The Wedding - Final

Flashback

After Yoona agreed to meet her mother on last night, Yuri eventually made a phone call to his mother-in-law on the next morning. Mrs. Im was surprised at first and she almost couldn’t believe it, but after listening to Yuri’s explanations, she knew that Yuri is a reliable person and she could count on him. She finally agreed to meet her one and only daughter for the first time after the divorce. Yuri let for Yoona’s mother to decide on when and where were the place they should meet, and she suggested that they will meet at the Yeouido Park on the next day.

“Are you sure you wanna do this?,” Yuri asked his wife again right after he stopped the car at the parking lot.

“Yes, I’m hundred percent sure. Don’t worry, okay? I will be fine,” Yoona replied with an assurance smile.

“Arasso. Call me after you are done meeting her, okay?,” Yuri said.

“Okay,” she replied as she unbuckled her seat belt. She then leaned closer and pecked on Yuri’s lips. “I’ll see you later,” she said before got out of the car. She waved her hand at Yuri and slowly walked away from the parking lot.

“Hope the meeting goes well, babe,” he mumbled while waved his hand back at Yoona.

Yoona was walking along the pathway which heading to the park near Han River. According to Yuri, her mother will be waiting for her at one of the benches near the big tree which facing the river. Since it was still early in the morning, not many people were there, only few elders seem to be seen having their morning walk exercise at the park. She continued walking until she spotted the big tree as described by Yuri, and a bench which was underneath the tree. She could see someone was sitting on the bench.

“That must be her,” she mumbled. Her heart suddenly beating fast as she felt nervous to meet her mother for the first time after she left her when she was two years old. She really didn’t have any idea on what to say or to react on her mother, but she decided just to go with the flow.

She was in a few steps towards the bench when the person who was sitting there suddenly got up and as if she could sense someone was heading towards her, she immediately turned around. Yoona suddenly stopped walking as she was stunned by looking at the person who was in front of her. She bowed at the older woman.

“Annyeong, Yoong,” her mother greets her as she smiled.

“An-nyeong,” she replied and smiled awkwardly.

“Come, let’s sit here,” her mother gestured her to come towards the bench. Yoona just followed suit, and both of them sat next to each other.

“How are you, Yoong?,” the older woman asked while looking at her daughter.

“I’m good,” she replied. “H-how about you?,” she asked while looking at her, but then shifted her gaze towards the scenery in front of her.

“I’m fine, thank you for asking,” the older woman replied as she smiled warmly. Yoona just replied with a faint smile. The atmosphere then suddenly becomes quiet. Yoona was contemplating on whether to ask further about her mother’s health condition or not. She really doesn’t know how to.

“Just ask on whatever you want, Yoong. I’m ready to answer,” her mother said, causing the latter raised her brows in surprise.

“How does she know I want to ask her on something? Maybe because of mother’s intuition, I guess,” she thought. She cleared before she started to ask.

“Ermm.. I-I heard from Yul that, that you was sick before. H-how are you right now?,” she asked nervously.

“I’m fully cured right now, Yoong. You don’t have to worry,” her mother replied with a smile.

“That’s good to know,” Yoona said. She then shifted her gaze towards the scenery in front of her as she has no idea on what to talk.

“Yoong,”, her mother suddenly called her, causing Yoona startled and immediately shifted her gaze towards her mother.

“Hmm?,” she replied.

“I’m sorry,” her mother apologized.

“No, you don’t have to, m-mommy,” she replied as she felt her heart wrenches the moment she called her mother. Her mother smiled.

“It’s been a long time since the last time I heard you call me ‘mommy’, Yoong. The first time is when you was one year old. The very first word you said to me,” she said. “Your daddy sulked when you couldn’t call him ‘daddy’. He could be childish sometimes, but he was the most kind-hearted man that I have ever met and fell in love with. He always fulfilled our need first before himself. Although he wanted to take care of me when I have been diagnosed with cancer, I couldn’t be selfish. I wanted him to take care of you, and gave you love as much as he could and make you happy. I just want him to fulfill your life with happy memories only. So, please don’t blame your daddy. He’s a good father, and a good husband to me too,” she continued.

Yoona couldn’t control her emotion as her tears rolled down her cheek. She quickly wiped it off and shifted her gaze on the scenery at the front.

“When I asked your father to divorce me, you know, it was the hardest decision I have ever made. I didn’t want to burden him as he just got a job as a photographer. It’s her passion, and I didn’t want to kill her passion. Besides, I’m not working and he has to support our family. Although we were not living under the same roof, we always support each other, and become friends,” her mother said.

The atmosphere suddenly turns quiet between them. Yoona was deep in her thought.

“I’m sorry too, m-mommy,” Yoona apologized.

“You don’t have to, Yoong. You didn’t do anything wrong to me. I understand completely. If I were you, I might be acting the same way,” her mother replied.

“B-but, I have hurt your feelings. I resent you because I thought you left me and daddy in purpose. I refused to meet you during my graduation when it was supposed to be an important day for you too. I..,” Yoona couldn’t continue her words as sad emotion clouded her mind and she failed to hold her tears from falling again.

