The Arranged Wife

Chiang Rai, Thailand {Min Soo P.O.V.} The sun is extra bright today. I thought as I squint up at the sun. I raise my hand and peak at the sunlight through my fingers. My squad had just finished a military training mission and were waiting for transport back to base. "Captain, the transport will be here in 5 clicks." said my Lieutenant, Lee Dong Woo. Nodding, I stand up and pick up my gear. "Pack up, team. Almost home!" Cheers from my soldiers erupted in the forest. We had been training in Thailand with other International Special Forces for the past 3 months. It was finally over and it was time to go back to South Korea. Dong Woo opens his canteen and takes a swig of water. He looks at me and offers a sheepish grin. "Any plans once we reach the motherland, Captain?" "3 days and 3 nights, Dong Woo." I smirk mischievously. "I'm down with that plan!" Park Hye Jin says. I look over at my Sergeant and laugh. "I thought your plan was to find a man, Hye Jin-ah." Grinning, she looks at Dong Woo and says, "Dong Woo, got any cousins?" Dong Woo groans. "No man would be able to handle a woman as crazy as you!" Hye Jim punches him in the arm. "Puh-lease! With the body the army gave me, and the looks I was born with, who can resist all of this?" She attempts to pose like a fashion model. I laugh so hard. Did she think she looked like a Victoria's Secret model? "You look more like an ad for the Army!" "Hey, I'll have you know, I can pull it off outside of these fatigues!" I make a face of doubt as the Army transport truck rolls up. Turning to my team, I look at them with pride. "Transport is here! Load up and let's get home!" Cheers ring out again as one by one soldiers swing up into the truck bed. Finally. Time to go home. I smile to myself as I think about the food Aunty Jung Hwa will make. Leaning back, I relax and take a quick nap as the rocking of the truck takes us back to base camp. Home. Bangkok, Thailand {Daniel P.O.V.} "Sir, your next meeting is in 30 minutes." I lean back against my chair and close my eyes. All day, I've been in and out of meetings. Today has been a blur. "Thank you, Nit. You may go now." I hear my secretary's heels clack out of my office. I turn my chair and look out the window. The sun is extra bright today. Knock knock. My office door opens. "Sir. Another letter came." F**k. I turn and look at Davin, my bodyguard. "What does it say?" "It's in block letters again. This time the letter is about your sister." "Rin? isn't she in South Korea with Khun Mae (mom) right now?" Davin nodded. "The letter doesn't seem to show that he knows where they are, but it is descriptive." He hesitates before speaking again. "Sir, I think they're in danger. Your mother and sister are aware of the current threat, but I'm afraid we need to alert the bodyguards to be extra vigilant. Thip seems to be willing to do anything to threaten you." That bastard. I met Thip 3 months ago at a business party held by some partners. At first, I thought nothing of him until he proposed a partnership with my company. Something about his proposal seemed risky and my instincts told me he was shady. I had Davin run a background check and Thip's criminal background and reputation was enough for me to refuse. Then he approached my father, but my father also found Thip to be inauthentic. Apparently Thip didn't like that we said no to his business. Then the letters started coming. Each one spelling out a plan and then it would happen shortly after the letters arrived. First, our supplies were stolen at the port, then our inventory was destroyed at several of the warehouses, I was kidnapped and almost beaten to death and now he's threatening my sister! I press a button on my desk phone. "Nit? Cancel all of my appointments and book me and Davin a flight to South Korea immediately." "Yes, Sir. Right away!" I hear her voice come through the speaker. I look at Davin. "Prepare for a trip and let the bodyguards know." He nods and leaves. I take out my phone and dial my mother. "Hello?" "Khun Mae, where are you?" "Rin and I are out shopping and then we're going to visit..." I cut her off. "Khun Mae, you need to return back to the house now." "Daniel, what's wrong?" I can hear the panic in her voice. I calm myself down and explain. "It's Rin. I'm worried she's in danger. Another letter came and I think Thip is after her." Silence. "Rin!! We need to go!" I hear my sister protesting. "Now!" Click. The phone hangs up. Davin bursts back into my office. "Sir, Sathit just called me and he's escorting your mother and sister to General Kangs residence." Thank God. Nit comes in and hands me our flight information. "Let's go." I walk out with Davin on my heels. {Min Soo P.O.V.