Chapter 184 - Wedding Gown

Jay-Jay's POV

The retreat ended ahead of schedule. Because of what happened to Aries, Yuri, and the other students who were caught drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes, the organizer decided to end the retreat early.

Aries was rushed to the hospital, and so was Yuri. We left Camp Keneme without a word from the entire Section E. Even if someone spoke to me, they didn't mention the trouble that had occurred.

I really don't want to talk about it.

The retreat was supposed to last a week but ended after just three days, turning the remaining days into an unexpected vacation.

Today is Saturday, two days since Aries was hospitalized. I have been ignoring Yuri's texts and calls for the past two days. Keifer has also been ignoring me for the same amount of time.

"Is that so?" I asked Keigan.

"Yeah... Sorry about that," he answered with a forced smile. "… If he comes home, I'll call you immediately."

"Alright. Thanks."

"Remember."

My shoulders slumped as Keifer left. Yesterday, I went back and forth trying to reach him. He hasn't responded to my texts and is unreachable when I call.

I can't help but worry. I know he's angry about what he saw.

I pressed the brake of my bike as I rode. This was the same bike I used yesterday when I went to see him.

Keigan's answer yesterday was the same as today: "He hasn't come home since he left." It's frustrating. I want to blame Yuri, but… for what?

Just then, my phone rang. I pulled over before checking it. It was a text message from Kuya Angelo.

📩

From: Kuya Angelo

Message: "Where are you? Go home."

I held my breath. Kuya didn't even know I had left the house. He wasn't home earlier, so I didn't bother telling him.

I quickly headed home. Keifer's house is far from mine, and honestly, I'm just too lazy to ride a bike all the way.

And that's just a bike... What if I had a car?

When I arrived, a fancy car greeted me at the entrance. Wow, rich people! I stared at it for a moment before parking my bike in Tita's garage.

As I stepped inside, I immediately recognized the owner of the car—Yuri's mother, along with her driver.

"Konnichiwa," she greeted me with a warm smile, bowing slightly.

I quickly bowed back, knowing it was their way of showing respect.

"Konnichiwa."

"There she is," Kuya Angelo said as he entered, carrying a tray of juice and sandwiches. "…Mrs. Hanamitchi has been waiting for you for a while."

He set the tray down on the table. I glanced at him from head to toe and raised an eyebrow.

"Go get changed… You're going somewhere," Kuya instructed.

I looked down at myself. What's wrong with faded jeans and a loose T-shirt?

"No, it's okay," Yuri's mom said, stopping Kuya. "There's no need."

"But—"

But Jay-Jay looks like a mess.

"We're only here for a short while, so I don't think it's necessary," she interrupted.

Seeing that he had no choice, Kuya reluctantly agreed. Yuri's mom smiled and stood up, then gently hooked her arm around mine as if we were very close.

We're close, right?

"Shall we go?" she asked.

"S-sure," I answered hesitantly.

She glanced at Kuya Angelo and smiled. "We'll be off now."

We walked outside and headed straight to their car—the rich people's car. I was so nervous that I didn't move the entire ride. I wanted to ask where we were going, but I couldn't bring myself to.

Where are we really going?

"Is something wrong, Jay?" she asked, breaking the silence.

"N-no, nothing."

Even though the car's air conditioning was cold, I was sweating. My heart was pounding. Why do I feel like I've committed a great sin against Yuri's family?

We stopped in front of a huge building. Yuri's mom got out first. I followed, staring at the building for a moment.

She hooked her arm around mine again, practically dragging me along with her brisk pace.

What's going on? Is she angry?

We reached the elevator. Luckily, it was already open, so we didn't have to wait.

"Sorry if I'm in a hurry. We're late," she said.

Late for what?

She pressed the button for the 20th floor. There were only two other people inside, both of whom looked foreign. I decided not to say anything—apart from feeling out of place, I was already nervous.

"H-how is Yuri?" I asked.

Crap, Jay! That's not what you should've asked! Now she'll know we haven't been talking.

"He's fine… Fully recovered already," she answered.

The elevator bell rang, and the doors opened. Yuri's mom stepped out quickly, so I followed. The floor looked unfamiliar to me.

There was a reception desk, making the place seem like an office. She approached the receptionists and spoke to them for a while before we were told to wait.

I had no idea what—or who—we were waiting for.

