Am I…could I possibly be…pregnant? Jan Di thought to herself as she wandered down the fluorescent hallway and was nearly taken out by a gurney. "Watch out!" one of the nurses pushing the gurney shouted at her, and she blankly mumbled a "sorry" before stepping aside and retreating back into her own world.

She and Ji Hoo hadn't actively been trying to conceive, but they hadn't done much to prevent it either. And they had only briefly discussed children once. Jan Di knew that Grandfather would be thrilled, and they had both hoped to give him great-grandchildren before he passed, though they hated to think about that. But for the time being, she and Ji Hoo were focusing upon their careers. Surely Ji Hoo would be happy about this news, but she was a bit concerned about balancing raising a child with their burgeoning careers. So many thoughts were rolling around in her head, and Jan Di wasn't sure what to feel right now. She needed to talk to Ji Hoo about it. But this was wonderful news, wasn't it?

Jan Di decided to take a test when she had the chance. She took three actually. All indicated positive. She decided that she should set up an appointment with the OB/GYN, but first things first. She needed to tell her husband before anyone else found out before him.

Jan Di entered a coma patient's room. Her mind instantly shot to when Ji Hoo was in a coma. Perhaps it was the pregnancy hormones, but she felt herself suddenly welling up at the memory.

Dr. Jang was there checking vitals. He looked over at her and then casually went back to studying the monitor.

"So?" he asked simply.

She nodded, "Yes. According to three home pregnancy tests I got in the gift shop, I am. You were right."

"Congratulations."

"Thank you, Seonsaengnim." He looked over at her, and her smile slowly grew wider, as if the joyfulness of the news was just beginning to sink in.

Dr. Jang smiled affectionately at her. "So, did you tell Dr. Yoon?"

"No."

"Do you want to go do that?"

"Well, I really want to tell him in person."

"I see."

Jan Di sighed. "Wish I didn't have to wait 5 more days…"

Dr. Jang paused and tapped his pen on the chart. "Well, you know…maybe you should go to Athens and tell him."

"What? But you know I have to work, Seonsaengnim."

"Well, this is important, and it is a medical conference. Perhaps it would be good for you to attend. I could get your shifts covered. And I'm planning to go tomorrow myself, so perhaps you could just go along with me…" he glanced over at her to read her expression.

Jan Di's brow furrowed. "Oh, that's really nice of you…but I can't do that, Seonsaengnim…"

"Why not? Doctor's orders," he grinned.

"Well, I guess I could… OK, thank you, Seonsaengnim," she gave him an appreciative smile, and he went back to his chart.

"I'll call and arrange for you to get a seat on my flight," he said without looking up.

"That's OK, Seonsaengnim, you don't have to do that, really."

He turned to look at her. "Come on, I can't let my favorite student, who just happens to be pregnant, travel all the way to Greece alone. What if you get sick?"

"Well…," she pursed her lips, "That's very kind of you… Thank you, Seonsaengnim," she smiled.

Ji Hoo was staying at the Theïkós Hotel Athens, an upscale hotel in downtown Athens where the medical conference was being held. The hotel possessed a late 19th century look with a yellow neo-classical façade and a clear view of the Acropolis from the rooftop garden and some of the rooms. Ji Hoo had gotten some flak from Joon Pyo for not staying at the new Shinwha Hotel that had been erected recently in Athens. And Ji Hoo had explained that he did not choose the hotel or he would've stayed there. Ji Hoo and Joon Pyo had been talking sporadically over the past month. Things had gone smoothly at the wedding, but it was still a bit awkward between Joon Pyo and Ji Hoo, despite Joon Pyo's assurance that he'd forgiven Ji Hoo. For a while Joon Pyo had been very difficult to reach, claiming he was busy. Ji Hoo believed this was true; Joon Pyo had been all over the world lately it seemed for business, but Ji Hoo also knew that it had not been easy on Joon Pyo when he married Jan Di. It seemed like Joon Pyo was beginning to move on, though, because he was not avoiding Ji Hoo so much and would even ask about Jan Di from time to time. For months Joon Pyo hadn't even brought up her name on the rare occasions he and Ji Hoo talked. Most recently it would be a simple, "How is Jan Di doing?"And Ji Hoo would respond with, "She's fine", and that was usually the end of it. They would move on to another topic. But Ji Hoo felt that it was progress.

Director Hwang had insisted that Ji Hoo go to Athens a few days early to meet some colleagues and for general preparations, though Ji Hoo had a sneaking suspicion that Director Hwang simply wanted to enjoy the city and show off his new protégé. Much to Ji Hoo's chagrin, Hwang Si-Yeon had come along, too. The last few days had consisted of meetings and dinner/drinks with pharmaceutical representatives and other medical and business professionals along with the Director and his daughter.

The Director had asked Ji Hoo to give a lecture at the medical conference on First Year Surgical Residency in South Korea. Ji Hoo prepared for the first day of the three-day medical conference in his suite. The suite was large with classical décor, cream and beige interior, dark wooden furniture, and wood floors. The expansive marble bathroom possessed a Jacuzzi.

Ji Hoo finished buttoning his white collared shirt, tucked it perfectly into his khaki slacks, and slipped on his lab coat. He glanced at his notes and tucked them safely into the pocket of his coat. He slipped his phone into the other pocket after briefly checking for any messages from Jan Di- none. He stepped out onto the alabaster balcony, supported by large marble columns. Ji Hoo leaned over the edge and gazed upon the Acropolis off in the distance. His thoughts drifted upon the air like feathers, wishing Jan Di could be sharing the breathtaking view with him.

