Hey Everyone! I know I have some readers who are dying for updates on Hospital meets Husband which I will post this week. So, basically for my two fics, I will trade off updates. However, I am almost finished with that one and then I will concentrate solely on this one. I am really enjoying writing this by the way and have no clue how long it will be yet. Probably until the Ga Eul and Yi Jeong in my head tell me to wrap it up lol. Anyway, thank you for being patient on the update and I hope you guys enjoy! Let me know as always.

Ga Eul tucked a piece of windblown hair behind her ear. True to his word, Yi Jeong had picked her up first thing Friday morning to take them both of Kang Estate. Despite tossing and turning most of the night out of nerves, Ga Eul did not feel uncomfortable sitting there beside him as he drove them to the countryside.

For some reason, it always felt natural sitting in the passenger side of his Lotus. They had some of their best conversations while driving around. It was outside of the car where they ran into trouble.

"I am sorry if I seemed ungrateful yesterday when you volunteered to help me. I was very rude." Ga Eul said, keeping her gaze out the window.

Yi Jeong peered at from this corner of his eye, his lips twitching slightly. "Ga Eul, you couldn't be rude if you tried. I'm pretty sure someone could be robbing you and you would still find a way to be polite to them."

She gave a small smile, "probably but thank you anyway."

"You're welcome."

Noticing the slight squint, Ga Eul reached into the glove department and grabbed his sunglasses. Yi Jeong took them casually from her as though this was something they did every day. The familiarity of the gesture made her slightly warm and Ga Eul had to remind herself that this was just for a show. He was doing her a favor and she should not expect anything more.

"So, what exactly are we walking into here?" Yi Jeong asked and she sighed, "I have one chance to prove to my family and Kang Do Yun that I am not going to marry his son. The engagement has already been agreed by my father. However, if I can convince him that you and I already serious and there is no need to accept Do Yun's offer, he may reconsider their deal."

Yi Jeong almost told her not to worry about it. It didn't matter if her father approved the engagement of ten different men. She was not walking down the aisle to any of them. Not if he had anything to say about it. "Is this only about the money then?"

Ga Eul shrugged, "In some ways. Although it is also about the name and relationship between Do Yun and my father. They have been friends since high school but being on different social classes hurts their friendship. If I marry, Kang Ha Joon then we can align with their family… That would mean a lot to my mother."

"Hmm," Yi Jeong could partially understand where her folks were coming from, name and money opened a lot more doors in this world than being a commoner. "But I thought you said, Kang Ha Joon was a jerk… They don't mind that?"

"Not at this price," Ga Eul muttered and then flashed him a guilty look. "I didn't mean it like that. My parents love me but things have been tight since my dad lost his job. It's been a hard struggle to even get groceries. I know why they accepted the idea of getting out from underneath this rock. Plus, it benefits the Kang family too. They want him to take over the company but he's too wild. He gets in trouble with drinking and crazy parties. The board would never approve of him taking over unless they think he is- "

"Settling down with a nice, down to earth wife who will keep him under control. At least image-wise." Yi Jeong supplied, understanding how the game worked.

"Exactly. So, in a lot ways, it makes sense but…It is a little odd to come home one day and find out you have been given to a guy you hate."

"Don't worry," Yi Jeong assured her easily. "We had a lot of practice at this. They will believe us."

"I hope so."

As Yi Jeong turned down the road, Ga Eul was staring at him nervously, trying to work up the courage to ask the question which had been plaguing her all night.

"What?"

"How did you know all that about me yesterday? That my favorite color was blue and I am afraid of thunderstorms?"

Yi Jeong chuckled. "I know you, Ga Eul Yang that's how."

"Even Jan Di doesn't know I am afraid of storms." Ga Eul shot back.

Yi Jeong flashed her confident grin, "It's obvious. You flinched every single time it rained or thunder crackled in Caledonia."

Ga Eul's eyes widened. "I did? I thought I gotten better at hiding it."

"It was a small flinch but it was there," Yi Jeong said, taking a sharp turn into a long drive. "And I knew your favorite color is blue because you wear it the most besides red."

