With All That I Am: Bound To You

My Wife

The car pulled up to a humble church bursting at the seams with people. Winter wore one of the new dresses she got from her shopping spree the other day; a sleeveless black dress with a high neck collar to hide her scars. She was glad Karina insisted on a new wardrobe, though she would never tell her that.

Winter wasn't surprised when Karina intertwined their hands as they walked towards the church. Over the past two days, Karina was never far away. She wouldn't have called it stalking if she didn't see that Karina was only completely relaxed when she was touching her. They slept in the same bed and although Winter always fell asleep without touching the older woman, she always awoke in Karina's arms.

Neither of them said much. Winter mulled over things Karina said and gauged at her actions. Karina seemed content to work on her laptop and be as close as possible without making any sexual moves, which made Winter feel safe, yet frustrated. Winter wasn't ready even though her body had a different opinion. She couldn't deny that Karina's constant presence and touch had an effect on her.

When Karina came for her, and since they arrived in Vegas, she had been affectionate as always, honest, considerate and eager to please. Karina was the Jimin Winter always thought she could be; the one she fell in love with. But Winter wasn't sure that she could fully trust her yet.

Over the past couple of days, Winter realized one thing. Karina took marriage seriously, never mind the fact that Winter was forced into it. Not that the older woman had never taken Winter seriously. Just that, Winter could see the effort.

There was no out this time. Karina wouldn't allow it. They were bound to each other forever that only death could separate them. And knowing Karina, Winter knows she wouldn't even let something as inevitable as death be the one to separate them.

When they entered the church, people turned to look at their very noticeable entourage and quickly averted their eyes when they recognized Karina. The chatter dimmed and people made their way for them. It never occurred to Winter to wonder what the media reported. The facts were that Karina went to jail for money laundering and both Aeri and Karina's parents were murdered. Winter had no clue if her own injuries had been reported or what anyone had been told.

Winter spotted her sister and her husband standing with Yizhuo and her mother. Taeyeon rushed forward and gave her a tight hug. Winter felt absolutely nothing. Completely numb.

She was aware that Karina hadn't released her, but Taeyeon drew back and gave Karina a small smile.

"I heard you got married." Taeyeon said.

"Yes." Karina didn't elaborate.

Taeyeon ran her eyes over Winter, trying to read her little sister. "I was worried about you, Minjeong. I didn't know—," The younger woman dropped her head down, blinking away her tears. She feels Taeyeong grab her hand, giving it a tight squeeze. "Nevermind that. It's nice to see you again."

"I'm sorry." Winter whispered. Once again, Winter left her sister with no explanation. She must've been so worried, probably thinking she was dead.

Winter excused herself from Karina and Taeyeon, approaching Yizhuo and her mother to express her condolences. Once her arms wrap around her best friend, Yizhuo immediately breaks into tears. The last time Winter had been in this church was for Aeri's funeral. Mother and daughter were widows long before they should have been.

"He was a good man," Winter whispers into her best friend's ear.

Yizhuo pulled back and looked Winter up and down. "Are you okay?"

Winter nods, "yes. Are you?"

"I'm going to be once this is all over. You're coming to the house after right?"