What kind of place is this?

"Mrs. Hanamitchi!" a voice called out.

The person was obviously gay. He looked sophisticated, though his fingers twitched dramatically. He also seemed very wealthy.

"Gertrude!" Yuri's mom greeted him warmly, and they hugged.

"You still look stunning," Gertrude complimented.

"Thank you," she replied.

Gertrude suddenly looked at me, scanning me from head to toe with raised eyebrows.

"Shinken? Demo shōjo?" (Seriously? This girl?) he muttered, directing his words at Yuri's mom while sitting down.

Excuse me?

I felt like I had just been cursed or insulted. I didn't know how to react. If I spoke up, I might come off as rude.

Can I just punch him and pretend it was an accident?

"Yeah… She's pretty, isn't she?" Yuri's mom said, motioning for me to come closer.

I stepped forward and forced a smile at Gertrude. He chuckled sarcastically and crossed his arms.

Is this a problem?

I have no problem with gay people, but this guy? Maybe now I do. I don't like him, but why do I care so much? If I'm not careful, I might end up hating him.

"Yes," he said sarcastically. "…Let's go."

He walked inside. The adjacent office tables came into view. Scattered papers lay on them.

I saw a white sofa set where many people were engaged in conversation. A man held a magazine in one hand and a piece of cloth in the other.

But what truly caught my attention was the headless mannequin. One of them wore a gown—a wedding gown!

That's when it hit me. I finally realized what we were here for. My gaze shifted to Gertrude and Yuri's mother, standing in front of me.

They were happily chatting and laughing. After a moment, they stopped and opened a glass door with "VIP" written on it. Yuri's mother entered first, followed by Gertrude.

They left me behind?!

I hesitated before pushing the door open and stepping inside alone.

The first thing I saw was a circular sofa set, large enough to fit fifteen people. A massive curtain hung in front of it.

"Beauty!" Gertrude called out sarcastically.

I approached him, noticing how close he was to the curtain.

Rude!

"Madam Yakito! Let's go! Watch!" he said excitedly before pulling the curtain open.

In front of me were five rows of large mirrors. A dazzling white wedding gown caught my eye, almost blinding me.

"Oh my..." Yuri's mother exclaimed happily as she stepped forward. "Look at this! You did a great job."

I couldn't move. My feet felt glued to the floor. My mind was blank. The only thing I managed to do was smile—a forced, plastic smile.

"I'll have my assistant come and help you get dressed," Gertrude said before quickly walking away.

Yuri's mother turned to me with a warm smile. I tried to return it.

"It's beautiful, isn't it? This is what you'll wear for your wedding with Yuri," she said cheerfully.

I can't.

I can't be happy about this. Not after everything Yuri told me. Not after everything that happened. I just... can't.

A woman approached and carefully unfastened the gown from the mannequin, motioning for me to come closer. Yuri's mother stepped out and closed the curtain behind her.

"Please take off your clothes," the woman instructed.

I hesitated. "A-All of them?"

"Just the top... even the undergarment," she replied.

What the—?! Am I supposed to go topless?

I hesitated before slowly removing my t-shirt. I was about to unhook my bra when—damn it!

I stopped and looked at the woman. "C-Can I put on the gown first before taking it off?"

She smiled and nodded.

With a dress this massive—one that resembled Marian Rivera's wedding gown—it was a struggle to put on. Once it was fitted up to my chest, I finally removed my bra.

She adjusted the back, smoothing out the fabric. Then, she brushed my hair away from my face.

When she finished, I turned to look at myself in the mirror.

I stared.

I could hardly believe the reflection was me.

The gown was breathtaking!

So, this is what it feels like to shop for a wedding dress—exciting, thrilling, like I'm heading straight to the altar.

But then, my smile started to fade. Slowly, the reality of my situation sank in. I'm about to marry someone I don't love. Someone who lied to me. Someone I trusted. A man I once believed was simply a victim of his family's business schemes.

"Don't you like it?"

I flinched slightly, startled. I quickly looked up and saw Yuri's mother standing behind me. The curtain was now open.

"I-I like it," I forced myself to say.

"That's great to hear," she said, turning to the woman who helped me dress. "...Leave us alone."

The woman nodded, placed my clothes on the sofa, and left.

Yuri's mother stepped in front of me and pulled out her phone. She tapped the screen before pointing the camera at me.

