The joyous time with family went on until dinner, with Wonyoung sharing stories that entertained everyone in the table. Miu and Miho continued their tasks as servants but when they’re done, the Lee family lets them sit with them to eat and to spend quality time together.

“Hahaha…you’re so funny, dear.” Eunbi commented then moved to another topic. “How about you, Chowon dear? What do you do?”

“I just try to be funny.” She said, making everyone chuckle. “I work as a senior manager for product design. My team develops marketing and financial solutions for local and international clients.”

“Impressive.” Eunbi remarked. “Do you find your job exciting?”

“Yes, Mrs. Lee. I do, especially now that I’m having greater opportunities abroad like handling more clients in Asia.” She continued while sparing gazes towards Hyewon. “I might be asked to be relocated soon, actually.”

Hyewon looked back, almost worried. Relocation means less time spend together and to handle their relationship as a couple and as for their family.

“Ssamu, maybe there’s an opening slot in your university. You can give a slot to Hiichan.” Eunbi talks something else again.

“Eomma…I am already contented of being a teacher here in South Korea. I already said it.” Hitomi added.

“Eomma, you heard Hiichan? She’s contented with her chance here. You shouldn’t force her to grab a bigger opportunity and let her enjoy her current opportunity.“

“Ssamu~, she could do better.” Eunbi interrupted. “We could ALL do better.”

It may be a reminder for everyone but Eunbi’s gaze was on Minjoo, making Minjoo stop eating. “Eomma, why is it me again?”

Eunbi raised an eyebrow. Minjoo sighed and explained herself. “Eomma, my movies have good breakthrough and they’re levelling up. The last movie was even nominated for Best Indie Film at Cannes Festival for the past year.”

“What was the title again, unnie?” Yuri asked. “And who was the lead actor?”

“It was the foreign actress, Piper Peter. Minjoo-unnie had a cameo on it.” Hitomi joined her in guessing. “It was Peter Piper something.”

“Peter Piper’s Practical Principles of Plain and Perfect Pronunciation, starring Piper Peter.” Miu spoke.

Everyone had a laugh. Minjoo and Yuri even became playful and asked Miu to say it again quickly. The servant said and had lisps, leading the title to have a vulgar meaning, causing the adults to react and for Hyewon to cover Erii’s ears. As the reactions subsided, Miho couldn’t help her happiness. “This time is just like the time when we you five and Miu-chan were still kids.”

“And that time and the future times were always wonderful, Myao-san.” Hitomi added.

“If Jjoyul didn’t decide to get married, then you wouldn’t all be together in this house.”

“You’re right, Myao-san.” Yuri grinned as she raised her silverware. “It’s a good timing that had happened because I’ll finally get married!”

Yuri was enjoying herself but the siblings were silent, even Eunbi. Nonetheless, they resumed their meals.

“Yah, Jjoyul.” Chaewon pointed. “Are you really sure towards that girl?”

“Of course I am, Ssamu-unnie.” Yuri nodded. “Why? Is there a problem?”

“Well, Minguri said that she’s an ugly duckling.”

Minjoo stopped and glared at Chaewon. Chaewon shrugged in return. “What? You said so yourself.”

“Huh? Why?” Yuri asked. “You meant the beautiful swan in that story, right?”

“Literally the ugly duckling, Jjoyul.” Minjoo said.

“Absence of beauty, Jjoyul.” Hyewon added.

“You had to sugarcoat it, huh?” Chaewon raised an eyebrow. “As Minjoo said, literally ugly. She’s literally an ugly duckling.”

Yuri went silent and lowered her head, feeling hurt. Chaewon wanted to defend herself when Wonyoung had to interrupt. “Chaewon-ah, why did you love me?”

“Why do you even ask that question?” Miho asked. “You look decent. It’s just that you look too young for Ssamu.”

“Regardless of how she looks, that’s not the point.” Hyewon said. “You’re still young. Do you even know what you’re entering? Do you really want to enter that phase in life? You’re still 20.”

“And why wouldn’t I want it? Take Mama Eunbi, for instance…” Yuri spoke. “…she was young when she got married to Papa Chaeyeon.”

“Those times were different from today, Jjoyul.” Eunbi said.

“AND they love each other,” said Hitomi.

“Unnie, Yena and I also love each other.” Yuri defended.

“Love? Four months?”

“The length of a relationship doesn’t measure the love you have for someone. There are others who are together for so long but they break up in the end.”

