Mina-young's three friends also come to the mansion for function later at night of her wedding anniversary and they are not like her at all.
"Mumu baby! Where are you?" Min one of Min-young's friend said as she and 2 more women enter the mansion.
"There they come!" Mrs. Lee said with huff who was in the kitchen with Min-young.
Min-young silenced her smiling and went to her friends. Min, Sena and Molan her friends give a flower bouquet and hug, kiss her while wishing.
"Congratulations, queen mother!"
"Thank you."
"Brother-n-law! Congratulations!" Sena went to Seo-joon and congrats him too while Min and molan went to others.
Minho got up from his chair saying "l can understand that you call your friend Mumu out of love. But how does he become your brother-in-law?"
"The husband of our friend is our brother-in-law!" Sena replied.
"You've come so late!" Min-young said to her three friends.
"Last night we had such a game of cards in the club.....that it ended at 4 AM and you know we can't wake up early." Min replied while getting a toast from dinning table.
"Hello, lawyer sir." Molan flirtatiously said sitting on the dinning table near Mr. Lee who choked.
Molan went away saying "how cute".
"They wake up late and stay here till very late!" Mrs. Lee said glaring at Molan.
------
Min-young and her three friends and other elders are sitting together and talking.
These three like kitty parties and so on and they are very fond of interfering in the affairs of the house.
"Fights between brothers, parents, between mother and daughter-in-law!" Sena said dramatically.
"These daughter-in-laws are big problem" Molan said with hatred.
"l think the moment sons get married, they should be separated. Separate homes, work. That's it. That's the duty of parents today." Min said.
"I don't agree." Seo-joon who has just come to the living room.
"The joy you can get together is impossible living alone. Man can overcome any problem if his family is united. Breaking up disperses the energy." Seo-joon said while sitting next to his wife.
"Think of the children. Why should the grandchildren be deprived of the love of grandparents?" Min-young said.
"Absolutely. The duty of parents is......to inculcate the right values from childhood. So they can share each others' joys and sorrows in togetherness." Seo-joon announced smiling.
"Impossible. Would you like to bet on it?" Min said to Seo-joon.
"Don't you have to get ready?" Mrs. Lee come to say from inside who happens to hear their conversation.
"Oh right, My discussion with Seo-joon will continue." Min said while getting up.
"Now we have to get dressed. See you in the evening." Sena said also getting up.
"Tell the lawyer, see you." Molan said to Mrs. Lee. left with her friends saying this while giggling. Mrs. Lee just glare at her.
"You really have strange friends. They always talk of breaking homes never bonding families." Mrs. Lee said to Min-young which made them laugh.
"But it is true that the importance of relationships is lost today. ln such times, your family and the love you share.. lt is an exemplary guiding light." Halmeoni said to Seo-joon.
"Mother, his entire life is exemplary!" Woong-In said.
"My sister, Min-young has supported you ably on this journey. lsn't it?" Mr. Lee said while entering living room.
"Definitely. What did l have when Min-young married me? Loneliness and a year old Dahyun in my arms." Seo-joon said recalling his old days.
"There's no comparison to the love Min-young has showered Dahyun." Halmeoni said while smiling at Min-young who is just blushing looking down.
""Do you know what gift I presented to your sister today?" Seo-joon said, his voice filled with emotion. "I've given her a promise. The day I see the faces of my three daughters-in-law... All my time will be hers. The moments of joy I couldn't give her because of my duties... will all be hers." He spoke with a sincere warmth as he side-hugged Min-yong, their bond evident in the gesture.
Halmeoni, ever the beacon of family warmth, chimed in with a joyful curiosity, "When do we hear the wedding march for Dahyun's wedding?"
Seo-joon's smile faltered slightly, a hint of sadness creeping into his eyes. "I pray for that day. We received many proposals, but because of Dahyun's arm..." His voice trailed off, the unspoken words hanging heavy in the air.
