Makayla POV

Windows down, the chauffeur Danny and Min-seok sent to retrieve me from the airport drove along the busy roads of Phuket, Thailand.

I closed my eyes while I embraced the fresh air on such a warm and sunny Friday afternoon.

The tropical winds and the view of the vibrant district were refreshing, though my stomach was in knots now that I'd have to face Ho-seok for the first time since the heart-wrenching evening.

"Is this your first time in Thailand?" The driver asked.

"Yes, it is."

"You're going to love the Phuket district! The resort you're staying at is incredible but you'll want to visit the many landmarks the area has to offer too!"

The man went on and on about the village and the many temples within it, while I did my best to maintain my own smile. It was so hard to, though.

After two long weeks, it appeared I still wasn't over the shocking news of Ho-seok's sudden engagement and the agonizing encounter that revealed it.

- 14 Days Earlier -

I slipped on the hoodie and leggings I packed for yet another night at Ho-seok's.

Despite having the sniffles, I was all smiles just thinking about him and the fact that he had just accepted my sincere and deep affection for him.

"Love." I whispered. "I can't believe I said it!"

Squealing, I covered my curled lips with the collar of my sweater.

The memory embarrassed me so much, yet it also made me feel like I was the happiest woman in the world. Even if he didn't say it back, I knew it was only a matter of time before he did and I couldn't wait to shamelessly love him with everything my heart had to offer from now on.

Knowing Ho-seok would be back any minute, I made my way downstairs and poured fresh water into his electric kettle before I got comfortable on the living room couch next.

As I scrolled through the apps on his TV, I struggled to choose tonight's genre.

Should I lean towards our favorite movie type - Action/Adventure? Should I go for playful, with a comedy? Or should I set the tone for later with a romance?

"Decisions, decisions, decisions." I said to myself. "I like the latter, though."

Giggling like the giddy lovestruck woman I had become, I searched for a steamy romcom when I heard those beeping noises from the front door smart lock. However, it became clear it wasn't Ho-seok when the person attempting to enter his home was denied entry not once, but twice.

My eyes squinted, I walked towards the intercom monitor where I was shocked and disgusted to see Sam's face on its screen.

"Wow." I scoffed. "She's really lost her mind, showing up here after all this time."

After being denied entry a third time, Ho-seok's ex finally rang the doorbell.

I contemplated if I should answer it on his behalf. While a part of me thought it might be best to let Sam sit outside until he returned, a much bigger part of me wanted to protect him from the manipulative woman that constantly left him feeling hurt and confused whenever they spoke.

"Let me just take care of this woman, for good." I decided, and as I answered the door I made sure to do so with the most condescending glare I was capable of.

"What are you doing here?" Sam gaped.

"I think that's a question for you to answer. This is my boyfriend's house after all and last I heard from him, you were long gone and in his past."

She smirked. "Sounds like you still aren't aware of the latest news, then."

My brows furrowed, Sam pushed me to the side and walked into the house.

"He's not home?" She continued, and my God was this girl bold.

When she stepped into the kitchen, she got comfortable very quickly - setting her purse on the table and even taking off her coat.

"No he's not home right now, and I'm so grateful for that." I replied. "I think a chat between you and I is long overdue at this point."

"Is that so?" She patronized.

"Clearly, since you don't understand the magnitude of how weird and obsessive your behavior is right now." I sneered. "I'm not remotely as patient and polished as Ho-seok is, so I'll be frank. Just seeing you, it's making my blood boil and I don't have the best temper.

"So while I'm still being polite, you need to put back on that coat and leave before Ho-seok gets back. I also advise that you never show up here again, because I promise the next time you do - no words will be exchanged. As his girlfriend, I can't allow you to keep showing up and interrupting his peace like this. Better yet, I won't tolerate it."

"Are you threatening me?"

"Very much so."

"Wow, this is so pathetic." She snobbishly cackled. "I almost feel bad for you, Makayla. I really do. Ho-seok was supposed to take care of this on his own, but I guess I'll be the one to put you in your place since he couldn't."

My brows arched, I couldn't believe my ears. "Excuse me?"

