The World Above

Chapter 8: Dinner

Haven's POV

It’s almost 7 pm, and I’m a bundle of nerves waiting for Felix’s secretary.

The winter chill is biting, so I’ve opted for a simple yet cozy outfit: light blue tights, a purple turtleneck, and a capelet that blends blue and purple hues. Knee-length boots complete the look.

I let my hair down and wear plain earrings. Convincing my parents to let me go was tough, but I managed. Unsure of what gift to bring, I decided to bake Felix a funfetti cake. I hope it wins his family over.

The doorbell rings, and I rush to answer it. A tall, handsome man stands before me. He bows, and I return the gesture.

“Ms. Park, my name is Lixin. I’ll be your chauffeur tonight,” he introduces himself. Why are all rich men so handsome? “Ah, yes, I’m ready! Let’s go!”

After handing the cake to Lixin and calling goodbye to my parents, I jog to the car and slide into the passenger seat. Lixin closes the door behind me.

The drive to Felix’s house takes 15 minutes. He lives near Brandon. As we drive up the driveway of a grand mansion, Lixin opens the door for me. I thank him, stepping out in a daze, and spot a beautiful woman along with Felix coming out to greet me.

Felix's POV

I’m wearing a light blue dress shirt tucked into dark blue pants, and I’ve fussed over my hair for the fifth time. Why am I so nervous about having Haven over?

This dinner was arranged for selfish reasons, and I feel a bit guilty. The car pulls up, and I see Haven step out. “Did you two coordinate your outfits?” Mom asks, startling me. I glance at Haven’s outfit and notice her purple tie-dye capelet has a lovely tinge of blue, matching my shirt.

“Hurry up, Felix!” Mom calls as she heads out the door. I follow quickly. “You must be Haven! It’s so nice to finally meet you!” Mom welcomes her warmly.

Haven smiles nervously. “Nice to meet you, and thank you for having me for dinner!” I step forward. “Welcome to my humble home. I apologize for the short notice.” She smiles. Mom takes her hand and leads her inside, “Let’s hurry in; Chiara’s food will get cold.”

Lixin and I trail behind. “What do you think of her?” I ask Lixin. He spent 15 minutes driving her here, and Lixin can read people quickly.

He thinks for a moment. “She’s more than meets the eye.” I look at him, confused. “I believe she has the power to change the world,” he adds. Lixin’s special that way. He can see through people. Mom’s shout pulls me from my thoughts. “Lixin! Felix! Hurry up!”

Haven's POV

Felix and Mr. Lixin join us in the dining area, sitting opposite me. The table is laden with gourmet dishes that make my mouth water. “Dear, please start,” Felix’s mother urges. I’m unsure where to begin.

Felix, amused, hands me a shrimp dish. “This is Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp, one of my favorites.” I nod gratefully and take the dish.

By the end of dinner, I’m stuffed. But when dessert is served, I regain my appetite. How does Felix stay so fit eating such delicacies every day? “I hope the food was to your liking?” Felix’s mother asks. “Yes, the food was amazing,” I reply.

She smiles, then asks, “Where do you study?” “Busan High,” I answer. “And what are your future plans?” “I’m studying to become a fashion designer,” I respond. The questioning continues for a while until she abruptly asks, “Do you mind helping me with something?” Curious, I nod.

She leads me to the lounge, Felix and Mr. Lixin following closely. Their faces show they’re as in the dark as I am. Entering the room, I’m greeted by the sight of numerous dresses laid out. “Could you help me pick a dress for Seollal, since you’re majoring in fashion?” she asks.

Felix's POV

I’m stunned. “Mother! What did you do to my lounge?” I splutter, unable to process the sight. She waves my question away. “Don’t worry, as soon as Haven makes a choice, I’ll have it cleaned up.” I slump into the only available seat and gesture for Haven to hurry.

“Well, Ahjumma, you have fair skin, so this red hanbok will look best on you along with this yellow binyeo,” Haven suggests. Mother gestures to the servants, who set aside the hanbok Haven picked and remove the others.

“Bring forward the next set of clothes!” she commands. I immediately recognize Haishi’s dresses. Why is Mom doing this? We need to talk.

“Haven, these are my future daughter-in-law’s dresses. I plan to give them to her for Seollal. Can you choose for her too?” Mother asks. I stare at her, flabbergasted. What is she doing? Haven looks at me, confused.

“I didn’t know you had a brother.” Before I can respond, my mother interrupts, “Oh no! I’m talking about Felix’s fiancée!”

Haven's POV

I manage to hide my shock. “Congratulations! I didn’t know you were engaged!” I say to Felix. He looks at me awkwardly. “Well, now you know. Surprise!” Silence follows.

I turn to Felix’s mother. “Please tell me what she looks like,” I ask. She smiles, and we spend the next few minutes choosing a dress for her future daughter-in-law.

Felix’s mother must approve of me because she suddenly asks, “Would you like to spend Seollal with us?” Everyone, even the attendants, gape at her in shock. But what’s more shocking is my answer.

Without thinking, I say, “I would love to!”