The Proposal

No one could fault the Duchess of Incheon for her scandals. After all, her parents forced her to marry the Duke of Incheon for his title and money. Rumor has it that the Duchess even gave up her true love for it. Though, that was not what made her scandals tolerable, but rather it was her misfortune of landing a duke notorious for being a rake, a drunkard and a gambler. It would have been fine for she was still compensated well as long as she does her part of giving the duke an heir. Unfortunately, after being married for three years, an heir or any child for that matter is still yet to be had. Rumors has it that it was the duke himself who could not sire a kid, the gossipmongers believed that the accident the duke had when he foolishly raced with his phaeton had left him barren. However, no one could really know for sure.

Lady Hyoyeon's ball was already in full swing when the Duchess of Incheon arrived. She was wearing a deep mauve velvet gown cut so low and so tight that her breast were almost spilling out of her bodice, the curls of her long black hair falling out of her chignon, as if she was just dallying with someone on her way to the ball, all heads turn towards her. The sticklers of society frown disapprovingly at her, but she was still a duchess, a very powerful figure to behold, so no one dares to say anything to her. A few moments after her arrival her husband arrived with the new red-haired actor in tow. Everyone watched as the two greeted each other waiting for some venomous remarks but instead the two greeted amiably, used to such things, leaving everyone in the ball disappointed. Three years of marriage and unsuccessful with a child, seemed to have left the two with an extinguished love affair and a competitive nature to outdo one another's scandals. Shocking the ton became the Duke and Duchess' new hobby, to entertain them in their seemingly mundane gentry' life.

Nevertheless, for Soshi society, it was as if the two are in some kind of competition trying to outdo one another and so far the duchess has failed to win against the duke. Her salacious house parties were nothing compared to the duke renting out not just a girl from a brothel but the whole brothel itself for his own enjoyment. The whole of Soshi was still on their toes with anticipation on what was going to happen next with the two, although no one could really tell. But in their boring lives of balls after balls, an entertainment like this has never been so exciting.

The Duchess of Incheon or Lady Yuri to her close acquaintances purposely wore the scandalous dress. She knew that her husband would be at the party bringing the new fast rising French red-haired actor, Victoria Song. Lady Yuri often wondered what went wrong. Though their marriage was never a love match, they at least cared for each other. But still, after that fateful incident with his phaeton, then with Dr. Kim pronouncing that his accident might have left him barren and a year of trying but still not being able to conceive, the Duke distanced himself from Lady Yuri. Since then, the Duke grew cold, his drinking and gambling tripled and he has not shared a bed with the Duchess. Deep inside, Lady Yuri knew that Lord Nickhun blames her for his fate. The racing match was foolish just like what everyone claims, after all racing on a street where only one phaeton could fit was truly a foolish thing especially when the other could fall off the cliff. Yet, Lord Nickhun still wanted to defend her honor, especially when Lord Taewoo has said something malicious about her. Thus, her honor at a price too high for the both of them to pay.

But this time Lady Yuri has had enough. The drinking, the gambling and the brothels she could take, even mistresses she could take, after all most noblemen of status does all these, but to deliberately bring a girl at a ball where both of them would be attending was more than what Lady Yuri could take. She had made up her mind that tonight he would realize just how scandalous she could be. That she does not give a damn about propriety anymore and most of all it was time for her to truly follow her heart.

Lady Yuri peruses over the ballroom, watching with awareness until she spotted her. There in the corner of the ballroom her gaze rested on the average height, paled skin and brown haired girl. Yuri's lips tugged at the corners. In Yuri's eyes, the girl was a remarkable sight to behold. She was a beauty, comparable to the likes of Aphrodite. Though men had often overlooked her because of the atrocious spectacles she often wore, not to mention the color of the gowns she wears does not really compliment her at all. Yuri knew that the girl's mother probably forced the poor girl to wear them. So, to all of Soshi Society, the girl was mousy and ordinary and without an impressive title and dowry under her belt. It was no wonder that she was considered a wallflower.

But Lady Yuri knows a beauty when she sees one. She knows that behind those spectacles are beautiful deep hazel eyes. Eyes she had gazed so many times before in her childhood. The very same pair of eyes she had professed her undying love and had proclaimed promises of forever. They were the same clear and hopeful eyes that believed in her and the same pair of eyes who probably shed tears from her betrayal. It was the eyes of her most beloved, Lady Jessica Jung.

Grabbing two glasses of Sherry's, Yuri strode gracefully across the ballroom towards Lady Jessica.

"Hi"

Jessica bowed slightly acknowledging the Duchess' presence. "Evening, my lady"

"You do not have to do that," Yuri hastily said with a wistful tone.

"Of course I have to, that's what's proper, my lady." Jessica replied politely.

"Here," Yuri handed the other drink to Jessica. "Can you spare me a few minutes?"

"Mama said I shouldn't be seen around you anymore." Jessica whispered lowly as she shook her head.

"Sica please..."

Jessica snapped her head up, finally meeting Yuri's gaze for the first time upon hearing the endearment. It was a name that Yuri used to call her a lot when they were little, a name she has not heard for a while now. A name only Yuri was allowed to use.

"Meet me at the back garden in five minutes. I have to make sure that Mama's attention is focused on Krystal first so I can sneak out."

"Thank you."

***

Yuri patiently waited for Jessica at the back garden, far away from the ballroom where people could not see her. She paced endlessly as her mind whirled with things to say. What was she supposed to say anyways? She knew that what she has done to Jessica was irreparable. She broke the poor girl's heart. She broke her promise. But really, what was Yuri to do? Her family was in a verge of a ruin, the only way to save her family was for her to marry and she was lucky enough that the Duke had taken an interest in her. It was an offer she could not refuse if only to save her family. But look at where it had gotten her-a heartbreak, an unhappy marriage and childless.

"I cannot stay long...what do you want to tell me?" Yuri was pulled from her reverie when Jessica's voice startled her.  

Yuri did not know what to say. She was afraid to open her mouth and say something that will push Jessica away from her. So she did the thing that she had been dying to do to her. She pulled Jessica into her embrace hugging her tight.

"I miss you."

"Yuri...we cannot..." Jessica wriggled trying to get out of the hug.

"Please Sica..."

Hearing the desperation in Yuri's voice, Jessica stopped resisting and just melted into the warmth she had missed.

"What have I done, Sica?"

"You did what you had to do for your family." Jessica assured Yuri as the familiar scent of Lilac and Lavender assaulted her senses.

"But I failed you Sica...I failed us..."

Jessica slightly pulled back and shook her head denying Yuri's claim. "What we had was a mere illusion, Yuri. We should have known we could never really be. We both have duties to our family and you have done yours in marrying the Duke."

"And there wasn't a day I did not regret that. If only I refu-"

"No." Jessica shook her head. "We both know there would have been another lord to ask for your hand. You have always been a beauty and I, the ugly duckling. Look at you...lords are still going after you and you cannot deny it with the amount of lords attending your house parties." Jessica spat the last sentence venomously.

Yuri smirked at hearing Jessica's angry tone. "Were you jealous?"

"Why would I be? I am merely imply-"

"I did those so you would notice me..." Yuri whispered softly.

"Pardon me..." Jessica asked in shock.

"After my marriage, you distanced yourself from me. You were mad at me and I deserved that. But we both know my marriage is a failure. I wanted what we had before and I thought maybe you will notice me again if I do all these things."

"Yuri..."

"Sica, did you hate me for marrying him?"

"Yu-" Jessica did not finish what she was about to say when Yuri pulled her deeper into the garden.

"Shhh...someone's coming."

Jessica tensed against Yuri as she watched a man and a woman enter the garden. Yuri guided Jessica farther when the newcomers stopped close to them. Close enough for her to recognize that it was her husband and the new actress. She could see her husband's hands resting on the girl's buttocks as they were kissing.

Yuri realized that she should have felt a dull ache at seeing him with someone else after all she truly have learned to care for him, but as she witness the scene before her, she felt nothing towards her supposed husband.  

Though a different feeling stirred in her. She felt her heart race with Jessica's nearness and the scent of vanilla and roses clouding her senses.

"Looks like we'll be stuck here for a while."

"But kissing should not take that long" Jessica replied innocently, her face still buried against Yuri's almost exposed chest and

Jessica blushed at her realization.

Yuri tried hard to keep herself in control as Jessica's breath tickled her almost exposed bosom sending a delicious shiver down her spine. "But Sica baby, they are not just going to kiss..."

"You mean he is going to debauch her?"

"My dear, it is not actually debauching if the other party is willing and I can assure you that my husband does not dally with someone who is not willing," Yuri answered dryly.

"Your husband?"

"Yes, it is the duke and the new actress."

"I am sorry." Jessica spoke sincerely.

Yuri stiffened. "Why are you apologizing?"

"I..." Jessica sighed not knowing why she apologized. She snuggled closer. "I guess...I am sorry for listening to Mama and distancing myself to you, when you needed me most." Jessica pulled back and caressed Yuri's face "You were unhappy, were you not?"

"You should not be apologizing. I was the first one to break my promise. I am the one who should be apologizing" Yuri gave Jessica a warm smile; it was different from what she usually show people. It was not the seductive smile that men swoon and lust over or a cynical smile she gives the other ladies, taunting them that she could easily have their husbands wrap around her finger if she wanted to, but rather it was a smile reserved for Jessica.

"Yuri-"

Whatever Jessica was supposed to say was cut off when she heard a moan, and she instead buried her blushing face by hugging Yuri tighter.

"Are you embarrassed, love?"

