Mature Chapter: Language

Paul POV

Following the conclusion of this year's New England Legal Awards (NELA) Ceremony, leaders and professionals from the region's best law firms were enjoying themselves in a grand ballroom that overlooked the Boston Harbor.

Guests were wearing their most impressive dresses and suits while networking with a beverage or hors d'oeuvre in hand, and to accompany the busy atmosphere was a classical melody from a collection of violinists, harper players, and a pianist.

"Johnny, congratulations!" Brad exclaimed. He was the CEO of Birchwood Advisory Group. "AHS Boston truly swept the floor with the rest of us this year!"

Chortling, Johnny shook his hand. "I can't take all the credit. Tonight's victories are a testament to the amazing team I have at AHS."

"Still so damn humble!" Brad's Deputy, Thomas, added. "Bask in it, man! Your new title as the Region's Managing Partner of the Year is a testament to your ability to identify, grow, and lead New England's best legal talent!"

"And this stunning woman holding your arm must be a testament to your success, charm, and ridiculously nice hair." Brad joked, his eyes fixating on Madison.

"Oh the hair definitely has a lot to do with my presence tonight, sir." Madison chuckled.

"Please, call my Brad. I've known Johnny for years, and this is the first time he's brought a woman to an event. Something tells me, I'll be seeing you around quite a bit from now on."

"That all depends on your friend." She winked at Johnny, and he was glowing.

"If I have it my way, she'll be by my side every time you see me Brad."

"Sheesh, charming indeed!" Thomas teased as the couple blushed through joyful smiles.

"Congratulations are also in order for you Paul!" Brad celebrated, patting my shoulder. "AHS Boston has been declared Law Firm of the Year two years in a row now! CEO Ahn must be so elated his son was able to accept the award as a major contributor this year"

"Certainly, it was an honor to do so on his behalf this evening."

"I sense a bright future ahead of you." Brad praised. "It's hard to believe you're a first year law student. You have so much poise, discipline, and experience already. Your father has set you up to be an amazing successor for AHS. I hope my son grows up to make me just as proud."

"Thank you." I nodded, Brad's eyes shifting to my roommate next.

Shawn had received an invite to tonight's ceremony as one of HLS' top talents.

"Mr. Flynn, Harvard's most promising first-year." Brad greeted, the two shaking hands. "I hoped to speak with you about an internship opportunity at my firm, but per usual it looks like Johnny got to you first?"

A large grin stretched across Shawn's face. "Yes, sir."

"You sure you don't want to hear out any other opportunities? As you saw, my firm won the award for Social Impact this year. I hear that's right up your alley and a passion point for you."

"It is. That's why I chose AHS Group, actually." Shawn replied. "That area is the biggest gap for AHS, one of the biggest law firms in the world. That means, it's an opportunity for me to lead and also to make the biggest impact on diversity, social justice, and public service as a lawyer."

Like a proper Korean, a uvular sound spilled past Johnny's lips as Brad accepted his loss to AHS with professional grace.

"That response right there, is why I hired him on the spot." Johnny boasted, raising his glass to Shawn. The two had bonded quite a bit while I was in Asia.

"At least there's one last Harvard star AHS hasn't secured!" Thomas stated, my gaze shifting towards Sam as she exchanged words with other distinguished guests. "Samantha Lee has received so many offers. I wonder who she'll go with this year."

"Fingers crossed, its us. Birchwood needs a sharp and ambitious intern we can grow into a partner and let's be honest, looks play a role in this industry. She's easy on the eyes, no?"

Boisterously laughing at his own inappropriate statement, the rest of us awkwardly mimicked Brad as the party around us continued.

I had sensed many eyes on Johnny and I, people waiting for an opportunity to congratulate us on such a successful night - winning 8 out of the 20 award nominations this year.

It was going to be a long one full of forced smiles and conversations, but also confrontation I had been avoiding for several days now.

I glanced to my left, seeing The Elite watching me from afar - just as Sam had done most of the ceremony. However while she looked to me in agony, the boys glared at me with distain.

"Is Kayla still coming?" Shawn privately asked me.

I checked the time on my watch. "Yeah, she's running more behind than I expected though. She covered the end of Madison's shift so Madison could get here earlier for Johnny."

"Maybe its a good thing she's running so late." Shawn too glanced at The Elite, and Sam next. "You've got quite a bit of drama to hash out."

"With The Elite, yes. There's nothing left to discuss with Sam though."

Disagreeing with me, Shawn scoffed.

