The Billionaire and the Runaway Bride

by Nadia Lee

  “My pleasure. Next time we’ll go someplace else.”

  “Deal.”

  Chapter Forty-Six

  Yuna

  In the evening, I’m back at Ivy and Tony’s place. I’m feeling much better about the encounter with that damned Woomin at the restaurant. Seeing him again gave me closure I hadn’t realized I wanted. Knowing that he didn’t get any of what he wanted soothed my old hurt. Now I’m scab- and scar-free. Ta-da!

  Thankfully, Mr. Choi and Ms. Kim have no idea who he is, so they won’t be reporting him to Mom. She hired them after the breakup. Well, it wasn’t even a breakup. More like telling me he was through because he got the money he really needed. Said it was seed money for him to start a business.

  And yet here he is—in Los Angeles, working as a server at a restaurant. What a joke.

  I have no clue what he was thinking, coming up to me again like that. Did he think he could get more money from my family?

  I honestly don’t understand what I ever saw in him. I thought the way the outer corners of his eyes curve down made him look like a nice, even-tempered guy before. But now it just makes him look shifty. It’s embarrassing that I ever thought he was genuine. The only saving grace is that we never did anything more than heavy petting. Otherwise, I would’ve bleached my vagina.

  The lights are on in the living room. I walk over, then stop when I see Mom, Ivy and Tony with Katherine and Sebastian, who are resting in two electric cradles that rock automatically.

  “Hello, everyone,” I say warmly.

  “Not so loud. The twins are sleeping,” Mom hisses.

  “Sorry,” I whisper, then hug Mom, just because I’m about to hug Ivy. Mom isn’t a super hugger—it isn’t a thing in Korea—but she tries to fit in when she’s in the States.

  Ivy waves with a huge smile. “Hey!” she whispers.

  “You’re back!” I hug her tightly. It’s always good to see her.

  “Yup. Discharged this afternoon.”

  “Outrageous!” Mom says. “You should’ve been able to spend at least another week at the hospital.”

  That’s just like Mom. She thinks new mothers should have at least two full months of pampering in a private room at a hospital or someplace similar. “Mom, American hospitals aren’t like the luxury wing at Hae Min Hospital in Seoul.”

  “It’s so backward and inconvenient,” Mom mutters.

  I try not to laugh at how annoyed she is. Almost like a child denied a favorite treat.

  I look over at the twins and marvel again at how tiny and precious they are. They’re making all my protective instincts and love swell. “They’re sleeping like angels.”

  “Yeah, thank God,” Tony says. “Those cradles are worth their weight in gold.”

  “Oh my God yes. Whoever invented them should get a Nobel Prize,” Ivy says.

  “Why didn’t you set up the cradles upstairs?” I ask.

  “We’ve got a set for upstairs, too. Should’ve bought stock in the company,” Ivy says.

  We chat for a little bit, but Ivy gets tired. Not surprising. She’s just had not one, but two babies. That’s double the work.

  Tony takes a twin in each arm and goes upstairs to get them settled in the nursery. Ivy follows.

  I wave goodbye, and turn to Mom. “Are you heading back to the Aylster?”

  “Yes, and you should come with me,” Mom says like it’s been decided. “Ivy and Tony will want to be alone with their babies. Trust me.”

  Huh. She’s a bit too insistent. She’s told me to move to the hotel, but this is a bit too stubborn. “I don’t have the time to pack.”

  “Ms. Lim has taken care of that already.”

  I close my eyes briefly. I guess no was never really an option, but it rarely is when Mom is dead set on something.

  “Fine,” I say heavily. Maybe there’s something Mom knows that I don’t about being new parents. Or…

  Wait a minute. My birthday is coming up soon. In precisely two weeks. And that means a party. Since I don’t care to have parties at a hotel, which Mom knows, it’s likely my friends are going to host it at one of their places. Bet Ivy gets to do it. She uses the fact that she’s my soul sister to get what she wants, and she’d want to host my birthday party here.

  And since Mom’s not bringing up that reason, it’s going to be a surprise party.

