The Walk

~ Beauty ~

The sun was up but it didn't stop raining. I was asleep in his arms. We had a thin sheet on us, that's all. His skin was enough to keep me warm. I wanted to be there forever. I had no plans to wake up if I had not heard his mumbling.

I slowly opened my eyes. His arms were wrapped tightly around me and my head was on his shoulder. He had a frown on his face and he was shivering slightly. Probably a nightmare.

"mmh," he flinched in an attempt to say something but it was inaudible.

I immediately kept my hand on his cheek and patted him.

"Oppa," I whispered.

He shuddered.

"It's just a bad dream," I whispered reaching his lips to kiss him.

He held me tighter and sighed.

"Boyoung..." he said in a low voice.

"Yes, I'm here," I assured him.

I caressed his head as I put him back to sleep.

It would be a lie if I said I wasn't aware that we still had no clothes on. I blushed when I recalled what happened that night. I enjoyed how sore my body was. The feeling of being one with him was still fresh on my mind. There was a sense of completeness as if I had waited for him all my life.

It took me a long time to accept that I had fallen in love with him. Only when he confessed his feelings for me, I became helpless. He was harsh on me and his ways were wrong. But when I heard him say those three words ' I love you ', I was sure that he wasn't lying. It was a big deal for me that someone sincerely loved me.

I gave a second chance to both of us and realized that I was unconditionally in love with him. Whether he was a beast or a saint, I loved him all the same.

"I love you too," he said which startled me.

I noticed he was already awake but I was lost in my thoughts. I turned my petite body on top of him and hovered my lips over his face.

"Did you just read my mind?" I asked chuckling

"You can say that," he said gently stroking my cheeks.

"Are you feeling better now?" I asked

"I think so," he said not looking very confident.

It hadn't stopped raining and the clouds overshadowed the sun often. I knew he was still afraid.

"It's okay if you're afraid... we will slowly get over this," I said.

"Hmm," he nodded and pecked me. "Only you can help me," he said.

"How?" I asked.

He smirked and turned me around on the bed.

"W-haat!" I laughed while he pinned me and started kissing me on the neck.

"Oppa!" I giggled at how his light kisses tickled me

He chuckled and whispered in my ears

"We should do it every time it rains,"

"Shut up!" I hit him playfully on his arm.

"And do it until it stops raining... " he laughed.

"Ya!" I pushed him.

He lifted his head and watched me with a smile. I hit him on the chest but he didn't react. I knew he was playing with me but I couldn't help but adore how handsome he looked.

"What! Stop smiling like that," I said.

"Boyoung," he said.

"What," I asked rolling my eyes to avoid falling for his alluring lips again.

"Thank you," he said blushing. I looked at him in confusion.

He gently kissed me on my forehead making me emotional.

"Thank you, for loving me," he said.

I wanted to cry. He always made me feel valued in his life. I had never felt that way before until I met him. I wanted to say so much but I couldn't speak a word.

I wrapped my hands around his neck and pulled him into a hug. After all that we had to face over time, I couldn't stay away from him even for a second. We had made horrible mistakes but only because we loved each other. I didn't know what to tell him but I wanted to keep him close to me forever.

"Also, thanks for last night," he chuckled.

"Shut up," I smiled rolling my eyes.

~ Beast ~

It took very long for the rain to stop that day, but I wasn't bothered. As usual, my emotions were on the rise again. I needed more practice and patience to overcome my dysregulation. But my days were much easier with Boyoung being a part of my life. I had never been loved so much. She was consistent in her efforts to solve my problems and yet she accepted me the way I was.

"Imagine the bag is Shi Woo," she said one night when we were in the gym. She was sitting away from me because I could control myself on my own.

But mentioning Shi Woo was too much for me. I was suddenly reminded of how he had tried to hurt her. For a second I forgot all the lessons and hit the bag so hard that it broke.

"Ah!" Boyoung shouted. "Oppa!!" she objected.

"I'm sorry," I said. I was sweating and panting with anger. I had been practicing for a very long time.

I took my shirt off and kept it aside. It was dripping wet with all the sweat. I just needed some air but it distracted Boyoung and she sighed.

"Why do you have to take off your shirt all the time!" she said and picked a new punching bag.

I smirked and stretched my arms flexing my physique. I knew she liked it ever since she met me.

She latched the new punching bag on the chain. It was adorable how she used to struggle with her petite self whenever she did that. She was wearing a knee-length white dress that night which made her look cuter.

"Cute," I said and went to help her.

"I have done it before, I don't need your help," she said.

I tried to take the bag from her hand and help her to latch it but she wasn't loosening her grip.

"Give it to me!" I said.

She shook her head and kept insisting that she will do it. In our tussle, I accidentally dropped the punching bag and it hit her foot.

"Ah!" she shouted.

"Boyoung!" I held her immediately. "I am so sorry," I said.

"It's okay... but my foot got hurt," she said almost crying.

"Come here," I immediately picked her up in my arms, she was light as a feather. I carried her to the side.

I made her sit on a bench and rushed to get an ice patch. She kept telling me that she was alright but I couldn't take a chance. I sat on the floor and placed her foot on my lap.