Min-yong, ever the protective sibling, quickly interjected, "Those matches? Not one was worthy of Dahyun!" Her voice was firm, a clear defense of his beloved son.
Mr. Lee, the family's wise elder, nodded in agreement. "Yes, a man is recognized by his heart, not his physical being. And we will find somebody who will value his golden heart," he assured Seo-joon, his tone resolute and comforting.
The room was filled with a mixture of hope and determination, each family member silently vowing to support Dahyun in finding a partner who would truly appreciate his inner strength and kindness..
---
The function hall was abuzz with the chatter of guests arriving in their finest attire. Friends, relatives, and business partners of Seo-joon filled the room, creating a lively atmosphere.
As a sleek black car pulled up to the front entrance, Hirai Ji-Hoon stepped out, followed by a young woman with a poised demeanor. She glanced around with curiosity and a hint of nervousness, taking in the grand setting.
"Come in, dear," Ji-Hoon said warmly to his daughter, Momo, who had just returned home after completing her studies abroad. She nodded, her confidence growing as she walked towards the entrance with her father.
Dahyun, standing by the front gate and greeting guests with a polite smile, noticed Mr. Hirai approaching. "Hello, Hirai Uncle," he said, his voice carrying a respectful tone.
"Dahyun, how are you?" Mr. Hirai asked with genuine interest.
"I'm fine, thank you," Dahyun replied, his smile broadening.
Turning to his daughter, Mr. Hirai said, "Momo, this is Dahyun, Seo-joon's eldest son. Dahyun, meet my daughter, Momo."
"Hello," Dahyun greeted Momo warmly.
"Hi," Momo responded, mirroring his smile, though a touch of shyness lingered in her voice.
At that moment, Seo-joon and his wife, Min-yong, approached, their expressions welcoming. "Welcome, Mr. Hirai. We're so glad you could make it," Seo-joon said, extending his hand.
"It's a pleasure to be here," Mr. Hirai replied, handing Seo-joon a beautifully arranged bouquet. "Congratulations on this wonderful occasion."
"Thank you," Seo-joon said, accepting the flowers with a gracious nod.
"Mr. Hirai is a highly respected industrialist in our city," Seo-joon explained to Min-yong. "He's recently settled back here after establishing a successful business abroad. We've grown quite close thanks to the association meetings."
Min-yong smiled warmly. "It's an honor to have you and your daughter with us today."
"This is the first time we've met outside of business meetings. Your invitation to this family function is truly appreciated," Mr. Hirai said, then turned to his daughter. "Momo, these are our gracious hosts."
Momo bowed slightly in respect. "Thank you for having us. Congratulations on your special day," she said, her voice steady and polite.
"We're delighted to meet you, Momo. Please, make yourselves comfortable and enjoy the evening," Min-yong said, gesturing towards the reception area where more guests were mingling.
As Mr. Hirai and Momo moved into the crowd, Dahyun caught Momo's eye and gave her a reassuring smile. Momo felt a sense of relief and warmth, knowing she was in the company of kind and welcoming people.
The evening continued with laughter, conversation, and the forging of new friendships, making it a memorable gathering for everyone present.
------
Sitting at a side table adorned with elegant floral arrangements, Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Sana, and Mina were engaged in animated conversation with Momo. The warm glow of the chandeliers above cast a soft light on their faces.
"Nobody can tell that you grew up abroad," Nayeon remarked, her eyes twinkling with admiration. Momo smiled in response, a shy but genuine expression.
Just then, Tzuyu approached, accompanied by a waiter carrying a tray of drinks. "This is Tzuyu, the second son. And this is Chaeyoung, the youngest and the most mischievous!" Jeongyeon introduced them as Chaeyoung joined the group, his presence instantly adding a playful energy to the table.
"What do you think of the decoration?" Chaeyoung asked Momo, settling into the chair next to Mina.
"It's beautiful," Momo said, her eyes scanning the room with appreciation.