It had been nearly a day since Ji Hoo had heard from Jan Di, and she'd been brief during their last conversation. He assumed she was busy at the hospital, but she had been texting him frequently the last few days and now not so much.

He wasn't necessarily hearing the emergency bell, but he also couldn't ignore the nagging little pin pricks at the back of his neck. Ji Hoo sighed and retreated from the balcony. He grabbed his briefcase, exited the room, and sauntered down the hall to the elevator. He stepped out into the marble foyer, which was brightly lit by crystal chandeliers, and made his way to Conference Room βeta.

Jan Di sat next to Dr. Jang on the plane. She could hear the rumble of the engines being warmed up and feel the light shaking and subtle thumps of the cargo being loaded into the fuselage. Jan Di leaned to the side to look out the window, and her arm lightly brushed Dr. Jang's for the second time that day. She put it in her lap to avoid further bumping him.

Dr. Jang had insisted upon arranging a seat for Jan Di on his flight, and she'd paid him back. He'd even picked her up at home, despite her assurance that it wasn't necessary. Dr. Jang had briefly marveled at the house and then Grandfather had come out. Grandfather had excitedly greeted Dr. Jang and started talking about knowing his grandparents well. Grandfather joked about encountering Dr. Jang as a boy and about how serious he was then and now. Jan Di then politely reminded Grandfather that they needed to go to the airport, before he got too in-depth with storytelling.

Grandfather hugged Jan Di and wished her a good trip, and Jan Di swore him once more to secrecy about her intent to meet Ji Hoo in Athens. She hadn't told Grandfather about her pregnancy but had told him that she really wanted to surprise Ji Hoo. Grandfather had agreed to keep quiet and bid her a last goodbye with a kiss on the cheek. Grandfather patted Dr. Jang on the back and thanked him for accompanying her. But neither of them missed the not-so-subtle look Grandfather gave Dr. Jang, as if to warn him not to try anything funny with his beloved granddaughter-in-law. He probably would have forbidden Dr. Jang from accompanying Jan Di at all had he been aware of the dinner invite.

If Ji Hoo had booked the flight he surely would have put Jan Di in first class, but she was perfectly content with coach. Why not save a little money, even though they had plenty? She'd get there just the same. She didn't need complimentary hot towels and free alcohol that she couldn't drink any way. She recalled their flight home from Macau years ago. He'd insisted upon first class for both of them using the excuse that his legs were too long. A bit more leg room was nice for Ji Hoo, but Jan Di was petite, so she didn't require it. Being married to a wealthy surgeon and former president's grandson had neither changed her views, nor her practicality.

An announcement was made to prepare for take-off, and the plane began its course down the runway. Jan Di braced herself, having never been crazy about flying. Her stomach did a small somersault as the plane took off.

Once in flight, Jan Di glanced to Dr. Jang, who had put on a pair of black glasses and was deeply engrossed in silently reading a novel. Jan Di patted her legs, suddenly feeling uncomfortable flying with a man other than her husband. She picked up an in-flight magazine and flipped through it. She finished the magazine quickly and put it away in the pocket of the seat in front of her. She glanced to Dr. Jang once more. He glanced back and then returned to his book.

"You doing alright over there, Kiddo?" he asked, still looking at the novel.

"Hm? Oh, yes…so, what are you reading?" she asked, deciding it best to at least make some kind of conversation with him after all he'd done for her.

He showed her the cover. "It's a spy novel."

"Oh, you're interested in spy novels, huh?"

"Yes, I find them intriguing…"

She nodded. He adjusted his glasses and went back to his novel. Jan Di leaned her head back against the headrest, but she found herself unable to relax. Her mind was still reeling. After he finished a chapter, Dr. Jang glanced over again. The corners of his mouth tugged upward, as he found it rather cute the way her nose wrinkled slightly when she was deep in thought.

"Something on your mind?" he asked, simply.

"Eh? Oh, well…I was just thinking…," she paused, "Do you think he'll be happy about this?" She touched her stomach.

Dr. Jang smirked. "Of course he'll be happy. Why wouldn't he be? Doesn't he like kids?"

"Oh, no it's not that. We just didn't really plan for it…and it's so early in our careers…"

"Well, you can't always plan for it. And you two will figure it out somehow… If I know Dr. Yoon, he'll be thrilled."

Jan Di smiled and nodded. "You're right."

Dr. Jang grinned evilly, "But, how can you tell when he's excited?"

Jan Di gaped at him, "Seonsaengnim!" Dr. Jang grinned again.

"…Ji Hoo is just a calm, serious person, but there is another side to him that you don't know about. He's not always serious. And he can get excited and have fun, too," Jan Di said.

Dr. Jang nodded, "I was only joking…," he went back to his book.

Jan Di picked up another magazine and flipped through. Then she decided to try to sleep. She leaned back and closed her eyes. She drifted off for about twenty minutes but woke to an unsettled stomach.

"Oh," she put a hand to . She suddenly felt like her stomach was involved in a gymnastics competition in the Olympics. Moments later she unbuckled her safety belt and headed to the back of the plane to the bathroom.

A flight attendant came by.

"Is your wife alright, sir?"

