“Sehun,” his father called out surprised. His eyes fluttered, running over him, down then back up. “I thought you were sick. You should be in bed.”

He stiffened. “Uh…well…I did rest, but I feel better now.”

Namjoo’s father eyed him, unbelieving.

“Well…come in.” Sehun stepped out of the way. Watching as they passed him.

His father sniffed the air. “It looks like you’re having dinner.”

“Yes.” He closed the door. Led them down the hallway toward the dining room. Saying the expected, “Come eat with us.”

Namjoo’s father immediately halted in the doorway when he spotted Namjoo in her apron. Helping the kitchen lady. Sehun gulped. His lids fluttered, nervous. Sensing them she stopped what she was doing by the counter. Lifting her head up and turned his way. Sehun couldn’t help but lower his eyes.

She said nothing. He looked again at her to see not a welcoming smile on her face. Also aware of what kind of situation she was in. Fooling around in the kitchen with the housekeepers. Lending her worthy hand where it shouldn’t be.

Spinning around she reached up into the cupboard for an extra set of plates. Calmly walking over to set them down next to her plate, next to his plate.

“Sit down,” she invited.

“What do you think you’re doing?” her father gruffly interrogated. Staring hard at her apron, wishing to set it on fire perhaps. His eyes seemingly disapproved before turning to look at him for an answer. “What is she doing?”

Next to the man his father offered no defense.

“I think you forgot that this is my house,” Namjoo said. “Would you quickly decide if you’d like to stay to have dinner with your daughter? I’d like to put the plate back. It saves the water I need to use to wash it.”

“Father, please sit,” Sehun cut in, pulling the chair out for him. His father-in-law stared at him with a burning glare. With a huff he sat down. Sehun glanced at Namjoo to see the frown pulling down on her face. Without offering any greeting toward his father she wheeled back into the kitchen to resume her task.

His father sat down beside her father, making himself comfortable. “Well,” he began, “what are you doing standing for?”

With no excuse to give, Sehun rounded the table and sat in front of his father. Leaving the chair next to him empty for Namjoo to face hers.

“I was worried when I heard you turned in sick.” His father said. “You need to keep your health up. If you’re sick, how can there be a child? Am I right?”

“Yes, father.” Sehun obediently replied.

“I let her get married not to become another housekeeper in your home,” Namjoo’s father scolded. “It is embarrassing for the family. You need to restrain her. You are her husband. It is your sole duty to look after her and make sure she does not act out. What exactly have you been doing as her husband?”

“Now, calm down,” his father crooned. “I’m sure there is an excuse. Your daughter has her ways.”

“Are you putting the blame on her? It is the man who is head of the household. If your son can’t do his job, what did he marry my daughter for?”

“Perhaps you should ask yourself.” Namjoo leaned over to set down a steaming plate of food. “Why, father, you had me marry into the Oh family.”

His face strained with irritancy. “Silence. I’m not speaking to you.”

“The name mother gave me is Namjoo.” Namjoo hit back. Staring her father down. “If I am not worthy enough of your endearment like precious Hea, at least I deserve to be called by my name.”

She turned in time when Hyesoo walked over with the last two plates. Snatching them from her Namjoo gave the housekeeper a nod to excuse her. Placing the plates onto the table Namjoo purposely sat down with her apron still on.

“Now, dinner looks delicious.” Namjoo picked up her spoon and fork.

“Is this how you have dinner every night?” His father-in-law turned to begin his lecture. “My daughter dare stoops to the housekeeper’s level, and you let her? Her hands, her feet should never touch the pots and pans, nevertheless the stove! You gave me your word that she does not lift a finger in your home. All this time you’ve been lying?”

Beside him, Namjoo laughed befuddled by her father. Unlike her, he couldn’t move or say anything. Because Namjoo was this man’s daughter. This man was his father-in-law whom needed to be respected and Sehun should always honor him for bringing Namjoo into this world. Namjoo was his child like the child growing inside her right now would be his.

Should he accept the punishment for allowing Namjoo freedom to reign in his house? Was she truly downgrading herself?

“How dare you?” her father hissed.

“Sehun,” his father called. “You’re not going to apologize?”

“Why should he?” Namjoo put food on his plate. “You should stop.” Staring at her father, “It’s insulting to talk to the homeowner in this manner. Firstly, father, you should know your place when you come visit your daughter.” Glancing at his untouched plate, she asked again, “Will you be having dinner? Or will you be leaving?”

“You are a disgrace,” her father muttered. “Your mother would be embarrassed.”

“But I think,” Namjoo said when he rose, “she’d be sadder that you treat me this way.”

Huffing he turned around to leave. Pressured to follow his boss, his father stood. Sighing at him, shaking his head as he walked out. And that was enough to tell him that he was the bigger disappointment.

ꜛꜛꜛꜛꜛ

Could he love Namjoo? Did he deserve to love her?