"Where does it hurt?" I asked.

"Near my toe," she replied.

I applied the ice pack there and her face told me that she felt relieved. I continued to do it for a while so that her toe didn't swell.

"I'm okay now," she said and stood up.

"Ah!" I objected and got up. "Wait," I said.

I sat on the bench instead. Of course, she was confused but I pulled her towards me and requested her to sit on my lap.

"No!" she said chuckling.

"It's a request, please..." I said.

She was definitely done with all my tantrums but she agreed anyway and gently placed herself on my lap with both her legs hanging on one side. I held her waist to support her.

"What is it?" she asked.

"I love you," I said smiling at her. "I don't think I've said it enough,"

"Oh God," she felt shy and looked away.

I brought one of my hands to her face. She blushed when I cupped her cheek. I pulled her closer and kissed her on the cheek. She chuckled and kept her hand on my shoulders. I trailed some kisses down her neck.

"What are you doing?" she asked running her hand on my nape.

I kissed her on the ear and whispered "loving you,"

She sighed and dug her fingers in my hair. Her little hands grabbing my hair affectionately made me forget my lessons on self-control once again. I sucked on the soft skin on her neck and my hands shamelessly tried to go under her frock.

"Mr. Seo!" she said and pulled herself back. "Where are your manners?" she asked.

"Please don't stop me," I requested but she shook her head and laughed.

I held her cheek moving my thumb on her lips. They were delicate and soft.

"May I just have a bite?" I asked.

She pursed her lips and giggled.

"Sure," she said and leaned.

I tiled my head and slid my hand in her long and soft hair. I shut my eyes when she got close enough. Even though I was craving for her I waited for her to kiss me.

She gently captured my lower lip with her mouth and I tried to kiss her back. But instead of kissing me, she gripped my lip in her teeth. I flinched wondering what she was doing. She urgently bit my lip and moved away.

"Ah!" I gasped. I was sure my lip bled.

She smirked and got down from my lap.

"What was that?" I asked breathing heavily.

"You asked for a bite," she shrugged and started walking away.

I had nothing to argue. I just sat there clueless about what had happened.

~ Beauty ~

My days in Belle House had never been better. Although I couldn't ignore the unconditional flattery I got just because I was the Beast's wife, I was happy with the way my team was warming up to me.

Every day when I entered the cabin, it was full of flowers. Thanks to my husband. I still felt shy calling him that. It was just a year ago when I was craving to have one look at him. I had no idea back then that one day I would be madly in love with him.

As part of my quarterly review, I had to show him my designs and get them approved. So I went to the headquarters. It was funny how everyone greeted me and made way for me so that I had to face no inconvenience. They wouldn't even take the elevator with me because they were afraid I'd have to wait for them.

When I entered his cabin he was busy with some files but as soon as he saw me he kept them aside. He smiled brightly at me and I blushed for no reason.

"May I come in Sir? " I asked playfully.

"You're always welcome, Ma'am," he replied grinning.

I walked up to him and sat on the chair across his table.

"You have better places to sit," he said smirking.

"This is not our bedroom," I chuckled and opened my designs on the laptop.

He seemed to be lost somewhere and his eyes were glued to me. I sighed and went ahead to show him the designs.

"How are they?" I asked.

"Beautiful," he replied staring at me.

"You're not even looking at the designs, Mr. Seo!" I taunted but I was sure he didn't even hear it.

"You're beautiful," he said slowly making his way to hold my hand.

"Is that all you like about me?" I asked caressing his hand.

"No," he said frowning. "I like other things too, which I get to see," he said cleverly moving his gaze at my chest.

"Shut up!" I said hitting him on the hand. "I am here for work,"

"Ah," he said moving away. "I don't want to approve your designs then,"

"Wha-" I was amazed at how childish he could get. "Mr. Seo, be serious please," I said.

"I am serious, Mrs. Park," he said turning his chair around.

"Gosh!" I sighed and stood up.

I was sure he was winning in his head while he faced the other side. I walked up to him and turned his chair to face me.

"Oppa! Just approve it, I don't have all day," I said.

"I won't approve," he said smirking at me.

"Seriously?" I asked leaning towards him.

"Yes," he said with a stubborn face.

"Okay,"

I grabbed him by the tie and pulled him closer. Before he could react to my sudden act, his lips crashed on mine and I kissed him. He flinched because he wasn't expecting it, so I grabbed his face and kept him from moving away.

He responded slowly while I quickly broke the kiss. He seemed to be drugged when I looked him in the eye.

"How about now?" I asked.

"Approved," he whispered helplessly.

I grinned and stood up. He kept watching me as I went to pick up my laptop.

"I will send you the designs by e-mail, please have a good look and send your approval mail, okay?" I instructed.

"Wait, are you leaving?" he asked getting panicked.

"Yes, I have work," I said rolling my eyes.

"Please, let's just go home, take the day off," he said standing up.

He was impossible. And very impractical all of a sudden.

"Focus on your work, bye..." I said and walked away.

"No, please," he kept requesting but I had to avoid him or else I'd mess up my work. He had already caused a lot of damage!

