Arranged by chance and Married by choice - Chapter 22：Epilogue-2

Kai single-handedly prepared for the supposed girl’s night-in. When he was stuck in making decisions, he called up the mothers for their wise insight. It once again proved that women knew women best.

Mel spent the week looking at her husband moving back and forth immersed in planning for the party. She was honestly touched would be an understatement. He became the apple of her eye in the blink of an eye. She often gave him looks filled with love and longing.

If not for the baby in her womb, she would have gladly paid him back for his selfless efforts. Little did she know that Kai was doing all of this to save his own skin.

Kai was pleased with her change in attitude. She rarely snapped at him and cared for him as she used to at the beginning of their marriage. If he knew this before, then he wouldn’t have spent so many cold nights shivering alone on the couch (He is reminiscing the times when he was kicked out by her due to irritation).

In no time, the night of the night-in arrived. The ladies all started to pour in and Kai was still busy fussing around Mel. He would adjust her dress, hold her hand so that she wouldn’t trip on the flat ground, give her refreshments to keep her occupied. All in all, Mel was being treated like a queen and she deserved it.

Most of the ladies present were all family and close friends but they couldn’t help but slightly envy the treatment Mel was receiving.

It was Ye-Jin who approached the loving couple first. She gave Kai a stink eye for inviting them all to eat the dog-food.

Kai: (frowning) what do you want?

Ye-Jin: Shouldn’t you go?

Kai: (confused) I should go? B-but why?

Ye-Jin: didn’t you tell us that this was a gathering meant for us ladies?

Kai had a moment of epiphany. He had forgotten the key-part of arranging this get-together for Mel. He was not allowed to be with her for a whole night. His face darkened, resembling the bottom of a pot in mere moments.

Kai: (defiant) what if- I don’t leave!?

Kai dared to challenge his little sister. How could he bear to stay away from his exceptionally beautiful wife? But he underestimated his sister’s cunningness.

Ye-Jin: (sneering) I knew you’d be difficult. So I came prepared.

Kai: (surprised) w-what?

The ladies all gathered around him ready to throw him out using force. Kai was scared. It was at this moment that Mel returned from the toilet. She was startled to see Kai surrounded by all the ladies with mean looks on their faces. She didn’t hesitate to come to his rescue.

Mel: what happened? What are you all doing?

Ye-Jin: (beating Kai’s response) big brother isn’t going away. This is supposed to be our night!

Ye-Jin added a pitiful look on top of her explanation.

Mel was emotional and thus, she was instantaneously moved. But she was in a dilemma. She couldn’t trash away her lovely husband too.

Mel: (softly) Kai I’ll be fine. Why don’t we do this? Let’s invite Ray over like that you won’t have to leave.

***

Kai: I didn’t think you’d come.

Ray told Kai after they settled on the front porch with drinks in their hands. There were excited noises coming from the house which showed how happy the women folk were to have this get together.

Ray: (shrugging) Ye-Jin is out on business trip again. I was alone.

Kai: what is it the fourth time this month?

Ray: (rubbing his face) what can I do? She has to manage the family business and this time she was roped in by my mother to join her.

Kai: (smirking) it’s good that they get along well. Saves you the migraine.

Ray: (chuckling) yes it does.

Kai: (curious) tell me something. Why are you guys not yet married? What are you waiting for?

Ray: (shrugging) She has told me not to propose to her yet. We were not on the same page back then.

Kai: why?

Ray: Remember the time when I was out of touch for months? She’s afraid if something like that happens again, she would not be able to handle it.

Kai: how long are you going to wait?

Ray: (smiling softly) as long as she tells me to. We are together and that’s enough for me.

Kai: I applaud your patience, Ray. I couldn’t wait for a month to marry Mel.

Ray didn’t respond to it and quietly stared out into the dark thinking of his beloved woman. After a while, he turned to Kai with humour filled in his eyes.

Ray: I still can’t forget how anxious you were when you announced that you married Mel.

Kai: Laugh all you want. It was out of concern for my wife. Our marriage received lots of hate.

Ray: (chuckling) I am never going to reveal my relationship. Ye-Jin is quite vicious. It won’t do those people any good.

Kai: you’re whipped!

Ray: (grinning widely) you haven’t met her in a while. You don’t know what my parent’s influence has done to her.

Kai: (nodding) it’s possible. I wish you luck, friend.

They clinked their bottles and continued to enjoy the rare moments of peace and solitude.