Erasing Doubts & Planting Familiarity

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"No."

The elder man had flat out refused her before she could even offer him a complete sentence.

Nevertheless, Jessica did not falter. It was only to be expected with what she had come to learn of him.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting a must attend to."

He proceeded to his car, assuming that the young girl would leave. When he had settled down into his seat, the elderly man was confused to find that the girl had not made any attempt to move.

She stood her ground firmly.

"I'll wait for you here until you return, sir." He waved his hand to dismiss her insistence, taking her words lightly.

"Go home, child!"

Then just like that, his engine started and he was driven out of her sight.

If Jessica had known, she wouldn't have chosen to wear heels today. Deciding that it was probably best to keep herself busy while she waited, the petite girl leaned herself against the mansion's gate and flipped open her work documents.

She studied a few proposals that Mr. Kim would consider placing his interest upon, as well as other clients that LJ had been working to recruit.

The night sky blurred into shades of darker hues and the brunette reprimanded herself for not grabbing dinner before she came.

She clutched onto her stomach but immediately let go and straightened up when she noticed a bright flash of light indicating that Mr. Kim was home.

The elder frowned, stunned that the heiress had actually waited for him like she had claimed she would. Her actions didn't go unnoticed by him and he let a smile sneak out as he watched her shift from one side to another. It didn't take a genius to figure that her feet must have been terribly sore.

He exited his car and supported himself with his cane to approach her.

"I do not tolerate trespassing, Miss Jung! Come inside and we'll discuss the details," he told her in his strict voice.

Jessica smiled at his tactics and followed him into the house.

-

Ten minutes later, elder Kim's laughter continuously echoed throughout the Kim's living room and into the endless night.

"Is that so? Tell me another story!" he laughed joyously.

Jessica grinned, the elder before her really wasn't a grumpy man at all. He was merely lonely and upset that the business world had been gradually looking down on him due to his old age. All he had wanted was to confirm the sincerity of his partners.

"Dear, let the poor child finish eating first! She hardly got to touch her bowl of food!" Mrs. Kim scolded her husband as she held his hand in hers.

"Oh, you're right dear! Silly me, I'm getting carried away with myself," he chuckled and patted her hand, inviting her to join in his laughter.

Jessica watched the couple with a soft smile. It was such an endearing sight and it certainly did lengths to warm her heart. She remembered when she had once dreamt of the exact same scenario. Back when he used to be hers.

-

"Come back and visit us soon dear!"

Jessica laughed as she turned around mid-way to wave and reply. Or scream back to be exact.

"I will, Halmeoni!"

"Child! I refuse to be present at any of my meetings with LJ if you're not there! Do you hear me, child?!"

He raised his fist in a playful manner and Jessica couldn't help but to shake her head at him.

"Don't be a kid, Harabeoji!"

"What?! I can't hear you! I'm not kidding child!"

Time could put no toll on the amount of adoration that she had gained for the elderly couple during their short time together. They were everything that was the warmth of a home and it made her want to take care of them just as if they were her own grandparents.

"I'll see you both soon! Remember to take care of your health!"

And with the final exchange of farewells, she went on her way.

-

Her knuckles collided with the door and a knock echoed within the room.

Seeing that he was too immersed in his work to realize her presence, she let herself in and placed the document containing Mr. Kim's signature on his desk.

Jessica tossed a glance over her shoulder on her way out and her lips curved into a smile.

He was always so hard working that he became oblivious to the world around him upon his task.

She knew that he deserved, more than anyone, everything he had right now. He had achieved it all within his own power.

Just as she reached her office, Donghae looked up to find the document she had left for him.

He made eye contact with her when she finally faced him and raised the document in his hand to motion that he had noticed it.

She responded with a small nod before picking up on her own work.

Scanning over the document, Donghae was impressed but not surprised, to find that Jessica had already succeeded in sealing the business deal with Mr. Kim. He hadn't expected any less from her, he knew that she really was capable, even if he had doubted her out of anger.

Re-enacting his actions from yesterday, Donghae once again crossed his arms behind his head and leaned back to watch the brunette. He might just make a routine out of it. She was quite the distraction.

Jessica paused amidst her work when she felt his eyes on her.

She looked at him questioningly but he only stared back at her, unfazed.

When she realized that their staring contest was going nowhere, the brunette looked down to dive herself back into work.

With her stare no longer on him, Donghae let a smile tug at the corner of his lips.

-

Days faded into nights and soon, it had already been a week since Jessica's first arrival to LJ. By now, she had become highly acknowledged within the company as she carried on her spree to seal deals, propose ideal projects, and follow through with the proposals. Her title, Director, was gladly accepted by all with no longer any qualms or protests.

Throughout her stay, Jessica had been keen to keep an eye on LJ's financial accounts, as well as Donghae's, and was relieved to find that he had not done any impulsive or excessive spending. Especially not on any part of a revenge.

As happy as it made her, it left her regretful at the same time.

