Every single step. Every single move Eun Woo made with her Yi Jung was becoming increasingly overwhelmed. He was familiar with Ga Eul and understood that she was selective about who she allowed to touch her. However, on this occasion, she didn't hesitate and seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the experience.
"Yi Jung? Are you alright?" This question from his dance partner brought him out of his thoughts.
"Yes, why do you ask"
"Because all you have done is send death glares to Eun Woo and we haven't even made it to the dance floor."
Yi Jung lied and stated, "Oh, it's nothing; I just don't want Ga Eul to hurt herself; I won't hear the end of it, you know." Although he received a small snicker from Eun Jae, it appeared to be effective. Before Yi Jung could continue, Eun Jae walked away, approaching one of the Cha family's butlers and whispering something into his ear. Yi Jung's eyes returned to where Eun Woo twirled Ga Eul, but this time something drew his notice, making him even more irritated that he had forgotten this. Eun Jae gripped Yi Jung's arm as he approached the dance floor.
"Here" Yi Jung looked down at the saxophone Eun Jae held.
"Playing this always helps you feel better." Smiling to himself Yi Jung took the instrument into his hand and walked up to the DJ whispering in his ear. The DJ smiled and paused the music as everyone came to a halt on the dance floor. Silence blanketed the room but Yi Jung's eyes were only searching for her. Soon as the beautiful brown eyes made contact with him he opened his mouth.
"There is a person here right now, that's completely stolen my heart. I will be performing my heart for that person" hearing this Ga Eul couldn't help but recall the time they were in New Caledonia and he did something similar like this to get back at Soo Pyo.
"That Yi Jung sure knows how to become the center of attention" Ga Eul smiled at what Eun Woo commented but she knew this time Yi Jung really meant what he said for his true love Eun Jae. Even with that truth just watching him perform flawlessly made Ga Eul's heart race and a sense of deja vu hit her. Finishing up Yi Jung hands the instrument to the butler and walks past Eun Jae.
"Btw Ga Eul. I know we just met, but I would really like to get to know you more. Shall we go out?" Hearing this coming from an idol left Ga Eul speechless but before she could even think of an answer Yi Jung walked up to her. Leaning forward and placing a small kiss on her forehead he moves the side of his lips upward into a small smirk as he faces the crowd.
"She is the one who has stolen my heart and has yet to give it back" hearing this the crowd awed in sadness. Yi Jung turned back to look at Ga Eul raising his hand out to her with a smile.
"Yi Jung I know you and I have to say that it is not nice to just claim anyone like this. Have you even considered Ga Eul's feelings before you embarrass her like this in front of everyone? Do you not agree with me Ga Eul?" Eun Woo carried a stern look as he spoke and looked towards Ga Eul who remained stunned.
"Ga Eul?" Hearing Eun Woo call out again Ga Eul swallowed hard as she raised her hand and took Yi Jung's and let him lead her towards the middle of the crowd.
"I would like to officially introduce my wife to everyone. Ga Eul, the new So family member" upon hearing this Ga Eul's eyes widened as she looked up to Yi Jung and then back to the crowd who was now cheering them on and of course Mrs. So was the one shouting the loudest for them. Scanning the room again a red crimson color rose to Ga Eul's cheeks. As her eyes met Eun Woo, Ga Eul felt awful for not being able to tell him herself but surprisingly he seemed happy carrying a smile as he walked towards them and raised his glass to the air.
"A toast to our lovely couple. May you two always be happy. Let's make this moment even more memorable by sealing it with a kiss" Eun Woo turned to the couple who now both stood stunned, but it didn't take Yi Jung long to wrap his arm around Ga Eul's waist and pull her into a kiss, this time a real one in front of people.
"This better be worth it" Eun Jae gritted her teeth as she tightened her hand around the glass she held.
The event played on; all the guests congratulated the couple. Mrs. So introduced Ga Eul to everyone while Yi Jung stood with his father discussing some business with Mr. Cha.
"It's nice to see your son is officially a family man" hearing this comment Yi Jung smiled and looked towards his mother who was talking to Mrs. Cha but with no sight of Ga Eul.
"Mr. Cha, please excuse me for a moment" Yi Jung walked up to his mother who was all smiles.