"She's done it all. What color selection! What flower arrangement!" Chaeyoung exclaimed, pointing at Mina before taking her hand and kissing the back of it theatrically.
"Ladies love flattery but only from the heart. Isn't it, Momo-ssi?" Mina asked Momo with a smirk, her eyes glinting with amusement.
"That's the problem with ladies! Either way, you're in hot soup. Kids, I'll give you a tip. You can never win with ladies," Chaeyoung declared to Tzuyu and the other youngsters at the table.
"Then why do you fight them?" Tzuyu replied, his tone dripping with playful sarcasm.
"Hear! Brother, you are an angel!" Chaeyoung said, bowing dramatically to Tzuyu.
"And you're human. Learn from committing mistakes," Mina teased Chaeyoung, eliciting laughter from everyone around the table.
"Oh! How sweet," Chaeyoung said, feigning hurt but clearly enjoying the banter.
"What about your family members?" Nayeon asked Momo, curiosity evident in her voice.
"It's just Papa and me. Seeing such a close-knit family here today... it makes me realize how special it is to have siblings and parents all together," Momo replied softly, a hint of longing in her voice.
The group fell silent for a moment, each of them reflecting on Momo's words. The vibrant atmosphere of the function continued around them, but at that table, there was a shared understanding and a brief moment of quiet empathy.
Breaking the silence, Sana reached out and placed a comforting hand on Momo's. "You're part of our family tonight. We're glad you're here," she said warmly.
Momo's eyes glistened with gratitude. "Thank you. That means a lot to me."
As the conversation resumed, filled with laughter and light-hearted teasing, Momo felt a warmth spread through her. Despite the distance and the years spent abroad, tonight she felt a sense of belonging, surrounded by new friends who welcomed her with open arms.
The evening continued with more stories, jokes, and the forging of new friendships, making it a memorable gathering for everyone present.
------
Minho on stage with Seo-joon and Min-yong by his side.
"Seo-joon and his wife have our blessings today. May they always smile together." Minho said in the microphone and everyone cheered. And as they both were about to leave the stage, Minho stopped them by holding Seo-joon's arm.
"Just a minute. And now l request Seo-joon.. He must say something in his exclusive style for his wife!" Minho said to Seo-joon and hand him the mic.
Seo-joon look in Min-yong's eyes and said "I love you so much" And again everyone cheered.
"Wait a minute, You have to repeat the words you just said thrice a day all your life!" Dr. Sen said which everyone laughed.
"Now it's your turn." Minho said and give the mic to Min-yong.
"No...!" Min-yong shyly refused.
"What? You have to speak. Come on." Minho forced.
"l... l love the children very much!" Min-yong said and went off the stage shyly.
------
After the heartfelt conversation, the function transitioned into a lively phase of dancing and singing. The music echoed through the grand hall, filling the space with joy and energy. Guests took to the dance floor, their laughter mingling with the melodies as they celebrated the special occasion.
The three brothers, Dahyun, Tzuyu, and Chaeyoung, took the lead in orchestrating the festivities. Their seamless coordination and charismatic presence left a lasting impression on everyone present. Dahyun, with his calm and composed demeanor, managed the crowd effortlessly, ensuring that every guest felt welcome and engaged.
However, there was one person who was particularly captivated by Dahyun-Momo. She watched him throughout the evening, her gaze following his every move. From his genuine smiles to the way he interacted with the guests, Dahyun exuded a warmth and kindness that Momo found irresistible.
As she observed him, her thoughts wandered. 'How can a human heart be so good?' she wondered, marveling at his ability to make everyone around him feel special. She couldn't help but smile every time she saw him, her admiration growing with each passing moment.
During a quieter moment, as the guests took a break from dancing, Momo found herself standing near the refreshment table. She glanced across the room and saw Dahyun helping an elderly guest to their seat, his face lit with a gentle smile. The sincerity in his actions struck a chord with her, and she felt her heart swell with affection.