"You're the one who has no business being in this house anymore." She hissed, stepping right in front of me. "His girlfriend? You're nothing but his mistress now, and that's only if I allow it."

"Mistress?" I finally snapped. "You're truly one crazy ass bitch! Who the hell do you think you are?"

"His fiancée." She stated, making my eyes widen. "As of Friday, Ho-seok and I are engaged."

"Wh-What?"

"You heard me, sweetheart. We had our family introduction during a lovely lunch just two days ago, and both families agreed to the marriage. Ho-seok is my fiancé and you've been nothing but a mere distraction from the reality that's always been his future."

My lips parted, the aching heart beneath my chest sank to the pit of my stomach.

"No." I denied. "You're...You're lying."

"Am I?" She chuckled. "From the look in your eyes, it doesn't appear you think I am either."

"There's no way. Ho-seok and I have been with each other every day this weekend. He doesn't lie to me and he would've told me about this. He'd never keep something like this from me."

"Then why are you panicking so much?" She questioned, her head tilted and arms crossed. "He's been weird, hasn't he? Someone typically so attentive has been absent minded all weekend, right?"

I gulped, my vision blurring while she read my relationship like an open book.

"You can probably guess why he hasn't told you. You know as well as I do, he'd never choose you over his entire inheritance, which means to tell you is to leave you. Since, I'll admit, he's been sincere about you - I'm sure coming clean has been hard for him to do.

"I wanted to respect Ho-seok, and let him be the one to end things with you. But that mouth of yours and the shameless confidence you have the audacity to spout in my face as if we're equals in this world. Shiro - I hate it.

"Ho-seok is the inheritor of AHS. The biggest law firm in Korea, and a powerhouse across the entire globe. A nameless woman like you, never stood a chance at a future with a man like him - and he's always known that.

"So now that we're full circle and it looks like reality has finally set in that delusional brain of yours - You are the one that needs to leave this house, and you better do so while I'm the one still being polite."

Heartbroken and immensely embarrassed - I stood still.

I couldn't move, or utter a single word in response.

I had never felt so small. So belittled and foolish. So deceived and betrayed.

"Well?" Sam mocked, sneering at my flushed and tearstained face. "Save yourself from further embarrassment, and leave before Ho-seok gets back. I'll give him your regards."

My body shaking, I backed away from her as I did my best to control my breathing and endure the heart palpitations that were fiercely beating at an irregular rate.

I even stumbled, falling next to the lined shoes beside Ho-seok's front door.

My head hung as low as my shoulders, and I had no courage to look at Sam again either.

I slipped on my black boots as fast as I could and rushed out of that house.

I even forwent all the items I ever brought into it, to include my winter coat. I was so mortified though, the Boston cold couldn't amount to the excruciating pain I was feeling.

Running down the sidewalk, I wept as I avoided Ho-seok and accepted the harsh reality his fiancée so cruelly had to paint for me.

So this was why he couldn't say it back, I thought to myself.

He didn't love me enough to stay with me, and that's assuming he ever loved me at all...

***

"Welcome to Sri Panwa, Phuket!" The driver exclaimed, my lips parted as we parked in front of the hotel's grand entrance. "Please let me get the door for you, ma'am."

"Oh, okay. Thank you." I timidly replied.

As the suited gentleman rushed around the vehicle, I grabbed my purse before he helped me step out of the black Mercedes.

Seeing such a luxurious resort - I still couldn't believe my eyes despite the 5 minute campus drive we underwent to get to it's main doors.

Surrounded by lush green grass, tropical trees, colorful plants and even bamboo, the globally famous establishment covered dozens of acres of land and certainly emitted that calm and soul-soothing oasis the website promised.

"Dr. Makayla Pearson?" A Thai woman called for me. Elegantly, she strutted towards me wearing a black skirt suit and her hair was slicked back in a tight bun.

"Yes ma'am, that's me." I replied. 

"I'm Ara, Danny and Min-seok's wedding planner. Welcome!" She gleamed. "The hotel porters will bring your luggage to your suite. Please come with me, though. The bridal party is waiting for you, as the wedding rehearsal is about to start."

I gestured for the woman to lead the way, and as I followed her she informed me of the busy itinerary - though I have to admit I missed most of the details.

