Two weeks had passed since Bella officially started working at Hampson Airways, and today marked one of the most important milestones of her life the day she would finally receive her name tag and her FAA certificate.
She had woken up early, as always, her heart pounding with excitement. The company had asked each qualified candidate to bring along a family member who would pin the tag onto their uniform.
Vera stood by Bella's side, radiant with pride as she carefully fixed the shiny badge over her daughter's chest. Her hands trembled with joy. "My baby... I'm so proud of you," she whispered, her eyes shimmering with tears.
Bella hugged her tightly, her throat tightening with emotion. "Mum, you'll make me cry too."
For Vera, seeing her daughter finally step into an airplane as crew was like a dream come true.
Yet, beneath Bella's smile, another storm brewed. She had been working hard to avoid Christian since their last outing. It wasn't that she didn't feel something she did. But she was terrified of what might come of it. Her career had just begun, and Hampson Airways had strict rules: new female recruits had to remain single for at least two years after receiving their appointment letter. Even the thought of being linked to Chris felt dangerous.
Bella had a gut feeling he liked her, maybe more than liked her but she couldn't allow herself to reciprocate. Not now. Not when so much was at stake.
Her first official flight was scheduled for that afternoon. Bella walked with her suitcase across the tarmac, her uniform crisp and neat, her smile warm and genuine as she performed the safety demonstration. The passengers adored her cheerful, slightly playful style.
Still, not everyone was pleased.
"Everyone knew she'd get hired," sneered Tega, one of the senior attendants, her eyes full of disdain.
Patricia, another senior, smirked as she bumped her shoulder roughly into Bella's. "Don't think you belong here, little miss golden tag. And if you ever run to your boyfriend about us, you're finished."
Bella said nothing. She had long learned that silence was often the strongest response. She ducked into the restroom, fixed her makeup with steady hands, and whispered to herself, I will not stoop to their level.
Elsewhere, her younger brothers' flight was landing. Jayden and Kayden were finally returning from Ukraine, where they studied medicine at Kharkiv National Medical University. Bella had hoped to pick them up, but her Scotland flight had been delayed, and Vera was tied up in meetings. In a rush, Bella had called Bianca for help.
Bianca arrived just in time, her growing baby bump making her glow. The moment the twins spotted her, they shouted in unison.
"Lady B!" Jayden cried, rushing to hug her.
"Pregnancy suits you, sis. You look amazing," Kayden added with his usual charm.
Bianca laughed. "Thanks, boys. Now put your luggage in the trunk before I change my mind about giving you a ride."
Kayden quickly obeyed, sliding into the driver's seat of Bianca's brand new Lexus UX hybrid with a grin. "This car is beautiful, Lady B."
Bianca smirked. "Just got it. Be careful with my baby."
"Who's picking up Ella?" Jayden asked from the back seat.
"I think she rides with the company shuttle," Bianca replied.
Jayden leaned back, sighing. "I can't wait to see her."
Kayden chuckled. "And how's Austin? Haven't seen him since the wedding."
Bianca's expression softened. "Austin's fine. Thanks for asking."
Soon, they arrived home. The twins carried their luggage upstairs, only to be intercepted by Raquel, who came flying out of her father's car the moment she saw them.
"Oppa!" she squealed, throwing her arms around both boys at once.
"We missed you too, Catty," the twins said in unison, hugging her back.
Bianca greeted Mr. Anderson politely. She worked as one of his top lawyers, and he adored her—often teasingly calling her "Lady B."
"Uncle Joe!" Jayden grinned.
"Pa Joe!" Kayden added playfully.
Joe chuckled, hugging them both. "I missed you boys. It's been too quiet with just three ladies around here."
"We're back now," Kayden said proudly.
"And we're glad to have you," Joe replied warmly.
Bianca excused herself, smiling at their joy. "Take care of yourselves and the baby too," Raquel teased.
Bianca laughed. "I will. Bye, everyone."
After she left, the family gathered inside. Joe glanced at them all with a mysterious smile.
"There's something I want to tell you," he said.
"What is it?" Jayden asked eagerly.
"You'll find out when Bella gets back," Joe replied.
The twins groaned in unison.
"Arghhh, I hate suspense!" Jayden shouted.
"It's killing me already," Kayden added.
"Dad, just tell us now we'll pass it on to Bella later," Raquel pleaded.
Joe only shook his head, amused. "No. We'll wait for her."
Bella drove home faster than usual, her heart pounding with excitement. It had been too long since she'd seen her brothers, and she couldn't wait to wrap them in her arms again.
She noticed Mr. Anderson's car parked outside the house and smiled. That meant Raquel was there too. The thought warmed her...her little sister had truly become a part of the family.
"Hi guys!" Bella called as she stepped inside.
"Noona! Sis! Unnie!" Jayden, Kayden, and Raquel screamed, racing toward her. They collided in a tangle of hugs and laughter.
