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[Howl] - [Chuu]

Amidst the applause, Haein's surprise was evident as she shouted, "What?" But Jake merely responded with a silly smile, basking in the attention. The applause echoed throughout the room, drowning out Haein's bewildered protest.

However, amidst the sea of applause, Beomja and Soomin remained conspicuously silent, their glares directed towards the couple, each harboring their own reasons for disapproval.

Haein's glare bore into her father's smile, but Minho remained unperturbed as the ceremony proceeded. After the signing was complete, Haein stormed out, her white dress flowed behind her her frustration palpable.

Jake, however, dismissed her departure with a nonchalant comment, "She's so excited,"

With a bewildered expression, he glanced back at the guests, offering an apologetic shrug before hurrying after Haein, his strides a contrast to her determined march.

In the midst of the bewildered silence that followed Haein's abrupt departure, the two families exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of how to proceed. However, amidst the confusion, Grandpa, offered a small wave.

Outside, the newlyweds found themselves embroiled in a heated exchange. Haein's voice rose in frustration as she demanded answers, her words sharp with anger.

"Why did you do that? What the hell is wrong with you? Why didn't you say no?"

"And why did you say yes? You should have refused."

"I don't know! When I saw my dad, it just came out. I was waiting for your no," Haein shot back, her frustration mounting.

"That wasn't our agreement. We were only going to get married if your father didn't stop us," Jake argued, his voice filled with exasperation.

"Maybe my dad regretted it! And I don't know, he'll come right now and try to break us up,"

"Is that why he was holding Yeri's hand? Don't fool yourself, Haein. Your dad chose Yeri. Your plan is a flop,"

"I don't give a damn. I did my research. Within 24 hours, the wedding can be canceled. BRB, let me go and break off the wedding," Haein declared, determination fueling her every step.

Jake grabbed Haein's hand, pulling her back into his embrace, their faces mere inches apart as they locked eyes in a tense standoff. His voice was firm, yet laced with a hint of urgency as he spoke.

"Look at me, princess. We made a deal, and you'll stick by it. Now, we'll go and get our congratulations before they get suspicious."

Haein sighed, her resolve weakening in the face of his unwavering determination. With a resigned nod, she reluctantly followed him.

Outside, both families continued their standoff, the tension thick in the air as they exchanged glares. Soomin and Beomja locked eyes in a silent battle of wills, each refusing to back down.

Meanwhile, Grandma remained uninterested, her attention elsewhere, while Yeri offered timid smiles to everyone, attempting to diffuse the palpable tension. Grandpa, on the other hand, played hard to get, giving everyone a small wave only when they glanced his way.

Amidst the silent confrontation, Haein's father and Jake's father shared a nod and a smile, a silent acknowledgment of the unusual circumstances bringing their families together.

Grandma leaned in to whisper to Soomin, "The bride's mother does look quite youthful, doesn't she? And who might that lady in blue be?"

Soomin shrugged, "How would I know?" sensing their gaze, Beomja shot them a withering glare.

Undeterred, Soomin continued, this time raising her voice slightly, "We don't even know our in-laws, and we haven't even met the bride yet."

Walking out hand in hand, the couple emerged, ready to put on a show. Minho enveloped his daughter in a tight hug, whispering, "I was so scared I'd be late." Internally, Haein couldn't help but think, 'You're already late; the damage is done'

Breaking from the embrace, Minho retrieved a red box from his pocket and delicately adorned her wrist with a gleaming gold bracelet. Haein looked at her father, puzzled.

"Dad, what are you doing?" she asked. "It's tradition, sweetheart," he replied with a hint of pride.

Upon seeing the perplexed expression on Haein's face, Jake couldn't contain his amusement and let out a giggle, earning a sharp glare from Haein. "May you have a happy marriage,"

As Minho extended his hand to his new son-in-law, they exchanged a firm handshake. "Son, I didn't have a nice meeting with you, but I hope everything will be good from now on. I wish you happiness," Minho said, his tone sincere.

Haein observed their interlocked hands, feeling a wave of unease wash over her. Jake simply smiled back at his new father-in-law.

Beomja, bewildered by the exchange, asked, "Brother, what are you doing? Are we here to congratulate them?" Minho nodded, his smile unwavering, and Haein realized she was in for a rough ride from that moment on.

Yeri approached Haein with open arms, offering her congratulations with a warm hug. Haein's response, however, was less than enthusiastic.

With a grimace of discomfort, she mustered a forced "Thank you..." in a disgusted tone.

Beomja intervened, pulling Haein away from the uncomfortable encounter. "Have you gone crazy? What are you doing here? I mean, look at his family,"

Beomja chided, casting a judgmental glance towards Jake's relatives. Both women exchanged disapproving looks with Soomin and Grandma, who responded with even more disdain. "Say something," Beomja urged, her tone a mix of concern and frustration.

As Soomin coughed loudly, Jake took the hint and guided Haein towards his family. With a courteous smile, he began the introductions, "Haein, this is my sister Soomin, my grandmother Sunja, my grandfather Taesoo, and my father Seojun."

Haein's smile faltered when she noticed Soomin's hand extended towards her. Giving Soomin a quizzical look, she hesitated before Soomin insisted, "Kiss my hand."

Everyone exchanged puzzled glances at the unexpected request. Haein complied but instead of kissing Soomin's hand, she simply touched it with her chin,

As introductions commenced and handshakes were exchanged, Beomja stood apart, not extending respectful greetings. Soomin, ever outspoken, made a tactless assumption, addressing Yeri, "You must be her mother."

Haein swiftly intervened, clearing her throat loudly to redirect attention. "Haein's mother passed away years ago. Yeri is my fiancée."

As Taesoo turned to Sunja, intending to whisper but inadvertently speaking loud enough for everyone to hear, he remarked, "Look, two motherless kids found each other. It's fate." Haein was taken aback by the revelation, but Jake quickly hushed them, urging quiet.

But their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the blaring horns of a car. It was Jay, arriving with Jake's white truck adorned with flowers and wedding decorations.

Grandpa, upon hearing the noise, was suddenly stricken with PTSD and began shouting, "To the shelters! The enemy is here! Take cover!"

However, his panic was cut short when Jay emerged from the car, smiling proudly as he presented the newly decorated truck. On the rear glass, "J+H" was written with a heart symbol, instantly bringing a wave of relief and laughter to the gathered crowd.

Haein, having had enough, led her father away to a quiet corner for a conversation away from the commotion. "Dad, I don't understand. You realize I just got married, right? I sent you the invitation via text messages. Doesn't that mean anything to you? Aren't you angry?" she questioned, frustration evident in her voice.

"My sweet daughter, if you got married out of love, even without my consent, I'd pray for your happiness. But if you married against my will, then..." Minho paused, and Haein's heart skipped a beat, hoping he would call off the marriage.

However, he continued in a surprising manner, "No, that won't happen... because my daughter is smart. She knows very well I would call such a bluff. So, I take it back."

"You're right, it was out of love," she admitted, though internally she vowed, You say that now, but I will make you regret what you've done.

Jake came to take her away from her father, they walked hand in hand to the car, bidding goodbye to everyone. Haein's grip on Jake's hand was tight, her mind still swirling with conflicting emotions. Once they reached the car, she entered and slammed the door shut with an audible thud.

Jake couldn't help but giggle at her display of frustration, but Haein's expression remained stern as she shot him a mean look, silently warning him not to push her further.

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