I went back to my cabin hoping that he wasn't following me. He was capable of doing that, no kidding. I couldn't deny that I was hoping to go home soon too, my husband was an irresistible man. But I had a few things to finish.

"Ma'am," my secretary knocked.

I called him in.

"Do you have anything for me before I leave?" he asked.

"Oh, you have to leave early today?" I was confused.

"No Ma'am, I guess you didn't see the email?" he sounded hesitant.

"Email?" I had no idea.

"Yes, we are getting early off today," he informed.

"Early off? Why?" I asked.

"Umm, it would be better if you checked the email instead," he said sighing.

"Okay, I don't have anything for you now you can go," I said and sent him away.

I wondered what email they had received so I immediately checked my inbox. If I said my mind was blown by what was written, it would be an understatement. It was sent by my Mr. Seo who wrote -

I am announcing an early off today for all the employees, in case any of them is as eager to go home as I am.

That was insane. He couldn't have made it more obvious in front of the whole office what he was talking about. Was I angry at him? Yes.

But did I love him for being absurd? Yes, I did.

~ Beast ~

Jae Sung had parked the car outside Belle House. I quickly went there and waited for Boyoung to come out. She was taking a lot of time and I stood there impatiently. I knew she would come after I had announced the early day off. Her team had already left.

I was checking the time on my watch when I suddenly saw a group of people swarm around me. Jae Sung immediately stood in front of me and made a barrier. I was confused because most of them were girls.

"What is it?" I asked trying to figure out what they wanted.

"Please take a picture with me!" "Please give me your autograph," they chanted.

"What?" I was clueless why they were doing that. I knew I was famous but not that way.

"Please! Please" they kept requesting and clicking pictures of me.

Jae Sung wasn't enough to handle them alone and I couldn't find any security guards around. They had probably left early too.

"Jae, why are they behaving this way?" I asked panicking.

"I think it's because your video song got released," he said struggling to keep the girls way.

"Video song? The advertisement? For my textile branch?"

"Yes Sir,"

"Ah" I rolled my eyes and gritted my teeth. I knew it was irrelevant to prepare a romantic song and video for my business.

"You're so handsome!" the girls shouted.

I had worked hard all my life to become the top businessman in the country. But ultimately what impressed these girls the most was romance.

"Okay! Okay! Be patient," I said and took out my pen.

The girls immediately extended their autograph boards. Some of the girls started taking pictures with me. I had no idea how to pose so I just stood there like a rock.

I tried to smile but before I could succeed, I felt a tug on my arm and I was pulled away from the crowd. I was taken aback and my reflexes were about to kick in. But then I looked to my side and stopped.

"Boyoung?" I said meekly.

"What the hell are you all doing?" she shouted at the girls.

They suddenly got alerted and went quiet.

"Who's she?" "She's his wife, shut up," they mumbled and started clicking pictures of her too.

"If you all don't disperse until I count to three then you would never get to see him again!" Boyoung commanded.

The girls immediately started moving away.

"Boyoung, why are you being so- " I interrupted but she looked at me furiously.

"And what were you doing with them?"

"Gosh ! what did I do? they asked for my autographs and pictures!" I defended.

"Would you give them everything they asked for?

"But what's my fault," I stammered.

"Just shut up!" she shouted angrily.

"Ma'am, let's go home first," Jae Sung interrupted, and guided her inside the car.

For some reason, I was afraid of her all of a sudden. I slowly went to the car and sat next to her. She glared at me as if she would kill me. I tried not to say anything because it looked like she would shout right back at me. There was an awkward silence on our way back.

"Ma'am, do you want me to take care of those girls for you?" Jae asked.

"Jae sung-ah! What are you saying? they are my fans!" I defended them.

But it made her angrier and she stared at me furiously.

"Oh! so now they are more important to you than me?" she shouted.

"I didn't mean that,"

"Jae Sung, make sure nobody can come near him after this!" she said.

I opened my mouth to say something but the look she gave me was enough to make me do otherwise. We reached the castle and she walked away without waiting for me.

"Boyoung!" I called out to her but she did not stop.

"Try to say it more affectionately Sir," Jae suggested.

"Umm, Honey?" I called out again but she shook her head and went inside.

I was so frustrated because I didn't know how to make up for it when it wasn't even my fault.

"Jae, I can't understand what to do," I told him helplessly.

"I think you should say sorry first, always works with girls," he suggested.

"Okay, what else?" I asked.

"Umm, take her on a date. Not today but maybe tomorrow. Spend today only in apologizing!" he said.

"Okay, but apologize for what exactly?" I asked.

"Just apologize for anything and everything," he said.

"Okay!"

That did not sound very tough and I went inside determined to apologize to her.

~ Beauty ~

I stormed into our room and threw my bag on the bed. How could he stand so close to other girls and let them take pictures with him? Those girls were already getting on my nerves and Mr. Seo wasn't helping.

I sat on the bed holding my head in my hands when he entered the room.

"I am sorry," he said as soon as he got in.

"Get out of here," I shouted at him.