She should've known him better than to believe that he would actually pull through with his revenge. If he hadn't done so in the past for every time he was betrayed, why would she have thought that he would now? He might have taken it harder this time around due to his feelings for Yoona, but despite Donghae's cold exterior, he truly had a soft heart.

Snapping out of her thoughts, Jessica turned into the valet parking as she shut off the engine and stepped out of her car.

The place was crowded and bustling with people as she maneuvered her way through.

"A glass of cold water please," she requested while tucking herself onto the stool.

The barista laughed with recognition and whipped around to give Jessica a pearl white smile.

"Only you would come to a bar and order water, Sica!"

Jessica laughed at her friend and complained.

"You make it sound like a bad thing, Yul!"

"Of course not," the dark beauty teased, "You only come here to see me after all!"

"It's good that you know that, Yul!"

The heiress beamed at her friend.

"It took you long enough though, Sica!" the latter half-huffed.

The two friends laughed and Yuri handed Jessica her drink before promising to come back after serving her other customers.

The younger girl had insisted on making her a lemonade instead of just plain water so here she was, sipping away on her lemonade.

Her brown eyes aimlessly wandered around the night club and was brought to a halt when her gaze landed on the sight of a familiar figure.

Donghae.

He was with a girl. His girlfriend to be exact, Son Eun Seo. She had sleek black hair and cat-like eyes. Her arms were tightly wrapped around his as she cuddled close to him. Jessica saw the model whisper something into Donghae's ear that made him smile and with that the brunette was no longer able to watch them, tearing her gaze away.

It was just her luck that they happened to pass by her. His gaze caught hers and he seemed taken aback as he narrowed his eyes at her drink to make sure it wasn't an alcoholic beverage. She followed his line of vision.

'He remembered,' she realized, touched by his concern.

Their eyes locked for the second time and became lost within one another's before they were reeled back to reality, and teared their gazes away.

Out of the corner of her eyes, Jessica caught glimpse of a pair of eyes that had been keenly watching Donghae. She turned over to the owner's direction and recognition instantly washed over her.

Her eyes kept careful watch of him and when he made a move to get up, Jessica immediately mimicked his actions as well.

She noted that the suspicious man had particularly picked when Eun Seo was no longer by Donghae's side to head towards him, and that could only mean trouble.

Racing against the man, Jessica quickened her pace and lengthened her strides. Then, as soon as she caught hold of Donghae, she immediately grasped him away from the man's sight and crashed her lips onto his.

Donghae jerked back from the impact, stunned and confused. Knowing that she had to get him to keep up the with act, Jessica wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close to her. It didn't take Donghae long to respond back, plunging the two into a heatedly passionate kiss. His lips constantly nibbled and tugged at hers, unable to get enough, and she yielded to him wholeheartedly, letting him take control.

Despite their intimacy being merely an act, Jessica couldn't help but feel the knots in her stomach as her heart fluttered from his touch. Once she was sure that the man had left, Jessica pulled away from him to initiate a conversation.

"Look, Donghae, yo-"

Her words were abandoned, left to hang in thin air, as he spun her against the wall and leaned in to recapture her lips. She struggled, pushing against his chest but he only held her tighter and closer by the waist. His lips savored hers, molding perfectly to it like two pieces of a puzzle. There was so much yearning and familiarity within their kiss that Donghae felt achingly empty when her lips finally left his. It was all too sweet and addictive.

"Look, Donghae. I-" Jessica paused, catching her breath, "There was a man. He was watching you. Choi Jin Hyuk. He's known to be Son Eun Seo's benefactor and boyfriend. You have to be careful of him. He's the leader of the infamous gang, Black Dragons, and he's got a real bad reputation. I saw him heading towards your way earlier when Eun Seo left, and his eyes, they were filled with rage and jealousy. Everything dark. Murderous even. That's why I came over and pulled you away. To warn you and prevent any confrontation he had in mind. Please, just be careful okay Donghae? Try to be more alert of your surroundings, especially when you're alone. Carry a weapon with you at all times if you have to. He's not a guy to be taken lightly. He's dangerous. Promise me you'll take extra caution, hmm?"

Her voice trembled as she forced out her last words and her fingers tightly grasped onto his shirt, tangled. He would be blind not to realize the depth and sincerity of her care towards him.

He nodded stiffly at her, overwhelmed by her care and his stupidity.

His reassurance worked to calm her and she released her clutch on his shirt, taking a step back.

"Take care," she whispered to him softly.

She gave him a small smile before turning on her heels to leave.

Donghae's hand reached out to stop her but curled into a fist, slowly descending from mid-air instead.

The more he got to know her, the more he realized just how amazingly beautiful, this angel sent to him really was. Selfless, sincere, kind, understanding, caring, humble, loving, and stronger than even the toughest diamonds. She had a beautiful heart, but most of all, she filled him with the warmth of a love like no other.

The realization gnawed at him.

I don't deserve her.

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Hi dearies!

I tried to make this update especially quick as a thank you for the upvotes, subscribings, and comments!

You guys are just lovely!

I hope you guys especially enjoy this chapter ;) 

Here you go guys!

Much Love, XO!

PS.  Do you guys prefer the new poster? (: