Jenny walked out of her lecture hall nodding to a few girls. They tried to approach her to discuss the exam but she knew Jason could be here at any moment. How he got around the nearby playground wasn’t new. His flashy car could make anyone the head.

“I will talk to you later,” Jenny told Anna and walked down the stairs with a smile. It still feels odd how he gets out of his car to hug her. “How was your day?” Jenny nodded her head. “It was good,” Before looking at his car. “This one looks new.”

“I got it when I visited my grandma. Didn’t get any chance to show it around before.” Jenny nodded before looking at him. “Can we leave?”

“Sure,” Jason said. Wondering how to tell her they were to see his parents. He had told them that she had her exams and he didn’t want to mess up her schedule. It wasn’t on him. They invited themselves.

She had moved to his place because any other way their engagement might sound fake. Though they still at knowing each other in front of the people they were compelled to act like they knew each other forever.

Jenny found it a little odd to act in a certain way around the people. It had been two days since they announced their engagement and the pressure had been immense. At least for her. Because whenever she looks at Jason. He was as fine as breathing. She wonders how easy it was for him to believe they were all set together.

“You want Mcflurry?” And, Jenny instantly smiled.

“Are you trying to get me fat? It’s been the fourth day in a row. It’s not healthy.” And, Jason only chuckled. “I think you will look great anyway. And, no, I am not trying to get you fat…” Jenny could already see they were headed to McDonald's. “…but the smile Mcflurry gets you to make me jealous. I want you to have enough of it to get rid of it.” Jenny raised her brows.

“So, you are trying to ruin my favourite thing for me. What kind of love it is?” He pulled his car and looked at her. “I will ruin everything I come after for you.” There was a certain threat in his eyes.

“I don’t think I will ever do this to anyone.” He gave her a stare before telling her. “You will do the same. Without even you knowing. I will make sure it’s me.” She gave him a victorious smile before teasing. “Fine, but the list is long. Even Mcflurry isn’t the best on the list. You better work hard.”

“It will be sooner than you think.” Jenny scoffed but received her order. Jason started driving to his place knowing it wasn’t about things. He had to move up on her list no matter what was on there. And, once he is at the top there will be nothing else on her list.

Jenny noticed how they were driving to his place. She couldn’t believe she agreed to move with him. He was fair enough to offer her a room and she was ready to take it. He had been a great listener though she hardly talks and had a great eye to pay attention to small details. Any girl would kill to have him around. But this ring around the finger came way too soon. She had received a few emails from the directors about her engagement and she replied thanks. Though two of them replied back asking when was the wedding.

Of course, it was expected from the couple who announces their engagement but luckily Jason hadn’t discussed any of this.

She leaned into the comfortable leather seat. Inhaling without losing herself in his scent was impossible. It gives away his controlled aura. Knowing he had a lot going on she had never seen him rushing into anything. He was always in control. As if he knew he will get it done somehow. She knew she had started hating his smile. It was infectious.

They walked into their apartment and Jenny still was finishing her ice cream. Getting her bag on the kitchen top she called for him. “Are you hungry?” And, get to see that Martha had made creamy pasta for them. “Oh God, I am definitely going to be fat living with you,” She only whispered to herself but got a reply. “That’s for you to worry about.” And, she startled looking at her back.

Of course, she knew it was his mom. She had spotted her on many billboards but even if she hasn’t she had a few pictures of hers in this apartment. “Mrs Wilson, what a pleasant surprise.” She could tell she was destroyed. The last manicure she got was months ago. Not that she doesn’t follow proper hygiene but seeing his parents for the first time was supposed to be planned. Aren’t they super busy? How come Jason didn’t know this? She looked at Jason who was quick to say, “Yea, mom. How come?” Mrs Wilson raised her brows and was quick to play along.

“We were here for an important meeting. I told you about it. I guess you forgot.” Mrs Wilson was a woman in her fifties but was ageing gracefully. One could tell she takes good care of her appearance and the ice cream in her hand wasn’t a great expression.

“Why don’t you wait in the living area? We will be there?” Jason cuts in. Mrs Wilson left leaving a brief glare at her as if Jenny was an unplanned trouble.

“Why didn’t you tell me? I am not going to buy they are here on their own. They got busy schedules?”

“I am sure it was Martha who sold us. Or who has told them we will be home now?” Though it didn’t sound convincing she knew Martha was aware of their schedule for the day.