"Boyoung, please... I am very sorry," he came and sat next to me on the bed.

"Huh, I don't want to talk to you," I said.

"But why? It wasn't my-" he stopped as soon as I looked at him. "I mean, it was all my fault," he corrected.

"All you care about is your new fans now?" I complained.

"No! I am sorry," he said.

"What are you apologizing for?" I asked.

"Umm, for anything and everything," he replied.

"Oh Gosh! Did Jae tell you to do all this?"

He was shocked that I had found out. He hesitated in speaking further.

"Just go away!" I said trying to get up but he held my arm and stopped me.

"Boyoung," he said. "they are my fans because of a song, that's it!"

"I don't like how they like you," I sighed and looked away.

He smiled and took my face in his hands.

"But you are the girl I wrote that song for," he whispered.

Couldn't deny that it was flattering. I had to hide my blush so I pursed my lips and looked at the ceiling.

"Would you go on a date with me tomorrow?" he asked

"Is that Jae's idea too?"

"Umm, yes?" he replied.

He could have easily lied but he was brutally honest at times which made me chuckle at his innocence.

"Fine, but today you will sleep on the couch as a punishment," I declared.

"YA! that's cruel!" he replied frowning.

"Love is cruel to everyone," I said and walked away.

Honestly, I found his tactics very cute. He was lying on the couch with his arms folded and a grumpy face. He even slept after some time with the same look.

The whole night I kept watching him. I fell asleep and dreamt of him again. We were happy in the dream. Quite satisfying to realize that our reality was much similar. I hoped that things remained the way they were between us. The only worry I had was my father's disapproval of the marriage. He still blamed himself for ruining my life and I did not like that. For him, this marriage was the cause of all my miseries which I accepted for him. He still felt guilty and did not want to talk to me.

I woke up late in the morning when I realized that my breakfast was already kept next to the bed. I got up and found that Oppa was getting ready to go somewhere.

"Where are you going?" I asked.

"We are going, on a date..." he said smiling as he put on a blue jacket on his white t-shirt.

"Where?"

"There is a cafe among the woods, very few people know about it," he said.

"Then how do you know about it?"

"Jae told me about that place, he said it's very romantic,"

"Ah, Jae again..." I said rolling my eyes as I got down from the bed.

"Get ready quickly, I'll wait for you downstairs," he said.

There was no way I could get ready that soon. I nodded but I knew how much time I wanted. I took a shower and changed into a white cotton dress. It was too hot that day and I had no idea where he was taking me. I tied my hair in a pony and wore my sunglasses.

I expected that the place would be somewhere nearby but it was too far from the castle. After a certain point, we couldn't even get the car into the narrow roads.

"Sir, Ma'am, you will have to walk from here," Jae said.

"Oh, how far is it?" I asked.

"Go straight for about a mile and then take a left, the cafe is somewhere on that road..." he said.

"Okay sounds good, thanks..." I said and got down of the car.

We started walking on the road while Jae went off to park the car. I had already started sweating after taking a few steps. My beastly husband looked uncomfortable too. The road was narrow and there were some trees on either side of the path but the sun was so bright that we still felt hot.

"I don't know why you had to pick today for this cafe," I taunted while he wiped his sweat off his forehead.

"The weather was fine until I decided on it," he said.

"I hope the cafe is good, or else..."

"Or else? You will get angry again?" he suddenly got upset.

"Of course, I will," I declared.

"Boyoung! you can't keep getting angry all the time," he objected.

"Huh, then pray that the cafe is good!" I said and turned to my right.

"Jae said it's on the left," He tried to correct me. But I was confident that Jae said right and not left.

"No, He said right," I countered.

"But why do I think that he said left?"

"Are you coming with me or not?" I warned him.

He immediately nodded and followed me. I never doubted myself and kept walking. When I saw no sign of a cafe for long I thought it might be at the end of that road.

"Boyoung, we have been walking for a long time I think we took the wrong turn,"

"What if we are close and we go back just to find out that we were on the right road?" I argued.

"Huh," he sighed and kept walking.

It took me some more time to realize that there were no signs of a cafe whatsoever. I felt guilty and embarrassed for taking the wrong turn but I didn't want to accept my fault in front of him. He would have made fun of me.

"I think, Jae gave us the wrong direction," I said hesitantly.

"Absolutely," he replied with a sarcastic smile. "It's all his fault,"

"Let's go back then," I turned around and saw the road in front of me. I knew it was going to be another long walk and I was wearing my heels.

I took one step and realized that my feet were burning in pain and my knees refused to help me walk. I stumbled a little but didn't fall because he held me.

"What happened?" he asked sounding worried.

"I'm fine, it's just..." I stammered as I felt immense pain in my ankles.

"Why did you wear heels?" he asked getting annoyed.

"I didn't know we were coming for a walkathon!" I frowned.

"Okay, fine... I'm sorry," he said.

I felt bad for him because it was my fault after all.

"It's not your fault, I'm sorry..." I said helplessly looking at the sun which made everything worse.

"Do you want to sit somewhere for a while?" he asked.

"No, it's too hot... I'll just take off my sandals and walk barefoot," I said.

