CBTB | MW [✔]

08.

"Here we are." Mingyu's hand on my back guides me into the townhouse. "Make yourself at home, Wonwoo."

On my first visit here, all I saw was the bedroom upstairs. When I ran away, I didn't stop to take in my surroundings. As I do so now, I can't help but be overwhelmed by the sheer opulence.

"Wow, this is so..." My eyes dart around, drinking in the furnishings and the beautiful artwork that adorns the walls. "Lavish."

And here I thought Mingyu's rooms at his family's estate were opulent. I've never been in a place this grand before, and he expects us to live here?

A twinkle fills his eyes as he watches me take it all in. "You hate it."

I hug my elbows, afraid to touch anything. "No, it's great."

"The designer I hired to decorate it ran with the budget, which I now see was a mistake. After our experience with that tiny couch at the suite, I realize aesthetics over comfort isn't what's best for us." He gestures to the front room. "You have free rein to make this place comfortable since we'll be spending most of our time here rather than at the family house."

Anxiety shivers through me. "I don't know. My style isn't billionaire chic. If you want to redecorate, hire a professional."

"A professional did this." He pulls me close, his arms encircling me. "I want you to make this your home, too, Wonwoo. You're going to be waddling around, swollen with our baby, filling these rooms with happiness and building a life for us."

His words send a shiver down my spine, a mixture of excitement and fear.

He's so sure that I'm pregnant, that his vision is a guarantee. But what if there's no baby? What will happen if Mingyu no longer has an obligation to keep me by his side?

Mingyu told me to believe in him, but the part of me that's had my dreams crushed too many times won't allow me to just focus on the warmth of his embrace and the promise of a shared future.

It's why I've held off on sending in my employment applications or signing up for the next semester at university. There are three days until the doctor returns, three days until we find out if a child will forever bind our lives together.

Whatever the outcome, my heart will always belong to Mingyu. But we've never exchanged words of love. It's too soon to expect it, but it leaves me so uncertain of where I stand.

Mingyu nuzzles my hair. "Hey, what are you thinking about so seriously?"

"Just trying to wrap my mind around remodeling an entire house." The sun casts a warm glow through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the front room, illuminating the cream-colored walls and the ornate furniture that looks more decorative than user-friendly.

Among such luxury, l feel out of place, like an intruder in someone else's home.

Which I am.

"Wonwoo?" Mingyu tips my head up, his dark brown eyes searching mine. "Are you okay?"

I force a teasing note into my voice. "Just wondering if you screwed all the windows shut."

His eyebrow arches. "Do I need to?"

"Might make for an interesting conversation the next time your family wants to threaten me." The words come out harsher than I intended, and I offer him a strained smile. "Sorry, that was a poor joke."

"No, you have every right to be upset." He caresses my cheek. "Meeting them was a lot, and now I'm throwing house plans at you. You're overwhelmed."

"Yeah, a little." My voice cracks, and I drop my gaze.