Dr. Jang gave an awkward smile. "Oh, her? She's not my wife. But, yes she'll be fine. She's just pregnant."

"I see," the flight attendant wrinkled her brow but gave a polite nod. He says that so casually…

Jan Di returned to her seat, looking a bit pale.

"You OK, Kiddo?"

"Yea, better…," she resettled into her seat. Dr. Jang put down her tray for her and placed a ginger ale and a package of crackers on her tray. "Here, see if this helps."

She smiled at him. "Thanks, Seongsaengnim."

The ginger ale and crackers helped, and Jan Di thanked Dr. Jang again after finishing them off rather quickly. She was able to sleep through part of the flight and didn't get sick again, much to her relief. But Jan Di spent a good portion of the flight in conversation with Dr. Jang. She learned a lot about him during the trip, including that he began his medical career as a surgeon like Ji Hoo. Dr. Jang told her that he wanted to be a surgeon at first but decided it wasn't for him and switched to internal medicine. Dr. Jang also shared how much he had enjoyed working at the clinic and his dream of having his own clinic someday. He told her he enjoyed working in a small, intimate environment best, one in which he could really get to know his patients. Jan Di and Ji Hoo also had such dreams.

Ji Hoo gave his lecture, which was translated into Greek and several other languages for the group, and he was met with applause. The conference attendees were mostly Greek, with a sprinkling of other nationalities and his Korean colleagues.

He had been nervous, having to speak before a crowd of more than 100 medical professionals, and he'd wished Jan Di was there. She had a way of putting him at ease with simply a look and her presence. He'd thought of her though, and she'd given him strength across the miles.

Ji Hoo stepped down from the podium and was greeted and chatted up by several colleagues. A man and woman, apparently Greeks, approached him. They greeted him in Korean and asked if he spoke Greek or English. He told them that he spoke a bit of each, more English than Greek. They introduced themselves in English as Drs. Nikos and Alexandria Demopolous. Nikos complimented Ji Hoo on his lecture and explained that he was an ER doctor at a local hospital in Athens and his wife was an obstetrician there.

"Oh, my wife is interested in going into Obstetrics once she finishes her internship," Ji Hoo told them in his best English.

"Ahh! You have a wife," Alexandria chimed in. "We would love to meet her!"

"Yes, where is your wife, Dr. Yoon?" Nikos asked cordially.

"Oh, she couldn't come," Ji Hoo replied, his regret apparent.

Alexandria and Nikos were clearly disappointed, too.

The couple chatted with Ji Hoo for a bit longer about his lecture and their own hospital before taking their leave.

"We will talk later!" Nikos assured, and they excused themselves.

Ji Hoo wandered around the medical conference, going to booths, making an occasional contact, and taking in some lectures. Director Hwang had been busy much of the time, but Si-Yeon apparently had nothing better to do than bother Ji Hoo and he'd done his best to avoid her.

The first day of the conference ended and Ji Hoo was invited to have dinner with Director Hwang, Si-Yeon, and some other colleagues. He couldn't come up with a good enough excuse on the spot, so he headed down to meet them in the lobby at the Electra Restaurant/Bar. Ji Hoo sported his light gray suit and a blue striped collared shirt. Ji Hoo glanced at the ancient archaeological artifacts housed behind glass in the lobby, as he waited for the group. Ji Hoo sighed and put his hands into his pockets. This was not the way he wanted to spend his evening at all.

Upon their arrival, Ji Hoo bowed and greeted Director Hwang and two other colleagues. They entered the restaurant and were seated. Hwang Si-Yeon arrived fashionably late in a black mini dress and joined them. Drinks and Greek salads with Santorini sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamati olives, and goat's cheese were brought out. Ji Hoo ordered a braised lamb dish for his entree. As they dined the group discussed the conference, as well as some medical procedures and new pharmaceuticals that were presented that day. Ji Hoo listened mostly while actively avoiding eye contact with Hwang Si-Yeon who kept eyeing him across the table. It made his skin crawl.

After dinner the group moved on to the bar. Director Hwang and his colleagues began to knock back shots of Ouzo. After having two shots of the cloudy beverage Ji Hoo stopped and switched to water. The rest of the group continued to drink. Hwang Si-Yeon sat on the stool on the right side of Ji Hoo, attempting to convince him to further imbibe. He politely refused. Ji Hoo made idle conversation with the men and waited for an opening to politely excuse himself for the evening. He didn't expect it to be long before he could do so since the men soon seemed to forget he was there entirely. And that was fine by him.

A slightly tipsy Si-Yeon turned to Ji Hoo, as he stared out ahead and sipped at his water. "Aw, what's the matter, Dr. Yoon?"

"Nothing is the matter," he said simply.

"Aren't you enjoying yourself?"

"It's fine. But I won't be staying much longer."

"Why not?"

"I should get some sleep before tomorrow," Ji Hoo sighed and took another drink.

Si-Yeon nodded and took a gulp of the glass of Assyrtiko she'd ordered. She glanced over at Ji Hoo again and studied his face. "What's with the face? Are you sad, Ji Hoo-yah?" she whispered.

"It's Dr. Yoon, if you don't mind. And I'm fine. But if you must know, I miss my wife," he replied, not looking at her.

"Aww, isn't that sweet!" she exclaimed over-the-top. "I'll keep you company if you want…," she whispered suggestively and leaned toward him.

