Unable to hold her excitement, once Diana, Aimee and Aniha parted ways for the day, Diana headed down to Cabela’s Sewing Shop to tell her best friend about the events of the day… Especially the fact that she’d found her dress!

Bounding down the street, a skip in her step, Diana grinned to herself once she spotted the quaint shop with the sign ‘Open’ slanted on the glass door. Pushing the door open, she whistled her arrival amid the soft sounds of ‘Never Say Goodbye’ by the Jackson 5. She could hear Delia speaking with either a customer or a coworker, Diana did not know which, and made her way over. “Hey bestie,” she said with obvious excitement.

Delia turned around from giving instructions to the new intern and raised a brow at her friend who walked up the steps to her. “That was fast. You found the dress already?”

Diana pouted, slowing to a stop. “You messed up the surprise…” she accused her friend softly.

Mouth twitching from laughing, Delia patted Diana’s hand. “Oh dear, I haven’t even seen the dress yet.”

The soon-to-be bride beamed happily once again, glad that her surprise was still very much one. “Well… I’ve found both my dress and the gowns you and Aniha will be wearing.” She wiggled her brows suggestively, smiling at the other person in the store who peeked at them with obvious interest in what they were sharing amongst themselves.

Delia cocked a brow. “Uh-oh. I’m worried now.” She turned to hand over the tape measure to the intern, Susan, before facing her friend again. “Is your dress what you wanted? Are the bridesmaid dresses nice enough for us to wear outside your wedding? And where are my pics?” she laughed at her own influx of questions. It was obvious she was very excited that her friend was finally getting the wedding she’d been dreaming about for months now.

“Yup, yup and I’ll send them to you tomorrow morning.” Diana reached for Delia’s hands, clasping them tightly. “Gosh, Dee, I’ve been waiting for this moment all my life. I can’t believe it’s happening. Can you see how excited I am?”

“Clearly, sweeting. Clearly indeed,” Delia smiled, noting that Diana’s eyes were dancing quite beautifully.

Diana giggled and to Delia’s surprise, she threw her arms around her best friend. “Thanks Dee,” she gushed, her voice shaking with obvious emotion.

“For what, dear?” Delia smiled, wrapping her own arms around her friend’s back.

“For being wise enough to bring me and Bryce together.” She sniffed, fluttering her lashes to keep the tears at bay.

“Oh dear,” Delia patted Diana’s back. “Thank God for that. We just hosted your first date.” The two best friends giggled, their unexplicable joy filling the entire sewing shop.

The two women stood outside the Davida’s Bridal store, watching women and some men browsing the racks of silky and muslin, extravagant dresses of different colors. Aniha clucked her tongue. “Looks like a room for parading lady peacocks.”

Diana laughed. “Of course we’ll have to be one of those parading peacocks,” she teased, her eyes dancing with mirth.

“Yeah, don’t remind me…” Aniha grumbled and rolled her eyes as Diana hooked an arm around her own, dragging her into the store. A cold draft wafted over their heads as they entered and Diana’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Oh it’s so heavenly in here,” she breathed, pulling her friend inside.

“Depends on your opinion.”

Diana nudged her friend. “Bad girl,” she murmured at Aniha’s loud proclamation, noticing that one of the cashiers and two customers glanced in their direction. “Especially considering yours will be here soon enough.”

“Who knows these days? Especially with Wick’s folks being a little…”

“Evil?” Diana supplied as they strolled to an empty corner with racks of pastel dresses.

“A little milder than I thought but yeah, I guess…” the bald-headed girl sighed heavily.

Aniha tackled one and Diana the other, both searching for the wedding dress of their dreams.

“Okay, I’m seeing too much pink,” Aniha drawled, huffing a breath as she pushed yet another dress to her left. Her arms were already hurting from tackling the second rack with no success.

Diana smirked. Of course Aniha wouldn’t find anything. She was hardly the fragile typ.e “Uh-hmm. I see something–well a few things.”

“Oh really, what kind of style?” She headed over to Diana’s rack and peered over her shoulder at the halter dress Diana displayed to her. Shrugging her shoulders at the low neckline, Aniha looked at Diana. “It’s your wedding.”

Diana rolled her eyes, pushing the dress back onto the rack. “How did I know you’d say that?”

“Because you know me.” Aniha smirked, pushing another stack of dresses to the side. “So why again couldn’t Delia be here?”

Diana sighed heavily. Delia would’ve been a perfect companion for dress hunting, considering she’d had a wedding once. Aniha wasn’t helping at the moment. “She had to watch the store… Her manager called in sick.”

“Hmm…” Aniha said cryptically and the silence overtook them as the girls both searched for their wedding gowns.

When Diana found one dress she wanted to try, she told Aniha to wait for her while she tried it on. Aniha, content that she wouldn’t have to start first, sat down on one of the chaise lounges leaning against the wall and waited for her friend to emerge from the dressing room.

Drumming her fingers on her lap, she immediately thought about her wedding and how it had to be delayed yet again, because of Colin’s parents. They were so adamant about she and Colin’s union, but they never spoke ill about her in her face. It was always in whispers, in ‘discrete’ stares, and mysterious phone calls during the night while she and Colin were either intimate or trying to get some rest.

Caught in a mid-sigh, Aniha straightened in her chair when she noticed someone staring at a bride’s portrait above a dress rack. Raising a brow, she recognized the older woman from one of the pictures Diana had shown her. It was Bryce’s mother, Mrs. Rousseau. Tilting her head curiously, Aniha discretely watched the woman stroll down the aisle. What was she doing here?

Staring wistfully at one of the dresses hanging on the shelves, Aimee Rousseau contemplated talking to Diana about the kind of dress she’d dreamed her duaghter-in-law would wear. She knew the times, knew the kind of styles featured in the designer bridal magazines but somehow, she believed that Diana would honor her request.

After all, she was a good girl, respectful and kind, unlike the other one. She sighed and walked to another rack of dresses, dismissing the ones that she’d just studied.

“Aimee?” Diana’s voice was heard from behind and Mrs. Rousseau smiled gently before turning around to greet her soon-to-be daughter-in-law. “Wow… It is you,” Diana laughed nervously. What was she doing here? She subconsciously pushed her hand behind her back, hiding the dress she’d just tried on.

The older woman smiled gently. “Hello dear. You must be wondering why I’m here, correct?”

Diana laughed again. “Oh… Not really… Maybe… Yes.”

“Hmm, well, I heard from Bryce that you were going wedding dress shopping.”

“Uh-hmm…”

“Well, I came to give my opinion and perhaps see what kinds of styles you were contemplating,” Aimee answered matter-of-factly, like it was expected that she be here.

