Christmas Eve Charity Gala
I gave Dong-hyun some time off and watched over the restaurant myself.
Usually, I'd only join him for the lunch rush and head back early in the afternoon to handle company work or spend time with Lily.
But what could I do? I had to let the guy who'd been working so hard get some rest.
People burn out if they just keep working nonstop.
Besides, he was a newlywed in love, right? It'd be too harsh to make him work during the time when he should be building hot, steamy memories.
"Phew, maybe I should grab a coffee."
Break time.
I headed to the cafe across the street.
"Hoon! Come on in."
Sarah, whom I hadn't seen in a while, waved happily from behind the counter.
"I heard about what happened in Korea. You have no idea how shocked I was watching the news. Did everything get sorted out okay?"
"Thanks for worrying about me, Sarah. Yeah, it's all good now."
Apparently, the detention incident had spread across the U.S., so the folks in Berkeley had been worried about me too.
I sipped the coffee Sarah made and chatted about this and that.
Naturally, the topic shifted to her daughter's boyfriend.
"By the way, Hoon. What kind of guy is Dong-hyun?"
Sarah's eyes turned serious.
She couldn't help but be curious as a mom, knowing her daughter was getting serious with him.
I set down my coffee cup and went all out praising the guy.
"Dong-hyun? He's a good man."
"Really?"
"Yeah. We even served in the military together back in Korea. He's the type who quietly pushes through tough training. And above all, I vouch for his sense of responsibility. He's not the kind of guy who'd ever make a woman cry."
Sarah's face lit up at my words.
"Oh... responsibility. That's really important."
I knew why she felt relieved.
There are a ton of single moms in America.
Which means there are just as many guys who knock you up and run.
Sarah had raised Rossi as a single mom, so she knew exactly how tough it was to raise a kid alone.
For her, hearing he was responsible and hardworking must have been music to her ears.
Huhu, you rascal. I just scored you major points.
I wasn't sure if it'd lead to marriage, but she could end up as his future mother-in-law.
Best to lay the groundwork solid.
Time flew by busily like that.
Dong-hyun came back with a glow on his face, and the restaurant got back to normal.
And today.
December 24th, Christmas Eve.
"Wow..."
The view outside the car window left my jaw on the floor.
LA's rich neighborhood, Beverly Hills.
A massive mansion perched on the highest hill among them.
Today was the day of the charity event that Governor Christopher had asked me to attend.
I'd gotten off the plane and ridden the car he'd sent.
"Hubby, is this the place?"
Lily, who'd come with me, widened her eyes.
"Yeah. It's huge."
It was so big you had to drive from the gate to the entrance, and walking around it would be a workout.
I let out a hollow chuckle, invitation in hand, and passed through the enormous gate.
The night in Beverly Hills was even more dazzling than the day.
Governor Christopher's mansion.
The vast garden had already transformed into a party venue.
It looked like an awards show.
Hollywood A-listers I'd only seen on TV were laughing and chatting with champagne flutes in hand, while politicians in tuxedos and billionaire tycoons networked among them.
"Whoa..."
Lily gripped my arm tightly.
It was her first time at something like this, so she had every reason to be nervous.
"It's fine. We're just here to eat."
I patted her hand, acting casual.
As we entered the venue entrance, all eyes turned to us.
An Asian guy and an albino beauty.
We were a combo that stood out, but their gazes held more than just curiosity.
A gentleman in a tuxedo approached first, offering a handshake.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Kim. I've seen you all over the news. Glad you made it back safe."
"Thank you."
That sparked a flood of greetings from everywhere.
I handled them competently, if a bit dazed.
It felt like I was the star of the party.
Then, the crowd parted, and someone approached.
Sunglasses—his trademark—and arms wide open.
The host of this party, Governor Christopher.
"Governor, thanks for the invite."
He pulled me into a bear hug, released me, and chuckled.
"Thanks for coming. Man, you sure attract drama wherever you go."
"......Pardon?"
"I heard about Korea. Went to a funeral and ended up detained? I was so worried. Lily, come here. You look stunning tonight."
"Thank you."
Lily bowed shyly, and he nodded gentlemanly.
"Sorry, as host I have a ton of people to tend to. Go enjoy yourselves. I'll introduce you to some friends later."
"No worries, go ahead."
"Okay. See you soon!"
He waved coolly and headed to other guests.
Like a storm had just passed.
I grabbed a champagne flute and moved with Lily to a table in the corner of the garden.
"Whew..."
Lily said,
"Hubby, this is so much fun."
