The tinge of orange begins to appear in the blue sky as the sphere turns into something beautiful. It would be good if she could lay on her bed and take some rest but Seulgi's day is still far from a word done. Right now, she is so busy to get ready for a family dinner. An hour ago, when grandma and Jimin took her home, they invited her family to a dinner at TripleSeven Hotel which immediately approved by her father. As long as she knows, this is going to be a special family dinner. Yes, she is sure that grandma will explain and bring up about the marriage between her and Jimin. Honestly, this thought makes her heart beats a lot faster than usual. She is nervous.

It's been half an hour yet Seulgi keeps struggling to choose a proper outfit for the event. She feels like she has nothing to wear even when she stands in the middle of her walk in closet full of branded clothes. Ladies' problem. It continues like that until her eyes land on a Fendi's leaf embroidered midi dress and her heart falls for it. She right away makes a decision to complete her look with a classic plain black clutch and her most favorite nude pumps. Thereafter she applies some make up on and styles her hair in a simple half up do. Then, she puts her Tahitian black pearl earrings on and at last she stands infront of a mirror, evaluating her fashion. She swings and sways her hips to make sure everything is on point. She nods and smiles to her reflection. She does a great job. Not long, she hears a knock on her door and one of the maid appears to tell her that her family already wait for her. She thanks the maid and immediately makes her way to the front door.

Breathes in, breathes out. Seulgi tries to shoo her nervousness away and calm her self down. Near the front door, she sees everybody already is inside the car. As she approaches, the car window is slowly rolled down and Seola pops up just to scream and shout, asking her to walk faster. She just chuckles and she does so. It's totally adorable how Seola smiles a lot because she is happy and excited to meet Jimin. Her little niece always thinks that uncle Jimin is a handsome, kind and likeable man. One time, Seola talked and said that she wanted to date him. It's really cute and lovely.

"Auntie, what take you so long?" Seola scolds Seulgi once she gets in.

"I'm so sorry honey" Seulgi playfully frowns at her niece.

"Auntie Seulgi needs a lot of time because she is a Cinderella who is going to meet her prince charming, Seola-ya" Minjae teases Seulgi and chuckles. Completely satisfied.

"Oppa, seriously---" Seulgi glares jokingly at her brother. It's funny and ridiculous how her brother cites a reference from a Disney's princess tale. She really wants to burst out but she holds back and continues to confront "---you're an evil" She pouts cutely then in flash she sassily rolls her eyes, making her sister in law giggles.

"That's enough, stop it, you're so mean" Joohyun speaks, saving Seulgi from her mischievous brother.

Actually, Minjae still wants to tease Seulgi but the time is ticking and they need to arrive on time. So, he just laughs and starts driving the car, leaving their mansion. Along the way, no one talks. Everybody is having their own thought, including Seola. She furrows her eyebrows as she thinks out loud but she doesn't get an answer. Slowly, her little hand reaches out and pokes Seulgi's arm. Right away, she gets an attention from her aunt, asking if she needs something, but she just shakes her head slightly as she quietly slips to sit on Seulgi's lap. Thereafter, she looks up and thinks before finally she moves closer and whispers a question into ear which immediately surprises Seulgi.

"What? Why are you asking like that?" Seulgi says.

"What is happening?" Joohyun is now curious.

"Mommy, I just ask auntie if she is going to marry uncle Jimin and live in a big castle"

"Hm? What? Why?" Joohyun is also overwhelmed by her daughter's question.

"Because in the end of the story, Cinderella marry the prince charming and live happily ever after in the castle" Seola illustrates as her eyes blink innocently.

Silence. The next second every eyes stare at Minjae, accusing and blaming him. It's not easy to give Seola a good and clear answer because kid usually tends to have follow up query and it always is as crazy as the first one. Then, Joohyun just smiles and softly talks to her husband that he is the one who responsible to explain. Minjae snorts as he thinks it's unfair. He is also unaware. He unconsciously mentions the story because he uses to watch it with his daughter before bed and more because it's his daughter's favorite Disney' princess.

"Woah, Seola, look outside" Minjae talks as he exaggerates his tone.

Right away, Seola follows her father's direction. Her eyes spark as she sees a beautiful crescent moon in the sky. She is mesmerized by the view and just like a magic, she is more attracted to the evening sky. Indeed, Minjae is undoubtedly a pro at parenting. He doesn't need to account, he just has to shift the attention of his daughter and in a blink of eyes, she forgets about her Cinderella and prince charming. Great move.

As everybody has their attention on little Seola, Seulgi is busy with her thought. She has her focus on a dilemma. Inside her heart and mind, she keeps considering should or should not she tell her family about the main purpose of tonight's dinner. After a long debate with herself, she believes that it's the best to speak the truth and warn them about the unexpected news rather than just wait and see until grandma personally drops it and traps everyone into a surprise.

"Honestly, there is something that you all need to know" Seulgi opens up the topic.

