CHAPTER 6

            So Min was relieved the press conference was finally over.  She felt numb.  She didn’t know how she survived the whole thing.  It was such an ordeal and she was glad it was over.

            The auditorium was almost cleared except for a few members of her father’s staff.  So Min looked around and she saw her father talking to Hyun Joong.  They were both laughing and seemed very pleased with the success of the press conference. 

            Her father later informed everyone that he reserved a table at a nearby restaurant to treat his staff to a dinner.  He added that everyone worked so hard that they deserve a decent meal.

            “Would you like to walk with me to the restaurant?” Hyun Joong asked So Min.

            “Yes, you know we have a lot to talk about,” said So Min with a stern look on her face.

            She wanted to scream and yell at Hyun Joong but she knew this was not the right place for it and it would be completely out of character for her.

            “Wait for me here.  I left my purse in my Dad’s office.  I’ll be back.”

            So Min took the elevator to her father’s office and found her purse on the sofa.  She was about to leave the room when she saw Hyun Joong walked in.  She didn’t realize Hyun Joong followed her.

            “I would like to talk to you in private because I wanted to clear something.  I just want you to know I had nothing to do with the photographer who took our picture last night.”

            “Oh, really?  How convenient?”

            “You saw my staff tried to stop him but unfortunately they didn’t catch him.  That person crashed the party.  I have asked my staff to investigate further and find out who is behind all this.”

            “And I’m supposed to believe that?”

            “I’m not going to ask you to believe me.  I’m telling the truth and it’s up to you to believe it or not. “

            “How about the bigger issue?  Why did you tell everyone that we are engaged?”

            “Your parents were very upset about the scandal.  They believed your reputation was at stake.   Your parents also received reports that they saw us kissing outside the Millennium Hilton Hotel.  I’m not sure exactly what your parents thought of that but they are definitely worried about you.”

            “And your solution was to tell them we are engaged?”

            “Look So Min, you know why I want to marry you.  As I’ve said before this is a win-win situation for everyone.  This marriage will ensure the success of the partnership.  Sounds cold and callous, but at least I’m being honest with you.”

            “You think this marriage is going to work just because it’s tied up to the partnership you have with my father?”

            “Again, I look at this as a sound business decision and I have no intention to get emotional about this.  Outside of the business deal, all I know is that your parents were very pleased when I told them I will marry you.  Besides, let’s face it, we can’t deny the fact that we are attracted to each other.  At least we have that going for us, right?” 

            So Min did not respond and Hyun Joong looked disappointed.

            “Look, we better get going.  Your parents are probably waiting for us downstairs.”

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            So Min couldn’t sleep.  She couldn’t believe that her life was turned up side down in just a few days.  A few weeks from now she will be married to Hyun Joong.  Maybe Hyun Joong was right, this marriage could work.  One thing for sure, her parents adore him. At dinner tonight, she saw how her father interacted with Hyun Joong, like a son he never had.  Even her mother was constantly doting on him.  Her father clearly was thrilled to have a future son-in-law who understands their business.  So Min wished it would be that easy for her and Hyun Joong too. 

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            So Min was exhausted.  It’s been a long week.  She has been busy preparing for the wedding.  She was thankful that Hyun Joong hired a very efficient wedding planner.  She was spared from a lot of unwanted stress.

            “So Min, Hyun Joong is on the phone,” Seung Ah announced as soon as she entered the studio.

            “Oh, okay.  I’ll take it in my office.”  So Min said.

            “Hey, I just wanted to remind with you that we have an appointment with the realtor at four o’clock today.   I’ll pick you up around three thirty, okay?”  Hyun Jung said on the other line.

            “Okay, three thirty sounds good. I’ll see you then.”

            So Min then went to one of the rooms where her students were waiting.  There were ten girls in the class ages four through six.  She was scheduled to teach modern dance this afternoon. 

            The girls were full of energy and the one hour class went by so fast.  As she was about to dismiss her students, Hyun Joong walked in the classroom. 

            “What are you doing here so early?” So Min asked obviously surprised with Hyun Joong’s sudden appearance.

            “My meeting got cancelled so I figure why not drop by early to see you in action, right girls?” said Hyun Joong.

            “Yes!” the girls yelled in unison.

            “Are you Teacher So Min’s husband?” one of the girls asked.

            “Not yet, but the next time you see me I will be,” Hyun Joong said laughing.

            “Oh, I forgot to ask Seung Ah to find someone to cover my next class.  Excuse me, let me give her a call.”

            So Min dialed Seung Ah’s number on the intercom and while talking to Seung Ah, she saw Hyun Joong showing dance moves to her students.  The girls were all giddy and happy.  So Min shook her head.  Even her young students couldn’t resist the charming Hyun Joong.  So Min couldn’t help but smile. 

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            A few minutes later So Min and Hyun Joong were on the road, on the way to meet the realtor.

            “Where did you learn to dance like that?” So Min asked Hyun Joong. 

            “During my younger days.  Let’s correct that, much, much younger days, I was into dancing and I used to perform a lot.  But in college I needed to focus on my studies so I dropped dancing.”

            “I guess you made the right choice.  Look at you, very successful at such a young age.  Even my father is amazed how much you have accomplished so far.”

            So Min was trying hard not to stare too much at Hyun Joong while he was driving.  She couldn’t help but notice Hyun Joong’s perfect jaw line.  She was tempted to reach and touch it so she distracted herself by continuing the conversation.

            “Do we really need to buy a house?  Can we just stay in your apartment?” So Min asked.

            “I prefer a house since I spend most of my wake hours in the office.  My apartment feels like an office sometimes so I’d like to go home to a house with a homey atmosphere.  My realtor looked at a couple of them already and this one came highly recommended.”

            “Here it is,” Hyun Joong said and parked his car in front of the house. 

            Hyun Joong had the key to the house and unlocked the door.  So Min quickly surveyed the house.  She liked the design because it has a nice open feel to it.  The house has five spacious bedrooms, especially the master’s bedroom.  It also has a nice garden in the back. 

            “So, what do you think?” Hyun Joong asked So Min.

            “I like it.  I really like it.”

            “Really?  That’s great!” Hyun Joong said and gave So Min a hug. 

            “You know, So Min, I just realized we are the only people in this house right now,” Hyun Joong said with a naughty look on his face.

            “You are not going to try something funny, are you Hyun Joong?” So Min asked laughing.

            “I don’t know.  Let’s see.”

            So Min tried to run away from Hyun Joong but he was too fast for her.  Hyun Joong grabbed her by the waist, turned her around, and pinned her against the wall.  Then Hyun Joong gave So Min quick and tiny kisses starting from her neck and worked his way up to her cheeks. 

            “Oh, Hyun Joong,” So Min whispered.  So Min couldn’t breath. 

            Hyun Joong was about to kiss So Min’s lips when they were interrupted.

            Ding……….Dong………Ding………Dong.

TO BE CONTINUED