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This light novel is inspired by the beautiful landscapes and cultures of Bolivia and South Korea. However, the characters, events, and situations portrayed are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to real persons, places, or events is purely coincidental. This content does not intend to represent or reflect the historical, social, or cultural reality of either country. The author disclaims any legal liability arising from the interpretation of these elements.
Chapter 82 — The Wedding II
82.1 What the Kang Family Leaves Unsaid
The ceremony had only just begun;
the silence in the hall held a ceremonial weight.
The Kang family was positioned on the left, in a row that was strategically close yet discreet.
As foreigners, they understood every word, yet they chose silence.
The patriarch of the Kang family,
observed with the calm of one who has led empires and knows exactly when to intervene and when to wait.
In this wedding,
he saw the union of two families forged through years of respect.
His wife remained composed,
but a subtle brush of her thumb against her ring finger betrayed her contained emotion.
She offered only a faint smile,
communicating without words her pride in the family's strength.
Dressed in midnight blue, Seo-Yeon, the eldest daughter, stood out as more than just a simple guest.
Zayra entered on her father's arm.
Seo-Yeon watched Zayra advance,
knowing she did not walk alone.
Min-Jun leaned back with a hand in his pocket and a mischievous grin.
He looked at Zayra and then at his older brother, Ryu, who stood firm at the front.
He shot Ryu an amused look,
as if he could read his brother's every thought without needing words.
"Wah... hyung married a Bolivian model, huh? Not fair."
He whispered, addressing no one in particular.
"¿Where were these women when I was still innocent?"
He asked himself.
He lowered his gaze slightly in a sign of respect as Zayra passed by,
showing that, despite his jokes, he valued family.
Seo-Yeon heard him and elbowed him without looking.
"Ssshh..."
Min-Jun, caught between admiration and resigned humor,
bowed his head respectfully as Zayra passed.
***
She reached the altar.
All attention was on the couple and the civil registrar.
Then it happened.
"I object!"
The interruption arrived like a sour note unnecessary and brief.
The murmuring froze; a heavy silence fell over everyone.
Zayra's mother approached Bruno and whispered something in his ear.
Every member of the Kang family tensed... without moving.
Mr. Kang didn't turn his head; he only blinked slowly once.
His wife interlaced her fingers more firmly.
Seo-Yeon turned her head,
evaluating the situation with precision.
Min-Jun raised an eyebrow and whispered.
"Is no one going to stop him? This is more awkward than drama."
His older sister looked at him and couldn't help but laugh softly at the comment.
The conflict was resolved without a scandal.
***
The Kang family watched Ryu's reaction.
He squeezed Zayra's hand. He didn't need to move or look back.
Ryu's father didn't smile; he nodded once, recognizing in that gesture an irrevocable decision.
His mother exhaled just a moment longer than usual. Seo-Yeon smiled with her head down.
And Min-Jun, crossing his legs, murmured.
"Your toast, Hyung. You look happy... it seems love isn't so deadly after all."
Everyone knew he spoke between jest and truth.
When the couple left the hall, now married and holding hands, Ryu's father gave a slight nod to Zayra's father.
A minimal gesture, loaded with meaning.
Both fathers-in-law left the hall happy, having achieved their goal.
82.2 The Promise Before Everyone.
The Great Hall was lit with a cozy warmth.
The tables were filled with attentive guests, each waiting for the special moment.
The newlyweds entered holding hands.
She wore a dress that seemed like a tribute to her land, with details reminiscent of the Toborochi tree.
They moved through the hall table by table.
Zayra conversed with ease, while Ryu accompanied her with quiet greetings that won people over.
He moved steadily, bowing slightly at each table;
his respectful and silent presence spoke for itself.
Finally, they reached the stage.
Zayra's father took the microphone and spoke with a serene but emotional voice.
"Today we celebrate the union of two worlds and the promise of a shared future."
His wife joined him, adding sweetly.
"Welcome everyone, we thank you for celebrating this marriage with us."
A tear escaped her as she added,
"Zayra was always strong; today she is with someone who respects and protects her."
Ryu maintained a straight posture, hands clasped, attentive but impassive.
The words resonated; he valued the symbolism deeply.
Warm applause filled the room.
***
The couple looked at each other, took a breath,
and picked up the microphone for their vows.
She held her husband's hands with the steady gaze of a brave love.
Taking a deep breath, she spoke with calm sincerity.
"Even though I sometimes find it hard to express, I want you to know how grateful I am that our lives crossed paths."
Her hands gently squeezed Ryu's.
"I promise you respect in every step, care even in the difficult moments,
and a love that doesn't give up, even if it isn't always easy or perfect."
