Tokyo, Japan

Irene just finish her breakfast in her apartment. After clean the dishes, she go to living room and turn on the TV. There is nothing interesting to watch in the morning since it is weekday. She tossed the remote control to the couch then make phone call to her bodyguard slash overseas secretary using telephone. She pressed the extension number and few second later, the line connected

“Good morning ma’am” firm man voice answer through the speaker

“Come to my unit now”

“I on my way”

After cut the call, Irene press the button to unlock the door to let her bodyguard enter her unit. Few minutes later, a young man in black suit come inside

“Have you received my schedule for today?” Irene asked

“Yes, Ms. Jung emailed it to me early this morning”

“Okay, read it”

The bodyguard take out his phone from his pocket and scroll through it to find the schedule that he received from Eunji

He clear his throat before reading “Ms. Park Chorong will send you the document about launching event of IRENE Spring & Summer Collection in 9 AM then you will have video conference with her in 3 PM today. That’s all schedule for today”

“Okay, report?”

“Second promotional video of IRENE S&S Collection was successfully uploaded yesterday on 5 PM KST. Until 6 AM this morning, the new collection got 150,000 pre-order in IRENE global purchasing site”

“SERIOUSLY, JACKSON?” Irene jaw dropping “I…I mean it not launch yet but the number of pre-order is out of my expectation”

The bodyguard named, Jackson Wang, beaming to his boss “I guess you won’t believe me if I tell you the number keep rising and now it reach 167k

“WHAT? THAT FAST?” Irene scream again

“Yeah, I noticed it trending worldwide with hashtag #IRENES&SCOLLECTION2020. Your fans really can’t wait for that day”

Irene cupped her own cheek and literally goose bumps “It really amazing”

“Not to mention in Korea itself. Local and global portal is very busy since yesterday. It just like when people anticipate for PS5 to launch. I bet it will be sold out in no time when it launch” Jackson remarks make Irene cackle in happiness

“Aigooo, I don’t know that my staff are incredibly amazing. They must be work hard to make the product look really good”

“I smell big bonus for staffs this year” Jackson joking

“Yeah, they will get big catch this year”

“That’s why they work hard. You’re very nice and generous to them”

“My staff always make me proud when we work on something big that’s why I return favor to them to pay for their hard work. I want them to feel appreciated and motivated”

Jackson grin happily “They are very lucky. Lot of employers will forget their staff hard work after they succeed in business that’s why they won’t last long. I saw lot of scene like that before and it resulting lot of workers resign. Their boss not appreciate them and give nothing in return”

“You’re right” Irene nods her head “Any report or news from IRENE GLOBAL?”

Jackson checking his phone again “Emmm no for now. They are still busy with pre-order of S&S Collection I guess”

“I guess so” Irene giggle “What time Eunji will arrive?”

“She will land on 11”

“Okay” Irene silent for a while “I want to go shopping before we pick Eunji at airport. We will go out on 9:30”

“Noted”

“You can go for now”

“Okay ma’am”

Jackson leave to his unit that is next to Irene’s. The CEO bought a unit for her bodyguard so he can have his privacy. It has been a year since Jackson work with Irene. She admit that Jackson is very trustworthy, dependable, protective and very good in multi-tasking. He can be her bodyguard and replacement secretary at the same time. At first Irene worry when Eunji suggest her to hire Jackson to be her secretary because the job is not easy but Jackson prove her wrong when he do really well in arranging the schedule for her meeting with her clients and staff from overseas branches and subsidiaries. Every morning Jackson will give her reports about her business with every detail without asking. He also will inform her any news about IRENE & RV International whenever he found it online. Jackson react very fast to her command and never make her wait. In just few months, Jackson working skill is almost same level as Eunji. Irene thanked Eunji because her secretary able to teach Jackson how to work with her in her style. Now anyone who want to contact with Irene have to go through Jackson except for Chorong, Seungwan and Naeun. As for other people, if Jackson say no then they have to stop. Irene give him authority to speak on her behalf. Indirectly, Jackson also Irene’s spokesman.