"Oh." Ga Eul told herself not to read anything more into it, despite her stomach flipping at the idea of Yi Jeong giving her that kind off attention. After all, he was an artist which probably meant he always noticed colors and subtleties of people.

"I should probably tell you mine," Yi Jeong added, "It would help our story if- "

"Your favorite color is silver." Ga Eul interrupted without looking at him. "Your favorite food is chicken soup and you are afraid of enclosed spaces."

Yi Jeong didn't say anything for several long minutes and Ga Eul shifted in her seat uncomfortably. He finally cleared his throat, "What makes you think that?"

"You use silver the most in your pottery and I notice you always take the stairs instead of the elevator if you can help it."

They both went silent as their awareness sat in the air. Yi Jeong had to remind himself to keep an eye on the road otherwise he would just pull over and pin her down to kiss the ever loving- Nope, don't go there, So Yi Jeong, he admonished himself. If he continued down that trail of thought, his body would start revealing exactly what his intentions were for this weekend.

Yi Jeong attempted to send her his signature smile as a way to break the tension. It probably appeared forced but it was the best he could do.

"I guess we are covered then. We can tell them we met through Jan Di and Jun Pyo, which is true."

"Okay. I would prefer to lie as little as possible anyway." Ga Eul took a deep breath trying to conceal her nerves as they got closer. "I don't like deceiving my parents."

"It will be fine, Ga Eul," Yi Jeong assured her for the tenth time with a nod to the big house. "Is this it?"

"Yeah," Ga Eul grumbled and he could almost feel her teeth clenching to powder.

"Would you relax?" Yi Jeong asked with a shake of his head. "It's not like a bear is going to jump out and eat you."

"You don't know, Ha Joon."

"Okay, fine. I promise not to let anyone jump out and eat you. Now, will you relax?"

Ga Eul gave a reluctant laugh, "I will try."

Yi Jeong parked the car and walked to open her door. He frowned when she noticed her hands were shaking. "Ga Eul, why are so nervous? Is there something you're not telling me?"

"I hate coming here. We always visited in the summer and I don't have a single memory that is not terrible. Now, the idea that I may have too…" Ga Eul trailed off and Yi Jeong felt a streak of protectiveness over her obvious discomfort.

"Don't worry. That's why you brought me." He interlaced their fingers, "Come on."

As they began walking to the house, Yi Jeong took in the mansion. It was big and impressive with a lot of grounds. It was nowhere near the So family standards or any of the homes of F4 but still, not something to sneeze out. The elderly staff member opened the door and shot Ga Eul a kind smile. "Miss Ga Eul, how lovely to see you again."

Ga Eul nodded and began engaging in small talk with the gentlemen, who kept giving Yi Jeong a subtle eye glance. As though he was trying to tell him something and Yi Jeong made a mental note to find him later.

"Are my parents here yet?"

"Yes. They are in the living room. I will show you."

"It's okay." Ga Eul said with a weak smile. "I remember the way."

She took Yi Jeong's arm but he slid it down and took her hand again. It would seem less formal and more natural this way. Plus, he enjoyed holding her hand.

Ga Eul gripped his fingers tightly as they rounded the corner and the conversation halted in an almost comical way as everyone stopped and stared at the newcomers.

"Hello," Ga Eul greeted them softly with a courtesy bow.

Her father stood up slowly, "Ga Eul who is- "

"This is So Yi Jeong," Ga Eul answered, "I told you I was seeing someone. Yi Jeong believed as my boyfriend, he should have a say on my engagement. Especially, since it is to someone I never found worth mentioning before."

Yi Jeong bite back a grin at her subtle sass to her father. Despite her earlier speech about understanding her parents decision, she was clearly angry about it.

Kang Do Yun and his wife remained sitting but were giving him the cool glances of someone not impressed. Yi Jeong who was born into more money than anyone could spend in twenty lifetimes gave them a pointed smirk. He was not one to be intimidated easily nor polite enough to care.

"Ga Eul," her mother hissed. "How could you not tell us?"