“Fine. But why do you want to marry right away?” Hyewon asked.

“Because her little brother’s dying. He wants to see his sister marry before he passes on. He wants to see his grandniece or grandnephew through Yena or me.” Yuri answered.

Chaewon chuckled first as the other siblings followed.

“What if she’s infertile?” Hitomi asked.

“Or what if she’s actually straight and ?” Chaewon also asked, getting a nudge from Wonyoung.

“Do you really look lowly towards me? That is the thing that appeals me to her?” Yuri asked.

“Maybe that’s the thing that appeals her to you.” Chaewon asked back.

Yuri was a loser in this savagery. Chaewon and Hitomi laughed, even Hyewon was joining them. Minjoo took her whole being to control laughing since she took pity towards Yuri.

“What if they really love each other?” Minjoo started. “Jjoyul can make her own decisions so we should just let her be.”

“Excuse me, Minguri-unnie? Get your words straight. That one time, you said you didn’t want Jjoyul to get married.”

“That was that one time. But Jjoyul’s persistent and responsible now so we shouldn’t meddle.”

“What’s the use of Jjoyul having us as her sisters, her servants, and her mother when we won’t help her? You’re insulting our responsibility as older sisters as much as your insulting Mama Eunbi’s responsibility as a parent and Miu and Miho’s responsibility as servants.” Chaewon spoke. “Just in case Jjoyul makes a wrong decision, we’re here to step in and correct that wrong decision.”

“So why are you convinced that Jjoyul’s decision was wrong?” Minjoo asked back.

“Hello? Remember Goeun?” Hyewon batted. “Jjoyul was ready for it. She was sure about it, she was right about it, she proposed to Goeun and look what happened? Goeun dumped her.”

“This is Goeun. That is Yena. Those are two different people.” Minjoo batted back. “Jjoyul can marry Yena as long as she’s happy with her.”

“So do we just let Jjoyul make a decision that she never thought and never planned, is that it?”

Everyone froze. Hyewon was always making a way with these talks and made sure of that suggestion for Yuri’s future. Minjoo felt the same way for Yuri while she wanted to prove Hyewon that she can never be right all the time.

“There are some things that don’t need to be thought nor planned. If you’re lucky enough to be hit by love-“

“So you just forget the family, is that it?”

Again with the hurtful feedback, Minjoo thought. Everyone thought that the dinner had gone more tensed.

“Yes…especially if that love will fill your contentment to its brim.”

“Even if that ‘brim-filled contentment’ of such love will hurt other people?”

That was Minjoo’s last straw. She would’ve ranted when Eunbi talked. “Wait. Are we still talking about Jjoyul?”

“Yes, Eomma.” Hyewon sighed.

Miho and Miu coughed and the other siblings answered in agreement.

“All of you have a point…” Eunbi commented. “…but the one who needs to hear this has already walked out.”

All of them looked at the other end of the dining table. The chair was empty and a pitiful Yuri stormed out of the house. They all sighed.

“You are her unnies.” Eunbi excused herself. “It’s your responsibility to fix it.”

The four sisters looked at each other and knew that Eunbi was right. The dinner was over and they went outside to console their sister.

+++

Yuri was sitting by the swing. She felt pitiful and defenseless with all the nagging her sisters said. She was also hurt because her family never fully accepted her decision to marry Yena.

She sulked like a child, her hands picking the grass. Her field of solitude was disrupted when her sisters were in front of her. They lined up and faced Yuri. Chaewon and Hitomi said their sorry simultaneously but as the older sibling between them, Chaewon had to step in first.

“We’re sorry, okay?” Chaewon pleaded with her aegyo. “We’re your big sisters. We’re overprotective towards you because you’re our baby sister. You’re our baby Jjoyul.”

Yuri sighed and faced Hitomi next.

“I’m sorry that I don’t like her for you…” Hitomi sighed. “…but we’ll try to get to know her so that we’ll see what you see in her.”

Yuri still maintained her face but her eyes were now averted towards Hyewon.

“I’m sorry. I just want to make sure that you won’t make a big mistake. It’s your whole life we’re talking about.”

Yuri sighed again. Her last look was at Minjoo.

“What? I was your only supporter a while ago.”

“You called Yena an ugly duckling.” Yuri huffed.

“Oh…sorry…” Minjoo made a peace sign.

