Hey guys! Sorry for the delay on this epilogue but I ended up writing a few pieces of other work to get a head start of the holiday rush on my schedule. So, hopefully I can get those stories up for you soon. Some of them are SoEul and some are Playful Kiss. Along with a new one for W and a Descendants of the Sun possibly.
Anyway, I want to thank you for all your patience and kind words on my stories recently. They have meant a great deal to me.
Enjoy and let me know what you think!
"Ha Ni, are you almost ready?" Seung Jo adjusted his cufflink with a glance to the bathroom. "We need to leave soon."
"I'm ready." Ha Ni opened the door and stepped out as she put in her earring. "I just need to grab my purse."
Seung Jo stared at her, his eyes darkening with heat. "Is that what you're wearing?"
Ha Ni glanced down at her dress in confusion. "Yes. Why? Don't you like it?"
Seung Jo stared at her. She was wearing a long dress that was a deep red, highlighting her golden skin and dark hair. It clung to every inch of her figure and the deep v in the front revealed the exact swell of her curves. Not to mention the long slit up all the way up her thigh, showing off her toned legs. She had styled her thick hair into a soft bun with loose curls so certain tendrils hung down over her neck and shoulders.
Seung Jo knew his wife was fit from the days of being on her feet at the hospital and keeping up a slight tennis regime but he was not so sure he wanted everyone else at Parang to know it too.
"Seung Jo?" Ha Ni called out again a little nervously. "Do I look bad?"
"You look beautiful," Seung Jo murmured with another long scan. "But I am not sure I like the idea of how much you are going to be ogled tonight. Especially since you're currently showing off stuff that's for my eyes only."
Ha Ni relaxed and rolled her eyes with an exasperated smile. "I doubt anyone will even notice me."
Seung Jo ignored this and jerked his head to her closet. "Wear something else."
"I can't," Ha Ni chuckled with a grimace. "I don't have any other nice dresses that fit me."
"Wear your scrubs."
"I am not wearing scrubs to a banquet in your honor." Ha Ni said in exasperation. "Especially when Doctor Chan will be there. I don't want to meet your mentor in scrubs!"
Seung Jo scowled. Parang was hosting a banquet tonight to honor him for his research which had earned him a grant from the hospital. He was confident in a few years after some more testing, they would be able to produce a new medication for patients suffering from heart disease with much fewer side effects than those on the current market.
Doctor Chan was even flying in from China for the event and Seung Jo was grateful to the senior doctor for all the ways he had used his influence to force Parang to take his work seriously enough to give him additional funding which had led to the board approving his grant request.
All in all, it was a special night for Seung Jo to validated his work but he had also wanted tonight to be the official night where he made sure all of Parang knew who his wife was and how proud he was of her. It had been almost five months since he came home from China and although Ha Ni was no longer hiding her connection to Seung Jo, he still didn't like how often people simply dismissed her.
He had wanted to show her off tonight but not quite this much, he reflected possessively as she moved towards him and a long expanse of leg flashed teasingly in front of him.
"We're going to be late." Ha Ni muttered in amusement.
He narrowed his eyes and she chuckled. "You're being grumpy."
Seung Jo nodded and she laughed, leaning up to lightly kiss him. "Well stop it."
He sighed and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Fine. But if anyone says even one thing to you, I am not going to be pleased."
At the dark tone, Ha Ni rose up on her tiptoes to give him another kiss. "Seung Jo, trust me. With the way you look in your tuxedo and all the honor you will be receiving tonight, no-one is going to notice the simple nurse on your arm."
"There is nothing simple about you," Seung Jo scolded quietly. "And stop saying things like that."
She smiled and shook her head in amused exasperation. "Just remember though, you are the only one who gets to take me home tonight and find out exactly what is under this dress."
He tightened his grip, his darkening slightly. He began to draw her in but she pulled away with a grin. "Now come on, we are going to be late."
Seung Jo scowled at her but his lips twitched in amusement as he grabbed his coat. "I am suddenly feeling very anxious to get this over with…"
Ha Ni chuckled and gestured for the door. He nodded and as he followed her, he groaned inwardly. Her dress was even better from the back and he vowed to keep her glued by his side all night. He had discovered a very possessive side to his personality when it came to Ha Ni.
Which was quickly making itself well know again when they walked into the ballroom shortly later and every male's eyes in the room automatically shifted to her. And he suddenly understood how Ha Ni must have felt all those times when other women had openly flung themselves at him.
"Doctor Baek?"
Seung Jo turned and saw one of his surgical colleagues, Park Yeon Woo approaching them with a toast of his drink. "Congratulations."
