ASTRID

May 1, 2026, 2 PM


Aston House, Grand Walkerhill Seoul

Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea 


By afternoon, the hotel had started filling up. Most of our guests and relatives had already arrived in South Korea and checked into the hotel where the wedding would take place.

Art had shouldered the expenses himself, wanting everyone who mattered to us to be there to witness our union, especially those coming from my side. He made sure everyone had their own rooms and could settle in comfortably before the big day.

It was too much, really, and the moment I offered to pay the expenses, he got offended, saying I had already planned most parts of our wedding. I didn’t. It’s just that he made sure I had the final say on every choice we had.

To compensate for not paying for the wedding expenses, I would treat him to dinner and such. It was still unfair for him, but he said that was already ’50/50.’

We had already argued about 50/50, and he would instantly bring up that the wedding expenses would mean nothing once I got pregnant because my body would change, my career would get affected, and 50/50 would be nonexistent since I’d be sacrificing more. It was like the prenuptial agreement all over again.

Our problem shouldn’t be a problem, but it’s becoming like one so I just rolled my eyes and no longer argued with him.

After spending the past few days at my parents’ house, we finally moved into the hotel as well. Though I was glad to be out of my parents’ house, we still had to spend one more night in separate rooms before we could finally share the Club Honeymoon Suite on the 8th floor.

It’s quite bizarre that we’re still following the usual traditions even though we already live together. But a few days apart would mean nothing compared to a lifetime together, so we might as well go all in on the wedding traditions, superstitions, and all.

The lobby was busy—actually, we were the ones busy smiling at everyone. I just don’t know how and when Art was able to exit the situation. Where is he anyways?

When most of our guests were escorted to their respective rooms, I finally saw Art. I sat down on the lounge sofa beside him, letting out a sigh as I leaned back against it.

“You left me,” I said, squinting my eyes at him.

“You left me,” he corrected. “I was speaking with our business partners, then you got bored and talked to another guest.”

Oh… right. I really got sleepy with their topics.

Art leaned closer, gently turning me to the side as he wrapped himself around me in a loose backhug. He rested his chin on my shoulder before pressing a soft kiss to my shoulder blade. “I’m already tired smiling,” he murmured.

I giggled, leaning against him. “We still have more people to greet tomorrow.”

“We should’ve just eloped. Chase would do as a witness,” he said lazily.

“Are you saying you don’t want the wedding tomorrow?” I asked, my brows furrowing as I turned to look at him.

His eyes widened, and his arms immediately wrapped around my waist, pulling me back against him. “You’re interpreting it wrong,” he said, planting a kiss on my nape. “I’m just so excited to marry you, love, that’s all.”

“Then why are you complaining?” I mumbled, crossing my arms.

“Because I still have to sleep without you tonight.”

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t stop the little pout from forming on my lips. “It’s just one night.”

As if I wasn’t going to miss him just as much.

I’d gotten so used to falling asleep beside him that the thought of spending one more night apart would make me go crazy. But I wasn’t about to tell him that, especially when he was already being this clingy.

I love this side of him. It makes me feel like I’m not the constant needy one in our relationship, even if I am!

“One whole night,” he emphasized, tightening his hold around my waist before pressing a kiss to my cheek. “Do you know how long that is? Seconds without you already feel like hours.”

I tried to hold back my smile, turning my face away from him. “You are so clingy and dramatic.”

“You made me this way. I really can’t wait to marry you.” He chuckled before burying his face against my neck and peppering it with kisses until I finally gave in and giggled.

“Stop it, we’re in public!” I protested, pushing his face away, though my hands ended up resting on his cheeks instead.

“Say you can’t wait to marry me too,” he playfully demanded.

I scrunched my nose at him, shaking my head. “There’s no way I’m telling you that.”

I really can’t wait to marry you, my Art. I wanted to marry you the moment we first met in the cafe. I said to myself.

“We really should’ve eloped,” he whispered. “It’s already been a month since we last…” he continued, but I sealed his mouth shut with my palm before looking around. Someone might hear us!

I looked back at him, and his eyes were already sparkling with amusement. When he removed my palm, he asked, “Do you think your family still doesn’t know we’ve done the deed, considering that we’re already living together?”

“Yes, it’s possible!” I said, nodding. No, it’s not.

He only shrugged and kept his mouth shut, a grin spreading across his face. “Are you excited, wife?”

Wife!