"As the one who's been covering for you these past few days, I beg to differ! You can hide at Kayla's place all you want, Sam's going to keep coming by our house until you talk to her."

My lips twisted, I shrugged. "How she chooses to waste her time, isn't my problem. And for the record, you don't have to answer the door every time she visits. She'll move on eventually."

"Fine." He sighed. "At least get the conversation with The Elite out the way before Kayla gets here. I doubt Sam would risk stirring up drama at an event like this, but I wouldn't put it past those pricks to confront you while Kayla's here."

Knowing Shawn was right, I took a deep breath and accepted that portion of his advice.

Kayla had been taking our exclusivity better than I imagined she would, and she was doing exactly what she told me she was ready to do. She was putting herself out there again.

When she wasn't working, she wanted to go out more versus staying in like we used to, and she was frequent on social media too - uploading stories and general posts of her eventful days, fun moments at the hospital, and many pictures of us together as well.

She was happy, living freely, and I wanted that to continue at all costs.

Gulping the remainder of my champagne, I switched out the empty flute with a full one once a catering staff member approached me.

"I'll be right back." I said to Shawn.

"Good luck."

Excusing myself from Johnny and the latest legal leaders surrounding tonight's MVP, I walked through the ballroom and was greeted by many as I continued towards The Elite.

Chase and Spencer - Their expressions were disgusted.

Donnell - His jaw clenched, the same rage was present in his eyes as the day he learned what Kayla was to me and I was to her.

Antonio - Chillingly still, the fire in his calm gaze confirmed I was officially on his shit list.

Their reactions were expected though and while I was nervous, it was my responsibility to protect Kayla and that meant getting to common ground with this lot by the end of the night.

"Good evening, boys." I greeted, Spencer scoffing.

"Good evening?" He snarled.

"Fucking shameless asshole!" Chase hissed.

"Calm down." Their leader demanded, his eyes locked on me as he sneered. "We should be more respectful towards the AHS inheritor. Congratulations on all the wins this evening."

"I appreciate that. Thank you." I smirked. "Listen, rightfully so you're all pissed with me. We've got some things to talk about, and I'm happy to step outside if you'd like to handle it now."

Donnell scoffed. "I guess a hotshot like you finally has time for us now?"

I shrugged. "A couple of minutes, yeah."

Beside themselves, their brows were raised as I walked past them and towards the doors that led to the outdoor terrace.

String lights hanging over the surrounding fence accompanied the moonlight, and surprisingly there were no other guest outside enjoying the fresh air at this time.

"So where should we start?" I asked as I turned to face them.

"Fuck you." Chase replied. "That's a proper place to start in my opinion. I mean, what the hell Paul? Who the fuck are you? First you randomly announce your relationship to Kayla on social media and now you're here parading a relationship with that faggot, Shawn Flynn?"

"Seriously, man." Spencer agreed. "What the hell? Out of all of us, you always seemed like the one with a good conscience. Have you been lying this whole time? How could you do that? We're brothers. How could you lie to us, and betray Donnell like that?"

"Any other questions?" I asked, making Chase scoff.

"Is it that good?" He questioned. "Is the pussy really that good, she's got two exceptional men like you and Donnell wrapped around her finger like this?"

"Man, chill." Donnell groaned. "She's not an object."

"Why are you still defending her?" Chase yelled at him. "Dude, move on!"

"Chase is right." I stated. "Anything concerning Kayla is not your place anymore Donnell, it's mine. But Chase to be very clear, I won't tolerate you speaking about my girlfriend like that."

"Tolerate?" Chase snarled, stepping closer to me. "You getting big with me right now, Paul?"

"You still don't get it?" The beast's face grew red as he approached me even further. "I'm already bigger than you. I've always been bigger than you, and I always will be."

"Excuse me?" He snapped, his hand nearly clenching my jacket before I grabbed his wrist.

"Per usual, you can't control your temper no matter the time or place." I started, Chase admittedly looking around. "Lay a finger on me, and your career in the New England region won't just be ruined. I'll have you expelled from Harvard by the morning."

Snatching his wrist from my grip, he stepped back and took his place beside his owner.

"Now, let's be civil and talk things out." I suggested. "I'll start. I'm sorry I lied to you, but I'm not sorry I chose Makayla. My history with her precedes ours, and as you saw its deep. Her cousin just married one of my best friends back in Korea. By time I found out the relationship you all have with her, it was too late. I was already emotionally invested in her."