Diana smiled gently. Mrs. Rousseau was definitely a sweet woman but judging from the elder woman’s attire, any choice she would have for the wedding attire might be a bit outdated and definitely not Diana’s style. “Oh… okay,” she laughed nervously.

“Okay!” Aimee cheered, beaming from ear to ear that her soon-to-be daughter in law would agree to involve her in such an intimate part of her wedding plans. “So what have you picked out so far?”

“Erm, nothing really…” Diana glanced over her shoulder at Aniha who had her legs crossed casually, reading a bridal magazine with an unconcerned expression on her face.

“Well, what are you waiting for? Let’s find you a dress.” Aimee bustled over to a rack of ivory and white dresses that were adorned heavily with embroidery. Diana masked a wince and slowly approached the rack.

Looking up from the magazine, Aniha choked on her saliva when Diana dressed in a very-frumpy dress, in her opinion, trudged slowly out of the fitting room, careful not to trip on the long mermaid hem. She stood to her feet and made her way over to Diana, fighting a grin. “Wow…”

Diana rolled her eyes, tugging at the skirt of the dress as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. “Don’t say it…”

“Then why are you wearing it?” Aniha rubbed her chin and smirked at Diana’s reflection. “It’s definitely old Hollywood, if that’s the look you were going for. What’s with the roses?”

“Because Aimee said that I will be having French pink roses…” Diana sighed heavily, peeking over Aniha’s shoulder to where Aimee was browsing the rack for more dresses. She winced when the older woman stroked a puffed sleeve of another white dress. “So no?”

Aniha shook her head. Thank goodness her mother was nowhere around to dictate what she would wear at her own wedding, if she and Colin got married at this rate. She swallowed a sigh and dragged her gaze from the dress. “No.”

“Okay,” Diana said, a little too relieved as she shuffled back to the fitting room. “I have one more dress.”

“By her?” Aniha murmured, folding her arms across her chest.

“Uh-hmm.”

“Oh boy.”

While Diana struggled into another vintage wedding gown, Aniha strolled around the room while holding back a laugh. Voices could be heard toward the front of the store, the main speaker was Aimee Rousseau who gushed over the many gowns Davida’s store featured.

“Oh to be young and engaged again,” Aimee smiled as she spoke to an engaged pair who were shopping as well. “So many beautiful gowns. I’m sure you’ll find the perfect one for you. I’m shopping with my soon-to-be daughter-in-law.”

“Oh congratulations,” the dark-haired woman said, smiling at the older woman whose eyes lit up with pride. “She’s so lucky to have a mother-in-law like you.”

She’s not lying… Aniha mused as she watched Aimee giggle and continue to brag about Diana. She wished that Colin’s family would just hurry up with their hesitations and let them get married already. She wished Colin’s mother would at least look at her with the same kind gaze that she’d witnessed Aimee casting on Diana many times.

“Okay, I’m coming out!” Diana announced, her voice a little lighter now. “Don’t laugh, Aniha…” she warned, pushing back the curtains.

“So…” Diana striked a pose in front of the mirror and smiled. “What do you think?”

Aniha turned around to face Diana and snorted. “Okay, definitely an upgrade…”

Diana’s smile waned. “But still too Hollywoody?”

Aniha’s eyes traveled down from the narrow waist, the shapely skirt and finally the puffed out train. “Um… A cross between peacock and Ariel the mermaid.”

Diana laughed, covering her mouth with her hands. “Shh before Aimee hears you.” She peered over her shoulder, noticing the woman in question was too busy chatting to notice she’d exited the fitting room. Good, she could quickly slip out of the dress and say the dress was too tight. She shuffled back to the changing stall. “Okay, now I’ll try my choices. Get excited.”

“Yay, I’m tingling with anticipation,” Aniha managed to sound drone while smiling in amusement.

“Actually,” Diana said from inside the stall. “I have three dresses I want you to try out. Can you see which one fits better for the bridesmaids?” She flung the dresses over the door to Aniha’s semi-open arms. “Thanks,” she singsonged and continued getting dressed.

“Okay, same thing with the Barbie Hollywood dress… No,” Aniha said adamantly, pulling at the puffy skirt of the red patterned dress.

Diana laughed from the fitting room. This first dress of hers was a little hard to maneuver. “Okay, cross it out and try the others.”

“Alright then,” Aniha mumbled, returning to the dressing room and once again cursing Delia for skipping out on her.

The first thing Aniha heard once she exited the dressing room with the second dress was a gasp from Diana behind her. Turning around, her brows lifted at Diana’s dress. “Okay I like this one.”

Diana grinned. “I love this dress on you, Aniha. The color looks amazing and I’m sure it’ll look great on Delia too, right?”

Aniha shrugged. “Yeah, it’s a step up from the Bloody Mary gown.” She tilted her head to study Diana’s dress. “Does that feel comfortable on you?”

Diana nodded, placing a hand on the embroidered bodice of the dress. “Yeah I love it. Comfortable and definitely pretty. You think Aimee will love it?” she peered over to where Aimee was still chatting with the young couple and smirked. “What on earth is she talking about?”

“Maybe giving them some early marriage advice.” Aniha leaned forward and fixed a small pearl that lay askew on Diana’s dress.

“Like what?” Diana peered down at the pearl and frowned. Oh no, was the dress flawed already?

“You know. Compromise, sex… whatever else.”

Diana’s cheeks warmed involuntarily and she giggled softly to cover her embarrassment. Aimee was yet to discuss that with her. Was that day approaching fast?

Aniha paused before laughing. “Don’t tell me you haven’t gotten that talk, Diana…”

“Not from her, no.” Diana giggled. Her mother was not around and she didn’t think Delia would even think to discuss it.

“Oh boy… Should I educate you?” Aniha offered half-teasing.

Diana lifted her eyes to Aniha and shrugged. “Sure. What do I need to know?”

There was a wicked glint in Aniha’s black eyes and she leaned in to Diana’s ear. Whispering something, Aniha leaned back and raised her brows in question, waiting for Diana’s response.

Biting her lip in hesitation, Diana leaned in also and whispered even softer, forcing Aniha to lean in closer to hear the response better. She then stepped back, hands clasped in front of her.

Aniha blinked a several times, completely taken aback by Diana’s confession. Then she burst out in laughter. “You’re joking, right?” She shook her head, staring incredulously at her friend who covered her giggles with her hand. “You’re pulling my leg right?”

“Nuh-unh,” Diana answered, careful not to cause any more attention that they were already getting.

Aimee finally made her way over and smiled at the dress Diana wore. “Oh I like this, dear.”

