One day in Seoul 🇰🇷

🇰🇷: Epilogue ⚠️ (R18+)

The first week after the wedding had been like a dream. The house, a beautiful gift from my father, felt like a sanctuary for us-a place where Katarina and I could start our new life together in peace. Everyone else had gone back to the Philippines, John, Mari, Katarina's father, David, and of course, Sarang. It was quiet now, just the two of us, and I couldn't have asked for anything more perfect. Daniel, after being part of so much, also took his leave to spend time with his family. In just a few days, Katarina's father, David, and Sarang would come to live with us in Seoul for good, but for now, it was just us-newlyweds, enjoying every second together.

Every morning began the same way, and I wouldn't change it for the world. I woke up with Katarina next to me, her warmth seeping into my side. "Good morning, my love," I whispered into her ear, gently kissing her cheek. She stirred, a soft smile forming on her lips before her eyes fluttered open.

"Good morning din," she replied, her voice still groggy with sleep. But I loved that sound-her voice, soft and sweet, the first thing I heard every day.

We lay in bed for a while, just holding each other, savoring the quiet moments before the day started. I wrapped my arms around her as she rested her head on my chest, the gentle rhythm of her breathing calming me.

When we finally got up, we moved in sync-brushing our teeth, washing our faces together at the bathroom sink. Katarina always laughed when I tried to make faces at her in the mirror. "You're so silly," she'd say, but the laughter in her eyes was infectious.

"Nah, I'm just trying to keep you entertained," I teased, pulling her closer as we finished getting ready for the day.

One morning, as we brushed our teeth side by side, I couldn't help but steal glances at her. Even now, a week into marriage, it still felt surreal to have her by my side every day. The mornings with her were perfect-simple, quiet, yet filled with so much love. I reached over to run my hand through her hair as she spat out the toothpaste, chuckling when she scrunched her nose at me.

"Tigil na nga, Francis," she said, pushing me away playfully. But I could see the blush creeping onto her cheeks, and it made me smile wider. "I'm trying to get ready," she reminded me, though neither of us had any rush to leave the house yet.

"Bakit, ayaw mo ba? I'm just admiring my wife," I replied, pulling her into a hug from behind. My hands rested on her growing belly, and I gently caressed the small but noticeable bump. "Our little one is growing," I whispered, pressing a soft kiss to the back of her neck.

She placed her hands over mine and leaned into my touch, her eyes closing for a moment. "Yes, I can feel it," she said quietly. "I still can't believe we're having another baby, Francis."

"Believe it, Kat," I said, kissing her shoulder. "I'm going to take care of both of you, just like I promised."

Breakfast was always special, not because the food was extravagant but because we made it together. Or rather, Katarina did most of the cooking, and I helped when I could-or when she let me. She always insisted that I sit back and relax, but I loved watching her work in the kitchen. The way she moved, the concentration on her face as she chopped vegetables or stirred a pot-it was mesmerizing.

"Okay, okay, let me help at least," I said one morning as she prepared breakfast.

She laughed softly. "Sige na nga, but you're on dishwashing duty after, okay?"

"Deal," I agreed, coming up behind her again and wrapping my arms around her waist. I rested my chin on her shoulder, watching as she stirred the scrambled eggs. "You know, you're really good at this. I could get used to it."

"Hindi ka ba sanay ng ganito?" she teased. "I thought you were used to everything being served on a silver platter."

"I was," I admitted, laughing. "But this is better. Much better."