“Come here, Yoong,” her mother called while spreading her arms widely. Yoona was hesitant at first, but she put all the feelings aside and leaned closer to hug her mother, after a long time. She cried hard, letting go all the emotions and whatever she was holding in the past.

“There, there. I missed you, Yoong. More than you know. You’re the only child that I have in this world. I love you so much,” her mother said her heartfelt words.

“I.. I love you too, mommy.. And.. I.. I’m sorry,” she said between her sobbing. Her mother patted on her back as she tried to soothe her. She just let her tears falling down as she could feel on how long her daughter bottled up her feelings towards her. They just stayed hugging each other for a while as they were longing for each other presence all this while.

“So, what are you going to to after this?,” Yoona asked her mother. She leaned her head on her mother’s shoulder while hugging her waist, while her mother put her arm around her daughter’s shoulder.

“I plan to open back your grandparents shop. Your daddy helped me to buy the shop back from the owner. Right now it’s still under renovation, and once it’s done I will be going back to run our family business”, she replied.

“You don’t want to go back to daddy?,” she asked with her eyes full of hope. She wanted her parents to be back together like they used to.

“How am I going to live with him when he always travel around the world, Yoong? Who’s going to take care of me?,” she replied.

“Ermm, yeah. That make sense, mommy,” she said, causing her mother chuckled.

“How’s your life now, being a wife to someone you love? I can see Yul really care and love you so much. He wouldn’t do this, getting us to finally meet up together if he didn’t love you, Yoong,” her mother asked.

“He’s the best thing that happened in my life, mommy. His presence and love really changed me for who I am now,” Yoona replied smilingly. She suddenly missed her beloved husband.

“I’m glad to know that, Yoong. My daughter has already grown up, married and sooner will have her own family. I feel blessed and relieved,” her mother said. Yoona suddenly pulled off the hug, and grabbing her mother’s hands.

“I’m glad that I meet you again, mommy. I promise I will take care of you. But, for now, why don’t we have our lunch together? I will ask Yul to call daddy to to join us,” Yoona said enthusiastically.

“Your daddy is in Seoul?,” her mother asked. Yoona nodded.

“He decided to take a long leave until we will be going for our honeymoon. And, he said he will travel around Seoul and other places in Korea before he will be back to his work,” Yoona replied.

“I see. I think that sounds good for today. Let’s have our lunch together. I kind of miss having a chat with your daddy,” her mother said. Yoona grinned meaningfully and she immediately opened her handbag to take her phone, and dialled Yuri’s number.

The Wedding Day

“Are you ready Mr. Im, Miss Im?,” the hotel staff asked. Mr. Im looked at his daughter, and Yoona nodded, signaling that she’s ready.

“Yeah, we are ready,” Mr. Im replied. The hotel staff then contacted the other staff through his communication device, and after getting the response he quickly opened the hall’s door to let the father and the bride entered inside.

“Announcing the bride, Miss Im Yoona and the bride’s father, Mr. Im entering the hall. Please welcome, Miss Im Yoona and Mr. Im!,” the MC announced. The cute flower girls and boys were already walking at the front, spreading the flower petals through the path. The guests immediately got up from their seats and applaud, and the photographers were busy taking photos of them.

Yoona spotted her mother who was sitting at the front row next to Yuri’s parents. She waved her hand at her mother and Yuri’s parents, and they excitedly waved at her back. Yoona giggled, causing Mr. Im immediately turned his head towards her, looking at his daughter with a smile.

“There. I’m telling you. No need to feel nervous and worry because they will cheer up for you,” Mr. Im said. Yoona grinned and nodded. They finally reached at the stage where Yuri has already waiting for his bride patiently.

“Take care of my Yoongie, Yul,” Mr. Im said while he released his arm from Yoona and grabbed her hand. He patted on his daughter’s hand and smiled.

“I will, daddy,” Yuri promised. Yoona almost wanted to cry, but she tried to hold it.

“Thank you,” Mr. Im mouthed. Yuri and Yoona bowed to him before Mr. Im left the stage.

“Alright, shall we begin now?,” the wedding officiate asked. The YoonYul couple nodded in unison.

“We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments, and to cherish the words which shall unite Mr. Kwon Yuri and Miss Im Yoona in marriage.”

“Marriage is the promise between two people who love each other, and who trust with in that love, who honor each other as individuals, and who choose to spend the rest of their lives together.”

“This ceremony will create relationship that does not already exist between you. It is a symbol of how far you have come these past few years. It is a symbol of promises you will make to each other to continue growing stronger as an individuals and as partners. No matter what challenges you face, you now face them together, and no matter how much you succeed, you now succeed together. The love between you joins you now as one.”

“Bride and groom, you can exchange your vows now,” the wedding officiant said. Yuri took the first turn to read his vow.