"I did," Ga Eul snapped in a low voice. "You didn't believe me."

"I still don't believe you," Dae Seon remarked with a glance to Kang Do Yun. "I don't know why she is doing this but I have never seen this boy before- "

"It's all right, Chu Dae Seon," Kang Do Yun assured him. "I have no intention of going back on my word. The engagement is still on despite this little…setback." He paused to look at Yi Jeong. "You're not by chance, So Yi Jeong the artist?"

"I am," Yi Jeong answered and Kang Mo Hyeon eyes widened. "How on earth did someone like Chu Ga Eul meet you?"

Not liking her tone when she said Ga Eul's name, Yi Jeong gave her a blistering stare. "Her best friend is about to become engaged to my best friend."

"Geum Jan Di?"

"You know Geum Jan Di and Gu Jun Pyo are together," Ga Eul reminded her parents. "That's how we met- "

"Well, well," A new voice interrupted and a young man about Yi Jeong's age walked into the room with a slow swagger. "If it isn't my fiancé."

Yi Jeong heard Ga Eul take a sharp breath and move in closer to his side. Sensing her anxiety, he instinctively shifted his body to cover her and kept his eye on the newcomer. He was tall, well built, and the air of handsome which only comes from having money.

Ha Joon hooked his thumbs into his pant loop and gave her a long, lecherous scan. "Hey, Chu Ga Eul. Long time no see."

"Kang Ha Joon," Ga Eul mumbled with a glance up at Yi Jeong. He didn't meet her gaze though keeping his eye on Ha Joon. The kid did not seem disturbed by Ga Eul clinging to Yi Jeong. In fact, he almost seemed amused by the sight.

"Who is your friend?"

"This is- "

"You already know who I am," Yi Jeong interrupted dryly. "Let's not go through the tedious introductions again, shall we?"

Ha Joon grinned over at him, "Hello, So Yi Jeong. You are Ga Eul's boyfriend?"

Yi Jeong didn't answer, sizing up Kang Ha Joon. As a Casanova, he could spot a fellow player a mile away. Ha Joon was not high enough in social rankings to run around with the same crowd as the F4 but Yi Jeong imagined they had probably attended the same parties or clubs before. He didn't recognize him personally but the slick, cold, and slight mean vibe was one he familiar with.

Even if he didn't have his own personal reasons for making sure this engagement didn't happen, Yi Jeong would have never allowed her to be given away to this moron.

"I am sorry, Kang Ha Joon," Chu Dae Seon said hastily. "I didn't know Ga Eul would be bringing a friend this weekend."

"It's all right," Ha Joon clamped a hand down on her father's shoulder. "After all, even if So Yi Jeong is her boyfriend, I am the fiancé. I win by rank."

Ga Eul stiffened at the comment and Yi Jeong ran his thumb over her knuckles until she relaxed, feeling grateful for his presence. Noticing their obvious familiarity, the whole family exchanged worried glances.

"No matter," Kang Mo Hyeon interjected with fake jovelity. Despite the unwelcome intrusion, Yi Jeong was too powerful of a figure to be kicked out. She was smart enough to recognize getting on his bad side would destroy their position in society. "We are glad you here anyway. Please, make yourself comfortable."

"Yes. We are delighted to officially meet you. We were about to sit down for brunch and you must join us. It will gives us the opportunity to talk and get to know each other better." Do Yun motioned to someone behind them. "I will have Sin Jin take your belongings upstairs. Ga Eul, I moved you from your normal room to the one closer to Ha Joon."

"I am sure you did but since I am here, that won't be happening." Yi Jeong turned to the butler who had greeted them at the door. "Make sure Miss Ga Eul and I have adjoining rooms."

Ga Eul shot him a surprised expression but Yi Jeong ignored it. He simply narrowed his eyes at the Kang family daring them to contradict his order. He knew the parents were trying to set a certain tone for the rest of the weekend and he had no intention of allowing them to continue.

"Just so you aware, Ga Eul is mine and I don't plan on giving her up. I thought I should tell you now before you start going through all the trouble of picking out centerpieces."

"Ga Eul, have no shame?" Chu Min Ra stared at her daughter in shock but Ga Eul only gave them a tight smile. "I'm not sharing his bed mother but I would prefer not to be overly separated."

"It's fine." Mo Hyeon gave a clipped nod to Si Jin. "We can discuss the sleeping arrangements later."

As her parents left the room, Ga Eul felt their disappointment which about broke her heart but she tried not to physically react. Otherwise, they would see it as compliance and she would never convince them not to go through with this.

Ha Joon who had remained sitting on the couch, hooted in laughter. "Well done, Ga Eul. You have guts, I will give you that. How much did you pay him? Was it a cash transaction or something else?"

"Watch it," Yi Jeong growled, his eyes flashing dangerously.

Ha Joon held up hands mockingly, "Yes sir. Although, shouldn't I be saying that to you? After all, it is my betrothed you are clenching to your hip there."

"I am not going to marry you, Kang Ha Joon," Ga Eul snapped. "I have already told you how I feel about you. You are a toad on the base of humanity."

"Now, is that any way to talk to your future husband?"

Ha Joon stood up with a knowing appraisal. "You forget your own reputation So Yi Jeong. You are the designated Casanova of Korea. You have never been with the same woman past one night. Sometimes even interchanging them before the sun comes up. Yet you expect me to believe that someone like Chu Ga Eul was able to tame you?"

Yi Jeong clenched his teeth but to his surprise, Ga Eul spoke up hotly before he could reply.

"Are you jealous? At least Yi Jeong doesn't have to beg women to come to his bed, they are usually begging him. Besides your reputation is no better."

Yi Jeong gaped at her and the sinking realization of how much he didn't deserve her rushed over him. Though, he didn't plan on letting that stop him from having Ga Eul but still… he felt the recognition of the fact was important.

"True," Ha Joon replied without shame. "And it has been well earned. Are you wanting to compare our skills, Ga Eul? You should have said something earlier."

"I already told you to watch it," Yi Jeong warned. "I won't tell you again."

"I have to admit, you guys are good." Ha Joon threw them a grin over his shoulder. "I am looking forward to the rest of the show."

Yi Jeong grumbled under his breath once they were alone and Ga Eul chuckled. "I told you."

"No matter what happens, you are not marrying him."

"Now you understand why I was so desperate at Woo Bin's."

Yi Jeong nodded with an inward sigh. It may not be as easy as he originally believed to shake off Ha Joon. He was a punk but he wasn't a stupid punk.

"Come on," Yi Jeong put his hand on her back. "We better join them."

She gave him a grimace but didn't fight as she followed him out to the terrace where brunch was being served. The atmosphere was cool as everyone tried to adjust to the unwelcome guest and the residual uncomfortableness from Ga Eul parents.

"Well, Ga Eul," Kang Mo Hyeon called over the table cheerfully. "You should tell us what style of engagement ring you would like to wear."

"If you don't mind," Yi Jeong interjected before Ga Eul could answer. "I would prefer to pick out my own ring for Ga Eul when the time comes."

Ga Eul had to force herself not to laugh at the shock on Mo Hyeon's face and her husband nudged her to get it together.

"We can go over the specifics of the wedding after we eat." Chu Min Ra took Mo Hyeon's hand, giving her daughter a discreet scowl.

Do Yun leaned back in his chair in a relaxed gesture. "Good idea. Besides I am curious about something else Ga Eul. You said that Geum Jan Di is involved with Gu Jun Pyo, the heir to Shinhwa." Kang Do Yun shook his head bewildered. "How did that happen? I can't picture his family approving of your little friend being in the same room as him, let alone marriage."

"They met at school," Ga Eul replied stiffly. Not liking the subtle implication that Jan Di was nowhere near good enough for someone like Gu Jun Pyo. "His family didn't approve at first but Jun Pyo refused to let her go. Now, they have accepted it."

"How sad," Do Yun sighed. "I feel sorry for them."