“This should haven’t happened.” Jenny turned around. The anxiety was real. If there was an option to disappear in the air. She was seriously considering it right now. But what she found herself in was a large pair of arms. And, if there was one thing she had felt so good about was his back hugs. He could hug her and make her forget all about any anxiety she had. “They don’t matter, Jenny. They really don’t. You are here because we feel this for us…” He got silent for a moment and Jenny couldn’t help closing her eyes. She knew at this moment there was something strong between them. As if it was meant to be. As if she was taking all the steps in her life to be here in this moment. It makes her want to own it.

“…then, why worry about something that can’t change a thing. They are at our place. We will talk to them. And, then they will be gone. It’s simple.” She got her hands on his before looking up. Their mouths were so close and Jason left a peck before telling her. “Come,”

He had his hand on her waist all the time as they walked into the luxurious living area. The walls had paintings and family portraits.

“Hello, Mr and Mrs Wilson, I am happy that you stopped by.” This got Mr Wilson to look at his son before he took notice of Jenny’s dress. Of course, it explains why they both don’t seem ready for the meeting.

Mr Wilson had deep lines on his head. As if he always has something to worry about. Unlike, Mrs Wilson he was a little out of shape. And, looked typical of the richest business tycoon with his bald head and a cigar in his hand. That wasn’t lighted yet.

“Feelings are mutual, honey.” The words sound robotic and Jenny almost got static under his parent’s cold stare before Mr Wilson finally got up to walk to her. They shared a very brief hug. One could suspect it didn’t even happen. As, if he was doing it only for the sake of doing it.

“Thank you,” This time Jenny’s voice came out a little troubled. And, Jason was quick to rub his hand on her back before motioning her to take a seat with him on the sofa.

“I have heard about your exams. How did it go?” And, Jenny got her brows up wondering how. And, her surprise was followed by Mrs Wilson’s voice. “It’s obvious. You are the only thing that had ever gotten him intrigued on anything at all except for his stupid Tik Tok stunts, of course.” Jenny didn’t know why but she hated how his mother put her man down. Saying she was angry was an understatement.

“I will have to disagree. He is great at a lot of stuff.”

“We don’t want to know that stuff, Jenny. I think you two must know why we are here?” His father spoke and this made Jenny clasp her hands. She knew what was following. It was crazy how she wanted to forget it ever happened but it seems it was impossible.

“We don’t want to talk about it,” Jason told his dad.

“Do you realize how immature of you two it is to not want to talk about it? You either care or you don’t…” But then looking at Jenny he stated, “Jason is our only son. And, I hate to admit it but people ignore my life’s whole struggle and look at who this business is going to next. It affects me immensely. So, tell me if you are on it or not! It will make things easier for me.” And, Jenny was quick to get her hand on his now. She could tell this shit was serious.

“Don't talk to her. What are you doing, dad?” Jason asked.

“Getting you out of my business but it won’t affect you, right? What if it involves severing our ties? Won’t it still count?”

“Honey?” Mrs Wilson called for her husband who looked away only for Jason to state. “Or maybe you two can see how it wasn’t our fault.”

“Every time it’s not your fault…” Mr Wilson gave him a glare but then looked at Jenny. “…has he told you about him moving to California or it’s still not discussed between you two?” Jenny looked at him and Jason wet his lips. “I will try to be there, dad. Right now, I don’t want to leave New York and then we have our case going…”

“You are coming to California. That’s for sure, Jason. Everyone expects you to be there in three weeks. So, you better be there in three weeks.” His voice was stern enough for them to not say a word afterwards.

Jenny could see that case wasn’t much different for Jason too. After he admitted being in the video his business was affected too. And, though Jenny had hated how his parents refuse to take his life into account she stated.

“I understand what you are going through. Even my dad’s stock dropped after what had happened. We apologize for any damage, Mr Wilson, but we never wanted this to happen.”

“Who is your dad?” Mr Wilson cut off.

“You might don’t know him. But it was Mr Park. My dad was running a shipping company. He is not here anymore. And, right now my uncle, David Park runs it.” This made the couple share a glance before he asked. “Was your dad Edward?” And, Jenny breathed, “Yes,” A silence followed before he commented. “Who could have believed Edward’s daughter will be a trouble?”