Ji Hoo scoffed. "Thanks anyway, but I think I'll be going."

Si-Yeon slumped against the bar. Ji Hoo looked at her then glanced to her father and his colleagues who were raucously talking and laughing.

"Excuse me, gentlemen, I'll be taking my leave. Thank you very much," Ji Hoo said with a bow.

"Oh, my boy, leaving so soon?" the Director slurred in an overly loud tone of voice.

"Yes, my apologies, and thank you for dinner and drinks tonight," Ji Hoo bowed. He glanced back to Si-Yeon, "…However, your daughter is…," he motioned toward Si-Yeon, who appeared to be passed out against the bar, her long chestnut hair entirely covering her face.

The Director looked over. "Oh, she's really out, isn't she?" he laughed.

Apparently he doesn't seem to mind seeing his daughter in this state… Probably happens frequently…

"Oh, my boy, would you mind terribly helping her to her room? I would, but as you can see, I'm…," he nearly fell off the bar stool.

"Of course not," Ji Hoo put on a fake smile and bowed again. He turned back to Si-Yeon and released a heavy exhale. What a pain… "Are you awake?" he asked. She mumbled something incoherent, pushed her hair aside, and opened her eyes. "Can you stand?" he asked.

She mumbled something again and slid off the stool and nearly fell. He caught her and put one of her arms around his neck and led her by the waist. "Alright, come on," Ji Hoo said, annoyed.

Ji Hoo led Si-Yeon to her hotel room, as she stumbled along, leaning against him. They arrived on the fourth floor where they all had rooms.

"Aren't you the gentleman?" Si-Yeon whispered.

"Yea, my fatal flaw, I suppose. Which one's your room?" Ji Hoo asked, and she mumbled the number. He led her there. "…Where's your room key?" he asked upon arrival, still irritated by the predicament.

"Umm," she looked around as if she'd find it somewhere in the hallway.

Ji Hoo exhaled sharply. His patience was growing thin. "I guess I'll have to take you to my room. You can lay down there for a while until I get your father's key. Then you can go to his room until you get a key to your own."

He took her inside his room. Once inside, Si-Yeon turned and wrapped her arms around Ji Hoo's neck. "What are you doing?" he demanded. Perhaps the manipulative harpy wasn't as inebriated as she'd led him to believe. Perhaps she was just a good actress.

She pressed herself against him. He immediately took her wrists and disentangled them from his neck. He dropped her wrists and put distance between them. "What were you doing? Have you misunderstood me again? You know I'm married."

"I know… But your wife isn't here…," she whispered seductively, approaching him again, "…She doesn't have to know anything…" Si-Yeon moved closer to him and reached out to put her hand on his chest. Ji Hoo quickly caught her wrist before she could touch him. She stared at him wide-eyed.

"You think I'd cheat on my wife?" he scoffed and dropped her hand as if it were toxic to the touch. "You don't know me very well, do you?"

"I'm offering myself to you, no strings attached, and you're just going to say no?" she wrinkled her brow and looked at him as if he were crazy to turn down such an opportunity.

"That's right," he said directly. "I'm saying no, absolutely no way! Perhaps a spoiled little princess like you has never heard the word before?" he tightened his mouth.

She scoffed. "How dare you!"

"How dare I? How dare you! Get this through your head, Hwang Si-Yeon. It's never going to happen. I love my wife. I love her more than anything. You have no idea what she and I have, and I would never, ever do anything to jeopardize that, got it?"

Ji Hoo stormed to the door. "Get yourself together, and then get out of my room," he barked as he exited the room.

Jan Di and Dr. Jang arrived at the Theïkós. Jan Di was able to give her name and get Ji Hoo's room number and a key to the room. She planned to surprise him. Dr. Jang likewise checked in and they headed up to the fourth floor. As they headed toward their rooms, Jan Di and Dr. Jang saw Ji Hoo walking with his arm around Si-Yeon.

"What? Is that—?" Dr. Jang began. Both stopped dead in their tracks. They heard Ji Hoo ask Si-Yeon where her room key was and watched her glance around for it. Then they heard Ji Hoo say that he would take her to his room. Dr. Jang furrowed his brow then looked to Jan Di, who was staring out ahead at the backs of Ji Hoo and Si-Yeon. She appeared to be in a state of shock.

"Jan Di?" Dr. Jang said her name gently.

She didn't respond.

"Jan Di?" he repeated, more insistently.

She said nothing but turned robotically from Dr. Jang and speed-walked back down the hall in the direction they'd come. Dr. Jang glanced once more down the hall and watched Ji Hoo take Si-Yeon into his room. He tightened his jaw and sighed. Then, he turned and rushed after Jan Di.

Dr. Jang followed Jan Di all the way outside the hotel to the courtyard. Despite her much shorter legs he'd found it difficult to keep up with her in this state. It was clear she hadn't wanted to be followed.

Jan Di finally stopped. She wrapped her arms around herself and stared out ahead. The courtyard was well-lit and flanked on each side by palms, and the path to the outdoor pool across the way was lined by lanterns.

Dr. Jang came up behind her. "Jan Di?"

She heaved a sigh and slumped down onto a marble bench, nearly missing the mark. Dr. Jang instinctively held his hands out to catch her, as she clutched the edge of the bench to steady herself.

"Are you OK?" he asked, taking a seat beside her.