She looked down, showing vulnerability and hope.
"I want to build something real with you, without masks, with patience and daily devotion."
His eyes, serene and deep, reflected the silent strength he so admired in her.
She gave him a tender, determined smile a silent pact between two souls.
Ryu looked at her fascinated and wondered.
"How is she so strong and yet so soft? She gives me more than promises; she gives me her trust."
***
Ryu inhaled slowly; it wasn't nervousness, but the awareness of the weight of each word.
He kept his gaze fixed, firm, and serene, and his voice held an unbreakable truth.
"I am not a man of many words, but when I say something, it is final.
With you, I have found my home."
His voice sounded firm,
without hesitation a promise with the authority of someone who knows what he wants.
Zayra looked at him with tenderness, feeling like the luckiest woman.
She thought.
"He chooses me, even if it's hard for him to say it."
Ryu cleared his throat and added.
"I promise to take care of you and fight for us, even if you don't understand me.
And to stay, even if things get difficult."
For a brief moment, his eyes lowered in a sign of respect and reflection,
aware that he had shared a rarely seen side of himself.
Then he raised his head again, ready to face whatever came next.
They looked into each other's eyes, and for a moment, only the two of them existed.
Camila brought the glasses over and the couple crossed them in a toast.
The applause marked the beginning of the celebration.
Dinner began; while the guests enjoyed themselves,
Zayra and Ryu stepped away for photos.
***
Away from the bustle, they found themselves alone for the first time in hours.
"What did you think of everything?"
Zayra asked, resting a hand on Ryu's arm.
He sighed, letting out some of the accumulated tension.
"To be honest... I'm tired."
He paused, she smiled with a bit of irony and said.
"And there's still more to come."
"I already want to head to the cabin in Samaipata."
He added, shrugging.
Zayra laughed softly.
"I want that too."
She said, looking at him tenderly.
Ryu observed her and asked.
"Why didn't you talk to me all day?"
She smiled, looked toward the hall, and answered.
"It was crazy helping with the makeup and hair; I didn't have a spare moment."
Ryu saw the five girls in identical dresses, Camila among them.
He let out a small laugh.
"Now I know why I didn't hear from you."
She squeezed his hand.
"But now we are together. Surviving the Bolivian wedding."
He returned the smile.
"Yes, here we are."
They looked at each other, shared a knowing laugh, and posed,
ready for whatever was to come.
***
When the waltz led them to the floor, Ryu visibly tensed.
As the music played, he clenched his jaw slightly,
aware that this ritual wasn't his style, but he performed it with the dignity of one who yields out of love and respect.
Zayra leaned in and whispered something;
he fixed his gaze on her, and from the outside, they seemed to dance naturally.
The waltz was met with applause,
and other couples joined them on the dance floor.
As the party progressed, Ryu's parents said their goodbyes.
Only Seo-Yeon, her husband, and Min-Jun remained.
82.3 The Ritual of the Bouquet and the Garter
The music continued and the party vibrated.
Zayra, smiling and playful, held the bouquet before the single ladies.
"Watch out, girls!"
She announced playfully.
With an agile spin, she threw the bouquet.
Alejandra, her friend, was the fastest and caught it, smiling triumphantly.
The other single women showed surprise and frustration while Zayra laughed, amused.
A few more minutes passed in talk, laughter, and lively dancing.
The voice of the master of ceremonies echoed through the hall.
"Guests, the time for the garter has arrived.
Groom and bride, please to the center of the floor."
Zayra sat down, watching Ryu prepare himself with a mix of nerves and amusement.
She knew he wouldn't do the usual routine; taking the garter would be a symbolic and discreet gesture.
He leaned in gently and picked up the garter that she had discreetly let fall.
The master of ceremonies called the single men to stand, forming an expectant group.
Among them was Min-Jun, with a mischievous grin, ready for the competition.
Ryu, with his back turned, tossed the garter with precision and a slight smile,
showing his complicity despite his preference for a business meeting.
Some single men avoided taking the garter while others waited intently; finally, Carlos, a close family friend, caught it.
Min-Jun, enthusiastic, could only laugh and applaud.
The party continued, joyful and relaxed.
Later, after much dancing and laughter, Zayra approached Ryu,
smiling with a mix of exhaustion and relief.
"Well, we survived the Bolivian wedding."
She said playfully.
"Shall we go?"
Tired and holding hands, the couple thanked and said goodbye to everyone.
Then, they left in the car for a special rest.
Ryu walked beside Zayra with a firm, sure step, leaving the ceremony behind,
but carrying with him the certainty of an unbreakable commitment.
The air seemed to carry an invisible melody,
an invitation to a new beginning that no one could foresee.