This chapter is a little thrown together but I hope all enjoy it just the same.

Thank you all for the wonderful comments and feedback!

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"Are you ready?" Jun-pyo asked offering Jan-di his hand, her nervous eyes searched his as she tried to ignore the churning of her stomach. Her manager had called her back and gushed about all the attention she was getting since her last show. Jan-di was not as amused by the so called attention, yet somehow the conversation escalated and ended with her agreeing to attend an important business event as Jun-pyo's date. Important was putting it lightly, not only were all their friends going be there, but Kang Hee-soo would be attending with her husband as well. Her stomach flipped at the thought of seeing the former Chairman again and a part of her truly wondered if Kang Hee-soo actually was powerless to interfere with their lives since her announced retirement. Either way she was already dolled up in this ridiculous dress which she swore was way too formal for any event. Despite her concerns Jun-pyo constantly assured her that the dress was perfect. Taking his hand she gave a weak smile, not sure if she was ready to see the rest of their friends and Jun-pyo's mother all in the same night.

Holding onto his hand tightly she held her breath while they walked inside through the double doors. The event was glamorous as expected and many of the guests had already arrived. Despite their quiet entrance everyone seemed to notice their presence as they entered the main room. Following along Jan-di smiled and made small talk as Jun-pyo greeted people associated with his families business. They slowly moved around from group to group before being approached by Jun-pyo's parents. "Geum Jan-di it's so nice to see you again," his father greeted smiling warmly at the two. "It's nice to see you as well," she greeted back trying to look anywhere but at Kang Hee-soo. Jun-pyo had visibly tensed up drawing Jan-di closer to him as if he feared she would be torn from his arms at any second. Kang Hee-soo starred back at him her expression blank, giving no hint of what she was thinking not even when she asked to have a moment alone with Jan-di.

"That sounds like a grand suggestion," Jun-pyo's father beamed ushering Jun-pyo away to some group of men standing across the room. His grip on her hand didn't loosen as he ignored his father and stood motionless starring his mother down. The tension forming between the two was overwhelming and Jan-di felt like she might faint if this stare down went on any longer. Placing a comforting hand on Jun-pyo's shoulder she put on her bravest smile, "I'll be okay." He glanced down at her with concerned eyes, genuinely not convinced. "I won't go anywhere I promise. It will be fine." Sighing in defeat he shot one last look at his mother before following after his father who was already engaged in conversation. Hands sweaty and with a shaky breathe Jan-di looked at Kang Hee-soo for the first time. The former Chairman looked uncomfortable as silence settled between them, Jan-di tried to recall if she had ever seen her appear so out of place before.

"I know you can't have much care for what I have to say," Kang Hee-soo said eventually, fidgeting with her hands. "I also know that no apology can make up what I've put you through so I won't apologize. I thought I was doing the right thing, but seeing you two here now even I can admit that I was wrong. I like to think that someone as old as me can grow to be a better person. I may have been indifferent towards you and your family, but I respected your mother and I'm sorry to hear of your families passing. I want you to know that if you need anything, you just have to ask." Jan-di's mind spun while trying to understand her words, she wondered what part of hell had frozen over for the former Chairman to admit defeat like this. Her mind reeled through all sorts of life altering events that could help make sense of why Kang Hee-soo was saying this to her now. "I used to think that it was unfortunate that you loved something more than money. Now though, I think my son's fortunate to love someone more than money." Taking the immediate silence as an answer Kang Hee-soo turned to leave her. Jan-di's heart ached for the woman as she watched her and though she wasn't sure if she could forgive the former Chairman easily she didn't feel comfortable leaving things this way. She knew that the relationship between Kang Hee-soo and her children was non existent at this point and she desperately wanted to help bridge that gap. Having lost her mother she knows they won't know what they've missed until it's too late.

"Please, can I ask a favor?" Startled Kang Hee-soo turned to look at her with wide eyes, Jan-di thought she looked vulnerable standing there unsure of what would be asked of her and she wanted to calm the woman's spirits if she could. Possibly reassure her that not all was lost when it came to family. "I'm trying to plan a charity event to raise money for free clinics throughout the area and I was thinking of doing an auction. But, I could use some help putting everything together. Would you be willing to help me?" Smiling Kang Hee-soo grabbed hold of her hand and dragged her off "I know just how to get started."

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"Calm down boy," Jun-pyo's father grunted patting his son on the back. "She's not going to hurt the girl, no need to look so tense." Nodding in acknowledgment Jun-pyo still kept his eyes on Jan-di, paying close attention as his mother took her hand and dragged her away through the crowd. "I said calm down, she's taking her to speak with Sing Ji-bin" his father muttered waving a hand in front of his face. "I'm not trying to be hard on you. I know what your mother did, she told me." Taking his eyes off Jan-di for the first time since he left her Jun-pyo focused on his father. "You mean you know what she did and you still think leaving them alone together is a good idea?" He scoffed completely shocked. "They're technically not alone and yes I know what she did. But do you honestly think I would have ever learned what a VIP pass was is your mother hadn't handed it to me?"

Taken aback Jun-pyo looked back at Jan-di who was smiling and laughing carelessly in the presence of his mother, almost like they've been friends since the beginning. "You mean she sent you to talk with Geum Jan-di?" He couldn't believe it, he felt light headed and stumbled a bit from the shock leaning his hand on the table nearby for support. "She did, after she told me everything about you two. The arranged marriage she tried to force on you, the kidnapping, demolishing her apartment building, and ultimately the agreement she made with Jan-do that tore you two apart." He couldn't process what he was hearing. His father knows about all that and still, he insists on letting those two be around each other as if all is suddenly fine. "That girl of yours is a fighter and she's been through enough. No ones going to try to separate you two and your mother can't have a chance to make things right if you're hovering over Geum Jan-di so protectively."

"I don't think there's anything she can do to make up for what she's done." His father shrugged not phased by his sons comment, "maybe, maybe not. That's how you feeling about it. From the looks of things that girl of yours over there feels differently. I won't say that your mother is a good mother, but I do believe she can become a better person." Seeing that his son was still skeptical he added, "who do you think paid Ji-woo off to change the interview win Geum Jan-di to start with? Really if you think about it, would she even be here if she hadn't answered those questions?" Glancing back at them again he thought about his fathers words. They were here right now because of his mother. A part of him was grateful and the other part wanted to be on guard, it didn't fit the personality of Chairman Kang to be generous or to surrender. He wondered what she might be planning, there had to be something else going on. "Stop frowning and go enjoy your friends," looking in the direction his father was pointing he saw Chu Ga-eul, Yoon Ji-hoo, So Yi-jung, and Song Woo-bin all gathered around a table, half of them were looking at him and the others were fixed on Jan-di and Kang Hee-soo.

Excusing himself he approached the table taking a spot between Ji-hoo and So Yi-jung.

"Why is Jan-di with the witch?" Ji-hoo whispered leaning towards Jun-pyo. Obviously this situation had them all on edge. "My mother requested a moment alone with her and she agreed." He mumbled watching as another business partner and what seemed to be his daughter joined Jan-di's group. The daughter seemed to be a fan of Jan-di's, he unknowingly smiled at the sight of the girl eagerly introducing her father. Jan-di returned her enthusiasm and even gave the girl a hug, it warmed his heart to see her like this. "Okay, but why are they walking around like best friends? You don't think your mother threatened her do you?" Song Woo-bin asked.

"Well, they're coming this way so you can ask her." Ga-eul cut in moving around the table so she could embrace her friend who was making her walk towards them with her fan girl in tow.

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Jan-di happily embraced Ga-eul who was eagerly waiting for her when she got to their table. Tears swelled in her eyes as she hugged her a little tighter before moving on to hug SoYi-jung and Song Woo-bin. "It's so good to see you all," Jan-di gushed hardly able to hold back her smile. "I think a congratulations is in order as well," Ga-eul blushed slightly and thanked her commenting on how it's so good to finally see her again and threatening to hunt her down if she ever tried to leave again. Jan-di laughed at that and agreed to stay put. "Guys, this is Kim Min-seo. We went to the same university in America." Jan-di stated taking a spot by Jun-pyo while everyone introduced themselves. He casually wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close, leaning into him she rested her head on his chest. She couldn't think of a better setting than the one right before her in this moment.