Jessica just shook her head as a reply and Yuri could not help but suck in her breath as a tingling sensation pool at the pit of her stomach.

"Sica baby, please... I do enjoy our nearness but you rubbing your face like that in my bosom is not helping me contain myself especially with the lovely background noise courtesy of my husband and his new lover. I might just end up devouring you." 

Jessica pulled away quickly shocked at Yuri's crassness. "Yuri...is this how you are with all those lords that attend your house parties?"

Yuri's face darkened at the accusation as she backed away from Jessica. "I might not be sharing my bed with my husband but it does not mean I will be looking elsewhere for someone to warm my bed." Yuri hissed at Jessica as she kept herself distant from her.  

Jessica flinched. Yuri had never been mad at her and she cursed her glib tongue. She shivered as she felt the coldness of the night for the first time, now that she was away from the warmth of Yuri's body. Keeping her head low, she could not face Yuri. No. Not after what she implied earlier. She knew that she is letting all those bottled up feelings she had during all those nights she cried herself to sleep after hearing people gossip about Yuri and her house parties cloud her judgment.

Jessica walked to where Yuri was leaning against a tree with her head down. "Yuri..." Jessica said softly as she lifted Yuri's face up so that they are gazing at each other before pressing her lips against Yuri's.

Kissing is a trick Jessica has learned works well into coaxing Yuri whenever she was upset. It was an accidental discovery Jessica made when the two were playing with their dolls at the Kwon's residence. Jessica irked Yuri when she ate all the biscuit. So, Yuri refused to talk or play with her and even avoided her. Jessica did not like it one bit and was following Yuri around the Kwon's garden. She had almost caught up with Yuri but she tripped over her gown. Her gown was far too long for her, but her mama insisted to get her a gown bigger since they could not afford to buy her a new one anytime soon. Yuri saw that she was going to fall and out of instinct had caught her, but the two lost balance and fell with Jessica on top and their lips touching. Both their cheeks heated as they quickly sat up, but neither one wanted to get up on the ground, still staring at each other. Jessica took this chance to mutter her apology and Yuri wanting the awkwardness to go away quickly forgave Jessica and the two continued the day like nothing had happened.

From then on, Jessica would always kiss Yuri if only to have the girl too flustered to forget what she was being mad about. However, at the age of one and twenty, Jessica was unsure of the implication her bold attempt will have. After all, being estranged for three years, longing and secretly loving each other have complicated their once innocent relationship. Though they have proclaimed love towards each other promise to never marry and grow old with each other, the two have never been intimate besides those pecks they had here and there.

Yuri's eyes widened from the surprise kiss. It was a childish thing Jessica used to do to her to make her anger disappear. It used to be an innocent kiss, a kiss to fluster each other into forgetting, but when the two debuted and men became part of the picture, they knew the kisses they were sharing then were not as innocent as they used to be, especially after they realized their feelings.

"There, I kissed you. Will you forgive me now? I did not really mean what I said, I was just taken aback," Jessica explained with rosy cheeks as she avoided Yuri's gaze.

Jessica fidgeted as silence met her apology. She chanced a look towards Yuri and found the tanned Duchess smirking at her.

"If merely pressing your lips is what you call a kiss, then love, you have a lot to learn."

Jessica's eyebrows frowned in confusion, but she did not have much time to ponder what Yuri meant by her statement.

"Let me show you how it is done love"

Yuri's lips pressed against hers, daring and roguishly sure; Jessica's lips parted; if it was by her control or Yuri, she was not sure. She simply did not care. So, when Yuri's tongue heaved over hers, shivers run through her spine. She dug her fingers into Yuri's hair, unaware that she even raised them in the first place and was barely aware when Yuri tilted her head, deepening the kiss.

Jessica went hungry and wanting and some distant part of her cursed and swore. Yet it was she who was cursed, doomed always to feel this madness, this flooding desire that Yuri and only Yuri aroused, and that she and only she, it seemed, had any ability to satiate.

Only with Yuri did she feel this way, did her senses reel, her wits melt away. Only with Yuri did her bones seemingly turn to water, buckling and melting at the heated pleasure surging through her.

The two soon became lost in their own world as their supposed simple kiss turned passionate. Their hands busy roaming all over each other's body. Yuri traced Jessica's collarbones with her fingers going lower until her fingers brushed against Jessica's bosom earning herself a moan from the latter.

Yuri willed herself to pull away.

"That's how it is done love," Yuri said with bated breath, as she looked at Jessica, whose mouth was still slightly open and her eyes closed.

Jessica leaned forward trying to capture Yuri's lips once more but Yuri held her at arm's length.

"No love...we have to stop. I do not think I can stop myself this time..."

"I do not want you to stop." Jessica replied as she took a step toward Yuri.

"I do not want your first time to be in a garden. You deserve better than that," Yuri said as she caressed Jessica's face.

Jessica let out a sigh and silence once again consumed the two.

"Do you really want to know what happens at my house parties?" Yuri broke the silence knowing that talking about such things could douse her want.

Jessica just nodded as Yuri tried her best to fixed Jessica's mussed hair.

"Then I will have Lady Tiffany call upon you and invite you to her country house. Our estate borders each other and she and her husband are very good friends of mine."

"Lady Tiffany remarried? I thought she is a widow?"

"That's what the ton believes but she's married it might not be recognized by the church but she and Lady Taeyeon are married at heart."

"Oh...no wonder the two are always together."

"Lady Tiffany will have a carriage pick you up and once you are at her estate I will go ahead and fetch you. The two also frequent my house parties"

"They do?" Jessica furrowed her eyebrows. "They dally with other people as well even if they are married, err, at heart?"

"I told you love, my house party is not a party for debauchery." Yuri answered with a cluck of her tongue. "Anyways we have to figure out what to do with your maid. We need to do something so she would not say anything to your mama." Yuri frowns as she thought out a plan.

"She fancy one of your footman...the Scottish one"

"She does?" Yuri smiled. "I will take care of everything then. Just make sure your mother will let you go."

"She cannot refuse a Viscountess. She would not do anything to offend any of the ton, if it means securing a good husband for Krystal," Jessica smiled sadly.

"Her not paying attention to you is to our advantage love, so do not fret your pretty head over it," Yuri pecked Jessica's forehead lovingly. "And speaking of your mother, we need to get you back before she looks for you and of course before the ton misses my husband and I."

"Are they still..."

Yuri saw Jessica's cheeks reddened despite the darkness of the night.

"No, and in fact they are decently clothe now." Yuri grabs Jessica's hand and led her out.

"Hey darling..."

"Yuri!" Lord Nickhun exclaimed upon seeing his wife.

"I thought all four of us should head back together. You know hush the gossipmongers from wagging their tongues."

"You are right. I do not know what I was thinking-"

"Darling, we both know you were not thinking with your head at the time," Yuri answered dryly.

"Evening Lady, Jessica."

"Evening Lord, Nickhun," Jessica bowed slightly to greet him.

"This is Ms. Victoria Song...my err-"

"Did not know you still have your gentlemanly manners dear, but as glad as I am to know you still have them, we really need to come along before Lady Jessica's mother sends out a search party." Yuri interrupted as she started out of the garden still holding Jessica's hand.

"I highly doubt mama is looking for me, she's probably busy trying to land a good husband for Krystal." Jessica muttered softly a wistful tone laced her every word.

No one was supposed to hear her little self-pity but Yuri did. She abruptly stops causing Jessica to stumble onto her. She gave Jessica a devilish smile. "A fact I am thankful for because I can spend all this stolen moments with you."

"Yah!"

"Just kidding, love."

Lord Nickhun watches with interest. He knew Yuri never really loved him though he knows she at least cared for him, like how he did for her. He smiled at seeing his wife's playful side. A side of her, he did not realize he missed. A side of her that vanished after his fateful incident.

"Come along now!" He ordered with authority as he pulled Victoria closer to him.

***

"Did I hear this right? You want my daughter to come visit you in the country side?"

"Yes, Mrs. Jung. I want Lady Jessica to accompany me to my estate for a week. She's such a delight to have around and so she must come." Viscountess Tiffany gave the matronly Lady Soohee Jung her infamous eye smile.

"Are you allowing me to go mama?" Jessica asked her mother.

Her mother sighed and Jessica could not help it but bit her lower lip in anticipation and nervousness. She did not feel quite good as she waited for her mother's reply. She felt nauseous and she regrets ever having eaten that last biscuit that cook lay out even though she already had two of them.

"Very well, I suppose it will be fine."

"I assure you Mrs. Jung your daughter will be in good hands, plus with the season just about to start, a week in the country would not be bad for her."

"I will have the maid pack her valise for her. She'll be ready tomorrow morn to travel with you."

"Great! I shall take my leave now since I have other pressing matters to attend to. It was a pleasure to see you Mrs. Jung and Jessica I will see you tomorrow." Lady Tiffany grabbed Jessica's hands and passed on a note.

As soon as Lady Tiffany left their drawing room, Mrs. Jung turned towards Jessica. "How are you acquainted with the Viscountess?"

"We met at a ball while I was getting a punch, the Viscountess was standing next to me. We had a small talk and from then on she would always talk to me if we happen to be in the same ball." Jessica explained to her mother.

"I want you to behave yourself, do you understand?"

"Yes, mama."

"I will be going to Bond Street now, Krystal needs a new gown."

As soon as she saw her mama and her sister left for Bond Street, Jessica rushed to her bedroom to read the note.

Love, 

I have already set everything up and I am dying to see you tomorrow. 