Diana turned around quickly, her cheeks warm from what she’d just told Aniha who was still struggling between shock and hysterical laughter. “Oh really? Thanks. I’m about to try another.” She winked at Aniha and shuffled back to the fitting room.

Aimee smiled in Aniha’s direction. “I appreciate you coming with Diana. I’m sure it means a lot to her.”

“It was no problem, Mrs. Rousseau,” Aniha answered, clearing her throat to curb the laughter. She sat down on the chair and Aimee sat beside her. “This is her big day after all.”

“Yes, I’m very excited. Probably more than I should,” Aimee confessed. “I guess I’m making up for her late mother’s reactions, I’m sure.”

Aniha smiled, once again wishing Colin’s mother was half what Aimee was. “Yeah… She’s lucky to have you around.”

“Thanks dearie,” Aimee placed her hand over Aniha’s and patted it gently.

“Okay…” Diana announced, her voice wavering with nervousness as she emerged from the fitting room once again. This was the dress she loved at first sight. Would her friend and mother-in-law to-be think about it? “What about this one?”

Aniha and Aimee turned their heads in the direction of Diana’s voice. For the first time since they’d entered the store, Aniha was thoroughly speechless over what she saw in front of her. So was Aimee apparently who slapped a hand to her mouth, her eyes watering as she gazed up at the dress adorning Diana’s petite form.

Diana smiled, pleased with their reaction. She clutched the silky skirt of the dress and twirled around. “I’ve found it,” she giggled excitedly.

… to be continued…

Before the men’s retreat on Saturday, Bryce called Diana up for lunch downtown in one of the European restaurants. She didn’t think anything of the ordinary and met up with him. He was waiting by a secluded table at the back of the restaurant and soft music could be heard clearly from where they sat. They ordered a light meal of french bread with cucumbers, which they both didn’t touch and spoke to each other instead.

Diana leaned forward and smiled at her boyfriend. “So are you excited to go to this retreat?”

He smirked, pushing the plate of untouched food closer to the middle of the table. “Are you excited about your women’s sleepover?”

She nodded and laughed. “Most definitely. Can you imagine the amount of estrogen in one house? I’m glad that Lisa DeLouise will be hosting it this year.”

“Hmmm…” Bryce muttered, acting a little distracted.

Diana raised a brow at his response. “Err, earth to Bryce… What are you thinking about?”

Glancing up at her, Bryce offered her a smile. “Nothing really. Just wondering how everything will play out. Only four guys are showing up this time.” He shrugged his shoulders. Ji-won mentioned that Arven refused, saying he was busy with other activities. It made him a little worried that his own flesh and blood would choose not to know his brother’s friends.

“So Apple said she might come, if she isn’t too busy with stuff,” Diana offered, picking up the biscotti sandwich and nibbling at the corners.

Bryce peered up at her. “Really? That’s good news. I hope she comes. It’ll be good for her to hang out with the ladies.”

“Well, I dunno. I have this strange feeling that she doesn’t really like Delia, but I could be wrong.” She lowered the sandwich to her plate, her brow furrowed in thought.

“That has to be wrong… There’s no way Apple would dislike Delia,” Bryce refuted quickly. “How can they? Delia’s the nicest girl, besides you, I’ve ever met.”

Diana smiled, warmed by her boyfriend’s affirmation of her disposition. She reached forward and patted his hand that was brushing her own on the table. “Thank you dear.”

He nodded and the two of them began eating their sandwiches, basking in the warm sunlight that peeked from above the shade of the umbrella.

The silence didn’t last long and the two of them looked up, glancing at each other with their lips parted as if they were about to say something. Diana and Bryce burst into laughter and he reached over to caress her cheek. “You go first,” he said softly.

Diana shook her head, her loose bun atop her head bobbing as she did so. “No, it wasn’t anything important. You go first.”

And this time, Bryce did not insist. He did have something important to say, or rather something to give her. Still, he was a little hesitant and nervous, not sure if this was the place or the time for it. Diana’s light eyes scanned his features and she raised a brow at his silence. “Go ahead,” she urged softly, laughing a little.

Bryce laughed nervously in reply, his right hand sliding from the table to his leg underneath. His fingers splayed along his hip, feeling the thick box pushed down his pockets. “Well…” he started, fingers sliding inside the silk pockets.

“Well…” Diana encouraged him softly, or at least she thought she was. Why did he look so nervous? Why were his shoulders trembling a little and his jaw twitching? Her brow furrowed in concern. “Bryce, what’s the matter?”

“N-nothing really,” Bryce reassured her, already plotting how he would give her the news without her freaking out. “You know I went back home to speak to my parents, after that dinner right?”

Her pretty light eyes widened and her hands froze. “Y-yes…?”

“Well…” he said, slowly standing to his feet. “They had a lot to say about you. Many things.”

“Many things?” Diana echoed, following him with her eyes as he walked around his chair and stood directly in front of her own. Her heart slammed against her ribs, leaving her breathless. “W-what kind of things?”

Bryce feigned a painful look, his hands shoved in his pockets and his shoulders bowed in almost a defeated stance. “I didn’t even know what to say to how they reacted toward you. It was definitely a surprise that I never expected.” He paused, watching her expression plainly. The silence that crossed between them was so thick.

“Oh…” Diana squeaked, her throat tight, her hands clammy. She already had a feeling that they would not accept her, even though his brothers made an effort to visit her house or at least call her.

“And…” Bryce stalled, not knowing that Diana had practically tuned him out, preoccupied with the rejection plaguing her thoughts now. Slowly he knelt to his feet in front of her.

Diana swallowed hard, peering down at him, her eyes watering. This was strange. She only cried twice. Once for her grandfather’s passing and when Delia went into premature labor. Were they going to break up? Was Bryce now begging for her forgiveness for leading her on? She couldn’t take it. She wouldn’t. “St–” Her speech faltered when his fingers slid from his pocket and she caught a peek of a black velvet box cradled in his hand. What?

“Diana Lorraine Atkins…” he said, voice barely a whisper when he saw the tears pool at her eyes. Bless her heart. Bryce cleared his throat. This was not a time to falter. “Diana Lorraine Atkins… I love you.” He lifted a hand and cupped her cheek, sliding his thumb along the lone tear that fell silently. “Even the first day I met you, everything about you has bewitched me. My heart will never let me think of anything or anyone but you.”

Diana blinked at him, her tongue stalled. What was he saying? What was in that box?