I couldn't focus. I was so nervous to see Ho-seok, despite everything I had done to prepare.

I perfectly evaded him these past few weeks. I blocked his number, stayed at the hospital when I wasn't at the hideout, and I only went to my apartment to pick up clean clothes when I got confirmation from Madison that he was at AHS with Johnny.

No doubt, he should know I didn't want to see or hear from him by now.

I kept my mind stimulated for my benefit as well, focusing on complex and unique cases at the hospital. I was even getting more hands on experience with surgeries since I proved myself while operating on the mass murder from the shooting.

My career was literally taking off and whenever I wasn't tending to patients, I was working out.

My body was tight and right, just to accent my freshly styled kinks.

Before coming to Thailand, I got my hair professionally done and my waist length curls were shiny, soft, bouncy, and well defined.

At the airport I slayed my makeup, rocking a brown smokey eye to match my ombre lips, and I changed out of my flight sweats into a long brown tube dress that hugged my body perfectly.

I looked amazing, I was thriving and felt fulfilled at work, and I'd taken every step in proactively moving on from Ho-seok. Yet here I was was, panicking more and more with every step I took towards him.

"Since the wedding will be held on the hotel's exclusive bar top, we'll be holding the rehearsal indoors so they can maintain business on the rooftop as usual, today." Ara said, stepping in front of a tall set of doors. "Please, come inside! The bride is so excited to see you!"

As asked, I followed Ara into the banquet hall and instantly spotted Ho-seok strait ahead.

He was sitting at a round table with the boys I had heard so much about, and he looked so damn handsome - his clear skin moisturized and fair, his hair perfectly styled, and his broad shoulders looked even wider than usual beneath the linen button up he was wearing.

"Kayla!" Danny exclaimed, shifting everyone's attention in my direction. "You're finally here!"

I smiled as she ran towards me and welcomed me with open arms.

Per usual, my tiny cousin embraced me with her arms wrapped around my waist while mine circled her slim shoulders. What was unusual, was the hard bump between us.

"Oh my goodness, please let me see it! Let me see your belly!"

Giggling, Danny stepped out of the hug and revealed the small bump that looked so adorable beneath the white babydoll dress she was wearing.

"I can't believe this!" I gushed, gently placing my hand on her firm stomach. "How do you feel? Is the pregnancy going well?"

"The babies are healthy but I'm not gonna lie, morning sickness is a bitch. It hasn't been too bad the last few days, though. I'm hoping that means the pregnancy will get easier down the road, but I know that's wishful thinking. Especially since I'm carrying twins."

"Hang in there. I've already witnessed a few births during my residency, and the look on every mothers' face is priceless when they hold their baby for the first time. It's all worth it, cuz!"

Danny beamed, nodding to me when I noticed the rest of the bridal party approach us.

"Hey Makayla!" Amy chimed. "It's been awhile!"

"I know, right! It's good to see you!"

"Likewise!" She replied and my attention shifted to the two strangers I had yet to meet, next.

"Kayla, this is Ji-soo!" Danny said, introducing a stunning woman who was rocking the hell out of a shaggy bob cut.

"Hello! Nice to meet you!" She greeted.

I smiled to the person Danny always said was just like me. I could tell saying those few words in english was challenging for her as well, but she was still joyful and eager to meet me.

"And this gorgeous woman right here, is Haneul." Danny proceeded, placing her hand on the famous supermodel's back. Her friend was just staring at me though, and it felt quite awkward.

"Hi-..." I started, just to be cut off when Haneul stepped a little too close for comfort.

"Wow!" She gasped, touching the ends of my hair. "So pretty! Very, very pretty!"

"Thank you?" I replied, watching as she circled me in amazement.

"Tall!" She squealed, her accent very strong. "Slim and firm too! You model?"

I shook my head. "I'm a doctor."

"Such waste." She sighed, making my eyes widen as the girls around me laughed.

"Don't take it personally. She's always recruiting for her company." Amy replied.

I nodded, aware of Haneul's background and how much she had changed Amy's life in just one year. The woman was a powerhouse, and as direct and outspoken as Danny described.

