novelnext Chapter 81: Yura and Jiyeon are married
Chapter 81: Yura and Jiyeon are married
As the guests began to gather and the soft hum of conversation filled the grand banquet hall, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. The room was elegantly decorated with flowers and candles, creating a warm, inviting glow. Yura and I stood near the entrance, greeting guests as they arrived.
Min-Seo, radiant in her blue dress, was busy mingling with friends and family, while Min-Jun was by her side, ensuring that everything was perfect. The two of them exuded an air of grace and hospitality, making everyone feel welcome.
The banquet started in earnest, and the tables were soon filled with an array of exquisite dishes. There were delicate appetizers, including smoked salmon canapés, truffle mushroom tartlets, and mini bruschettas topped with fresh tomatoes and basil. The main courses ranged from succulent roasted lamb to perfectly grilled seabass, accompanied by a variety of sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a vibrant salad of mixed greens.
Desserts were equally impressive, featuring a selection of pastries, cakes, and a decadent chocolate fountain surrounded by fruits and marshmallows for dipping. The guests were clearly impressed, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and animated conversations.
As Yura and I made our way through the crowd, I couldn't help but notice the attention she was receiving. Several alphas, mostly business associates and acquaintances of her parents, seemed particularly interested in her. They were drawn to her commanding presence and the elegance she exuded.
One alpha, a tall man with dark hair and sharp features, approached us with a confident smile. "Yura, it's been a long time," he said, extending his hand. "You look stunning tonight."
"Thank you, Jin-Woo," Yura replied politely, shaking his hand. "It's good to see you."
Jin-Woo's eyes flicked briefly to me before returning to Yura. "So, how have you been? Still running the company with your usual brilliance, I assume?"
"Yes, things are going well," Yura said, her tone professional but warm.
As the conversation continued, I felt a pang of jealousy. It wasn't just the way he looked at her, but the way he seemed to dismiss me entirely. I could feel the tension building inside me, but I kept a composed exterior.
Another alpha, a woman with a sleek bob and an air of sophistication, joined the conversation. "Yura, darling, you must tell me about your latest projects. I've heard such incredible things."
"Of course, Hye-Jin," Yura said, smiling. "I'd love to catch up."
I stood there, feeling increasingly sidelined as more and more people gravitated towards Yura. It was as if I were invisible, a mere accessory to the star of the evening. My frustration grew, and I struggled to keep my emotions in check.
The attention Yura was receiving was overwhelming, and it didn't help that the guests seemed to be ignoring me. I knew that many of them were unaware of our relationship, but it still stung to be so blatantly overlooked.
Yura, sensing my discomfort, subtly reached for my hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. Her touch was calming, but it did little to quell the jealousy simmering inside me.
At one point, an older alpha approached Yura, his eyes gleaming with interest. "Yura, my dear, you must join me for a dance," he said, extending his hand.
Before Yura could respond, I stepped forward, my voice firm. "Actually, Yura and I were just about to take a break. Thank you for the offer."
The alpha raised an eyebrow but didn't argue. "Perhaps another time, then," he said, giving a polite nod before moving away.
Yura turned to me, her expression a mix of amusement and concern. "Jiyeon, are you okay?"
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions. "I'm fine. It's just... it's hard to see everyone vying for your attention and ignoring me."
Yura's eyes softened, and she leaned in closer. "I'm sorry, Jiyeon. I didn't mean for this to happen. You're the most important person here to me."
"This has been the best night of my life," she whispered.
"Mine too," I replied, leaning in to kiss her. "Thank you for everything, Yura."
"No, thank you," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "For being by my side, for loving me, for making me the happiest person in the world."
We shared a long, lingering kiss, the world around us fading away. In that moment, it was just the two of us, lost in our love and the promise of a future together.
The banquet had been a success, and our announcement had been met with acceptance and joy.
It was time to bring out the cake for Min-Seo. The room was filled with excitement and anticipation as we gathered around the table. The cake was a masterpiece—a multi-layered confection covered in smooth, white fondant, adorned with delicate flowers made of sugar. Each layer was a different flavor: rich chocolate, tangy lemon, and sweet strawberry. On top, colorful candles flickered, casting a warm glow.
We began to sing the birthday song, our voices harmonizing in celebration. Min-Seo beamed with joy, her cheeks flushed with happiness. When the song ended, she leaned forward and blew out the candles, the tiny flames disappearing in a puff of smoke. With a smile, she picked up the knife and cut into the cake, handing the first slice to me.
"Thank you, Min-Seo," I said, taking the plate from her. The cake was delicious, each bite a blend of sweetness and flavor.
The moment had come to give Min-Seo her presents. Everyone was eager to see her reaction to their carefully chosen gifts. Just as the first present was about to be handed over, the door swung open with a dramatic flourish.
A woman stood in the doorway, commanding attention with her presence. She was tall and striking, with long, raven-black hair that cascaded down her back in waves. Her eyes were a piercing blue, cold and sharp. She wore a sleek, black leather jacket over a white blouse, paired with dark jeans and boots. There was an air of authority about her, an unmistakable dominance.
"I am here for Yura," she declared, her voice firm and unyielding. "I am her fiancée."
My heart dropped. Fiancée? Yura had never mentioned an ex-fiancée, let alone one as formidable as this woman. The room fell silent, everyone exchanging uneasy glances.
Yura stepped forward, her expression a mix of shock and confusion. "What are you doing here, Hyun-Jin?" she asked, her voice tight.
Hyun-Jin? So that was her name. She was clearly an alpha, exuding power and confidence that made everyone else seem small in comparison.
"I'm here because I won't accept this," Hyun-Jin said, her eyes locking onto mine with an icy glare. "I won't accept your relationship with Jiyeon."
A surge of anger and hurt welled up inside me. "Yura, who is she? Why didn't you tell me about her?" I demanded, my voice trembling.
Yura looked torn, her gaze shifting between me and Hyun-Jin. "Jiyeon, I... I didn't think she would ever come back. Hyun-Jin is my ex-fiancée. We broke up a long time ago."
"Clearly, she didn't get the memo," I snapped, my emotions boiling over. "And now she's here, trying to ruin everything."
Hyun-Jin stepped closer, her presence almost suffocating. "Yura belongs with me, Jiyeon. Our bond was broken prematurely, but it can be mended. You are nothing compared to what we had."
The room was charged with tension, everyone watching the unfolding drama with bated breath. I felt a fierce protectiveness over my relationship with Yura, a determination to stand my ground. Your journey continues at m v|l-e
"You may have history," I said, my voice steadying as I faced Hyun-Jin, "but that doesn't give you the right to barge in and make demands. Yura and I are together now, and you need to respect that."