Chapter Text
With Luca’s help, Vincenzo was able to board a private jet as soon as he reached the airport. He had been in situations where a member of the Cassano family died or was in a critical condition. But nothing would compare to how he felt at that moment when a part of him is preparing himself for the worst case scenario, and another is denying the reality of it.
He found himself seated in a cab on his way to Seoul. The drive is taking longer than he wanted. He loosened his tie. He was feeling more anxious with every passing minute. When he finally reached the hospital, he already had the car door open before the cab came to a full stop.
It did not take long for him to find her room. Han Seo texted him all the information other than specifics of Cha Young’s condition. Apparently, the doctor would not disclose any details apart from saying that she’s stable since neither he nor Mr. Nam is next of kin.
He found her asleep in her room, hooked up to an IV and a monitor that shows her vitals. There were small cuts on her face and bruises on her left arm. He didn’t enter the inner room of the VVIP suite. He needed assurance that their baby is well before he is able to approach her.
He found her attending physician a few minutes later. After the introductions, the doctor told him of Cha Young’s condition.
“Your wife and baby are stable. We need to keep them here for a few days, just in case. But both should make a full recovery in a matter of days. ”
“Thank you!”
“It was actually your wife who saved your child. She was able to call emergency services and tell them about the baby before she lost consciousness. If she hadn't been brought here right after the accident, she would have lost the baby.”
“Is there anything I can do to help them get better?”
“She should be in bed rest for the rest of the week. Please make sure that she doesn’t find herself in a stressful situation. Healthy and nutritious food will also go a long way.”
He thanked the doctor once more and walked back to his wife’s room.
When he entered the room, he found Mr. Nam awake. He thanked Mr. Nam for staying with Cha Young and asked him to go home and rest.
Not long after, Han Seo came to bring his hyung some essentials. He was on his way to a board meeting but dropped by to check on his hyung and noona. Before he left, he said, “Hang in there hyung. Noona is a strong lady. Noona and the baby will be okay.”
Vincenzo gave Han Seo a small smile and patted his shoulder as the latter turned towards the door.
Vincenzo took a shower after Han Seo left, but not before making a quick call to Mr. Cho, asking him to investigate Cha Young’s car accident.
An attendant delivered Cha Young’s food. It was then he realized that it’s past noon and she hasn’t woken up. Worried that there is something terribly wrong, he sought her attending physician for the second time that day. The doctor confirmed that she is okay after checking her vitals.
He sat by her bedside. Now that he’s done everything he could, all he has left to do is face his guilt and the feeling of self-loathing. He started blaming himself for leaving her. If he didn’t leave her, the two of them would be sharing the workload; and she wouldn’t have worked so many late nights. She wouldn’t look as exhausted as she looked now. She wouldn’t be driving her car so late at night just so she can eat something she’s craving. He would have taken her there or he could have been the one driving that night, not her. He would have been the one lying there, not her, not them. It should have been him.
His thoughts took a darker turn and he thought about threats to her life. They’ve brought down powerful people and it will only be a matter of time before those individuals take their revenge. What if it is not an accident? He should have known that it is a possibility. He should have thought of it, thought ahead, and protected her. He should have protected them. His incompetence nearly cost him his family. It is his fault. He failed her. He failed their baby. He doesn’t deserve them.
He curled his fists as a sob escaped his lips and tears started to cascade down his cheeks.
“Mian…Cha Young-ah...Mian…” he said as he broke down. “Mian...baby...mian...I didn’t make you and mommy my priority...mian…I promise to be better for the two of you...mian…”
His heartbreaking sobs and apologies were the only thing that could be heard in the room.
As soon as she regained consciousness, Cha Young felt the soreness of her entire body. She willed herself to go back to sleep to escape the pain, but the distant sobs prevented her from doing so. Apologies followed the sobs, and as she listened to him, her heart broke.