“But not only I has been taken by you. It’s obvious to everyone that we know that you are the gem of my heart. It’s clear to those around us that I don’t even want to go a day without you by my side… so…”

Her mind was racing and she finally let go of the reins on her tongue. “But your parents. What did they say?” her voice was soft, almost inaudible. But Bryce could hear it, including the whispered words that her heart wanted to tell him. She was scared, worried, at the brink of sobbing in despair.

Bryce lowered his free hand and cupped her own that lay on her lap. “Diana, my love… They adore you.”

Diana’s lips parted, her breath left her.

He grinned widely, his face brightening. The best surprise ever? “When I went back to the house, my father said I would be crazy to let you go. My mother loves you.”

“She does?”

“Uh-hmmm.”

“Oh…”

Bryce stifled his laughter and looked down to click open the button that would snap the lip of the jewelry box. He’d designed the box himself, for her. A soft whisper of a gasp emitted from her lips and Bryce looked up at her, not the sparkling solitaire embedded on a gold band that had once belonged to his grandmother Pearl, on his father’s side. It was a big deal for his parents to give him this ring and not Arven. They obviously had approved of Bryce and Diana’s soon-to-be union. “Marry me and make me yours, Diana Atkins?”

….

….

What do YOU think she said?

Congratulations, Bryce and Diana. Their wedding story will proceed after the men’s retreat and the women’s bi-annual sleepover.

“Oh!” Larry Guard exclaimed, lifting a hand to his lips. “It’s this Saturday, isn’t it?” His long-lashed eyes batted in surprise. He hadn’t expected Mr. Yoon to schedule for his lodge so soon.

Ji-won’s brow furrowed. “Will that be a problem?” He’d sent emails to Larry a few weeks ago. Surely he hadn’t forgotten already.

“Of course I remember, Mr. Yoon…” He laughed nervously. “I guess I just forgot the date.” Larry smiled, his cheeks pinkening. “I just got back from my honeymoon so…”

“Oh really?” Ji-won smiled with understanding. “Congratulations. And please, don’t apologize. I should’ve called before I came. It’s been one of those weeks.”

Larry nodded. “Oh I understand. Please don’t worry about it. We’ll make sure to prepare the bed and breakfast for you on Saturday. You mentioned you will be staying a few days, correct?”

“Yup. Will that be alright?”

“Sure sure,” Larry reassured him and almost giggled. “I will pencil you and your friends for Saturday,” he promised, already writing down on his palm.

Ji-won smiled. “Thanks. You have no idea how much this means to us.”

… to be continued …

After waiting for so long to meet Bryce’s family, Diana’s excitement was finally heightened and satisified when Bryce announced that they were going to see his family for dinner. “My mom’s making her famous salmon dish,” he said and carried Diana in a fierce hug. His girlfriend could feel her heart racing even as she wrapped her arms around him and nestled in his embrace. She wondered just how his family would accept her.

The silence was deafening, the stares heavy on Diana’s face as she sat at the end of the long table in the Rousseau family house. All chairs were occupied except for one chair, designated to the eldest son of the family, Arven. He and his wife could not come over for the usual Friday dinner because they were out on a date.

Bryce brought Diana over to introduce her to his family. Aimee and Pierre were undeterred although it was obvious to his brothers, including the youngest member Emile that they were dating.

She’d been asked a question, Diana that is. What does she do for a living. And of course, Diana answered honestly. Almost.

“What did she say?” Aimee finally spoke and Diana released a breath. She knew that all their eyes were focused on her face, including Bryce’s. She didn’t bother looking at him, knowing exactly what he was thinking. 

“I’m an art corsair,” Diana answered, unable to sugar-coat any of her words. She could hear Bryce’s intake of breath. He was obviously not pleased that she was being so open about her career. 

Pierre, a native French speaker, frowned and turned to his son. “A corsair?” he muttered to Bryce. It couldn’t be what he thought it was, right? 

“That’s what she said…” Bryce mumbled, his brow furrowed with concern. Did Diana not want their relationship to be accepted by his family? What was she up to now? 

One of the twins, Chip, snorted in laughter, knowing full well what the word meant since he practically breathed the dictionary and encyclopedia. “Cool career, Diana,” he muttered smugly. Finally his knowledge of trivial words was coming to good use. 

“Thanks,” Diana smiled nervously, already feeling that she’d probably made a mistake. She finally caught Bryce’s expression and felt her cheeks warm. Yep, big mistake. 

His twin, Davin, leaned forward. “Hey, what’s it mean?” he whispered fiercely. 

“I’ll tell you later,” Chip replied and lifted his fork to cut into the supple fish that his mother had made for dinner. 

“Doesn’t it mean someone who likes to eat food?” Emile asked innocently, licking the fork with spicy salmon sauce. 

“No stupid,” Davin muttered and nudged his youngest brother’s leg. “It probably means someone who drives.” 

Bryce groaned and turned away from his youngest siblings to see his parents’ worried glances in his direction. He blinked and looked down at his food, suddenly losing his appetite. Just ten minutes into dinner and everything was going wrong. First his brother’s marriage and now his own relationship was being criticized. Were all the Rousseau guys cursed from love? 

Aimee scoffed, interrupting Bryce’s thoughts. “What kind of job will give you such a complex name that no one can define? Sounds like a fake one to me.” 

“Mom!” Bryce protested in surprise, his eyes widening under his glasses. He glanced over to Diana who just gaped at his mother. He held back a groan of frustration. This dinner was definitely not going well at all. 

“Aimee,” Pierre scolded his wife gently, careful to not raise his voice in front of their younger children. His wife was not very skilled in mincing her words, especially in front of strangers. When Arven was getting married, Aimee was very open about her disappointment of her first born’s choice of a spouse. 

She scowled, leaning back against the chair. “What? Am I not speaking the truth here?” 

“Truth or not, Aimee, you know better than that,” he muttered, not liking to correct his wife in front of their children. Frustrated that she would put him in this position, Pierre mumbled some choice words in his native tongue and returned to eating his food. 

Aimee’s brow furrowed in concern, realizing how she’d provoked her usually-reserved husband’s annoyance. “Cher, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that…” she mumbled, directing her apology meant for Diana to her husband and son instead. 

Good thing Pierre was easily gracious, especially when his wife was concerned.  ”Courier or cousair or whatever, it’s a lot better than what that Alice girl is…” he mumbled gruffly. 

His wife and older son blinked in confusion at him. “Who dear?” Aimee replied, sliding her index finger along the smooth edge of her china plate. 

“Apple, Dad?” Bryce supplied patiently, holding back a smile. 

His other brothers snickered as their father frowned in thought. They barely knew their eldest brother’s wife since Arven hardly came around. Not that they minded, sensing that the woman married into their family for ulterior motives… At least that was Chip’s thoughts and his brothers followed. 

