Chapter Forty-nine: A Choice of Hearts.

As the evening sky deepened into twilight, Soo Jeon stood before the entrance to the rooftop garden, her heart pounding. The message from Ji-Eun had troubled her, but she had chosen to trust Min Jun. Steeling herself, she stepped through the door and was greeted by the soft glow of fairy lights and the gentle strains of a romantic melody.

 Min Jun, waiting anxiously, saw Soo Jeon approach and felt a surge of relief. He had planned this moment with such care, hoping it would reaffirm their bond and solidify their future. As Soo Jeon reached him, his nervousness melted away, replaced by a deep, unwavering love.

 "Hey," he said softly, taking her hand. "I've been waiting for you."

 Soo Jeon smiled, though her eyes still carried a trace of anxiety. "I'm here. I just needed to be sure."

 Min Jun led her to a cozy spot in the garden where he had set up a beautiful table adorned with candles and flowers. He took a deep breath, knowing that this was the moment he had been working towards.

 "I wanted to show you how much you mean to me," Min Jun began, his voice steady. "We've faced so much together, and through it all, I've realized how much I love you and want to spend my life with you."

 Soo Jeon's eyes glistened with emotion as Min Jun continued, his words heartfelt and sincere. He recounted their shared memories, the challenges they had overcome, and his dreams for their future. As he spoke, Soo Jeon felt her doubts fade away, replaced by a profound sense of hope and love.

 Min Jun knelt down, pulling out the velvet ring box. He looked up at Soo Jeon, his heart full of hope. "Soo Jeon, will you marry me? Will you be my partner for the rest of our lives?"

 Soo Jeon's breath caught in her throat as tears welled up in her eyes. For a moment, she was silent, overwhelmed by the depth of her emotions. The love and sincerity in Min Jun's eyes made her heart swell, and her smile was a beacon of her joy.

 Before she could respond, the door to the rooftop garden opened, and Ji-Eun walked in, her presence casting a shadow over the romantic moment. Her eyes were filled with a mixture of triumph and determination.

 "Min Jun, Soo Jeon," Ji-Eun called out, her voice tinged with a mocking edge. "I couldn't let you have this moment without a little twist."

 She produced a camera and began to reveal the compromising footage she had orchestrated, hoping to create doubt and tension. Her actions were fueled by desperation, and she reveled in the chaos she hoped to create.

 Min Jun's expression hardened as he stood up, his protective instincts taking over. "Ji-Eun, this ends now. What you're doing is wrong."

 Soo Jeon, though initially shaken, stood beside Min Jun, her resolve strengthening. "We're not going to let you come between us. We trust each other and our love."

 Ji-Eun's facade cracked slightly, her confidence wavering as she faced their united front. "You don't understand. I was just trying to—"

 "Enough," Min Jun interrupted. "You've made your choice to act out of spite and jealousy. We're moving forward, and you're not part of our future."

 With no more to say, Ji-Eun was left with no choice but to leave. Her attempts to disrupt Min Jun and Soo Jeon's relationship had failed, and she walked away, her plans unraveling.

 As the door closed behind Ji-Eun, Min Jun turned back to Soo Jeon, taking her hands in his. "I'm sorry for the trouble she caused. I just wanted to show you how much I love you."

 Soo Jeon's smile returned, her doubts finally put to rest. "I know. And I love you too. More than anything."

 They embraced, their love and commitment reaffirmed. The evening continued with the promise of a future free from interference, as Min Jun and Soo Jeon prepared to face the next chapter of their lives together, stronger than ever.