"Thank you."
"Who is this?" Park Yeon Woo smiled wolfishly at Ha Ni and Seung Jo rolled his eyes. Yes… She was really going unnoticed. "This is my wife. Ha Ni, this is Doctor Park. He works with me."
"Hello." Ha Ni greeted softly, her shyness peeking through and he squeezed her hand. He hated how much she retreated into herself when faced with people whom she felt were intellectually above her.
"Ha Ni also works in Pediatrics at the hospital."
"You're the dumb nurse?" Doctor Park said without thinking and immediately flushed as Seung Jo's face darkened thunderously. "I mean—I didn't mean—"
"It's all right," Ha Ni said quietly, ignoring Seung Jo's low growl. "It is true that my years in school were a little difficult for me. I tend to be more of a hands-on learner. I am fairly accomplished now though."
"Of course." Doctor Park rushed in relief. "And quite beautiful too."
"Thank you."
Noticing Seung Jo's face was growing stormier by the second, Ha Ni gave a quick smile. "If you will excuse us, I think my husband should greet the chairman soon."
"Yes… I will see you both later this evening." Obviously grateful for the excuse to flee the scene, Park Yeon Woo hurriedly disappeared into the crowd.
"Seung Jo," Ha Ni soothed quietly. "He didn't mean anything."
Seung Jo glared at her and she smiled at the protectiveness coming down from him. "It's all right, Seung Jo. I know that my lack of studies and education have made it difficult for others to view me in a different light. I don't mind—"
"I do." Seung Jo snapped harshly. "Ha Ni, you are one of the top pediatric nurses here. You have also been quite accomplished recently in aiding Doctor Song in his diagnosis."
"I know." Ha Ni whispered with a happy shrug. "But I don't care if Parang ever recognizes me for that. As long as you're proud of me, that's all I need."
"Of course I am proud of you." Seung Jo muttered in concern. "Don't you know that?"
"Mm-hmm." Ha Ni nodded happily. "Which is why I am fine with Parang ignoring me." She squeezed his hand. "Now stop frowning and enjoy your night. I'm fine."
This did not help his mood but not wanting her to think his frustration was directed at her, he simply nodded and forced down his irritation. Except as the banquet went on the evening only became worse. Every man who came up to talk to him either completely ignored her or obviously ogled her.
And women including some of the nurses she worked with daily were clearly not pleased by the confirmation she was indeed the wife of Baek Seung Jo. Their glares and snickers under their breath evident. They had barely been there an hour and his mood had darkened painfully. No longer caring about his award or recognition he only wanted to get her out of there.
The worst part was that Ha Ni didn't seem to notice or if she did notice, she was so used to it she didn't let her affect her. Which highly irritated him and his deep protectiveness that only seemed to come alive around his wife was eating him alive in his desire to shield her from all this.
"Doctor Baek," a low voice called and he turned to see Doctor Chan striding towards him. Seung Jo bowed respectfully and they talked softly for a moment before he gestured for Ha Ni to come forward since she had politely stayed back to allow them to catch up.
"Ha Ni, this is Doctor Li Chan."
She smiled warmly as the elderly man kindly greeted her. "So you're the woman Doctor Baek missed so deeply during his time with me."
She blushed slightly. "I think so…"
Doctor Chan laughed as Seung Jo gave her a playful scowl. "Who else would I be missing?"
She shrugged bashfully and he pressed a kiss to her head, despite the public setting. "We will talk about that later."
Ha Ni chuckled and turned back to Doctor Chan. "I've heard a great deal about you. There are not many people who can outwit my husband."
Li Chan laughed and nodded. "Same for me. It was nice to discuss certain hypotheses with someone as gifted as Doctor Baek. And to see his work on this new medication for heart disease was quite inspiring. You must be very proud of him tonight."
"I am."
She said it simply and Seung Jo squeezed her fingers in gratitude. Ha Ni didn't gush over his brain like the others in his life. Whereas he had grown up hearing how his brain was the best part of him and his most valuable asset, his wife actually thought his brain got in his way sometimes.
She was quick to remind him that he also had a heart and it was okay to use it more. So, to hear in her voice how proud she was of him over his research meant more to him than all the accolades from Parang. And he knew the only reason he was finally able to merge his intelligence and care for people together was because of her influence.
"Doctor Baek mentioned you are also a nurse here?"
Ha Ni nodded. "Yes. I work in Pediatrics."
"Do you enjoy it?"
"Very." Ha Ni smiled with a shrug. "I love children and being able to help them work through their illnesses or even just soothing their fears about treatments is very rewarding."
