Chapter 73：Shortie

So-ah was also present at the party. She was currently six months pregnant but her stomach hadn't blown up as it did for other women. She didn't look pregnant from any angle. The family was worried about the weird pregnancy symptom. Ye-jin also was among them. It was given since none of them was related to the field of medicine.

Then things took a turn to worst when a paparazzi handle somehow caught the wind of the situation. They reported the following news

'Park So-ah rumoured to be six months pregnant doesn't even show a belly. Has she miscarried or is there any other reason?'

Well, the implications were clear. Many speculated whether her harsh and stressful lifestyle had affected her adversely. Whereas some people blamed her for being selfish and have aborted her child.

It was funny how people claimed to know the people perfectly whom they don't have any relation with. How free we are in reality to mock and make judgements on others lives? It's laughable.

The incident happened a week ago. Ye-jin was preparing for returning home when the news had broken out and the speculations were being made. So-ah, being the big sister had not let a word of the issue to reach her ears.

But it wasn't easy to hide things from Ye-jin who had the whole empire under her thumb. Within four hours, the whole issue was kicked back to the curb and every malicious person who took part in it was sued to every cent they were worthy of.

Moreover, a medical expert acknowledges by the whole country, taught all the ignorant people a little general knowledge about pregnancy.

When Ye-jin saw her sister standing out in the cold night she couldn't help but frown. Picking up her shawl which was lying on the couch she walked towards So-ah.

When So-ah saw Ye-jin coming along with a shawl, she smiled brightly. She had a very healthy glow on her face and her skin looked much finer than before. These past few months, apart from few grumpy spells she had a very smooth running pregnancy. Ye-jin too couldn't help but grin back looking at her beaming sister.

The sisters didn't waste any time before hugging each other tightly. They had been busy on far ends of the spectrum. They hadn't had that many encounters in the past few months apart from occasional phone calls.

Now she stood reminiscing the past few months holding an empty glass in her hand and looking up at the stars. Her sister was with her, away from the noisy boisterous crowd in the party area with all the guys huddled around dinking.

Ye-Jin: (smiling softly) Big sis, you were right.

So-ah: (nose high up in the sir) I am right always but what are you talking about?

Ye-Jin: (beaming) I like Ray more than a fan or a friend.

So-ah: (feigning surprise) oh really?! I was actually bluffing about it that day.

Ye-Jin: (gaping at her) B-big s-sis?!

So-ah: (chuckling) just kidding Ye-Jin. (Curious) So what brought on this realization?

Ye-Jin: (shrugging) the usual signs sis and I was dying to see him again more than anything.

So-ah: (teasing) your face says it all Jin. So what are you waiting for?

Ye-Jin: (sighing) I don't think he likes me back... like that. He loves me as a friend but- (shaking her head) I just don't want to make our situation more awkward. Sometimes it feels like he is on the same page as I am but other times it's like we have this huge gap between us.

So-ah: (wisely) if it was me, then I would have come clean. For me, it isn't healthy to pile up the emotions but it is you and you are not me. You should probably get some assurance first.

Ye-Jin: (nodding) what should I do?

So-ah: (smiling) I have an idea. Just follow me.

Not a moment later the words had left her mouth Shin Jay and Ray came out looking for the girls.

Shin Jay: (inquisitive) what are you both doing here?

So-ah: (mischievously) catching up. Ye-Jin was telling me something which you guys rudely interrupted.

Shin Jay: what was it?

Ye-Jin: It was n-nothing.

So-ah: (winking at her) she is finally dating.

Ray: (eyes wide) WHAT??!

Ray was thunderstruck. This was news to him. He felt like he had swallowed a toad alive. It was as if someone had poked him with a hot and sharp silver rod.

Shin Jay: (happily) so who is the lucky guy?

Ye-Jin: (mortified) Sis, stop it!

So-ah: (patting her cheek) come on Ye-Jin, it is great news. They should know. She met her old friend Tae-hee back in London. He is coming here tomorrow.

Shin Jay: b-but (jumping in pain and glaring at So-ah) t-tomorrow.

Ray: (suddenly feeling hot) I t-think- I n-need a drink.

Shin Jay: (after Ray left) what was that about honey? There is no Tae-hee, is there?

So-ah: (shrugging) if I say so then there is.

Shin Jay: what are you playing at love?

So-ah: (righteously)just helping my sister get her man.

Shin Jay: are you fine with this Ye-Jin.

They turn around to see Ye-Jin staring intently back at Ray who was gulping down a big glass of whisky looking extremely flustered. Her eyes held concern for him. That was an enough answer for the couple that the plan was pretty good to help their Ye-Jin.

It was some days later after the 'boyfriend' incident when Ye-Jin was visiting Wang entertainment to see Ray. He had invited her personally- claiming it to be some kind of surprise. She met him halfway to his studio and he beamed down at her.

Ray: (patting her head) I thought you were going to take forever.

Ye-Jin: (waving his hand off) how can I not come? I was in the neighbourhood.

She almost said 'you invited me over' but held her tongue back. So-ah had told her to not swoon over him for the time being. Afterall she was 'dating' someone and it wouldn't be appropriate. Looking at Ray, he seemed to be excited about something.

Ray: (grabbing her wrist her and dragging her like a small kid) I want your input for my new song- I want you to hear it first.

Ye-Jin: (chuckling) slow down Ray! I am wearing heels here.

Ray: (slowing his pace and looking down) wow! This is the first time I am seeing those.

Ye-Jin: fashion is a pain in the- (shrugging) let's just walk.

?? : Ye-Jin-ah?!

They turned around to see the familiar face of Timo approaching them.

Timo: (frowning in confusion) Ye-Jin, I have something to talk with you. It's about donations. I need your help.

Ray: (annoyed) Big bro! She will help me first!

Ye-Jin: (placing a gentle hand on his shoulder) it's ok Ray. It won't take long. I will meet you in the studio in an hour.

Timo: don't worry Ray, it won't take long.

Ray could only nod in resignation and went to his studio, shoulders drooping and sulking like a little kid who was denied his favourite ice-cream. Back here in the hallway, Ye-Jin saw a short woman leaning on a door and staring intently at her. She told Timo to go ahead and she would follow him after meeting Aera. It had been some time since she saw her good friend.

She hadn't walked twenty steps but was unexpectedly blocked by the same shortie.

Liu Bo who had been annoyed with her brother for the past weeks had placed all the blame on Ye-jin. She couldn't find any other reason good enough to keep her brother from coming back with her. It had to be because of Ye-jin. When she saw the culprit herself walk willingly to her she couldn't help but make the first move. But she miscalculated the whole thing. Her assumptions were different from what Ye-jin thought to be true. She hurriedly blocked Ye-jin's way

Bo: (glaring) you're Park Ye-jin?

Ye-jin: (frowning unhappily) yes? Who are you?

Bo: I am Liu Bo.