Yuri acknowledged their apologies but she was still angry. She may have looked away from her unnies but it wasn’t stopping her unnies from consoling their baby.

“Are you still mad?” Chaewon whined.

Yuri looked up and the four with a simultaneous chant. They want to hug their baby Jjoyul but Yuri stops them.

“Unnies…for the proper courtship tomorrow…” Yuri spoke. “…promise me that you’ll behave.”

The four sisters wouldn’t say no to Yuri but they realize that this was one hard thing to do.

But as unnies, they have to. For Yuri.

+++

It was nighttime and a time to rest. For the members of the Lee household, they were still prepping up for bed.

“Tomorrow, she says. We have to behave, she says.” Hitomi mumbled as she fixed her things in the closet. “Well…good luck to that…”

Minjoo was on the other side of bed, fixing her clothes as well. Hitomi’s remark somehow caused a trigger in her.

“Yah, Hiichan.” Minjoo called. “You’re no different, you know? You’re like Mama Eunbi. You also see me as a person who messes things up.”

“What? I said ‘We’. WE need to behave. W-E. WE.” Hitomi clarified.

“So you say that to someone else.” Minjoo spoke. “Because I, for one, don’t have a issue with that wedding. You three do…” She tossed a shirt on the basket. “…especially that gluttony meddler. She had to be so sarcastic with her words.”

“Maybe that’s what you think.” Hitomi said. “What if you perceived it the wrong way?”

“Here you are again, choosing her side.” Minjoo huffed and slumped on the bed.

“Me? Choosing her side?” Hitomi raised. “I’m just giving her the benefit of the doubt because she’s not here to defend herself.”

Minjoo looked away. Hitomi thought she was just immature and that she’s overly sensitive of what happened during the dinner.

“What is this time?” Hitomi went to face her. “When did I ever choose her side?”

“When it came to a lot of situations, especially when it came to Kkura.” Minjoo answered. “None of you were at my side at the time, remember?”

“But that doesn’t mean that I chose her side.” Hitomi added. “You all are my sisters. Why do I need to choose sides?”

“Okay. I lose, okay?” Minjoo raises her hands then got to her side of the bed. “Night.”

Hitomi watched Minjoo cover herself with the blanket and sighed. She joined her afterwards and they turn in.

For Minjoo, she couldn’t sleep. Her mind and heart felt hurt for what happened and she was confused on what to do about it.

When will she ever get the acceptance she longed for?

+++

In another room, a couple was fixing their things and making sure that the child slept well. Despite the fiasco earlier, the ‘man’ couldn’t help her comment.

“You did well, babe.”

“Huh?” Hyewon wondered as she puts dirty laundry on the basket.

“You survived the dinner.”

Hyewon snickered. “That was pure luck. Do note that the family almost fought.”

“You guys were arguing over an issue. And I mean that it’s natural because all of you have differences, unless…” Chowon spoke. “…it wasn’t just about that.”

“Don’t start.” Hyewon glared.

“What?” Chowon shrugged.

“I don’t want to talk about it. I came here for Jjoyul’s wedding and nothing else.”

“Okay, okay…babe…” Chowon hugged Hyewon from the back and rubbed her head gently. “…you’re getting hot-headed. You need to calm down.”

“I’m hot-headed because I think we’re the ones that need to talk about something.” Hyewon lets herself go and resumed shoving clothes in her closet.

“About what?” Chowon wondered. “About Erii?”

“Yes…and about the relocation thing.” Hyewon spoke. “Specifically when will you be reassigned abroad?”

“Babe…this means promotion for me.” Chowon said, cupping Hyewon’s cheeks. “Aren’t you happy for me?”

“Of course.”

“Well, you’re with me on this, right?” Chowon asked again. “Right?”

Hyewon didn’t answer but Chowon kept asking her with hugs and kisses. Hyewon chuckled and hugged Chowon close.

“Sleep here with me.” Chowon mumbled.

“Your daughter’s there, sleeping.” Hyewon added.

“We’ll just share the bed.” Chowon suggested. “And we’ll be discreet.”

Hyewon’s eyes went wide as Chowon persuades her with more hugs and kisses. The tension went palpable since Chowon’s actions were like the initial phase of a make out.

“No…Chowonie-“

The moment was disrupted when another door opened. It was the door of Yuri’s room and the one who opened was Wonyoung, reacting through a single shriek and closed eyes.