"Kayla!" Min-seok this time called for me. My stomach flipped seeing Ho-seok amongst the group of men following closely behind him as we shared a hug. "I'm so happy you made it!"

"Of course!" I enthused. "Congratulations on so many things! Are you holding up well?"

He nodded. "My job's easy. I just have to keep your cousin happy. She's doing all the work, carrying our children."

"Wow, Danny seriously hit the jackpot. You always say the right things, I swear."

He laughed with me, accepting my praise before he glanced at the group of men behind him.

"Let me introduce you to the guys." He offered.

"No need. I think I'm pretty familiar with them all." I confirmed, pointing out each of the famous inheritors. "You're Park Eun-woo. The playful and mischievous successor of IN Motors?"

"That's me!" He gleamed, his smile as bright as I imagined it would be.

"Beside him, is Hwang Nam-joon. I hope I pronounced it correctly?" He excitedly nodded, his dark eyes mysterious yet warm and trusting - just like Ho-seok described.

"Last but not least, Park Min-jun." I proceeded. "You're the one who risked his life for Min-seok. As a surgeon, I know how dangerous it is to undergo anesthesia and I heard you didn't hesitate when you found out you and Min-seok were a match for the procedure. Thank you for your bravery and for saving him."

Blushing, Min-seok explained my introduction to Min-jun and it seemed he was touched by my words too. So much so, he took me by surprise and hugged me.

"Welcome to the family." Min-jun responded.

Feeling so much kindness in this sudden embrace, I hugged the tall man back until his wife's loud voice startled us.

"Ya!" Haneul yelled, slapping his shoulder. "Jinjja?Jugeullae?"

I didn't know what she was saying, but clearly Min-jun was getting cursed out and this banter must have been normal to witness amongst this group. They were all laughing at the couple, while I looked to Danny for a translation.

"She calling him out for having a type." Danny chuckled. "For the sake of the group, and especially Min-jun, avoid being alone with him at all costs. Okay?"

"Roger that?" I agreed.

Despite the confusion present on my face, I found myself laughing with the tight-knit group until I heard his voice next.

"Hey, Kayla." Ho-seok nervously greeted, silencing his friends as they witnessed the awkward encounter. "I'm glad came."

"Of course I did." I coldly responded. "It's my cousin's wedding after all. I wouldn't miss it for anything, to include you."

Our gazes connected, the atmosphere grew tense as I made it very clear Ho-seok and I were not on speaking terms.

"Kayla!" Danny interjected, locking arms with me. "Your mom and dad are here, and mine and Min-seok's parents are eager to see you too! Let's go greet them, shall we?"

Dragged past the group, I spotted my mom already standing to greet me. Dad was still seated at another round table - alongside my aunt, uncle, and Min-seok's parents.

"My baby's finally here!" Mom exclaimed. I hugged her and my dad before they smothered me in more affection than usual. "It feels so good to put eyes on you! Especially after you survived that shooting. I've been so worried about you, Kayla."

"How are you doing babygirl?" Dad asked.

"For the 100th time, I'm good." He intently looked me in my eyes since it was impossible for me to fool him. My father and I were alike in every way. "Convinced yet?"

He chuckled. "Barely, but I'll have to trust you on this."

I smirked, just to be approached by Uncle Rodney and Aunt Gina next. They expressed their relief and concerns following the shooting and to my surprise... So did Min-seok's parents.

"I hope you don't mind! I'm a hugger!" The heir's gorgeous mother giggled. "It's so lovely to meet you, Makayla! I've heard so much about you through Min-seok and Danny!"

"All good things, I hope."

"Oh of course!" She gushed, even caressing my cheek. She was very nurturing, just as Danny had characterized. "My goodness, you're as beautiful as your cousin. The genes in this family are quite incredible!"

"I agree." Her husband replied. "It's nice to finally meet you, Makayla."

"Ch-Chairman Nam." I stuttered and though he was smiling, his calm and strong presence was intimidating.

"Please, as of tomorrow you and I will be family. Uncle Man-shik will do." I blushed seeing his charming smile. "I hear you're smart like your cousin too, but in medicine?"

"Yes sir. I graduated from Harvard's medical school, and I'm a year in at my residency now."

