Chapter 497: A specialized security officer?

"What are you doing now?" I asked, tilting my head.

"Checking which country has the best prenatal specialists," he grunted, though his ears were red. "And seeing if the private jet needs a nursery installed. We aren’t taking any chances."

I laughed, a bright, clear sound that felt like it was healing the very air around us.

"Let’s just get through the trip first, Seo-Jun," I teased, though my heart was full. We hadn’t even confirmed that I am pregnant, and they’re doing all this. Then, I can’t even imagine what they’ll do once it is confirmed.

"I’ll book a doctor’s appointment for tomorrow. You need to see a gynaecologist," Ki-hoon said, also taking out his phone, but I grimaced. Isn’t it too early for that?

"Ah," I exclaimed as I realized something. "What’s tomorrow’s date?"

"November 23rd," Min-Cheol answered.

"I have to go see my therapist tomorrow," I said, and Seo-Jun scratched the back of his neck.

"Oh yeah, it’s tomorrow."

"Then I guess we can schedule the doctor’s appointment for the day after, and then we can go on the trip after that."

Hm, I don’t think I can talk them out of it, so alright. Let’s do things the way they want.

Just then, my phone buzzed, and I got a text message from Kyle. Ah, that’s right. I have to pick up the presents I had asked him to make. Come to think of it, how is his relationship with Jie-Yu?

"Who’s texting, Hyung?" Min-Cheol asked.

"One of Jin-Yeok’s craftsmen named Kyle," I said, and Jin-Yeok lifted his head.

"Is he done with your order?" Jin-Yeok asked, and I entered the text.

"Yeah, it seems like it." Since it’s a surprise, I don’t want to head out with any of them, so I should probably call Jie-Yu. "I need to head out for a moment. So can I borrow a car and a driver?"

"Why borrow when you have yours?" Ki-hoon asked, and I blinked.

"I do? Why do I not know I have a car and a driver?"

Seo-Jun laughed, snorting as if this situation was hilarious.

"Who was it that prepared a car and a driver and didn’t even present the surprise?" I asked.

Seo-Jun’s snicker was loud and sharp, echoing off the stone walls of the house. He leaned back on his heels, crossing his arms over his dirt-streaked chest.

"I’ll give you a hint: he’s the one who’s been standing here trying to act like a saint for the last twenty minutes."

I turned my gaze toward Ki-hoon. The stoic, powerful Alpha was suddenly very interested in the texture of the soil beneath his fingernails. His ears were turning a deep, embarrassed shade of pink that rivaled Min-Cheol’s hair.

"It was supposed to be a ’welcome to your new life’ gift," Ki-hoon muttered, finally looking up. "The keys are in the bowl by the door. It’s a custom-made sedan—armored, of course—and your driver is a former specialized security officer. He’s already been briefed. He knows his job is to keep you safe without breathing down your neck."

"A specialized security officer?" I echoed, a brow raised. "Ki-hoon, I’m just going to pick up some crafts, not infiltrate a hostile embassy."

"We’ll just put it that you are infiltrating the world, Jo-Pil," Jin-Yeok interjected, his tone a mix of amusement and that lingering, deep-seated protectiveness. "And after the gala, we aren’t taking chances. If you want to go alone, we will respect that—but the driver goes with you."

I rolled my eyes, though my heart felt a little lighter. "Fine. The specialized driver it is. I’ll be back before dinner."

"Wait!" Min-Cheol scrambled to his feet, dusting off his knees. "Can I at least walk you to the car? I want to see you off! And... and make sure the seat heater is on! It’s chilly, you know."

I chuckled, patting his head. "I think I can handle a seat heater, Little Min."

As I walked toward the house to change out of my gardening clothes, I could hear them behind me. The competitive ’doting’ had already begun.

"Did you check the tire pressure on that car, Ki-hoon?" Seo-Jun’s voice drifted through the air. "If Jo-Pil feels even one bump, I’m holding you personally responsible."

"The suspension is hydraulic, Seo-Jun. Focus on your tree."

I smiled to myself. Once I was inside, I quickly messaged Jie-Yu. I needed a partner in crime for this, and she was the only one who could keep a secret while navigating the social minefield of these four men.

Jo-Pil: Hey, Kyle’s finished. Are you free to accompany me to the shop? I want to pick up the gifts. Also... I need a status report on you and Kyle. Don’t think I’ve forgotten. (wink-wink)

I changed into a comfortable cream-colored sweater and dark trousers. Stepping out to the front of the house, I saw it—the car. It was sleek, midnight blue, and looked more like a silent shadow than a machine.

The driver, a man named Mr. Han, stood by the door. He was tall, built like a brick wall, but he gave me a respectful, subtle nod that didn’t feel like a cage. He held the door open, and for the first time, I sat in the back of a car that didn’t feel like a transport to a prison.

"To this address, Mr. Han," I said, showing him the address on my phone, and he put in the coordinates on the GPS. Once that was done, I leaned back into the leather.

As we pulled down the long, winding driveway, I looked back at the house. I could see the silhouettes of the four of them still standing by the willow tree, watching the car until it disappeared around the bend.

They were terrified of losing me, but they were letting me go, regardless. It was a start.

My phone buzzed. Jie-Yu had replied.

Jie-Yu: I’ll be there in twenty! And as for Kyle... let’s just say his body isn’t the only thing that’s impressive. I’ll tell you everything once I get there.

I laughed, looking out at the passing trees. Well, it seems about interesting enough.