“Yeah, whatever. Alice or Apple… This one here is nice enough and she seems to like Bryce,” Pierre muttered. 

Bryce smiled at his father’s words, chewing on the soft fish. 

“Apple liked Arven,” Aimee replied, although even to her the words sounded less convincing by the second. 

“Hmm,” Pierre grumbled. “Well this one is getting along with the boys. Alice didn’t do that.” He turned his gaze to Diana who let out a genuine, uncanny laugh at something Emile said. 

Between the parents and Bryce, they were silent and watched Diana interact with the younger Rousseau boys. Pierre’s observation was right, Diana seemed very comfortable chatting with the guys. They asked more questions about her mysterious job which she handled well, much to Bryce’s relief. They also probed her on her origin.

Bryce glanced once at his parents and saw that they too were equally enthralled by Diana’s gentle tone when addressing Emile’s politically-incorrect queries and Chip’s direct thoughts voiced aloud as well as Davin’s teasing observations. He sighed gratefully and graced a sweet smile toward his girlfriend. All was working well so far. 

“Hey Diana,” Emile finally asked after the laughter died down and everyone returned to eating their salmon dinner. 

Diana glanced down at the youngest Rousseau boy beside her, giving him a patient smile. She could definitely see young Bryce in him and that made her fond of him already. “Yes Emile?” 

“Can you come to my soccer game?” he asked and a smile spread across his parents’  lips. This was the first time their youngest son had asked an adult outside the family to come to his games. 

Diana glanced over at Bryce and he nodded encouragingly. She turned back to Emile, her heart warmed at his innocent request. “Sure, I’d love to go to your game.” 

Emile grinned widely and was rewarded with a noogie from Davin beside him. The family shared a congenial laugh and finished their dinner on a good note. 

As the night drew in, Davin took his leave because of his night job as a security guard at a local deli store. The family finished their dinner and the men, Bryce and his father, went to the den to talk. 

Meanwhile Diana, who was bombarded with so many questions did not finish her food, was now trying to eat the last of her delicious salmon dinner. With the two younger brothers playing a video game in the living room, Aimee began clearing the table. 

Diana paused at eating and glanced up to see Aimee staring down at her. The older woman caught Diana’s befuddled expression and gave her a smile. She blinked, not show what to make of the woman’s probing gray eyes. Before she could open her mouth to ask if something was the matter, Aimee looked away and started humming softly, walking into the kitchen with the empty dishes. 

Frowning lightly, Diana put down her fork and rose to her feet. “Um, please let me help…” she offered and carried her plate to the kitchen. 

“Oh you don’t have to,” Aimee said softly, eying the girl with open scrutiny and ended her protests. Leaning against the wall, Bryce’s mother watched Diana take over washing the dishes. This girl was definitely different from Arven’s wife. She was more open, more down-to-earth and genuine. 

Soon the door to the den opened and Bryce and Pierre emerged from inside. The younger man had a soft smile on his face, seemingly satisfied with what he and his father had discussed. He walked around the living room to find Diana wiping her hands by the sink and Aimee watching her keenly. Clearing his throat, Bryce got the ladies’ attention. “Time to go, Diana.” 

“You’re leaving?” Emile’s voice was heard from the living room and following it were shuffling feet toward the kitchen.

Diana turned around and staggered backwards with a laugh when Emile rammed into her, his little arms wrapping around her waist. She smiled and embraced the little guy who was so genuine about his feelings. What a warm guy he was. She couldn’t help but ruffle his hair. “Cute…” 

Bryce’s lips curled in half a smile. This was a relief to him that she was being slowly but surely accepted into the family. Even Aimee watched the two of them with a fond expression. 

“Okay little one,” Aimee broke the warm moment and gave her youngest son a stern look. “It’s almost eleven and you’ve skipped your curfew.” 

“Aaw Mom,” Emile whined but one stern look from his father made him drop his head in disappointment. He started trudging away toward his bedroom. 

“We’ll see you at your soccer game, little man,” Bryce called out to his brother and Emile turned around to Diana, his eyes widened in expectancy. 

Diana nodded and smiled warmly. “See you soon, Emile. Goodnight.” She could feel Aimee, Pierre and Bryce’s attention on her and her cheeks warmed under their scrutiny. 

A few minutes after the younger Rousseau boys were off to bed, Bryce and Diana stood up from the couch. “We better start going. Work early in the morning, right Diana?” 

His parents rose slowly as well and Pierre raised a brow. “Your courier work?” he directed to Diana who laughed gently and smiled at him. 

As the young couple strode out of the house and down the street toward Diana’s house, Bryce heard his mother call to them. “Come back soon!” she said congenially and he smiled, squeezing her hand in encouragement. 

Bryce nudged her shoulder. “They like you,” he murmured and led her to her house. 

Pierre pulled Aimee to the bench on their porch and made her settle in beside him. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “What do you think about her?” he whispered gently although they were the only ones outside. 

“She’s… nice,” Aimee said, a little hesitant to share her inner thoughts about the girl Bryce had brought home. 

“But…” Pierre nudged her softly. 

“She’s not quite what I expected,” Aimee admitted, leaning her head against her husband’s shoulder. 

“Give her a chance,” Pierre encouraged softly and Aimee blinked in surprise at her husband. It was the first time he’d been openly involved in their sons’ love lives. 

She smiled. “Did Bryce say something?” 

“He’ll tell you in time,” Pierre replied and pulled her closer. “Don’t worry about it.” It was the end of the topic and the couple stared into the night, occupied with their thoughts.

The entire family: Jiwon sitting with his first son, Isaiah. Delia and Keziah playing in the conventory room. I couldn’t stop myself from snapping tons of pictures. I’m pleased that Keziah fits into the family well. I’m sure Jiwon is finally comfortable with it, after all. 

Best friends fo’ life. In game, Jiwon can be rather forgetful. I always have to force him to stop dropping Keziah on the floor. Especially when she was an infant, he kept on dropping her to watch television. But now that she’s a toddler, he wants to tickle and snuggle her. Keziah always go to Papa Jiwon first before she goes to her mommy. Even at this age, she believes her mom is there for food. I’m considering Delia retire from one of her many responsibilities outside the home so she can bond more with her mom. 

At this moment, I only see Jiwon in Keziah’s face. Even down to her personality is just the spitting image of Jiwon. It’s rather sad for Delia although she should be consoled that Isaiah is practically her mini person. Still, there’s something about a woman wanting her daughter to be just like her. Be encouraged Delia, this third baby might be like you. 