"How can you say it like it's so simple?" Spencer asked, and to my surprise he seemed the most upset. "You've never once cared about any of us at all? You seriously feel nothing towards us? Have you really always been like this? I thought you were different, man."

"Different from who?" I instigated, making Spencer grow tightlipped. "Don't take this so personally. You all know, this group was never built on true brotherhood."

"The fuck is that supposed to mean?" Chase growled.

"You really have to ask? Chase, is brotherhood what keeps you here? Or is it the opportunities that comes with being a part of The Elite, as well as the dirt Antonio has on you."

Antonio snickered. "Don't you think you're being a little too bold?"

I shook my head. "I'm simply stating my stance, and making it clear - It's all just business."

"Unbelievable." Spencer breathed.

"Am I wrong? Last I checked, there's a good amount of dirt on you as well."

"Paul." Donnell warned.

"And I just took responsibility for the one thing being held over your head." I stated, making Donnell sigh. "So tell me, what about The Elite is a brotherhood?"

The boys fell silent, though sudden laughter from Antonio filled the Spring air as he stepped forward and even applauded my direct observation.

"Wow instead of enjoying your time in Asia, your mind has been hard at work I see."

I shrugged. "Naturally, being with Kayla and deciding to come out about it means I'd have to accept the repercussions."

"Then you fully comprehend the new door you've just opened with me, now that she's your 'responsibility' as you say."

I presented a confident smile now that there were no secrets between Kayla and I.

"You're still suspicious of her?" I questioned. "I saw stuff went down last week when I caught up on the news after landing back in Boston. Apparently, a busload of trafficking victims were saved just in time and the incident as well as many other Boston kidnappings and murders are being linked to organized international crime, now. The term "mafia" was even used."

Bluffing, Antonio maintained a wry grin across his face as I took a proactive step towards him.

"Obviously, I'm not certain you're behind this and as an AHS representative, it's best not to tell me too much because as we've discussed it wouldn't be to your benefit to make me an accomplice of your potential crimes.

"But hypothetically, if this all did have anything to do with you. Well this should be all the proof you need to clear your suspicions of her, no? As you saw, when the event took place Kayla and I were in Asia together. The person coming for you - It's not her Antonio."

The Italian remained silent, our gazes locked as he did his best to read me. I knew he couldn't question me in confidence though.

I had never been more determined to protect anyone in my life. My gaze was strong and extremely assuring.

"So what does this mean for us going forward?" Antonio asked. "You don't seem interested in remaining a part of The Elite from what I can tell."

I took a second to think things through and seeing as I still hadn't heard from my father since I revealed my relationship with Kayla, I figured I could maintain a business relationship with The Elite to soften the disobedience he had yet to discipline me for.

"That's entirely up to you." I decided. "I can confirm, as we agreed AHS will remain the legal representative for you and the rest of The Elite, and as you saw tonight we are simply the best. I also enjoy a good time and we had many of those together, didn't we?

"As long as you can accept my relationship with Kayla and respect her as my girlfriend, of course this relationship can continue as well as its added benefits. What do you think?"

I offered Antonio my hand to shake, and the Italian stared at it for many seconds.

"Antonio, seriously?" Chase appealed. "What the hell? There's no way you're considering this!"

"Why shouldn't I?" Antonio said, accepting my gesture. "After all, it's just business."

My lips quirked up, we shook on the deal as the rest of the members sighed in the background.

"I know an adjustment period is needed." I started, looking to Chase. "Try to trust me, though. In terms of career, the next steps for Spencer and Donnell are concrete but what about you? You've always been interested in Clearwater Financial. They're recruiting and one good word from Johnny will solidify your spot as an intern this year."

"R-Really?" Chase folded, easily motivated and manipulated by his greed.

"Of course." I chimed, looking to Antonio next. "Opportunities are endless for you too. Just let me know when you need my help in the legal industry. I'll make it happen, while AHS continues to protect you and the other world you run as well."

Making my place and power undeniably clear, Antonio accepted the reality as it set in for me - I was't the only one being pressured to maintain this relationship.

I could see it in Antonio's eyes. He was furious and wanted to take action, but there was an unknown keeping him in check when it came to me.

"So should we drink to this evolution of our brotherhood?" Antonio asked, his tone forced.

Feeling my phone vibrate in my chest pocket, I pulled it out and saw the text message I had been waiting for since the award ceremony ended.

"Next time." I smirked. "My plus one just arrived."

Slipping my phone back into my pocket, I patted Antonio's shoulder and made my departure as the boys watched in silence.

