Arrange Marriage

CHAP 33

Chapter 33: Shadows of the Past
The house was abuzz with excitement as preparations for Mingyu’s baby shower were well underway. Mingyu, nestled on the couch with a plate of his favorite snacks, was beaming at the decorations being finalized. The room was adorned with soft pastel balloons and streamers, a cozy and vibrant celebration for their upcoming arrival.
Wonwoo leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching his husband’s glowing smile. There was only one thing missing.
“Gyu,” Wonwoo said casually, stepping into the room.
“Hm?” Mingyu hummed, not looking up from the party favors he was inspecting.
“You should invite your friends to the baby shower,” Wonwoo said, sitting beside him. “They’d love to see you like this—happy, glowing.”
Mingyu froze, his hand halting mid-reach. “Uh, I don’t think that’s necessary.”
Wonwoo frowned. “What do you mean? This is your day. Don’t you want to share it with the people who care about you?”
Mingyu gave a tight smile, brushing it off. “We don’t need to complicate things. Besides, I’ve got you, and that’s enough.”
The answer didn’t sit well with Wonwoo. He’d never heard Mingyu talk about his friends, and despite his cheerful nature, there was an odd sense of emptiness whenever the topic came up.
Later that evening, while they lay in bed, Wonwoo couldn’t let the thought go. Mingyu was curled up against him, half-asleep, but Wonwoo needed to know.
“Gyu,” Wonwoo murmured, his voice soft but firm. “Why don’t you ever talk about your friends?”
Mingyu shifted uncomfortably, his eyes fluttering open. “Wonwoo…”
“I’m serious,” Wonwoo pressed gently. “You’re the most social person I’ve ever met. You light up every room you walk into. But I’ve never met your friends. I’ve never even seen you call them.”
Mingyu bit his lip, hesitating. Finally, with a sigh, he sat up slightly, avoiding Wonwoo’s gaze.
“They don’t talk to me anymore,” Mingyu admitted quietly.
Wonwoo’s stomach dropped. “What do you mean? Why not?”
“When we got married…” Mingyu started, his voice trembling slightly, “people found out about you. About who you are. And... they were scared. Scared of what it meant to be associated with me—married to a mafia boss.”
Wonwoo felt his chest tighten, guilt and anger warring within him. “Gyu…”
“They just… stopped answering my calls. Stopped inviting me to things. And eventually, I stopped trying,” Mingyu continued, forcing a small, strained smile. “It’s okay, though. I have you now. I don’t need them.”
Wonwoo’s heart shattered at Mingyu’s words. The pain he must’ve felt, losing people who were supposed to be his support system, all because of him.
“It’s not okay,” Wonwoo said firmly, cupping Mingyu’s face. “You shouldn’t have had to go through that. I should’ve noticed earlier. I—”
Mingyu placed a hand over Wonwoo’s, giving him a soft smile. “Don’t blame yourself, Wonwoo. I don’t regret marrying you, not for a second. Those people… they weren’t real friends if they couldn’t see past their fear.”
Wonwoo pulled Mingyu into his arms, holding him tightly. “You’ll never have to feel alone again, Gyu. I’ll make sure of it.”
Mingyu chuckled softly, nuzzling into Wonwoo’s chest. “I know. You’ve always been my safe place.”
The next morning, Wonwoo quietly made a few phone calls. He may not have been able to bring back Mingyu’s old friends, but he was determined to fill their baby shower with people who adored Mingyu as much as he did.
When the day arrived, Mingyu was surprised to find the house packed with familiar faces from their new life—Wonwoo’s trusted staff, loyal allies, and even a few of Wonwoo’s business acquaintances, all of whom had grown fond of Mingyu over time.
“This…” Mingyu whispered, looking around the room, tears brimming in his eyes.
“This is your family now,” Wonwoo said softly, wrapping an arm around his waist.
And as Mingyu looked at the sea of smiling faces, he realized he truly wasn’t alone anymore.