Chapter 168 - The Best Birthday Gift (1)

Nora Xu frowned at the couple's reaction who had just entered. He still looked just like Yoo Shiro but his eyes were more closed off, just like he was the serious one when they were kids. And just like when they were kids, her heart would fasten for him and even now that was indeed the case. She never understood that why she never felt the same for her Yoo Shiro since both the men looked the same. Maybe her heart had always known and recognized only him. Nora shook herself out of these thoughts when she glimpsed at the woman that held his arm and almost snorted. The delicate looking lily was Yu Seok's wife? He really did not seem like someone who would fall for such a simpering innocent miss. But the way his hand was continuously around her waist as he spoke to the various guests that were introduced to him proved that he really was one for innocent misses. She snorted inwardly and thought to herself that the woman's dress was really crass. Who wore such an old fashioned Cheongsam to a formal party? Did the woman think that it was ancient China. Nora shook her head and thought that this girl needed to be taken under her wing or she would be ruined in the high society fashion where baring skin was a status of symbol these days. 

Nora carefully checked her own slinky black and off shoulder gown embedded with precious stones so that it looked like she was dressed only in them and compared it to the pale blue color of the dress.. The girl should have chosen a traditional bright color and gone all the way traditional! 

Meanwhile Xie Eun had no idea that someone had formed such a negative opinion of her and stood with a smile plastered to her face. If someone were to aske her what the discussion was about she would be blank because all her senses were focused on her husband's hot hand that rested on her bare waist. Though he made no hand movement, his fingers were ever so subtly caressing her soft waist, making her unable to focus on anything else.

Just as a few guests walked away and Xie Eun was about to scold the naughty Yu Seok, a beautiful woman walked over. So enchanting and bold were her looks that even Xie Eun was shocked at the stunner. Her eyes were painted in an ever so subtly smoky hue and her bare shoulders and long neck made her look like a noble. She was so photogenic! Xue Eun was sure that the camera would love this woman. 

However any so called liking her camera could have for the woman was dissolved in the next moment when this beauty came forward and hugged her husband directly, making jealousy rise in her heart. Luckily for him, Yu Seok kept his hand to himself. But in the next moment, Yu Seok raised his hands to the woman's harm almost causing Xie Eun to burst a vein! But once again she need not have worried as the woman was thrown away directly and rather rudely. But before she could be dumped, Yoo Shiro walked over and caught her. Looking around, he observed that not many people had observed this embarrassing scene but his brother looked ready to murder. His grandfather also noticed and immediately hurried forward to handle the situation. As he saw the hurt expression on Nora's face, he felt that the child would have received quite a shock since she did not know that Yu Seok was alive. Elder Yoo felt guilty that he had totally forgotten the little girl..

Before anyone could say anything, Elder Yoo cleared the misunderstanding, "Yu Seok, this little girl is your childhood..fi ..friend Nora Xu. She has only just returned after studying abroad and must be quite shocked to see you! Since you would naturally not remember her when she was a little one with pigtails, let me tell you not to worry she meant you no harm or insult." The few people who had observed the episode and the scene also understood that what happened was really an accident and the matter did not go to any discussions. Though any talk would make no difference to the Yoo family, he felt that the little child was already hurt by them and there was no need to add to it. Elder Yoo apologized to Nora Xu politely," Child. I hope you are not hurt. Yu Seok does not like to be touched by strangers. I hope you will forgive him."

With moist eyes, Nora Xu gave him a watery smile and assured, "Grandfather Yoo. You are being too polite. I understand and I have been too forward. I only hope Yu Seok will not be unhappy."

Soon she changed the topic and was formally introduced to Xie Eun. Both women smiled politely at one another but Nora's gaze held a triumphant smirk that she hid well. Today was the day, that Yu Seok had re united with his family and she had firmly linked his name with hers for tomorrow's headlines. Soon everyone would talk about how she had been so happy to see her childhood sweetheart that she had cried.

A few minutes later, a waiter walked to her side and after whispering in her ear, he placed a small box in her hand and slowly walked away. Nora Xu turned gracefully back and gave a hesitant smile," Yu Seok, I have a special gift for you. I know that you do not remember me but I had promised to give you a gift before you disappeared. And now as fate would have it, the gift I prepared then, can reach the rightful hands on this wonderful occasion. I hope you will consider my feelings and accept this."

With that she presented and ornately carved box to the man. By saying such things, the woman had put him in quite a farce. Yu Seok looked at the expectant face of his grandfather and sighed. It was really bothersome to have familial connections, you had to give them face too! Before he could open his mouth to accept or refuse, Nora opened the lid of the box and many people were shocked to see what was inside. It was a Patek phillippe Star Caliber watch! That was really a precious gift. Nora Xu and Yu Seok must have shared quite a special relationship. Usually fiances bought watches together.

When, the gift was not accepted, Nora felt extremely humiliated and was about to lower her arms when Xie Eun extended her hand and complimented, "Miss Xu, you have exquisite taste. This is a beautiful watch. We thank you for your consideration." She nodded to the waiter to collect the watch.

But Yoo Shiro quietly left the scene. Because he felt that Nora was behaving very weirdly. She had known that his brother was back and yet she chose to pretend that she was shocked. By making Yu Seok push her away, she had set up the scene so that his brother would look too arrogant if he refused her request. Yoo Shiro shook his head and tried to assure himself that he was probably over thinking but he also reminded himself to warn his brother of his and Nora's childhood 'relationship'. Yoo Shiro picked up the watch in his hand and then pressed the button on the side and right there was what he feared. There, carved into the metal were her initials carved with Yu Seok.. Sighing at her childishness, Yoo Shiro made a call and soon after the rare engraved watch was replaced by a plain one that she had given him when they were kids...Satisfied with the exchange, Yoo Shiro walked out with a lazy smile and indifferent face. He would have to keep a keen eye on the beautiful Nora.

Meanwhile, Nora had succeeded in her plan to firmly link her name with Yu Seok as that is all people could talk about. they discussed the childhood friends who would have been more, had the fates not torn them apart. They talked of the loyal Nora who had kept a gift promised to her friend for so long and preserved it so well. Nobody had much to say about the beautiful woman on his arms..

But the insidious talking of a few people would never be enough to disturb the love birds. Soon the evening passed and everyone moved to have dinner. But suddenly, Yu Seok who had never moved away from Xie Eun for the whole night, felt her go limp in his arms. Shocked, he immediately picked her up in a bridal carry and marched out of the ballroom shocking everyone inside. 

Worriedly, he ordered Yoo Shiro to call for a doctor and started to check her vitals. He cursed himself for not recognizing that his wife was too exhausted to attend this celebration tonight..