“Dad!” Jason warned.

“I will cut it short. Either you two break up or marry before you even get to join our business, Jason. Now, it’s on you two. Decide or…”

Jenny got up from her place, “Excuse me,”

It was way too much for her. She, who was always used to planning things perfectly could already see a lot in her life went unplanned. It was as if the more she was trying to hold it right the more it was messing. She hated how she could understand Mr Wilson’s situation. Her parents weren’t going to be a great sight too after what had happened.

It was a known fact that the Park family was rooted in their traditions. Even her father had to struggle to marry her mom given she was a white American woman. And, her grandfather feared the woman won’t be the right choice.

What had happened couldn’t be expected from a girl like her. She did have all the freedom but was supposed to take care of it well. Most of the directors of her company were Korean too. And, held a certain behaviour normal. Their asking for her wedding was still comprehensible but now even Jason’s dad asking for it tells her how serious it was.

She recalls how Jason too ask her for marriage. Maybe he too knew where it was to go if they want to stay together.

“Jenny? Why didn’t you tell me about your company stocks?” Jason called for her and she turned around. “It wasn’t your problem.” She sniffed a little.

Unlike him, Jenny didn’t have the option to break things. It was going to make her lose her face in front of the directors. Though she doesn’t plan to take over her part of the business ever. She knew directors don't know this. They only see her as an heir that too for a substantial part of the business. They were bound to worry unnecessarily about the future of the company.

“Yea,…” Jason huffed out before walking to her. “…you know I won’t leave you, right?”

“Are you suggesting we get married?” Jenny asked and Jason stared into her eyes. “Only if you agree. Or…or I will take care of it somehow.” Jason loved how she pouts a little when she seems to be thinking. “Aren’t we marrying for the situation then?” She asked and he narrowed his eyes. He could tell she only needed a little reassurance.

“I can’t complain. Imagine, we will have a reason to never leave each other for the rest of our lives…” He got his hands on her waist before stating. “…and, I guess I can’t wait to share a bed with you again.”

“I can’t believe we are talking about a wedding here.” Jenny looked into his eyes but wrapping her in his arms he kissed her nose. “If I am allowed to speak my heart out. I want you to be my wife right away.”

“I am sure they didn’t like me,” Jenny whispered and he smiled. “If it was anywhere near the truth. He wasn’t going to consider marrying us. I say we practice for our wedding.” Jenny narrowed her eyes but Jason was quick to lock his mouth with hers all the while holding her close. She couldn’t help getting her hand to his neck and moaned.

.

.

.

“Do you have any place in mind for your wedding?” Jason asked her at the breakfast and she smiled. “I have always seen myself marrying in Potomac. If I don’t have many guests I can do it at my place. We have a beautiful backyard. Or if I have more people I could do it in the backyard of the community hall. It’s spacious with a perfect view.” Somehow Jason knew she would have a place in her mind. As for him, he didn’t have any place in his mind.

“My grandma will love it.” He commented.

“When are you to join your office?” Jason knew the question was expected. “In three weeks,” He replied and Jenny looked at him. “Your dad wasn’t serious, right? Also, we don’t really have to break up. Do we?”

“Of course, not. And, do you really think it is about dad offering us the options? No!” He scoffed at the end. “Then, what is it?” Jenny asked.

“It is about us considering our family business that has been put in jeopardy. I know we did nothing wrong. But it was because we are who we are.”

He did make sense. And, seeing Jenny nodding he added. “I knew you were different. You will do what is ought to do. No matter what. I owe you for this one.” Jenny wonders how he gets to know a lot about her. At times, she feels vulnerable with him.

“Sometimes I do have a feeling you want to do it because you said so a week ago. Just for the sake of getting your way.” She noticed a devilish smile on his face. “Why do you have to say it? I am all in for a business that gets me you by my side forever.”

Jenny looked at him and could tell he was a lot different than he seems on the screen. It doesn’t make sense why a guy like him wanted to settle down with a girl like her. But no one before him ever made her feel this special.

They decided to fly to Potomac to have dinner with her uncle. It was logical to inform her family too. Her uncle did ask a question or two about the wedding while her aunt was silent most of the time. It wasn’t as bad as the meeting with his parents.