I knew I had just ruffled their feathers, but at the same time I offered a valuable business case.

Did Antonio scare me? Hell yeah, but it was also just confirmed as long as I stayed a step ahead and kept the past where it belonged - he wasn't going to do anything.

Walking through the crowded venue, I eagerly rushed towards the ballroom's entrance to greet Makayla until I felt a familiar hold on my wrist that stopped me in my tracks.

"Ho-seok, wait. Can we please talk?" Sam pleaded in Korean.

Despite my annoyance, I gently removed my wrist from her grip and subtly looked around to ensure there was enough privacy to address this ambush.

"I'm not doing this with you." I stated. "We're done. How much more direct do I need to be?"

"Ho-seok are you serious? We were promised to each other less than three weeks ago. You think posting a picture with her on Instagram is directly communicating with me?"

"As a reminder you forced me into that arrangement and I never accepted it!" I softly snapped. "I haven't been direct with you? The same night you nearly cost me my relationship with Kayla, I told you I could give up everything for her and as you just referenced, that statement wasn't a bluff. That post showed my commitment to her, and my mind isn't changing."

"You're still not being rational." She sighed. "Look around, Ho-seok. Remember who you are, and the reputation you are expected to maintain. A woman like Makayla can't stand beside someone like you. She doesn't belong-..."

Her lips parted, Sam froze as her attention shifted past me and I couldn't help but snicker when I saw what silenced her so quickly.

"You were saying?" I sassed.

Stunned, Sam didn't utter a word as I turned around and headed towards my beautiful date.

That elegant glow Kayla picked up while we were in Korea was still very much present, and she looked breathtaking this evening.

Wearing a form fitted off-the-shoulder gown I selected for her, the brown silky metallic-mesh dress looked incredible on her slim figure and complemented her complexion so well.

Her silk-pressed hair had loose curls, and her makeup was both glamorous and neutral since her smokey eyes and shimmering cheekbones were paired with a natural lip color.

"Nae Aein." I called for Kayla, her long leg exposed through the slit of the dress as she turned to face me on her pedicured toes.

"Baby." She chimed.

Walking into my arms, I surprised Kayla when I caressed her cheek and kissed her.

"You look beautiful." I doted.

"All thanks to you. This dress is gorgeous, Ho-seok."

I kissed her cheek this time, making her blush even further by time she spotted the pair of spiteful eyes directed at us.

"I see what this is. You're making a statement right now, huh?" She giggled as I nodded and slipped my hand into hers. "I'm sorry I was so late. She hasn't been giving you a hard time since you got here, has she?"

"No." I assured. "And even if she had, it wouldn't matter. Tonight's about Johnny's success as a leader, and the introduction of you and Madison to our world here in Boston. AHS had a hell of a night. We're a hot commodity so naturally, many will be interested in meeting the women standing beside us. You look the part, but how are you feeling? Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be." She nervously stated, and as she took a deep breath her eyes suddenly centered on the four men she still very much loathed. "What about them? You've avoided The Elite since we got back from Asia. Have they approached you here, yet?"

"I just finished talking with them, actually."

"What did they say?" She asked wide-eyed. "Did they buy what we discussed?"

"I think so." I replied. "Antonio will always be suspicious, but there's no denying you weren't here last week. Whoever's been helping you, their impulse decision to make a move while you were away may have saved us a lot of trouble."

"Let's hope so." She breathed, anxiously glancing at the boys one last time.

"Hey, don't worry about them and don't worry about Sam." I cooed. "Have some faith in me. I'm smart, strategic, proactive, and one hell of a negotiator. Most importantly, I love you like crazy. I'll protect you no matter what. We're in this together now, okay?"

She nodded as I guided her hand so she had a hold of my arm.

"Where's Johnny and Madison?" She asked. "Shawn's here too, right?"

"Yeah, come with me."

I escorted Kayla through the ballroom, and of course her beauty and my affection towards here drew attention to us.

She smiled to those that greeted us, but I pulled her along with me until we found our friends.

"Makayla! You made it!" Johnny chimed, despite the legal leaders standing before him.

"Of course! I hear many congratulations are in order, Johnny!"

He smiled, raising his glass in celebration as Kayla shared a hug with Shawn and she was welcomed by Madison next.

"Thank you so much for closing out my shift for me! I hope it wasn't too rough?"

"You left me to deal with a simple appendectomy and we were able to take the less invasive approach. It was quick and easy." Kayla replied.

"A appendectomy?" Boston's most decorated judge questioned, his colleague beside him. "Johnny we've been talking for nearly ten minutes and you didn't utter a word about this. Is your gorgeous guest a doctor?"