Her eyelids were heavy, and she felt weak, but she willed herself to sit up. She found him sitting by her bedside, his head down. Slowly, he reached for him, and stroked his hair. Weakly, she said, “It’s not your fault. Don’t blame yourself.”
He was startled when he realized that she was awake. He looked up and found her in a sitting position, her left hand supporting her weak body. When their eyes met, his eyes were bloodshot from crying, but he managed a small smile, while hers were filled with sadness and worry.
“It was not your fault. Don’t blame yourself because you left. You leaving doesn’t mean you weren’t making us a priority. You had to do your duty to the Cassano family, and to keep your promise to Fabio. It was not your fault. There was something wrong with the car. But we’re okay and that’s all that matters. This is not your fault.”
He noticed how weak she looked and guilt washed over him once more. He got up and adjusted her bed, and gently lowered her on the reclined hospital bed. He got some spare pillows, fluffed it, and placed it behind her back to make her more comfortable. He gave her a kiss on her forehead before he went back to his seat. Once seated, he held her hand in his and placed his other hand on her head, his thumb caressing her forehead. He looked at her with sad, apologetic eyes. He was telling her he was sorry without saying it. While his caresses and gentle kisses on their intertwined hands told her I love you.
She tightened her grip on his hand and tried to keep her eyes open. But her entire body was screaming for rest, and his caresses and kisses were soothing her. Soon enough, she fell back to sleep.
He did not miss the information Cha Young mentioned - there was something wrong with the car.
He waited until she fell asleep before he reached for his phone. Not ready to let go of his wife’s hand, he used his left hand to text Mr. Cho about what he found out. He also asked if Mr. Cho if he could have some agents tail her for her safety.
He looked at her sleeping form and smiled. He placed another kiss on their intertwined hands before placing his head on the side of her bed. He watched her sleep, his eyes drooped, and exhaustion took over him.
-----
He didn’t leave her side for the rest of the day, nor did he let go of her hand since that tearful reunion. From time to time, he would caress her hand and give it light kisses. In return, she would squeeze his hand making him turn to her. They would look at each other and smile.
Their intertwined hands meant that he felt even the slightest movements made by her and he would instantly turn and ask her if she needed anything. Whenever he finds her awake, he adjusts her bed so it is reclined the way she likes and then proceeds to fluff her pillows.
He made sure to assist her getting out of bed whenever she needed to go to the washroom. He helps her with her IV drip, and reminds her to walk slowly.
In the late afternoon, they had a snack, and he insisted on feeding her because he refused to let go of her hand. That was a little overbearing for her, but she let him because she knew that was his way of reassuring himself that she’s okay.
The following day, Cha Young was back to her usual self when she woke up. Her muscles are still sore but she feels chirpy and well rested. She remembered what happened the previous day, and smiled. Vincenzo was being overprotective the day before and she didn’t mind. She felt really weak and she needed him to help her. Today however, she is more energetic. In addition to that, the nurse removed her IV, so she should be able to go to the bathroom on her own without much difficulty.
She was lost in her musings when he walked in with breakfast. He knew her preferences so she was expecting an iced americano and a flan. It was to her disappointment, when she was served an egg white omelette, multigrain toast, and a cup of fruit.
“Where’s my sewage waste?”
“I’m sorry tesoro mio. No iced americano for you for the time being. I’ve been told that you shouldn’t have too much caffeine and too much sugar.”
What Vincenzo did not mention was he got an earful from her nutritionist. He was approaching her room carrying her favourite breakfast when he was spotted by what he thought at that time was a hospital attendant delivering food. He politely smiled at her. The attendant’s focus however, traveled to the cup of coffee and pastry box on his hands, and she raised her eyebrows.
“I hope that’s not for my patient.”
His silence gave him away.
“What do you think you’re doing sneaking that in here? Feeding a pregnant woman empty calories. You should be helping her eat healthy, not letting her eat everything she craves. Husbands these days.”