"If you need anything, please let me know. I happen to own the largest hospital in Seoul, and as you know Korea sours in medical practice."

"I'm aware, sir. South Korea is very advanced in medicine, even compared to the US. The breakthroughs and technology there, are amazing."

He smirked. "Selfishly, I'd love to offer you a position at my hospital. Especially if it means, another family member is close to Danny. I compensate well, as your uncle knows."

"I sure do." Uncle Rodney cackled. "Also having another set of eyes on Danny would put your favorite uncle at ease. You should consider his offer, Kayla Bear."

Dad snapped his tongue. "Man, cut it out Rod! She ain't goin nowhere! I can barely keep in touch with her and she's not even a day's drive away from me!"

"Wow, all the mess you were talkin when I didn't want Danny to move to Korea! Now, look at you! Hypocrite!"

Dad looked away, his lips pursed as we all laughed at him before Ara called for the room's attention.

"Everyone, we only have this space for one more hour! It's time to rehearse for the wedding, and from here this group will go to Baba Soul Food, to enjoy dinner! You ready?"

The room enthused, cheering to the joyful occasion before we all did as instructed.

First, the groom and his best men were given instructions on their role and was it fascinating.

Danny's wedding would be a combination of our traditions and Min-seok's.

Her fiancé had groomsmen, one of which would be the MC - and it was Eun-woo.

I later found out Danny also had a MC to represent the bridesmaids - and it would be Amy.

The two MCs were responsible for pulling together humorous scripts that would both facilitate and translate the wedding. The reverend Danny and I grew up under, would only bless and pray for the couple in comparison to the lengthy message we were used to.

After we understood the schedule, we practiced the introduction of the ceremony.

Each bridesmaid was coupled with her significant other, which made this so awkward for Ho-seok and I. Especially since we were the last ones to walk down the aisle, just ahead of Danny and Uncle Rodney.

As that traditional wedding song played, Ho-seok and I stood beside each other while Min-jun and Haneul walked down the long passage before us.

"You look beautiful." Ho-seok tried. "How are you? I've been so worried about you, Kayla."

"There's no need for you to do that anymore." I replied. "I thought my lack of response would have made that clear by now."

"You act like this is the first time you've ignored me."

"It is the first time I've blocked you, no?" I snarled, making him sigh.

"After the rehearsal, please just give me a few minutes to explain everything."

"I'm good."

"Kayla-..."

"Are you or are you not engaged to her?" I asked, and he sighed.

"I am, but-..."

"There's nothing else to discuss, then. You promised yourself to another woman, and didn't even tell me about it. That's all there is to it, and I'm done."

"Aein, please. I'm beg-..."

"Next!" Ara yelled. "Makayla and Ho-seok, please walk down the aisle!"

Our arms locked, I did as told despite how badly it hurt being this close to him again.

I could smell his familiar sandalwood scent and even feel the warmth that had revived my heart after so many months of grief.

"Beautiful! Such a lovely pair!" Ara praised.

Going our separate ways at the end of the aisle, Ho-seok and I took our places beside the bridesmaids and groomsmen while Ara coached Danny and Min-seok through the remaining steps of the ceremony.

The entire rehearsal, Ho-seok stared at me and this continued into the dinner.

Fortunately, my parents were included even though they were not a part of the wedding. I knew Danny arranged this to help me navigate mine and Ho-seok's break up, and I was so grateful.

I caught up with my parents throughout the meal, and spent most of the time entertaining both Danny and Min-seok's parents since their friends weren't fluent in English.

When the meal ended, it was well into the evening and time for the bride and groom's wedding parties to separate for the rest of the night.

"Your suite is next to ours, sweetie." Mom said. "I'll wake you up in the morning so we can get ready for the wedding, together. Sound good?"

I nodded. "Thank you."

Beaming, she tightly hugged me as her and my dad sent me off to the bachelorette party.

The rest of the bride's party were saying goodbye to their partners, while Ho-seok continued to fixate on me from a far.

"Be safe and take care of your cousin. Call us if you need anything." Dad said.

"I will, promise." I assured. "I love you, both. Goodnight!"

