Wonwoo's Protection

6. The Engagement

Once Wonwoo and Inha both affirmed that they would like to get married to each other, a few days later Wonwoo's parents and Inha's father decided to hold a semi-formal engagement for their children in Changwon.

Wonwoo informed his members about his engagement and they gave him their well wishes and regards alone because they didn't want to intrude upon the close family function. However they said they'd clear their schedules immediately once he announces his wedding date.

Meanwhile Wonwoo's heart was beating very fast at the prospect of meeting his future wife once more. His thoughts were entirely consumed by Inha's existence even when he was working which elicited a few laughs from the members as he was losing focus during their practice sessions. They joked around saying that the love bug had bitten him for which Wonwoo just smacked their heads, laughing.

However, currently he was pacing here and there in the room where he got ready and checked himself once more in the mirror. He mentally took a note to thank their stylist Taehee who chose the all black suit for him when he specified that it was going to be a very small occasion. He adjusted the suit so that it sat perfectly on his broad shoulders. Taehee also had chosen a suit that cinched his waist which showed his perfect proportions in all its glory. Wonwoo decided not to wear his glasses and also to put his bangs half up with gel to show a bit of his forehead. The hairstyle complemented his outfit and Wonwoo was satisfied with his look but the heavy pattering of his heart didn't seem to stop.

"Hyung stop fretting and come out, Mom's asking for you." His brother called for him. "You look nice only," he said as an afterthought which made Wonwoo smile.

He stepped out into the courtyard of their ancestral house where the ceremony was about to take place. He greeted the select few relatives that his parents had invited as he went to stand in the area where he would put the engagement ring on Inha. He touched the pocket of his suit to make sure the box of the Cartier ring he purchased was still there as he waited nervously for Inha's entrance.

Soon the chatter around him died down and his breath took a sharp turn as he saw Inha walking towards him. She was wearing a deep plum coloured full sleeves gown that fit her long perfect figure. Her auburn hair was done in a delicate updo which complemented her dress in a very natural way. Her makeup was minimal and she looked like the most beautiful woman in Wonwoo's eyes. Inha stumbled a bit because of the dress when she saw Wonwoo for the first time that day. She shyly made her way towards him, her heart matching the silent rhythm that was emanating from Wonwoo's.

"Hi" Wonwoo whispered quietly before his dad could start the ceremony of introducing the couple to their guests.

"Hi" she said quietly, still not believing that she was standing in front of him, that too in an elegant satin gown. She wondered if she was still in a dream as she never thought she would be the main character in a story that involved a man like Wonwoo. Hell, she never thought she would even get a chance to wear such an outfit and not even once wished for something like this. But her cousin Mianho was appalled when Inha showed her beige dress from her wardrobe as the outfit she picked for her engagement. Mia immediately decided to take Inha shopping and chose this beautiful dress which now cascaded against her body.

Inha's thoughts were interrupted by Wonwoo's deep voice as he came closer to her and said, "You look beautiful today, Inha-ssi". She turned a deep shade of blush that almost matched her plum dress. His remark, his voice, his foxy gaze, his close proximity, his cologne, everything seemed to give her a slight buzz. But before she could say something back, Wonwoo's father started the ceremony.

Soon, Inha found herself giving her left hand to Wonwoo who held it delicately as he put the diamond ring on her ring finger. But before she could take her hand away, Wonwoo lifted it up to meet his lips while maintaining eye contact with Inha. This act elicited an encouraging cheer from their family. Wonwoo himself didn't know where he got the courage to do such a thing in front of so many people but he wanted to show his appreciation to his fiancee.

Inha meanwhile blushed profusely because of Wonwoo's sudden PDA. For a minute time stood still for her as she appreciated the gesture, and for a minute all her concerns about her past, her life under her stepmother, and everything that bothered her vanished away. Wonwoo might not know anything about Inha's sufferings, but the gentle kiss on her hand promised a future where there would be no more pain and sufferings. She shed a silent tear at that but soon composed herself because she had to give her token of promise to him. However, that tear didn't go unnoticed by Wonwoo.

From Inha's side, instead of a ring, she wanted to give him a platinum bracelet which she chose with Mia's help. She took it out of the velvet box and attached it to his right hand. It was a simple and minimal design that depicted her promise just like how the diamond ring symbolizes his.

"Now please give it up for my handsome son Jeon Wonwoo and my beautiful future daughter-in-law Kang Inha, everyone" boomed Wonwoo's father on the microphone signaling the end of the ceremony. The guests then applauded them and Wonwoo's father invited them to have dinner that was arranged and soon enough the guests started to disperse to throng the dinner service.

"Thank you Inha-ssi for choosing something so beautiful" Wonwoo said as he appreciated the bracelet which now graced his right wrist.

"I am glad you like the bracelet Wonwoo-ssi and thank you for the beautiful ring," she said shyly. Soon they were interrupted by Wonwoo's mother and a lady whom he didn't recognise. However her son resembled someone Wonwoo knew but he couldn't quite place the little boy's appearance. Wonwoo saw the lady hugging his fiancee and Inha also reciprocated the gesture happily. She couldn't have been much older than him yet she carried herself with utmost dignity and humbleness.

"I am so happy for you sweetie" he heard her say as she wiped her tears.

"Thank you Eonni," Inha said, smiling back at her.

"Hello! My name is Dr. Lee Mianho. I am an OB/GYN practicing in the Seoul National hospital." She said and gave a slight bow and Wonwoo returned the gesture.

"Mia is Inha's cousin. She's from LA" his mother said, introducing herself further.

"Ha ha, my parents alone reside in LA now Ms Lee, but I am settled in Seoul with my husband" she said

"Call me Haesa Imo dear. I hope your parents are doing well?" She asked and Wonwoo wondered if his mom knew this lady's parents as she even knew his mother's maiden name.

"Yes Imo they are doing well. Now with your permission may I whisk away this handsome gentleman here who is going to marry my little cousin?" She asked with a sweet glint to her eyes.

"Oh sure dear you may talk to him. Make sure to threaten him nicely so that he doesn't hurt my daughter-in-law" she said chuckling. "Now come Inha dear, let's put some food in you, you look so thin" she addressed Inha as she whisked her away much to Inha's confusion on why her cousin wanted to talk to her fiance. Wonwoo's mother even called her younger son to babysit Mia's son so that she can have a peaceful conversation with Wonwoo.

"Is there anywhere we can talk privately Wonwoo-ssi?"

"Oh… yes please follow me Seonsaengnim," Wonwoo said, showing her the way towards his father's office.
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A/N
Who is Mia and what does she want from Wonwoo? Stay tuned for the next chapter!

Hi guys! Aara here. I hope you are liking this story so far. Pls do vote and comment if you like it! Thank you for reading!