"So, Kim Min-seo, tell us what our beloved Geum Jan-di's American college days were like." Song Woo-bin said winking at the girl which caused her to blush and stutter a bit. "Don't look at him," Jan-di ordered covering the girls eyes. "If you do you'll end up pregnant like Chu Ga-eul." Everyone laughed at Jan-di's protective attitude over the girl who could be Ga-eul's twin if not for her short black

Hair. "Geum Jan-di was the superhero of our campus. She is our real life wonder woman," Kim Min-Seo said with sparkling eyes. "Wow that almost makes Geum Jan-di sound cool." So Yi-jung teased snickering childishly.

"Geum Jan-di is super cool, she saved my life!" Kim Min-seo scolded passionately slightly offended by his teasing. "I owe her everything." She added now holding everyone's undivided attention. "If you're gonna do this then I need a drink." Jan-di groaned realizing what was happening. They were about to discuss all the reckless things she did while studying abroad that somehow made her popular among the female students. Well actually, she was about to listen to everyone discuss her American college days because she refused to. "Well then here you go," Woo-bin slid his drink over to her and urged Min-seo to get on with the details. Before Jun-pyo could protest Jan-di had finished the drink getting her some odd looks from her friends. "Are you sure it's okay?" Min-seo asked as Jan-di downed Yi-jung's drink too. "I'm good you go ahead. Knowing these guys you can tell them while I'm here, or after I've left. Might as well be here, you all liked to exaggerate things some if I recall."

"Well, since you're sure…. Jan-di saved me from a burning building." Everyone looked at Jan-di as if trying to verify that it was true, she nodded in response. "The dorm building caught fire. I was trapped inside by the flames. Somehow in all the chaos one of my friends noticed they haven't seen me, before the firefighters could even react Geum Jan-di doused herself with water and ran in." Shuddering at the memory Jan-di sipped on Jun-pyo's drink. He was too caught up in the story to notice and she was technically keeping her promise, she waited till he was present to drink alcohol at least in a public setting. Though with her being a light weight she was sure these drinks would hit her pretty hard. "I was so surprised when she came running to me, I swear I was about to pass out but when I saw her I had so much hope. She grabbed me and dragged me out," maybe it wasn't as exaggerated as she thought. That's literally what happened. Realizing she had taken his drink Jun-pyo grabbed it from her hand and downed the rest quickly. Mainly so that she wouldn't drink anymore alcohol but also because his stomach sunk at the idea of Jan-di being in danger. If that's not the worst of it then he may need a couple drinks to get through the night himself.

"Then there was the time Jan-di jumped into the ocean to save a guy who got pulled out in a rip current, even though she couldn't swim." Slightly frustrated that Jun-pyo finished off the drink she was planning on drinking to get her through the rest of this she tried not to scowl at him and put on her most innocent smile as everyone looked at her with concern. "It wasn't that big a deal," she tried to play it down but she could tell her comment didn't help. "She was so awesome, she explained to him how rip currents work so he wouldn't panic and helped him get out of it. Some guys on jet skis picked them up. It was nice of them to go out and help since her shoulder was still healing." Jan-di could feel Jun-pyo flinch at the mention of her shoulder being injured. "Did you injure your other shoulder?" Ga-eul asked looking at her friend with a worried expression. "No, same one. Just seems to be my luck." She shrugged hoping they'd let it go. "How?" Jun-pyo asked, looking between Jan-di and Kim Min-seo.

"I got in a bar fight with some guys." If someone would have dropped a paper clip on the other side of the room Jan-di was sure she'd hear it. She wasn't even sure if anyone was currently breathing, it seems that they've each gone into a state of shock. "Geum Jan-di was so amazing then too! The guys were harassing a couple girls and she totally kicked their butts. She was the best fighter on our campus." Frantic to avoid any misunderstanding Jan-di explained that she didn't get into fights a lot. She took up martial arts and competed some. "Jan-di I didn't know you had an interest in martial arts, that's so cool!" Ga-eul cheered in support of her friend. "I didn't, it just made sense to know how to defend myself. And I wasn't drinking at that bar either. I like to play pool."

