us. Honestly, I want you to stay by my side. But think realistic, we have our responsibilities, as for you, to finish your study here. The doctorate study is not easy, no joke, I've seen how hard you're working on it, even for only two months. My world is in Seoul, not here. Until we can figure this out, I don't want to be a burden, " I softly say to him.
I want to be a mother and he desperately wants to play his role as the father. He is the father, but what he wants is also living and raising our child together. Not that I don't want to, I do. But in Seoul where my world is. My family, friends, company. Everything.
I thought I love Ri Jeong Hyeok that deep, like all the love songs I ever heard, about the idea of love. You love him, then he is your everything, and works the other way around. You are willing to sacrifice everything for your love.
But what lay between us now is, I don't want him to leave his doctorate study in Zürich, and I won't leave Seoul for him. I try to explain it to him carefully.
"That's true, I can't give up my study here, but in the meantime, I can provide a home and life for us, Se Ri. You don't have to work, let me worry about that," he stares at me wistfully.
"I can't. My company out there, it's my baby too even before I know you. It's growing rapidly now, and I am needed there. So it has to be you to come with me to Seoul, not the other way around. I won't give it up too. Jeong Hyeok, you should be happy with this. I'm not asking anything from you, and later after I give birth, you can see our child too. Come to Seoul, or I can also come visit you here. We can do co-parenting."
Jeong Hyeok can't hide his disappointment.
"Marry me, Yoon Se Ri," he softly says.
Oh, dear. He is adored by many women here. A guy like him shouldn't even beg for a girl to marry him.
"Sorry, I'm not ready with a ring right now. Didn't expect that you will come back today. No rush to answer it. But I'm begging you, please consider it," he adds.
"Is this because I'm pregnant?"
"Even if you weren't, I would still ask you to be my wife one day. But yes, your pregnancy has made me want it even more, as soon as possible. I can't picture not being together with the woman who bears my child. Even you aren't asking anything from me, I'm willing to commit myself to you. You said you want me to stay by your side, didn't you?"
Now my head is getting dizzy. I love him, and probably nobody can ever replace him even if we weren't married.
"Just wondering, if I say yes, then what?"
"You will commit yourself to our marriage as my wife, dutifully. Move and live together with me here, until I finish my study."
"That means that I'd give birth here and raise our baby here? What about my company in Seoul? What would I do here? I don't want to be a housewife!"
"Se Ri, it won't be that long, two to three years, and then we can talk about moving to Seoul or any other place we want. What's so wrong with being a housewife? You can focus on our child, being a mother."
"You are so stubborn. I told you I don't want to leave my business. Housewife? No one pushes you to marry me, why can't you just accept that? It's not like I will take your rights to know our child, no, you can come and visit as often as you want."
"There must be a way to work it out. Please don't say no without exploring your options. After all, you left your company for two months when you were here, and it still exists and going on well, I guess?"
Right. He has a point. I let his hand go and lean back on the pillow.
"Yoon Se Ri, I love you so much."
"Jeong Hyeok, I need some time to think. Jin Ah and I will come back to Seoul to meet our father. Jin Woo is going to ask his permission to marry Jin Ah. Then after their wedding, I'll reach out to you to answer it."
"Can I come with you? You're also going to tell him about this, aren't you? I want to be there. He might be mad at you, and I want to meet him, admit my mistake, and apologize to cause this mess. We're in this together, Se Ri."
"You are, the gentleman, aren't you?" I chuckle.
"I want your father to know that I'm going to take responsibility, in any way possible you're willing to take me."
"Jeong Hyeok, you don't have to."
"I want to. I have to. My parents have raised me to be a responsible man, and I won't fail this."
"Have they know that they're going to be grandparents?"
"No, but I want to tell them soon. I'm going to take you to our house and tell them over lunch today. I also want to tell them about my intention to marry you."
"I haven't said yes, Jeong Hyeok."
"I know. But please don't show your doubt in front of them, I don't want to disappoint them."
"Yeah, sure. I respect your parents, they were very nice to me when I was here."
Noises from downstairs are heard. They are must be the employees, and that means the restaurant is going to open soon. I don't know whether Jin Ah is downstairs fixing the menu as what the new chef said or somewhere else, but I think she should be good with Jin Woo.
"At least, let me meet your father," Jeong Hyeok holds my hand, his eyes are staring at me wistfully.
"Then prepare to depart tonight. I'll go with Jin Ah and Jin Woo back to London tonight, and leave for Seoul the next day. Do you want to come with us, or you're going to meet us later in Seoul?"
"I'll come with you all. So, it would be Jin Ah and Jin Woo's wedding in Seoul?"
