Arrange Marriage

CHAP 23

The dinner was set for the evening, an intimate affair with only immediate family members invited. Mingyu, always the planner, had spent the better part of the afternoon ensuring every detail was perfect. He was glowing—not just from pregnancy but from the excitement of finally sharing their news with their families.

Wonwoo leaned against the doorframe of their shared bedroom, his eyes fixed on Mingyu as he adjusted the place settings. His husband wore a loose cream-colored sweater that hugged his growing bump just right, paired with soft slacks that made him look effortlessly elegant. Mingyu’s hand often drifted to his belly, an unconscious gesture that made Wonwoo’s chest tighten with emotion every time he noticed.

“You’re staring,” Mingyu said without looking up, his tone teasing.

“I can’t help it,” Wonwoo replied, stepping into the room and wrapping his arms around Mingyu from behind. He rested his chin on Mingyu’s shoulder, his large hands settling gently over Mingyu’s. “You’re breathtaking.”

Mingyu blushed, swatting at Wonwoo’s arm playfully. “Stop being so sappy. We have a dinner to host.”

“And you’re hosting it perfectly,” Wonwoo murmured, pressing a kiss to Mingyu’s cheek before reluctantly letting him go.

As the guests arrived, the house filled with warm chatter. Mingyu’s parents were the first to arrive, followed by Wonwoo’s father and siblings. The atmosphere was casual and comfortable, though a palpable air of curiosity hung over the gathering.

Wonwoo, usually stoic and reserved at such events, surprised everyone by staying close to Mingyu the entire evening. He pulled out chairs, fetched drinks, and even helped serve the appetizers—all with a quiet devotion that didn’t go unnoticed.

Mingyu’s father leaned over to whisper to his wife, “Have you ever seen Jeon Wonwoo so... domesticated?”

She chuckled softly. “Mingyu brings out a side of him no one else can.”

When dinner was served and everyone settled at the table, Mingyu glanced at Wonwoo, silently asking him to take the lead. Wonwoo nodded, his hand finding Mingyu’s under the table and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

Clearing his throat, Wonwoo addressed the table, his deep voice commanding attention. “Thank you all for coming tonight. Mingyu and I have something important to share with you.”

All eyes turned to them, curiosity now at its peak.

Mingyu smiled nervously, placing a hand on his small bump. “We’re... we’re having a baby,” he said, his voice soft but filled with excitement.

The room was silent for a moment before Mingyu’s mother let out a delighted gasp, quickly followed by a chorus of congratulations and excited chatter.

“Oh my goodness, Mingyu!” his mother exclaimed, rushing over to hug him. “Why didn’t you tell us sooner?”

“We wanted to wait until things were more certain,” Mingyu replied, his cheeks pink.

Wonwoo stood protectively by his side, his hand resting on the small of Mingyu’s back. “We thought tonight would be the perfect time,” he added, his voice warm and uncharacteristically soft.

Throughout the evening, Wonwoo’s eyes rarely left Mingyu. The way he laughed with his family, his cheeks glowing with happiness, and the way his hand instinctively cradled his belly—all of it made Wonwoo’s heart ache with a love so deep it scared him.

At one point, Mingyu caught him staring and raised an eyebrow. “What?” he whispered when they found a moment alone in the kitchen.

Wonwoo stepped closer, brushing a stray hair from Mingyu’s face. “You’re radiant,” he murmured. “I didn’t think it was possible for you to get more beautiful, but here we are.”

Mingyu’s blush deepened, and he leaned into Wonwoo’s touch. “You’re impossible.”

“Impossible about you,” Wonwoo corrected, his lips quirking into a rare smile. “You’re everything to me, Mingyu. You and our baby.”

As the evening wound down and the families began to leave, Wonwoo and Mingyu found themselves alone in the quiet of their living room. Mingyu sank into the couch, a hand resting on his belly as he sighed contentedly.

“That went better than I expected,” he said, looking up at Wonwoo.

Wonwoo sat beside him, pulling him close. “Of course it did. How could they not be thrilled? You’re carrying something that’s a part of you.”

“And you,” Mingyu added, resting his head on Wonwoo’s shoulder.

Wonwoo’s hand found Mingyu’s bump, his fingers tracing gentle patterns. “Mostly you,” he said softly.

Mingyu laughed, his voice light and full of love. “You’re going to spoil this baby rotten, aren’t you?”

“Absolutely,” Wonwoo replied without hesitation. “Just like I spoil you.”

Mingyu rolled his eyes but couldn’t stop the smile spreading across his face. In that moment, surrounded by love and the promise of a new chapter, everything felt perfect.