"That is pretty cool" everyone but Jun-pyo and Ji-hoo chorused in agreement. The conversation went on focusing now on martial arts and Jan-di let out a breath of relief thankful the topic seemed to be off her. She wasn't sure she could handle Kim Min-seo sharing anymore stories. The alcohol was starting to affect her and she swore it was hotter than hell itself in there.

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"Are you okay?" Jan-di asked appearing behind Jun-pyo. He had excused himself from their table a while ago and she gladly took the opportunity to look for him and escape. She planned on just getting some fresh air but to her surprise she actually stumbled upon Jun-pyo anyways. "Just thinking," he said while looking up at the night sky. It was chilly outside, and the sky was clear. Perfect for stargazing, one thing that's always helped him relax when conflicted. "Do you want to talk about it?" She wasn't sure if she should give him space or not. Three years has changed them both a lot. The conversations back at the table with their friends made her realize that they've all changed a lot. She's not sure if she really knows him anymore, but at the same time he probably feels like he doesn't know her all that much either.

"I'm just…I don't know ." He sighed in frustration running his hands through his hair. "The comment about my shoulder bothered you didn't it?" He didn't have to say anything his body language was answer enough. Normally at moments like this whatever either of them does next would lead to an argument, she didn't want to argue with him. Instead of saying anything she decided to wrap her arms around him from behind digging her face into the warmth of his back. It wasn't much but she hoped it would be enough to let him know that she's here, and they don't need to look back on the past. Her shoulder has bothered him since he found out about it, especially since it kept her from swimming. She knows he blames himself but that's something they're supposed to share. "I just can't handle the idea of you… of your shoulder.." he trailed off not really sure how to say what he was thinking.

He grabbed her hands startled by how frozen they felt. He hadn't even thought about the fact that it's so cold out and she didn't have a jacket. Unwrapping her arms from around his torso he unbuttoned and draped his jacket across her shoulders pulling it tightly around her slim form. "You should have said something," he murmured cupping her face with his palm and gently stroking her cheek with his thumb. He tried to shake the thoughts of her getting into fights and running into burning buildings from his mind, he tried to imagine her swimming again instead of struggling out in the ocean but he couldn't. He wondered what would have happened if her shoulder had prevented her from walking away from any of those events, how much worse things could have been because of it. He cursed himself for allowing her to get hurt in the first place. She would have never been in that situation if he hadn't been with her back then.

"I know what you're thinking," she said quietly looking into his eyes. "You're thinking about how if we weren't together I would have never gotten hurt and wouldn't have been in those situations." Her ability to read his mind surprised him, this woman knows him inside and out even after three years apart. If possible it made him love her more. "You have to remember, I chose to take the hit for you. You can't blame yourself for something you had no decision in." She was right obviously, and he knew that. But it didn't make him feel better about it. "True. But if we had never been together you wouldn't have had to make that decision." She choked out a chuckle shaking her head in disbelief. "You," she said taking his face in her hands to make sure he was looking at her "need to understand. I'd go through it all again to be with you."

He searched her eyes looking for any hint of dishonestly, but all he saw was her determination. She really would go through it all again if she had to, but he could never ask her to. Maybe that's the point, he doesn't have to ask because she'd just do it anyways without complaint. "God I love you," before she could react he captured her lips with his. Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe it was the way he his voice sounded when he said he loved her, she really couldn't be sure but she felt like gravity itself ceased to exist as she tangled her hands in his hair drawing him closer. His fingers dug into her hips wanting her to move against him and she had to bite her lip to keep from whimpering as he trailed kissed down her neck grazing his teeth across the sensitive parts of her skin. He turned his attention back to her lips, their kisses sweet and slow. She couldn't help but moan into his kiss and they became more rough. Remembering that they were subject to have surprise visitors as any time Jan-di pulled away gasping for air as his hands wandered up and down her sides, his lips traveling from her ear lobe to her jawline.

"We ne-need-to hea-head back in." She managed between breaths getting lost in his warmth once again. Grunting in protest Jun-pyo continued his assault his lips hungrily trailing down her neck and across her collar bone where he planted one final kiss. They did need to head back in before someone came looking for them. Taking her hand in his he gave it a reassuring squeeze and flashed her a breathtaking smile before guiding her back inside the possibility of cashing in that rain check later tonight lingering in the back of his mind.