Chapter 30
👑👑👑

ChaeSoo's fight or flight response kicked in as she felt her entire body automatically lean into Namjoon's side for comfort, digging her shaking her into the expensive material of her husband's sleeve. In the midst of planning the wedding and gala, ChaeSoo and the clansmen had failed to take into account any party crashers while in the pursuit of a perfect celebration. With widened eyes, she stared at the pair standing before them, utterly disgusted by the arrogant and condescending expressions on their faces, yet fearful of what their intentions were. ChaeSoo's stomach flipped with nausea as she, unfortunately, laid her eyes on Rachel Song, thoroughly appalled by the foul indecency of her exposing dress. Though they may have not received an invitation, important parties and celebrations had a strict formal dress code that everyone was required to follow, the gala was no different. It seemed that common sense was not a gift the Songs were gifted with.

The woman's response was answered by the man standing beside her, feeling herself being pulled behind him with deep urgency and a protective manner. Namjoon stood as a wall between her and the Songs, shielding her eyes from the horrid sight standing in front of the pair. Despite the King's silent reassurance radiating from his larger form, ChaeSoo unwillingly allowed herself to be swallowed up by the building uncertainty, leaving herself completely open to the verbal abuse that was bound to be exchanged. She could sense the building tension between Namjoon and the Songs, it was a powerful force combating the joyous and celebratory mood of the galas. It had begun to stick to her skin like a thick sheen of sweat.

Tightening his grip around ChaeSoo's hand, the King turned his sharp glare towards the Songs, suddenly feeling unforgiving and merciless.
"Mr. Song, I do believe that you are not on the guest list," Namjoon growled.

Upon hearing the drastic change in Namjoon's usually calm and collected voice, ChaeSoo caught his shadow twitch and whip erratically, it looked like it had a mind of its own and was tempted to jump out at the Songs in retaliation. It had even begun to climb up her ankles, causing her to shiver from the lukewarm grip around her ankles as she was trapped in her spot. Through her own veins, she could feel her husband's blood boiling with anger and it surged through her own body. ChaeSoo felt all of Namjoon's emotions flood her mind and heart. Unsure of what else to do, she buried her face into Namjoon's back, hoping her actions would calm him down and release her from the unsettling heaviness plaguing her.

"I am a valued partner of Kim Industries! I feel insulted that I was not given an invitation to this... wasted occasion."

ChaeSoo felt the firm muscles of Namjoon's back flex roughly against her touch as he grew tense, however, she stood her ground and continued on with her mission to calm. The woman, however, found it stupefyingly bold that the Songs still thought that they had privilege while in their court. Namjoon had made it very clear that they were of little importance when it came to compiling the guest list. They didn't even occupy a second within the royal family's minds, as it only brought foul memories every time. It was laughable that they even hoped of maintaining their ranks within the company, especially after Rachel Song took matters into her own hands.

"Your daughter assaulted my fiance after bursting into my office. You must be very foolish or very blind if you think I'm going to tolerate that horrid behavior."
"You're blaming my daughter for that witch's influence on you?!" Mr. Song roared, pointing his crooked finger accusingly at ChaeSoo. "You should know that my daughter is the only woman for you!"
ChaeSoo couldn't help but scoff at the old man's foolishness. Mr. Song was drowning in his own ego, it was ludicrous, he had the audacity to try and break their connection?
"That woman has cast some sort of spell on you Namjoon!" Rachel cried out pathetically.

Because of Rachel's outburst, a crowd had begun to form around the scene. The guest's whispering and gossiping reached Namjoon's and ChaeSoo's ears, putting both of them in an impossible situation. The King knew that he needed to end this quickly and cleanly as possible, he couldn't risk ruining an important event, especially when it was for his wife. He looked towards the clansmen watching the confrontation from different parts of the venue, earning supportive nods from them. Taking a deep breath, Namjoon took this opportunity.

"My esteemed guests, I apologize for this unsightly display during a crucial celebration," the King announced, pushing down his anger for strength. "As this has been weighing heavily on my mind, I will do this here. All of you are aware that Mr. Song and I have been business partners for the last few years. However, I see now that this relation has done nothing to better my company, nor the lives of my loved ones."

Namjoon guided ChaeSoo back to his side and gave her a look of adoration and reassurance. He then hooked his arm around her waist, pulling her flush against him.

"Due to the reasons of Rachel Song assaulting and harassing my fiance, as well as Mr. Song blindly insisting that his daughter is entitled to my hand in marriage when it is clear that I am to marry Jung ChaeSoo, I will be ending our business relations and withdrawing any financial support."
The King then turned to the guests surrounding them, offering them his own support. He noticed all of their shocked and proud expressions, fuelling his confidence as he carried on.
"For those of you still working with him, I advise you to cut off your ties. In turn, I will support your future endeavors."

From Namjoon's sudden announcement, Mr. Song exploded with rage, stomping up towards him and ChaeSoo in a threatening manner. Luckily, several of the clansmen emerged through the crowd, quickly intercepting him before he could get closer than a couple of feet.

"Have you no shame?! Are you trying to destroy my livelihood?! I'm the one keeping your company afloat!"
Namjoon shook his head in disappointment.
"Did you forget who invested a quarter of a million dollars into your company? Did you forget who saved you from bankruptcy? I have tolerated that suffocating attitude that you and your daughter have for too many years. Let me tell you this now, I will not hesitate to crush your company now that you've threatened my fiance."

Without waiting for any form of rebuttal, Namjoon called for security to throw them out onto the streets. Several burly men broke through the crowd and took the Songs from the clansmen and proceeded to drag them out. Their screams of protest and revenge echoed through the venue before they were kicked out and banned from entering. Clearing his throat and straightening his collar, Namjoon addressed the crowd.

"My apologies everyone, please continue on with your socializing."

Pulling her by the hand, Namjoon guided ChaeSoo out of the venue and into the back gardens, away from the eyes of the party guests. Once they were underneath the soft moonlight of a clear night, Namjoon spun on his heels and threw his arms around ChaeSoo. He buried his face into the crook of her neck, sighing a heavy and warm breath against her shoulder. Surrendering to his touch, ChaeSoo wrapped her arms tightly around his larger form and rocked him back and forth.

"I'm sorry love, that must have been scary," he whispered, dragging his fingers against the nape of her neck.
ChaeSoo shook her head against his and threaded her hand through his hair.
"It was, but you stood up for us and I admire that."

Namjoon raised his head and stared directly into the pair of eyes he adored so much. His large hands cupped her cheeks and he pressed their foreheads together.

"You're too good to me darling," he chuckled softly. "I couldn't ask for more."
"Hubby, I'm always here for you," she replied with a slight blush, flustered by the nickname she gave him.
"You are so cute my love," Namjoon cooed. "Just one of the many things I love about you."

ChaeSoo smiled widely at her husband before resting her head against his firm chest. She closed her eyes in serenity, listening to the beat of his heart as they stood there.