} I walk into the Command Center tent and stand at attention in front of Commander Lee Dong Min. "Report! Captain Kang Min Soo reporting that Eagle Team has successfully completed Operation Shadow!" Commander Lee salutes me. "Good work, Captain! At ease!" I shift to parade rest. "Is the squad ready to return home?" "They are packing now, Commander." He nods. "Good, good. I know everyone is ready to be home." "Yes, Sir!" He scratches the side of his face with his index finger. A tell I know that he's about to say something uncomfortable "Captain Kang, I know you're all going on leave once you return, but I have to ask you to hold off a little bit once you return." Damn. "Sir?" "The Brigadier General would like you to report to his office once you arrive back in Korea. Afterwards you nay go on leave." Really, Abeoji (father)? I mentally roll my eyes. My father was the Brigadier General of the Special Forces and he usually only calls me into his office to tell me do something that I wouldn't do willingly. "Yes, Sir." He looks at me with understanding eyes. Dong Woo is his son after all. "Ok! You're dismissed, Captain. Get ready to go home." I snap back to attention. "Report! Captain Kang Min Soo will report to home base with Eagle Team, Sir!" I salute him and about face. After leaving the tent, I stand there with both hands on my hips. Dong Woo and Hye Jin runs up to me noting my expression. "What happened? Did my dad give us some crap over the training marks?" I shake my head. "We scored high amongst the other countries. It's not that, Dong Woo." Hye Jin peers at my face more closely. "Wait a minute. I know that face! Your dad is preventing you from leave again, isn't he?" I close my eyes in frustration and nod. She slaps her hands. "I knew it! it all seemed to good to be true!" Dong Woo has an expression of sympathy and pats my shoulder. "So much for 3 days and 3 nights, Captain." F**k. I'm finally coming home and instead of enjoying leave with my squad, I'm probably going to be assigned another independent mission. Can a girl catch a break?! Hye Jin puts her arm around my shoulders sympathetically and moves me towards the barracks. "Come on! You still need to pack regardless!" Ugh. I mentally groan and allow her to drag me back to the barracks. *Incheon Airport* {Daniel P.O.V.} "Sir? The car is ready." I nod and follow Davin out of the airport. I settle in the car while Davin loads our luggage into the truck. It's nighttime now and the 5 hour flight from Bangkok to Seoul made my anxiety worse. Rin. My baby sister. Well, not so baby as she's 22 now. Rin was on break from University, but hasn't returned since the letters came. My parents and I were too worried for her safety. Rin is spoiled and free spirited. She's escaped her bodyguards too many times for our comfort and now Thip is threatening her. I lean back and close my eyes. "Should I head to the hotel, Sir?" "No, head to General Kang's house." "Yes, Sir." I let exhaustion take me and sleep as Davin navigates through Seoul traffic. Kang Residence {Rin P.O.V.} Lee Ha Na sips her tea in silence as she processes what Khun Mae has told her. I knew Daniel was being threatened by some gangster, but why am I getting involved? I groan to myself. I just want to go back to school and my friends. I try not to show my irritation as we are guests at the Kang's residence. My mother and Ha Na have been friends since I can remember. Mrs. Kang would always bring me the nicest clothes and bags from Korea when she would visit us in Thailand. I think it was because her own daughter wasn't so fashionable. At least that's what I assume since I've never met her and she's never around. All I knew was that Min Soon was in the Army like her dad. I get annoyed by the silence of the room and get up from the sofa. I walk around and look at the family pictures. I pick up a picture of a woman in uniform next to Mr. Kang. Min Soo is actually quite pretty. Throw on some makeup, brand name clothes and bags and she'd be quite the looker. I am the only daughter. I rarely see my brother, Daniel cause he's always working. When I do see him at family dinners, he just pats my head and talks to dad about business. Men can be so boring. "What are you going to do, Mingta?" I hear my mom sigh. "I'm not sure what to do. Hire an army of bodyguards? To what end? This gangster seems to determined to come after our family. A part of me wants to tell Daniel to give up the company, but I've watched my son work so hard to recover the company my brother almost ruined." She sniffles tears back. Tink. I turn and watch as Mrs. Kang places her cup on the table and take my mom's hand in hers. "We'll find a way together. I won't let you or Rin be in danger! Stay here until Daniel arrives to take you home." My mom starts crying. "Ha Na! What are we going to do?! Rin has to return to school eventually. We can't live like this! Daniel was almost killed already!" I look down at my feet feeling sad again. I remember arriving home from University and the house was in a panic. Police cars were outside and officers were coming in and out of the house. *Flashback* I walk into the house expecting a warm welcome, instead I'm greeted by multiple police officers. "Khun Mae, ka? Khun Paw?" Aunty Lin, our housekeeper runs up to me and hugs me. "Oh, Rin! You're finally home! I'm so glad you're safe!" I return her hug happily. "Khun Bpa, ka. What's going on?" She grasps my hands and looks at me with tears in her eyes. "Daniel...he...he's..." She starts sobbing. "Khun P? What's wrong with Khun P? Khun Bpa! Calm down and tell me what's happening!" Aunty Lin takes deep breaths and wipes her tears. When she's finally calm, she squeezes my hands again. "Daniel has been kidnapped. Davin is unconscious and in the hospital. The police are looking for your brother now." Kidnapped? By who? For what? "Rin!" I turn around and see my mom rushing towards me. She pulls me in her arms and starts crying. I hug her back. I've missed my mom. "Khun Mae, ka! Khun Bpa told me about Daniel! Do we have any news? Are you ok?" "I'm holding on, lu (my child), but we don't even have a ransom note or anything. Davin is the only witness