Love Beyond Expectations

Chapter 36: Family Discord

Zuri had never been one to turn down an invitation, but when she received a message from Mrs. Kim inviting her to the family dinner at the Kim's house, she was both surprised and skeptical. The Kims were not known for their verbosity, and this personal invitation from Mrs. Kim was a rarity. Nonetheless, Zuri accepted the offer, appreciating the gesture.

As she parked her car and walked up to the Kim's front door, Mrs. Kim was quick to greet her, opening the door even before Zuri had a chance to knock. The woman's expression was unreadable, but she nodded in acknowledgment, silently ushering Zuri inside.

Minutes later, Suho arrived, and when he saw Zuri, his face lit up. He leaned in for a gentle kiss on her cheek and asked, "I didn't know you were coming."

Zuri smiled in response, "Your Mom invited me."

Suho's surprise was evident, but he smiled, seemingly pleased with the idea of Zuri being there. However, his expression quickly shifted to one of concern as he brushed past her, his hand briefly resting on her waist. He exchanged a few hushed words with his mother in Korean, their voices growing louder as the discussion intensified. Zuri couldn't understand the words, but the tension in the room was palpable.

Zuri realized that something was amiss, and she knew that this family dinner might not be as simple as it seemed. She stood there, feeling like an outsider in a conversation she couldn't understand, but she was determined to find out what was going on and support Suho if he needed it.

"Mom, you can't just keep doing this," Suho argued in Korean, frustration and desperation creeping into his voice. "Dad is sick, and you're making everything about inheritance and marriage. It's not right."

Mrs. Kim, stern-faced, responded, "Suho, I've always wanted the best for you. Your father's condition is serious, and I want to make sure you have the support you need. Marriage is a significant step, and I believe it's time for you to consider it seriously."

Suho rubbed his temples, trying to quell the growing tension in the room. "I love Zuri, Mom, but this is not how you handle it. You can't force me into marriage. I won't do that to her or myself."

As the argument continued, Suho's gaze shifted to Zuri, who was quietly examining family photos on the wall. He couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt and sadness. This situation was affecting her too, and he hated that his family's demands were putting pressure on their relationship.

"Mom," Suho said firmly, "I won't make any hasty decisions about marriage. Zuri and I will figure things out in our own time."

Suho's mother's voice remained stern as she said, "You're leading her on, Suho. You have to be responsible for your choices."

Suho couldn't take it anymore. He snapped back, "I'm not leading her on! We're taking things at our own pace, and I won't let anyone pressure us into something we're not ready for!"

But their argument came to an abrupt halt when they heard Suho's father groan from the bedroom. Panic washed over Suho, and he rushed to his father's side. "Father, are you alright?" he asked, concern etched across his face.

His mother pushed him out of the way with surprising strength, quickly placing a cool rag on her husband's forehead. She whispered soothing words to him in Korean, her voice filled with love and worry.

"Suho, get your father some water," she ordered in an almost demanding tone.

Suho nodded and hurried to the kitchen to fetch a glass of water. As he passed through the dining area, Zuri looked up from the family photos she had been examining. Her eyes held a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice gentle.

Suho paused for a moment, glancing back at his parents' bedroom, where his mother tended to his ailing father. "I hope so," he replied with a hint of uncertainty, realizing that the weight of his family's expectations was taking a toll on him and everyone he cared about.

After dinner, his mother excused herself to tend to her fruit trees in the backyard. She beckoned Zuri and Minji, Joon's wife, to join her. The children, Joon's kids, scampered off to play in the children's room. Suho and Joon were left alone, sitting in awkward silence.

The weight of their strained relationship hung in the air. The last time they had been close was like trying to remember the taste of a long-forgotten childhood candy, and that was probably back in the first and third grade.

Joon finally broke the silence, his voice laced with an edge of discomfort. "Have you told ZuZu about Mom's decision?" He wouldn't meet Suho's eyes, avoiding eye contact as if it were a contagious disease.

Suho's expression darkened at the nickname. "Don't call her that," he warned, his tone stern.

Joon couldn't help but chuckle, a bitter sound. "Or what? You're too fragile to do anything about it. Besides, none of your relationships have ever lasted this long. What makes this one so special?"

Suho's jaw tightened as he felt a surge of anger. His relationship with Joon had always been complicated, but now it was like navigating a minefield. He struggled to maintain his composure. "It's special because it's real," he retorted, his voice firm. "And it's not about how long it's lasted, it's about how deep it runs."

Joon's eyes finally met Suho's, and for a brief moment, their gazes locked in a silent battle of wills.

Joon's accusation cut deep, and Suho felt a surge of anger and frustration. "She's not special to you," Joon continued, his gaze unwavering. "She's your ticket to keeping your inheritance."

Suho couldn't contain his rage any longer. He shot up from his chair, causing the table to rattle. "Don't ever say that—"

"Or what?" Joon threw his head back and let out a sinister laugh, his eyes cold and calculating.

"Don't ever—" Suho began, but Joon cut him off.

The brawl between Suho and Joon raged on, their anger and resentment fueling the chaos. It was a terrifying sight, one that Zuri had never witnessed before. She felt powerless, unsure of what to do.

Then, like a storm, Mrs. Kim burst into the room. Her face contorted with a mix of anger, frustration, and deep disappointment as she saw her two sons locked in a physical altercation. Without a word, she rushed over and pulled them apart. Her grip on them was iron-strong, and her voice cut through the mayhem.

"Stop it, you two!" she demanded, her voice filled with rage, her Korean accent thick. "I won't tolerate such behavior!"

The chaos died down, but the tension still lingered in the air. Suho and Joon sat, eyes blazing. Neither would admit defeat.

Zuri and Minji seemed to appear inside, shocked expressions adorning their faces.

"What in the name of everything good are you two fighting for?" Mrs. Kim shouted, her voice seething with barely controlled fury.

Her gaze settled on Suho, and her expression softened slightly as she took in the bruises and cuts on his face.

"It's okay," Joon laughed psychotically, wiping blood from the side of his mouth. "We're leaving anyway." He walked toward the front door, beckoning for his wife and kids. Suho didn't move, and his face burned with shame.

Mrs. Kim shook her head, muttering under her breath in Korean, "Those two boys...

Mrs. Kim's expression shifted, a hint of sadness creeping into her eyes. She looked at Suho as if he were a stranger, as if he had betrayed her in the worst possible way.

Zuri felt like an outsider in this family drama, but she knew she had to intervene. She turned to Mrs. Kim and spoke softly, "I'll take Suho home."

Mrs. Kim nodded, her voice strained. "Please do." She stepped aside, allowing Suho and Zuri to leave the tense scene without further words or expressions.

The silence stretched between them, tense and heavy. Neither knew what to say. There were no words that could take away the pain and disappointment of the day's events.