-Yuri

Jessica smiled as she refolded the letter and tucked it underneath her pillow. She could not wait for tomorrow. 

=================================================

"What do you mean she's gone?"

The gray-haired butler did not even flinch at the loud bellowing of his employer. He merely cleared his throat before explaining.

"My lady, she is not in the maid's quarter and I interviewed the other maids, they said they have not seen her since last night."

"This would not do. The Viscountess is about to be here soon." Mrs. Jung sighed dramatically as she rubbed her aching temples. "Have Luna help Jessica for now, but we cannot send her with Jessica, Krystal would need her..." Mrs. Jung paced back and forth, as she was thinking furiously on how to solve her dilemma.

"Mama, what is the matter?" Jessica asked as she descended the stairs.

"Your maid Jiyeon, she runaway! Now, who is going to attend to your needs?"

"Send Luna with her for now. We can manage with just Sulli for a week." Krystal suggested as she let out a yawn as she too joined her sister and mother at the hallway.

"I told you, no yawning in public young lady! And we cannot survive with just Sulli. For now, Luna will help you get ready Jessica and please do hurry up, the Viscountess will be here soon and I would faint if we have her wait for you."

"I will help Jessica then," Krystal happily volunteered as she hooked arms with her sister and the two hurried into Jessica's room, where her warm bath was waiting.

"Are you excited?" Krystal asked as she helped her sister out of her robe and nightgown.

"I am" Jessica genuinely answered, a soft smile gracing her lips.

"It must be nice to be away from mama for a while." Krystal sighed.

"I am sorry. If I was able to marry some lord then mama will not be pushing you too hard. But look at me who would want to marry me."

"You are pretty. It is just hidden by those appalling gown mama makes you wear and these spectacles." Krystal said earnestly as she took off her sister's glasses. "But most of all you have a pretty heart and the gentlemen of the ton are just too stupid to notice that."

"Thank you Krystal. But do not worry, things will get better." Jessica assured her sister.

"You are seeing her aren't you?"

Jessica could not hide her shock. "Wha...what are you talking about?"

"The Duchess, Lady Yuri. I knew what you two had before was more than friendship. I saw you two kissed before, I knew you cried yourself to sleep after she married, and that you two saw each other during Lady Hyoyeon's ball. Mama might not pay attention to you but I always do." Krystal calmly told her sister as she washed Jessica's hair.

"Are you scandalized?

"Why would you think that? I am happy as long as you are happy," Krystal earnestly said before giving her sister a peck on her cheek.

"Thank you. That means a lot to me."

"Jessica, hurry up!"

"Come on. Let us hurry up before mama throws a fit." Krystal said as she helped her sister get out of the bath and get into her traveling gown while Luna helped put Jessica's hair into a neat chignon.

"I had Sulli put your new pink gown in your valise, wore it to impress the Duchess." Krystal told her sister as she gave her a wink.

"But I do not have a pink gown. Mama thinks pink makes me look sallow."

"That's because mama's eyes are bad and yet she refuses to wear spectacles. Pink will look absolutely marvelous on you." Krystal said helping her sister into her slippers.

"Jessica!"

"Coming mama!"

"Let us hurry up, before mama faints"

Krystal offered her arm and Jessica gracefully hooked her arms as the two happily descended the steps.

"Whatever are we going to do with your maid?"

"Just send Luna or Sulli with her mama," Krystal suggested yet again as she helped her sister with her redingote and bonnet.

"That would not do, we need both of them to help us get ready." Mrs. Jung dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand.

"But mama we have no choice, we cannot send Jessica without a maid." Krystal reasoned, as Jessica just stayed silent clasping her sister's hand tight.

"The Viscountess Lady Tiffany Hwang." The butler announced as he opened the door to the drawing room.

"Is something the matter? You all look a little distress this fine morning?"

"Jessica's maid runaway last night and she does not have a maid to go with her." Krystal blurted out despite Mrs. Jung's murderous glare.

"That is no problem at all." The Viscountess smiled her eyes disappearing and turning into crescents before continuing. "I just hired a new maid today. A dear friend of mine left for America and her poor maid was out of work so I just hired her. I can recommend her to be your maid if you need one. I really have no use for a third maid when I already have two maids attending to my needs."

"But we cannot possib-"

"I insist and I can assure you Hara is a very good maid. Quite great at dressing hairs."

"Mama that is great. You do not have to worry about sending Luna or Sulli with me." Jessica feebly interjected.

"I suppose that will do." Mrs. Jung agreed reluctantly.

"Well, now that everything is settled, are you ready?" Tiffany turned around and asked Jessica cheerfully.

"I am." Jessica replied beaming.

"Bye mama" She gave her mother a peck on her cheek. "Bye Krys, thanks for everything and I promise to write to you telling you everything," Jessica promised lovingly as she gave her sister a tight hug and a peck on her cheek.

"Have fun...you deserved it." Krystal whispered before letting go of her sister.

***

Yuri paced back and forth looking out the drawing room over to the Hwang's estate.

"Yul, will you sit down please? You are making my head pound." Taeyeon said dryly as she swirl her glass of whiskey.

Yuri plopped herself down on the couch next to Taeyeon as she took a big gulped of whiskey.

"You know this whiskey is very good. Where in England did you find this?"

"Tae, we both know you cannot find this in Englad. My dear husband smuggled it of course." Yuri gave Taeyeon a devilish smile.

"Would he not be mad that you are drinking it?" Taeyeon asked as she immediately put down her glass of whiskey.

"Trust me he would not miss it." Yuri answered as she stood and walked towards the window.

"What are you going to tell him and Jessica?" Taeyeon veered the topic into what she really wanted to ask her best friend.

"I will tell him the truth. He, at least, deserved that."

"What about Jessica?"

"What of her?"

"What are you going to do with her? You claim you love her but Yul in the eyes of everyone else you are still married to Nickhun." Taeyeon tried to reason out.

"I know...but I cannot lose her. I want to be happy again Taeyeon...I want what you and Tiffany have." Yuri avoided Taeyeon's gaze as she said this.

"I know...and Tiffany and I will do everything we could to help." Taeyeon gave Yuri a pat on her back. "Come on cheer up! We do not want Jessica seeing you all gloomy, do we now?"

"Of course not!" Yuri answered with a big grin on her face.

"That is the spirit bud!" Taeyeon slapped Yuri's back a little harder this time causing Yuri to spit her drink.

"Tae!" Yuri growled at her best friend.

***

"Do you think the duke will be there?" Jessica asked quietly as she watched the trees passed by slowly.

"He is rarely home, so I will be surprised if he is. Yuri is pretty much been living there by herself. That is why she has been taking care of my twins, whenever Taeyeon and I are not around."

"Are your kids-?"

"You mean, are they okay with my relationship with Taeyeon?" Tiffany smiled amiably at Jessica.

"I sometimes feel those two prefer Taeyeon over me. She dotes on them a lot and children are not like adults. They are innocent. As long as you love them, it does not matter who or what you are, all they will know is that you love them and it is enough for them to love you as well."

"How I wish we retain our innocence. Things would be easier that way, will it not?" Jessica asked wistfully as she followed with her fingers the little droplets of rain hitting against the window of the carriage.

"Just believe in Yuri and your love." Tiffany took Jessica's hand and gave it a squeeze.

Jessica just gave her a small smile.

Truth be told, Jessica was absolutely terrified. Three years have passed since she and Yuri have had a heart to heart talk. Three years was far too long. People often change and she was terrified that Yuri was one of those people. After all, with everything she has been learning about Yuri lately, she was definitely not the sweet, caring, innocent and childish Yuri that she grew up with or the Yuri she fell in love with anymore. Or much worse, what if she was the one who changed? Jessica shook those thoughts away. She needed to believe that even if both of them have change it would not mean anything. After all, she was positive that their feelings have not change. Even more, she could not deny the fact that they have this very strong physical attraction.

Jessica was awakened from her mental battle when Tiffany spoke excitedly. "See that house up the road? That is my manor. We are almost there. Oh! How I missed my babies."

Jessica just gave Tiffany a smile as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath to calm her nervous heart.

***

"I think I see their carriage!" Yuri happily exclaimed as she pulled Taeyeon up and dragged her towards the stables.

"Slow down, lover girl!"

"Do you not miss your Fany?" Yuri asked as she put a saddle on her horse, ignoring her footman who came to help her.

"I do, but a few minutes more would not kill me." Taeyeon drawled as she took her horse out of the stable.

Yuri just scoffed at Taeyeon's answer and mounted her horse while Taeyeon did the same and the two merrily galloped towards the Hwang manor.

As soon as Taeyeon and Yuri arrived at the manor, they quickly dismounted their horses. Taeyeon passed the reins of her horse to Yuri as she quickly pulled the door of the carriage open.

"Fany!"

"Tae!"

Jessica was surprised at the open affection the two showed when Tiffany literally leaped towards the open arms of Taeyeon and showered her with feathery kisses.

"A few more minutes would not kill me..." Yuri mimicked Taeyeon as she passed by her and proceeded to the carriage door and helped Jessica down.

Jessica blushed when she felt Yuri's hands around her waist as Yuri lifted her down the carriage.

"I miss you," Yuri whispered as she put Jessica down on the ground causing the brown-haired girl to blush deeper.

"I miss you too." Jessica whispered shyly making Yuri beamed positively.

"Let us go in and have lunch! I am starving and I really want to see my babies." Tiffany ushered Jessica and Yuri into the house.

"Tell the governess Seohyun and Minho will be joining us for lunch," Taeyeon ordered the butler before turning around to Yuri and Jessica. "I will just escort my lovely wife to her bedroom to freshen up. Yul, you know the way to the dining hall."

"Just 'hurry up' you two. Jessica is starving" Yuri enunciated the word hurry up to the two.

"Do not worry we will behave today, after all, we have a guest." Tiffany assured Yuri.

"Glad you two can control your lust." Yuri replied dryly.

Taeyeon just stuck her tongue out which made Jessica giggled at Yuri and Taeyeon's childishness.

***

As soon as lunch ended, Yuri brought Jessica back to her manor and showed the girl her room for the week.

"I am glad that you can spend a week with me. It truly means a lot."

"I am glad to spend it with you." Jessica sweetly smiled.

"Well I will give you time to rest then, before my guests arrives for the party." Yuri held on the knob of the door ready to leave.

"Yuri."

"Hmm..." Yuri turned around to face Jessica.

"Take a nap with me, like we used to...please?" Jessica asked with hopeful eyes as she held on to Yuri's hands.

Yuri gave Jessica a sweet smile. "I supposed it would not hurt for me to rest as well, especially when I was awake the whole of last night from the excitement of seeing you." Yuri confessed as she led Jessica to the giant poster bed in the middle of the room.

"Well I supposed since it was my fault. I should remedy that." Jessica playfully retorted as she opened her arms wide.

Yuri eagerly placed herself in Jessica's waiting arms. The two lay down with their arms around each other's waist and Yuri's head fitting nicely at the crook of Jessica's neck.

"Now, if I sleep like this every night then I would be sleeping like a baby." Yuri teased through her yawn.

A few hours later, Yuri stirred from her sleep when her maid woke her up. She signal for her maid to be quiet, as to not wake Jessica up and ordered a bath to be prepared for Jessica and another one for herself, so that they can get ready for tonight's party. As soon as her maid left, Yuri gently tapped Jessica to wake her up.

"Let us sleep more..." Jessica snuggled closer to Yuri's warmth.

"But we have to get ready, Sica..." Yuri gave Jessica a peck on her forehead.

Jessica got up stretching her arms up and letting out a big yawn.

"They are preparing a bath for you. So, get ready and I will see you soon."

"See you soon." Jessica gave Yuri a peck on her cheek a blush marring her face.

***

Jessica looked at herself one last time. Wearing the pink gown that Krystal had ordered to be made for her, Jessica realized that Krystal was right. Pink really does suit her. The pinkness of the gown truly complimented her hair and her eye color. The gown was tailored in the latest fashion with her bodice a little lower than what she was accustomed with. The gown fitted her upper body perfectly accentuating the curves of her bosom and her tiny waist while curving quite well on her buttocks before billowing nicely up to her ankles. Her sister also put a matching pair of slippers for her to wear.

The Viscountess did not lie when she said that Hara was an expert at dressing hair. For she positively look radiant. The girl put her hair up in a very intricate chignon leaving some loose curls to frame her face. Hara also weaved pearls and mauve colored roses to finish her ensemble for the night. She will admit that this is the prettiest she has ever seen herself, she looked even better than when she was presented to the queen before her debut. Her mother never really gave much attention to her since the day she had to wear those hideous spectacles when she was sixteen. Since then, her mother gave her full attention to Krystal favoring her with the latest fashion every season while Jessica gets Krystal's old gowns despite her being older.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. This was it. She will now be able to enter Yuri's world. She will get to witness first hand all those gossips spun about Yuri. The wild partying, dallying and gambling and she did not know if she was ready to see and accept that part of Yuri.

"Are you ready?"

Jessica opened her eyes and through the reflection of the mirror, she saw Yuri's head peeking through her door. She gave her a sweet smile.

"Yes."

"You look beautiful, love"

"Thank you and you look stunning as usual."

Jessica was blown away. Unlike what she expected, Yuri was actually wearing a gown fashioned similar to hers. The bodice more proper than what she usually see Yuri sports around Soshi. The color and material of her gown is not as bold and loud either. Yuri was wearing a periwinkle colored gown, a color usually worn by innocent ladies, those still available in the marriage mart, the virginal ones like herself, she also had her dress made of satin instead of felt, that was usually sported by widows and those ladies with loose morals that the matrons talks about all the time. Her hair instead of her usual unruly and messy curls is nicely pulled up in a chignon with crystals interweaving her hair. The Yuri standing in front of her now was the Yuri that she grew up, her best friend and the Yuri that she fell in love with.

"Shall we?" Yuri offered her arms for Jessica to take.

Needless to say, Jessica does not know what to feel. Everyone that attended Yuri's party beside the Viscountess and Lady Taeyeon were known to be notorious rakes or those gossiped upon by society but were high up in the rank for anyone to really say anything. They were people respected by the tons but not because of their morals but rather because of their status. But everyone was dressed properly and was amiable, respectful, and friendly towards each other that she did not know what to make of it. They banter, chatted and laughed and most importantly they were not gambling or imbibing spirits and carousing like they were supposed to. She actually felt welcomed by them.

"Should we have dinner or should we get on with our agendas first?" Yuri asked when everyone was settled in her parlor room.

"Agendas first." Jessica recognized the guy as the Marquis of Pusan or Lord Minho to his friends. He was a notorious rake and every lady has been warned to stay away from him. More than once was Yuri rumored to have been his lover.

"Excited to see her eh?" Jessica abruptly turned her head towards the Viscount of Jeju who just spoke.

"Shut it, Jokwon! You are just as eager to be there as Minho is." The Marchioness of Jeonju, Lady Sooyoung silenced the two.

"Well, I guess I will start," Yuri interrupted before another round of bantering ensues. "Well I have good news! We got permission to go and do our charity work next weekend."

"Bloody hell! Yuri, how did you manage to get them to agree to that? That is a whole month earlier than what we hoped for." Lord Seunghyun exclaimed.

"It is because you, my dear, underestimate me too much."

Jessica heard the people in the room howled at Yuri's statement. While Jessica saw Lady Yoobin pats Lord Seunghyun's back to comfort him.

"Lord Seunghyun was smitten with Yuri's charms during her debut days but she turned him down because Yuri knows that Lady Yoobin fancy him. Took those two three years to realize that they are the one suited for each other but we love to tease him about it anyways and of course Yuri enjoys outsmarting him." Lady Tiffany who was sitting next to Jessica filled her in.

"That is not all." Jessica put her focused back on Yuri. "I manage to get them to agree to have the women prisoners housed with their children and to have proper schooling for their children. They agreed upon our proposal as long as we shoulder the cost of building the facility and paying for the teacher."

"Wait. Can we handle the finances?" Jessica recognized her as Lady Hyomin, daughter of the Duke of Ilsan.

"We can." Everyone turned to the newcomer at the door and was shocked to see the Duke.

"I will cover whatever is left needed to build the facility." The Duke announced as he strolled towards Yuri.

"Evening, Darling." He greeted as he gave Yuri a peck on her cheek.

"Evening to you too."

"Evening everyone." The Duke greeted. "Hope you do not mind if I extricate my wife for a few minutes as we discussed something"

"I will be back. Tiffany can you please take over?" Yuri excused herself.

Upon seeing Tiffany nods, Yuri gave Jessica an assuring smile before she exited the room with the Duke.

Clarifications:  

• Jessica still wears her glasses but now she wear better gowns. 

• Tiffany was married that's how she became a viscountess and yes she had twins with her husband. It was her duty to produce an heir. Also having a son or an heir is the only reason she's still a viscountess and have the estate. If she didn't have an heir then the title would have been given to the next closest male heir in line.  

• Nickhun was not invited but he knows about the meeting. His feelings with Victoria and Yuri will be revealed as the story progress 

• Lastly, Mrs. Jung's reasons will be revealed later.

=========================================================

"Nickhun, what do you want this time?" Yuri asked as soon as he closed the door to his library.

"Nothing. I just want to help."

Yuri scoffed. "Let us be honest here. After the accident and when we could not conceive an heir or any child for that matter, you stopped caring!" Yuri spat out.

"And it was wrong of me. I want to make it up to you."

"We both know those three years are irreparable. We cannot fix this anymore. Our marriage was wrong from the very beginning."

"To everyone else, we are still married. We need to at least play the part."

"What are you trying to suggest?" Yuri narrowed her eyes.

"I have a proposition for you. But please attend to your guest first. We will discuss it tomorrow when I return."

Yuri gave Nickhun a nod as she took his offered arms.

Nickhun walked Yuri back to the parlor room but excused himself saying something about important matters he had to attend to. The rest of the meeting went on smoothing out the details of their project. By the time the meeting ended, it was already a little past eight and everyone hurried to the dining room where the lavish dinner awaits them.

Yuri sat at the head of the table with Jessica to her right and Lady Taeyeon seated to her left. Yuri's maids served the food one after the other and the room was once again filled with laughter, bantering and teasing.

Yuri leaned in towards Jessica who was busy eating her roast beef.

"So, what do you think about my house party? Is it as you imagined it to be?"

Jessica's face flushed, as images of what she thought the house party would be like flooded her mind.

"Thinking of naughty thoughts?" Yuri continued to tease Jessica as she ran her stockinged foot up Jessica's legs.

Jessica stiffened and accidentally dropped her fork, everyone in the dining table looked at her.

"Are you okay?" Yuri asked her voice full of concern but her eyes were full of mirth telling a different story.

"Ye...Yes."

Everyone assumed that it was just Lady Jessica's clumsiness and everyone resumed eating and chattering.