"Mother where is Ga Eul"
"Oh, she mentioned she needed some fresh air, I believe she is in the garden" hearing this something came back to mind as Yi Jung requested something from the butler and headed towards the garden.
"You must be exhausted"
Ga Eul turned to the voice to witness Eun Jae walking towards her. Ga Eul sent Eun Jae a soft smile as she approached her and then retreated to look out up to the dark sky.
"You are very lucky to be one of the So members. Especially lucky to be with Yi Jung"
"I do not know about luck, but they are all sweet and I am grateful to be part of their family"
"Yeah, just hope you don't get used to it too much. Since it will only be a short-term thing"
Ga Eul turned her head towards Eun Jae confused, to which Eun Jae responded with a smirk. "You didn't think they would keep you around forever? Did you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Ga Eul, they are only using it to get some status in the community. The heir to the So family marries an orphan, do you know much coverage that will get?
Ga Eul's heart pounded in her chest. The words Eun Jae had just spoken echoed in her mind. She had always felt a sense of unease about the sudden turn of events, but she had dismissed it as her own insecurity. Now, doubt gnawed at her.
"What are you talking about?" Ga Eul's voice trembled slightly. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.
Eun Jae smirked, a cruel glint in her eyes. "Oh, come on, Ga Eul. Don't pretend to be naive. The Sos are one of the most powerful families in the country. Marrying someone like you, an ordinary girl, is a strategic move. It's all about image, about maintaining their status."
Ga Eul felt a cold dread creeping into her. She had been so caught up in the whirlwind of emotions that she hadn't considered the possibility of being used as a pawn.
"But... Yi Jung... he seems genuine," Ga Eul stammered.
Eun Jae laughed coldly. "Love? In a world like this? Please. It's all about power and control. Yi Jung is trapped in a gilded cage, just like the rest of them. And you, my dear, are simply a bird they've caught to decorate it."
Ga Eul felt a surge of anger. She couldn't believe that someone could be so heartless. But deep down, a part of her knew that Eun Jae might be right.
"I don't believe you," Ga Eul said, her voice firm.
Eun Jae shrugged. "Believe what you want. But don't say I didn't warn you."
As Eun Jae walked away, Ga Eul stood alone, her mind racing. She had to find out the truth. She had to know if Yi Jung's feelings were real or if she was just a pawn in a cruel game.
She recalled the way he had looked at her, the intensity in his eyes during their stolen moments. Could such raw emotion be faked? But then, Eun Jae's words returned, a bitter counterpoint to her hopes.
A soft footstep pulled her from her thoughts. Yi Jung stood in the doorway, his silhouette framed by the soft glow of the indoor lights. He looked concerned, his eyes searching her face.
"Ga Eul, are you alright?" His voice was gentle, carrying a hint of worry.
She hesitated, unsure of how to respond. The truth hung heavy on her tongue. "I... I'm fine," she managed to say, her voice barely a whisper.
Yi Jung stepped closer, his free hand reaching out to touch hers while the other held something behind his back. "You don't seem fine. What's wrong?"
"I am fine" Ga Eul repeated herself as she moved her hand away from Yi Jung's. Confused but ignoring this Yi Jung smiled as he bent down and began removing Ga Eul's heels.
"I know you are not. You are tired and your feet are killing you. Let me take care of you" Yi Jung finished taking off Ga Eul's heels and revealed a pair of fluffy slippers in his hands which he helped Ga Eul's feet slide into. A small smile appeared on Ga Eul's face as she looked down at the slippers.
"You remember?" Ga Eul asked, surprised.
"How could I forget? You aren't used to heels and always have complained when you have to wear them for so long and today has been one of those long days" Yi Jung chuckled.
"Thank you" Ga Eul smiled as she stood up and stretched her legs.
"You're welcome. Now come on let's get you something to eat and drink. You need to relax" Yi Jung took Ga Eul's hand and led her towards the kitchen.
As they walked Ga Eul couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over her. In this moment, surrounded by the warmth of Yi Jung's love and care, all her doubts and fears seemed to fade away. She realized that perhaps, just perhaps, Eun Jae's words were just a product of her own insecurities.
For the first time in a long time, Ga Eul felt truly happy and content. She realized that the love she shared with Yi Jung was something special, something that couldn't be defined or measured. It was a connection that went beyond words, a bond that had been forged in the fires of doubt and uncertainty, but had emerged stronger than ever.