"I'm fine," she mumbled and attempted to hide her face from him.

He noticed that her eyes were slightly reddened and were becoming moister by the second. He watched a slow line of tears slowly trickle down each side of her face. Then he watched her shoulders begin to heave. And finally she broke down and became wracked with sobs. She covered her face and leaned forward.

Dr. Jang stared at her, unsure of what to do next. He hesitantly began to put an arm around her shoulders. She flinched, and he pulled back. She continued crying in short gasps.

"Jan Di, I'm sure there's some explanation...," Dr. Jang said calmly.

Her cries slowly became less insistent. "You're right," she finally said, once able to speak. "You're right," she nodded, looking out ahead. "There's some explanation, I know it. I overreacted… Why did I jump to conclusions? How could I be so mistrustful of my husband? What kind of wife, am I?" This admission only made the crying worsen. Dr. Jang attempted to be comforting once more and put his hand on her shoulder. This time she didn't pull away, but she barely even seemed to register the touch.

Jan Di wiped away the tears that had run their course down to her neck. "I should go talk to him," she moved to get up, but Dr. Jang put a hand on her shoulder to hold her down.

"Wait. Just calm down a bit and then go and talk to him. Stay here for now."

"But—" Jan Di began to protest.

"Trust me, OK?" he wore a serious expression.

"Ok…," she agreed reluctantly.

"I'll be back… Wait here." Dr. Jang squeezed her shoulder and stood up. He headed resolutely back into the hotel. If something was going on he certainly didn't want Jan Di to walk into that. He'd verify for himself.

Dr. Jang clenched his fists hard at his sides, his insides boiling. He pressed the up button and got into the elevator. It took him a moment to register that Ji Hoo was also in the elevator.

"Oh, Dr. Jang. What are you doing here?" Ji Hoo asked.

Dr. Jang turned to Ji Hoo, scowling.

"Oh, that's right, you're here for the medical conference," Ji Hoo answered his own question.

"And you, Dr. Yoon?" Dr. Jang nearly spat his name out. "What are you doing here?"

"Same as you," Ji Hoo replied, confused by Dr. Jang's hostile tone.

"Oh yeah? Well, what was that display I saw upstairs?" Dr. Jang glared at Ji Hoo.

"What?"

"What were you doing with Hwang Si-Yeon upstairs about 20 minutes ago?"

"Oh, you saw that?" Ji Hoo replied with a roll of his eyes.

"Yes, that! What was that?" How dare he take such a careless attitude!

Perhaps it was reliving the devastation upon Jan Di's face or watching her shed tears for this man or feeling her retract at his touch, but Dr. Jang was pushed over the edge.

Ji Hoo sighed and opened his mouth to speak but was cut off. "How dare you! How dare you, you bastard…," Dr. Jang snarled. He grabbed Ji Hoo by the collar and slammed him against the mirrored back of the elevator.

Ji Hoo gaped at Dr. Jang. "What are you doing?"

"How could you cheat on Jan Di? How could you! And her being…being…," he barely stopped himself from revealing her secret. He grimaced and twisted Ji Hoo's collar. Ji Hoo's lips parted and he stared at Dr. Jang for a moment.

"Dr. Jang, get control of yourself!" Ji Hoo finally demanded. "You should get your facts straight before you accuse me of something!" Ji Hoo nearly shouted.

Just then the elevator doors opened. An older man and woman stood there aghast at the sight of Dr. Jang gripping Ji Hoo's collar and holding him prisoner against the back of the elevator. Dr. Jang released his grip, and they awkwardly smiled at the couple. Dr. Jang and Ji Hoo encouraged the two to enter the elevator, but the couple waved them on as if to say they'd just take the next one. Dr. Jang pressed the button to close the doors once more. Hopefully the couple wouldn't call security and tell them that two crazy men were having some kind of altercation in the elevator.

"I didn't cheat on Jan Di," Ji Hoo said calmly. "I would never cheat on Jan Di!"

Dr. Jang worked to slow his ragged breath.

Ji Hoo sighed and decided to explain, though he had no obligation to do so. "Hwang Si-Yeon had too much to drink, and I was helping her to her room. She couldn't find her key, so I took her to my room until I could get a key for her. Yes, she tried to make a move on me, but I turned her down. I told her I love my wife. Nothing happened, you idiot..." Ji Hoo was not usually one to resort to callous name-calling, but he had simply had enough for one day, and it just came out.

Dr. Jang exhaled.

"Still, I was an idiot, too, for falling for Si-Yeon's little act and trying to be a gentleman," Ji Hoo said.

"Well, you are that, Dr. Yoon," Dr. Jang chuckled. Ji Hoo tightened his jaw.

Dr. Jang sighed and grew serious, "But, I believe you, Dr. Yoon."

"Good. But I don't know why I need to justify myself to you. You had no right to accuse me and attack me like that…," Ji Hoo said in an eerily calm voice.

Dr. Jang nodded. "You're right. I was out of line. I'm sorry."

"But I know why you did it…," Ji Hoo paused, feeling his chest begin to rise and fall heavily, "…You have feelings for my wife, don't you?"

Dr. Jang stared at him. Apparently she didn't tell him about the dinner invite…

Dr. Jang glanced away briefly. "That's neither here nor there, Dr. Yoon," Dr. Jang said, "The important thing right now is that you go talk to your wife…," he sighed, "…Jan Di came with me, and she saw you with Si-Yeon, too. She was upset and ran off."