His hand tightened around me once more, his nose brushing against my shoulder. “For?” I asked.

“Our honeymoon,” he whispered against my ear before nibbling on it softly. That made me instantly blush. I could already feel the heat pooling inside me.

What the freaking hell.

“Why… why would I be?” I stuttered. It’s not like our first time…

“I have lots of suggestions in mind for tomorrow,” he whispered seductively, smirking. “Do you wanna know now?”

What the hell, Ezekiel Art Young!

“No…” I said, pushing him away, but his arms were stronger than mine.

“You’re blushing,” he pointed out. “Are you that affected?” he pressed on, as his fingers started gliding over my skin.

I flicked his fingers away because his touch really had its effect on me, especially now that we’d both agreed to abstain from our usual intimacies before the wedding.

He then chuckled at my reaction, and I glared at him. In public, he was doing this in public!

“Stop it.” I nudged his stomach with my elbow, making him groan.

His fingers started trailing along my arm again, sending jolts of electricity through me. What is he trying to do?

“I miss you, hmm…” he whispered, planting another soft kiss on my shoulder before resting his chin on it.

“You’re already next to me,” I pointed out, then yawned as I began to feel sleepy. I didn’t know why I’d been feeling so restless these days.

I’ve been feeling dizzy from time to time, but lately, I’ve been getting sleepy more often than I’ve been experiencing morning sickness. And now that I think about it… what if?

Maybe I should finally take that pregnancy test and actually look at the results this time, just to be sure. I mean, the chances are pretty low, considering we haven’t even had sex in the past month, but… what if I really am pregnant?

Wait. Does that mean we got it on our very first try? Or was it the second? Or… wait a minute. How many rounds did we even go for in our new house?!

I was already pre-occupied with my thoughts, then I felt him lean closer, hugging me more firmly from behind. “I miss being inside you,” he declared, catching me off-guard.

My eyes widened as his voice wasn’t as low as before. I pushed him aside and looked around again. Luckily, no one was near us to hear what he was saying.

“Ezekiel Young!” I said frustratedly.

“Hmm? What did I do?” he asked innocently, resting his chin on my shoulder again as if he hadn’t been the one trying to get a reaction out of me. He had no remorse! “I’m just telling the truth.”

I tried to break free from his hug, but he was much stronger than me. I sighed and just rested my back against his chest. Then, out of nowhere… “Do you wanna go to my room and make out?” he casually asked, leaving me even more mortified. “I promise that we’ll just make out.”

Oh my gosh.

“Are you a cat? Are you in heat?” I finally asked.

“We’ll just practice our wedding kiss,” he reasoned, making me laugh this time.

“Makeout session was your offer,” I reminded him, touching his cheek. When I looked at him, his eyes were already closed. I smiled. Even if he was such a tease most of the time, I really couldn’t resist him.

“Just a good five-minute makeout session with you would make me shut up all day,” he whispered, gently biting my shoulder. “Hmm… what do you say?” he asked again before planting multiple feather-like kisses on my shoulder and neck.

My forehead creased even before I began melting under his kisses. “You’re flirting with me,” I declared. “Seducing,” I corrected myself. ”You’re seducing me.”

“So what if I am seducing my wife?” he whispered. “Do you feel hot and bothered?”

I swallowed hard and looked away. I am! One more night, Astrid. Just one more night, and then you’ll be spoiled with all the kinds of sessions you need.

I crossed my legs as I began feeling heat down there. “Stop,” I said more firmly now. “Let’s wait until tomorrow.”

“Even make out?” he offered again, pouting this time. ”We won’t make love—-“

“Even,” I simply answered. “Stop opening up about sex,” I whispered as I pinched his arm.

“Ow! It’s making love,” he corrected, so I rolled my eyes. He’s such a loser at times.

He didn’t stop there, though… “Cuddle in bed?” he bargained. “Or on a sofa…”

“Tomorrow night, we can,” I said. Please stop asking, love, I might give in. That one month of abstinence would mean nothing if we do it the day before our wedding.

“How about a ten-second kiss right now?” he bargained again, already puckering his lips.

“Love…” I warned, even though I was already melting from his charm.

How can I be strong when I am already weak for this?

“A peck?” he suggested. I turned to him, facing him slightly, then sighed and leaned in to give him a soft kiss on the lips.

But instead of a peck, he held my neck and kissed me deeply for more than five seconds. It was only when I tapped his lap that he pulled away.