“Uhh…s-sorry. You should lock your door next time, okay?” Wonyoung said as she closed the door again.

Wonyoung got to her bed when she overheard Yuri Skyping with a set of feet.

“Probably Yena’s feet.” Wonyoung mumbled then sighed. “My Chaewonnie…”

It was then that Wonyoung had an idea and went out of the room.

+++

In the living room close to the wall of educational achievements, Chaewon was looking at them. She felt relieved that the school days have passed on and felt proud for what she and her sisters achieved with their education.

Her portion and Hyewon’s were next to each other since they were next in the hierarchy. She had a mix of golds  and silvers while Hyewon had all golds. The thought hit Chaewon and she felt a little empty, jealous even…

Why did life have to become so unfair to me?

“Ssamu, you’re still awake.”

“Oh, hey, Kwangbae.” Chaewon waved.

“Are you okay?” Hyewon asked.

“Of course!” Chaewon smiled. “I’m just appreciating our wall. The achievements are something to be proud off.”

“Right.” Hyewon said as she and Chaewon decided to turn in. “After all the hard work, we managed to earn them-“

“Love, wait.” They stopped and saw Wonyoung running towards them, specifically towards Chaewon. “I just want to say goodnight.”

“Well goodnight-“

“Wait.” Wonyoung held her hand. “Don’t I get a goodnight kiss?”

“No.”

“Why? Take Chowon, for instance. Why can she give a goodnight kiss to Hyewon?”

Hyewon and Chaewon looked at each other. Hyewon shrugged and went ahead while Chaewon went to give Wonyoung a kiss…

…plus a cute slap for both of her cheeks using both hands.

“Goodnight.” Chaewon sighed.

“Goodnight, love!” Wonyoung greeted again despite her aching cheeks.

+++

“Come on! Show me that beautiful face that looks like the cutest duck in the world!” Yuri spoke through her laptop.

Love, I’m shy. I’ll let you see my face tomorrow so that you’ll miss me more.

“Okay…” Yuri pouted, slumping her face on the pillow.

I love you, my cute hamster.

“I love you too, my cute duck.” Yuri replied.

You should rest now, love.

“Ah…love…” Yuri spoke. “I feel nervous for tomorrow.  Do you think your brothers and sisters will like me?”

Of course, they do. Sihyun thinks you’re the one for me, even Justin is excited. I should be asking you that about your mom and sisters.

“Of course!” Yuri spoke. “They already like you despite not knowing you yet.”

The other cheered and bid her goodbye. Yuri bids back and ended their video call. She placed her laptop on her table and got to her bed, squealing.

She was excited to see her and she was assured that her sisters will behave for tomorrow.

+++

As respect for the customs of courtship, the family of Yuri’s girlfriend will be the ones to come. Which is why in a weekend, the Lee family got busy with another set of preparations in a special area.

“Yuri, you didn’t say that your duckling was actually a goose laying golden eggs.” Wonyoung said as she fixed the tablecloth. “Luckily, Mrs. Lee had this idea for a large warehouse where we can formally meet with the family.”

“Impressive. What is this place, anyway?” Chowon asked.

It was a fine area, much larger than their house. It was more of a mansion than just a large space. They could’ve lived in the area permanently but with that comes a greater story and a greater promise.

“This is a property of my late wife, Chowon.” Eunbi shared. “You would say that we should’ve lived here and that you could describe us wealthy people hidden in a simple house with simple lives but as promised to my wife…” She had her hand on the wall. “…we want to live that way we have lived. Live simply, she said.”

“Plus, the house meant the whole world to us.” Hitomi added. “It’s the sanctuary of our memories that we would never want to sell off. And we promised Papa Chaeyeon to live her last wishes that we wouldn’t abandon the house.”

“But the most important thing was that we wouldn’t abandon this family.” Yuri said. “Now we need to be ready. I’ll be texting Yena now.”

Everyone nodded and waited by the lobby.

“So, what’s with Yena and her family anyway?” Chaewon asked.

“Yena’s the third child of the nine siblings. If we have two females for parents, they have their two fathers: Mr. Cho and Mr. Zhu.” Yuri explained. “They’re not married but they are good fathers to Yena and her siblings.”

“They must be rich.” Miu thought, getting a nod from Yuri.

“I hope they’re not arrogant,” said Miho.

“They won’t be. I promise.” Yuri assured them.

The doorbell was on cue and Yuri went to get it. The others family members were on their places and readied themselves to greet Yena and her family. Yuri opened the door and there was a male.