"Smile," she instructed.

I forced a smile.

"...I'll send it to Yuri," she said.

She tapped her phone a few times, then suddenly, it rang. She chuckled before facing me again.

"If you could, would you go straight to the altar right now?" she asked, laughing.

I laughed along with her, hoping it didn't look as fake as it felt. She studied me for a moment, her eyes scanning the gown. Then, our eyes met. I quickly looked away.

It felt strange—uncomfortable—to hold her gaze.

"To be honest... I never wanted you to be my daughter-in-law," she said, smiling, though there was a serious undertone in her voice.

That's fine… I never wanted to be your daughter-in-law either.

"...But I love my son so much that I'm willing to sacrifice everything," she continued, her voice laced with sadness. "...The entire Hanamitchi clan never liked me. Ever since I married Yumori, I've been trying to earn their acceptance. I've spent years proving that I deserve to be part of this family, but... they never accepted me."

Yuri told me about this before.

She forced a smile and gently tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear.

"I thought it would be like that forever. But then Yuri was born, and half of the clan finally acknowledged me. To them, he was a blessing. He came into this world when the family's business was on the brink of collapse."

I listened silently, unsure why she was telling me all this.

"Smart, cheerful, and obedient—that's my Yuri. I gave him everything, even when he never asked for it. My father-in-law and I never got along, but Yuri never stopped trying to prove himself."

I wanted to ask how she knew what Yuri truly wanted. Why she interfered with Ella. But my tongue refused to move.

"I treated his friends like my own children—especially Keifer, even though I was always against their friendship." She sighed deeply, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "...But when he introduced me to Ella, everything changed."

Damn it. So this is about her.

"I didn't accept her, and I knew the rest of the clan wouldn't either. So, I did what I thought was best—I told Keifer to keep Ella away from Yuri. But I had no idea they were already fighting over the same woman." Tears finally spilled from her eyes. "...My son became someone I didn't recognize. He drank excessively, came home with bruises and dirty clothes, and even dyed his hair—shocking everyone. He started talking back to us, especially to his grandfather."

Even though I wasn't sure if I should, I stepped forward and hugged her.

She clung to me, sobbing.

"Please..." she whispered through her tears. "...Love my son."

God help me.

"Just ask for something else. Don't do that, love him...I can't bear to see him miserable again. I beg you... love my son."

I wanted to cry. I hugged her tightly. I wanted to do what she asked. I wanted to, I really did!

But I couldn't do it!

I loved someone else, and no matter what I did, he was the one I truly wanted. He was the one I really loved.

Keifer.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

David's POV

["She's okay... In a few weeks, she can go home,"] Percy said on the other end of the line.

"Are you going with her?"

["I might go first. I want to see Jay-jay and Felix."]

I looked up at the sky. My contract was about to end. Soon, I would see Cheon—my girlfriend. The thoughts troubling my mind would finally fade.

"Thank you, by the way," I said hesitantly.

["I should be the one thanking you. Thank you for watching over Jay-jay. I really wish..."] He paused for a moment. ["...I really hope you keep your word."]

I lowered my gaze. "Y-yeah."

He ended the call. I looked at the gate of their house—Jay-jay's house. Percy hadn't asked me to come here; I simply wanted to see her.

Their gate opened, and I immediately ducked into the car. I didn't want anyone to see me. But my patience paid off. Jay-jay stepped out, carrying a garbage bag.

She dropped it right next to the other trash bags in front of the gate. She was about to go back inside when Angelo suddenly appeared, scolding her. Jay-jay bowed her head, listening. But as soon as her cousin left, she made a face and mimicked whatever her older brother had said.

Such a brat.

I couldn't help but laugh. That was enough for me, so I started the car and drove away.

I had no idea what I was doing. I was completely in love with my girlfriend, but whenever I got close to Jay-jay, everything became confusing. It had only worsened because of the deal I made with Percy. If I couldn't agree... it wouldn't happen.

*Flashback*

My foot tapped anxiously against the floor. We had been waiting outside the operating room for nearly four hours, and we still hadn't heard anything from the doctors.

I sighed and lowered my head.

"David..." Cheon's mom called out gently. "...Go home for a while. You were here all night."

I forced a smile. "I-I'm fine, Auntie... I can't stay home for too long."

"At least eat something. I'll buy you food. What do you want?" Cheon's dad, Uncle Tito, offered.