"Just some naughty bug decided to crawl up my leg." Jessica smiled sweetly at Yuri as she said it only loud enough for the two of them to hear.

"Naughty, eh? Love, this bug can be naughtier..." Yuri whispered while she ran her stockinged foot higher up Jessica's legs, her foot slightly disappearing underneath the skirt of Jessica's gown.

"Eeek!" Jessica squealed, as she was surprised at how high Yuri's foot had gotten.

Everyone turned to look at her.

"Sorry, I found cucumber in my food and I terribly dislike cucumbers" Jessica's face was beet red.

"Are you okay?" Lady Tiffany asked her face full of concern.

"I am really okay." Jessica gave Lady Tiffany a smile.

"Are you sure you are alright dear?" Yuri asked with a big grin on her face.

"I am," Jessica stood up and turned to address everyone in the room. "If you will excuse me I need to use the powder room. The taste of cucumber just had me so flushed." She fanned her beet red face to emphasize her point.

"I will go with you. I cannot have a guest of mine feeling uncomfortable," Yuri also excused herself.

"Kwon Yul...you never change." Taeyeon whispered to her best friend when Yuri was about to follow Jessica.

"Oh I did learn it from the great Kim Taeyeon after all," Yuri playfully teased before hurrying to leave the dining room to follow Jessica before her friend could throttle her.

Jessica stared at her reflection in the mirror as she took a deep breath and calmed the abnormal beating of her heart. But before it can even calm down, she heard the door open and saw Yuri quickly slip in and without any warning crushed her lips against hers.

"You looked so fetching tonight that I could not contain myself. I need to taste you, love."

"Yuri..." Yuri pressed her index finger against Jessica's lips.

"Just enjoy it, love"

***

As Yuri bid her goodbye to her last guest, she headed towards the parlor where she found Jessica pressing random keys on the pianoforte.

"Will you play something for me?" She asked as she sat next to Jessica.

"You know I am terribly bad with the pianoforte. I cannot even count how many times you have saved me into playing this blasted thing."

"We both know you can play as well as I can, maybe even better...what troubled you was being the center of attention, you always did prefer to be on the sidelines. Will you sing then while I play?" Yuri offered as she positioned her fingers to play the pianoforte.

Jessica gave Yuri a smile. "You know I only sing for you."

"Really a tragic, my love, for your voice is heavenly but I would not say I am complaining as that angelic voice is only for my ears to hear." Yuri grinned as she started playing the pianoforte and soon the parlor room became filled with Jessica's voice.

"...of thy...love..." Jessica sang as Yuri played the final keys of the song.

When the song ended, a comfortable silence filled the room as they enjoyed the feeling of being able to do the things they used to  

do before they debuted.

"Jessica, will my fate be the same?"

"What do you mean?" Jessica turned around to face Yuri confusion clear on her face.

"Like your voice...hidden..." Yuri replied so softly that Jessica almost did not catch it.

"Oh Yuri..." Jessica grabbed Yuri's shoulder and turned the taller girl to face her. "What are we to do? I want to be with you...I really do...but what are we to do?"

"Let us runaway...Let us go to India or America...somewhere...as long as I can be with you..."

"Are you mad? We cannot... and you know it..." Jessica the more rational of the two stomped on Yuri's hope.

"You do not want to be with me...that is it, right?" Yuri pulled away from Jessica and stood up.

Jessica stood up and hugged Yuri's waist. "No! Of course not! I want to be with you and only you. I love you..."

"Its just you cannot be with me..." Yuri said wistfully. She pulled away from Jessica and stood up to lean against the side of the pianoforte with crossed arms.

"I wish there was a way...there is nothing I want more than to be with you...but you are married-"

"In the end it is still my fault I-"

"I never blamed you, Yuri. If I were in your situation I would have done the same...plus, there is mama..."

"My husband wants to talk to me tomorrow..." Yuri uncrossed her arms and let it down limply on her sides.

Jessica stiffened. "About what?"

"Something about a proposal...but it does not matter now what it is, right? It does not matter if he wants us to make our marriage work again...it does not matter if he wants to try to conceive an heir again...it does not matter anymore...right?"

The thought of Yuri kissing her husband and doing her wifely duties to him gnawed at her. An image of Yuri lost in passion and in complete abandonment like how she was with Yuri, chilled her to the bones. It was an image she did not want. Especially, now that she had tasted passion with Yuri. A strong possessiveness she did not know she was capable of possessed her.

"Of course it matters!" Jessica started pacing back and forth. "You will refuse him!" Jessica stopped her pacing to look at Yuri and enunciated the word refuse.

Yuri merely arched one of her brow. "Is there any reason for me to do so?"

Jessica walked towards Yuri stopping when she was only a few inches away from her. "Because you are mine!"

Jessica captured Yuri's lips. Their kiss was not gentle and careful, it was needy and possessive as tongues and teeth clash together with their heated encounter.

Jessica's breath was long gone; arms twined about Yuri's neck, she clung to their kiss as her breasts pressed against Yuri's chest,  

Yuri's long slender fingers curved about Jessica's hips and brought them against her thighs.

Yuri moved against her, suggestive, seductive. The feel of Yuri's body against hers, all feminine soft, reined passion, and the wickedly flagrant desire, flung open a door she had closed, bolted, and thought rusted shut years ago.

This time she will make sure that the door will be open again for Yuri and that this time Yuri will hold the key to it.

***

"Sica wake up..." Yuri brushed Jessica's bangs away so that she can gaze at her lovely face.

"Hmmm..." Jessica just lazily stretched her arms but refused to open her eyes.

"Come on love...wake up so that we can have a morning ride out just like how we used to..." Yuri whispered before giving Jessica's ear a peck.

Jessica opened her eyes and turned around to face Yuri pecking her lips. "You are letting me ride without a side saddle?"

"Maybe...but would it not be even better if you ride with me?" Yuri asked huskily.

Jessica's face flushed at Yuri's suggestion knowing how close their body would be.

"Well...that is what I would have wanted but Tiffany and Taeyeon are joining us so, you will have your own mare and yes I will allow you to not have a side saddle if you promise not to let your horse gallop," Yuri instructed as she pulled Jessica up. "Your maid will be up soon to help you dress. I will see you soon then." Yuri gave Jessica another chaste kiss before leaving.

Yuri hated wearing dresses when she rides horses. She loathes how women were supposed to just sit atop a horse sideways and let the horse walk or trot around and call it riding. That was not riding for Yuri. Riding was supposed to make you feel free as the wind caresses your face while you gallop along. Thus, Yuri prefers to wear breeches to allow her more movement as she rides her favorite stallion, Ice.

Jessica entered the stables and saw Yuri crooning over a white horse, she smiled at the sight of Yuri contentedly stroking and feeding the magnificent stallion. She walked slowly towards her, afraid that she would startle the horse.

"He is a beauty, is he not?" Yuri asked Jessica before she was able to reach her side.

"Yes, he looks magnificent," Jessica answered as she stood at the other side of the horse.

"His name is Ice and he is my favorite horse, we have been riding together for three years now." Yuri explained to Jessica as she fed the last of the carrots to Ice. "You want to meet your mare?"

Jessica nodded as Yuri moved away from Ice and held her hand out to lead her to where her mare would be. As Jessica was about to reach out her hand she gasped as she saw what Yuri was wearing. She was wearing a white noble man's shirt tucked in black breeches and stockings that molded her seemingly never-ending legs like a second skin.

"Never seen someone in breeches before, love?"

"I have...but never on a lady...and now I think I understand why they do not allow us to wear breeches. It is quite scandalous..." Jessica finished as she tore her gaze off Yuri's legs and fanned her flushed face.

Yuri just smiled as she pulled Jessica towards her mare. "Meet Black Pearl" Yuri handed a carrot to Jessica and gave the shorter girl a nod to signal that it was okay.

Jessica hesitantly fed Black Pearl. Black Pearl was not like Minnie the mare that her family owns. Black Pearl was huge and was the darkest of black. She looks very strong and intimidating. Jessica knew she would not be like Minnie just walking at a sedate pace. No, Black Pearl was not made for that. She was a beauty with a capacity to gallop fast.

"Get acquainted with her, if she feels that her rider is anxious, she becomes anxious too, so be as comfortable and relax" Yuri explained as she took Jessica's hand and guided it to stroke Black Pearl's head.

"You ready?" Yuri asked after she made sure everything was safe and ready for their morning ride. She did not want anything going wrong.

Jessica nodded her head and Yuri's groomsmen hurriedly came to bring the horses out. Yuri helped Jessica up as she sat atop Black Pearl, before getting up on her own horse. As the two rode sedately around towards the Hwang's estate, they met Tiffany and Taeyeon halfway. The four exchange pleasantries and not long after Taeyeon and Yuri were galloping across as Taeyeon challenged Yuri into a race.

"Just give in Tae, you know I always win." Yuri smirked

"Not this time, Yul," Taeyeon smiled slyly as she overtook Yuri.

"We will see about that," Yuri quickly even out the distance between the two as she cajoled Ice to galloped faster.

"Ahhhhhh!"

Yuri abruptly pulled the reins on her horse as she veered Ice to gallop back. Heart racing fast at the shrill voice she would recognize anywhere. Turning around, she saw Jessica's mare galloping fast towards her with Jessica hugging Black Pearl's neck tightly. She galloped fast towards Jessica not thinking about anything but saving her.

"Jessica!" Yuri yelled despite the tightness in her throat.

"Yuri, help me!"

"Sica, do you trust me?"

"Yes!"