No one responses but Seulgi just knows that they are ready to listen. Firstly, she covers both of Seola's ears with her palm as it is not appropriate for a kid. She then takes a deep breath and once she starts, every word comes out naturally. She really is grateful because everybody hears and listens without even once trying to interrupt or judge her. They patiently hold their comment until she finishes. Joohyun is the first one who speaks, asking and concerning if she is alright and will be alright. It's heart warming but, different from his wife, Minjae has his own reaction. Right away, he feels a slight anger as he is disagree with his sister's decision to help Jimin's family because he knows she is going to get hurt. He is about to argue and oppose when suddenly his father begins to talk.

"Seulgi, my daughter, I believe you are a mature and strong woman who is capable to make your own decision and take responsibility for every consequence that follows"

Speechless. This is the reason why he is Minaje's role model. His father is very wise and his wisdom completely opens up his mind. If his father chooses to trust her, so should he. He needs no other reason to against her. In the other hand, Seulgi instantly faces her father when she hears that warm and soft voice. She looks into his eyes and everything is written there. Slowly, she starts to feel her father's hand on her head, caressing and stroking her hair. This gentle gesture is enough to touch her heart and tell her that his father completely trust her. She has tears on her eyes, but she hides it well behind her pretty smile.

"But, always remember, when things become hard and everything goes wrong, I will always be there to help you" Her father smiles.

It hits right into Seulgi's heart. She is not able to speak properly. She just mumbles her gratitude and quickly looks out the window. She is near to cry as she is moved. That moment, she realizes, she never stands alone in her life, she always has an influential moral support behind her back and it is the love of her father. A word grateful is not enough to define her feeling for her father. It is more than that. One thing she knows, she is truly a blessed daughter.

***

The Kang's family's appearance at TripleSeven hotel hugely draws attention and provokes people's curiosity as it rarely happens. Every eyes openly gaze on them, staring as thinking what is this conglomerate family doing here. Truthfully, it feels like meeting celebrities in real life and it's worth a spotlight. As they walk through the lobby, some can't take their eyes off of them and some already grab their phone to take their picture. Actually, Seulgi is used with something like this, but somehow she feels uncomfortable right now. Why? Most probably because she is aware that this is going to cause another internet craze before finally netizen tries to get as many information as possible and cross the line, trespassing, overstepping and interfering her privacy.

Yes, Seulgi is totally right. Once the picture spreads on the internet, an uncontrolled frenzy begins. Netizen starts speculating and making theory about the reason behind the appearance of Kang's family at TripleSeven hotel. What a coincidence. They even bring up episode #33 of The Insider Talk and say how it is a strong evidence that marriage is in the talk. As time goes by, there is more and more netizen who is eager to find the truth about it and types Jimin's and Seulgi's name on the internet. It causes both names to climb up and top the most popular search in flash. This is not good.

Seulgi predicts it but now, she has no idea. She is infront of the grand door that leads to the VIP lounge, two men in suit guard and when they see her and her family, they immediately open the door for them. She hears the sound of the door creaking vaguely, but it's more than enough to make her hold her breath. Heart skips a beat once the door fully reveals who's waiting behind. There, her man immediately rises from his seat and straightens his casual dark grey suit. He looks perfectly fine in that fit. He makes her heart beats faster. It feels like she falls in love with him all over again.

Inside the room, Jimin nervously waits for Seulgi and her family. He keeps breathing deeply as he tries so hard to calm his heart. He plays it cool until suddenly the door is open and he unconsciously stand up out of surprise. He is in a panic mode and is in hurry to hide it all. Then he starts mannerly fixing his suit before he bows politely to welcome them. He watches his grandma invites them in and greets them one by one warmly. He does the same, starts from her father, brother, sister in law to her cute niece. Lastly, he faces her and instantly loses his words. He just smiles as he stares at her. It's not exaggerating to say that this woman successfully takes his breath away. She looks beautiful and elegant as usual. She makes his heart flutters. It feels like he falls in love with her all over again.

"Welcome, welcome, please have a seat" Grandma Park kindly asks.

The two families sit together around the long table comfortably and have a simple conversation about how the business is going. Between that, grandma Park gives a sign to Mr. Kim and he immediately asks the waiters and waitresses to come in. There are seven of them, they walk in an orderly manner with a vintage silver tray on their hand, bringing a royal court appetizer. A plate of deluxe dry snacks, consisting of pumpkin seed dasik1, persimmon and walnut roll, raw chestnut, gingko and pine nuts, beef jerky and dried octopus, is professionally served in a beautiful plating presentation.

"Please" Grandma Park gives a signal and the banquet begins.

Everything starts well. The conversation is light and casual as both parties enjoy their dinner. The atmosphere is nice and pleasant. It helps Jimin and Seulgi to relax though they still feel the nervousness. Laughter here and there as they slowly empty their plate. Once they finish their appetizer, waiters and waitresses quickly bring the main course. Korean royal court cuisine is grandma's choice to regale her guests. Total of more than twenty special traditional dishes, including two types of rice, two types of soup, two types of stew, meat casserole, three types of kimchi and twelve side dishes, are served. Totally a high class dinner.