"No wait," he stopped me. "wear my shoes, they are very comfortable," he said.

"Oh no no, what will you wear then,"

"I have my socks on, don't worry," he said taking his shoes off.

"No," I tried to stop him but he didn't listen.

He helped me take my sandals off and made me wear his shoes. They were oversized but I could still walk. He was right, they were very comfortable.

"Let's go," he said putting his arm around my shoulder to help me walk.

His embrace always made me feel safe and at ease. I put my hand over his waist and carried my sandals in the other hand.

"Are you comfortable?" he asked in the softest and most caring tone.

"Yes," I replied feeling warm at heart. "are you?"

"Yes absolutely," he smiled.

We had hardly walked for a while when the weather started getting better. The cold breeze hit me on the face and made me feel relaxed.

"The weather is pleasant now," I said while we were walking.

"Hmm, isn't this nice? Walking in the woods with the one you love?" he asked with his eyes twinkling.

"Hmm, feels like a perfect date now," I said chuckling.

He held me tighter and I rested my head on his shoulder.

"So, how is your blue rose plant doing?" he asked looking down at me.

"Umm, it's healthy again... sometimes it gives me trouble but I know a rose will bloom very soon," I said because I was confident about it.

"Hmm I am sure it will," he smiled.

Touchwood, things were going perfectly for us. I wanted it to remain that way.

"Oppa, I'm sorry for leaving you like that earlier," I took the opportunity to apologize.

"Don't be, let's never let our past affect our present, okay?" he said.

"Hmm," I nodded.

As we kept walking, I felt blessed to have him by my side. My knees were still paining but I enjoyed walking next to him. He held me as if he would always protect me. The road was much easier to cover when were in it together. He made me realize that love wasn't about 'you' or 'me', it was all about 'us'.

By the time we reached the end of the road, we decided to head back home instead because we were tired. We got a lot of stares and disappointed looks from Jae when he got to know how we landed up walking so much instead of going to the cafe. But in the end, I enjoyed the time we got together.

We were so exhausted that we couldn't sit for dinner too. He somehow finished it and went straight to the room. I was swallowing the food lazily so it took me more time. Mrs. Cha gave me a turmeric ointment for my feet although it wasn't hurt much.

When I entered the room, Oppa was sitting on the bed with his legs stretched out. I kept the ointment at the side of the bed and prepared to change. But something caught my attention which shocked me.

"Oppa!" I shouted and went to sit where his feet were. "What is this?"

His feet had blisters and cuts which looked very painful.

"It's okay, don't worry about it," he said.

"Oh God, this is just," I shivered and panicked. I couldn't see him hurt like that. The road might have been hot and prickly but he didn't even flinch.

"Honey I'm fine," he said but I had no time to listen to him.

I got the ointment and started applying it to his feet. Tears started rolling down my eyes and I didn't even realize when I started sobbing.

"Why are you crying?" he asked getting worried and trying to stop me.

"Don't you ever hurt yourself again for me,"

"But I still can't feel pain, why are you worried?" he asked as if I had no reason to.

"But you're hurt!" I shouted.

"Come here," he said pulling me towards him.

I shifted meekly towards him while he hugged me. I cried because I felt guilty. He caressed my head and calmed me down.

"I won't do it again, okay?" he said softly.

"Hmm," I replied sinking my head in his chest.

"I love you very much," he kissed me on the head.

"I love you too," I said in a low voice feeling a lump in my throat.

~ Beast ~

The song I had written for Boyoung might have been very special because it brought success to the company. A lot of girls went crazy over my voice and wanted me to release a complete song. I didn't have any plans to do that, but I was happy because it was bringing good business to our new Textile branch.

I was sitting on my balcony sipping tea when I heard a gentle bark. I looked around and found Latte rushing towards me.

"Hey! Buddy..." I said as he came to me and started going around my leg. I picked him up and patted his back.

Mrs. Cha had left him at her home in the village for a while. I missed him a lot. Boyoung had gone to meet Mrs. Cha's family so I assumed she brought him back.

"Latte," I heard her voice as she came into the balcony looking for him. "Oh, you already found him," she said.

He put his tongue out and jumped out of my grip. Boyoung chuckled as he moved his tail standing near her feet.

"I think he wants you to pick him up," I said.

She nodded and took him in her hands. He seemed to like her a lot.

"I wonder what you did that he likes you more than me now,"

"Well, I just gave him what he wanted," she replied.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Umm, Oppa... when Latte was in the village... he met someone," she said which confused me further.

"I didn't get you,"

Latte suddenly started barking and trying to get out of Boyoung's hold.

"Oh, you want to show him?" Boyoung talked to him and let him down.

"Show me what?" I asked completely clueless.

Boyoung asked me to wait while Latte returned after some time. He wasn't alone. He was with another dog who looked much like him but only had a darker shade of brown.

"Who is he?" I asked.

"She. She is Coffee," Boyoung said.

"She? It's a female?" I was shocked.

"Yes," Boyoung nodded while Latte came to me with Coffee as if he wanted me to accept his relationship.

"Buddy, I thought we had a bro pact!" I reminded him.