On top of everything, Jackson really respect Irene. That’s why Irene very comfortable with him. Whenever she wear dress that exposing her shoulder, Jackson will draped his jacket on her. When she wear short dress, he will cover her from behind to make sure no one take inappropriate picture of Irene. If she sit, he will give a blanket or jacket to cover Irene thigh to prevent it exposed to erted eyes. Jackson will get rid of everything or everyone that make Irene scare or uncomfortable. If possible, he will sweep everything that get on her way so she can walk on safe path without any disturbance. Even in some event that they attend, if someone make Irene uncomfortable he quickly make sure to get in between them. He don’t care if that person is VIP or not. No one can touch a strand of Irene hair, not in front of Jackson’s eyes. Irene not regret hiring Jackson to work with her and pay generous amount of salary because he deserve it

…………………………………

As planned, Irene go shopping before they go to airport. Jackson take them to nearby mall as Irene requested.

“Jackson, I want to buy gifts for my friends and sisters. What do you think I should get for them?” Irene asking while they work around

Jackson scratching his head “I don’t know what girls want so I have no idea. If for man, I can help”

Irene playfully glare at Jackson “You really not helping when it comes to woman”

“Sorry boss” Jackson laugh

“Let’s walk around. Maybe we will found something good”

“Okay” Jackson take the lead again as usual

When they passed by bookstore, something caught Irene attention on the display. She stop to take a lot

“Jackson, wait”

Jackson turn around and stand beside his boss “Buying magazine?”

“No but the highlight caught my attention” Irene grab the magazine and looking at the cover “Kang Seulgi” she said quietly

“Boss, she is CEO of KNG International, right? The merger company with IRENE at RV GROUP” Jackson asked

Both of them stare at Seulgi picture that was on magazine cover. Seulgi featured in Young Influencer in Business section. Irene don’t read the content but she know it is about contribution in business and entrepreneurship. She used to feature in the same magazine in local and global edition few times so it is not something new for her. She know Seulgi have potential to appear in that magazine because of her contribution in KNG and RV GROUP. It is not easy to appear in that popular magazine. They only choose the best among the best

“Yeah, she is the CEO. We’re…acquaintance” Irene said as she don’t know how to answer Jackson. Her bodyguard don’t know about her and Seulgi past

“Why I never hear from her? I mean she is your business partner but she never contact you. Is she that private or what?”

“Maybe she set her life private but if she want to reach me, she will speak through Eunji”

“Oh, okay”

Irene put the magazine back on the shelf “Let’s go, I don’t want to be late to the airport”

“Alright”

“Find accessory shop. I think it is better to buy accessory for them”

“Okay boss”

They stop at accessory shop and Irene don’t know what to choose. Everything are pretty. In the end, she just grab randomly but still make sure it is beautiful. She know Chorong, Eunji and the twin will like it. They are not really picky so it easy to buy stuff for them

“Alright, let’s go” Irene said after pay for the stuff

“Anywhere else you want to go?”

“Let buy snack. I am hungry. I think Eunji also hungry”

“I saw snack bar at 2nd floor so we will buy there”

“Okay”

Jackson led them to escalator. They arrived at 2nd floor and walk direct to snack bar

“Jackson, what do you want to eat?” Irene ask while looking at the menu

“Anything will do”

“Takoyaki and sushi, is it okay?”

“Yes” Jackson nods his head

“Drink?”

“Iced green tea latte”

“Alright”

Irene order same snacks for them. She order iced green tea latte for Jackson and royal milk tea for her and Eunji. After get their foods, they go back to their car.

Eunji already waiting for them when they arrived at the airport. When she saw the familiar car, the secretary quickly approach. Jackson get out of the car to help Eunji put her bag inside the trunk then she hop inside the back seat

“Hello boss” Eunji grin soon as she saw Irene inside the car

“Hello, welcome back” Irene patting Eunji shoulder “How was flight?”