“Actually Ms. Kim, these are for the nurse who looked after my wife. Oh look she’s right here,” he says handing the cup of iced americano to a random nurse that passed by.
“Thank you for your hard work,” he told the nurse and gave her a smile. He then turned to the nutritionist ahjumma and said, “Let me take that from you. I’ll bring these inside so you can deliver those to your other patients.”
Vincenzo walked in his wife’s room carrying a tray with hospital food. He found her awake. She smiled as soon as she saw him walking in with food. He knew she would be disappointed when she saw the food. He wasn’t wrong.
Cha Young removed the covers on food in front of her and pouted.
“You have to eat this tesoro mio so you and the baby can feel better. I promise to get you something you’re craving later.”
She begrudgingly ate the bland hospital food. When she was done, he put away the dishes and asked her if she had room for dessert.
“Since when did I not have room for dessert?”
“Good,” he said. He kissed her forehead before he took the dishes to the adjoining room. He came back with a box in his hands and placed it on her lap. When she opened it, she was surprised with what she found.
“Is this?”
He just nodded and grinned at her. She immediately took one. It is not as fresh anymore, but the combination of the pastry and pistachio cream is still divine.
“Was this in the fridge outside the entire time?”
“It wasn’t. Luca brought them this morning.”
“Luca was here?”
He nodded. “He’s having brunch with Han Seo before flying out this afternoon. Sorry I didn’t wake you.”
“So he flew all the way here for my cannoli?”
“I told him that my wife will not forgive me if I don’t have those cannoli.”
“Luca is the best. And you too darling,” she added as she savoured her treat. “Hmmm…these are so good. Did you get my truffles as well?”
“Those are in the other room. But I can’t give them to you right now or I’ll risk getting an earful from the nutritionist ahjumma.”
“The mighty Vincenzo Cassanno is scared of a nutritionist ahjumma. Should I recruit her to be a part of Jipuragi?”
“I think that’s a great idea tesoro mio. You and the baby can have proper nutrition at every meal. I’m sure you’d like that as well.”
“Good point. I wouldn’t want to be eating any more bland egg white omelettes. Let’s not hire her.”
-----
That afternoon Mr. Cho came for a visit.
Vincenzo and him were talking in the adjoining room, the door was ajar so he can still see her and be able to assist her if she needs anything. He saw her getting up to go to the washroom and he immediately excused himself from Mr. Cho.
“Let me help you.”
“I’m okay now. You should go back to your meeting.”
“Ani, you’re still recovering, let me help you walk to the washroom. What if you faint or you feel weak?”
“I’m honestly fine. I can dance now,” she said as she grooved to a tune only she could hear.
He was horrified and immediately enveloped her into his arms.
“Tesoro mio, the doctor said to be careful.”
She sighed and said, “Tsk. Okay, you can walk me to the washroom.”
Mr. Cho, who witnessed the entire thing, tried not to laugh.
By late afternoon, she complained that she felt disgusting and would like to take a shower.
He insisted on coming again because he’s worried that the shower floor could be slippery and she might fall.
“There is a non-slip mat. I will be fine.”
“But…”
“No buts. Stop following me to the washroom.”
“How about a bath. I could also join you in the shower if it is really weird for you to have me wait in the bathroom.” He said innocently.
She was speechless. She had a quick flashback of the last time they showered together, and her cheeks reddened.
He immediately picked up on her embarrassment and teased her.
“Are you being shy, Mrs. Cassano?”
“Ani.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes I’m sure. I don’t know why you keep following me to the washroom. You’ve seen everything already.”
“That’s exactly why there is no need to be shy,” he said. He grinned at her as he closed the gap between them.
“Ya! Stop that,” she said as she hit his chest. “Shy or not, if you follow me to the washroom again I will name the baby Jason.”
That rendered him speechless. The threat made him stop following her to the washroom and allowed her some peace in the shower. He still does watch her intently whenever she stands up. And whenever she sees him watching like a hawk, she will mouth Jason just to remind him of the threat.
