Heart and Seoul (The Seoul Series Book 1)

by Erin Kinsella

  “Oh, is that my new son?”

  Hwan awkwardly waved at the screen.

  “Nah, that’s just Hwan.” Kelly grinned. “You’ll see Eun Gi soon.”

  Mi Na swept over to them. “Why is your phone out? You’re going down the aisle at any moment.”

  “Tessa’s parents aren’t here, so I’m being their eyes.”

  Mi Na sighed. “Fine, but as soon as the ceremony is over, the phone is off. Got it?”

  “Roger that.” Kelly opened the pop socket on her phone so she could hold it and her bouquet at the same time. “Can you guys still see?”

  “Perfectly. Thank you, sweetie,” Tessa’s mother answered.

  They’d done a short rehearsal the night before, but nerves melted the memories right out of Tessa’s head. She squeezed her bouquet and tried to relax herself by inhaling the delicate scent of the roses. Eun Gi was waiting on the other side of the hall, but she wished that he was here with her, that they could walk in together.

  The music began, and Mi Na ushered Hwan and Kelly through the doors. Tessa bit her lip to hold back the wobble. Her parents weren’t here, and she was getting married. Sweat prickled her skin, and everything blurred out around her.

  She ordered herself not to cry.

  Mi Na and everyone invested in this event would roast her on a spit if she walked down that aisle sobbing. She stared up at the ceiling, willing back the tears.

  Her heart hadn’t stopped racing since they’d put her in the dress. She’d managed through hair and makeup reasonably well, but the gown made it so much more real.

  “I can do this,” she whispered to herself.

  “Come on.” Mi Na waved her over, and the ushers opened the double doors.

  Every eye in the room turned to her, and her feet rooted to the carpet under the weight of their stares.

  “Go!” Mi Na snapped.

  Tessa took a step. Juice from the flower stalks leaked through the ribbons and onto her hands, but her fingers wouldn’t relinquish their tight grip. One step, then another. Eun Gi was watching her too. He appeared completely unruffled in a crisp black tuxedo and pressed white shirt. His tie was the softest shade of pink to complement the flowers they’d woven into her hair. She put all of her attention on him, and responded in kind when he offered a tentative smile.

  At the end of the aisle they faced one another. Eun Gi broke protocol to take her hand.

  “You look beautiful,” he mouthed silently.

  Heat rushed through her at the compliment. The officiant ran through the vows that in a year’s time would be invalidated.

  “Baek Eun Gi, you are becoming the husband of Tessa Juliana Hale. Do you promise to love her, respect her, and care for her in times of both joy and sorrow, health and sickness, until death parts you?”

  “Yes.”

  They ran through the same for Tessa, and she replied, “Yes.”

  “You may now kiss the bride.”

  She stiffened, aware again of the multitude of eyes on them. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be. The thought of a first kiss with him had glanced through her brain once or twice…or twenty times, but this was never how she’d imagined it. She wished she’d been brave enough to say something before this, so their first kiss wasn’t happening right now.

  “Ready?” he whispered, and she forced herself to nod, because she wasn’t and didn’t think she ever would be ready to kiss Baek Eun Gi.

  He took a small step closer, releasing the hand he’d kept hold of through the ceremony to move it up to cradle her cheek. The other settled onto her waist, nudging her closer to him. Tessa raised trembling fingers to his shoulders as her pulse pounded like a kettledrum in her ears.

  Then his mouth was on hers, a soft and tender heat that sent her heart into overdrive. The sweet, insistent pressure of his lips absorbed her quiet, desperate sound. Tessa swayed towards him, and just like that they were parted. The cheer of the attendants erupted around them.

  She shoved down the feelings she was not supposed to be having for her fake fiancé—husband, she mentally corrected. He smiled at her, and her stomach flipped, a helpless grin taking over as she tucked against him, laughing, emotions flooding out. He squeezed her a little tighter and pressed a kiss to her hair.

  Mi Na waved them over to sign the marriage documents.

  They walked back up the aisle hand in hand, followed by Kelly and Hwan. When the double doors closed behind them all, relief smacked into Tessa like a brick.