"When I tell you to let go, let go of Black Pearl okay?"

"O...okay..."

Yuri could feel herself sweat as she urged Ice to catch up to Black Pearl. She prayed to God that she would not miscalculate. No, she could not afford to make a mistake. When it comes to Jessica, mistakes were not something Yuri could afford, especially when her safety was at stake.

"On the count of three Love... one...two...three...let go!"

Still holding on Ice's reins with her left hand Yuri leaned her body forward and using her right arm, she wrapped it around Jessica's waist. The brown-haired girl immediately wrapped her arms around Yuri's neck as the latter pulled her towards her body. Yuri settled Jessica to sit sideways on her lap before holding onto the reins again with both arms slowing Ice's gallop into a sedate trot towards the stable.

"Are you okay, Love?"

Jessica nodded her head slightly but she refused to let go of Yuri or lift her head from the crook of Yuri's neck. She was afraid that if she let go, Yuri would be able to feel her trembling and she was just afraid that she would not be able to hold in her tears. The experience terrified Jessica. She thought she was going to die and that thought of leaving Yuri when they were just starting again scared her.

"It is alright Love, everything is alright now." Yuri murmured as she pressed her lips on top of Jessica's head.

Yuri gently placed Jessica down before she herself got off Ice.

"Sica, are you hurt anywhere?" Yuri asked as she inspected Jessica for any signs of injuries.

"Yuri!"

The tanned girl was surprised by the forced of Jessica's hug and the tears that was wetting her shirt. She wrapped her arms around the shorter girl as she cooed her with soothing words to calm her sobbing down.

"Shhh...its okay love, its okay...you are safe now." She pressed another soft kiss on Jessica's temple.

"Yuri..." Jessica said her name softly before pressing her lips against Yuri's.

Yuri felt Jessica's need for this kiss. Wanting Jessica to forget the accident, Yuri returned the kiss, nibbling at the seams of Jessica's lips, her tongue gently stroke Jessica's lips to open up. Jessica let out a moan that was quickly stifled with Yuri's tongue eagerly trying to engage Jessica's tongue into a heated battle. Jessica slowly wrapped her arms around Yuri's neck as she feels her knees buckled with the pleasure she was feeling. Jessica eagerly responded as she tangled her fingers in Yuri's hair reveling at the thought that she was the one who can bring Yuri's heartbeat as irregular as it was beating now.

"Are you okay?" Tiffany barged in the stables worried for her friend.

"I told you dear, nothing to worry about." Taeyeon said dryly at the sight of her friend and Jessica kissing.

"Oh! Sorry, to bother you two...Tae-"

"Its okay, we should head back and have breakfast. It has been a very trying morning." Yuri offered as she pulled away from Jessica but not completely letting her go, her arms still wrapped protectively about Jessica's waist.

"Black Pearl seems to have been hit by a sharp object on her left hind leg that was why she went mad. I am having your groom investigate the accident." Taeyeon reported as she took Tiffany's arm and lead her into Yuri's estate.

The breakfast between the four was quiet. Yuri and Jessica were still shaken by the incident earlier, both thinking of what could have happened if Yuri was not able to save Jessica.

"Are you sure you are okay? Do you need me to call the doctor?" Yuri fussed over Jessica again.

"I am alright now. Now that I'm with you" Jessica gave Yuri a smile as she held Yuri's hand under the table.

Tiffany and Taeyeon bid their goodbyes, wanting Yuri and Jessica to have some rest, especially after the incident.

Yuri walked Jessica to her room to rest.

"You should rest, Love..." Yuri whispered as she gave Jessica a hug.

"Are you going to stay with me?"

"Do you want me to?"

Jessica just nodded her head before pulling Yuri inside her room.

"Will you read for me?"

Yuri just smiled warmly at Jessica as she walked towards the small writing desk in Jessica's room and grabbed the book that Jessica was currently reading, before settling in bed next to Jessica.

"Mrs. Kinsley and Lord Rockton?" Yuri arched her eyebrows at Jessica's liking towards Gothic novels.

Jessica just nodded her head before snuggling closer to Yuri.

"Where did you left off?" Yuri asked as she thumbed through the book.

"The part where Lord Rockton mistook Mrs. Kinsley as her twin sister"

"Twins and a devilish rake?" Yuri mocked the book glad that she has gotten over the incident and could even jest now.

"Just read Yul..."

"Whatever you want love..."

"Mrs. Kinsley gasped as she saw Lord Rockton climb through her window..." Yuri stopped reading as she heard Jessica's light breathing and looked at the girl who was now peacefully sleeping. She slowly disentangled Jessica from herself, as she got out of bed. For a few minutes, she just gazed at Jessica's sleeping face. Traces of the frantic and terrified Jessica from earlier was long gone. It was now replace of with a serene aura, a small smile playing on her lips and a tint of redness marred her cheeks. She grazed her fingers across Jessica's cheeks before heading out of the room.

On her way to her room, Mr. Lee stopped Yuri to tell her that Nickhun was back and that he wants her company in his library. Yuri nodded her head and told the old butler to tell her husband that she will be down as soon as she finished bathing.

Yuri checked on Jessica before meeting with Nickhun, she found Jessica putting on her slippers.

"Hey..." Yuri poked her head through the door.

"Hi...I was just about to look for you." Jessica admitted as she finished putting on her slippers and headed towards Yuri.

"Nickhun wants to meet with me..."

"Oh..." Jessica's voice sounded disappointed.

"Come with me please?"

Jessica just gave Yuri a smile as she intertwined her hands with Yuri's.

------------

Clarification: 

- Fany and Taeyeon are just minor characters so no background on how Fany had the kids. Obviously its from her first marriage, husband dies, then Taeyeon comes in the picture.  

- The investigation part about the horse is just basically what happened to Black Pearl nothing too mysterious about it lol. Sorry if I made it seem like that.  

- and as for using marred with Sica's blush...i know marred is a negative word but it was a deliberate choice of word to emphasize how much Yul thinks Sica is perfection.

===================================

Yuri knew that the meeting was supposed to be between her and Nickhun but she wanted to bring Jessica along with her. She feels that whatever Nickhun has to say, he can say it in front of Jessica. After all, if it was about them acting like they are a married couple again then she would tell Nickhun to burn in hell. She would not let this second chance of being with Jessica pass her by. No, she just cannot let Jessica go anymore and she was even more sure about it now, especially after the incident earlier.

"Whiskey, my dear?" Nickhun greeted as Yuri entered his library.

"No, thank you. I assume you have met Lady Jessica's acquaintance already?"

Jessica gave Lord Nickhun a curtsy.

"No need for that Lady Jessica and I know you both have met Victoria."

"Yes. How are you today, Lady Victoria?" Yuri greeted amiably as she gave the red-haired actress a friendly smile.

"I am good. But please my Lady just call me Victoria." Victoria spoke softly, embarrassed to be acknowledged higher than her status would allow.

"Then please just call me Yuri."

"And just call me Jessica"

Victoria returned the two ladies' friendly greetings.

Yuri sat on the sofa facing directly across from Victoria while Jessica sat next to her. Victoria's presence eased Yuri's doubt, with her presence she knows that Nickhun would never ask for them to try to make their marriage work again. A realization struck her once she realized that it has been awhile since Nickhun and Victoria have been seeing each other. She should have known that bringing Victoria to meet the ton and to be introduced to Yuri meant something more than his little affairs or even mistresses and she smile at the revelation.

"So, like I said I have a proposal." Nickhun went straight to the point as he sat next to Victoria and put one of his arms around her while the other holds his whiskey.

"I am listening" Yuri prodded Nickhun to continue.

"Well, like I have told you earlier, I want to make it up to you."  

"Nickhun...I told you al-"

"Yul, let me finish first."

"You haven't called me that since-"

"I told you, I want to set things right...well at least as much as I can." Nickhun said softly.

"How? It is not like we can easily pretend that the past two years did not happen." Yuri felt Jessica held her hand and Jessica's touch calmed Yuri instantly.

"I know..." Nickhun whispered.

"Let us face it Khun...there is nothing we can do..." Yuri shook her head dejectedly.

"Will you listen to my proposal first? I am not asking for us to be together again. As you can tell, I love Victoria-"

"We both love someone else, but we will still be bounded by our marriage. A divorce is out of the question; it will be a big scandal. It will ruin both of us. But most especially it will ruin you and I cannot do that. You do not deserve that. We both were at fault. You save my family and I from being ruined and I just cannot repay you by letting you go into ruin because of me."

"Yul, I promise, things will be okay. Just listen."

"We will listen," Jessica squeezed Yuri's hand and answered for her. "Please go on my lord."

"Call me Khun."

Jessica gave him a nod.

"We will remain married for the sake of propriety and that is it. We act like we are a loving couple or at least amiable in front of the ton but once away from them, I am with Victoria and you are with Jessica."

"How-"

"How did I know?" Khun have a knowing smile on his lips.

"I have known since before we married. I knew that you two were more than best friends like what you tell people, but I was too smitten by your beauty and your charms, especially your cheerfulness and playfulness. But you did not really show me that side of you after we married. I should have realized then, but it was too late, I tried to make you like me as well, and I thought maybe having kids will make you change-"

"The accident changed everything. Khun, I am truly sorry-" Yuri started with a soft voice.

"No, it was no one's fault."

"It was my fault. If it were not for me you would have never went to race him"

"I chose to do it my dear. As your husband, it was my duty to protect you and I believe it was a blessing in disguise. I found Victoria and you can be with Jessica again," Nickhun finished with a charming smile as he pulled Victoria who was blushing, closer towards him.