"How is it? Delicious?" Grandma asks Seulgi.

"Yes, grandma, also everything looks pretty" Seulgi smiles.

"Eat a lot" Grandma talks, not only to Seulgi but to everybody.

Jimin smiles as he feels so warm, watching the interaction between his grandma and Seulgi. He tries to focus on his food but the beautiful lady beside keeps distracting him with her beauty. Tonight, she exceptionally looks gorgeous and it inevitably flutters his heart. He breathes out as he tries to calm down, but it's just too loud until it gets her attention. She turns her face and their eyes meet. His heart skips a beat but his lips form a smile. The next second, without his realization, he already whispers, soft enough to make her the only one who hears it.

"Beautiful"

There is no lie. Jimin just confesses what's inside his mind and heart. It's only one word but it holds an incredible meaning and value. He is so persistent to remind Seulgi how beautiful she is. Most of the time, it's a spontaneous action and as people say, spontaneity always leaves a deep mark and impression. Little does he know, it will stay inside her heart for a long time, his confession and the look in his eyes. A single word is able to bring smile to her face and successfully turn her cheeks pink, however, it's his sincerity that warmly melts her heart and makes him wins it completely.

Across the table, Seulgi's father secretly witnesses everything. It touches his heart as it reminds him about his relationship with his late wife. He sees himself inside Jimin and it makes him has no doubt left, he is more than sure that Jimin will do a great husband for his only daughter. The look on Jimin's eyes tell the truth about his feeling for his daughter and immediately he knows that Jimin will jump into a fire without hesitation to save his daughter. This is it, the most important thing. Finally, he already makes sure there will be someone who stays and protects his daughter when he is not around anymore. That someone is definitely Jimin.

***

1Dasik – A bite size Korean traditional cookies.

***

The night goes deeper but it is still far from an end. The two families relish their traditional style dessert, warm baesuk2 and special for Seola, she has a bowl of patbingsu3. Everybody is in a good mood. Jimin and Seulgi often steal a moment to speak to each other with a low whisper but still get caught by Minjae who right away teases them. It makes them blush but others find it cute and adorable. From her seat on the head of the table, grandma watches with a smile on her face. Throughout the dinner, she keeps thinking about how to deliver her real intention to Kang's family. She is a little bit confused but in the end she decides to speak honestly without hiding anything.

"I think it's the right time to formally talk about my intention as I invite you all to this dinner---" Grandma pauses and one by one, she observes their expression. It's safe to say that they are relaxed except for Jimin and Seulgi. They look tense "---I personally ask for your help" She slightly bows to show her sincerity then she tells the problem, mistake and scandal that her son made.

No interruption. There is no sign of mockery. There is no insulting look from Seulgi's family. Instead, they patiently listen to his grandma's story. At first, Jimin is scared that it's going to ruin his relationship, but after he sees an understanding stare from them, his fear is gone. He appreciates their lenience and kindness. His tension slowly sinks but his nervousness refuses to go. He is anxious and Seulgi feels it. She turns to face him and it shows in his expression. Instinctively, she puts her hand on the back of his hand and caresses it gently before she holds it tight under the table. That's the least she can do and it works. He entwines their fingers together and stares at her with a grateful gaze. There is no word leaves her lips but he understands. It's her way to tell him that everything will be alright and he trusts her wholeheartedly.

"I know it's hard for you to let go of your daughter, I even understand if you decide to reject, but still, I beg, please help my family" Grandma pleads.

It breaks Jimin's heart into pieces. He is speechless. He is not able to say even a word to help his grandma and he feels helpless. He just looks at Seulgi's father and waits for his answer. In the other side, Seulgi's father is also in pain as he hears desperation and sadness in her tone. Yes of course, as she says, it's hard to let his daughter go, but in the same time, it's also not easy to speak honestly about her own family's ugly scar and son's wrongdoing. It's like standing naked in a street full of stranger and he respects her for her honesty and bravery.

"It's only the matter of time that we will be a family and I believe, family always lend their hands to each other and help---" Seulgi's father smiles and continues "---let's set the date" He makes everything clear.

Grandma is in a disbelief but deep down, she realizes how relieved she is to hear such a positive answer. She thanks the Kang's family and everybody just gives her a supportive smile. It's unbelievable. The same thing happens to Jimin, his worry disappears instantly and it brings serenity to his heart. Once again, he faces Seulgi and smiles. He tightens his grip on her and she does the same. He is beyond happy and thankful for the result. Now, he is a step closer to make her his wife, a step closer for them to become one and start spending their forever together.

***

2Baesuk - Honey pouched pear.

3Patbingsu - Red beans shaved ice.

***

Thank you for waiting. I'm really sorry for the update delay. Hope you enjoy this chapter. If you love this story, please vote and comment down. Thank you so much :)