“He looks dashing. Is that the butler?” Minjoo whispered to Hitomi.

“No. That’s Euiwoong, the eighth sibling.” Hitomi whispered back. “Yuri spared the details about the siblings, remember?”

“Yuri, glad to see you again.” Euiwoong shook hands with Yuri. “Appa Sungyeon, Appa Zhengting, and my siblings will come shortly.”

“Back to your queue now, Master Euiwoong.” A butler arrived. “Good day, Miss Lee.”

The Lee family wondered why it was taking so long. The butler was by the door, saying. “Cue in the masters in three, two, one – “

“Action!” Minjoo spat, earning a nudge from Hitomi and shushes from the rest of her family.

The siblings walked inside the warehouse like models on a runway. It was like an entourage special with introductions and poses where the siblings are introduced. The Lee family watched in a calm yet shocked manner, adding laughs in between. The first of the uncles came and greeted.

“Hello, Lee family. Finally, we meet!”

“Welcome.” Eunbi greeted first. “Good morning, Mr. Zhu.”

The other members followed Eunbi. Yuri returned and grabbed the token that she prepared for him. “Good morning, Samcheon.”

“Yuri, you can call me Daddy already.” Zhengting said as she looked at each member of the Lee family. “Wow. You have beautiful sisters, Yuri. You said you’d bring your mom. Where is she?”

“It’s Eunbi. Lee Eunbi. I’m Yuri’s mom.” Eunbi lent a hand again.

“Oh, come on. You must be kidding. You’re giving me a cheesy impression, Yuri.” Zhengting added. “She’s as beautiful as you and your sisters.”

“Again, welcome to our warehouse.” Eunbi said.

“Thank you, Mrs. Lee. I’m Zhu Zhengting.” He bowed. “Mostly, people call me Zhenting but for convenience, you can call me Jung.”

“Okay, Jung.” Eunbi nodded.

“Samcheon, I would like to introduce my siblings.” Yuri pointed. “This is Hiichan-unnie.”

“Good morning. Nice to meet you, sir.” Hitomi shook hands with Zhengting.

“Ms. Hitomi, the old maid.”

Such words shocked Hitomi but Minjoo was chuckling. She introduced herself next through hi-fiving. “Hey, sir. Minguri.”

“Ms. Minjoo, the black frog of the family.”

Minjoo’s face suddenly went stale.

“This is Ssamu-unnie.” Yuri escorted and pointed out.

“Ms. Chaewon.” Zhengting shook hands with her. “The maid in Spain.”

“What? Maid?” Chaewon reacted.

“No, Mr. Zhu. That’s absurd.” Wonyoung defended her. “She’s actually an English teacher who has a student who’s the son of the king’s cousin.”

Chaewon agreed to it, leaving Zhengting to chuckle. “Mind my words. What I meant was that she’s ‘made in Spain’.”

The Lee family could only nod in agreement. Wonyoung would’ve introduced herself but –

“Hello, Mr. Zhu. I’m Kwangbae.”

“Ms. Hyewon, the New Yorker.” Zhengting said. “Let me guess. Caregiver?”

Hyewon wasn’t reactive like her younger siblings but she did make a stand.

I’m a food franchise manager. I’m required to have a wide scope of vocabulary so I never use inhumane and hurtful idiomatic expressions to describe the people whom I just met.

“Hyewon.” Eunbi scolded her.

“Woah. Her English skills almost gave me a nosebleed. Intelligent, I must say.” Zhengting said as she moved on to the next person.

Chowon Han. Kwangbae’s girlfriend. Chowon shook his hand. And this is my daughter, Erii.

“Woah. The diction’s twice as strong. It might make me nosebleed even more.”

Eunbi also introduced Miu and Miho but the butler did a cue again. The second of the uncles did a modelling walk, adding poses in between. Despite the funny appeal he gave to the Lee family, Eunbi composed herself to welcome him. “Mr. Cho.”

“Good day, Lee family. I’m Mr. Cho Seungyeon. But you can call me Evan.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Eban – “

“No. Not Eban. Evan. With a V.” Seungyeon corrected.

The Lee family took that in mind as Yuri greeted Seungyeon with a hug. The latter hugged back and added a pat on the head.

“Samcheon, where’s Yena?

A duck sound was heard but it was not from the bird. It was from a tall woman who also did a skit of posing and pouting her duck lips.