“Flight delay 30 minutes because weather is very bad. Today raining heavily in Korea”

“Aigoooo” Irene shake her head. She grab the plastic bag that contain snacks and drink for Eunji “This is your food. You must be hungry”

“Wow, thanks boss!” Eunji said excitedly

Jackson question disturb their conversation “Boss, are we going home or somewhere else?”

“We grab lunch first”

“Are you sure, boss? I just eating snack here” Eunji said while munching her sushi

“I know it still not filling your tummy” Irene giggle “What did you two want to eat?”

“I don’t know. I not really hungry after eating snacks” Jackson said

“Eunji, anywhere you want to eat?”

“Western food. We can order something simple there” said Eunji

“Okay, drive to western food that near our residence” Irene command to her bodyguard

“Okay boss”

…………………………………

Irene and Eunji done meeting with Chorong through video conference. Both of them lounge at living room while watching drama

“Are you ready to go back?” Eunji initiated their conversation

“Emm?” Irene cough lightly “Yea, I made up my mind. I’ll be back. You know it has been a year and half since I am away. I guess it’s enough for me to leave my company to you all. I owe you guys a lot”

“We helping you as much as we can. You owe us nothing, really. We want you to be happy like before. If you still want to return here after the event, we also don’t mind. We can run the company on your behalf”

Irene happy hearing Eunji words “Let see how everything going. If the situation is fine, I will stay for good but if I still need space, I will return here”

“Okay”

Few minutes of silent between them, Irene speak again “How is she now?”

“She?” Eunji frown

“Kang Seulgi”

Eunji smile shortly “She is fine but miserable than when she is still with you”

“Really? But I saw on magazine, she look good”

“It is for magazine. Who will appear messy in magazine?”

“Yeah, right” Irene chuckle “Aren’t she supposed to be happier and healthier? Anything happen?”

“I don’t really know but I heard from Sooyoung she is workaholic now. You see how good she led the company now. She never take a break from working. On weekend also she spend most of her time working. I don’t know what actually happen to her. She not really talking to anyone unless it is about work”

“Ohh” that’s all Irene respond

“Yeah, I bumped into her and Sooyoung few days ago. She just smile to me”

“Maybe she have problem” said Irene

Eunji tapping her chin “Unnie, do you think she become like that because of you? You know she change a lot after the divorce”

“Ayyy, I don’t think so” Irene disagree “She want to get rid of me so badly. Why my departure would will give such effect to her life. It is impossible”

“You have a point” Eunji said then she shrugs “Let just forget about her. You still in move on process so talking about her is not a good thing. Besides, we have nothing to do with her life except for business”

“I agree”

“I want to heat our food that my mom pack for us then we have dinner”

Irene gasped a bit as she thought it is still early “Almost dinner time already?”

“Yes, it dark outside” Eunji pointed at the balcony

“Aigooo, feel like still early”

“Hmm, do you take your meds every day when I am away?” Eunji asked while they walking to kitchen

“Yeah, sometimes I almost forgot but still take it” Irene giggle

“You shouldn’t forget your medicine or else your condition will get worse” Eunji nagging

“I know mom, I know” Irene laughing lightly

…………………………….

Seoul, South Korea

Seulgi return to her parents’ house on weekend because her cousin come to visit them. That girl just return from London after graduate from university. Her cousin name is Kim Yerim or known as Yeri. She is younger than Seulgi. Both of them are close to each other because they are only child in their family

After have dinner, Seulgi sit outside to get some air. It is still early to sleep so she lounge at swimming pool bench outside of their house. The weather is really that night and calming

“Unnie” Yeri walk towards Seulgi and sit on empty bench beside Seulgi

“Yeri, you’re not sleeping yet?” Seulgi look at her side as she lay her back on the bench

“Nope, it is not my time to sleep yet. It feel weird because different time zone”

Seulgi chuckle “Still not get used to Korea time yet?”

