“Dad, what do you mean he wants to marry me?” asked So Min completely confused. 

            “Well, to tell you honestly I was also shocked when he told me about marrying you.  I was so shocked I didn’t get a chance to ask him why.  In fact he met with me for only a few minutes.  His Vice President, Mr. Han Chang Ryul, and I were left to discuss the details of their proposal,” her father explained.

            “But Dad, how can I marry a complete stranger?” So Min asked in disbelief.

            “Listen, So Min, you don’t have to do this. I will not let you ruin your life to save our business.  I will never let that happen,” her father assured her.

            “Dad, I don’t’ know what to say…. but I guess thank you,” said So Min still trying to digest what just happened.

            “This has been a long day.  Go home and rest.  Tell your mother I will be home before midnight and not to wait up for me.”

            “I will, Dad,” said So Min.

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            Half an hour later So Min made it home.  The whole time her mind was occupied with the mysterious Kim Hyun Joong.  Who is he anyway to make such a demand?  Asking her to marry him?  Is he insane?  What was he thinking?  She finally decided enough for today.  She needs to ignore him for now and rest.  She parked her car in the garage, went inside the house, and looked for her mother. 

            So Min found her mother in the living room watching TV. 

            “Good evening, Mom.” So Min greeted her mother and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

            “Hello Sweetheart.  How was your day?” So Min’s mother asked.

            “Good Mom.  Busy but good,” she lied.

            “By the way, I stopped by at Dad’s office on my way home.  He said he’ll be late so don’t wait up for him.”

            “I know, your Dad has been working way too hard lately.  Is everything okay in the office?” her mother asked.

            “Mom, do you mind if I head to my room now?  I have a headache and I’d like to rest now.”

            “Of course not, Sweetheart.  Go to bed and I’ll talk to you in the morning.”

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

            So Min was glad her day has been very busy so far.  It is registration time again at the dance studio so she and Seung Ah have been running around all day.  This helped take her mind off Kim Hyun Joong.

            While talking to one of her staff, So Min’s cell phone rang.  She politely excused herself and absent mindedly picked up the phone.

            “Hello,” said the gentleman on the other line.  “Is this Jung So Min?”

            “Yes, this is she.  Can I help you?” thinking this was another call inquiring about the registration.

            “Yes, this is Kim Hyun Joong.  I assume you already had a talk with your father.” 

            After hearing his name, So Min froze and didn’t know how to respond.   “How did you get my number?” was all she could muster to say.  She felt stupid after asking the question.

            “I have my sources, So Min.  Anyway, I’m at the Millennium Hilton meeting a client.  The meeting will be over soon.  I’ve booked a table for us at Seasons for dinner at 7:00.  I’ll send my driver to pick you up at 6:30 from the dance studio.”

            So Min couldn’t believe what she was hearing.  This guy made dinner plans for them without asking her first!  So Min wanted to protest but before she could say anything she was rudely interrupted.

            “I don’t take no for an answer, and by the way I hope you like French food.” And just like that he was off the phone.

TO BE CONTINUED