Chapter 139 CHAPTER 140

Chapter 139 CHAPTER 140
CHAPTER 140
YAEL
I was still smiling at Knox when there was a knock on the door. I had just given him the idea that fixed his app, and he was looking at me like I had hung the moon. I kissed his cheek quickly and went to answer it, still feeling warm from his praise.

When I opened the door, my breath caught.

The girl standing there was the most beautiful person I had ever seen. She had smooth glowing skin, long dark hair that fell perfectly over her shoulders, and delicate features. There was a soft, subtle Asian tone to her face — almond-shaped eyes and high cheekbones — but it was clear she was not Korean. She looked around my age or a little younger, and she was dressed simply but stylishly in a cropped hoodie and jeans.

She smiled brightly at me. “Hi! I would like to see Knox. Is he here?”

Before I could answer, Knox’s chair scraped loudly behind me. He stood up so fast it almost fell over. When he reached the door and saw her, his jaw literally dropped.

“No way,” he breathed.

The girl’s smile grew even bigger. “Yes way!”

In one quick movement, Knox pulled her into a tight hug, then lifted her off the ground and spun her around like she weighed nothing. She laughed loudly, wrapping her arms around his neck.

“Bug!” he said, his voice full of disbelief and happiness. “What are you doing here? You didn’t tell me you were coming!”

She giggled as he set her down. “I wanted it to be a surprise! I told you I had one for you, remember? I landed a few hours ago and took a taxi straight here.”

Knox stared at her like he still could not believe she was real. “You’re actually here. In America. In my dorm. I can’t believe it.”

I stood there watching them, feeling a little stunned but also warm inside. It was clear how much he loved her. The way his whole face lit up when he saw her was something I had never seen before.

Knox finally turned to me, still grinning. “Yael, this is my little sister, Mina. Mina, this is Yael. My girlfriend.”

Mina’s eyes widened and she looked at me with pure excitement. “Oh my gosh, hi! It’s so nice to finally meet you! Knox has told me so much about you in our calls. You’re even prettier in person.”

I felt my cheeks heat up. “Hi, Mina. It’s really nice to meet you too. I didn’t know you were coming. Knox didn’t say anything.”

Mina laughed and elbowed her brother. “That’s because I told him not to ruin the surprise! I wanted to see the look on his face. Did you see how shocked he was? It was priceless.”

Knox rubbed the back of his neck, still smiling. “Yeah, yeah, laugh at me. I can’t believe you flew all the way here without telling me. Does Mom know?”

“Of course she knows,” Mina said, rolling her eyes playfully. “She helped me plan it. She said you needed a break from all the stress you’ve been telling her about.”

I watched them talk and felt a soft happiness settle in my chest. Mina had the same warm energy as Knox, but with a bubbly, bright personality that filled the room. She was so beautiful it was almost unfair, and the way she looked at her brother made it clear how much she adored him.

Mina turned back to me. “Yael, I’m sorry I just showed up like this. I hope I’m not interrupting anything. Knox talks about you all the time when we video call. I’ve been dying to meet the girl who finally stole my brother’s heart.”

I laughed softly. “He talks about you too. He says you’re the smartest one in the family and that you’re studying in Seoul. It’s really nice to meet you in person.”

Knox wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me closer. “She’s the best, Bug. You’ll love her.”

Mina clapped her hands. “I already do! Look at you two. You look so cute together. Knox, you better be treating her right or I’m telling Mom.”

Knox groaned. “Here we go. Already threatening me.”

I smiled and leaned into him. “He’s been really good to me. You don’t have to worry.”

Mina looked between us with bright eyes. “Good. Because if he messes up, I’m on the next flight back here to kick his butt.”

We all laughed again. Mina stepped fully inside and looked around the dorm.

“This place is nice,” she said. “Smaller than I thought, but cozy. So, what’s the plan? Are we ordering food? I’m starving after that long flight.”

Knox nodded. “Yeah, let’s order something. What do you want, Bug?”

“Anything with rice,” she said immediately. “And spicy. I’ve been craving real food.”

I went to grab the menus we kept in the drawer. “We have a few good places nearby. Korean food is actually really good around here.”

Mina’s face lit up. “Yes! Please.”

While we looked at the menus, Mina kept talking excitedly. “Knox, you have no idea how happy I am to be here. Mom said you’ve been stressed with school, work, and everything else. I wanted to come and surprise you so you could relax a little.”

Knox smiled at her warmly. “You’re the best surprise ever. Seriously. I can’t believe you’re here.”

We all laughed again. The room felt lighter with Mina there. She had brought a burst of energy that we all needed.

Knox stood up. “I’ll order the food. You two keep talking. I want to hear what my sister has been up to in Seoul.”

As he walked away to place the order, Mina leaned toward me and whispered, “He really likes you. I can tell. He’s never been like this with anyone before.”

Her words made my heart feel full. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

Mina g
rinned. “I’m really happy for him. And for you. Welcome to the family, Yael.”