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Elleanor
The car pulls up in front of a luxurious, brightly lit house in Jardim Europa. Mariana unbuckles her seatbelt, her left hand resting on the steering wheel. She surveys the house and its surroundings, then her big, black eyes, framed by naturally long eyelashes, meet mine. She smiles, exhales, and a tear trickles down her cheek.
"Don’t you think it’s too soon to move? There’s plenty of space at home."
"I know, Mari, but you and your enchanted Scotsman..." Mariana chuckles as I use the nickname she affectionately coined for Jae. "You two need your privacy."
"Elle, you’re like a sister to me, and Jerry knows that."
"Even if I were your mother! This is your time."
"I’ll miss you so much!" Mariana pouts, tears streaming down her face. I wipe them away and pull her into a hug.
"I’ll miss you too. But we’ll still have our lunches, coffees, and I’ll always come to visit."
"At least for now."
"Shhh!" I place my index finger in front of my lips. "No looking ahead. We’re expecting you tonight."
"Yes, ma'am," she replies with a smile. "See you tonight, Elle."
I step out of the car. She pops the trunk open. I walk to the back, and just as I'm about to lift the first suitcase, Jae comes through the gate, giving Mari a discreet wave. He approaches with his hands in his pockets to help me.
"Weren’t you going to call me to help?"
"It’s just two suitcases."
"Two that are bigger than you." He pulls his right hand out of his pocket and playfully tousles my hair before slipping it back into the side pocket of his pants.
I cross my arms and tilt my head slightly, raising an eyebrow. His smile broadens. With a swiftness I hadn't seen before, his hands find my neck and waist, pulling me close in an instant, and his lips skillfully capture mine; my heart is so bewildered it can't decide whether to race or stop.
"Hey! Lovebirds, get a room! I'm running late!" Mari calls out, eyeing us in the rearview mirror.
Jae steps back, his cheeks flushed. He grabs my luggage and waves at Mariana. She laughs and playfully mimics Jae Young’s serious demeanor, then blows a kiss and drives off.
He insists on carrying my bags to the room. Despite the house's size and its many rooms, he settles me into the master suite—his room.
It’s not the first time we’ve shared a bed, but previously, we literally just shared the space. Now, I’m not sure what to expect... I've longed for this moment, yet I'm uncertain if it's the right time.
“I've organized the closet. There should be enough space for both our personal items.” I bite my lip, focusing on anything but his gaze. “I've also emptied some drawers and one side of the bathroom cabinet for you, so feel free to arrange everything however you like.”
"Feel free!" A tumult of emotions whirls inside me, yet none seem to fit that simple description!
“I’d love to stay and help, but I need to head to the agency. I’ll be back early to help with dinner preparations.”
“Don't worry.” I exhale, shaking out my arms.
“Lia! I love it when your shyness shows up!” Jae takes my hand and draws me close again. His arms envelop me. His citrusy fragrance melds perfectly with the natural scent of his skin, and my heart skips a beat with our closeness. “Relax and enjoy every moment. This is new for me too, but I’m loving it because from now on, I’ll be by your side every day. You are my home.”
His arms press me tightly, comforting rather than confining. Jae strokes my hair and plants a warm kiss on the top of my head. He leaves with his hands in his pockets, socks on his feet, maintaining his habit of not wearing shoes inside the house.
––––––––
After I finish my shower, the doorbell rings. My hair still wrapped in a towel, I impulsively pull it off and toss it onto the bed. I catch a glimpse of Jae stepping out of the shower, his torso bare and water dripping down his defined chest. Before I can get lost in the sight, I turn to head towards the door, my hair a complete mess.
That was my intention, but Jae catches my wrist, turning me back to face him again.
“Where are you rushing off to?” he asks.
“Didn’t you hear the doorbell?”
“No. But don’t worry, our secretary will get it.” I recall that Jae Young hired someone to manage the household, a new adjustment for me. “Take your time getting ready,” he insists, kissing my forehead.
“Okay.” Jae reaches for the towel around his waist. “Why don’t you get dressed in the bathroom?”
“Elleanor, you’ve seen me with much less than this before.”
“Yes. Kids!” He places his hands on his hips, throws his head back, and laughs heartily.
“I’ll head back to the bathroom.”
As I close the door, I quickly comb my damp hair and apply simple makeup. Jae returns, now properly dressed in pants and a shirt, his hair styled, exuding a wonderful scent.
Oh, how I love this fragrance!
“Jeongmal Yeppeoyo!”
Jae hugs me from behind, resting his head on my right shoulder. He nuzzles his nose against my neck, inhaling deeply, then gently kisses my skin.
He’s definitely trying to drive me crazy! Next to him, the romantic leads in dramas seem downright tame!
“Shall we go?”
I break free from his embrace and take his hand as we head to the living room. There, Mariana, with her perfectly styled curls and bright smile, is arm in arm with Marcus, both looking elegant. To my surprise, Aunt Madá is also here. I flash a warm smile at Jae and the other important people in my life.
As we descend the last step, Jae releases my hand, and I'm swept into a triple hug.
“The house is truly beautiful,” Marcus remarks, extending his hand to Jae.
“Elle, I know you’re tired, but blow-drying your hair wouldn’t take long. It would really complete your look,” Mariana teases with a laugh.
Jae chides her, his cheeks flushing. Mariana notices and giggles, amused by his discomfort.
“Madalena,” Jae greets with a bow. As he straightens, he offers a simple handshake, but Madá, ever warm and exuberant, wraps him in a hug and plants a kiss on his cheek. Now he looks as red as a chili pepper.