"I beg your pardon," Yi Jeong raised his eyebrow, "but what exactly are you sorry about?"

"Well, Geum Jan Di," Do Yun trailed off gathering thoughts. "Is not a refined woman. It is probably an adjustment to have someone enter their world who is not familiar with their standards. I am sure it will be difficult for Gu Jun Pyo's family. That's all."

"Not to mention the fact Jan Di is nothing but a simple commoner," Mo Hyeon added before stopping with an embarrassed flush remembering her guests. "Ga Eul is different though. She has more polish and grace than your typical commoner. She will be a wonderful addition to our family."

"Thank you," Ga Eul said sarcastically and Chu Dae Seon raised his water in toasting gesture . "That is a credit to our friendship with you."

Ga Eul rolled her eyes but Yi Jeong was still focused on Do Yun. "I would not express your concerns about Geum Jan Di to anyone else. Gu Jun Pyo doesn't take kindly to people putting down his soon-to-be fiancé."

Kang Do Yun paused with his food halfway to his mouth. "Of course. I would never presume to insult him. It was just an observation born out of curiosity."

Yi Jeong dipped his chin in recognition for his lack luster apology but made a note to tell Jun Pyo about this little conversation. He may not have to work so hard if Gu Jun Pyo simply wiped out the Kang's for him.

"So, Ga Eul. Are you still afraid of spiders?" Ha Joon asked suddenly, with a hard glint in his eye. "I seemed to remember you didn't like them."

"You know why too," Ga Eul muttered darkly and Yi Jeong glanced over curiously but she shook her head. "I will tell you later."

"Ha Joon, you stop teasing Ga Eul," His mother smacked his arm. "That is not the correct way to pursue a young lady."

Hearing his daughter loud snort at Kang Mo Hyeon's statement, Chu Dae Seon stood up quickly. "Ga Eul, I need to speak with you. In private."

"Dad- "

"Now, Ga Eul."

She sighed and laid her hand on Yi Jeong's leg. "I will be right back."

He let them go for a minute but once he heard the raised voices of her father, Yi Jeong wiped his mouth with a short nod to the others. "Excuse me for a moment."

As he sauntered off to join Ga Eul, Kang Mo Hyeon gave her husband a disgusted look. "What a mess. I told you this was a bad idea. Not only is Chu Ga Eul not good enough for Ha Joon but now we may end up on the wrong side of the So family- "

"She is friends with Gu Jun Pyo." Do Yun interrupted harshly. "Their association alone makes her the perfect candidate for him. We don't need the So family if we have Shinhwa on our side. The connections of having her for a daughter-in-law are better than we originally thought." He gave his son a deadly glare. "You are going to marry Chu Ga Eul. Is that understood?"

Kang Joon Ha gave his father a mock salute and went back to eating his breakfast. His mind whirling on what he needed to do. After all, it wasn't just taking over his father company which intrigued him. Ever since they were kids, Ha Joon had wanted a taste of Chu Ga Eul and he would be damned if he didn't get it… One way or another.

"How can you do this?" Her father bellowed, "Why would you drag some make-believe boyfriend in here? Do you have any idea what will happen to us if Kang Do Yun decides to take back his offer? We will be destitute, Ga Eul."

"I am not making this up," Ga Eul cried, ignoring the pit in her stomach at the lie. "Besides, how can you expect me to marry Ha Joon? You know what has tried to do over the years."

"Maturity and marriage changes men," Chu Min Ra gripped her daughter's shoulders with a little shake. "This is our only chance- "

Ga Eul tried to wiggle away, "Please don't make me do this!"

"We don't have any other option!"

"Let go of her," Yi Jeong broke in harshly from the doorway. Catching the violent tone, Min Ra released Ga Eul. He quickly checked to make sure she was okay before turning his attention back to her parents.

"Now, I know we have not formally met and I apologize if you find this rude, but I am getting a little irritated at your constant attempts to give my girlfriend away to someone else."

