Chapter 233 - Hopeless

Eli was at the precinct, organizing her criminal files when one of the junior officers approached her. 

"Detective Lee," he said. "A deliveryman dropped this off for you." 

She looked up to see the officer carrying a large package. Who could send me a delivery? She frowned. 

"Thank you, Officer," she replied, taking the package. It felt light and was wrapped with a very expensive silky paper. 

She found a note on it. 

"To Detective Lee Eli, 

For tonight :)" 

Oh no. Even though there was no name signed, she knew who sent the parcel. Eli did not want to open this in front of everyone but it was too late. Suji had already seen the junior officer handing over the parcel to Eli. 

"Eli!" she exclaimed. "What's this?" 

She pointed at the package. Eli quickly crumbled the note and put it in her bag. "Nothing," she replied hastily. "I ordered something online and it has arrived. Finally." 

She put on a relieved expression but Suji was suspicious. 

"What is it?" she held a hand out to touch it but Eli wrung it out of her reach. 

"Books," she lied. "I'll go and keep it in my car." 

She quickly walked away, escaping Suji's watchful eyes. The precinct was already full of gossip mongers and she did not want to become their favorite subject. 

She hurried towards her car and got into it. Making sure that no one was around, she carefully peeled the delicate paper off and opened the box. 

In it was a beautiful saffron colored, off shoulder dress with little rubies sewn on the border. It was soft, as if a little touch would rip it apart. The dress was a designer wear stitched entirely by hand. Even to Eli's untrained eyes, it was obvious that it was very expensive. It may even cost double her yearly income.

"That brat…" she muttered. He actually bought her this expensive item! She peered into the box to find another smaller one. Inside it was a set of simple yet exquisite necklace and earrings, matching with the dress. 

Eli was beyond embarrassed. Even though the gesture was touching, it felt too much to accept all this. Especially after that night… 

"I'll return them after the party," she resolved. "I'll wear them for this event but only this one time." 

She carefully repacked the items and put it inside one of the drawers in her car before firmly locking the doors. Making sure the car was locked properly, she headed back in, trying to keep on a poker face. 

Despite her misgivings, she still could not help but smile. 

…. 

KJ was waiting downstairs. The party was at Song Tamlin's private villa and they would be escorted there by their personal security team. He was already dressed up in a sleek black suit. Even though his shirt was tucked, he kept his collar unbuttoned and opted not to wear a tie. Instead, his tie was peeking out of his front pocket. It was a little too casual for the event, he preferred his slightly unkempt style. It was popular with the masses anyway. 

"What's keeping her so long?" he wondered. It was already 6 PM and they had to be there within an hour. 

He was pacing back and forth, checking the time. Finally, he heard the clanking of heels descending from the stairs. 

"It's about time-" 

He glanced up only for the words to get stuck in his throat. Mirae was standing there in a full neck, sleeveless blue gown. Her makeup was minimal yet her skin was glowing radiantly. Her hair was tied up in a loose bun with slight strands hanging out. 

The dress reached up to her ankles, shimmering in the light. It fit her at all the right places. For a moment, KJ had the urge to lift her up in his arms and take her back to their bedroom but he had to snap himself out of that thought. 

He momentarily forgot how to breathe as she stood in front of him. She was looking so alluring that he was oblivious about the rest of the world. 

Mirae noticed he was not wearing a tie. 

"Aren't you gonna wear a tie?" she asked. 

"Huh? What?" he asked stupidly. His head was still wrapped around his wife's beauty. 

"Aren't you gonna wear a tie?" she repeated. 

"Uhh…yes!" he replied. He searched his pant pockets for the tie. 

"Where is it…" 

Mirar smiled and pulled it out of his front pocket. 

"Here let me tie it for you," she said. KJ was speechless as she put the tie around his neck. He caught a whiff of strawberry perfume as she knotted the ribbon. They were standing very close. She glanced at him and he was immediately captivated by her green eyes. 

"What are you thinking?" she asked, her voice coming out as sultry. 

Unconsciously, he raised his hand to her cheek. Instantly, her skin turned red under his touch. 

"You have beautiful eyes," he whispered. Mirae blinked in surprise. They were too close. She did not realize that she had unconsciously leaned towards him. Their faces were inches apart. He was coming closer and closer. She shut her eyes, waiting for him… 

Suddenly KJ backed off. It will be too much for her, he decided. She was already overwhelmed by their passionate encounter and repeating an incident like that would only push her further away. 

"We should get going," he said, clearing his throat. 

To his surprise, Mirae was glaring at him with anger. Her lips were quivering as she shot death threats at him. 

"We should!" she snapped and walked away. 

KJ was left stumped at her reaction. Was she really that stressed out? Was he crossing his limits? 

He got into the limo with her. She sat far from him, refusing to look at his direction. Anger was visible on her face as the car pulled out of the parking lot and sped off. 

KJ was confused by her mood swings but he also felt guilty about it. He did not want to push her to the limits. This marriage of convenience was already hard for her and she was trying her best to cope with his feelings. I should not push her, he decided. No more stressing her out. 

Mirae on the other hand was angry at his teasing. What is it with this guy? She wondered in anger and embarrassment. First he confesses to me. Then he confesses again on national TV. And then he teased me that night and now he won't even kiss me! 

Her thoughts were a mess but she was more angry at KJ for his teases. It was hard for her to take the first step but now even KJ was shying away. 

She glanced at him. The guy was hopeless when it came to love. Even though she was not sure of her own feelings, it was time to explore their relationship. 

I'll have to talk to him after the party, she decided.