With All That I Am: Blood, Sweat, and Tears

The Hospital Event

Winter took a deep breath as the SUV pulled up to the hospital, which was teeming with press, celebrities, volunteers, patients, and medical staff. Karina stood on the sidewalk and opened her door. She looked polished as always in a black pantsuit and matching black stilettos. She wore Prada sunglasses that concealed her mood. Karina helped her out of the car and turned to help Yizhuo as well. Yizhuo ran a hand over a blush colored gown that made her look deceptively sweet. She had turned into British royalty for the day. Winter wore an emerald green dress she'd been wanting to wear for a while and black trench coat.

"The Yu family is here!" Minnie exclaimed, making her way through the crowd.

"This is great! Karina, do you want to give a speech?"

"No."

Minnie didn't look surprised by her abrupt answer. "No problem. Miyeon is prepared. I'm so glad you decided to come."

Minnie led them through the throng. A group of celebrities were taking pictures and talking to reporters. Yizhuo had definitely pulled together an eclectic and high profile group of celebrities. Up front was the world class actress, Kim Dahyun, who was very comfortable with the crowd.

Renjun spotted Yizhuo and abruptly left his interview to greet her. He smiled and grasped both of her hands as he talked. As Karina pulled her through the crowd, Renjun caught sight of her and took a hasty step back. Clearly, Renjun hadn't forgotten the misunderstanding with Karina during the opening night at Naevis. Renjun pulled Winter aside to ask about Yizhuo. Karina took exception and choked him.

Winter waved at Renjun, but he averted his face. Winter inwardly shrugged and squeezed Karina's hand. "Okay?"

"Yeah," Karina said without looking at her.

Winter ignored her clipped tone and focused on her hectic surroundings. Karina shook hands with the celebrities, all of whom were staying at one of The Yu bussinesses hotels that were along the strip. Karina introduced her to those Winter didn't know and grudgingly obliged the press when they asked for pictures of them.

Karina stepped away from her to take a call. From her body language, Winter suspected something serious happened. Karina's mouth was tight when she turned to Winter's side. Everyone around her took a step back. She didn't ask what happened because Karina wouldn't tell her anyway.

Minnie and the hospital director led the way to the new wing of the hospital. A bright red ribbon marked off the new wing. Miyeon walked up to the front of the crowd, beaming with pride.

"Thanks to the Yu Foundation, we were able to build a new wing and restore two that were damaged by a fire. Let's give a round of applause to Karina Yu!" Miyeon announced.

Cheers sounded around them. Winter smiled with pride at her wife who acknowledged the crowd with a curt nod.

"Mrs. Yu, will you do the honors?" Miyeon asked, holding out a massive pair of scissors.

Karina stiffened by her side. Clearly, she didn't want to be in the limelight, but she stepped forward. Karina didn't pause for effect or look at the clicking cameras as she cut the ribbon. As applause rang out, Karina handed the scissors back to Miyeon and resumed her position beside Winter. She wanted to elbow Karina in the side, but didn't want to provoke her further. Karina was making it clear that she had other things to do besides accompany her to this event.

"You can go," Winter said just loud enough for Karina to hear.

Karina looked down at her. She didn't have to see Karina's eyes to know that she was pissed. Karina had been tense from the moment they arrived. Karina cupped the back of her neck and squeezed. A warning. Winter grit her teeth. This was the first time she had left Giselle to go on an outing. It was a big day for her and she wouldn't let Karina ruin it. When Miyeon ran up to them, Winter smiled at her.