She seemed to be enjoying her first big event.
Honestly, I felt awkward as hell.
Like I'd been dropped into the heart of Hollywood high society out of nowhere.
But I couldn't show it.
I played the cool guy, looking after Lily and scanning the surroundings calmly.
We began enjoying the party cautiously in this unfamiliar place.
The charity event was a meaningful one, donating to those in need at year's end.
People from all walks of life gathered.
With the governor's clout, the guests within these bounds were all heavy hitters.
I drew attention, but Lily got even more.
Especially from the fashion world.
The so-called luxury brands.
Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, you name it.
Reps kept approaching Lily with offers.
Her massive subscriber count.
Her unique look.
And the rarity of her never appearing in public official events.
"Lily! You're even more beautiful in person."
The first to charge in was a Chanel rep.
"That noble white skin of yours... it would blend perfectly with Chanel's image. Won't you be our global ambassador?"
"Hold on! Lily's vibe fits Gucci better!"
A guy with a snake-pattern tie jumped in.
"We want your photos in stores worldwide. Name your contract fee."
"For elegance, it's Hermes. Lily, we'll craft a one-of-a-kind Birkin just for you."
"No, join Louis Vuitton."
"Prada's minimalism is perfect."
It was chaos.
Top luxury brands were throwing pride out the window to beg Lily.
Their offers were outrageous.
Tens of billions in signing bonuses, unlimited sponsorships.
Proposals that would thrill any celeb.
I watched the spectacle with interest.
What would Lily say?
"Hmm......"
Lily furrowed her pretty brows like it was a hassle, then smiled brightly.
"Sorry."
"Pardon?"
"Thanks for the offers, but... I'm not really into that."
"......!!"
The reps' faces froze.
A rejection?
And so bluntly?
"I just like spending time with my hubby more. That stuff seems annoying."
Lily hooked her arm in mine.
"......"
Silence fell.
That's when it happened.
Maria, Daol's chief designer who'd been with their chairman, spoke up urgently.
"Ah... hello. I'm Maria, designer from Daol."
Her voice trembled as she continued.
"W-well... then, could I at least gift you some clothes?"
Lily and I stared at her.
Lily glanced at me with a What do we do? look.
Hey, free clothes? No reason to say no.
I smiled at Maria.
"A gift? We'd be grateful."
Maria beamed.
Like she'd conquered the world.
"I brought some outfits for the charity event. Since I designed them myself, I'd love to see them on you. Want to try them?"
Maria, who looked about 40, was pure desperation.
I turned to Lily.
"Lily, she's offering them as a gift. Wanna go try them on?"
"Yeah~ Sure!"
Lily followed Maria's lead into the mansion.
Watching her go, the Chanel and Gucci reps looked utterly defeated.
Daol had snatched her up by a hair—they must be gutted.
A moment later.
The buzzing party went dead quiet.
The mansion door opened, and Lily stepped out.
"......"
I nearly dropped my champagne.
Her earlier tweed jacket had a refined lady vibe, but now? She was a goddess.
Daol's signature elegant, feminine silhouette.
A flowing chiffon pure-white party dress hugged her softly.
The off-shoulder design exposing her collarbone highlighted her porcelain-pale skin.
Like the moon in the night sky had turned human and descended.
Every step made the dress hem flutter like petals.
Pure yet seductive, an untouchable aura.
Even the Hollywood actors were staring, entranced.
"Hubby... how do I look?"
Lily approached shyly.
I snapped out of it and swallowed hard.
"Wow..."
Words failed me.
She was just... so beautiful.
Lily asked again, shyly.
"Hubby... how do I look? Pretty?"
I nodded, mesmerized.
"Yeah... you're stunning."
"Hehe, great!"
I meant it.
Lily beamed like a kid.
Maria approached, watching warmly, and explained.
"This is from our upcoming spring line."
Her eyes shone with certainty.
"I was worried it hadn't found its owner yet, but now it has."
Clothes choosing their wearer, huh?
Maria proposed, moved.
"If it's okay, I'd love to send you more outfits that suit you in the future."
"That'd be amazing."
I accepted without hesitation.
No reason to refuse.
Like the saying, clothes make the woman—outfits can totally change a vibe.
Innocent one moment, sexy the next, cute after that.
Especially Daol's elegant line that highlighted femininity—it was right up my alley.
As I chatted with Maria,
"Aah."
A familiar voice boomed over the speakers.
It was Governor Christopher.
His words echoed through the garden.
The main event was starting.