"She is my daughter," Dae Seon said angrily. "And I don't believe your so-called relationship. If Ga Eul was truly dating someone as powerful as you, I would have heard about it. Plus, I know your reputation So Yi Jeong. Even if this true, there is no chance it will lead to marriage." He turned back to Ga Eul, "Then what Ga Eul? He will move on to the next girl and we will be lost."

"If you are so familiar with my reputation, then you would know that I have not been with another girl for the past four months," Yi Jeong snapped impatiently. "Read a newspaper if you want proof. The only person I care about is your daughter and it's been that way since I met her. Therefore, I highly recommend you start treating Ga Eul with more respect.

Ga Eul hurried over, "It's okay, Yi Jeong, you don't need to- "

"Be quiet, Ga Eul."

Ga Eul's eyes widened at the soft command while he continued to stand off with her father.

"Franky, I don't care if you believe us or not. I rarely ask permission for anything and don't plan on starting now. As for your debts, those are the fault of Ga Eul's association with Jan Di and my friends. So, I am willing to take responsibility and handle your financial problems."

"No," Min Ra frantically told her husband. "We are not a charity case."

Chu Dae Seon didn't answer right away. He met Ga Eul's tear filled eyes before groaning in defeat. "Fine. You have two days to convince me that you are serious about my daughter. That she is not using you to get out of this arrangement. If not," He pointed to Ga Eul, "your engagement to Ha Joon will be announced next week."

"Please, Poppa – "

"Deal," Yi Jeong spoke over Ga Eul protests with an unconcerned wave.

"Good."

Chu Dae Seon extended his hand to his wife. As they went back out to the balcony, she let out a huff. "I hope you know what you are doing."

The moment they were gone, Ga Eul buried her face into her hands. "I'm sorry. I never imagined they would be so harsh with you. I thought seeing you would be enough to convince them I was not lying."

Yi Jeong gently rubbed her back. "Don't be sorry. It isn't your fault."

She sniffled and seeing her tears, Yi Jeong felt a rush of anger. "We can leave if you want. No matter what your parents decide, you won't have to marry him. We don't need to stay if you are uncomfortable."

"No," Ga Eul wiped her cheeks. "It would ruin my relationship with my parents forever if I simply left. We have to prove our story of loving each other to them."

"I can do that." Yi Jeong agreed without hesitation causing Ga Eul to turn around in order to hide her true feelings.

Yi Jeong probably believed she was crying because of the words from her father but in reality, it was because Ga Eul realized she was no longer acting. She loved Yi Jeong and no matter what happened at the end of this weekend, her heart was going to be shattered. However, remembering his cry on the roof for Cha Eun Jae, Ga Eul pushed her emotions back down.

"Thank you for what you said," Ga Eul told him with a tiny smile. "It made him consider we might be telling the truth. I definitely owe you big time for all this."

"Oh, Ga Eul," Yi Jeong flashed her a deep grin. The one where his dimples needed to come with a warning label and her heart fluttered like a butterfly on caffeine. "You haven't seen anything yet."

Ga Eul catching the look in his eye, took a hasty step back as Yi Jeong moved in closer. "You see, I didn't come here only to convince your parents."

"What do you mean?"

Yi Jeong wrapped his arms around her waist and Ga Eul gasped as he yanked her into his chest. "I have my own agenda for this weekend."

"What-What agenda?" Ga Eul stuttered and he leaned in close until their lips were a hairsbreadth away. Despite her strict instructions, her eyes began to close and her body strained to reach him. However, before they could make contact, Yi Jeong abruptly released her causing her to stumble.

He chuckled at her deep blush and felt a small victory by her reaction. He ran his thumb over her red cheek, "So you've let go of me, huh?"

"Yi Jeong- "

He strolled away before she could finish. "That's good to know. Otherwise, I would have to think about changing my plans."

"What plans?"

He paused in the archway with a dark smirk, "You will soon find out but I will give you hint… I didn't ask for adjoining rooms just to keep an eye on you."

As he left the room, Ga Eul had to cling to the back of the chair so she didn't melt into the floor. She had no clue what just happened except that her weekend suddenly got a hell of a lot more complicated.