"Oppa! Didn't you break the pact first?" Boyoung shrugged. She wasn't wrong.

"Fine, you have my blessings!" I said glancing over Coffee.

"I'll show the house to our new member then," Boyoung said as she carried Coffe in her arms and took her to show the castle.

I looked down at Latte who was still watching them leave. I picked him up and caressed his fur

"Our choices are very good, isn't it?" I whispered.

He nodded and barked softly showing his approval.

Talking about my other best friend, Soohyun was having a good time as well. He had invited me for dinner for the success of his new song. Boyoung was invited too so it was perfect for me. For some reason, she decided to dress up in sexy attire for the dinner. She wore a strapless white crop top and denim jeans that hugged her legs perfectly.

Her delicate neck and sleek collarbone were very inviting. She looked gorgeous and it was tough to hold myself from kissing her. I could have done that but I was afraid I would spoil her lipstick

I dressed more formally in a crisp white shirt with matching trousers. She suggested I roll up my sleeves because it made me look better so I followed.

"I want to raise a toast for our newlyweds," Soohyun said once we were all gathered at the dinner table.

I was happy to see Boyoung blushing and grinning when people congratulated us. I knew she was still a bit upset with how the wedding happened but I was determined to make things right for her.

Many of her friends were there too and she was enjoying herself. It was stunning to see her live for herself. She had no barriers anymore and I tried my best never to cause her any more trouble.

That's when I heard one of the men compliment her.

"But honestly, Boyoung is the most beautiful girl from our college!" he remarked.

I tried to take it in good spirits. She was happy to hear that and she felt shy.

"Don't you agree Soohyun?" that man asked.

"Umm, definitely," Soohyun replied glancing at me.

"Her eyes are the prettiest..." the man said.

Boyoung held my hand because she could sense I might be getting angry. Soohyun tried to hint to that man to keep his mouth shut.

"Yes she was so popular back in college for her beauty, every guy wanted to marry her," remarked another of her friends.

There was no need for me to be angry at them. They were only complementing her and I was sure she wasn't offended. But I was getting possessive of her again. I didn't even like others looking at her because she seemed too precious to me. I didn't want someone's bad eye to catch her.

But I also didn't want to spoil the evening for Soohyun or Boyoung. I recalled my lessons from the gym and counted to ten to control myself. I thought it was better to leave the place instead of doing something bad.

"I had some work, sorry I need to rush," I said.

Boyoung tried to stop me because she knew I had no such work. But I patted her on the back and assured her that I was okay. I wasn't sure if she bought that but I left anyway.

On my way, I kept thinking about how she was like the blue roses to me. Much like my father, I was possessive about my blue roses too. I was afraid that if someone saw their beauty they would want to have them. It scared me if someone tried to snatch them away from me. I had the same feeling for Boyoung. I couldn't lose her.

I reached home and took a bath first. It always calmed me down. I had not taken anything for dinner over there and I wasn't even hungry. I quickly put on my black pants and went to the gym.

I had to control myself so I sat on the bench and picked up some light dumbbells. As childish as it sounds, I was a little upset because Boyoung was enjoying herself with her friends and I was missing her.

It was nighttime and I wasn't wearing a shirt which made me feel cold. So I kept increasing the weights on the dumbbells and I started sweating very soon. I could see myself dripping wet with all the heat that was generated. But I kept going and thinking about how I should keep hold of my possessiveness. I was getting jealous even of her friends. I finally understood why she was angry at my fans.

~Beauty~

I couldn't stay at the dinner for long after he had left. I kept worrying about him. I saw that Jae had returned after dropping him home. I excused myself and rushed back. He might have felt bad when others were complimenting me because he was too possessive of me. I had been a bit harsh on him anyway from the past few days.

I searched for him in the room but he wasn't there so I went to the gym. Thankfully he was sitting there with his back to me while he held dumbbells. I understood that he was trying to distract himself from me.

Although I was a little worried about him, the way his muscles were tense at the back with his pants slipping a little below the waist and the shining chain which was the only accessory on his upper body was a view no woman could ignore.

Given that his senses were very strong, he stopped and kept the dumbbell down. He did not turn towards me but spoke in a heavy voice.

"Why are you back?" he asked.

To be honest I didn't focus on what he said and kept watching him. He had to ask again.

"Boyoung, why are you back? You should have stayed with your dear friends,"

"Aah," I bit my lip and went in. "I was just missing you," I said. It was obvious that he was upset.

"You don't need to pacify me now," he said and got up from the bench.

It was strange how distracted I was while adoring his back. I didn't realize it until he faced me. But again, his chest was equally distracting. His chain fell perfectly on his collarbone and his neck became more attractive every time he gulped in.

"So, are you angry at me now?" I asked.

"I'm angry at myself, leave me alone..." he said and turned around.

I held his shoulder and turned him towards me.

"But I don't want to," I shrugged.

I could tell that he was distracted by my touch alone but he was trying to act tough.

"Go, I am upset and I don't want to get angry at you instead," he said looking away.

"Umm," I held his face and made him look at me, " is there anything I could do to lift your mood?"

