Seokjin and Luisa stood on the warm, soft sand, gazing out at the tranquil Galveston beach as the early morning sun cast a golden sheen over the waves. They had chosen to hold their official wedding here, near the spot where they had vacationed years ago—a place charged with memories, symbolizing the enduring love they had nurtured over the years.

"I think this is perfect," Luisa said, her voice carried softly by the gentle breeze.

Seokjin squeezed her hand affectionately. "I'm so glad you feel that way. I've taken care of all the permits and paperwork to host our wedding here. I want everything to be as close to perfect as it can be." He locked eyes with her, sincerity shining through. "Anything for you, my love."

A smile spread across her face as she turned her gaze back to the expansive blue sky above the glistening waves. "It really will be perfect."

After a few moments of shared silence, they began their walk back to the house they had rented for their short getaway. Their friends would arrive on the third day, just in time for the wedding, which was planned for the following afternoon.

Luisa felt a thrill of excitement knowing how quickly Seokjin had managed to arrange everything, but she also recognized that his financial means and connections had made it possible. What she cherished most, however, was how he never flaunted his wealth or status. He remained the same Kim Seokjin she had fallen in love with back in college—a kind, funny man who had perhaps just acquired a bit more polish over the years.

Even now, she couldn't help but notice how he had grown more handsome with time. It was hard to ignore the appreciative glances he drew from other women whenever they were out together. Some were subtle, casting quick glances at him when they walked by, while others were more bold, openly admiring him and even brushing against him, completely disregarding her presence at his side. Yet, no matter the distractions, Luisa knew that his heart was hers, and that was all that mattered.

Seokjin paid no attention to the women who looked his way. He kept his gaze firmly planted on Luisa, fully aware of the pain their relationship had endured in the past due to outside distractions. He would never allow anyone, or anything, to jeopardize her happiness again.

So, when the daughter of the older couple who was renting their house to them showed up with increasingly creative excuses to chat with him, he responded with measured indifference. Each time she initiated small talk, he kept his answers short and to the point, hoping she would take the hint and back off. He chose not to mention her flirtatious behavior to Luisa after the first time she did that, not wanting to stir up unnecessary worries or upset her. Seokjin believed that as long as he remained resolute in his disinterest, she would eventually get the message and move on.

But there she was again the next day, casually perched at the kitchen counter while Seokjin prepared a light lunch for himself, all the while Luisa was out shopping. He couldn't help but notice the skimpy swimsuit she wore beneath her coverup, an obvious nod to her supposed trip to the beach, despite his efforts to avert his gaze.

The twenty-three-year-old woman made an exaggerated show of pulling her long blonde hair back, stretching her arms high above her head, a calculated move that highlighted her cleavage.

"So, why are you guys having a beach wedding?" she asked, ensuring her coverup concealed little. "Are you really not married yet?"

Seokjin focused on the stove, trying to keep his composure. "Yes, we're married. We just didn't have a big wedding with all the bells and whistles, or a priest. I think Luisa deserves that. I want to give her everything she desires."

"Uh-huh," the blonde replied, her tone teasing. "So you just rushed into a courthouse wedding then. What was the hurry? Afraid you'd change your mind?"

Seokjin turned around, caught off guard by her bold posture at the table. Her ample curves practically spilled over the marble surface as she leaned forward, making it very difficult for him to concentrate.

"Sh-Shouldn't you get going before it gets too hot outside?" he mumbled, quickly redirecting his attention to the stove. He switched off the burner and reached for the plate he had set down moments earlier. Instead, his hand brushed against hers.

"Sibyl, what are you doing?" he asked, stepping back instinctively. She had maneuvered herself next to him silently, clutching the plate to her body with an almost defiant allure.

"I just want to help you," she said, her tone almost too bright.

He sighed, snatching another plate from the counter before she could intervene. "I appreciate the offer, but I can handle the kitchen just fine. I don't want to keep you."

"Are you having a bachelor party?" she asked, completely disregarding his previous comment.

