Arrange Marriage

CHAP 41

Chapter 41: Protecting Their Legacy
The Jeon mansion buzzed with activity as staff prepared for the grand celebration. The party to officially welcome their baby girl had been Mingyu's idea, a way to thank everyone who had supported them through the pregnancy and celebrate their little miracle.
Mingyu stood in the nursery, carefully adjusting the lace headband on their daughter's tiny head. The baby, dressed in a soft pink dress adorned with tiny bows, gurgled happily in her father's arms.
"You're going to steal the show, little one," Mingyu cooed, his voice soft and affectionate.
Wonwoo entered the room, his sharp black suit accentuating his commanding presence. He paused in the doorway, his eyes softening as he took in the sight of Mingyu and their daughter.
"You two are breathtaking," Wonwoo murmured, walking over to press a kiss to Mingyu's temple and then to their daughter's head.
Mingyu smiled, though there was a nervous edge to it. "I just hope this goes smoothly. I'm not used to so many eyes on us."
Wonwoo placed a reassuring hand on Mingyu's waist. "I'll be right by your side. Always."
The grand hall was filled with high-profile guests, from influential business magnates to mafia leaders. Mingyu, holding their baby close, walked beside Wonwoo, who kept a protective hand on his lower back. The room quieted as the couple entered, all eyes turning to the newest addition to the Jeon family.
"To family," one guest toasted, raising a glass. The sentiment was echoed throughout the room, but the tone shifted when Wonwoo's father, Jeon Byung-ho, stepped forward.
The elder Jeon had a commanding presence, his voice carrying effortlessly over the crowd. "Tonight, we celebrate not just the arrival of my granddaughter but the future of the Jeon legacy. She is our next leader, the one who will carry our family's name into the next generation."
The applause that followed felt like a dagger to Mingyu's heart. His grip on their daughter tightened, his knuckles turning white. He turned to Wonwoo, his wide eyes reflecting his panic.
"Wonwoo," Mingyu whispered, his voice trembling.
Wonwoo's jaw clenched, his gaze flickering to his father before returning to Mingyu. He placed a hand over Mingyu's, steadying him.
"Enough," Wonwoo said, his voice calm but firm. The room fell silent.
Byung-ho frowned, his expression betraying his annoyance. "What do you mean, enough? This is tradition. She is-"
"She's a baby," Wonwoo interrupted, his tone sharp. "And she is not a pawn for the mafia or anyone else. My daughter will choose her own path, just as Mingyu and I chose ours."
The bold declaration sent murmurs through the crowd, but Wonwoo's unwavering gaze silenced them.
Byung-ho's eyes narrowed. "Wonwoo, this is not just about you. This is about the family."
"And my family comes first," Wonwoo replied, his voice steady. "Mingyu and I have decided that our daughter will not be involved in this world."
Mingyu, touched and relieved, blinked back tears. Wonwoo's hand found his again, squeezing it gently.
After the party, the couple retreated to the nursery, seeking solace in the quiet. Mingyu sat in the rocking chair, feeding their daughter, while Wonwoo leaned against the wall, his arms crossed.
"You didn't have to do that," Mingyu said softly, breaking the silence.
Wonwoo pushed off the wall and knelt in front of him. "Yes, I did," he said firmly. "I promised to protect you and her. No one-family or not-will dictate our lives."
Mingyu's lips quivered before he smiled. "You're incredible, you know that?"
Wonwoo chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from Mingyu's face. "I just love you both too much to let anything or anyone hurt you."
Their daughter cooed, breaking the tension. Mingyu laughed softly, shifting his gaze to her. "She's lucky to have a father like you."
"And she has the best mother," Wonwoo replied, his voice filled with pride.
In that moment, with their daughter nestled safely in Mingyu's arms, they knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, their family would always come first. Together, they were unbreakable.