  Mi Na was already preparing to swoop in, but Eun Gi turned to her. “Do you mind if I borrow Tessa for a minute?”

  It was obvious Mi Na did mind, but she relented. “Two minutes, and then I’m coming to find you.”

  Eun Gi nodded, pulling Tessa along with him and into one of the unused rooms. “How are you doing?”

  “Um, okay, mostly. A little panicky, but I feel a bit better now.”

  He wrapped her in an unexpected hug, and she softened.

  “I appreciate what you’ve done for me. I made a big fuss at the beginning because I didn’t want either of us to be forced into anything. You’re putting up with a lot to protect me, and I promise to do the same. I’ll protect you too.”

  “Thank you.” She sniffled, and he tucked her closer. “Do we have to go back out there?”

  “Unfortunately.”

  Tessa stepped back, scrutinizing him. “How are you taller than me right now?”

  Eun Gi groaned. “They put risers in my shoes.”

  A knock on the door had them both turning towards the sound. “Hurry up. The plate lunch is on schedule, and we can’t start without you.”

  “Mi Na’s a tyrant.” Tessa giggled.

  “We’re coming.” Eun Gi turned back to her. “Let me know if you need anything, okay? We have a few hours left before we can retreat, but I’ll wrestle Mi Na to the ground so you can escape if need be.”

  Tessa laughed. “Hopefully that won’t be necessary, but I appreciate the offer.”

  “Feel better?”

  “Much.”

  “Good.” He smiled softly and took her hand again. “Let’s go face the mob.”

  Lunch put them on full display again, situated at a sweetheart table while the rest of the guests, most of whom Tessa could only guess at the identities of, were seated around the room. Much as she despised the many eyes on her once more, she was grateful to have the semi-quiet space with her now-husband, where she could breathe for a few moments.

  When they finished eating they had to greet their guests before Mi Na would steal them away for photographs, as well as an outfit change for the Korean ceremony. Eun Gi kept a comforting hold on her hand as he introduced her to everyone. Every idol and trainee employed by the company was in attendance. Starstruck didn’t quite cover the experience for Tessa, but she navigated without incident until they came up to an elegant couple.

  Eun Gi’s hand squeezed hers, and his body went rigid.

  “The less we say the better,” Eun Gi whispered. “I apologize in advance for anything she says.”

  “It’ll be okay,” Tessa whispered back.

  “Eomeoni, Abeoji.” He bowed sharply and Tessa followed suit. His mother had tightly permed, dyed-auburn curls and wore a form-fitting blue dress, cream-coloured nylons, and matching shoes. They complemented one another, with his father in a navy suit and blue tie the same shade as his wife’s dress.

  She took Eun Gi’s face in her hands and pressed a kiss to each cheek. His hand shook in Tessa’s grasp.

  “I still can’t believe you’re married. I was starting to think it would never happen, given the things we caught you with when you were young.” She patted his cheek and turned to Tessa. “And you, so sweet to take on my son. Heaven knows how much of a handful he can be, but I’m sure you’ll be well compensated for any unpleasantness. I imagine it’s quite the boost to your book sales.”

  Tessa bristled but kept quiet, pasting a smile on her face. She didn’t need any help from Eun Gi to be a succ
ess, and the mere suggestion that that was why she was doing this had bile rising in her throat.

  “Nice to meet you,” she said in halting Korean, her tongue thick in her mouth.

  Eun Gi’s father looked her up and down, just slow enough to make her skin crawl. She shrank back against her husband, uncertain what to do. His father didn’t speak and seemed entirely annoyed that he was there at all.

  “Eomeoni.” Eun Gi ground out the word, and his fingers twitched in Tessa’s hand.

  “Aren’t you going to introduce me to all your friends?”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea. Abeoji seems tired. Maybe you should head back to the hotel.”

  His mother let out a laugh and returned her attention to Tessa. “We come all the way from Busan, and he wants us to leave. I thought I taught you better manners than that. Maybe I’ll go introduce myself since you’re being so rude.”

  “Don’t.”