"What?" Ji Hoo exclaimed. "Jan Di is here?"

"Yes."

"Where did she go?" Ji Hoo demanded.

"She's in the courtyard."

Without another word Ji Hoo exited the elevator and ran to the stairwell. He rushed down to the main floor, through the lobby, and out to the courtyard. He scanned around for Jan Di for a moment before seeing her sitting on a nearby bench.

Ji Hoo approached Jan Di and sat beside her. It took her a moment to register his presence. Jan Di finally noticed him, "Oh, Ji Hoo-yah…"

She turned from him and wiped her eyes. She kept her head down so he wouldn't see her flushed, tear-stained face.

"Jan Di," he laid his hand on her taut shoulder. Jan Di sniffed. She said nothing and continued to look down.

"Jan Di, I ran into Dr. Jang…," he said. Jan Di cast him a sidelong glance. "What you saw…let me explain…," Ji Hoo continued.

Her body began to involuntarily tremble.

"Hwang Si-Yeon...," he began.

Jan Di hated the sound of her name on his lips. She hated the sight of her in his arms earlier. She hated the sickly sweet floral scent of her perfume that seemed to linger upon his shirt now. It was more than just pregnancy hormones that was currently nauseating her.

Ji Hoo continued, "…Director Hwang invited me to dinner with some colleagues. His daughter was there, too. She had too much to drink, and he asked me to help her to her room. It was nothing more than that. Then she lost her key, so I was going to let her stay in my room while I got a key from her father. I was just being polite. I'm sorry that you saw that and thought…"

Jan Di nodded silently. She believed him, but why did her chest still ache?

Ji Hoo ran his thumb lightly across her shoulder. "I know it must have looked bad, but I promise nothing happened, and nothing will ever happen. She means nothing to me, and you mean everything to me!" he nearly shouted, frustrated that such a ridiculous thing was coming between them right now. He took her shoulders in his hands and turned her toward him to face him.

She fought to regain control of her trembling body, her shallow breathing, her racing heart. She instinctively clutched at her chest and stared into his eyes.

Ji Hoo continued to speak, softly yet fervently. "I love you, Jan Di. I love you so much more than you will ever know…so much that it would be impossible for me to ever even consider straying…it's never crossed my mind, not even once. It's not even an option for me!" he tilted her chin upward with a finger. "Why would I destroy the best thing that ever happened to me, especially when I had to fight so hard for it?"

She stared into his eyes, eyes that were so full of love and desperation…

Ji Hoo-yah…

Ji Hoo slowly released his grasp upon her. He leaned forward on the bench and wrung his hands. "You know, when you were with Joon Pyo…my heart ached so much…every day, every minute...it hurt so much that I considered leaving more than a few times, but I couldn't because I couldn't imagine being away from you, even if I couldn't have you. The time I did leave…it was torture for me…like I said, it was my punishment... You must know by now that I am incomplete without you, Jan Di…"

Jan Di's heart skipped a beat and then resumed thumping louder, harder, faster within her chest. She looked over at him.

She hung her head in shame. "Ji Hoo-yah...," she said his name tenderly.

He turned to her and cupped her face with both his hands. A few tears had trickled down her cheek. One of his hands remained on her cheek and the other moved to wipe her tears. "In your heart, you must know that I would never, ever be unfaithful to you." His words were tender and completely sincere. Then he knelt down before her. He took her hands and stared up into her eyes.

"Please believe me..."

She sniffed, unable to hold back a few more renegade tears, which he swiftly yet gently extinguished.

"I know. I believe you. I just got emotional, but in my heart, I truly do trust in you completely."

He d her cheek with the back of his hand. "Then why are you still crying?" he asked with desperation in his voice. Tiny streams were now flowing down her cheeks once more. He leaned upward to kiss her forehead then each cheek tenderly, tasting the remnants of her salty tears.

"Please don't cry, my love…I can't take that…" His heart threatened to burst from seeing her this way, and he could feel tears forming in his own eyes. He rose and pulled her up to her feet with him and wrapped his arms around her. She leaned into him and sobbed.

She pulled back, as he held her arms. "I'm crying because…I doubted you! I can't believe that I doubted you… I'm so sorry, Ji Hoo-yah!" she sniffed and he ran his hands up and down her arms. He looked upon her with understanding.

"It was brief, but I doubted…and I was scared that perhaps you could…" she couldn't even bring herself to say it, "…But then I reminded myself…no, no! My Ji Hoo-yah, my firefighter…would never hurt me."

"That's right," he pulled her in and kissed her sweetly. "I would never, ever hurt you my precious, beloved little otter…so, don't cry…" He wiped the remaining tears.

"Ji Hoo-yah, can you ever forgive me?" she looked down in shame.

"There's nothing to forgive," he said.

She smiled and sunk into his arms again. "I'm…so happy to be here with you…I missed you…," she whispered.

"I missed you, too. I missed you so much, you have no idea…," he whispered against her hair, "…But, I thought you had to work. What changed your mind about coming?"

"Well," she sniffed again, as he pulled her back slightly and held her shoulders. "I did miss you a lot, but I actually came here to tell you something important…"

"Tell me something important? What is it?"

"Let's sit," she tugged on his hand and led him back to the bench.