I waved to my mom and dad as they headed towards the elevators with the rest of the parents, but my eyes closed feeling his presence behind me just seconds later.

"Just five minutes, Kayla." Ho-seok requested.

"No." I replied. "I'm not doing this with you. We're here for Danny and Min-seok, and it's time to celebrate their last night before marriage. Be a proper friend, and go support the groom."

"Fine, but are you staying for the rest of the trip in Thailand at least?"

I shrugged, shaking my head. "Probably not."

He sighed. "Kayla, I'm begging you. Please don't do this. Don't put that wall up, again."

"Don't put that wall up?" I recited. "You're the one who built it this time, Ho-seok. It's firm and steady again, it's foundation - all the secrets your fiancée had to tell me since you were too much of a coward to do so yourself."

"Aein-..."

"Go." I sternly commanded. "And stop calling me that. I'm not your sweetheart anymore. I'm not even your acquaintance at this point. Everything about our relationship is done and after this wedding, I want nothing to do with you.

"Just leave me alone and go on about your perfect life as the heir of AHS Group. It's the path you were always meant to take, just like I had my own to take before you came into my life..."

"Kayla, no." He loudly pleaded, even grabbing my wrist before I snatched it out of his hold.

"Don't! Don't touch me!"

"Kayla please-..."

"Hyung." Min-seok called for him. Shaking his head, he gestured for Ho-seok to give me space while the rest of the party embarrassingly watched.

As my ex's head fell, I walked around him and joined the girls where Danny quickly comforted me.

"You okay?" She asked, our arms locked.

I placed a smile on my face. "I'm fine. Don't worry about me. This is your time. Let's go celebrate you, mama!"

Though weary and hesitant, we said our final goodbye to the guys before Danny let me guide her out of the building. The rest of the girls followed closely behind us, and we all climbed into a limo minutes later.

Though Danny couldn't drink, we ended up at a lively club with a paid section that overlooked the entire venue.

I could tell, Min-seok had planned it all. When we got to our section, we were welcomed with a large bottle service and amongst the bottle girls was a specialist that provided Danny with amazing mocktails throughout the evening.

We danced the night away, which was perfect since I was still struggling to communicate with Ji-soo and Haneul. The music and dancing translated nicely though and we had so much fun, I was able to forget about Ho-seok for awhile.

By time we got back to the hotel, it was nearly midnight. I was terrified to see the state of my expensive curls but they somehow survived hours worth of laughing, dancing, and drinking.

I took a quick shower and fulfilled my skin and hair routine before I sat on my bed.

Now that all distractions were gone, he quickly consumed my thoughts in this silent suite.

Recalling the sad look in his eyes earlier, I grew worried even though I was still so angry.

Was I too harsh in the lobby? Was he acting out tonight as a result, and if so, just how much trouble was he getting into?

"Kayla?" Danny called for me, softly knocking on the suite door. "Are you still awake?"

Surprised to hear her voice at such a late hour, I rushed to greet her.

"Hey, is everything okay?" I asked.

She nodded. "Min-seok's still not back and I don't like sleeping alone anymore. Plus, I thought it'd be good for us to have some alone time before the wedding. You up for a sleepover? We haven't had one in years!"

Thrilled to hear the unexpected request, I stepped aside so Danny could enter the suite.

"Do you want water, or something?" I offered.

"Yes please, and gummy bears! They had them as an option on our minibar."

I grabbed my cousin's late night snack of choice and joined her on the bed after I chose mine as well. I was feeling savory, and grabbed a bag of Thai chips.

"Thank you ma'am! These babies have me craving sweets nonstop!"

"Your soon to be husband must spoil you with the richest ones then, huh?"

"You have no idea. Every day, a new cake is brought into the house and he puts up with my indecisive meltdowns so well. Making decisions, even the simple ones, it's so hard for me to do these days. I cry all the time as a result but Min-seok handles it so well. He's so patient."

"He's going to be such an amazing, dad."

"I know, right? Those kids are going to be his world. I want him to go all out tonight and throughout the rest of the trip with the group. It's kind of like our last big hoorah with the gang before we really buckle down on becoming parents."

She paused, nibbling on her bottom lip.