--------
“Do you know when they’ll discharge me? I’m sick of sleeping on the hospital bed.”
“Is it not comfortable?”
“It’s comfortable. But I miss sleeping beside you and this bed is too small for the both of us. I miss snuggling with you on our couch as you listen to the opera.”
Vincenzo had an idea. He helped her out of bed, led her to the L-shaped couch in the adjoining room, and asked her to place her head on his chest. He chose a soundtrack on his phone, and began combing through her hair with his fingers. He smiled when she was finally asleep. He carefully got up to get the duvet for her so she wouldn't feel cold and went back to where he was sitting, placing her head on his chest once more. He enveloped her in his arms and enjoyed her scent which lulled him to sleep.
-----
It didn’t take long for her to be discharged with a reminder from the doctor to rest. Vincenzo grinned and she gave him a stink eye and mouthed Jason, which immediately wiped the smirk off his face.
Han Seo walked in as soon as the doctor left. He was all smiles seeing his noona healthy and his hyung happy. Cha Young asked him if they could borrow his driver that morning. She had a feeling that because of the accident, Vincenzo would be driving like a halabeoji. She wanted to spare herself from the embarrassment of being stopped by traffic enforcement for driving too slow.
Instead of sending his driver, Han Seo took the morning off. He wanted to visit his noona and see her well again. Seeing her deathly pale as she was wheeled out of emergency gave him nightmares.
When he entered his noona’s room, his hyung was telling his noona to walk slowly. His hyung’s hand was on her noona’s waist, guiding her towards the door. When they noticed him, they gave him a smile.
“Thanks for coming.”
“Of course, anything for you and the baby noona.”
His hyung gave him a grin. Han Seo can tell he made his hyung happy. Proud of himself, he smiled brightly and picked up the couple’s bags. Cha Young offered to carry a light one, and both men refused, and told her that she shouldn’t carry heavy things. She sighed, unable to believe that Han Seo is now almost as overprotective as her husband.
——-
Vincenzo decided to work from home and Cha Young insisted that he let her do some work. He eventually relented, but frequently reminded her to take it easy, and not to stress herself.
One day, Cha Young made a comment that he should be demoted because she is pretty sure he is not getting anything done because he is constantly watching her.
“Should I tender my resignation now? Because I would love to be a househusband if that means I can make sure that we’re able to carry this baby to term, and that you’re able to deliver without complications.”
He might have said it in a joking manner and with a smirk, but all she heard was the underlying fear in that statement. He is scared of losing either of them. She knew that losing her, and now the baby, have always been his fear; and the recent event materialized his fears. Protecting her in every way possible was his way of dealing with his fears.
With that in mind, she said, “Don’t resign. I would need someone to run Jipuragi when I go on leave.”
She then kissed his cheek and snuggled beside him.
----
A few days later, right after their doctor’s appointment, in which Cha Young and the baby got a clean Bill of health, Vincenzo got a call.
“Maybe not right now. How about Monday? Yes. Thank you.”
After he hung up, he noticed that she was looking intently at him.
“What’s wrong sweetie?”
“I remembered you came home early so I was wondering if that is Luca and you’re arranging details on when to go back.”
“It wasn’t Luca. I already took care of all pressing matters for the Cassano family so I wouldn’t have to fly there anytime soon.”
Content with his answer, She didn’t ask more questions.
——-
Cha Young walked into their walk-in closet fresh from the shower. Vincenzo informed her a few minutes ago that he made reservations for dinner and told her to get ready. She was about to rummage through her closet for something to wear, when she saw a black dress laid out for her. She recognized the designer as the one who made her wedding gown. She tried it on, and tried to zip the back zipper.
“Do you need help with that?,” he said, startling her.
“I’m sorry I startled you tesoro mio,” he said before placing a kiss on the side of her head. He then gently zipped up her dress.