"Nothing," he replied bluntly. "I am angry so you should stay away from me,"

I smirked and trailed my fingers down to his chest.

"Are you sure?" I whispered.

He gritted his teeth and grabbed my wrist.

"Don't provoke me," he warned.

"Or what?" I stared into his eyes.

"It won't end smoothly for you," he said.

I smiled and took my hand off his grip. He watched me carefully without saying anything.

I took my hand at the back and slipped it inside my crop top. I was wearing a strapless bra inside so I easily unhooked it and took it off. He was startled when he saw me take it out of my top and hold it in my hand.

"Are you threatening me?" I teased him adoring the look he had on his face.

He gasped and narrowed his eyes. I waited for him to say something but he didn't

"Are you only good at talking?" I taunted him again.

I reached the pocket of his pants and stuffed my bra in it.

He couldn't believe it for a few seconds but the moment I stepped away from him and turned around, he grabbed me by the waist and spun me towards him. I hit him hard on the chest.

I didn't get a chance to breathe before he pressed his hungry lips on mine. I put my arms around him and let him pull me closer. As he rightfully said, it wasn't smooth at all. He was brutal with the way he directly delved into my mouth and devoured my lips. His hot lips only knew how to claim me as his.

He ruthlessly kneaded my exposed flesh on the waist which got me on my toes. He moved his hands urgently up my waist and took my top off. Both of us had started panting but he barely waited for a second before pulling me back in. I could feel his arousal growing against my belly. He couldn't help but grind it against me.

It was impossible to keep my hands off him. What a pleasure it was to dig my nails into his back to release the adrenaline that was building inside of me. I grabbed his nape and felt droplets of sweat at the ends of his hair.

He suddenly started pushing me towards the farther end of the room. I had no idea what he was about to do but he didn't give me a chance to ask. He kept kissing me as he pushed me further and my back hit a door.

He opened it and pushed me in. I got a second to look around and I realized that we were in the shower. I panicked a little but I had invited the trouble on myself anyway. He wasn't even trying to be gentle with me.

He pushed me against the wall and started kissing my neck while he pressed my delicate breasts mercilessly. I ended up moaning breathlessly in pain. I saw him turn on the shower knob on my left. The cold water made me flinch. But our bodies were heated and I couldn't feel the cold for long.

"This will help me to stay calmer," he said panting while the water drenched the both of us.

His lips were like a magnet that kept coming back to mine. His desperate hands didn't give me a chance to notice when we were out of our clothes. I held him tight while he made sure every part of our bodies was pressed against each other. I couldn't look into his eyes because of how fierce they were.

He lifted me as if I had no weight and made me clasp my legs around his waist. I cloaked my arms around his neck and looked down at him. His chin was right in the middle of my bust. He looked vicious but his eyes gave me one chance to deny his next move before it was too late.

Who was I to stop him when it was me who provoked him? I had the sudden urge to feel him inside me and he didn't wait any longer. He held me against the wall before he pushed himself in.

The sudden fullness got me screaming in pleasure. He brought my body lower so that our faces touched. Then he covered my mouth with his hand. I realized that he was right when he said he had extraordinary physical strength because he was holding me with just one hand. My heart was racing and I felt so numb that I couldn't feel the water falling on us.

He suppressed my cries and started moving with his intensity getting severe after every thrust. His feral eyes enjoyed watching me blatantly enjoying the pain. There was nothing careful about his moves, he was ferocious, wicked, and brutal.

I heard a breathless groan leave his mouth and I knew he was close. He left my mouth and I dropped my head on his shoulder while I clawed on his back. He started getting weaker but he didn't lessen his intensity.

I nibbled on his ears which gave him the final drive. He grunted and moved harder. I was sobbing in pleasure while he struggled to breathe with the water falling on his face. He suddenly kissed me before making a final move which made us culminate. I grabbed his hair tightly as I felt my core sensitized beyond limits. My head started spinning and my legs were giving up. I was afraid I'd fall.

He slowly put me down and turned off the shower knob. He was panting heavily and watching me. I thought he was afraid to ask me if I was okay. I held his face and kissed him on the cheek.

"It's okay, I'm fine," I assured him.

He smiled and went to get bathing robes for us. We put them on quickly and I was ready to leave but he stopped me.

"You must be tired," he said before picking me up in his arms.

"I am fine," I chuckled.

He smirked and carried me to the room. I was afraid that some helper might see us but he didn't bother about that. He placed me on our bed and brought a small towel to dry my hair.

"I am sorry if I hurt you," he looked hesitant. "I couldn't control it,"

I put the towel aside and pecked him on the lips.

"You were very good," I said which made him blush.

"I'm hungry now," he said smiling.

"More?" I teased him

"I mean food," he laughed.

~

The Beast was happy with Beauty. They had come a long way after all the struggles they had faced just to be together. They believed that their love was stronger than ever.

But was it stronger than fate? Love is always put to test when the past comes back to haunt you.

It all started with a knock on the door while Inguk was not home. He had an early meeting and Boyoung was about to leave for office. She opened the door and found a woman standing outside.