“Yeah, I feel sleepy during days instead of night”

“Aigooo, you should get used to it before start working. Your dad will faint if he found you sleep at office”

Yeri laughing while lay her back on the bench “Unnie”

“Hmm”

“It almost a week since I arrived but I haven’t meet your wife yet. Is she busy?”

Seulgi flinch with the mention of her wife or ex-wife to be exact. Yeri don’t know about Seulgi and Irene divorce because she is just return from overseas after 2 years

“We…we’re divorced” Seulgi stated

“What?!” Yeri jolt from the bench and sit facing Seulgi “How…how can? What’s wrong unnie?”

Seulgi sighs heavily “I asked her to let me go”

“Seriously? This is insane” Yeri practically yell. She is very upset right now

“We’re not meant for each other. You also know that I against this marriage. I not ready to be in relationship. I not ready for commitment. She is too old for me. She is in her 30’s while I just 21 this year. We have huge different Yeri, you should understand. I know you’re not siding me but at least you understand me” Seulgi said

“You can reduce the difference and learn to accept your marriage. I told you unnie, she is the best woman. You’re lucky that you married to her. Your parents also love her a lot”

Seulgi scoff “They love her because of business. They use me in their business. They destroy the future that I had drew for myself. Now see what happen to me, working my off for the business. Appa can still manage the business but he give it to me this early while I can’t say no because they agreed to this. That woman is gone nowhere and left her company to her staff. She is not here when RV GROUP need her the most”

Yeri massage her temple while groaning “I guess there is something that you don’t know. That they never tell you. If you know that thing, I don’t think you will say what you just said”

Seulgi rolled her eyes “There is nothing they haven’t tell me”

“Really?” Yeri smirk “Do you know that your company almost collapse because someone sabotage your dad and he end up gained debt more than profit?”

Seulgi eyes went wide and almost popped out from socket “I…they never tell…” she speechless

Yeri laughing lightly “I know you don’t have idea about that. I don’t know why they don’t tell you. It is their problem and I can’t make conclusion for that. Let me tell you a bit about who your ex-wife and what she had done to your family” Seulgi getting nervous

Yeri continue “Around 3 years before your marriage, your dad faced the biggest problem when he found out that one of his staffs sabotage him. KNG almost fall that time. He and your mother don’t know where else they could find the money to recover the loss. Debt getting high each days while profit draining. Lot of clients and investors run away because they can’t work with company that on verge of bankruptcy. They gain nothing from KNG. Your father meet with my parents and beg for their help but we can’t afford it. Our business is smaller than yours so we really can’t help. One day my dad meet with his friend, Mr. Son who also our business partner. He told Mr. Son about KNG and that is when Irene come to the picture. She offer to help your father to build KNG again without asking for anything in return. First your father resist and he give up to save his company but Irene motivate him so he agree after that. Since that day, Irene working hard to help KNG gain back position in market. She invest a lot in KNG. She buy all shares. She pay KNG debt with her own money. She hire the best lawyer in country to find the man that sabotaging KNG. After that, she come with idea to merge both company and make RV GROUP exist. Most of RV GROUP profit comes from IRENE. They have worldwide branches and subsidiaries that bring great success every years. Irene unnie is the biggest shareholder in RV GROUP. She is the real owner of the company that you worked at now. You just her staff like the others. She supposed to be chairwoman of RV GROUP but she make your dad to sit on that position because she think she not qualified yet. Do you see how humble she is there?”

Seulgi grab her hair while tears flowing down her face. Yeri looking at her with sympathy but still continue her talk because she want Seulgi to realize where she stand now is because of Irene effort

“Truth to be told unnie, she did everything for your family. If Irene unnie not show up that time, you won’t stay in this house anymore. No KNG and no RV GROUP. You will stop going to college, maybe you have to work 2 or 3 jobs to support your family. You know what’s more fun?” Yeri smirk “She is the one who pay for your education and car during that critical time. Your parents financial is at worse and can’t afford to pay for fees and loan. If not because of Irene, you will not stand on where you are now. If I am in your place unnie, I will never show up in front of her after what you had said about her. You degrade her, think that she is weak but Irene is the great woman in this generation. However, you must apologize to her for judging her without knowing the truth. She is old but her brain is gold. You’re loser because you get rid of Irene unnie. Lot of people want to be on your place. You have chance but you waste it. What a shame, tsk”