"That's also why it would mean the world to both of us if you'd consider sticking to the itinerary we've been planning for weeks."

I sighed. "Danny."

"C'mon, Kayla." She pressed. "I know you're upset with Ho-seok, but you shouldn't let that impact such a rare and special experience. You're a doctor who barely has time to sleep and eat! You're in Asia right now, Kayla! Plus, who knows? Maybe if you actually take the time to hear Ho-seok out, you two can rekindle your relationship by the end of the trip."

I scoffed. "So I guess you're on his side, even though he's the liar and deserter?"

She chuckled, shaking her head. "I'll always be on your side, Kayla. That's why, I really want you to hear him out. I'm worried you'll regret it if you don't."

"What is there to hear out though?"

"So much, actually." She replied. "Are you aware of my past relationship with Min-jun?"

"I know you two dated, and he ended things to fulfill his marriage with Haneul."

"Then brace yourself, because it's much deeper than that and its the reason I can relate to you so much right now."

"I'm listening." I confirmed, my attention devoted as she crossed her legs and faced me.

"I love Min-seok so much." Danny started. "But at the time, I thought my feelings for Min-jun were similar. I found out about his engagement over the news, and at that, after I allowed him to be my first in many ways. You know how conservative I am when it comes to intimacy.

"I was down bad when I found out about the engagement. It literally felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest and stomped on. I cried for days, and when he showed up at my apartment I wanted him to tell me that it was all a lie. I wanted him to tell me that he was choosing me over his inheritance."

I sighed. "I see he didn't. Of course he didn't. What heir in their right mind, would?"

"Let me finish." She replied, a soft smile on her face. "When he left me for the arrangement, he told me he was doing it because he loved me that much. I thought that sounded so cowardly, and I sincerely despised him for quite some time. That is until I saw what he was protecting me from, and the reality of where he was in his life.

"His mother, she's a total racist who is power hungry and she looks down on anywho who doesn't come from a renown bloodline. Yet somehow, she birthed a son with such a kind spirit and he suffered his entire life in the place he had to call home.

"I'll never forget the way she looked at me. The way she spoke about me to Min-seok's mother like I wasn't even there. She treated me like I was a lowly peasant, and referred to me as "girl" when speaking to Min-seok's mother. She couldn't believe his family allowed him to be with an American, but especially a colored woman like me."

"Oh my, God." I gaped.

Danny nodded. "You know who shut her down though? Haneul - As you've witnessed, she's fierce and a total monster when it comes to her husband. It took some time but I realized Min-jun let me go because he needed protection himself. I wish he didn't lead me on, but he made the right decision and I'm so grateful he saw what I couldn't.

"His decision led me to Min-seok, and we were way more compatible. Plus, unlike Min-jun, he had the support of his family. But I know Min-seok would have chosen me over his inheritance if it came down to that. That's how much Min-seok loves me, and I think it's the same with Ho-seok when it comes to you."

"Yet here we are. He made his choice. He's engaged, Danny."

She shook her head. "In their culture, it's not official until the couple exchanges rings in front of their parents. Did you see Ho-seok or that girl wearing one?"

"No, but I straight up asked him. He confirmed they were engaged today."

"I mean, in translation to American terms they are but it's not that far yet. They are promised to each other because business is associated with it. Her family offered his father something he wants, and Ho-seok is stuck in hard place. That's what happened with Min-jun, as well."

"I don't know. This woman is also Ho-seok's first love. He's been chasing her around for years. Even if this arrangement is mostly his parents doing, I still can't help but think a part of him isn't completely opposed to it. Its the path of least resistance and she's always had a hold on him."

"Interesting. She's been around this whole time yet all of his best friends just learned about her days ago." Danny disagreed. "That just tells me, Ho-seok never trusted her enough to tell the people that mean the most to him about her. You on the other hand, he talked about you to the guys nonstop when he returned to Korea for the holidays. That means so much, Kayla."

Confused, I set the bag of chips to the side as doubt started occupying my stomach.

"Let me educate you on their world, since Ho-seok obviously hasn't. It's a fierce and lonely one they live in. That's why they have so much love for each other. They are family, because in their world - no one cares about who they are, that includes their parents sometimes. All anyone sees is their last name, and the amount of money associated with it.