"I am happy for you. I truly am and Victoria you must be some woman to have him change his rakish ways. But things are not as easy as you make it seem to be. I cannot just take Jessica away with me." Yuri looked at Jessica and smiled sadly. Jessica caresses Yuri's hand as if to tell her that everything will be all right.

"That is where my proposition comes in."

***

"You think it will work?"

"You worry too much..." Jessica said as she was browsing Yuri's massive library.

"I cannot help it..." Yuri pouted as she leaned against the bookcase Jessica was browsing.

Jessica sighed as she put back Ms. Butterfield and Lord Dunce, she was so looking forward reading Lady Im's latest gothic novel, especially now that she was almost done with Mrs. Kinsley and Lord Rockton, but Yuri comes first. Jessica trapped Yuri by putting both her arms against the bookcase, her face inches away from Yuri.

"You think too much sometimes."

Whatever retorts Yuri was about to spout was silenced by Jessica's lips.

"Kiss me like you did at Lady Hyoyeon's garden" She requested breathlessly.

"Sica...do not start anything if you are not willing to see it through."

"Yul, stop using your brains for once and follow what your heart wants."

"My heart wants you like it wanted no other, but love, my body is screaming with wants of you," Jessica gasped as Yuri pulled her by the waist till their body was pressed together, Yuri took Jessica's glasses off before pressing their lips together once again.

The kiss was soft, tender and delicious...A guttural sound escaped but Jessica was unsure who made the sound, all she knows was that Yuri's mouth was on her's again, molding and tasting it. The kiss between the two escalated as hands tangled with soft locks making pins fell on the floor, long locks of brown and black intermingling as Jessica was slowly pushed back against the bookshelves, the force of it making some of the books to fall to the ground.

"Sica..."Yuri breathed as she pressed her forehead against Jessica's.

Jessica shivered when she heard Yuri's husky voice breathed her name. She wrapped her arms around Yuri's waist as she pressed herself closer to Yuri until she can feel every single part of Yuri against hers.  

Jessica heard Yuri growled before Yuri seized her lips again, but this time it was not a kiss, Yuri was devouring her mouth, taking whatever it wished with bold purpose. She felt Yuri's hands cupped her bottom pulling her in so that their hips were pressed together. Jessica gasped at the delicious sensation it brought upon her. Becoming bold with Yuri's action, Jessica let her hands roam Yuri's curves, familiarizing herself with Yuri's body.

Yuri pulled away when she felt Jessica's nimble fingers brushed against her chest. She kept Jessica at arm's length trying to fight her raging desire for the shorter girl. Yuri gazed at Jessica's messy appearance her hair down, gown pulled lower showing skin that was more than what is appropriate for a lady like her. Her lips parted and eyes still closed. Yuri let out a curse as she tried to regain control over her passion. Hearing Yuri cursed, Jessica opened her eyes and confusion replaced her face. Squinting her eyes to see better, she saw Yuri standing a few distance away from her. Grabbing her glasses that were put on the bookshelf and putting it on, with a purpose, she proceeded towards Yuri.

"Please...stay there..." Yuri's voice was strained.

"Was I doing it wrong?"

"That's not the problem love, the problem is that you were too good...you were making me lose control...and I do not want to hurt you...I want your first time to be special...not in the library when I am so lost in my want of you..."

"Yuri..." Jessica touched by Yuri's concern lunged at the taller girl. "You would not hurt me..." Jessica gave Yuri a smile. "And I want this as much as you do...please Yuri..." Jessica showered Yuri with feathery kisses showing just how much she wants Yuri as well.

***

"Are you sure about this love?" Yuri asked as both of them were kneeling on Jessica's bed facing each other dressed in only their chemise.

Jessica captured Yuri's lips as a response, erasing whatever doubts Yuri had. With Jessica's kiss, Yuri was undone, but the need to be gentle for Jessica kept her reins on her lust. She returned Jessica's kiss eagerly but also gently; licking, sucking and courting Jessica's mouth in a world filled with passion and pleasure.

Jessica could not help but slipped out moans of pleasure as Yuri sucked on her lower lip coaxing her mouth to open. Opening her mouth to welcome Yuri's persisting tongue, Jessica welcomed it with her own tongue. Their tongues easily falling into a rhythm, performing a dance seemingly made to make the both of them lost in their own passion.

Jessica did not know when Yuri laid her down or if she was the one to lie down and brought Yuri along with her, for her back was now against the soft mattress of her bed with Yuri's weight on top of her. The feel of their body pressing together sends a pool of desire down at the pit of Jessica's stomach and she could not help but to wrap her arms around Yuri's waist to press their hips together, hoping that by doing so, it would relieve her of the growing ache she feels down there.

Yuri could feel Jessica's need, but she promised herself to make this slow and gentle as possible for Jessica. She was not going to rush things; she wants Jessica to feel the pleasure and beauty of two bodies coming together as one. She showered Jessica with feverish kisses until she feels the girl underneath her writhing and restless, wanting something but not fully comprehending what it was. And as Yuri felt Jessica's arms wrapped around her waist to press their hips together, she let out a loud groan.

"Love...if you keep doing that I do not think I can hold back anymore..."

"Then please do not..."

That was all Yuri needed before she devoured Jessica's lips again, her hands and lips touching every single part of Jessica.

"Yuri...Yuri..."Jessica moaned out Yuri's name over and over again as the tanned girl drove her possibly mad and the seemingly endless chant of her name slipping from Jessica's mouth was music to Yuri's ear.

"Yuri! Jessica! I know you two are in there! Yuri! Jessica!"

Yuri and Jessica both froze as the voice registered in their head.

The door flew open all of a sudden and crashed on the wall loudly. Mrs. Jung gasped and fainted.

----------

"Will Mama be alright?" Jessica asked as she watched Yuri who was sitting down next to Mrs. Jung on the bed put the smelling salts by Mrs. Jung's nose.

"She will be alright." Yuri gave Jessica an assuring smile. "What about you love, are you alright?"

"I am scared." Jessica whispered as she wrapped her arms around Yuri's neck.

Yuri turned her head slightly to gaze at Jessica. "It will be alright. I promise you love."

"Hmm."

Jessica quickly let go of Yuri as she heard her mother stir.

"Mama, are you alright?"

Mrs. Jung opened her eyes and blinked a couple of times to get her eyesight adjusted, before registering where she was and what had happened.

"Jessica, help me up!"

Jessica hurriedly helped her mother up. Yuri and Jessica watched as Mrs. Jung scrambled out of bed.

"Jessica get yourself ready, we are leaving!"

"Mrs. Jung-"

"But Mama..."

"I knew you have changed since you have become a duchess." Mrs. Jung spat at Yuri.

"And you," she pointed a long slender finger at her daughter. "I told you to stay away from the likes of her. She is a bad influence for you!"

"Mama, Yu-"

"I do not want to hear anything more young lady. You are to stop seeing her!"

"Mrs. Jung, please listen-"

Mrs. Jung whirled around to face Yuri. "You might be a duchess, but you are still a soiled woman, I cannot believe you would force my innocent daughter to do your bidding!"

"Mama, it is not her fault!" Jessica stood next to Yuri as she stood up to her mother.

"See, this is what you have done to my daughter. Teach her to be disrespectful!"

Mrs. Jung pulled Jessica along with her. "You, young lady will not be permitted to leave our house until you have learned your wrong doings!"

"Mrs. Jung please-" Yuri begged as she followed Mrs. Jung who was pulling Jessica along with her towards Yuri's front door.

"Tell my coach, I am ready to depart." Mrs. Jung barked at Yuri's butler who did her bidding.

"Yuri!" Jessica yelled with tears as she struggled against her mother's grip.

"Mama please..."

"Mrs. Jung...I love-" Yuri's eyes welled up in tears seeing Jessica being taken away from her and not being able to do anything about it.

"Love? You are a girl...how can you love another girl?"

Mrs. Jung pushed Jessica inside the carriage as she ascended after her. "If what you claim is true then leave her be...do not let her get ruined and tainted because of you..." Mrs. Jung shuts the carriage door loudly.  

Yuri's knees buckled as the weightiness of Mrs. Jung's words struck her. Was she really ruining and tainting Jessica? Yuri openly let her tears pour freely down her face as she watched the carriage slowly disappear from her sight.

***

True to her words, Mrs. Jung locked Jessica's room and watched her every move. Jessica has always wanted her mother to give her attention but not attention like this. She just wanted her mother to pay attention to her as she did for Krystal, to feel that her mother cares for her as well, not to be guarded like some prisoner.

She buried her face in her pillow as she suppressed her oncoming tears. She prides herself in not crying too easily, unlike the other ladies she knows. However, here she was about to have another bout of tears falling. She was hurting, she truly was. Finally, when she had admitted to herself and to Yuri her feelings, they were now forced to be separated. Life truly was unfair.

Jessica felt someone stroke her hair and she slightly turned her head sideways to see whom it was.

"I am sorry"

"It is not your fault..." Jessica forced a smile.

"I should have hid your letters better...then Mama would have never found them..."

Jessica stood up and lifted her sister's head. "It is not your fault..."

"Here..." Krystal slipped a letter to Jessica.

"What's this?" Jessica furrowed her brows as she looked at the crumpled paper in her hands.

"Lord Minho gave it to me...he told me to give it to you."

"It is from Yuri..." Jessica hurriedly unfolded the paper.

Love,

Just a little bit more... I promise you...we will be together soon...

Yuri

"What does the note say?"