His mind shot to the possibilities. He suddenly grew fearful that something had happened to Grandfather, but no, she would have told him over the phone and told him to come home.

She took a deep breath and looked into his eyes. She took his hands this time.

"Well, I came here to tell you, Ji Hoo-yah, that…you're going to be…a father."

Ji Hoo felt as though his heart exploded within his chest this time, but it was a pleasant explosion, like beautiful fireworks.

"I'm...I'm…going to be…you mean you're…," he stammered, suddenly finding it difficult to breathe. He took her shoulders once more and gazed deep into her eyes.

She smiled and nodded. "Yes, I'm pregnant."

The look on his face was pure joy. Jan Di didn't think she'd ever seen him so happy, aside from perhaps on their wedding day.

"You're happy then?" she confirmed.

"Oh, Jan Di-yah, of course I am! I am so happy!" He cupped her face with both hands and placed gentle kisses on her face, her hands… And he felt truly happy. They both did. A wave of happiness washed over both of them such that they had never felt before. The happiness from the love they shared had only been further amplified.

He embraced her more tightly and closed his eyes. "Oh, I didn't squeeze you too hard, did I?" he asked, suddenly breaking the hug, as if she were a precious piece of porcelain. He pulled her back and looked into her eyes to confirm that he hadn't harmed her.

She smiled and fervently shook her head. "No, not at all." He nuzzled noses with her and kissed her senseless.

"I love you, and I'm so happy about this," he said sincerely after they broke away from each other. "Aside from the day I married you, this is the happiest day of my life so far…"

She smiled, and there were fresh tears in her eyes again, but tears of happiness this time. She placed a tender kiss upon his lips.

Ji Hoo took Jan Di to their suite, and they stood on the balcony viewing the Acropolis at night, lit up like a lovely golden flame. Ji Hoo put his jacket over her, as it had grown chilly, and he ran his hand up and down her arms and across her back.

"Wow, it's so beautiful," she mused, looking out upon the illuminated Acropolis in the distance.

Ji Hoo wrapped his arms around Jan Di. "Yes, and I'm so glad to be sharing it with you…," he kissed her head, "Tomorrow after the conference I'll take you out to see the city, if you'd like to go and you feel up to it."

She nodded. "That would be great."

They both sighed peacefully. "I can't believe that we're going to be parents…," Ji Hoo mused.

Jan Di smiled, "Won't Grandfather be happy?"

"Oh, he'll be ecstatic," Ji Hoo chuckled. "He'll probably say something like 'well, it's about time!' Ji Hoo imitated Grandfather's gruff voice and scrunched up face, which sent Jan Di into a bout of uncontrollable giggles. She was so cute that he had to give her another kiss.

Then, Jan Di grew serious, "But what do we do now? We're both just starting our careers…do you think we can handle this?"

He nodded. "Don't worry. We'll make it work."

She smiled, "Yeah…won't everyone be excited?"

He nodded, and then it was his turn to become serious. He didn't even want to bring it up, but he said, "Do you think we should…wait a little while to tell everyone, you know to make sure…?"

She knew what he meant, and the thought made her stomach plummet slightly. "Yeah, maybe…"

"But let's not think about that, I'm sorry. We're going to think positive thoughts," he said, placing another kiss upon her head.

She nodded, as she gazed out over the city, her mind everywhere…

They spent a long time there, enjoying the cool breeze, talking about the baby and the future, holding each other, exchanging gentle kisses and caresses. Jan Di smiled at how extra gentle her prince was being with her.

"Jan Di?" Ji Hoo began hesitantly.

"Hm?"

"…So, Dr. Jang came with you?" he finally asked what he'd been so curious about.

"Oh, yes. Well, he sort of figured out that I was pregnant before I did. And when I told him that I wanted to tell you in person he suggested that I go to Athens. He was nice enough to get my shifts covered, and he even insisted upon going along with me. He said he was going to the medical conference anyway, and he was concerned about me flying alone."

"Wow, that was really nice of him," Ji Hoo turned and gave a subtle roll of his eyes.

Ji Hoo recalled Dr. Jang yelling at him about taking responsibility and snatching Jan Di's champagne glass away. It made sense now. He must've known for awhile…

"I'm glad that you were looked after while I was away," Ji Hoo mumbled, though he didn't really like the idea of another man caring for her. Still, he appreciated it. Ji Hoo considered telling Jan Di of his confrontation with Dr. Jang but decided against it. He didn't want to upset her. He felt bad enough that she'd gotten worked up over Si-Yeon.

Not long after, Jan Di yawned. She leaned into Ji Hoo and closed her eyes, as he wrapped his arms delicately around her waist and held her from behind. "You're falling asleep, little otter," he whispered and placed a kiss on her head. "No, I'm not," she argued, not wanting to move from her warm, comfortable nest in Ji Hoo's chest. She had to admit she'd been extra tired lately, but she truly didn't want to leave this spot just yet.

Ji Hoo rested his chin on top of her head. After a moment her head bobbed lightly. Ji Hoo smiled. "I'm sorry, my love, but I think it's past your bedtime," he whispered against her. Before she could object he ultra-carefully scooped her up into his arms and was carrying her back into the room. Her eyes instinctively closed. She leaned against his chest, one arm around his neck and the other clutching at his shirt, and murmured, "But I don't want to go to bed yet…," like a child. He smiled down at her affectionately. He laid her delicately on the bed and covered her. She mumbled a final protest that she wasn't tired with still-closed eyes. He removed his jacket from around her and what extra layers of clothing he could to make her more comfortable. He smiled again and kissed her forehead before heading to the bathroom to get ready for bed himself. Ji Hoo finished his nightly routine and slipped into bed with Jan Di. He wrapped her up in his arms and kissed her head. He smiled and closed his eyes.