"Ho-seok has changed so much since he met you, and until recently none of us could see how hurt he's been this entire time. The boys have been shaken up about it, upset with how much they had misunderstood him for many years. I know it's hard for you to believe this, but you'll get to witness it yourself at the wedding tomorrow.

"Pay attention to him, and see the way he's treated. Watch how programmed he's become, to portray his lifelong act as the charming successor of AHS, when he's actually just a lonely rich man who is desperate for love and affection. But to be clear, not from just anyone. That man, he's a lover in every way. He knows when it's real, and he found it in you Kayla.

"Please don't mess this up, blindly believing the vary person who wants him to herself. Promise me, you'll hear him out before you leave Thailand?"

"I'm scared, Danny." I admitted.

"As you should be." She chuckled. "Love is a scary thing, but its so worth it when you find the right person. After what happened with Min-jun, I resisted Min-seok and my feelings for him. I was terrified he would hurt me, and I knew it would feel 10 times worse in comparison to Min-jun. I had loved him for a while by time he convinced me to give our relationship a chance."

"Now look at you." I joked.

"Exactly!" She chimed. "So pretty pretty please, take my advice. Pay attention to him tomorrow, and give him a chance to explain everything before you decide to leave."

Taking a deep breath, I hesitantly nodded before she squealed and attacked me with a hug.

"Be careful!" I laughed, feeling her twins pressed against my gut. "Auntie Kayla has some pretty solid abs! This cannot be comfortable for the babies!"

"No way! Seeing you makes their mommy very happy!" She giggled. "I'm sure they can already feel it. They know you're someone special."

Beaming, we pulled out of the hug before a huge yawn involuntarily spilled from her lips.

"Sleepy?" She shook her head, heavily in denial.

"Despite my confidence in Ho-seok, I'm still a little scared this might be the last night I see you before you leave. I don't want it to end."

"Okay, let's watch some TV then. Sound good?"

Agreeing to the idea, we both got comfortable under the sheets as we watched a random Thai drama. But as expected, Danny crashed within the hour.

I tried to fall asleep myself, but my mind was all over the place.

I could't stop thinking about both the encounter with Sam, and also Danny's advice.

Since I was tossing and turning, I got up from the bed so the bride could enjoy a full night of uninterrupted sleep.

I stepped outside and onto the balcony that overlooked the enclave that surrounded the large infinity edge swimming pool. It was both silent and peaceful, the clean air refreshing.

Resting my forearms on the balcony's glass fence, I stared out to the pool view before I noticed an extremely drunk man stumbling along its edge and I gasped realizing it was Ho-seok.

"Oh no." I whispered.

My instincts told me to call for him, even to go help him. But as I took a single step, I spotted Min-seok shadowing him about two yards away.

I had never seen Ho-seok so drunk before. He was always good about pacing himself, and he hated not having control of his body. Seeing him like this, it was abnormal and painful.

"Josimhae." Min-seok cooed, grabbing Ho-seok's arm before he could fall.

He then guided the drunk groomsman to a vacant bench where they took a seat.

Their backs were facing me, but it didn't look like they were speaking. Aside from the soothing sounds of the pool's fountain, the surrounding air was silent.

They sat still for quite some time, until I saw Ho-seok's shoulders start to move up and down.

His head hanging low, I could hear him crying as Min-seok tenderly patted his back.

He kept repeating the same Korean term and though I didn't know what it meant, my lips trembled suddenly hearing the name he gave me and all the pain I must have caused him.

"Bogoshipuh." He whimpered. "Nae aein, bogoshipuh. Mani bogoshipuh." 

____

Author's Note: This was a very long chapter, and I hope you enjoyed every bit of it!

There was so much to cover from Makayla's perspective before the wedding! As you can see, she's learning so much about Ho-seok's world, and maybe even realizing she was the one to abandon him - something that happens to our sweet male lead far too often!

Try to perk up though! I am so excited write out Min-seok and Danny's long awaited wedding, as well as the rest of the trip Ho-seok will spend with his friends! Do you think Makayla will change her mind, and join them?  

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

- Zelene