"Umm, do I know you ?" Boyoung asked.

"Maybe not, but your husband knows me" the woman replied.

Boyoung couldn't recall that she knew any woman who would know Inguk unless she was someone from the office.

"Are you here to meet my husband?" Boyoung asked.

"Yes, can I see him for once? It's very important,"

The woman looked very needy and somewhat sick so Boyoung called her inside. She made her sit in the hall and gave her something to eat and drink.

"His meeting is over so he's coming back home," Boyoung informed the woman.

"Thank you," she replied meekly.

"How do you know my husband?" asked Boyoung.

"I had a very close relationship with him," she said.

"Relation?" Boyoung was confused because from what it looked like, the woman was old.

"Boyoung!" Inguk entered rushing towards her. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, why what happened?" She asked panicking.

"I was informed that someone was allowed entry without my permission!" He said.

"Oh it's fine, she's sitting right here," Boyoung said and pointed to the woman.

Inguk suddenly froze and kept staring at the woman sitting in front of him. His veins tensed and his eyes became red with anger.

"How dare you!" He said gritting her teeth.

"I just wanted to see you," the woman said.

"Get out of here before I call security," he said.

"Oppa! Why are behaving like that!" Boyoung objected.

"Stay out of it!" He replied coldly.

The woman started walking away with a disheartened look.

"Wait! Who are you? What is going on?" Boyoung shouted.

"She is no one! " inguk interrupted.

The woman stopped for a second and looked at Boyoung.

"I'm the unlucky woman who gave birth to him, but couldn't be his mother," she said.

"GET OUT!" Inguk shouted.

Boyoung was stunned as she had no clue what was happening. She had been thinking that his mother was probably dead.

While the woman walked out hopelessly, Boyoung confronted Inguk.

"When were you going to tell me about her?" She yelled at him.

"I didn't think it was necessary! You hid things from me too," He replied.

"Then what did you expect me to do when she suddenly showed up on your doorstep?" she asked.

"You shouldn't have let her in!" He argued.

"But she's your mother! How could you behave like that!" Boyoung accused.

"Don't call her my mother!" He objected.

"Why! I don't see any reason for you to behave this way!"

"And I don't see any reason why you are so paranoid about your father! If I'm not asking you about that anymore, then please stay out of my life too!" He said and walked away.

Boyoung was hurt by what he said. She walked out of the castle and sat in the blue rose garden crying her heart out. She was guilty of keeping secrets from Inguk but she was also upset that he didn't like her interference in his life. It was probably high time that they knew everything about each other.

"Boyoung," she heard his voice and flinched.

Inguk immediately sat next to her and held her face.

"Don't cry please, I'm sorry..." he said pulling her into a hug.

She didn't say anything but sobbed against his chest.

"I can't see you cry," Inguk said caressing her head. "I'm sorry for what I said, please forgive me,"

"Oppa," she said holding her head up. "Mr. Park is not my real father,"

She broke down as soon as she said that. Inguk was in disbelief.

"Boyoung, what are you saying..." he said.

"I didn't know about my mother's family, I only knew that she ran away from her home after she found out she was pregnant. She was homeless and going to kill herself, but Mr. Park helped her and married her even after knowing everything,"

Inguk sighed and hugged Boyoung tighter.

"I'm so sorry about everything I ever said," he apologized.

"That's why I was always indebted to him," she wept. "My real father abandoned my mother the moment he found out about me,"

"Shhhh," Inguk caressed her head and calmed her down. "It's okay," he felt guilty for everything he did and said against her love for her father. The one who raised her and loved her even if she wasn't his daughter.

"I'm sorry that I hid this from you, I have never said this to anyone else before," Boyoung couldn't stop crying.

"Don't be..." he cupped her cheek and kissed her on the forehead. "I'll not let anything hurt you anymore... I promise,"

He let her cry as much as she wanted. His shirt was soaked in her tears and it looked like she had never had a shoulder to cry on. It was the first time that he realized that every person in the world had their share of sorrows. Everyone was fighting a battle that only they knew of. The best one could do was be gentle and caring towards all.

It gave him some courage to talk about his mother but it wasn't the right time. He needed to take care of Boyoung first.

He sat there holding her in his arms and wondering about the contrasting fate they had. She loved her father for how he raised her like his own daughter. And he hated the lady who gave birth to him because she could never be his mother.

*********************

Sneak Peek:

"Why do you hate your mother so much?" Boyoung asked.

"She's not fit to be called my mother!" Inguk said taking a deep breath.

"But what did she do?" Boyoung tried to make him speak.

"She..." Inguk gulped in as he had never said it before. "She is responsible for my father's death"

A/N: Welcome back after a decade 😎✌️🫂 I've been busy lately and it might continue for now 🥺

I'm so sorry if there were mistakes 😭 It is hard for me to proof read my chapters because I start falling asleep if I do that 😵‍💫

I think recent updates from SIG helped me a lot to carry out this chapter 🤣

Hope you all enjoyed. Always waiting for your comments ❤️✌️

PS: The walk scene where SIG exchanges his shoes with Boyoung was inspired by my real life events 🤣