Jiwon is completely enthralled the third time around. He’s at the top of his career and can take off from work to spend time with his family. He always wants to rub Delia’s tummy or talk to the baby. I think he’s a great dad, even when he gets a bit preoccupied and drops kids… >_> 

For a kid, Isaiah is amused with his parents’ public display of affection. He never cringes or moans about them being lovey-dovey… But maybe because he has not gotten to those teenage years yet. 

Even though she’s supposed to be resting, Delia still finds time to sneak away and work on her small garden. She’s asking for her husband to create more ground at the back of the house for her growing garden. In order to keep her from getting bored with being at home, Jiwon gets to work making her a great space for gardening. I might have her apply for garden’s club soon. Maybe. 

A closing shot of the Yoon kids, sleeping peacefully in their shared room. Their parents are still working on their separate bedrooms, especially since Delia is expecting another child and they have enough room to expand. I’ll work on their home a little bit more. I love expanding families.

A few weeks to eight months later and Kezzie is completely healthy. Her mother’s breastmilk, her family’s love and the attention of those around. Her auntie Diana and uncle Bryce always come over to babysit her while Mama continues working at Cabela’s and Papa continues his chef career. Claiming that she has a future in music, Diana always records musical recordings on her phone for her parents to hear when they return home. 

Her translucently white skin and pale, soft hair does not deter her from being active. Keziah Yoon, according to her parents, is going to be a very popular cute child in Balfour. 

Keziah and her father are entirely best friends. He can’t get enough of her giggling whenever he tickles her or blows air on her stomach. She’s a joyful child and the two go out together often, with Keziah flanked in clothes that shield her from the sun. Their neighbors love to see her smile, believing that they see her father’s smile mirrored on the little toddler’s face. 

Just like with Isaiah, Ji-won is already starting his training early. Whenever Delia returns home, she always finds her husband and the littlest member of the Yoon family playing and walking all over the house. “You better be careful with that or she’ll be playing with toilets just like Isaiah did,” she says, shrugging her coat off her shoulders. She’s just in time to feed Keziah some lunch. 

Jiwon pauses to give his wife a kiss. “Why don’t you go rest a bit? I’ll feed her.” He glances down at her protruding belly and smiles proudly. “You tired?” 

Delia raises a brow. “You talking to me or the baby?”

Yes, you read correctly. Delia is expecting again. Her friends, including Diana, thinks she’s a bit crazy but she doesn’t care. Her goal is to fill her family with many kids and it helps, considering Ji-won’s ambition. 

“Both,” he murmurs and leans in to kiss her mouth. She’s glowing and looking more ravishing than ever. This explains why they are on their way to having as many kids as they want. 

“I’m famished though,” Delia whines softly, trudging to the kitchen while Keziah crawls to her father’s side and Ji-won picks her up. Her giggles fill the room and Delia smiles. “You’re spoiling this girl,” she teases, pulling open the fridge to get some eggs and peppers. “Want an omelette?” 

“Sure,” he pauses to shower kisses on Keziah’s chubby cheeks. “And you know you spoil her whenever you think I’m not looking.” He smirks when Keziah grins toothily at him.

“Hmmph, so you say,” Delia banters in reply, reaching up a shelf to retrieve the frying pan used for the older family’s meals. Keziah’s meals are prepared with a different set of kitchenware, for her safety. Her smile widens when she notices Keziah is propped in the air and being tickled uncontrollably by her father. “Oh boy. She’s going to be too hyper to eat if you do that.” 

“I’ll feed her, don’t worry…” Ji-won lowered Keziah to his hip and tickled her again. 

By the time Delia has made enough omelettes for the family and possibly friends who stop by to see the new addition to their family, she hears the telltale squeaking of a bus stopping in front of their house. “Isaiah’s home,” she announces. 

“Yay,” Ji-won says, pulling Keziah to her wobbly feet so she can walk with him. “Your big brother’s home,” he says in a soft but high-pitched voice that causes Keziah to flash a toothless grin. She loves her brother. “Should we go say hi?” 

“I’m home!” Isaiah calls out from the stairs. He’s heading to his room to change clothes. 

Delia shakes his head, placing the omelettes onto a large plate. “Probably changing to his favorite pjs.” 

“Ugh, I wonder why he does that,” Jiwon mumbles, ruffling Keziah’s pale hair. 

“Gee I wonder where he gets it from,” she raises a brow to look at her husband’s bare chest, jogging pants and bare feet.

Finally Isaiah makes it downstairs and smiles at his little sister who is making gaga noises with Papa. “Yo family!” he calls out, a phrase picked up from his friend Emile, and his parents laugh openly. 

“Oh you’re getting too grown, little guy,” Delia says, carrying a plate of steaming omelettes. “Come help Mama fix the table.” 

“Yes Ma,” Isaiah says easily and skips to the kitchen to get the plates for food. 

At lunch, Jiwon decides to share his concerns with his wife about her working during this third pregnancy. She’s not to happy about it, as you can see. “I’m just saying that we should be more careful this time, Delia…” he says softly, considering their son is sitting with them. 

Delia narrows her eyes, pausing at eating. “What do you mean? I’ve been careful. I can’t afford to just give up the store.” 

“You’re not giving up the store for good, Delia,” he tries to console her. “Just for the time you’re pregnant, take it easy and stay home…” He frowns. On his days of work, Delia leaves to Cabela’s while Diana or Bryce come over to take care of Keziah. Not that he doesn’t trust them but feels that Keziah needs her mother for certain things. Like her time and attention. Especially now that she’s maturing quickly. 

She breathes out a sigh of frustration but nods slowly. “Fine… I’ll think about it.” Shaking her head at his quizzical expression, she continues. “Don’t rush me. I need to think about it.” With that, they continue eating, this time in silence except for Keziah’s banging on her small pans while eating some Cheerios. 

After lunch, Jiwon offers to wash the dishes and Isaiah helps clear the table. Delia mumbles her thanks and waddles over to the conventory room where Keziah has lost interest in her little snack and is playing with her new musical toy given to her by Bryce on behalf of his family. 

Lowering herself slowly to the floor, Keziah beams and shuffles over to where her Mama is sitting. Smiling, Delia smoothens her baby’s soft hair. “You want Mama to stay home and play with you everyday, huh Kezzie girl?” 

“Say yes, Keziah!” Jiwon calls from the kitchen. 

Keziah smacks her pudgy hands on her mother’s thighs. “Ye…”

Delia laughs softly and pulls her baby closer to her. “Really, you do?”

“Yes Mama,” Jiwon continues and Isaiah laughs when his father blows bubbles from the sink to his face. 

