Chapter 40
Chapter 40
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 40
Chapter Title: Expedited
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A faint blush bloomed across Lily's face as she nestled in her husband's arms, heading toward the bedroom.
Ji-hoon's movements were filled with tenderness and care as he spun her around and gently laid her on the bed.
Lily felt her heart pounding with light excitement and anticipation.
On the bed, their gazes met.
Ji-hoon's eyes brimmed with deep love and affection, while Lily's red eyes shone transparently, as if offering everything to him.
Lily reached out first, softly caressing Ji-hoon's cheek.
"Husband..."
Her voice flowed out sweet as honey.
"I love you... I love you so much... so, so much..."
Ji-hoon kissed the back of her hand in response.
"I love you too, Lily. More than anything in this world—I wouldn't trade you for it all."
Lily burrowed deeper into his embrace.
"I want to be closer... even closer, husband..."
Her words sounded like the cry of a parched soul desperate for water.
They were filled with pure longing for love and a deeper connection.
Ji-hoon gently cupped her face.
His touch slid carefully down her porcelain skin.
Their bodies pressed closer, their warmth seeping into each other.
Ji-hoon's breath tickled her ear, and Lily's slender shoulders trembled faintly.
"Husband... love me more... love me even more..."
Lily pleaded like a thirsty child craving her husband's love.
Her eyes sparkled with innocent desire.
Ji-hoon kissed her forehead, the bridge of her nose, and then her red lips in succession.
His kisses started soft, grew heated, then deepened intensely.
Their hands roamed, exploring each other's warmth.
Ji-hoon's fingers traced her soft curves delicately, while Lily's hands tentatively stroked his broad shoulders and firm back.
Their breaths quickened, and their heartbeats grew fiercer.
"Being in your arms like this... it's when I'm happiest..."
Lily's voice was flushed with heat.
"Don't leave me... okay? Don't leave me alone..."
Ji-hoon pulled her even tighter into his arms.
"I'll never leave you, Lily. I'll stay by your side forever. I promise."
Their promise became sweet whispers filling the bedroom.
The deep comfort and fulfillment from each other's presence.
It went beyond mere physical union—it was a merging of souls.
Under the name of love, they gave everything to each other and became one.
The night deepened, and the bedroom grew hotter with their love.
Moonlight from the window shone softly, as if blessing them, while they found completeness in each other's existence.
The next morning.
Soft sunlight filtered through the window film, gently illuminating the bedroom.
Ji-hoon slowly opened his eyes.
The first thing in his view was Lily, sleeping soundly beside him.
Her white hair, tousled from the night, scattered softly over the white pillow.
Through the sparkling strands in the sunlight, her snow-white face came into view.
Her long white eyelashes cast delicate shadows on her cheeks.
Only her even, soft breathing filled the quiet room.
A face so peaceful and pure, as if she'd forgotten all the world's worries.
Ji-hoon held his breath for a moment, just gazing at her.
It was different from the woman who'd whispered love in his arms last night.
She was curled up in sleep.
Without thinking, Ji-hoon reached out.
His finger gently brushed aside a strand of hair that had fallen over her cheek.
At that small touch, her eyelashes fluttered.
She slowly, very slowly, opened her eyes.
Her red eyes were still hazy with sleep.
When they found Ji-hoon's face,
they gradually focused and began to shine brightly.
And a shy smile bloomed on Lily's lips.
It was a soft, warm smile, like a flower bud opening with morning dew.
A faint blush spread lovingly across her white cheeks.
They finished getting ready to go out.
Today was the important day to visit the USCIS Application Support Center.
The two dressed up.
But there was still time before the appointment.
Ji-hoon headed to the kitchen to prepare a simple breakfast.
As always, Lily trailed right behind him.
While Ji-hoon took ingredients from the fridge, Lily hugged his waist from behind.
Like a shadow, like gum.
"Husband, what are you making?"
Her voice mumbled against his back.
Ji-hoon chuckled and replied.
"Thinking of grilling some meat. Gotta eat something before we head out."
"Hehe. Everything you make is delicious."
Lily rubbed her cheek against his back, acting cute.
Ji-hoon deftly oiled the pan and started grilling the meat.
Sizzle—
The delicious aroma filled the kitchen.
Lily showed no sign of letting go, watching his every move with fascination.
"Husband's great at cooking too. What can't you do? I wanna learn!"
"Haha. Our princess, just eat what I make~"
Ji-hoon laughed and stroked her hair.
"Still, I wanna try. Mom said wives should prepare meals for their husbands."
"Okay, okay, but let go now. It's dangerous by the stove."
"Nooo~"
Lily hugged him even tighter.
"Will today... go well?"
Ji-hoon paused whisking the eggs and turned to look at her.
"Don't worry. The lawyer prepared everything. We just submit the papers and ace the interview."
He gently kissed her forehead.
"So don't stress too much."
With those words, a bright smile returned to Lily's face.
"Okay! Got it!"
Ji-hoon focused back on cooking.
Lily stayed glued to his back, gazing up at the most wonderful husband in the world.
The USCIS Application Support Center in Oakland.
Ji-hoon and Lily arrived early in the morning.
Thanks to the advance reservation, they were guided in without waiting.
They sat at the counter as instructed, and the officer took the documents.
He adjusted his glasses and began meticulously reviewing the papers Lily had submitted as the petitioner.
Ji-hoon sat beside her as the beneficiary.
Lily looked tense but held Ji-hoon's hand and took deep breaths.
Even with sunglasses on, a hint of anxiety showed on her face.
After thoroughly checking the documents, the officer looked up and began questioning Lily.
"Ms. Lily, you've submitted an I-130 petition today for your husband, Mr. Ji-hoon, and requested expedited processing. Is that correct?"
"...Yes, that's right."
Lily answered softly.
"For the expedited request, you've cited your health issues. Could you explain directly the difficulties you face due to albinism and why you need your husband's assistance?"
The questions focused on Lily.
She took a moment to steady her breath and calmly explained as prepared.
"I've had albinism since birth. My skin is so sensitive to sunlight that I hardly go out during the day, and my vision is poor, making daily life inconvenient on my own. Both my parents have passed away... and I have no one to care for me."
Her voice trembled, but her eyes were sincere.
"My husband... since we met, he's been helping me with everything. From meals to everything I need, he takes care of it all and even goes to the hospital with me. Without him, it's so hard for me to live alone.
That's why I hope he gets permanent residency soon so he can keep taking care of me."
The officer nodded seriously, listening to Lily.
He double-checked the detailed medical records and Ji-hoon's financial documents she'd submitted.
"The documents look well-prepared. Especially Ms. Lily's situation and your husband's support intent are clearly shown, so it seems likely to qualify under 'humanitarian emergency' for expedited processing."
The officer asked Ji-hoon a few basic verification questions too.
Ji-hoon answered concisely and accurately.
As he organized the stack of papers, the officer said,
"We'll forward these to the review department for a final decision on expedited eligibility. Normally it takes about two years, but if approved for expediting, results could come in as little as two months, as you mentioned. The review is strict, but your evidence seems convincingly sufficient."
Lily let out a sigh of relief.
"Thank you."
"We'll do our best to process it quickly. We'll guide you on next steps via contact."
The officer handed them a few informational sheets last.
Lily's steps felt much lighter leaving the center.
"...You've won the case."
It was a call from the lawyer.
Finally!
The court ruled I could forcibly take money from Kim Ji-hoon, and I won!
I jumped up and screamed.
"Kyaa~ Finally...!"
With a trembling voice, I said to the lawyer,
"Lawyer! So now... now I can get that money, right!?"
The lawyer's calm voice came through the receiver.
"Yes, Ms. Kim Ji-su. The Korean court ruled in your favor. Mr. Kim Ji-hoon's defense wasn't accepted by the panel, and the final judgment went your way."
"So I can get the money right now? Right!?"
I asked, full of anticipation.
But the lawyer's next words poured cold water on my hopes.
"You can get it... but the problem is that the money and Mr. Kim Ji-hoon are both in the US."
"What? What does that mean..."
"A win in Korea only has legal force within Korea. To enforce it in the US, you now need to file a new lawsuit there to get the judgment recognized and executed."
I couldn't comprehend his words.
"Wait... then what's the point of winning? I have to sue in the US too?"
"Yes, that's correct."
The lawyer's voice grew a bit heavier.
"And suing in the US could cost more than what you stand to gain."
"Huh...?"
"From hiring a US lawyer, to litigation fees, translation costs... it could exceed the 220 million won you're owed by far. Plus, there's no guarantee the US court will recognize and enforce the Korean judgment."
I asked incredulously,
"So... you're saying just give up? There's no way?"
"As a Korean lawyer, I can't handle the US case myself."
And he emphasized again,
"I strongly do not recommend it. Think it over carefully."
After hanging up, I collapsed into my seat.
I clearly won.
Legally, I was victorious.
Why did I have nothing in my hands?
Even after the call, I stood there dazed for a long time.
I won... I won the case... why can't I get the money?
US? US lawsuit? It costs more?
'No, something's off...'
I sank onto the sofa, deep in thought.
The lawyer in charge seemed suspicious.
'Online, it says women always get half the assets in divorce as a matter of course.'
Honestly, wouldn't any lawyer have gotten me 50%?
It was a given result.
But suing in the US is hard?
Costs could exceed the gain, scaring me?
'Is he just making excuses because he lacks the skill?'
Such thoughts started creeping in.
A truly competent lawyer would chase him to the US and find a way to get the money.
But this one was saying it's impossible before even trying.
'He said he could refer me? Hmph.'
This won't do.
I can't rely only on this lawyer.
There must be another way.
'Let me consult other lawyers at least.'
I immediately grabbed my phone.
And started typing "divorce specialist lawyer, international litigation" into the search bar.
Surely, somewhere out there was a capable lawyer who could resolve this frustrating situation.