  Tessa set her palm on his shoulder in an attempt at comfort and stepped closer. Eun Gi sighed and shifted awkwardly.

  “I’ll introduce you, but…please don’t talk to anyone else.”

  His mother smiled smugly.

  If there were no cameras Tessa might have said something or simply stepped between her husband and his parents to give him space, but they had no such luxury. Eun Gi motioned to Hwan to come over, and the three other members of 24/7 crossed the ballroom along with Kelly and Min Joo.

  Eun Gi glared at his parents, but nevertheless capitulated to her demand. “Eomeoni, this is Park Sung Soo, Lee Hyeong Hwan, and Jeon Min Jae.” The three men bowed quickly, their movements robotic. “The others in the group are still doing their military service. This is Kelly Walsh and her husband, Lee Min Joo.”

  Kelly eyed Eun Gi’s mother with a sharp gaze.

  The details of why her husband was afraid of his parents eluded her, but the fact that he was afraid of them at all had Tessa on guard.

  His mother patted Hwan’s chest while looking at her son. “So tall and handsome. I always hoped you’d turn out like this.”

  Hwan coughed, cheeks flushing red.

  “Oh,” said his mother, “I was meaning to ask you. We could use some help with the rent. You’re such a generous son, so I know you won’t mind.”

  Eun Gi nodded.

  Sung Soo stood tall, stepping between them. “Well, it’s been lovely to meet you, but I do believe I see Mi Na summoning the bride and groom for their photos. Eun Gi, why don’t you and Tessa go do that, and we’ll keep your parents company.”

  Tessa and Eun Gi slipped away and into the room designated for the photography.

  “Could you please give us a moment?” Tessa asked, and the photographer politely excused himself. She turned to her new husband. “Eun Gi, are you okay?”

  His temples were damp with sweat.

  “I’m fine.” He stared down at his hands, and Tessa saw the crescent moon shapes dug into the palms where his mother had held them.

  “It’s okay if you’re not. There’s only me here.”

  Eun Gi shook himself head to toe and fidgeted in place, bouncing on the balls of his feet. “I just need a minute.”

  “Of course. Take your time.”

  Tessa grabbed him one of the water bottles from the case set against the wall. He swallowed the entire thing without taking a breath.

  “Is there anything I can do? What do you need?”

  “For my parents to go back to Busan.” He let out a sharp laugh. “They don’t even rent. She just wanted to put me on the spot.”

  Eun Gi paced the length of the room, back and forth, a tiger trapped in a cage.

  “I’m sorry. They get me a little worked up.” He looked at her for a long moment, but there was only curiosity in his gaze, not scrutiny. “Would it be okay if I hugged you before we go back out?”

  “Absolutely.” She stepped into his arms immediately and squeaked when he squeezed her tightly. He leaned on the wall and settled his chin on her shoulder. The tension in his body melted fractionally as he pulled the weight of her against him.

  “Did they put perfume on you?”

  “Oh probably. I zoned out part way through so I’m not sure what all they did.” Tessa propped her forehead to his. “It might not need to be said, but your mom is clearly blind because you’re tall and handsome. Hwan’s cute and all, but I don’t think he quite compares. I could be a little biased though.”

  Eun Gi laughed, and Tessa grinned, her mission accomplished.

  “Well, I’m glad you think so.”

  “I do. I’m sorry they’re here, and that you’re upset. I wish my parents could have been here. I think you’d like them.”

  “I’d be more worried about whether or not they’d like me, but the fact that you wish they were here makes me feel a little better about the eventual prospect. I’m sorry that mine are…the way they are.”

  “It’s okay.”

  He was so close, warm golden-brown gaze barely inches from hers. “Tessa.”

  “Hmm?”

  He opened his mouth, but closed it again, shrinking into himself. “Never mind.”

  A knock on the door separated them, and Mi Na swept in, the photographer at her heels. “I need to keep you two on schedule. You can’t be sneaking off constantly. Save it for the honeymoon.”

  “But we’re not going on one,” Tessa said.

  Mi Na sighed and tapped away at her phone. Ha Yun appeared a moment later.