He let Namjoo go in for her shower first. While waiting he slid the door open and stepped out onto the balcony. Staring at the star littered sky. It felt like from here he could even pluck a star for Namjoo.

Leaning against the iron bars, he heaved a sigh. Hating to admit that maybe Namjoo’s father was right. Perhaps he wasn’t treating Namjoo as specially as was expected of him. Kim Namjoo wasn’t just anyone’s child. She was the daughter of a man who owned a huge conglomerate. Born with an upstanding title in society. She wasn’t a normal woman he could pass on the street.

For a moment, he had forgotten he was a level below her. No matter how hard he reached he couldn’t reach Namjoo’s class. Dubbed with all the right to do as she pleased. Compared to her, he would always have to fulfill his eight hours a day. A person like Namjoo, daughter to a rich man, was not supposed to lift her hands for work.

Tonight, he was reminded again of why his father wanted him in their family. Maybe not completely out of the friendship to the Chairman, but because Namjoo’s family was enamored. She would bless him with a better name than what his father had given him. She could give him all the wealth in the world, even if she didn’t love him but because she was daughter to a rich man.

Sehun turned a little when Namjoo hugged him from behind. Leaning her head against his back. And he thought, he was undeserving.

“Did my father say something?” Namjoo asked.

“No.” he lied.

“He has no right to lecture you,” Namjoo said. His heart softened. Moved by her.

He would flip the entire world for her. He would punish every single person that tried to hurt her. He wouldn’t forgive anyone that made her cry. Go on his knees, beg, and plead that her mother come back to her.

He would do everything to make her happy.

Because she was frail, and she was heaven sent. Because if it was the last thing he could ever do, he’d give her everything possible.

Turning around he looked into her eyes, where the sun always seemed to be rising. “No, he didn’t.”

Quietly, she stared up at him. Not wavering from his gaze. His heart kept beating for her. Kim Namjoo who was lovely. About to become the mother of his child.

He wouldn’t let her shed another tear. He would always be right here with her, even if he was told he didn’t match her.

As if she expected it, she angled her head back when he hugged her. Pressing his mouth against hers.

ꜛꜛꜛꜛꜛ

Sliding the door to the private room open, Sehun walked over to the expensive round table. Already filled with a variety of food made by the hands of five-star chefs.

“What is it?” Sehun asked wondering why he had been called during lunch to come out.

His father grinned a too wide smile suspiciously. Half-rising from his chair, arm extending, “Come sit, son.”

After the other day with their unexpected visit, Sehun honestly expected animosity from the man. What now? Was he trying to make up for not speaking up for him?

Sinking into the velvety chair, Sehun glanced at the food. Thinking Namjoo would generously eat a portion. He turned when the door slid open and pretty Hea in a matching top and skirt walked in. Clutching onto a cute pink purse. Now he looked at his father more questionably.

“Here she is,” his father continued widely grinning. Getting up from his seat, he put his hands around Hea’s arms. Leading her to the seat he’d previously sat on. “Sit, sit.” Looking at him, “Hea, here, asked to have a meal with you as a graduation gift. Take your time eating and talking. I’ll let the Chairman know you’re not expected by noon.”

“Dad,” Sehun frowned at the absurdity, but the old man only patted his shoulder. Adding a tight grip to keep him rooted from springing out the door. “Take your time.” He repeated then offered Hea a smile before walking out. The door closed and Sehun couldn’t help but huff.

“Eat up, Sehun,” Hea said. “It’s not as if we’ve never shared a meal before.”

Picking up her spoon she dipped it into the stir fry dish. Scooping up a spoonful and leaned across the table to put it on his empty plate. That was it. He’d lost his appetite.

“What do you want?” he asked.

“Don’t kill the mood already,” Hea whined. “We haven’t even started.”

He didn’t hide the roll of his eyes. This was ridiculous. Intentionally putting his left hand on the table to show off his wedding ring, he reminded, “I’m married to Namjoo if you forgot.”

“But she’s not here,” Hea pointed out the obvious, “is she?”

He bit down on his teeth.

Picking at her food now, Hea asked, “What do you like about her anyway? You’ve been married four, five months? I can’t believe you’re able to stand living with her this long.”

“Instead, you should be surprised Namjoo has withstood me this long.” Sehun stabbed a piece of meat and slid it around his plate. Creating a trail of grey-brown liquid.

She scoffed. “You’re not serious.”

“But you’re right.” He grabbed his glass of water with his left hand. To show off his wedding ring. “Namjoo is difficult. Sometimes she’s really a .”

The smirk on Hea’s face grew.

“But then,” Sehun took a sip, looked at her, “I kind of like es. I think Namjoo fits the pot just right.” Holding his glass forward as if doing a cheers with her, he went on, “So thanks, Hea, for letting me marry your sister.”

Flabbergasted, Hea bit onto her tongue. “You’re playing with me.”