“Speaking of the beautiful duck, she’s here.” Seungyeon grinned.

Seungyeon did the introductions and the Lee family (except Yuri) couldn’t held their laughter and Yuri greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. Yena gave her a kiss on the forehead and introduced herself to Eunbi before returning to Yuri.

The four sisters looked solely at their baby sister with the duckling. After all the introductions, Eunbi escorts them to the dining hall and they formally start the proper courtship.

+++

Twenty-two people were sitting for dinner, having decent talks about each other’s families. Miu and Miho were free from their services for Zhengting and Seungyeon had their servants to do the services for them.

For now, they jump to the topic about Yena and Yuri’s wedding.

“You should see the church for the wedding’s venue. It’s so divine.” Sihyun, the second sibling, started. “And on the day of the wedding, it will be filled with colors of the rainbow.”

“Rainbow?” Hyewon voiced out. “Is that the theme?”

“No. That will be the motif of the attires of the entourage.”  Yiren, the sixth sibling, added. “The theme will be ‘Under The Sea’. That’s because that’s where Yena-unnie and Yuri first met each other.”

The couple were happy and holding hands. The Lee family thought that their concept of a wedding was a joke, especially Chaewon and Wonyoung who are now sharing hi-fives.

“So wait…Under The Sea?” Chaewon clarified after her laughing fleet. “Are you all joking or are you all serious about it?”

“Of course. Do we look like we’re joking?” Seungyeon asked.

The Lee family went quiet, even Yuri was feeling nervous about her sisters’ actions. For Seungyeon, he even emphasized the difference of his funny side and serious side, earning slight laughter from everyone.

“Because the theme is Under The Sea, our Yena-noona will be the Prince Charming and Yuri will be the beautiful mermaid. While the entourage and the bridesmaids will the sea creatures at the bottom of the sea,” said the fourth sibling, Hyeongseop.

The Lee siblings reacted until Seungyeon called a servant to show them the designs for the gowns. He explained that each gown was inspired by a specific sea creature and that a specific member will wear a specific gown. The idea was so funny that Erii had to hold her laughter.

The effort was more than wonderful but the concept wasn’t. The Lee family were smart enough to know that.

“Beautiful.” Seungyeon commented. “And suitable, isn’t it?”

“E-Evan…” Eunbi voiced out. “…isn’t that a little too much?”

“A little?” Hyewon wondered.

“Yes, a little.” Eunbi answered directly.

“No, it’s not little. It’s really too much.” Seungyeon answered.

Then again, it wasn’t enough to convince them. One of the family members of Yena’s family noticed it.

“You all look worried,” said Geumryul, the eldest sibling. “But don’t be because Sihyun and I have started the preparations.”

“Sihyun and Geumryul are couturiers and managers for product design in our company. They have handled numerous even and served numerous high-standard clients.” Seungyeon shared. “With just an inspection by the two from the pictures Yuri sent to us, they can know your measurements.”

“Hmm…so our gowns are done?” Hitomi clarified, earning a yes from Seungyeon.

“So…you already shouldered everything for this wedding?” Chaewon asked, also getting the same yes. “What about our contribution?”

“As I’ve said, we’ll take care of everything. Money’s not an issue.” Seungyeon said.

“At least not for us, Dad.” Hyeongseop added and their family agreed.

“Hyeongseop.” Yena scolds him lightly.

Everyone managed to chuckle but the Lee family felt offended by it.

“So it’s an issue for us? Is that what you mean?” Chaewon asked.

“I didn’t think it like that, Noona. Hyeongseop said. “I apologize for my words.”

“My son has a point.” Seungyeon added. “But is that what you think, Ms. Chaewon?”

Chaewon fell short with that remark. It was a time for chuckles again.

“But you can think about another thing for the wedding through this.” Zhengting said. “Seongjun, the prenuptial please.”

The seventh sibling presented sheets of papers, almost like a contract. The Lee family was shocked, even Yena.

“Dad, what’s this?” Yena asked, exchanging look between Zhengting and Yuri. “Love, I’m sorry. I didn’t know about this.”

Yuri was beyond shock but she knew Yena was unaware. She eased Yena, that it was fine and that she can handle this.

“Yuri-ya, I hope you understand.” Zhengting began. “Yena’s the alpha female and she’ll take care of you because it’s her responsibility. I told her that.”