I looked around again. There were only a few guests in the lounge, and fortunately, they were away from us. “We’re in public!” I reminded him, and he just laughed at me while licking his lips. My eyes stayed on him for a second longer. Gosh. Why would he lick his lips like that?

“Hmm… that would do for now,” he said, hugging me again.

A moment of silence enveloped us, and I could easily hear my heart beating so fast. I swear that kiss was far more innocent than what we’d already done, but we were in a public setting! What if someone took photos of us?

“Love…” he whispered, as if he wanted to negotiate with me again.

“What now?” I said, rolling my eyes, getting myself ready for his new offer. Another kiss? A five-minute cuddle? A five-second no malice kiss as they say?

“Do you know where the restroom is?” he whispered in my ear before biting it a little.

What the…? He has no shame!

“Art!” I called out loud.

“Hmm?”

“I don’t want to…” I slapped one of his legs and whispered angrily.

“What?” he said, confused. Quit acting innocent and confused!

“I already kissed you,” I whispered. “We are not going to do it in the restroom…”

It took him a second to process what I said. He suddenly let go of me, clutching his stomach as he burst out laughing. “What?” he said, laughing so hard.

“Can’t you wait?!” I asked, scratching my head out of frustration and embarrassment.

I stared at him with my arms crossed, but he still continued laughing. “Love…” he said, hugging me from behind again. “I just wanna pee,” he clarified, chuckling and nestling his face against my neck.

“You’re such a pervert,” he whispered, chuckling.

A bit of sweat formed on my forehead, and my hands began to grow cold as the realization hit me. “Ugh, let go of me!” I said, completely ashamed and mortified by the thoughts inside my head.

He was so needy and flirty a while ago that I thought he was inviting me to do it inside the restroom.

Astrid, get a hold of yourself! I think you’re the one in heat right now, not him.

“Art, stop hugging me,” I said, pushing him away because I was too embarrassed by the situation, especially when he kept smiling at me. His grin was a clear sign that he was teasing me. “One… two…” I started counting as a warning.

“Three,” he continued, then rolled his eyes at me before glaring playfully. He sighed and said, “Why don’t you want me to hold you? Don’t you love me anymo—”

“Mr. and Mrs. Young,” our wedding coordinator interrupted shyly, making us both look up at her.

For a moment, I wondered how much of our conversation she had actually heard. Knowing Art, he probably wouldn’t even care if she heard everything. I, on the other hand, wanted the ground to swallow me whole. Freaking hell!

It wasn’t the first time our coordinator had seen us being this touchy and clingy with each other. If you were to ask her, this was actually the least touchy we’d been compared to when we were busy with the wedding preparations. Maybe by this time, she was already just as invested in our relationship as we were.

“Sorry to interrupt, but we’ve prepared your room and the final schedule for tomorrow. I just need to go over a few things with you,” she said, holding out a folder.

Art straightened up, though one arm remained wrapped around my waist. “Sure, go ahead.”

The coordinator began explaining the arrangements for the wedding day, from the guests’ arrival to the ceremony and reception. I listened attentively, occasionally asking questions whenever something needed clarification. Art listened as well, though his fingers absentmindedly played with mine.

“Sir, we’ll also have someone assist you with your things when you move to the 8th floor tomorrow,” the coordinator added. “For tonight, the bride’s room will still be on the 8th floor, while yours will be at Douglas House, which is only about 150 meters away from the main hotel, as requested.”

“Huh? As requested?” Art repeated, momentarily confused. “By?”

I slowly turned to look at him, already fighting a smile. “By Mrs. Young herself.”

He looked utterly speechless at this new information. He clearly wasn’t aware that I would take it that far. “Is there something wrong?” the coordinator asked, glancing at her list.

“Oh, everything’s perfect just the way it is,” he replied sarcastically. “Perfectly fine.”

He looked so pissed right now, but you wouldn’t notice it if you weren’t living with him 24/7. 

I bit my lip to keep from laughing. The coordinator went over a few more details before finally handing us our room keys. After thanking her, we watched her leave before Art immediately turned to me.

“You could’ve just booked me a room on another floor,” he complained, frowning.

“I feel like you’ll do a room visit at night,” I said. “Scratch that. I know you’ll do a room visit at night.”

“What makes you so sure I won’t do that even if you’re 150 meters away from me?” he sassed, raising a brow at me. “I’m offended by how low you think of the lengths I’m willing to go just to see you—”

“See who?” Penelope interrupted, already sitting across from us. “See her?” She pointed at me. “Oh, you won’t be seeing her for the time being. She’ll be staying with us from now on.”