  “I can’t believe I forgot to tell you! The company has set up a gift for the two of you for being so cooperative with their measures. They’re sending you to Jeju Island for four nights, all expenses paid.”

  “Oh, when do we leave?”

  Ha Yun checked her phone. “In about two hours.”

  Panic lanced through Tessa. “But we haven’t packed.”

  “Don’t worry about that. Yuna’s already packed a bag for each of you. We’ve had quite a few sponsor requests, so she’s picked out all the items you’ll need. Please do make sure to wear them all outside so they can be seen.”

  “O-of course.”

  Eun Gi slipped his hand into Tessa’s and gave her a comforting squeeze.

  “Once you’re finished up with the photographs, you can change, and we’ll have you off to the airport.”

  Mi Na shuffled them away for the costume change. They weren’t able to do the full Korean ceremony without Tessa’s parents, so the alternative was simply a photoshoot in the traditional clothing. Yuna had Tessa stripped down and transferred into a multi-layered exquisite hwarot in record time. White, red, and gold silk draped over her, embroidered with lotus and peonies. They’d painted red circles on her cheeks and forehead, somehow managing to arrange the headpiece without crushing her original style entirely.

  “You look like a queen,” Eun Gi whispered.

  Tessa beamed. “You’re so cute in hanbok!”

  His face pinched. “Well, I’m glad you think so, because I kind of hate it. I feel like a doll.”

  The blue silk jeogori overcoat hung past his knees atop white baji that gathered at his ankles. A gold belt cinched his waist, matching the exquisite embroidery that wove across the outfit. The traditional gat hat had always made Tessa giggle, but she held it back, not wanting Eun Gi to feel even more self-conscious.

  The photographer arranged them meticulously, for which Tessa was grateful. The hwarot was complicated and weighed a ton, requiring careful adjustments in each new position.

  “Okay, you two get changed.” Kyung Mi slipped into the room bearing two stacks of clothes. She shooed the photographer away. “I’m driving you to the airport after we sneak you out. The company wanted the press to get photos of you both leaving, but I think you’ve done quite enough to satisfy their desires for today.”

  The sudden urge to hug Kyung Mi surged through Tessa.

  “Kyung Mi, have I mentioned before that you’re awesome?”

  A soft smile sprang onto the older woman’s face. She passed ove
r the outfits. “First time for everything. Hurry up now, we’ve got to get out before Mi Na finds out I’m stealing you.”

  Chapter 14

  Tessa

  They were checked into their hotel before dinner. Their suite was ornately decorated in shining cherry wood with gold features, and sleek cream fabrics adorned the furniture and king-sized bed. Tessa went straight to the windows where the sky was melting into shades of coral and gold, kissing the azure horizon. A small private pool sat on a covered terrace overlooking lush gardens, and beyond that the ocean stretched out before them.

  “They went all out, didn’t they?” Tessa pressed her nose to the glass. “Look at that view!”

  It was easily the most expensive hotel room she’d ever set foot inside, and she was ready to soak up every second of the luxury. Their suite was expansive, with a dining room, living room, and bedroom, in addition to the terrace.

  “They are impressively thorough when it comes to creating what they want people to see.” He arranged their bags against the wall and locked the door behind them. “I don’t see why we shouldn’t take advantage of it though. Want to order obscenely expensive food and put it on their tab?”

  “Absolutely.” She flopped onto the bed to grab the menu on the nightstand.

  “What would you get if you were in Canada after a wedding?”

  “Strawberries and champagne are the usual clichéd honeymoon treat.”

  He joined her on the bed, looking over her shoulder at the menu. Her skin prickled into goose bumps at the proximity, at the soft sensation of his breath on her bare skin.

  “Beef, chicken, or seafood?” he asked.

  “Any and all. I’m starving.”

  Eun Gi reached over to bring the menu a little closer. He scrolled through his phone. “The reviews all rave over the ojingeo muchim. Do you like squid?”

  “I don’t mind it, but I thought you didn’t like it.” It was a tidbit she’d remembered from when the group had done their own variety show. A cooking episode had included squid, and Eun Gi had looked green at the prospect.