“Dad –“

“But you two are different. What you earn in a month is what Yena can earn in an hour. As her family, we’re worried that you cannot accept the lifestyle Yena had gotten used to.”

“Dad, that isn’t an issue.” Yena addressed. “I’ll take care and love Yuri in a way that I know how and what is good for her. This prenuptial is not necessary.”

“But I’m doing this to protect you, Yena. We all do.” Zhengting concluded.

“Excuse me?” Minjoo raised. “What do you think my sister’s going to do to your daughter? Use her for money?”

“It’s not like that. We’re just trying to prevent bad happenings and to assure that Yena will have nothing to lose.” Geumryul added.

“Lose what?” Minjoo snickered. “Take it from us. My sister already lost and they’re not even married yet.”

“Unnies…Eomma…” Yuri spoke. “It’s okay. My intentions for Yena are pure.”

“It should be.”

They all faced to the right side, looking at the dashing man on a wheelchair.

It was Justin, the youngest sibling of the family. He had con heart disease and a case of polio in his legs during his early teens and it can never be healed, giving him only eighteen years to live. Hence, he was on a wheelchair and had become a sole reason to why Yena wanted to marry Yuri. He had been silent throughout the dinner but hearing him speak always concerned his family, especially Yena.

Justin moved his wheelchair himself and went to Yena and Yuri. Yena checks on him, even Yuri.

“Yuri-ya, take care my idiotic noona for me.” Justin began as she draped an arm around her shoulder.

“I will, Justin.”

“And as for you…” Justin drapes the other arm around Yena’s shoulder. “Be a woman and take care of Yuri or else, I’ll haunt you in the afterlife.”

Yena nodded quickly and the scene was just so sweet. But that sweetness disappeared when Justin struggled to breathe. Everyone began to worry, even Yena and Yuri nudge him. It was the worry intensified when Justin stopped breathing and collapsed in Yena’s arms. Their family rushed to Justin’s aid while the Lee family rushed to call 911.

“Got you!” Justin woke up, pointing at the Lee family.

Yena’s family scolded Justin then had a laugh. The Lee family were still worried, albeit relieved that death wasn’t happening tonight.

However, the grudge of the Lee siblings still stands. Yena’s family showed a bad impression to them, making them more determined to why Yuri shouldn’t marry Yena.

+++

The formal courtship was over and the Lee family finally returned to their home. The members were relieved that they wouldn’t see the faces of Yena’s family – the Yuehua family as they introduce themselves – but the grudge from the formal courtship planted deep within their family, especially with the four older siblings.

“I hate them! They’re such snobs just because they’re rich.” Chaewon hissed.

“And what was the prenup thing for?” Minjoo joined in. “Do they think that we’re going to steal their money?!”

“I bet they got that filthy money from shady sources.” Chaewon added.

“Talk about that Yena, that shining shimmering splendid of an ugly duckling…” Hitomi huffed as they sat on the couch. “I bet she’s faking her nobility to win Yuri’s heart.”

“Enough, Hiichan.” Eunbi stopped their rants and faced them. “Yena’s nice. That kid’s a good person and so is her family.”

“Even if they’re condescending?” Minjoo asked.

“Arrogant?” Chaewon joined in.

“Ill-mannered?” Hyewon asked too.

“They’re differently mannered from us.” Eunbi answered. “But regardless of who and what they are and that they’re in our place, you shouldn’t have behaved that way.” She pointed. “Especially you, Kwangbae.”

Hyewon reacted with her eyes. Minjoo thought it was not right. “Eomma, Kwangbae-unnie was just trying to defend us-“

“And you too, Minguri.” Eunbi snapped. “That was still the family of Jjoyul’s fiancée and she wants to be part of it. We should respect that.”

Eunbi went ahead to rest, with Miho and Miu assisting her. The siblings were still rooted until Hyewon got up, carrying her bag and Erii’s stuffed rabbit. “Good night.”

“Kwangbae-unnie.” Minjoo stopped her. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. Why?” Hyewon wondered.

“Nothing…” Minjoo mumbled.

Hyewon sighed and carried on when Chaewon stopped her using her leg.

“Wait! No, no!” Chaewon got up, saying. “We have to stop this wedding.”

The other siblings wondered about this idea. Chaewon might only be the second eldest but her guts made her siblings feel interested.

“Let’s meet at the kitchen in five minutes.” Chaewon huffed and walked away. “I just need to change.”