Unbeknownst to Dahyun, he had made a profound impact on Momo. Her thoughts were filled with his kindness and the effortless way he brought joy to others. She found herself drawn to his presence, her smile widening every time she caught sight of him.
As the evening continued, Momo remained entranced by Dahyun's charm and goodness. The lively music and dancing added to the magic of the night, but for Momo, the true highlight was witnessing the beauty of Dahyun's heart.
When the event eventually drew to a close, the guests began to bid their farewells, but Momo lingered a bit longer, savoring the moments she had spent admiring Dahyun. She knew that this night would remain etched in her memory, not just for the celebration, but for the unexpected connection she felt with Dahyun.
As she left the function, Momo carried with her a newfound sense of warmth and hope, inspired by the kindness she had witnessed. She looked forward to the future, filled with the possibility of deepening her connection with Dahyun and discovering more about the incredible person he was.
The evening had been a success, filled with laughter, music, and dancing, but for Momo, it was the beginning of something even more special-a silent admiration for a man who had unknowingly captured her heart.
------
Next day~
"Come on. Why are you so worried?" Mr. Lee asked, observing Myoi Woong-in pacing back and forth in the living room. Only Min-yong, Seo-joon, Halmeoni, Mr. and Mrs. Lee, and Woong-in were present.
"It is a worrying matter!" Woong-in exclaimed, his voice tinged with anxiety. "What did Hirai say on the phone? He's coming here for some urgent business. But we met yesterday. And why does he want sister-in-law Min-yong to be present? You aren't aware of business deals. He will first give you gifts, flatter you, and then he'll get Seo-joon to do his work." Woong-in turned to Min-yong, who just smiled and shook her head, trying to calm him down.
"Why are you getting crazy? He's a real gentleman," Halmeoni scolded her son gently, her tone a mix of amusement and reprimand.
"Mr. Hirai is here," Jihyo announced, walking into the room with Mr. Hirai following closely behind.
"Welcome," Seo-joon said, standing up to greet their guest with a handshake and offering him a seat.
"He's already here!" Woong-in whispered urgently to his mother, who just hushed him with a look.
"Last evening, we had the opportunity to come close to your family," Mr. Hirai began, his voice sincere and respectful. "Frankly speaking, yesterday I saw how love can make a home a temple. I come here today with a desire in my heart. Honor me by accepting my daughter's hand for your son Dahyun. I came here with Momo only with this dream, so that she meets you, Dahyun, and the family. After meeting all of you, my daughter is no longer mine. She has changed totally. Please accept her," Mr. Hirai said, his words filled with hope and emotion.
Everyone was shocked to hear this. Woong-in's eyes widened, a big smile spread across Min-yong's face, and Seo-joon almost teared up. She got up from her seat, overcome with emotion.
"Where are you going?" Mr. Lee asked nervously, his voice barely concealing his excitement.
"To get sweets for all," Min-yong replied happily, heading towards the kitchen with a lightness in her step.
"That's great! Then it's fixed! What are you thinking of?" Mr. Lee exclaimed, turning to Seo-joon, who seemed frozen in his seat, trying to process the joyful news.
"I'm amazed at the forms in which God comes to spread happiness," Seo-joon said emotionally, standing up to embrace Mr. Hirai. "Thank you, thank you so much."
Just then, Dahyun, Tzuyu, and Chaeyoung entered the living room. Chaeyoung and Tzuyu were smiling broadly.
"We've heard everything," Chaeyoung said, smiling warmly at his father as Seo-joon approached them.
"I'm so elated today!" Seo-joon exclaimed, hugging his elder son tightly. However, Dahyun's face betrayed a hint of unease. It wasn't that Dahyun didn't like Momo; he just didn't want to spoil her life because of his arm, an insecurity that gnawed at him silently.
"Dahyun," Mr. Lee said gently, noticing his son's reluctance. "This is a joyous occasion. What's on your mind?"