“I, Kwon Yuri take you, Im Yoona to be my wife. I promise to always be your biggest fan and your partner in crime. I promise to create and support a family with you, in a household filled with laughter, patience, understanding, and love. I vow not just to grow old together, but to grow together. I will love you faithfully through the difficult and the easy. What may come, I will always be there, each one believing that love never dies. As I have given you my hand to hold, so I give you my life to keep,” he said as he smiled. Yoona couldn’t help but to smile too. Now it’s her turn to read her vow.

“I, Im Yoona take you, Kwon Yuri to be my husband. I promise to laugh with you in times of joy, and comfort you in times of sorrow. I will share in your dreams and support you as you strive to achieve your goals. I will listen to you with compassion and understanding, and speak to you with encouragement. Together, let us build a home filled with learning, laughter and light, shared freely with all who may live there. Let us be partners, friends and lovers, today and all of the days that follow,” she said emotionally. She tried not to let her tears falling down but failed to do so. Yuri grabbed her hand and patted it gently, tried to calm her down.

“Groom, as you place the ring on bride’s finger, please repeat after me,” he said. Yuri then repeat the words.

“I, Kwon Yuri, take Im Yoona to be my wife. I promise you love, honor and respect, to be faithful to you and forsaking all others, until death do us part,” he said, and place the ring on Yoona’s finger.

“Bride, as you place the ring on groom’s finger, please repeat after me,” he said. Yoona then repeat the words.

“I, Im Yoona, take Kwon Yuri to be my husband. I promise you love, honor and respect, to be faithful to you and forsaking all others, until death do us part,” she said, and place the ring on Yuri’s finger.

“By the power vested in me by God and man, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride,” the wedding officiant said. Yuri opened the veil and lifted Yoona’s face to kiss her.

“I love you, Mrs. Kwon” he whispered as he smiled.

“I love you too, Mr. Kwon” Yoona replied and once again tears falling down from her cheek as she felt a little bit emotional on their important day. Yuri chuckled and wiping out her tears before they bowed to the wedding officiant and then the audience.

“Mr. Kwon, Mrs. Kwon, please stay on the stage. The photographers will take your photo," the MC said. They newlywed couple just followed suit, giving them the pose as they instructed.

“Alright. We invite family from both sides for photography session. Please come to the stage,” the MC announced. The Kwon and Im family then heading to the stage and photographers began taking their photo. After that, friends and acquaintances from both sides taking their turn for photography session.

“Aigoo my daughter! You are not my little girl anymore, you are someone else’s wife,” Mr. Im dramatically said while hugging his one and only daughter.

“Daddy, I’m still your daughter no matter what. Don’t act silly, please,” Yoona replied as she smiled awkwardly at her parents-in-laws who were giggling while watching the father-and-daughter antics. Her father just chuckled as he pulled off the hug, having fun in teasing his daughter.

“Congratulations, sweetie!,” Yoona’s mother congratulates her.

“Thank you, mommy,” Yoona replied as she hugged her mother. She couldn’t control her emotion as she cried again, causing Yuri shook his head and smiled.

“She cried a lot today,” he thought.

“There, there. Don’t cry, Yoong ah. Your makeup will ruin later,” her mother said.

“Thank you for coming, mommy,” she said while sniffing.

“Thank you for inviting me to your important day today, sweetie. And, please, stop crying,” her mother replied, causing Yuri chuckled on her words. Yoona glared at him and smacked on his arm.

“She’s being a crybaby today, omonim,” Yuri said while giggling. Yoona stuck her tongue out at him, and receiving a heart gesture from her husband.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are please to invite you to the banquet hall for lunch. Please proceed to the banquet hall and enjoy your lunch there,” the MC announced. All guests including both bride and groom’s family, relatives and friends slowly leaving the hall and heading towards the banquet hall.

“Are you sure you don’t want to spend your night here?,” Yoona asked her mother. They have changed their attire to casual wear and the wedding ceremony has already ended few hours ago. Yuri and Yoona will spend their night at the hotel, and they received a gift to stay at the presidential suite of the hotel from Yuri’s parents. They were having their dinner at the restaurant in the hotel.

“It’s okay, Yoong. Besides, the contractor wants to meet me on tomorrow morning to discuss on the shop renovation. Maybe next time, okay? I promise,” Yoona’s mother replied.

“We still have plenty of times to spend together, Yoong ah. Your mother is not going anywhere. Besides, we don’t want to disturb your first night.. ouwww..,” Mr. Im suddenly groaned in pain while rubbing his sore arm where Yoona’s mother pinched earlier. Yoona and Yuri raised their brows while looking at each other and laughed.

“Aish, this old man! Watch your words in front of the kids, will you?,” Yoona’s mother scolded.

“What’s wrong with my words? Aishh..,” Mr. Im replied while pouting.

“Aigoo.. You two looked cute while bickering, daddy, mommy,” Yoona said while giggling.

Yuri just smiled while watching the Im family antics. After what they have been through all this while, he finally could breathe in relief, feeling happy and contented as everything goes well and his wife finally found her long lost happiness in her family.