“Ye Maamama,” Keziah says proudly, smacking her mommy’s thighs more insistently. 

“Oh Lord, I have conspirators in my house,” Delia bemoans and kisses Keziah’s head. “Fine, I’ll stay home for you then.”

“Yay!” Jiwon cheers and Keziah echoes him, with more of a baby accent.

It was a normal fall afternoon when Delia Yoon returns from her rounds at Cabela. She’s had to fire one assistant and hire another, Ella Fitzgerald. Excited and rushing home to tell her husband of the changes to her shop, she suddenly feels some twinging pains at her abdomen. She feels like using the restroom, except it’s a little different this time. Pressing a hand to her rounded tummy, she calls for Ji-won. Isaiah rushes downstairs and tells her Papa is working. Breathless, she instructs her son to call Ji-won while she calls the ambulance. 

That was more than two months ago. Ever since that day Diana called and the Yoon Family were informed that their second child would have to be kept in ICU for a month or so. Although Delia was discharged from the clinic to return home, she refused to stay at home while her baby was left in a cold room surrounded by other unfortunate kids. 

Finally, Delia and Ji-won were allowed to bring their new baby home after she was stabilized and her heart was adequate to breathe on its own. Of course the doctors warned them that their little baby had a condition called Acromatosis and would have to be watched carefully as she developed into a healthy toddler. Ji-won and Delia didn’t matter. They were in love with their little girl, Keziah Eun-Jae Yoon. Although she was tiny and slight, weighing less than a doll, the young parents were so happy that their child was finally home. 

Diana and Bryce were the first visitors to see Keziah Yoon. The parents told them of the conditions but it was no big deal to them. Unfortunately, Diana was having a bit of trouble keeping her tears from falling. The baby was so precious, her eyes skittering quickly back and forth, her pallid, tranluscent skin almost like porcelain. She smiled up at Delia and Ji-won. “She’s beautiful.”

“She has her mother’s features,” Ji-won said proudly, gazing down at his wife and their second child. At this time, Isaiah was still at school but he’d already been introduced to his sister and loved her just as much as their parents did. He was very overprotective, which his parents appreciated. 

“Oops,” Delia interrupted their speech when the baby wriggled a little in her arms. “Kezzie’s asking to be fed.” She excused herself to breastfeed their second child while her husband and their two friends watched her carefully. 

“She’s doing well…” Ji-won reassured the two of them once Delia left the room. “Both of them, I mean.” 

Diana breathed a sigh of relief. “It broke my heart whenever we came to visit the hospital and Delia was always crying.” She shook her head. “It must’ve been tough for both of you. And poor little Isaiah.” While Ji-won shuttled from the hospital, home and work, Isaiah spent nights with them until Delia was able to come home with the baby. She remembered the nights Isaiah would cry and she would have to console him. 

“I’m just glad that you three are home,” Bryce smiled. He had a feeling that the retreat would probably never happen but he’d missed his friend. 

Ji-won nodded. “You bet.” His eyes danced. “We’re still in for the men’s retreat. Delia says I need to take a break.”

“Is that safe?” Bryce raised a brow. Especially now with the baby and the new responsibilities that awaited the new parents. 

“Yeah, she’s still doing the women’s sleepover. It’s just an excuse to show off Kezzie to the ladies,” Ji-won shrugged. 

Diana smiled. “Don’t worry. We’ll take care of Kezzie if you end up going.” Her brows lifted. “When is it?” 

“In a few months,” Ji-won and Bryce said together and the three of them laughed openly. 

to be continued…

This are clips from the chapter concerning Apple and her husband Arven Rousseau. The woman Arven was going to meet at the Skating Rink was a woman named Paula Garner, who happens to be a mother that abandoned her only child at Ella Fitzgerald’s home. Enough said, right?

While her in-laws plan for their next wedding, Apple Rousseau is doing some scheming of her own. Political, that is. Since she came into Balfour, Apple has always had the dream of being a part of the city government. Balfour, she believes can make her dream come true. Except there’s one problem. Delia Kingston Yoon is mayor. She believes that her husband would be a better candidate for the job and hires a public assistant, Anup Depiesse to help. 

“Darling,” Apple says to her husband once he returns back from his work as a corporate lawyer downtown. “This is Anup Depiesse, your new public assistant.” She beams from ear to ear. 

Arven blinks in confusion at the tanned man with dark hair almost covering his face. “Public assistant. For what?” he eyes the man suspiciously. Why did he need a P.A?

Apple smacks his arm gently and laughs. “You joke too much sometimes. Did you forget what we discussed a few weeks ago. About you running for office?” 

There is silence and the three stare at each other. Then Arven’s brow furrows. “I thought that was just you talking. How can I run for mayor? Delia Yoon is–”

“Her term is almost through,” Apple interrupts softly and gives Anup a kind smile. “Forgive my husband. He can be a bit preoccupied.” She waves him over to the dining room where there is a stack of binders and tea already prepared for the meeting.

“It’s no problem, Mrs. Rousseau,” Anup says easily, his light eyes flashing with bridled mirth. He had a feeling Mr. Rousseau would not be too keen or as enthusiastic about this opportunity than his wife. “It’s rather ambitious and would take quite a while to get used to,” he tries to reassure the man.

“Oh please call me Apple,” Mrs. Rousseau insists. “My mother-in-law is Mrs. Rousseau.”

“Ah, I see.”

Arven sighs and leans back in the seat. “So what is there to do? What I mean is what exactly am I supposed to do?” he mumbles, not exactly enthused as Anup predicted earlier.

“How well do you know the residents of Balfour?” Anup directs his attention to the hesitant soon-to-be opponent of the present mayor. “Would you say you know them by name and face?” 

Apple bites her bottom lip. “Well, I know most of the ladies here but…” she glances over at her husband with concern. Truth be told, Arven has not met a quarter of the residents. This was a problem. 

“Hmm,” Anup mumbles, glancing down at his agenda book. There are blanks where there should be checkpoints. This new client does not seem ready to take over Mrs. Yoon’s position as the mayor of Balfour. 

Before the silence takes over the entire room, Apple turns her head to Anup. “Will this be too much of a problem? Will it affect our–his chance to campaign?”

Anup shakes his head slowly. “It might make things a little complicated but that’s why you hired me. I don’t want to toot my own horn but I’ve had similar situations like this.” He gives her a confident smile. “Trust me, Apple.” 