They were both looking at their reflection in the mirror. She noticed that he has yet to tie his tie so she turned around and took the tie from his hand. She had to tiptoe to wrap it around his neck. Expertly, she did a Double Windsor, his preferred knot. Once she was done, their gazes met and he kissed her passionately. He ended up breaking the kiss to her dismay.
“We’ll continue this when you’re fully recovered and when we don’t have a dinner scheduled.”
Calming her racing heart she sat on her dresser and found a box that wasn’t there before. She opened it and found a bracelet that complements her dress. She saw the engraved words and wondered what it meant.
———
Vincenzo took her to a restaurant on top of the mountain. Once there, they were led to a private dining room.
“Omo! Did I miss a special occasion?” She joked. She has a feeling their dinner relates to the men in suits that’s been following them.
“Ani. This is just a delayed celebration for the baby.”
“Are you sure it’s just the baby and not the agents I saw near our home?”
“Aish. I told Mr. Cho to send them on Monday when I’m back at the office.”
“You mean when we’re both back.”
“Yes, when we’re both back,” he sighed in resignation.
They finished their meal and Vincenzo led her to the balcony that has a view overlooking Seoul. The lights from the vibrant city glimmering like stars in the dark of night. When they got close to the railing, he immediately took off his coat and draped it on her. And she smiled. He took her by the waist and admired the view.
She broke the silence after a few minutes and said, “There is something else isn’t there? You wouldn’t have asked Mr. Cho for protection if we just need to buy a new car.”
“Someone tampered with the brakes on your car. They arrested the man who did it. But Mr. Cho and I are not convinced with the reason they gave for doing it. I will be helping them investigate as soon as I am able to, but it won’t be for a while.”
He paused.
“Tesoro mio, what happened in the last two weeks made me realize that I need to further decrease my involvement with the family business. I will still be and will forever be part of the family. But it’s time to make the two of you my priority. So I need to go to Italy for an extended trip so I can wrap everything up before our baby is born.”
“I understand. We will be okay Jagi. I’m sure Mr. Cho and Mr. Ahn will not let anything happen to us. Plus I have our entire Geumga family. They will look after me and the baby until papa comes home.”
He held her shoulders and turned her body so that she’s facing him.
“I can’t be apart from the two of you for that long. I don’t think I can bear to be apart from you at all. So what I’m asking…” he paused, “Is if you’re willing to leave work for several months to be with me in Italy. I’m not sure how long it will take, and you might have to close Jipuragi for a while should you decide to come. I know I’m asking for too much. You don’t have to answer me right now. You can make a decision when you’re ready.”
She smiled at him. She didn’t need to think of her answer. She knew he needed to heal from the trauma of nearly losing her. And that can only happen if she is around him to remind him that it is not his fault. She loves what she does, but she also has to put him and their baby as her priority.
“Of course I will come with you. I can still work remotely. Plus this will be a good test on what will happen once I go on leave after our baby is born.”
“Are you sure?”
She just nodded.
He was so happy that he just kissed her.
He led her to a bench when he realized that they'd been standing for too long. They were enjoying the view and the calmness of the night when she asked what the engraving on her bracelet meant.
“E mio means my.”
“My lawyer?,” she said, pretending not to know the translation of the Italian word.
“I guess this is payment for representing you when you were arrested during the mafia game? Don’t you think that’s a little delayed byeonhosanim?” she teased.
They’ve been married for a couple of years now. He knows that she understands and accepts that he is not very vocal with his feelings. But from time to time she wants him to tell her how he feels. It’s not because she’s insecure, but because that’s how she is. She shows her love with her words and actions, and she needs to hear it sometimes. And he knows how much she appreciates it when he does tell her with words how he feels. So he cupped her face with his hand and their eyes met.
“You are still my lawyer, my defender. The one who told me and made me feel that I deserve to love and be loved. The one who defends me against myself when all I feel is guilt. And the jipuragi I cling to when I am drowning in darkness. I love you byeonhosanim e mio.”