He quickly loaded his food onto the plate and stepped around the marble countertop. "I'm not a bachelor," he replied firmly. "I'm married."

A playful smile spread across her face as she hurried to the chair beside him. "But you didn't have a proper one before your whirlwind wedding, did you? How about I throw you a little celebration before you're off the market for good?"

Seokjin leveled a serious gaze at her. "Sibyl, I'm very much off the market—and have been for six months. I don't need a bachelor party, and I'd appreciate it if you stopped making advances. I'm not interested."

She pouted, defiance in her eyes. "So you say, but I could change your mind." Rising to her feet, she added, "What do you think of my swimsuit? I bet you'd like it more if I took it off." She moved her hands behind her back, fingers curling around the string of her top.

Seokjin shot up from his chair, tension coiling in his muscles. "Don't. I need you to leave—now. I don't want to be rude, but I will be if you push me."

"This can be our little secret," she countered, letting her flimsy cover-up slip down to the floor. "You're so attractive, Seokjin. I bet you're incredible. Let me be your dirty little secret, hmm? I'll do anything you want, anything your wife doesn't."

He clenched his jaw, anger bubbling to the surface. "I'm going upstairs, and by the time I return, I expect you to be gone. Please, take your absurd offer and yourself away from me. I'm not interested now, nor will I ever be." With that, he jogged up the stairs, refusing to look back. He locked the bedroom door, determined to prevent her from conjuring any more ridiculous ideas.

Once inside, he grabbed his phone and dialed Luisa. He wanted to give her a heads-up before she heard about the incident from someone else.

"Find a quiet place to sit down," he instructed. After he shared the details, a heavy silence settled between them. He braced himself for an avalanche of accusations, expecting her to claim that he'd led the girl on. But instead, Luisa surprised him by asking what else had transpired between him and Sibyl.

He relayed the events, admitting that she had stopped by on their first day, gushing over how handsome he was. Later that same day, she returned under the guise of checking in on them at her parents' request. She laughed at everything he said, even the jokes that weren't funny, and expressed how much she wished she could find someone like him.

"And now today," Luisa's voice was strained.

"Yes," he conceded. "If you could come home soon, I'd really appreciate it. I feel foolish hiding in here, waiting for that ridiculous girl to leave. I didn't even get to finish my lunch."

Her soft chuckle on the other end made his heart feel lighter.

"I'll be home very soon. Thank you for telling me. I wish you'd informed me the moment she first acted inappropriately."

"Lu, I—"

"It's okay, Jin. I believe you. Of course, I believe you," she reassured him.

When he received her text that she was downstairs, he rushed down to meet her, enveloping her in his arms and spinning her around the room.

"Jin! Be careful!" she laughed, her eyes sparkling with joy.

He gently set her back on her feet. "I can't even begin to describe how much I love you and what you mean to me." He leaned in and kissed her deeply. "I'm in awe that I found someone like you to complete my life." He scanned the room. "Is she gone?"

"There's no one here," Luisa replied, her voice soothing.

"She might be hiding," Seokjin said playfully, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for a ghost.

Luisa shook her head and chuckled. "Anyway, let's—"

Before she could finish her sentence, he swept her into his arms again. "Let's make love. Right now, right here. Let that indecent little tramp see just how much I adore you. Maybe then she'll realize she's out of her league when it comes to my beautiful wife." With that, he carried her over to the large sofa and gently laid her down. "My gorgeous, stunning wife," he whispered reverently before capturing her lips in a passionate kiss.

She pulled away from the kiss, her expression a mix of frustration and concern. "How many times am I going to have to deal with women throwing themselves at you? It seems that even a ring isn't enough to deter them."

Seokjin deftly began to unbutton her shirt, his gaze steady. "It doesn't matter," he said, his voice low and reassuring. "There's no one else for me but you. Are you ready to handle the attention your handsome husband attracts?"

"As long as your eyes are on me, I'll never worry," Luisa replied, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

"I've pursued you for eight years, Lu," he murmured, trailing soft kisses along her collarbone. "My attention has always been on you—and it always will be. I love you."