"Hmm." Doctor Chan nodded with a smile. "And there are not many women who could work in the same field as their husband. Or be married to a genius… We are a difficult bunch." He grinned as she blushed before dipping his head in recognition. "You must be a special woman indeed."
"No—"
"Yes." Seung Jo gruffly interrupted, throwing her a quick glare. "You are."
"Hush Seung Jo," Ha Ni poked him and Li Chan smiled at the exchange. "Hmm. Well, I agree with your husband."
"Thank you."
"I will let you enjoy your evening." He bowed to them warmly. "Doctor Baek, I will see you afterwards."
"Yes."
Seung Jo sighed as he realized he was being signaled to begin getting ready for the Chairman's presentation and he found himself deeply reluctant to leave her side. "Will you be all right?"
"Of course." Ha Ni told him with a laugh. "I will go sit with Nurse So and the others from pediatrics."
He looked over to the table and nodded hesitantly. Wishing Parang had seated her with Chairman's wife or at least Doctor Chan but the obvious dismissal by Parang towards her made his insides squirm in annoyance.
"Go on." Ha Ni nudged him forward before turning to head to her seat. He watched her go and enjoyed the low sway of her hips which were on full display from the tight dress. However, noticing other men were also watching the view, he instantly shot them deadly glares and they quickly pretended to be highly interested in the ceiling pattern.
"I am buying her a smock the next time we have to come to one of these things," Seung Jo grumbled furiously to himself as he made his way to the podium. "Or at least some ugly turtleneck dress with no shape."
Feeling oddly resentful as Chairman Do gushed over his success and introduced him, Seung Jo honestly wondered if it would be seen in bad taste if he just nodded in agreement and made his way off the stage to rejoin Ha Ni.
But already hearing the years of manners drilled into his head by his parents, he dismissed this notion and took the stage in slight irritation. Seung Jo talked for a minute or two about the new drug and how this could change the patients suffering from heart disease in their ability to enjoy their life more successfully. He kept his tone light and warmly acknowledged Doctor Chan's mentoring.
He was finishing up when he caught Ha Ni's eye. She was leaning forward listening to him, her eyes sparkling with pride and he slowly trailed off. The insincere compliments to Parang fading from his throat and he stopped with a shake of his head.
"But really there is only one person I should thank tonight. The only reason I can continue with this research or even begin my studies toward Heart disease in the first place is due to the one woman who even convinced me that I had a heart.
He could see her flushing from the stage and knew she was probably confused by such an open declaration. Since he tended to be deeply private and rarely ever discusses his feelings. But it would have been a lie not to say this tonight in front of everyone.
"So while Parang might be recognizing me tonight, the one they should really be recognizing," Seung Jo said pointedly and gestured for her to stand up. "Is my wife, Ha Ni."
The room turned to Ha Ni and he caught the slight glint of tear on her cheek as she smiled wobbly. She bowed as the room clapped warmly. She flushed uncomfortably as she bowed again and quickly sat down in obvious shock as Seung Jo wrapped up his speech.
The rest of the night passed in a strange blur of being passed around. Chairman Do insisted on keeping him glued to his side as they met with each member of the board and all the sponsors of the hospital. Ha Ni had faded into the crowd and he saw her only out of the corner of his eye talking to some of the more friendlier staff members.
He noticed though at one point, she had made her way to sit down and he caught the discreet yawn. Ha Ni had worked early this morning and Seung Jo had made it a point to watch her more closely to ensure she wasn't overdoing it. Not wanting a repeat of her weakening herself as she had a few months ago.
Seung Jo quickly finished his rounds and offering his excuses to Chairman Do, he made his way to her. "Ready to go?"
"Yes, but I don't want to be rude." Ha Ni said with a quick look around. "It's still early and—"
"You're not being rude," Seung Jo said smoothly as he pulled her up. "I am. Besides I can't handle any more champagne and small talk."
She laughed quietly and nodded. She could read him well enough to know that his eyes were going to start rolling shortly if one more person droned on to him.
"Might be best. I would hate for them to take away your funding just when they gave it to you." Ha Ni teased and he smiled as he helped her into her coat. "Very funny."
He pulled the car around and she immediately moaned in gratitude as she sank into the soft leather. He smiled at the sound and pulled out to the road with his own relieved sigh. Pleased to finally be alone with her after the whirl of the last few weeks leading up to tonight.
After a few minutes of quiet, she reached over and took his hand. "You didn't have to say all that tonight, Seung Jo."