Dahyun took a deep breath, looking around at the faces filled with hope and happiness. "I just don't want Momo to feel obligated because of my arm," he said softly, his eyes meeting Mr. Hirai's.
Mr. Hirai smiled kindly. "Dahyun, my daughter sees beyond your arm. She sees the person you are, the man she admires and wishes to be with. That's all that matters."
Dahyun felt a weight lift off his shoulders, and he managed a small, grateful smile. The room filled with a collective sigh of relief and joy. But that didn't change Dahyun's uneasiness.
Min-yong returned with a tray of sweets, her face beaming. "Let's celebrate!" she declared, handing out the treats.
As everyone took a piece, Seo-joon raised his voice. "To love, family, and new beginnings," he toasted, and the room echoed with heartfelt cheers and laughter, sealing the moment with the promise of a beautiful future.
------
Inside the study room, Nayeon, Jeongyeon, and Dahyun were gathered, the quiet atmosphere punctuated by the rustling of papers and the soft thud of books being arranged.
"Why are you thinking like this? Momo and her father know about your arm," Jeongyeon said, leaning against the desk and watching Dahyun meticulously arrange his books.
"There's a difference between knowing and being together for life. We have no right to play with somebody's life," Dahyun replied, his voice steady but his eyes reflecting his inner turmoil. He tried to mask his worry with a smile.
"Your arm will get better someday," Jeongyeon said softly, trying to comfort his brother-in-law.
"Only on the hope... We can't snatch somebody's joys, hyung. I don't want to keep her in the dark. I've written everything to her in a letter. I hope she understands and will marry somebody else," Dahyun said, his gaze dropping to the floor, the weight of his words heavy on his heart.
Jeongyeon sighed, frustration evident in his voice. "Listen to him! Sent her a letter? He talks like a kid! Nayeon, talk some sense into him!"
Nayeon stepped forward, her expression calm and understanding. "You don't know women, Dahyun. She doesn't fear darkness. When she makes up her mind... she lights the lamp of trust in her heart," she explained, her voice soothing as she looked at her brother who was listening intently.
Just then, Tzuyu, Sana, Chaeyoung, and Mina entered the room, their presence filling the doorway. They parted slightly, revealing Momo standing behind them, her eyes fixed on Dahyun.
"Yes, hyung. We took your letter there. And brought the answer back," Tzuyu said, stepping aside to give Momo space.
Momo took a step forward, her eyes never leaving Dahyun. "Love comes from the heart, not with the face or the body, and you won my heart last night. I fell in love because of your habits, manners, and good heart," she said, her voice sincere and filled with warmth.
Dahyun felt a rush of emotion, his heart swelling with a mixture of relief and joy. He looked at Momo with his sweetest smile, feeling a deep connection with her. The room seemed to hold its breath, the weight of the moment palpable.
Jeongyeon, sensing the depth of the exchange, broke the silence. "See, Dahyun? She knows what she wants."
Nayeon nodded, her eyes shining with approval. "Trust in her, Dahyun. Trust in her love."
Dahyun took a deep breath, his insecurities melting away in the warmth of Momo's gaze. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "Thank you for seeing me, for accepting me."
Momo closed the distance between them, taking Dahyun's hand in hers. "I love you, Dahyun. Just as you are," she said softly.
The room filled with a collective sigh of relief and joy. Tzuyu, Sana, Chaeyoung, and Mina exchanged smiles, their hearts light with happiness for Momo and Dahyun.
Jeongyeon clapped Dahyun on the back. "Looks like you've got yourself a keeper."
Nayeon smiled, her heart full. "Love truly does light the way."
In that moment, surrounded by friends and family, Dahyun realized that his fears had been unfounded. With Momo by his side, he felt stronger, more complete. Together, they would face whatever the future held, their hearts bound by a love that saw beyond the surface, reaching deep into the soul.
To be continue......