Sehun shrugged. Drank his water some more because he would rather starve lunch than eat with Namjoo’s step-sister, who was trying to do what he didn’t know.

Then his phone rang. He glanced at it to see it was coming from home.

“Put it down.” Hea ordered.

He glanced up at her.

“Or I’ll tell my dad and he’ll punish your dad,” Hea threatened. “And maybe, I’ll get Namjoo into trouble.”

His brow angled down his face. He gripped onto his phone.

“And maybe, I’ll tell you a secret about Namjoo.” Hea tempted.

His throat closed. Waiting.

She teased, “You think you’re the only man she has?”

His heart lurched. Sehun warned, “Stop it.”

A smile tickled her face. “So, Sehun. Put your phone down.” Propping her elbow up onto the table she dug her chin into her fist. “And have lunch with me, my sweet fiancé.”

He tightened his grip onto his phone.

Relaxing his hold, he dropped the phone onto the table. Lowering the call tone. “Fine.”

She smiled more happily. Forgoing the earlier topic about Namjoo’s secret, Hea told him of a trip she wanted to take with her girlfriends. Each of them stringing along their boyfriends. She wanted him to go with her.

“Don’t forget you were mine first,” Hea reminded. “And you could still be mine. Don’t you think I could nullify your marriage any time I want to?”

“Are you crazy?” he asked.

“What if,” Hea asked, “I want you now?”

Sehun subconsciously leaned back into his seat as if he could widen the space between them. He observed her. “You don’t want me.”

“But you were willing to marry me,” Hea said. “You didn’t deny it when your father told you.” Leaning forward, “Sehun, don’t you think that you wavered for me at least once?”

He icily stared at her, wondering what in the world kind of tales she was spinning in her head. How she had interpreted the things he never said.

“Are you saying, I wavered for Namjoo, too?” he asked.

Hea’s expression constricted.

His phone buzzed again. “Excuse me,” he said, “I think this is from work.” Scooting his chair back he swiped his phone off the table. Escaping to the bathroom where certainly Hea would not follow to eavesdrop. If she was that daring.

It wasn’t from work.

Someone from home was still trying to reach him.

Pressing the answer button he put the phone to his ear.

ꜛꜛꜛꜛꜛ

Sehun had left that morning after kissing her. Then Hyesoo and Auntie Park went grocery shopping leaving her to her daily tasks of things to do. She secretly went into Sehun’s office to look at the book of babies again. Smiling as she flipped through the pages. Imagining that Sehun smiled the same way, experienced the same eager feelings she was.

Leaving the office she put the laundry out to dry. Smoothing out whatever tiny crease appeared on Sehun’s shirts. Thinking he looked so handsome whenever he put them on to go to work. Every little feeling for him deepened three-four inches whenever she thought of him.

These days sometimes he seemed quieter. A part of her wanted to pry for answers, but she didn’t. Assuming when the time came he would talk with her. Just the way he always waited for her. Namjoo would give him the air to think.

Returning inside she headed upstairs. She’d ask Auntie Park to put out some fruit for her to snack on. She was craving for a variety of fruits. The baby she thought.

Running her hand over her still flat belly she walked into the master bedroom. Sliding open the glass door and stepped out. Inhaling the fresh air. Wondering if Sehun would like to stand out here with her before they settled in for the night. She missed him. Tonight she wanted to sleep in his arms. Know that he was close by. Thinking about it excited her.

Busy imagining scenarios she hurriedly spun around when she heard a creak. At the doorway a figure towered over the bedside table. Instinctively, Namjoo’s eyes slid toward the gap at his side. Her means of escape, but it seemed unruly she could pass.

Namjoo fought to keep her heart from thudding too fast. From jumping to conclusions about why Oh Sangki was here.

“What?” he asked with his arms spread out. “You’re not going to welcome me?”

Taking a step into the room, Namjoo questioned, “What are you doing up here? Get out.”

He took a step in. With a whish of the hand the door closed. Namjoo wasn’t sure how to react, but she was both flustered and growing with bad panic, so she laughed.

“I recall we had a talk the other day,” Sangki said.

“We didn’t talk.” Namjoo spat the words.

“We had a deal girly,” he reminded. “You think I’ve forgotten that you still owe me?”

She scoffed. “Did you also forget you lied?”

Her head angled when he moved closer. She hated it, but she stared up at him with a glare. Leaning down to speak into her ear, “What if I let you in on another secret of my father’s?”

Now her brow twitched. Namjoo knew better not to be tempted by the likes of Oh Sangki, but she thought about her mother and her resolve wavered. All her life she wanted answers. What if this disgusting man had it?

Why Oh Sangki? Why?!

“So?” Sangki bargained. “What about it?”

Her options raced inside her head. She looked up into the face of this conniving man. Weighing her choices. Every one of them pointed to one thing: it is possible he knew something.

“What do you want?” Namjoo asked.

“Have with me,” Sangki said. “Have my baby.”