"She's a General Surgeon to be more specific." Johnny proudly replied. "This young woman is her mentee and fellow resident, and next to her is my mentee and future AHS successor."

"Good evening, it's an honor to formally meet you Judge Miller." I stated, offering the elder my hand to shake. "I'm Paul Ahn and this is my girlfriend, Makayla Pearson."

"Wow!" He enthused. "Of course, handsome talents like you are bound to have such beautiful and successful women by their sides! It's great to meet you all!"

Similar to Judge Miller, every professional that interacted with our group was blown away by each us, and Kayla was more polished than I expected her to be in such an unfamiliar setting.

She held her own and expanded her network like I advised, despite the glares being directed at us from both The Elite and my troubled ex.

Fortunately, this award ceremony was a very exclusive event and they all kept their distance throughout the night, even leaving before the five of us decided to head out ourselves.

"Are you sure you don't want to join us?" Johnny asked Shawn. "The lounge is just across the street, and I would love it if you celebrated such a big night with us. You're family now."

"I appreciate the invite but I have my own lady to get back to this evening." Shawn gleamed. "Big congrats again, boss! I look forward to starting my internship next week."

"And I look forward to mentoring you, but be warned. Ho-seok is quite territorial of me."

Johnny and Shawn looked my way, the girls already laughing at me.

"Yeah, I can't deny that. We will have problems if you occupy too much of his time, Shawn."

Cracking up, I dapped my roommate goodbye before we went our separate ways.

Johnny led the rest of us towards the vary establishment in which he and I met Madison, and thanks to her, a section on the suave and relaxing rooftop lounge was already paid for and set up for the four of us to enjoy by time we arrived and got seated outside.

"Congratulations, hyung! No one is more deserving of tonight's wins than you!" I toasted.

In honor of Johnny, we clanked our crystal glasses and enjoyed the first sip of aged bourbon.

"This still feels so surreal!" Johnny admitted. "I knew AHS Boston had one hell of a year, but damn! Walking away with 8 NELA awards?"

"Have you checked your bank account? I'm sure my father has received word by now."

Johnny took my advice, and his eyes widened as he looked to his phone screen.

"How much did you get?" Madison questioned, gasping when he showed her. "$50K!"

"That's more than half my salary." Kayla gaped.

Chuckling, I took another sip of my drink. "They call AHS golden handcuffs for a reason. If you do good work, no one is more rewarding than my father."

"And yet, the two of you pulled such a huge stunt going public like that." Johnny scolded.

"Hyung, I thought you supported us."

"Obviously I do, but you can't tell me you're not the slightest bit concerned. It's been nearly a week since you posted about your relationship with Kayla, and he's not contacted you once? He's not even reached out to me about the reveal, Ho-seok. That's strange!"

"He's right." Kayla agreed. "In this case, I don't think silence is good news and it's alarming he instructed Johnny to send you on the stage to accept the 'Firm of The Year' award as if nothing happened."

"Actually that tells me, maintaining a legacy means more to my father than anything." I rebutted. "The good news is, I just learned he'll never cut me off. The bad news is, he's definitely going to gun for you since he's unwilling to touch me, Kayla.

"I reached out to his lead housekeeper. She confirmed that he was drunk and furious when he returned home from the gentleman's lounge that night. He trashed multiple parts of the house and threw a big tantrum, but went to work the next day and resumed business as usual.

"He's either planning or waiting to make a move, so we need to be prepared for anything. That being said, no matter what he does, I promise I will stay by your side and protect you."

Her nose scrunched, Kayla smiled as she leaned in and kissed me.

"I know you will." She boasted, showing off the white gold ring she still couldn't get enough of. "Per your declaration, you're committed and not going anywhere."

"I still can't believe this!" Madison exclaimed, gabbing Makayla's hand. "I don't care that there's no diamond on here! A ring is a ring! How did you beat me to this?"

"It's a couples ring. It's a Korean tradition." I informed Madison, and she glared at her man.

"Are you not Korean?" She asked Johnny.

"I'm Canadian-Korean, and that tradition did not make it across the sea."

Madison rolled her eyes as Kayla and I laughed at the couple, but Johnny's gaze suddenly fixated on his girlfriend and his demeanor started to shift as well.

"Do you want a ring from me that bad?" He pressed.

"Why would you ask me that?" She responded, noticeably flustered. "I already implied such a gesture would be nice. Asking me a question like that makes me look desperate, Johnny!"

