Eight Shots of Espresso | Na Jaemin

Chapter 27

Preparing for a wedding was exhausting, but it was unbearable when it's a wedding you didn't want to happen.

Jaemin and Lia had to participate in planning the wedding, from the color of the napkins, flowers arrangements to the theme and location. They could have hired a wedding planner and leave all the decisions to them but the Chairman specifically wanted Jaemin and Lia to 'hang out' with each other. This was his way of making their bonds close.

As if a bond could be developed while doing an activity they were not both interested.

"I would have enjoyed this if I love the person I'm marrying," Lia muttered her breath. Jaemin couldn't agree more.

Finally, it was time for the fitting and Jaemin was forced by the Chairman to accompany Lia on her gown fitting. He would get his three-piece suit measured as well but he had to give comments on Lia's wedding gowns first.

"How about this one?" Lia asked and twirled around to give a three hundred sixty degree view of the crystal studded gown.

"It looks great," Jaemin said without looking.

"Seriously?" she asked incredulously. "You said the same thing on the first two dresses! At least give a helpful feedback."

"No really, whatever you wear looks great on you," Jaemin said and Lia stopped sulking, surprised at his words. "I don't mean it in a flirty way. I'm just telling you what I think. Besides, you're the one who should know what suits you best."

Jaemin stood up from the blue velvet couch. A sharp jolt of pain struck him and his heart was racing so fast he had to clutch his chest. He was not feeling better the past few days and it kept getting worse. His head was throbbing in pain and he was feeling dizzy. It only took one step to lose his balance before everything went black.

"Jaemin!" Lia cried and lifted the hem of the gown to run towards Jaemin lying on the ground. She tapped his cheeks but got no response. "Call an ambulance!" she yelled to her bodyguards and cradled Jaemin's body on her arms.

The ambulance arrived and carried Jaemin's unconscious body on a stretcher. Lia didn't have the chance to get changed so she contacted Jaemin's household to deliver the urgent message.

At the Na manor, the butler who just received the message from Lia went into full panic and ran to Jae Sook's office. He rapped the door three times before slamming it open. Na Jae Sook, who was taking a five minute break while looking outside the floor to ceiling window overlooking the garden, spilled tea all over his suit.

"I'm sorry for the disturbance, Master. I received an urgent message from  young lady Lia," the butler said.

"What is it?" Jae Sook asked while wiping his mouth with tissue.

"The young master collapsed. He was brought to the hospital."

Jae Sook dropped the delicate teacup and sprinted out of his office without a word, the butler trailing behind him. He barked a few orders to his men and they prepared the fastest car in the garage. Jae Sook got inside the vehicle and he was anxious the entire ride to the hospital.

When they arrived, he saw Lia waiting at the lobby.

"What happened to my son?" he asked worriedly.

"I was asking him for comments about my gown when he stood up and suddenly collapsed. He was probably exhausted from all the things we did earlier. I'm so sorry."

"It's not your fault, Lia. I should thank you, even. My driver will give you a ride. I'm sure you're in shock as well."

Lia didn't refuse the offer. The young lady followed the driver while Jae Sook and his butler went to the fifth floor to Jaemin's room. When they reached the room, they saw a doctor and nurse checking Jaemin's condition. He was still unconscious and his forehead was still red from hitting it on the edge of the couch when he collapsed.