Art frowned even more. “We just checked in…”

“So!” Elisha butted in out of nowhere, laughing at his saddened expression. “She’s staying with us today.”

“But…” Art started.

“No,” Penelope said firmly.

Then he whispered to me, “How about the cuddle session you promised?”

“I didn’t promise anything,” I giggled.

Art frowned at me even more. “I’m sorry, love,” I said, giving him an apologetic smile, though I couldn’t hide how amused I was by his clinginess today. We were only spending one night in separate rooms, yet he was acting as though someone had just told him I was leaving for another country. For a whole year!

“You’re actually leaving me? It’s only the afternoon,” he helplessly said.

Before I could even respond, he wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me closer, just as my friends were about to drag me away. I couldn’t help but laugh at how he tightened his hold on me. It was as if that would somehow convince them to change their minds. “Five minutes,” he pleaded.

Pen sighed. “Art.”

“Five minutes,” he repeated, looking between her and Eli as though one of them might take pity on him.

“You’ve had her all day,” Pen pointed out.

“Half a day, and I need more time with her. We were having a moment, can’t you see? You’re stricter than my mother-in-law.” Art rolled his eyes at them.

I bit my lip to keep myself from laughing harder. He was unbelievably clingy. I can’t believe this is the same man who was known to be strict and emotionless during board meetings. Now, he was bargaining for five more minutes with me.

“Distance makes the heart grow fonder,” Eli said, nodding multiple times to convince him.

Art gave them a blank stare. “Doesn’t apply to us,” he said, pulling me a little closer.

“Cuddle, love…” he whispered again, nudging me lightly. Another offer like that and I would easily give in!

When I stood up, he also stood up. I slightly turned and rested a hand on his chest, smiling up at him. As much as I wanted to tease him, I couldn’t deny that I was going to miss him, too. “Love, I think we’ll survive another day without each other,” I whispered.

He looked down at me, clearly unconvinced by my statement. “That’s easy for you to say when you keep on wearing my clothes.”

I bit the insides of my cheeks to suppress a smile. I reached up to kiss his cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow,” he repeated, sounding as if the word itself offended him.

“Come on, Astrid,” Pen urged. He had the most miserable expression on his face and honestly, I was starting to wonder if booking him at Douglas House had been a mistake.

He pulled me and buried my head onto his chest, making me laugh even more. I smiled at how he still seemed reluctant to let me go even after all the teasing. “You’re really not ready to let me go,” I murmured.

“No,” he admitted without hesitation.

His answer made me weaken. I knew it was only one night apart, and I knew I’d see him again in the morning. But after everything we had been through, I understood why he was having a hard time letting go, especially tonight.

I was well aware of the trauma he carried from his past, particularly the infamous altar incident. Even though I was confident that he had moved past it, I could only imagine how those memories might find their way back to him now that our own wedding was just hours away.

I didn’t want him carrying that fear tomorrow.

I gently nudged him back just enough to look him in the eyes. “You’ll meet me at the end of the aisle tomorrow, okay?” he asked quietly, his thumb brushing against my waist. “You promise?”

My heart ached at the question. I held both of his cheeks to reassure him. “I promise.”

“And I’ll meet you in the morning before the ceremony too,” I added, hoping it would put him at ease. “Just to make sure you don’t miss me too much.”

His expression softened, and I couldn’t help smiling at the sight of it. “Okay,” he murmured. “I’ll hold onto that, love.”

Behind us, Chase snorted. “I’ve been watching from afar. Can’t you two just go to your honeymoon suite?”

Isaiah laughed at his remark, nodding. “Seeing him that clingy is way too uncomfortable for me. This is the first time I’ve ever seen him—”

Art glanced at them, jaw clenching, already pissed and unimpressed. “Shut up.”

I laughed, leaning into him for one last time. He gave me a kiss on top of my head before planting another one on my temple. Our friends are really determined to separate us for the night, but I made sure he knew one important thing before I left… that I’ll meet him at the altar no matter what.

Pen finally tugged me away from Art. “We’ll take care of her,” she assured him. “And we’ll make sure she walks down the aisle tomorrow.”

Art nodded reluctantly, though the look on his face suggested he still wasn’t happy about the arrangement of being separated this early. I gave him one last smile before turning to leave with my friends. “See you tomorrow, love.”