I immediately stood up. "No need. I'll just buy something myself."

He smiled and let me go. I knew they were worried about me too. Ever since Cheon had been brought back to the hospital, I hadn't gone home. I could barely eat.

I walked away, feeling dazed. I didn't want to leave—I was afraid something would happen while I was gone. I had thought she'd be fine after going to Hong Kong, but she wasn't.

As I walked, I bumped into someone. I immediately looked up and apologized.

"S-sorry," I said. "...I didn't mean to."

The guy stared at me, as if he recognized me. His eyes were blue, an unusual contrast to his Filipino features.

"It's okay," he replied.

I continued walking and went straight to the hospital cafeteria. Even though I had no appetite, I forced myself to eat—I couldn't afford to get sick too.

After I finished, Auntie texted me. The surgery was over, and the doctor wanted to talk to them. I hurried back and found her standing outside the doctor's office.

"Come on... The doctor is going to talk to us," she said.

We went inside, and the doctor's grim expression immediately made my heart sink.

"Please, have a seat," he said.

Auntie sat down, but I remained standing. The doctor took out a tablet, pressed something on it, and then turned the screen toward us. It showed an ultrasound of a heart.

"The surgery was unsuccessful. We didn't want to take any further risks. There is already a large hole in her heart, along with swelling in some arteries—"

I didn't let him finish. I immediately stormed out of the office, punching the wall in frustration.

"Tsk! Don't touch the wall," a voice said.

I froze. I turned to glare at him—it was the same guy with blue eyes that I had bumped into earlier.

"What do you care?!" I snapped.

Why was I even asking? I didn't know him. And he didn't know me—

"David Brewer," he said, making me stop in my tracks. "...Former president of Section E."

H-how did he...?

"D-do I know you?"

He smiled, and honestly, it threw me off. I didn't know him. He wasn't a student at HVIS—I was sure of that. But somehow, he looked like he was my age.

"Maybe you've heard the name... Percy Rey Collins?" he asked.

Collins?

I only knew one Collins—Felix. Then it hit me. He was Felix's stepbrother. But... Felix's stepbrother was dead.

"From the way you're looking at me... I think you already know who I am." He extended his hand. "...Nice to meet you."

I didn't take it. My mind was a complete mess. I couldn't figure out why he was here, talking to me. He retracted his hand but kept smiling.

"Well... I won't beat around the bush. I'd like to offer you a job."

"E-excuse me? A job?"

"Yes... a job," he repeated. "...We can talk about it now if you have time."

I shook my head. "Look... Mr. Whoever-You-Are, I don't know you. The Percy I knew is dead, and I'm not interested in whatever you're offering. Now, if you'll excuse me—"

"I can help Ms. Cheon Sa Kim," he cut me off.

I froze. How did he know my girlfriend's full name? And what kind of help was he talking about?

"...Her surgery was unsuccessful. Other hospitals refuse to operate on her because it's too risky, and they don't want to jeopardize their reputation," he continued. "...The only option left is to take her to New York. But her family can't afford it."

Crap.

How did he know all of this? The doctor had long insisted that New York was the best option, but Cheon's parents simply couldn't afford the cost. We had offered financial help, but it still wasn't enough.

"You see... I can pay for her medical bills. I have a private plane that can take her to New York safely."

I lowered my head. He was a complete stranger to me. But his offer was tempting.

This was about Cheon.

And a big part of me was screaming at me to listen.

"How can I be sure you're telling the truth?" I asked, almost in a whisper.

He smiled widely. "Let me explain it to you."

He walked away, and I followed him until we stopped in a patient's room. He sat on the bed and began explaining everything. As proof, he showed me some photos to support his claims.

He also explained his reasons for doing it. I was starting to believe him, even though I still didn't fully trust him.

"...I only have one rule," he said after explaining my job. "Never fall for him."

I tried to hide my reaction. Why? Why shouldn't I? What if I start feeling something different?

But Cheon needs me more right now. I still have so many questions.

"I accept your offer," I finally said.

*End of Flashback*

And now, here I am, utterly confused about my feelings. I shouldn't feel this way. I love Cheon—that's why I made this sacrifice.

But when I'm with Jay-Jay, my heart beats differently.

This is so wrong!

I don't want to get caught up in Keifer and Yuri's mess.