"Suppose to, if Dad agrees. I'm not so sure, but Jin Woo is very confident. But Jin Ah is so pure, so precious, I don't know how Jin Woo will have his way. Dad wouldn't make it easy for him."
"I'm sure your father is a wise man. Jin Woo is trying to do the right way, he should give them his blessings. After all, he already agreed to take him as a son in law."
"Yeah, but for me. Dad knows how troubled I am so he thinks that I should be tamed soon through marriage, which also benefits the company. That's my opinion though. Are you sure, Jeong Hyeok, that you want to meet my Dad? He is...yeah,... I even doubt Jin Woo."
"There must be a way, and I'm sure he would see that I'm serious about taking responsibility. I'm not a coward, Se Ri. With Jin Woo also coming to him for Jin Ah, this is a good chance for me."
With their initial encounter, I don't know how Jin Woo and Jeong Hyeok will be able to get along, but it should be not that hard. I'm waiting on how Jin Woo will start his initial conversation with Jeong Hyeok.
"Please try to go along with him, he might look like an annoying brat, but I have seen that he is sincere with Jin Ah," I smile and pull him in a hug.
"I will, we're going to be in-laws, anyway, aren't we? Should I pack my tuxedo too for their wedding? You will need a plus one, can I have the honor?"
Yoon Jin Ah POV
For the last thirty minutes, Jin Woo has been talking over the phone with his staff while we're having brunch in a boulangerie near Langstrasse. Observing the way he talks, Jin Woo is a bossy guy. He scolds, dominates the conversation, and doesn't take no for his requests. But at the same time, he can explain to his staff what he wants and how they should do it, not just giving orders but also giving solutions. I find it very appealing, that he is so smart and confident.
Finally, he turns off his Bluetooth headset and put it on the table. Sipping his coffee, then he puts his focus back at me.
"Sorry, babe, I should be in Dublin at this moment to secure a deal. This will benefit the company and save millions. It's about tax and some fees for using their port."
"It's fine, I understand. Sorry, because of me now you're millions of miles away from Dublin. I would say that you don't have to, but thanks for spending your time here with me."
"Yeah, it's okay. Do you still have my credit card on you?"
"Yes, I do," I take my wallet out from my bag and look for the card.
"No, no, keep it. I only want to make sure that you still have it with you. You rarely use it if not for grocery shopping, why? Jin Ah, next time, when you're bored or need something, just use that card. Max it out, buy anything you like, I don't care, as long as it's for you. I work hard so I can provide well for my family, and you're going to be my wife. You have the right to spend every penny. But no more lying to me and create a mess like this."
"I'm so sorry, Jin Woo...I wasn't bored, it was for Se Ri."
"Yeah, I have forgiven you for this. I always get so occupied with work, often stressing me out. All I want is for you to always be there for me when I need you. Maybe I'll call you to join me for lunch, but please, make sure that you will always be home when I come back and ready for me."
"Ready for you? Meaning?"
"I mean, dinner."
"Okay, but Jin Woo, with all respect, I'm not after your money. I think about making some earning for myself too."
"What for? I like that you're dependent. I can provide you very well in London. Don't trouble yourself. Maybe after we're married you're going to get pregnant soon, I want you to prioritize that."
I bite my lips hearing his next speech on how he wants me after the marriage. Not that it's hard, it's very easy. I just need to make sure that his needs from belly down southern were well satisfied. He wants me to be a dutiful housewife.
"Jin Woo I'm not ready to be tied down like that. I was planning to continue my school. I want to take a master's education. Initially, it was Se Ri who's going to marry you."
"What for?" he furrows.
"Why not? I want to learn more about the hospitality business. Maybe one day I can manage my hotel or restaurant."
"Oh, please. Master program will require two years. Where are you planning to enroll? London?"
"Initially, in Seoul, but with the recent situation, to enroll in London should be fine."
"I'm not okay with the master's program plan. You'd be very busy. If things going well with Se Ri and her boyfriend, we'll leave for London tonight and depart to Seoul the next day at night. Once we're in Seoul, get your affairs in order soon, Jin Ah. After the wedding, I have the right to be your priority."
"Oh...well, okay. I'll look up for alternatives then. I just want to learn more, Jin Woo. I will never be equal with you or Se Ri, the financial sector and business aren't my fields, but I like hospitality service, and I think to have me as your wife, with more knowledge on that, maybe wouldn't directly benefit you anything, but wouldn't hurt you either."
"Jin Ah, sweetheart, " he holds my hand, lifts it from the table, and kisses the palm of it. "I just want to make you happy, make your life easier. You've been taking care of your family. Let me take care of you."