"I meant it." Seung Jo told her quietly, looking over at her intently. "I might have been able to come up with this intellectually but I never would have able to pour any kind of passion into it without you. To realize that real people and real families were behind those numbers without you reminding me, Ha Ni."
"Thank you." She whispered and squeezed his hand. "I'm always so proud to be your wife. But it's nice to know I have helped you too… Even if it's just in small ways."
"There is nothing small about you." Seung Jo picked up their interlaced fingers and kissed the back of her hand. "I promise."
She hummed and settled into her seat. He pulled into the drive and noted how tired she looked in the glow of the street lamps. "Are you all right?" He asked worriedly. "You have been really worn out lately."
"Hmm," Ha Ni agreed but he thought he caught a slight smile. "I'm all right though."
"Are you sure?"
She nodded but gratefully took his arm as they went inside. His family was long ago asleep and he was grateful for the extra quiet as they went up to their bedroom. He could tell his mom and the others about the banquet tomorrow. Tonight he just wanted to celebrate in private with his wife.
Ha Ni stood in the soft light of their bedroom as he took of his dinner jacket and tie. Once he was only in his trousers and white shirt, he crept up behind her and encircled her from behind. His lips pressing into the side of her throat. "Mine."
She chuckled and arched slightly to give him better access. "Feeling a little possessive tonight, are we?"
"Mm-hmm."
He pressed a long kiss into her soft flesh with a low growl. She snuggled with him for a minute before turning her head to brush her lips along the underside of his jaw. "So why don't you help me take this off then?"
Seung Jo hummed in pleasure and slowly tugged down the zipper of her dress. His eyes darkening with each reveal of her flesh. Ha Ni let the gown fall to the floor and turned in his embrace.
"Hi."
"Hi," he muttered with a grin and wrapped his arms low around her waist, his hands curving over her backside with a gentle squeeze. He scanned her for a second and was surprised by how much she was filling out her current bra.
"Ha Ni, am I going crazy, or are your curves on display a little more than usual right now?"
She smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling brightly up at him. "I was wondering when you would notice…"
"I thought it was the dress." Seung Jo gazed at her curiously. "Why? What's going on?"
Ha Ni laughed and locking her arms around his neck, they swayed together almost in a slow dance. "I should probably also tell you that I told Parang I needed to step down to part-time."
He frowned worriedly. "Why did you do that?"
"Well just for the next nine months."
"Ha Ni, you're making me nervous. Would you please tell me what's—" Seung Jo stopped as her words finally seeped into his brain. His eyes widened and he immediately stopped moving. With a strangled moan, he quickly cupped her face and breathed her name. "Ha Ni, are you—"
"Mm-hmm." Ha Ni giggled, tears building in her eyes. "I am."
Seung Jo scanned her again. The changes in her body obvious now and he wondered how the hell he had missed it before. He laid his forehead against hers and whispered tenderly to her. She nodded and pressed herself fully into him. Seung Jo instantly folding himself protectively around her.
He held her for a long time before finally drawing back slightly. Being careful to keep her in the fold of his arms. "How long have you known?"
"Two weeks." Ha Ni whispered with a smile. "I got suspicious when I could no longer stand the smell of bread."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Seung Jo asked in bewilderment and she rubbed the base of his neck with a shy shrug. "I didn't want to spoil this for you. I know how hard you had been working and how much it meant to you that Doctor Chan was flying in just for the banquet. I wanted tonight to be all about you. Not me."
"Ha Ni, I don't care about Doctor Chan or Parang." Seung Jo scolded quietly. "My career is just my career. It's never more important than you. And there is nothing Parang could ever give me that would mean more to me than this."
Ha Ni rose on her tiptoes to give him a light kiss. "Thank you."
He brushed her hair back with a stern gaze. "Don't ever put yourself second to anything again."
Ha Ni nodded in agreement and he slowly relaxed. "Besides," Seung Jo continued softly. "I think the attention has been on me long enough. It's time for you to be the center focus for a while."
She laughed and he pressed his lips to her forehead, his hand resting low on her stomach. "But if you think I am letting you work even part-time right now, you're crazy."
"Seung Jo, I can still—"
"No."
She rolled her eyes at his quick snap but knowing better than to argue with him when he was in protective mode, she only wrapped her arms around his neck with a soft murmur. "I love you."
"I love you too."
"Good. Because if I remember correctly," Ha Ni whispered cheekily, brushing her mouth over his. "I promised you earlier a full show of exactly what was underneath that dress tonight. Still interested?"
"I thought you would never ask," Seung Jo muttered huskily, his hands sneaking around to unclip her bra with an appreciative growl. "But you're still not allowed to work."