“Thank you for accepting our invitation. Please, make yourselves at home,” Jae says, gesturing grandly towards the sofa. Everyone settles in, making themselves comfortable.
Jae hired two waiters to assist us with drinks and food. Our secretary, it turns out, is quite the culinary artist. In addition to familiar dishes, Jae provided some snacks such as spicy tteokbokki, fried chicken, and kimbap.
The reception proceeds pleasantly. Jae Young gradually loosens up, succumbing to Madá and Mariana's jokes, who together seem like a stand-up comedy duo. Marcus, as always, is polite and kind. My heart overflows with emotion. My best friends, my aunt, and my great love are all interacting and, clearly, getting along well.
Although Jae Young knew everyone—Madá through her partnership with the agency and other events, and Mari and Marcus from the rescue until now, offering us support—he had not yet met them in such a friendly atmosphere.
Slowly, everything falls into place, and from the smiling faces, I believe that Jae was more than approved and accepted; he found a home in the heart of each of them.
The waiter arrives to refill the empty wine glasses and bring dessert.
“I would like to take this opportunity to announce some news,” Marcus says, sipping a bit of wine. He wipes his lips with a napkin. Mari places her hand on her brother’s, smiling broadly. Her eyes sparkle with pride and complicity. The rest of us remain silent, listening attentively to his announcement.
“André and I have decided to move to France. He has been accepted into the culinary school he’s been dreaming of for years, and I will take the opportunity to specialize in fashion and expand my network of contacts.”
“Ah, Marcus! Do you know how happy I am for both of you? I don’t even know how to express it,” I say as I rise from my seat next to Jae, wrap my arms around Marcus—who remains seated—and pepper his face with kisses. “I will miss you so much.” Jae shifts a bit, uncomfortable with my display, which is unusual for his customs.
"I'll miss you too," Marcus smiles. Madá raises her glass and delivers a brief toast, wishing prosperity to both of them.
"Will you stay in Paris?"
"Yes."
"I'll take Elleanor to visit you. I know some people who can help you there—everyone in the fashion world," Jae says, I winking at Jae in gratitude before returning to my seat as the two of them exchange contacts. Although Jae feels jealous, he manages not to let it show.
"Elle, don't worry, I'll make a beautiful wedding dress especially for you!"
"We don't even know if and when we'll get married. That sounds like coercion on your part," I joke. Marcus laughs again.
"First, you'll make mine, little brother," Mari says as she downs her entire glass. I glance between Jae and Madá, who both display the same level of understanding and curiosity. "Jerry proposed today during lunch," she announces, raising her hand to show the back of it, wiggling her fingers to display the beautiful and huge solitaire on her right ring finger. She stomps her feet and covers her face.
"So the enchanted Scot really caught you, huh?" I tease. Mari sticks her tongue out at me. Jae raises his glass toward her, and we all toast.
"I'm so happy for you, dear! I insist on organizing the party. You've always been so wonderful with my Elleanor! You know you're part of the family, right?" Madá offers warmly.
"Thank you for your kindness, Madá. There's one more thing," Mari turns to Jae and me. "Will you and Jae Young agree to be my godparents?"
Our response goes without saying.
Thus, we conclude the dinner, now planning Mari's wedding, which will take place in two months. We celebrate love, life, and friendship.
Mariana and Marcus left first, but Madá stayed a few more minutes. Jae offered her some soju to try; always spirited, she loved it. We showed her around the entire house.
"It's already my time to go."
“Don’t you prefer to stay the night, Madalena?”
“Thank you, dear.” She grasps Jae's hand between hers. “Actually, I have a favor to ask.”
“Is something wrong that you haven't told me, Madá?” Her laughter rings out, amused by my concerned expression.
“No, dear.” She exhales deeply. “I'm getting older. I have enough to live comfortably until I'm a hundred years old. There’s so much I haven’t done yet, so many places to see, and a brother whose company I want to enjoy more.”
Jae links our hands and squeezes in a gesture of support, just like in childhood. I glance at him, and he nods subtly, encouraging me to give Madá the attention she seeks.
“What do you plan to do, Auntie?”
“I'm considering selling the company.” Madá looks at Jae, who meets her gaze with a tender understanding, seemingly deeper than my own. “That’s why I'm asking you to take good care of Elleanor for me.”
“Oh, Madá!”
“I’ll look after her as if she were my own life.”
“Thank you.” Madá embraces him tightly, nearly smothering him with affection. She does the same to me. “You don’t need to come to work, Elle. The new owner will take over this week. I’ll just organize Mariana’s wedding and then I'll be on my way.”
“What a novel way to lay someone off!” I protest lightly. Madá walks away, waving her hand behind her.
“You would have to leave anyway, Lia.”
“You’re not suggesting I become a housewife, are you? That’s not really my calling—I enjoy working, you know.”
Jae lowers himself until our eyes are level. His nose brushes against mine.
“I want you to work with me at Park Group.”
“I’m not sure I heard you right. Could you repeat that, please?”
“It’s an international position. Besides the agency, we manage several other companies under Park Communications. It’s going to be demanding with a lot of travel. We might even need to maintain at least two residences: one here and one in Seoul.”
“I promise I’ll think about it.”
I start towards the stairs, but Jae lifts me effortlessly, slinging me over his shoulder. His fingertips tickle the soles of my feet, rendering me speechless. All I can do is laugh, a laugh as carefree as the one I had the day he left the blue house.