I'm not happy with this. Why do I feel like he's going to keep me in for himself? Like I would have everything but freedom. He's so authoritative, and add this morning's unintended violence he did on me, I start to rethink, should we get married that soon?
Later that night, Jeong Hyeok, Se Ri, Jin Woo, and I take the last flight to London.
In the middle of the flight, Se Ri asks Jin Woo to swap seats with her for an hour. He's reluctant at first, but Se Ri doesn't stop bugging him, then he gives up.
She uses that chance to tell me things between her and Jeong Hyeok, and her doubt about accepting his proposal. How she feels not ready to be married, move to Zürich, be a housewife, and give up everything she has worked in Seoul for Jeong Hyeok and their child, even only for a temporary period.
I'm about to give her my opinion about it, but she doesn't seem like really asking for opinion, so I stop myself from saying it. Se Ri is stubborn, and there is only one person who can make her sit down and listen. Dad.
Landed in London, Se Ri and Jeong Hyeok stay in a hotel near Jin Woo's penthouse, while Jin Woo takes me back with him. He reminds me to pack the wedding dress he has bought for me, and it hits me differently this time.
Are you sure, Jin Ah? Maybe you're sure that he's the one, but this soon? Really?
Seoul. The Yoon residence.
I miss Dad, and so does Se Ri. We ask the boyfriends to stay in a hotel and come to our house tonight for dinner with Dad.
The first thing he does when he sees us stepping back in the house in the morning is pulling us in a big hug. I know he's mad at Se Ri but he misses her too, relieves that his daughter is fine.
We catch up and talk together in the living room, where we usually gather to chill down and get cozy together with Dad. There is a giant fluffy couch there where Dad usually sits down in the middle while Se Ri takes his right and I his left side.
Little Se Ri and Jin Ah would fight over his attention for listening to us telling tales about Barbie and Ken over and over again. Se Ri and her version of the story and me with my version.
When we were finally sleepy, Dad would ask us to lay down there on the couch and he would pat our backs until we were finally asleep.
Dad is ecstatic about the merging process that goes well and repeatedly says, "it's good decision to wed you to Jin Woo, Se Ri. He's good for the business and good for you, to be your husband!"
Se Ri looks uncomfortable and finally tells Dad, "Dad, are you free tonight? Jin Ah and I want to introduce you to someone."
"Someone? I already met Jin Woo three months ago. What do you mean by introducing?"
"We want to invite him to the dinner, Jin Woo will also come too."
"Him? Is he your boyfriend, Jin Ah?" Dad asks me.
I'm not sure how to answer it. I exchange a look with Se Ri and she shakes her head.
"Daddy, he isn't my boyfriend, but he is important for us."
"I wish he is, Jin Ah. I want to retire, and hand over the company to you and Jin Woo, Se Ri. And for you, Jin Ah, you will get a fair share there as a passive shareholder. It would be better if you date and marry someone who can do business well like Jin Woo. I'm thinking about setting you in an arranged marriage like Se Ri and Jin Woo, maybe with another business partner."
"Dad! Don't! No need to, please," I beg him.
"Do you already have someone, Jin Ah? Who is he? Bring him here so I can meet him," Dad asks.
"I do, Dad. I met him in London."
"Jin Woo's friend? Also a businessman? Invite him here."
"Yes, of course," I smile at him.
"I just want to make sure that he's good for you, Jin Ah. Not going to be the same person I was when you two were still teenagers who scared your boyfriends, my daughters."
"I understand, Dad. Well, take rest and see you at tonight dinner," I smile to him and he leaves us back to his study.
Dinner night. We prepare a fancy dinner for five. As the host, Dad prepares himself earlier and has sat in the dining room before the guests come. He is busy with his phone, texting over his staff or something like that, and I can see that Se Ri is as nervous as I am right now.
7 PM sharp, the boyfriends have come. Jin Woo is in a light blue shirt and darker blue blazer, while Jeong Hyeok wears a white shirt under a dark grey suit. Both look incredibly gorgeous.
Jin Woo kisses my cheek and whispers that I look pretty. "I really can't wait to wed you, Jin Ah."
Since Dad has known Jin Woo, I take his hand and lead him to meet my Dad, followed by Se Ri and Jeong Hyeok behind us.
"Dad, our guests are here," I say to get his attention from his phone.
Dad put his phone on the table and stares at us. Four of us. He sees me holding Jin Woo's hand, and Se Ri with a man he never saw before. Even though Se Ri and I are twinning in formal evening black dresses, Dad can easily spot which one is Se Ri and which one is Jin Ah. His face looks stern and tight.
Se Ri breaks the silence, "Dad, this is-"
"Se Ri, Jin Ah, leave us here. I want to have dinner with the gentleman only."