  I try not to smile too smugly. I’d hate to ruin their fun. Besides, surprise parties are awesome. They’re my favorite. Actually, all parties are, but still. It’s for me, so it’s extra special.

  “Fine,” I say, since I don’t want to argue with her or get in the way of my friends’ plans. “I’ll move to the suite. But I want my own space, Mom.”

  “Of course.”

  “And no setting up meetings with dossiers!”

  The three Mom showed me are worrisome. If she brought them specifically to show to me when she knows I’m going to be in L.A. for a while, those men are probably willing to fly out to meet me or have a business trip to the States soon.

  She straightens her back. “I would never force anyone on you…although I do think you should meet them. Why do you think they’ll be any less interesting and desirable than Declan Winters?”

  I laugh. “Have you seen Declan Winters?”

  “He’s a handsome man, I’ll admit. Looks, however, are not a sound foundation for marriage.”

  I can’t believe I have to state my objections again. But I’m willing if it’ll convince Mom to give Declan a chance. He might not have a conglomerate to run or have the right degrees from the right universities, but he’s perfect. “All your dossier guys are workaholics like Eugene. They won’t show up for my birthdays or anniversaries because business will come first. The most they’ll do to show they haven’t forgotten about me is sending me some ridiculously expensive but utterly thoughtless gift. I don’t want that sort of life. And Declan will never do that.”

  “You seem awfully sure.”

  “Because I am. I’ve seen you and Dad.”

  Mom lets out a sigh that says she’s dealing with an unreasonable child. “Not even your father was perfect through our marriage.”

  I gasp. “No way! He missed special occasions?”

  She shrugs. “Once or twice.”

  My esteem for him drops several notches. Hard. Mom is a saint for being okay with that.

  “He was out of the country on business, and I didn’t feel like traveling with him. It couldn’t be avoided.”

  Well, then. He didn’t just forget. That changes things.

  Mom continues, “Anyway, the point isn’t about my marriage, it’s about yours.”

  “Mom, I know what I want. You don’t have to worry. I absolutely, positively do not want to be a merger wife. I want to marry a man who’ll love me for the rest of my life.”

  “And you think that’s Declan.”

  “Yes,” I say firmly. I’ve never been this sure, and I don’t ignore my gut feelings.

  “All right. But if he does anything to make you rethink that, will you please meet with Ryu Taejo or any other candidate who’s still available?”

  This is a huge compromise for my mother. And it’ll never happen. So I nod. “I will. I promise.”

  Chapter Forty-Seven

  Declan

  –Me: So the car can be delivered in two weeks?

  –Tim the Rolls Dealer (Not My Agent): Yes. Pink and all specced out. Automatic transmission, just like you asked.

  –Me: Good.

  * * *

  –Bobbi: What do you think about this design? I used your suggestions and tried to incorporate them as much as possible while still sticking to a cohesive theme.

  –Me: Holy cow. That’s really going to be a cake?

  –Bobbi: Yes.

  –Me: I didn’t know cakes could look like that.

  –Bobbi: You’ve never had a baker like me.

  –Me: No kidding. No wonder you have a long wait list.

  –Bobbi: Yeah, but it’s for Ivy. S
he’s special. And so is Yuna.

  –Me: I’m gonna put it on all my social media accounts.

  –Bobbi: Please do. I can use the free publicity.

  * * *

  –Me: What do you think about this design for the cake?

  –Court: That’s a cake? I thought it was art.

  –Ivy: How are we supposed to eat something that pretty?

  –Nate: Easy. With your teeth and fork. Actually, you don’t have to chew before you swallow. Bobbi makes the best cake. It’s so moist and just melts in your mouth.

  –Tony: You must’ve given her a really good design request, Declan.

  –Me: Just gave what comes to mind when I think of Yuna.

  –Ivy: She’s going to be thrilled.

  –Jo: Totally. That cake looks like a dream.

  –Evie: I’m so glad we had you do the cake, Declan. I don’t think I would’ve had Bobbi do something that awesome.

  –Me: Anything else you want me to take care of?

  –Ivy: I almost feel like I should have you in charge of flowers, too, but Kim already took care of that.

