HAUGHTY-To Love ✔

CHAPTER 33

A WEEK LATER

WEDDING DAY

AUN POV

The music from the wedding hall echoed in my ears as I sat there, feeling numb, while the beauticians worked on me. Three women surrounded me, meticulously styling my hair, while a girl knelt down to highlight my collarbones and chest.

"Miss, can you lower your robe a bit?" one of the women asked. I followed her instructions and pulled the fabric down my shoulders, exposing my upper chest. The girl smiled and continued to apply various creams and foundation-like liquids onto my skin. Truthfully, I had never seen these products before they were being applied to my face.

"You're looking so beautiful, Miss," the lady on my right commented as she saw her assistant pinning the ends of my hair into a bun. She quickly grabbed a curling iron and began to curl the front of my hair.

Traditionally, the bride-to-be should be beaming with a full smile, cheeks tinted pink, excited about her wedding, and perhaps even dreaming about her wedding night. But in my case, it was the complete opposite. I sat there with a scowling face, feeling anything but joyful.

None of my family members seemed to notice or acknowledge my sour expression, as they were all busy either getting dolled up themselves or focusing on the wedding preparations. It was hard to believe that the day I had dreaded the most had arrived so quickly.

After our little dinner date, I hadn't seen JungYun anywhere. He seemed to be busy with work, prioritizing it over any leisure time before our wedding. The only thing I had received from him was the details for a Board of Directors meeting, which he had conveniently scheduled for tomorrow.

"I guess he can't leave his work to unnecessarily spend time with his wife," I thought bitterly.

Dara and Min-Hyuk, JungYun's parents, were completely overjoyed to see their only son getting married today. They were more excited than the bride and groom themselves. I couldn't blame them, though, as it was every parent's wish to see their children enter a new phase of life.

The one positive thing that had happened was the return of my brother. He had been so engrossed in his studies that he rarely visited us, but now he had come back home from Dallas.

As I thought about my brother, Nicholas Grey, I heard a knock on my bedroom door. Lifting my head to see who it was, I adjusted my robe on my shoulders before the lady could open the door. "Aun," I exclaimed, my face lighting up as I saw the person standing there in his fine suit.

"Nick!" I exclaimed, rushing towards him and enveloping his torso in a tight hug. The boy who used to be shoulder-height to me now had his head touching the ceiling. He had grown so much in these past 10 years. "God, sis, when did you become so tiny?" he teased, releasing me from his hold.

I playfully landed a not-so-hard blow on his chest when he wriggled his brows, mocking my height. "It's not me, idiot. It's you who became a giant," I retorted, glancing at his stature. He was as tall as JungYun, maybe even a few centimeters taller. "Yeah, a handsome giant."

Despite being just twenty-one years old, he looked more mature and masculine than his age would suggest. With his well-defined muscles and a five-o'clock shadow beard, he was undeniably attractive.

"So, Nick, how was Dallas? Did you enjoy your time studying there?" I asked as the beauticians gestured for me to take a seat so they could continue their work.

"Oh, please, don't even bring up that topic. I've come here to enjoy my sister's wedding and spend time with our family. Those studies and interrogative questions are off-limits," he replied, clearly wanting to focus on the joyous occasion rather than discussing his studies.

I smiled at the boy sitting before me, enjoying his playful banter. "When did you arrive here? Did you meet Papa?" I asked, and he nodded in response.

"I met him downstairs before coming to see you. And to answer your first question, I boarded an early morning flight to get here," he replied, yawning slightly. "You owe me for sacrificing my sleep to attend your boring wedding." I playfully slapped his shoulder in response to his cocky attitude, and we both chuckled, realizing how much we had missed each other.

"I can't believe you're getting married, Aun," his smile faded as he held my hand, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Will you still FaceTime me to ask about my whereabouts and health?" I smiled and ruffled his hair, understanding the meaning behind his words.

Our father had been strict with Nicholas, restricting him from enjoying the activities that other boys his age did. He focused solely on studies and knowledgeable pursuits, as per our father's instructions. I would often sneak out to FaceTime him without our father's awareness.

Papa wasn't completely tough, though. He would FaceTime his son once every two weeks and would often include me in the conversation. But when Nick was new to Dallas, he couldn't handle his new surroundings, and he would call me every day to update me on his daily events.

We had been best buddies since our early years, and that bond continued to grow. The only difference now was that I had limited time to FaceTime him, usually once or twice a month when I was free from work. "Even though I'll be married, you're still my brother, Nick, and we can have our conversations as usual," I assured him, flashing a wide grin as I noticed him doing the same.

"Miss, you should change into your dress," the lady reminded me, giving a glance to Nick as if to ask for some privacy. "Alright, I'll see you at the aisle, Aun," he said, getting up from his seat and kissing my forehead before waving his hand and leaving the room.

As soon as I saw him disappear behind those white doors, my sour expression returned, along with the dreadful thoughts of my life with JungYun. There was no turning back now; I had to become his wife. Whether I liked it or not, I would have to take the vows and share my life with him.

My mind was filled with various thoughts, and I didn't even realize that the ladies had already undressed me to put on the wedding dress.

"What is there to do after this?" I wondered, my mind racing with uncertainty.