"Oh my God, I missed you so much," Bella said, dropping her bag halfway just so she could hold them tighter.
She looked up to find Mr. Anderson standing in the living room. "Good evening, Uncle Joe."
"Evening, my dear. How was work?" he asked kindly.
"Went really well. And yours?"
"Very well too. That case you asked about the hearing was today. We won." His chest swelled with pride.
"Wow! Congratulations," Bella said.
"Congrats, Dad!" Raquel added, beaming.
"Congratulations, chukahae!" Jayden and Kayden chorused.
Joe gave a soft chuckle, but his eyes turned serious. "You got back just in time. There's something I've been meaning to discuss with all of you. If I don't say it now, I may never get the chance."
The room fell silent. Even Raquel, who always had a comment, leaned forward with wide, curious eyes.
"Well?" Bella prompted.
Joe hesitated, his hands fiddling nervously. "The truth is... I love Vera. More than I've ever loved anyone in my life. She brought me out of my shell, taught me how to live again. And I've come to love you kids, too. You treat Raquel as though she's always been your sister, and I know Vera feels the same about you. It means the world to me."
"Dad," Raquel whispered, her eyes softening.
Joe drew a deep breath. "So... I'd like to marry Vera. But I won't take that step without your blessing."
For a second, the room froze. Then chaos erupted.
"Ahhhhhhh!" Bella and Raquel screamed, bouncing into a circle and high-fiving like excited children.
"Finally!" Jayden and Kayden shouted in unison.
Joe blinked, stunned. He'd expected resistance, maybe questions, but not this flood of joy.
Bella grinned and crossed her arms. "I'm not against it. But... on one condition."
Joe raised an eyebrow. "And what's that?"
"I get to plan the proposal."
"No!" Jayden, Kayden, and Raquel shouted at once.
Bella's jaw dropped. "Why not?"
"Because you're always busy," Kayden said.
"Yes, and we can't leave something this important in your hands," Jayden added.
Raquel folded her arms and glared at them. "Unnie may be busy, but she's responsible. She can handle anything she puts her mind to."
"Thank you, baby," Bella said, ruffling her hair.
"The wedding has to be this December," Bella added firmly.
Joe nearly choked. "Tomorrow is the first of December!"
"Exactly. We still have time." Bella winked.
"I agree with Unnie," Raquel said.
"Me too," Jayden added. "Let's do it before the year ends."
Kayden clapped his hands. "Step one: buy the ring. Step two: plan the proposal."
Then, suddenly, he blurted, "Since you're going to be my stepdad soon... can I call you Dad now?"
Joe smiled softly. "You can call me Dad—but not until she says yes. We don't want to ruin the surprise."
Kayden frowned. "But why—"
"Are you dumb?" Jayden snapped. "Because you'll spoil everything, pabo!"
The room burst into laughter.
Before Bella could speak again, the front door opened.
"I'm home!" Vera called, stepping inside.
"Oma! Mum! Aunt Vera!" the kids chorused, racing to hug her.
"Babe," Vera greeted Joe warmly, pressing a quick kiss to his lips.
Then she turned to Bella. "Ella, Chris is waiting for you outside."
Bella froze. "Mum, you didn't see me here. I'm not home."
"She's home," Raquel sing-songed mischievously, then shouted toward the door, "She's avoiding you, Chris!"
"Baby!" Bella gasped, rushing to cover her mouth.
"Why are you avoiding him though?" Raquel teased.
"Are we missing something?" Kayden asked, eyes narrowed.
"Yes, Noona. Why is Mr. Hampson here—and why is everyone acting like it's normal?" Jayden added.
Raquel squealed, "I think Unnie's avoiding him because she's scared of her feelings for him!"
"Baby, that's not true," Bella protested, blushing furiously. "I don't have feelings for him."
"Denial!" Jayden declared. "First stage of love!"
"She wouldn't know the stages—she's never been in a relationship," Kayden teased.
Jayden snorted. "I just hope she doesn't die a virgin."
Raquel tossed her hair. "Please. As young as I am, I already have a boyfriend."
"WHAT?!" the entire family shouted.
Joe's face turned crimson. "You're sixteen! I need to meet this boy immediately!"
"Okay, Dad," Raquel mumbled, staring at her shoes.
Bella didn't wait for the explosion. She slipped outside, shutting the door quickly behind her.
Chris's black sapphire BMW M8 convertible gleamed under the streetlight. He leaned against the car, head bowed, hands in his pockets.
"Mr. Hampson?" Bella called softly.
His head lifted slowly, and what he did next left Bella completely speechless.
✨ Nuna means elder sister in Korean.
✨ Cho gi o means excuse me.
✨ Oma means mum.
✨ Pi cho so means are you crazy.
I may not have the exact spellings, but I've picked them up from watching plenty of K-drama so please accept them that way.