The next morning Ji Hoo ordered room-service, and a breakfast tray was brought in with boiled eggs dressed with grated tomatoes and vegetables, fresh fruits, Greek yoghurt with Greek thyme honey, and traditional herbal tea. Ji Hoo and Jan Di enjoyed breakfast together in their suite and then dressed for the conference.

They walked into the conference room and wandered around the booths. Ji Hoo was giving a repeat of his lecture later that day, which Jan Di was happy about considering she missed it the first time. Dr. Jang walked into the conference room and glanced in their direction. He exchanged a tense look with Ji Hoo before Jan Di waved him over. "Seonsaengnim!"

Dr. Jang reluctantly approached. "Good morning," he greeted, looking between the two.

"Good morning, Seonsaengnim," Jan Di replied with a smile.

Dr. Jang smiled back at Jan Di and exchanged a formal nod with Ji Hoo. Jan Di saw a booth of interest and excused herself, leaving the two men alone.

Dr. Jang cleared his throat and stuffed his hands into his pockets. "She's smiling. Seems you two worked it out…"

"Yes, we did," Ji Hoo said simply, likewise stuffing his hands into his pockets.

"That's good," Dr. Jang replied, tight-lipped. "So, she told you…"

"Yes, she told me," Ji Hoo felt his icy barrier melting at the mere recollection of Jan Di's news.

"Congratulations," Dr. Jang said.

"Thank you," Ji Hoo replied with a small smile.

"No hard feelings about the little misunderstanding?" Dr. Jang glanced around the room and then turned his eyes back to Ji Hoo. Dr. Jang stuck out his hand.

Ji Hoo sighed, "No hard feelings," and he shook hands briefly with Dr. Jang. Then, Ji Hoo paused, "And thanks…for bringing her here and for looking after her…"

Dr. Jang nodded. "Don't mention it. …Well, I'm going to look around." Ji Hoo nodded, and Dr. Jang took his leave.

Jan Di returned to Ji Hoo's side moments later. "Oh, Dr. Jang left?"

"No, he's around," Ji Hoo replied. Jan Di nodded, and she and Ji Hoo checked on the lectures being presented that day.

"Oh, I met her," Ji Hoo commented, as he read about a lecture on Spina Bifida to be given by Dr. Alexandria Demopolous.

"Oh really?" Jan Di read the abstract. "Her lecture sounds interesting. Maybe we should check it out," Jan Di replied, and Ji Hoo agreed.

"Speaking of…," Ji Hoo began as he looked out across the room.

Jan Di followed Ji Hoo's eyes to a pair of Greeks approaching from across the room, a man and woman. They both had lovely olive skin, dark hair, and wore lab coats. The woman's hair was partially up with loose raven tendrils falling across her shoulders. The man's shorter hair was also curly. When they came closer Jan Di noticed that they had classically sculpted features and their eye color was practically the same, a beautiful hazel. The pair stood next to her living statue of a husband, and it was a sight to behold. The three of them truly looked as though they belonged on Mt. Olympus. Jan Di felt very plain in comparison.

"Dr. Yoon! Kalimera!" the man vibrantly greeted Ji Hoo. The woman smiled at him.

"Kalimera, Dr. Demopolous," Ji Hoo replied with a smile.

"No, no, no, Dr. Yoon, call me Nikos." Ji Hoo nodded. The man and woman looked at Jan Di and smiled widely.

"Oh, Doctors Alexandria and Nikos Demopolous," Ji Hoo motioned between them and Jan Di, "This is my wife, Jan Di."

"The wife made it?! Άντε!" Nikos exclaimed and approached Jan Di. Jan Di's eyes went wide when he embraced her and lifted her slightly off the ground.

Ji Hoo was equally shocked. "Oh, Nikos, please be gentle with my wife and child," he gave a short, uncomfortable chuckle.

"Child?" Nikos and Alexandria simultaneously repeated and looked to Ji Hoo and then to Jan Di. Nikos set down a slightly stunned Jan Di.

"Syncharitiria!" they exclaimed and then translated. Nikos clapped Ji Hoo on the back, and Alexandria took Jan Di's hands in her own and shook them. "This is so wonderful! Oh, and please forgive my husband, Jan Di. He's a little too friendly," Alexandria said in a thick Greek accent.

Nikos chuckled, "Yes, I am sorry," he said, looking between Ji Hoo and Jan Di. "We should all get together after the conference," Nikos suggested and looked to his wife. She nodded fervently.

"Do you have plans, Dr. Yoon?" Alexandria asked.

"Oh, well Jan Di and I had planned to tour the city a bit."

"Perfect! We will show you! And then you will come to our home for dinner!" Nikos exclaimed. He and Alexandria smiled and looked at Ji Hoo and Jan Di expectantly.

Ji Hoo attempted to politely decline, but the couple was insistent. Ji Hoo glanced to Jan Di, and she shrugged. Realizing any further protest would be in vain, Ji Hoo and Jan Di smiled politely and agreed to the couple's offer.