  –Kim: Yuna should get the best flowers. And the cake looks awesome. Bobbi’s the best.

  –Ivy: One more week, friends!

  * * *

  It’s D-Day. Or B-Day. I can’t remember being this excited about somebody’s birthday before. Birthdays are when I go to a party, say, “Happy birthday,” hand over a present Benedict picked out, sing a song and eat some cake.

  But today carries an extra meaning. It’s Yuna’s birthday.

  Some might say it’s too soon, but I honestly can’t imagine what my life would be like without her. Every day is great when I’m with her. She doesn’t have to do anything. She can just be in the same house and I’m happy.

  Since it’s Sunday, Yuna’s not here. Jo and Kim have her out shopping, keeping her away from Ivy’s home until six—no spending time with the babies—while the decorators put the finishing touches and Bobbi brings over her super cake.

  I can’t wait for Yuna to see the thing. It’s sheer art. And the gift I bought her, because it’s a sign of true love. She’s going to light up, and my heart is full of happy anticipation. We should go for a short drive in her brand-new pink wheels. A gorgeous Rolls coupe convertible. The color’s custom, and she’ll love how the baby drives. It’s hella more fun than an SUV like Nate mentioned, and Yuna deserves a fun ride.

  Then we’ll close out the party with fireworks that spell out Happy Birthday to the Best Woman in the World, which was my idea. (And I’m damn proud of it.)

  Afterward, we’ll come home to Malibu and dance all night. I don’t give a shit if her disapproving duo is going to be watching us move to the music.

  Just as I’m about to leave for Ivy’s place, I get a call from my agent.

  “You got some time?” he says.

  I check my watch. “Depends. I can give you a few minutes.”

  “Josh Fields wants to talk about a sci-fi flick he’s working on. He’s very interested in having you.”

  “Really? That’s great!” Josh Fields is an Oscar-winning director, and he’s done an incredible range of films. Everyone in Hollywood wants to work with him, including me. Even when one of his films isn’t a commercial hit, it gets talked about and the actors get a lot of publicity and attention.

  Tim says, “He’s seen you in Pushing His Buttons, and he thinks you’d be awesome because even though his next project is a thriller, it’s got a lot of comedic elements. He needs an actor who has good comedic timing and roguish charm. His words. The role he’s thinking of for you is a funny and charming playboy space pirate with a secret past. And before you say you don’t want a romance hero role, there’s very little romance in the movie, so you don’t have to worry about it being Pushing His Buttons in outer space.”

  “All that sounds great. When does he want to meet?”

  “Right now.”

  Shit. If Josh is serious, the talk could take too long. Yuna’s party is going to start in an hour and half. I want to be there to say, “Surprise!”

  “I’ve got something going on right now. Can we schedule it for tomorrow or some other day?” I ask.

  “No can do. He’s leaving for London this evening, and he won’t be back for a couple of weeks. It won’t take long…maybe half an hour max. He just wants to get a look at you in person, talk a little. Like that. It can do amazing things for your career. Really. I’ll join you guys.”

  I know that, but I still want to turn this meeting down, or at least delay it, but then…

  Yuna’s mom acted like I’m not good enough for Yuna for so many reasons. And I told her none of them matter because I’m an accomplished, successful man. But a hit show or two on Netflix is far from the pinnacle of success, especially compared to the men her parents are shoving at Yuna. Those guys are running multibillion-dollar conglomerates and have fancy degrees and pedigrees.

  I want Yuna to be proud. And I’ll be damned if I’ll give Yuna’s mother another objection to throw at me. The only thing I have to show her is what I’ve achieved, and working with Josh Fields is going to make me even a better candidate.

  “Fine,” I say. “I’ll meet with Josh. Tell him it has to be short. When and where?”

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  Yuna

  “The twins are going to look so cute,” Jo says as she parks her Lexus in front of Ivy’s home.

  “I know, right?” I say, although I know Jo and Kim had ulterior motives for shopping all day today.

  Still, I act like I have no clue. I don’t want to ruin their fun. Or my own. Watching them be happy is going to be all the reward I need.