"All of this will be over soon..." Jessica simply stated as a genuine smile finally grazed her forlorn and tear-stained face.

And that night, for the first time in three days, Jessica had slept soundly, hugging Yuri's letter, believing her lovers promise.

***

Jessica did not have to wait too much, the very next morning Krystal trotted in her room waking her up stating that the Duke and Yuri were talking to their mother.

"Your highness, we might not be rich, but we aren't beggars and I am not selling my daughter for any price at all!" Mrs. Jung bellowed as she stood up ready to throw the two out, shocked at the audacity of the duke to offer her money in exchange of Jessica.

"Mrs. Jung, I apologize for his crassness. But I was being honest when I told you that I love your daughter." Yuri said sincerely.

"And I still do, that is why I am standing here in front of you, ready to beg for us to be together if you so desire."

Mrs. Jung kept quiet and just looked at Yuri. Her face that was only flawed by the aging of time seemed to have a fixed frown marring it these past few days.

"I know...I have known..." Mrs. Jung whispered, before she resigned herself back onto her seat, signaling the duke and Yuri to do the  

same.

"Jessica thinks I take her for granted, that I favor Krystal more, but she is wrong. They are both my daughters and I love them just the same." Mrs. Jung smiled slightly at Yuri. "You know. I adore them both equally. It might not seem like it, but I might even slightly favor Jessica a little bit more. She reminds me so much of my dear husband. She took after him, with looks, intelligence and even personality. I only wanted to protect her." Ringing the bell pull, Mrs. Jung asked her maid to send for her two daughters.

"When your family was at risk of being ruined, I knew you would shoulder the problem. You would sacrifice your own happiness by marrying someone who can save your family from ruin. I knew even back then how much you mean to my daughter. I did not want her to get hurt. So I tried to protect her." Mrs. Jung took a sip of her tea getting rid of the dryness in her throat before continuing.

"That is why I made her wear those glasses and those atrocious gowns. My daughter is beautiful and I know it would not be hard for her to find a husband, but I do not want her to be forced to marry someone she does not love. I know she would only suffer and I was right, the moment you got married, I watched as the life was sucked out from Jessica, I silently cried as I heard my daughter cry every single night, crying out for you."

"If you knew she loves me, then why are you so against us?" Yuri asked silently not wanting to provoke Mrs. Jung and the silent truce between them.

"Yuri, you are married. Things are different now. I do not want my daughter to get hurt, for she will always be a second choice; after all, your duty with your husband comes first. You broke her heart before and I am merely protecting her, for being a second choice will always break her heart."

"Will you let them be together, if I assure you myself that I would not interfere with their happiness? My marriage with Yuri, though it was sweet in the beginning, is not lasting. Despite the fact that we still care for each other, what we feel is only of companionship. Now, we both have found someone we truly love. And if you will hear out my proposition then I think we can find a solution and possibly a happily ever after for everyone."

"After Lady Hyoyeon's ball, I wondered what made my daughter so happy. She was often smiling and humming happily. When Lady Tiffany showed up at our estate, I thought it was this new friendship that was making her so, after all, after your marriage, she kept to herself a lot. I let her go to the Viscountess' estate despite my apprehensions, but then I accidentally found Jessica's letter to her sister and knew that it was you. You seem to be the only person that can make her so happy, but I do not want her to be a second choice. She deserves more than that." Mrs. Jung continued to explain before a knock on the door made all the three occupants in the drawing room turned their attention towards it.

"Mama, you were calling for us." Krystal spoke as she was holding onto Jessica's hand, while the latter was silently standing behind her.

"Yes" Mrs. Jung smiled as she signaled for her daughters to take a seat.

Yuri and Nickhun quickly stood up. Yuri held in the urge to pull Jessica and kiss her.

Krystal politely gave them a curtsy, before settling next to her mother, while Jessica did not even bother to curtsy as she threw herself at Yuri, not minding the other occupants in the room.

"Yuri..."Jessica mentally berated herself as she felt the oncoming tears.

"Shh...I promised you I'll make it right..." Yuri gingerly wiped Jessica's tears.

Ahem

Yuri and Jessica pulled away from each other; their cheeks both have a rosy tint as they sat next to each other, still holding each other's hands.

"The duke claims to have a proposition, and I am willing to listen"

***

"How did you manage to get the Viscountess to sponsor your daughter?" Lady Gahee asked as the two women were sipping their lemonades as they watched their charges dance.

"The Viscountess is Jessica's good friend and she so kindly offered to sponsor Krystal." Mrs. Jung simply answered.

"And the dowry? Where in the name of God did you manage to get such a huge amount of dowry for her?"

"Her father's solicitor came and told us of a business venture my husband was involved in. The business was fruitful and now I can afford to have a dowry for my daughter and for us two to live comfortably." Mrs. Jung faked a smile.

"I still cannot believe you are letting your daughter Jessica devote her life to charity."

"She is happy and that is all that matters." Mrs. Jung genuinely smiled this time.

Sigh. "Now that the Duke and Duchess have gotten back together and decided to tour the continent, there is nothing exciting going on." Lady Narsha fanned herself as she joined her friends' conversation, the boredom of chaperoning and having no scandalous gossip to talk about made their job a tad bit tedious.

Mrs. Jung just smiled knowingly as she excused herself to join the Viscountess and Lady Taeyeon.

***

With eyes closed, she let the cool breeze of the wind caress her body, letting it touch her smiling face and stroke her long black hair. She leans forward against the railing, enjoying the calming effect of the great blue ocean. She embraced the smell of the salty water, the sound of the crashing waves and the iridescent light coming from the moon.

"Are you not cold?" Yuri felt arms slither around her waist as Jessica embraced her from the back resting her head against Yuri's back.

"Not anymore..." Yuri whispered afraid to break the peacefulness and the sweetness of the moment. "Since you are here with me now." She turned around to envelop the shorter girl into her warmth.

She looked down and saw that Jessica was blushing madly with her statement.

"Embarrassed, love?"

"I cannot help it, when you keep showering me with your flatteries."

Yuri responded by giving Jessica a kiss on the crown of her head.

"Do you miss them?"

"I would be lying if I say I did not" Jessica tightened her hug on Yuri as a strong gust of wind greeted them. "But I am glad to be here with you..."

"I am too...love...I am too..."

"I love you, Yuri."

"I love you too, Sica"

Jessica captured Yuri's lips as she initiated the kiss between them, as quickly as their lips connected; the fire of passion easily consumed them. Their hands tangled against each other's hair, pulling pins and letting loose long silky locks. Without breaking their kiss, Yuri led the way towards their cabin, careful not to let Jessica hit anything along the way.  

Pushing Jessica against their cabin door as she fumbled to turn the knob to open the door without breaking their contact, Yuri hissed as she felt Jessica's hand cup her bottom to pull her in towards her.

"Hurry up Yuri..."

"I am trying..." Yuri gritted through her teeth as she struggled to twist the knob, but found it hard when Jessica was pressed against her so intimately.

"Let me do it..." Jessica pulled away and easily turned the knob eagerly entering and pulling Yuri along with her.

"Yuri...Now, no one's going to interrupt us..."

"Sica...are-"

"If you are to ask me if I am ready I would have to pum-"

Yuri silenced Jessica with a kiss as she slowly seduced Jessica's body into a dance of sin; a dance that would guarantee both of them to be damned in hell.

For it was slightly sinful...

It was slightly sinful how Yuri ran her hands all over Jessica's body, mapping and charting every crook and canny of her being. It was slightly sinful how Yuri would run her tongue all over Jessica's body, the trail that her tongue made, left Jessica shivering with delight at the sensuality of it. And it was most definitely slightly sinful, when Yuri explored her warmth, making Jessica feel wanton, trashing about with the building pleasure of it all until she burst and calmness and contentment engulfed her being.

***

Yuri awoke in bed with her arms wrapped around Jessica's bare waist as they were laying down spooning each other; she smiled as she reminisced about last night. Knowing that the girl must be tired, she carefully untangled herself as she rang the bell for her cabin maid and ask for a bath to be prepared.

Sitting back down on the bed as she waited for her bath, Yuri could not help but smile unconsciously at the sight of her sleeping lover. She still could not believe it. Still could not believe that Jessica was truly hers now and it was all thanks to Nickhun, her husband, as odd as that seemed.

At first, she did not think Nickhun's plans would work. It was ridiculous in the first place. They were to announce that they decided to tour the continent while fixing their marriage, with Victoria going back to her motherland France and Jessica, devoting herself to charity while living with a distant aunt. But it was all of course a lie, as the four of them were now on board of the Ice Pearl, heading for France where Nickhun and Victoria will settle down. While Jessica and her will continue to travel the continent for a while before settling in Greece, or possibly, Italy or maybe even silently heading back to England to live a simple  

life in the countryside.

It was too early to say and the point is moot. For at the moment she would just simply enjoy every single moment she has with  

Jessica; making up for lost time.

"Morning," Yuri greeted as she saw Jessica cutely stretch.

"Morning," Jessica returned the greeting with a big smile as she opened her eyes.

Yuri placed a chaste kiss on her forehead "I asked for a bath to be prepared. We have two hours before breakfast will be served."

"You know, two hours is a long time..." Jessica whispered seductively.

"Are you by any chance seducing me?"

"Is it working?" Jessica ran her fingers along Yuri's exposed collarbones.

"Why you little minx!" Yuri growled before tackling Jessica causing the girl to giggle and laugh.

Just like how their life will be from now on, full of happiness and joy in each other's arms.

The End