and he's still unconscious." She starts sobbing harder. Seeing her about to collapse, I guide her back to the living room and help her to a sofa. I look around for tissues. I find some and give them to her. "Take deep breaths, Khun Mae. I'm sure the police are doing everything to fine him." She nods and continues to sob. "Khun Mae, kha. Who would want to hurt Khun P? He has no friends, no enemies. All he does is work. Is this for money?" "If it were for money, we would've received a ransom note or a call by now." A deep voice says behind me. I turn. "Khun Paw!" I run into his arms. "Rin! I've missed you! I'm sorry you came home to this chaos! We will find your brother. I promise!" I hug him harder. "Khun Paw, kha. How long has he been missing? What happened?" He pats my back and let's me go. We move to sit on the sofa. He pulls mom into his arms and caresses her hair as she continues to sob into his suit jacket. "Daniel has been missing for over 24 hours now. The police are following clues they got from CCTV. He was kidnapped after leaving his office building." A police office runs into the room. "Senator, we've found Daniel." My parents and I stand up quickly. "Where?" "Our officers found him outside of the city. He was beaten up pretty badly and is being transported to the hospital now." No! Khun P! We all rush to the hospital with police escort. We're greeted by the Chief of Police at the Emergency Room. "Senator!" "My son! Where is my son?" My mom yells. Hospital staff and patients turn and look at my mom. "Mrs. Senator, please, calm down. We are in the hospital. Daniel has been taken into surgery. I will escort you to the waiting area." He turns and we follow up to the Surgery waiting area. We sit on the benches and keep looking anxiously at the doors. The red sign "In Surgery" was still lit. Khun P! Please, be ok! I may not be close to my brother like when we were younger, but he is my only sibling. The light turns off and we get up to greet the doctor outside of the doors. He comes out in green scrubs. "Senator, ma'am. He is safe. The surgery was successful." My mom collapses against dad in relief. My dad shakes his hand. "Thank you, Doctor. Thank you!" "Just doing my job, Sir. He is being moved to the recovery room soon and you can visit him there." We all nod with tears running down our face. The doctor turns to the Chief. "Chief, a word?" The Chief nods. I turn my head to eavesdrop. "What is it doctor?" "Well, it's like this. Daniel had several stab wounds but thankfully, they missed all of his major organs. He had massive blood loss, but he will survive. Based on my observations, it seems that he was tortured based on the stab wound locations. They did beat him up pretty badly and he has multiple fractures." I try to hold in my gasp. Khun P! What did they do to you? The Chief shakes his head. "I need to find out what their intentions were. I'll need your examination report as soon as possible, Doctor." "On my way to write it down. I'll send it to the police station immediately." "Thank you." The doctor leaves. The Chief comes over to us. "I'm going to check to see if Davin woke up for a statement. I'm sorry, that we didn't find Daniel sooner." My father pats him on the shoulder. "You and your men did fine work, Chief. Thank you, for bringing my son back to us alive. I hope you will thoroughly investigate this." "Yes, Sir. We'll provide you with any updates we have." He walks away. I turn to my mom. "Khun Mae, kha. Let's go see Khun P. He should be in the recovery room now." She nods and takes me hand. We enter a private room. I see my brother laying on a hospital bed, tubes and wires protruding from his body. I can see bruises all over his face and arms. Khun P! "How was University, Rin?" Mrs. Kang's voice snaps me out of my memory. "Oh! It was lovely! I'm majoring in Classical Art History. The campus is huge and I've met some pretty amazing friends." "That's great, dear! I hope you can return soon. The faster you finish your studies, the faster you can return to your mother's side." I nod and sit back down next to my mom. "How is Min Soo, Ha Na? You told me she was on a mission?" My mom asks. Mrs. Kang nods and smiles. "Yes, she's currently training, but is returning soon. Her father said that the training competition is over and the soldiers are coming home now." She sighs. "That girl! Just like her father. Jin Soo takes after me and Min Soo after her father! How will I ever find her a husband?" My mother chuckles. "I worry too about a wife for Daniel. He's always working. How can he meet someone if he's always at work?" Their eyes meet and I see a plan forming. "Mingta! I have an idea and it might solve your predicament too!" My mom, obviously has the same idea. "Min Soo and Daniel?" Whoa, what?! Mrs. Kang nods quickly and takes my mom's hand. "Mingta, Daniel is in danger right now. My Min Soo is 10 times better than any bodyguard." "Ha Na, I'm on-board, but I don't know if Daniel will allow a female bodyguard. He trusts only Davin." Mrs. Kang shakes her head. "No, Min Soo wouldn't be his bodyguard. She will be his wife! She can secretly protect him too!" My mom's eyes grow wide. She smiles happily. "Yes! It also solves our worries of them getting married. It's basically a perfect match. He's always working and she's always away for her military duties!" Mrs. Kang laughs. "Yes!" I'm staring at the both of them in shock. Is it really that simple? Marriage?