Arven’s brows furrow as the two talk amongst themselves, without even bothering to involve him. Of course he is aware of Apple’s ability to do well in politics, he on the other hand has no desire to run for office. Still, he knows her dream to achieve such a dream and is willing to try his best. Except this man is starting to bug him, talking all gentle and sweet toward his wife, in front of him. He clenches his jaw and remains silent as the two discuss the plans for his campaign. 

In the midst of his reverie, Arven hears the man ask his wife if they can meet up for coffee to discuss more of the plans. That’s the last straw for Arven. Maintaining his cool, Arven clears his throat. “Don’t you think it’s getting a bit late, Anup? I’m sure you have other things to do tomorrow and we would not want to take much of your time…” he manages to say, ignoring his wife’s miffed expression. 

A bit flustered by the man’s frigid tone, Anup blinks at Arven. “Err, I don’t mind, Mr. Rousseau. I just need to discuss a few other–” he pauses when the phone rings from the living room. 

Apple narrows her eyes at her husband. “Why don’t you take a break, Arven, and please answer the phone?”

Arven does not mind this, feeling a bit suffocated while they talk of ridiculous official matters that he could care less about. 

“Fine,” Arven says in a clipped tone and rises from the chair, the legs scraping loudly to portray his annoyance. 

“Thank you,” Apple replies, rolling her eyes at her husband’s rude behavior in front of their guest. 

“I’m so sorry about this,” Apple whispers to Anup, her words loud enough for departing Arven to hear. 

“Oh it’s no problem. I agree with him, it’s getting a bit late but for some reason I’m excited about this.”

Apple giggles softly and touches Anup’s shoulder. “I feel the same way. This would be such a great opportunity for Arven, I just know it.”

“And you’re right. Now let’s discuss the various tactics of campaigning…” Anup continues his lecture, pulling out a binder from the stack. 

Arven clenches his fist and narrows his eyes, annoyed that she would apologize to a stranger so profusely. He walks over to the phone and picks it up before the fourth ring. “Lo?” he drawls, turning his back to his wife and her guest. 

“Hey…” a soft feminine voice answers from the other end. Arven stiffens instantly as he recognizes the voice. “I hoped you’d pick up the phone.”

Arven clenches his jaw and glances quickly over his shoulder at his preoccupied wife who was laughing at what Anup is saying. “What are you doing?” he whispers urgently, feeling his heart skip a beat. 

“What do you mean? You said I could call.” Her voice is trembling slightly as if threatening to cry. 

Arven frowns. Did he really say that? Shaking his head, Arven shifts his body away from the door. “What’s up?” he tries to say casually, not wanting to alarm the woman on the other end. “It’s almost eleven.” 

“I can’t sleep.” 

He groans in response. “Count sheep.”

“I tried that already. I want to go out somewhere. Do you want to come?” 

“Paula…” he whispers, hearing chairs scraping behind him as his wife and her visitor rise to their feet. Anup is about to leave. “I can’t.”

There is a definite pause on her end. “Oh.” She then sighs heavily and sniffs. “Fine. I knew you’d say that but I thought I’d try. Nevermind.” 

“Alright Anup, thank you for coming. We can meet tomorrow afternoon for some coffee,” he hears Apple say behind him. 

“Wait…” Arven mutters, listening as Anup and Apple make their final arrangements to meet tomorrow. How dare her agree to meet the man alone? “I can meet.”

A soft gasp answers him. “Really?”

“Yeah. Where?” 

“Uh I don’t know. I was thinking Nemo’s Skating Zone?” 

Arven chuckles softly. “You’re kidding. You feel like skating?” He can feel his wife’s eyes boring into his back and turns away from her. He hears her sighing while the woman on the other end giggles. “Fine then. When?” 

“In an hour? I hear it’s going to rain so dress warm, okay?” 

“Got it,” Arven replies, wanting to keep his answers short and to the point. He does not want Apple getting suspicious or worried even though he is not exactly too pleased with her at the moment. 

Apple frowns as her husband talks easily with whoever is on the phone. Hoping to speak to him after Anup left, Apple stands behind him for a few minutes but as the conversation draws on, she’s growing impatient. “I’m getting ready for bed,” she announces loud enough for whoever it is interrupting their evening to hear. 

Arven nods, waving her away and turns around to face a window. “Yeah, my day was pretty long. A bit tired and frustrated with some things but I’m sure I’ll be okay.” 

Clenching her fists, Apple sighs heavily and trudges into their bedroom to prepare for bed. 

A few minutes later and now clad in her red cotton pajamas, Apple climbs into bed. Her husband is still chatting on the phone. Is he intentionally ignoring me or is that person downright rude and insensitive? she asks herself, getting frustrated by her husband’s unusual behavior. She has a feeling he’s a bit ticked over the whole meeting with Anup but he has to know it’s for his own good, right? 

Peering out of the open door to where her husband is laughing in the living room, Apple throws her gaze to the ceiling fan and sighs again. Then she lays in bed and in a few minutes, is fast asleep. 

“Is she asleep yet?” the woman whispers in Arven’s ear as he peers into the bedroom and finds his wife snuggling against her pillow and snoring softly. 

“Yeah, she is…” he says quietly. 

A sigh of relief is the woman’s response. “Good, then I’ll see you in a few minutes?” 

“Yeah,” Arven mutters, staring at his wife’s innocent expression, his brows furrowed. What is he doing? 

“You will show right?” the woman questions him once more before hanging up the phone. “Don’t ditch me like you did before. I won’t forgive you easily this time.” 

“Got it…” he mumbles and once she disconnects the call, he lowers the phone to its stand.

A light sleeper, Apple wakes to the sound of light footsteps heading out the door and the click of the lock.

Her eyes widen. Where is Arven going? She remains in bed, hoping his footsteps would return and approach their bedroom.

But then she hears the sound of an engine rumbling. Her heart skips a beat. What is going on? 

In the cab, Arven stares at the seat in front of him, debating whether to get out and return to his wife’s waiting arms in their bed. But his annoyance for her behavior tonight fuels him, invoking him to leave the house. Even if it’s only for a few hours. 

“Where to, Mr?” the cab driver asks between yawns, the car engine rumbling as he waits for the passenger’s request. 

Arven swallows hard. “Nemo’s Skating Zone…” He leans back in his seat and closes his eyes.

“Got it,” the cab driver affirms the request and puts the cab in drive. A few minutes later, the yellow cab pulls away from the street in front of the Rousseau’s home and to Nemo’s Skating Zone downtown. 

*Narrator’s Note: Things are not what they seem… But yes, Apple wants her husband to become mayor instead of Delia. Perhaps she thinks the job is too much for the young mother or she doesn’t appreciate the way Mrs. Yoon governs the city. What is Anup about and who is Paula? Again, things are not what they seem.