“Your place is indeed beautiful,” Jason commented and Jenny gave him a pride smile. “That was my favourite bench. And, if we are to plan it here we have an amazing event planner, Mr Dorothy. He is the first choice for all of the residents here.” Jason nodded at this and was quick to add. “And, I know an amazing caterer, the Jacksons. I assure you everyone will love our food.” They kept walking to the bench.

“How much that will be?” She asked and Jason pulled her to his side. “You don’t have to worry about it. I think it is already established that I am going to pay for everything.” And, this made Jenny look at him.

“No, it’s not. I will pay for half of the wedding. Either this or no wedding at all.” And, there was no way Jason wanted her to feel challenged. He wanted to marry her at all costs. He could give up here. “Fine, I will pay for the planner. And, you can pay for the food.” He loved how she smiled at this. He wanted her to feel at ease with him.

He realizes they have taken a hit on their stocks for standing with her. But she was worth every dime and even more. “Jason, tell me what’s the most important thing for you in a marriage,” Jenny asked sitting on the bench.

Something flashed in his mind at the question. He knew the answer in a heartbeat and even got his mouth dry. “Loyalty. For me, a partner has to be loyal or there is nothing left to continue.”

“Easy one,” Jenny smiled and Jason held her face up. “For you? Yes.” Jenny bit her lip at the compliment.

“What about you?” He asked getting his place by her side.

“Umm…” She seemed to be thinking for a moment before she said, “I wanted to feel heard and respected and you are like this. You have always heard me.” The night was a little cold and he offered her his jacket. “Easy one with you. You hardly speak or initiate a conversation.”

“That’s not true.” She looked at him. And, he held her hand to his mouth. Something fluttered in her belly as she stared into those magical blue eyes. Even the thought of him being her husband was magical. She will always have these eyes looking for her.

Jason loved everything about Jenny’s childhood. What happened to her was tragic but at least she wasn’t thrown into a relationship like his parents and had to pretend it was fine. He kissed Jenny’s head again knowing she was everything his mom never was. And, no matter what he refuses to be the same as his father too. He could tell he was off to something beautiful with her.

The next day Jason had to fly back to California for a day. Jenny found it a little strange but woke up when he video-called her. “You seem to be sleepy.”

“You think I will arrange the wedding while you are in California for God knows what? And, how am I to continue my studies? I live in New York Jason. California is a no.”

“You will be my wife. You can get into any university.” At this, Jenny raised her brows. “Wow. In fact, I shouldn’t continue my degree. Let’s be a rich wife and feed off of my husband’s money. Right?”

“You won’t see me complaining,” Jason replied and she huffed out. “I have to go. I am going to talk to Mr Dorothy.”

“Yea, about that. I have slipped my card into your bag. Feel free to pay him.” Jenny looked at him. “I will pay him after you send me what I owe for the food. And, we are still to talk about the dress?” Jenny mentioned and he was quick to cut her off. “I will be with you by tomorrow evening. So, you better not dare to see your dress on your own. I will have to be the first one to see you in it.”

“It’s just a dress, Jason. I will look the same…”

“No,” Jason warned.

“Fine, I have to go and you better send me the bill for the food.” Jason wanted her to continue the call but she cut it anyway.

Though Jason asked her to not look for her dress she started looking at the ideas. She got a message from Jason a few hours later. She smiled looking at the receipt but widened her eyes looking at the bill. “Are you for real?” She gasped. 

Jason started calling her at the same time but she was having a fit of coughing. She wonders how it could be one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. She could buy a home for far less.

She received the call and Jason was quick to ask. “Did you get the bill? Look, I think I should pay for it. I picked them. So, I should be the one paying for it. Why don’t you pay for something else? I think it is too much.” She nodded realizing she had this much in the account her uncle has filled. But could she really do this for her wedding?

She did have a second thoughts about paying. It was apparent they were not close enough to discuss finance without discomfort. And, yet they were going to marry. “No, I will pay.” She found herself saying.

“Are you sure? Even my dad won’t like it.” Jason asked again and she assured him with, “Of course.”

“I am only letting you pay so you don’t feel excluded.” She nodded her head telling him. “I know Jason. And, thank you for that.” Someone called her and she told him.

“I have an incoming. Can I call you later?”

"See ya, my pretty." He cut the call and she smiled wondering from where he gets the endearments. But the moment she looked at the screen she was taken aback. The letter Kiara had a stirring in her guts. And, she hated how it wasn’t a good one.