"So the answer is yes?"

"Does it matter? As you stated, that tradition didn't make it across sea."

Despite her lighthearted sass, Johnny's vibe was growing even more serious as he watched her enjoy her beverage and my eyebrows furrowed seeing the contemplation in his gaze.

"I simply said that tradition didn't make it into Canada and for me, when I give a woman a ring it'll be the real deal."

"I guess I'll keep waiting. It's not like I'm getting older or anything." She joked, laughing with Kayla as I braced myself for the shocking decision I knew my big brother was about to make.

"I guess you're ready too, then." He softly stated, standing up just to take a knee in front of Madison as he pulled out a small leather box from his jacket pocket.

"Johnny, what are you doing?" Madison breathed, her eyes rounded.

"Something I've been contemplating for quite some time now." He confessed. "I've had this piece of jewelry on me every day for the last three weeks - trying to decide if I'm simply smitten, or that in love with you Madison."

Kayla gasped, pushing me towards the other end of the couch. "Move, get up! It's happening!"

Stumbling, I did as told while Kayla pulled out her phone to capture the moment beside me.

"Maddie, my feelings for you have been intense ever since the night we met at this vary lounge. Not a day has past that I haven't thought about you, and I miss you like crazy whenever you're not with me. That's so unlike me, given how much of a workaholic I've always been and a part of me even thought I was going crazy, but tonight confirmed how badly I want to have you by my side for the rest of my life.

"I wasn't just proud to have a woman like you on my arm. I felt elated, safe, and like tonight wasn't just my accomplishment. It was ours, and the first of many to come as we build a life together. This is what I want, and a life beside you is the only future for me."

Opening the box, Johnny presented a perfectly cut pear shaped diamond ring to Madison.

"I know how hard you've worked your entire life. I know how tired you are of being independent and I know how many people have disappointed you in the past. But if you accept this ring, you'll never be alone again. I'll be your strength, your protector, your provider, and the one person in this world who will love you unconditionally. All you have to do is marry me."

Her hands covered her trembling lips, water welled up in her brown eyes.

"Will you marry me, Madison?" Johnny proposed.

The surgeon sobbed, and she struggled to answer him as tears streaming down he stunned face. Johnny maintained a smile though, while he patiently waited for her response.

"I'm sorry." She whimpered.

"It's okay, I know it's sudden." He cooed. "I love you, Maddie. If you're not ready-..."

"No! I mean, yes!" She reacted, briefly covering her face as the couple laughed with one another. "You know I'm ready! Of course I'll marry you. My answer is yes, Johnny!"

Hearing her reply, Johnny slid the ring on her finger and a few surrounding witnesses even applauded the newly engaged couple while they shared a tight embrace.

"Did you capture it?" Madison sniffled, looking to Kayla.

"You know I did! But no cap..." Kayla paused. "It was an ugly cry, friend."

"How ugly are we talking? Like dude from Dawson's Creek?"

"More like Kim K."

Madison gasped, gesturing for Kayla to join her back on the couch while I congratulated Johnny with a hug.

"You always have to one up me, huh?" I teased.

Johnny shrugged, "It's only right I achieve this milestone before you, little bro. Plus, Madison wants a big family. I'm not even kidding when I say, I've got work to do Ho-seok."

The two of us were cracking up as we took our place beside the ladies again, celebrating with another drink as Madison embraced this special moment.

"I seriously can't believe what just happened!" She gushed. "With a personality like yours, I just knew you'd go all out with a photographer and fireworks if you ever proposed to me!"

"A personality like mine?" Johnny questioned.

"You're extra as hell!" She replied.

Johnny shook his head, despite how hard all of us were laughing at his denial when I suddenly felt my phone vibrate.

As I reached for it in my pocket, I noticed Kayla look to her screen as well and my heart sank seeing we received the same invite - but hers came with an added message from the host.

(Maybe: Antonio) Welcome back to the family, Kayla. 

____

Author's Note: Happy Holidays! I hope you've all been able to relax and spend time with your loved ones! I sure have, and appreciate your continued patience! 

Ho-seok and Makayla are back in Boston, and as you can see our boy is still steadily moving forward with his decision to bring Kayla into his world! 

Though he put Sam and The Elite in their place, do you think there will be repercussions? Knowing how twisted Antonio can be, do you think he'll stand still or is there a higher force protect Paul like he senses? Why do you think CEO Ahn has been so quiet? 

Please remember to vote and comment! Thanks for the support!

- Zelene