  I wish I could ready my phone to snap a picture of Declan jumping out and saying, “Surprise!” but that would spoil everything.

  Ah, acting is so hard. How does Declan do it?

  Kim carries half the glossy bags for baby things in consideration of how pregnant Jo is. We leave the other half in the car because they’re for Jo’s baby to come.

  “I can help with those,” I say.

  “No, I’m good,” Kim says.

  “Ladies, let’s go,” Jo says. “I want air conditioning and food.”

  We walk inside the mansion blazing with lights. Jo looks at her phone. “Ivy says the twins are in the piano room.”

  An excellent choice, I think. I would’ve picked that space for a party because it’s huge, with a good view of the garden. Once the sun goes down the outside lights come on, and the place takes on a magical, fairytale-like feel.

  Wonder if my friends hired a DJ. I want to dance with Declan against the fantastical backdrop.

  The second I cross the threshold to the piano room, Ivy and the rest of the gang jump up from behind couches.

  “Surprise! Happy birthday!”

  Loud pops go off everywhere and confetti flutters in the air like flower petals. I gasp and put both hands over my mouth.

  “Oh my God, guys!” I let out a squeal and scan the crowd to spot Declan. Except I don’t see him…which is strange.

  Still, I maintain my happy smile. He probably went to the bathroom or something. There’s no way he would miss my birthday. There’s nothing on his calendar for today. I checked.

  “To our best and most awesome friend, Yuna!” everyone says in a chorus.

  “And to my best and most beloved daughter,” Mom says from behind me, putting her hands on my shoulders.

  I turn around with a fond smile. “Mom!”

  She cradles my face tenderly. “Happy birthday, my peach child.”

  She always calls me her peach child on my birthday because she said she dreamed of a gorgeous peach when she had me and craved the fruit so badly.

  I hug her. “Thanks, Mom. I’m so happy you’re here for my birthday, even though we’re celebrating in America.”

  Everyone comes over and hugs me. I hug them back, my heart full of joy. This is seriously the best.

  Even Bobbi’s here. New profession
or not, she still looks like an Amazon warrior and squeezes me like an anaconda.

  “You’re so buff,” I say with admiration for the strong lines on her arms.

  “It’s all the kneading,” she says.

  I laugh. “I can’t wait to see the cake you must’ve created.”

  “You won’t be disappointed.” Bobbi winks. “It’s the best I’ve ever made. And it’s huge!”

  A big cake… Now I understand. Declan’s hiding in it to jump out later. I’d plan something like that if I had the time to commission a cake large enough. And one of my chaebol heiress friends actually did have that happen. Her boyfriend jumped out of a cake and said he was her present, which was hilarious and adorable.

  Hopefully, Declan doesn’t pop out in nothing but a thong and a huge bow around his neck. Mom’s here, and while I wouldn’t mind, she’d probably faint.

  Ivy comes over to kiss me on the cheek. “Happy birthday, sister.”

  “Thanks, sis. You’re the best.” I smile, then remember I should pretend to be concerned that Declan’s not here. Must set up my stunned reaction for later. Hehehe. “By the way, did you invite Declan?”

  “Of course! He helped with party planning. I don’t know what’s holding him up, but he should be here soon.”

  Well, Ivy’s gotten really good at acting, too. Must’ve gotten some pointers from Declan. Heh. “Awesome.”

  We grab snacks and mingle a little. The DJ is playing an upbeat tune.

  “Do you want to open some presents first or do the cake first?” Evie asks me.

  “Oh my gosh, that’s so hard.”

  Cake so I can see Declan! But I must restrain myself. Can’t ruin my friends’ work.

  Doing everything in my power to suppress my excitement and anticipation, I feign a moment of consideration. “Let’s do both at the same time!”

  “Why not? Have your cake and presents, too,” Nate says with a laugh.

  “Okay, so it’s a bit childish, but what can I say? I love everything about this party.”

  “Of course you do. We planned it,” Court says.

  “Let’s open the presents first,” Ivy says. “And wait on the cake until Declan shows.”