If This Isn't Love

61: JANUARY 2023 - Breaking News

Seokjin and Luisa eagerly counted down the hours until they could officially tie the knot, waiting the mandatory 72 hours after applying for their marriage license. With only their closest friends—Yoongi, Selina, Megan, and Hoseok—aware of their plans, they headed straight from the courthouse to a charming hotel in Dallas. Aside from brief breaks for meals, they relished an entire weekend cocooned in each other's company.

Fast forward two weeks, Luisa's friends were rallying for a proper wedding celebration. They insisted it was to ensure she wouldn't feel deprived of the wedding experience she deserved, but Luisa suspected they were more interested in dressing up and having a good time.

On Saturday morning, the group gathered in the cozy living room of Seokjin's and Luisa's apartment, sipping mimosas and flipping through the stack of bridal magazines that Selina and Megan had brought. Seokjin had returned to the office to meet a pressing deadline, and Luisa felt a warm glow seeing her friends so thoroughly immersed in the wedding preparations.

"...and the dress absolutely has to be a showstopper," Selina declared, throwing a playful wink at Luisa. "Now that we know Seokjin's got deep pockets, the sky's really the limit!"

Luisa shook her head, a playful smile still on her lips. "No, no. We're keeping this reasonable. I refuse to turn into some kind of Bridezilla just because my husband has a little bit of money."

Megan scooted closer on the sofa, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "A little? I heard he owns an entire corporation back in Korea! He told Hoseok he wants to give you the world now that you're married. Honestly, I say you should take him up on that offer."

Luisa took a slow sip of her drink, considering her friend's words. "He's said similar things to me too," she replied thoughtfully. "But I didn't marry him for his wealth. It's about love, not the money."

Selina cleared her throat. "Uh, yeah. It wasn't his money, was it?"

Megan let out a laugh. "The money's extra. The real deal is between his legs, isn't it?" She let out a louder chuckle. Selina slapped her on the arm although she was also smiling.

Luisa set her glass down on the coffee table with a soft clink. "I married Jin because I love him, and he loves me. Everything else is secondary." She paused for a moment, a playful grin spreading across her face. "Well, yes, it's wonderful to have financial security—and let's not forget the great sex..." Her friends erupted in laughter. "But honestly, it's about having the right partner by your side, sharing your life with someone you trust completely. Every day I spend with him, I find myself loving him even more."

"Well said!" Selina exclaimed, raising her glass triumphantly. "That's exactly right. I've never been happier in my life. My Yoongi may not be rich in money, but he has a wealth of qualities that make my life feel whole. I'm so thrilled that you and Seokjin have found that same kind of fulfillment."

"Okay, okay! No need to rub it in," Megan chimed in, rolling her eyes playfully. "You're making it sound like the key to happiness is being married." She finished her mimosa in one hearty gulp. "I may not be ready for marriage just yet, but I'm definitely enjoying myself in the meantime."

"So, do you think Hoseok is 'the one'?" Selina asked, curiosity dancing in her eyes.

Megan shrugged, a smile creeping onto her face. "I really enjoy being with him. He's kind, funny, and so loving. I don't think I've ever dated a guy quite like him."

Luisa grinned, leaning into the conversation. "Sounds like he might be the one for you. You've been together for three years now—how much longer do you need to be sure?"

"Oh, I'm pretty certain," Megan replied, tossing her long red hair over her shoulder with a flourish. "I just wish he'd realize he can't live without me. He's so caught up in his dance studio that he sometimes forgets to give me the attention I crave."

The other women nodded in understanding, empathy written on their faces.

Megan refilled her glass from the pitcher on the coffee table. "Don't get me wrong—I'm grateful for his attention in bed. Everything's great there. I just wish he would prioritize spending more time with me outside of that."

"If you marry him, he won't have a choice," Selina teased, a knowing smile on her face.

"We'll see about that," Megan started to reply. "But I don't think that—"

Suddenly, Luisa let out a loud retch, covering her mouth in alarm. Panic flashed in her eyes, silencing her friends. Without a word, she jumped to her feet and dashed toward the bathroom.

A few minutes later, Luisa found herself gripping the edge of the toilet as she vomited. Selina and Megan quickly rushed to her side, helping her up and holding her while she rinsed her mouth at the sink.

"Jesus, Luisa," Megan said, her voice trembling with concern. "You scared us! Are you okay?"

"Maybe it was too much champagne," Luisa murmured, reaching for the mouthwash, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You've only had one glass," Selina commented, raising an eyebrow. "Did you eat something bad?"

"Just the pastries you all brought," Luisa replied, her brow furrowing slightly.

Selina sighed, unconvinced. "Well, we're not sick, so it's probably not that."

Megan gave Luisa a supportive pat on the shoulder. "Maybe you're pregnant."

Luisa's already pale face grew even more pale as the color drained from it, prompting concerned glances between her friends.

"No," Luisa whispered, shaking her head vigorously.

"Honey," Selina began, gently patting Luisa's back. "It's okay. You and Seokjin will make wonderful parents. So what if it's a little sooner than you expected?"

Megan nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! Let's check just to make sure. We should go get a pregnancy test—quickly, before Seokjin gets home. He'll be so surprised! Imagine this breaking news."

Luisa wiped her mouth with a hand towel, her determination unyielding. "We've been using contraception."

Selina caught the underlying tension in Luisa's voice. "Honey, it happens. Nothing's one-hundred percent. I mean, it might not be what you planned, but it'll be okay if it is."

"No, you don't understand," Luisa insisted, her voice trembling. "Except for that very first time in the hotel room, we've been careful." The room fell silent as her friends absorbed her words. "But before that day with Seokjin... Charlie and I..." She gulped, avoiding their eyes. "It's been less than two weeks since Jin and I... "

"Are you saying what I think you're saying?" Megan gasped, her eyes wide.

Both women stared at Luisa, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief.

"It could be Charlie's."