“See you tomorrow,” he said. I had barely taken a few steps when I heard him call out again. “Wait.” 

I turned around, raising my brows as Art started walking toward me. From the way he was looking at me, I had a pretty good idea of what he was planning to do. He was about to kiss me.

Unfortunately for him, Pen seemed to have the same idea. She immediately stepped between us. “Nope!”

Art looked at her. “What?”

“Save it for tomorrow,” Eli said, laughing.

“I was just going to kiss her goodbye,” he reasoned out.

“You’ve kissed her enough,” Pen pointed out. “You’ll have plenty tomorrow.”

Chase called from behind him, “Art Tactics.” Isaiah laughed, while I covered my mouth to hide my smile. Art rolled his eyes at his friends, looking as though he regretted having them around.

“Bye, love,” I repeated, waving and still giggling.

Art finally gave up and stepped back. “Fine.”

I turned around and let Pen and Eli lead me down the hallway. We hadn’t even made it very far when I heard Art call out again. “Hey, love!”

I stopped and looked back, my brows lifting in question.

Art stood there with his hands in his pockets, suddenly looking like he had forgotten why he called me in the first place. Then, as if he had just remembered something really, really important, he smiled. “I love you most.”

I stared at him for a second before bursting into a giggle. Of course. He couldn’t even let me leave without getting that in.

I mouthed back, I love you most.

Art immediately frowned. “I can’t hear you!”

I laughed, then raised my voice. “I love you most, Mr. Young! See you tomorrow at the altar, okay?!”

“I’ll wait at the end, Mrs. Young!” he called back, finally smiling.

I was about to turn around when he suddenly pointed at me, as though he’d just remembered something else. “Don’t drink!”

My smile disappeared into an amused sigh. “Love...”

“I’m serious,” he shouted.

Pen groaned beside me. “Oh boy… here we go, another long list of reminders.”

“And, Eli,” he continued, completely ignoring Pen, “don’t forget her bedside water.”

Eli raised a hand in acknowledgment. “Got it.”

“Room temperature,” he added.

“We know!” both of my friends shouted back.

“And if she starts getting dizzy again, just give her the inhaler I recently bought her. The one with the–” he said, but was immediately interrupted.

“Yeah! We know!”

I couldn’t stop laughing. He was acting as if I were going away for good. Pen and Eli had already made it clear that they had plans for me, and judging by how determined they were to get me away from Art, I knew better than to ask too many questions.

“Anything else?” Pen called out, her patience clearly running thin. Art actually looked like he was considering it.

I quickly shook my head at him. “That’s enough, Mr. Young! I’ll see you tomorrow!”

When it finally came from me, he laughed and raised both hands in surrender. “Okay, okay. See you, love!”

I smiled and waved before letting Pen pull me along again. This time, Art didn’t call me back, though I could still hear Chase and Isaiah laughing at him from the lounge.

Honestly, I wasn’t sure who was having a harder time with our little separation. Art, who had spent the entire afternoon trying to bargain for more time with me, or me, who couldn’t stop smiling every time he acted like the clingy fiance he was.

“And make sure she…”

“Love,” I turned back a little, laughing. “I’ll be fine! Relax and enjoy yourself!”

“I know. I’m just saying...”

Pen and Eli exchanged a look. They knew exactly what he was doing. He wasn’t really worried about the water or whether I’d be fine without him. He was simply looking for every possible reason to keep me standing there for another minute.

“Final words?” Pen asked, clearly amused.

Art actually took a moment to think about it. “Actually…”

“Actually, no. We’re done here!” Pen immediately grabbed my arm and started walking faster before he could come up with another excuse.

“See you tomorrow, Art!” Eli called, waving as they finally dragged me away.

“Wait, I just…” Art said from afar.

“Bye, Art!” Both of my friends shouted.

I looked back one last time and saw him standing there, watching us with the most defeated expression on his face.

Chase draped an arm over his shoulder, and I watched his lips form the words, “You’ll survive.” Art sighed and said something I couldn’t quite understand before finally following his friends.

I turned back to my friends, still smiling to myself. It was only one night apart, after all. Tomorrow, we’d finally be husband and wife, and I’d get to wake up beside him for the rest of my life.

Everything was set. All that was left was to get through one more night without each other.

Tomorrow is the day we’ve all been waiting for.

Nothing could go wrong, right?

Right…?

Nothing will go wrong.