The day of the engagement arrived.
Jinny carefully stepped out of the car, her eyes landing on the grand hotel owned by the family. Her mother had told her that the party would be held there. She glanced at her wristwatch. She was an hour early. At first, she wanted to go home and rest after arriving, but her mother had insisted that she come to the hotel immediately.
With a smile, Jinny walked inside.
As she made her way through the grand hallway, she suddenly spotted Kasey, Tohru, and Shuu.
"Shuu!" she called out.
Shuu's eyes widened in surprise. He immediately ran toward her and pulled her into a tight hug.
"Where have you been?" he asked, worry evident in his voice. "Do you know how worried I was? You weren't answering any of my calls or messages. I thought you'd been kidnapped."
Jinny scratched the back of her head awkwardly. "I'm really sorry. Something came up and…" Her voice trailed off as she averted her gaze, desperately trying to think of an excuse.
Shuu sighed heavily. "Next time, call me. You really scared me."
"Do you even know he practically wrecked havoc in the city looking for you?" Kasey added.
"I'm really sorry," Jinny apologized again.
"Tsk. If you want to disappear and be alone, don't drag us into your problems," Tohru said coldly. "Stop causing trouble for everyone."
Jinny lowered her head, guilt washing over her.
"That's enough," Shuu interrupted. "At least we know she's safe."
"Tch. I'm going ahead. I don't want to be late for the engagement party," Tohru muttered before walking away.
"Engagement party?" Jinny blinked in confusion. "Who's getting married?"
"Huh?" Kasey frowned. "I thought Mom called you. She didn't tell you?"
"She only said there was a big celebration and that I needed to come home," Jinny replied.
"Big Brother Matias is getting married," Shuu said casually.
"The wedding is in three days," Kasey added.
Jinny froze.
Matias… was getting married?
A sharp pain suddenly clenched her chest.
Why?
Matias had promised her that he would never leave her side. He said he loved her. So why was he marrying someone else?
Tears began to sting her eyes.
Kasey noticed the redness in them and immediately looked concerned. "Jin, are you okay?"
She took a deep breath and forced herself to stay composed.
"W-Who…" Her voice trembled slightly. "Who's the girl?"
"They didn't tell us," Shuu answered. "They only said we'd meet her at the engagement party."
Jinny was about to speak again when her mother suddenly appeared.
"Jinny!"
Kaye quickly wrapped her in a tight embrace.
"Mom…" Jinny forced a small smile.
"Finally, you're here. I've been waiting for you," Kaye said excitedly.
"Let's go. There's something I need to tell you."
Kaye glanced at her sons. "You boys head to the hall. Your brothers are already there."
Without waiting for a response, she grabbed Jinny's hand and led her toward a private room.
"Mom… what's going on?" Jinny asked, her voice trembling as tears filled her eyes. "They said Matias is getting married. Is it true?"
Her mother smiled softly and held both of her hands.
"Yes…"
Jinny's knees nearly gave out beneath her.
So this was the end of their relationship?
Everything between them was over?
Her chest tightened painfully, as if someone had ripped her heart apart with their bare hands. She could barely breathe. Countless memories flashed through her mind—his promises, his touch, the way he told her he loved her.
And now… he was marrying someone else.
The tears she had been desperately holding back finally threatened to spill, but before she could break down completely, her mother gently pulled her toward the bedroom.
"Mom—"
The moment the door opened, Jinny froze.
Matias was standing near the window, dressed elegantly in black, the faint glow of the city lights reflecting against his sharp features. It looked as though he had been waiting for her the entire time.
"M-Matias…" she whispered weakly.
"I'll leave you two alone," Kaye said with a knowing smile. "When you're done, come to the banquet hall together. Everyone's waiting."
Then she quietly left the room, closing the door behind her.
Silence filled the air.
Jinny bit her lower lip nervously.
Matias stared at her intently, his dark eyes filled with emotion. Unable to bear his gaze, she lowered her head.
She couldn't look at him.
Not when her heart hurt this much.
Matias immediately noticed. Slowly, he walked toward her and gently lifted her chin.
"Look at me," he murmured softly. "Look me in the eyes."
Reluctantly, she did. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she stared at the man she loved more than anything.
"W-Why?" Her voice cracked painfully.
A frown appeared on Matias' face. "Why are you crying?"
"Y-You're getting married…" she sobbed. "Y-You lied to me…"
Before she could say another word, Matias pulled her tightly into his arms.
"Shhh…" he whispered against her hair. "I never lied to you. I promised that I would never leave your side again."
"T-Then why are you getting married?" she asked through her tears.
Matias gently cupped her face and wiped away her tears with his thumb. His gaze softened with affection.
"Because I'm fulfilling my promise," he said quietly. "I'm marrying you."
Jinny's eyes widened in shock.
"M-Marry me…?"
A small smile appeared on his lips. "Yes." He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm sorry for keeping it a secret. I wanted to surprise you."
Then, slowly, he went down on one knee.
Jinny gasped softly as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.
When he opened it, the sparkling ring inside nearly took her breath away.
"Jin…" Matias looked up at her, his eyes filled with love and sincerity. "Will you marry me?"
Her heart pounded wildly against her chest.
The pain and sadness that had consumed her moments ago disappeared completely, replaced by overwhelming happiness.
Tears continued to fall from her eyes, but this time, they were tears of joy.
"Yes…" she cried, covering her mouth as she laughed through her tears. "Yes! Yes, I will!"
Matias immediately stood up and slid the ring onto her finger. The moment it settled perfectly in place, Jinny threw herself into his arms.
They held each other tightly, as though neither of them ever wanted to let go again.
"I love you, Jin," he whispered against her ear.
"I love you too," she replied softly.
Unable to resist any longer, Matias leaned down and kissed her deeply.
The kiss was filled with longing, love, and the emotions they had both kept buried for so long. Jinny clung tightly to his suit as he held her close, as though she was the most precious thing in the world to him.
When they finally pulled away, both of them were breathless.
Matias rested his forehead against hers and let out a low chuckle.
"You have no idea how badly I want to fuck you right now," he whispered huskily. "But everyone's waiting for us downstairs."
Jinny's cheeks flushed bright red.
After another lingering kiss, Matias glanced toward the elegant dress laid carefully on the bed.
"You should get changed first," he said softly.
He sat down on the nearby chair, his lips curving into a teasing grin.
"And yes," he added, unable to hide his amusement, "I'm definitely watching."
"Matias!" Jinny gasped, her face burning with embarrassment.
His laughter filled the room warmly.
Trying to ignore his intense gaze, Jinny slowly changed into the beautiful dress prepared for her. Every time Matias' eyes lingered on her, her heart raced uncontrollably.
Once she finished, Matias stood behind her and carefully pulled up the zipper of her dress.
His fingers brushed lightly against her skin, sending shivers down her spine.
Jinny flinched softly when he pressed gentle kisses against her neck and shoulder.
"You're beautiful," he whispered against her skin. "I'll fuck you later."
Her entire face turned crimson as she shyly looked away, unable to hide the smile forming on her lips.