“If my parents tell me this beforehand, this won’t happen” Seulgi balled her fist

“Regret aren’t you?” Yeri giggle “You can ask them to tell the truth. I’m sure they will open up. You big enough to know what happen in your family”

“But how did you know about this?” Seulgi puzzled

“My mom and dad told me after they saw Irene unnie on TV last year. I also know a bit about the issue because I always follow my parents here and there. I witness a bit. If they don’t tell me, I still have portion to use to knock sense on your head. I saw your dad ask for help, I saw Irene unnie offer to help your dad and I also know about she invest in KNG. We thought you happily married to her but it turn out she is not part of family anymore. I don’t want to know about what happen in your marriage. I bet it worse than I could expect. Don’t forget to ask for forgiveness to her if you meet her one day. If possible, kneel in front of her”

“I don’t know where she is now but I will find her for sure” Seulgi said

“That’s good” Yeri said happily “Next time, don’t judge people too easily. I may be younger than you but I experience and witness lot of things. It’s true that unnie is old than you but that doesn’t mean you can push her away. You should take time to learn about your marriage but you deny it and take shortcut to divorce. It went too fast. You’re lucky that she not kick you out of the company. Never mind unnie, one fine day you will find someone that you really like and will make you happy. Same goes to Irene unnie, she may be happy wherever she is now”

“I hope she always be fine and happy. I hope she come back quickly” Seulgi rubbing her face

“Don’t lose hope. Here is her place so she will definitely come back” Yeri pats Seulgi shoulder

“Yeah”

…………………………………..

Next day, Kang family gather in Mr. Kang’s study after Yeri go home. Mr. Kang and his wife curious when Seulgi suddenly want to talk with them like there is something urgent

“What do you want to talk about, Seul?” Mrs. Kang asked

“Appa, umma, I want you to tell me the truth about our company and how RV Group exist. Also tell me about how you two knew Irene and setup my marriage with her” Seulgi said calmly. Deep inside she is really nervous to hear the truth from her parents

The parents looking at each other confusedly “What do you mean Seulgi? We don’t understand” said Mr. Kang

“Appa, stop hiding anything from me. I want to know whatever I don’t know about our business. I’m not kid anymore and I deserve to know what happen to my family”

“Okay, appa will tell you” Mr. Kang said seriously. He unfold the story about the crisis of their company, same as what Yeri told Seulgi last night “…I lost hope and same goes to your umma. We almost give up on KNG but because of you, we still hang on”

Mr. Kang continue “One day she heard your umma told me about your college fee and your car loan then she secretly pay it. When we go to meet with college chairwoman, she told us that the fees was paid by Irene. Same as your car loan. She paid it all. For the first 2 years, she is the one who support you. The money in your bank account is from her. She don’t ask for anything in return. Irene sincerely helping us even we’re just stranger to her. After she make sure that KNG is in good path, she gave back the company to me. She return the shares that originally mine. As my gratitude, I gave her half of mine that made her the biggest shareholder in our company. I want her to lead us because I failed once. I trust her that she can make it succeed. She merge the company and build RV Group. You thought we use you for our business but actually it have nothing to do with it. The merging was made before we decide to marry her off with you”

Seulgi break down into pieces after she hear what her father just said. She totally wrong all this while. She accuse Irene doing everything that she never do. She regret and ashamed of herself

“What happen to the man that sabotage KNG?” Seulgi asked

“He was detained and currently rot behind the bar along with the staffs who also involve with him. Irene banned their family to get any job in every company that is under RV. Their name blacklisted from going abroad. She has no mercy to the culprits. When media found out about the issue, she shut them and make them turn down the news so you won’t know about what happen to our company. She really concerned about your feeling. She don’t want you to distract by the news and it affected your study”

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