Chapter 12

Her Father

6:20PM, Gangnam

Sulli held the document Mr. Park asked her to bring up to the CEO’s son. Why is the CEO’s son back? From what Sulli heard, the CEO’s only son was sent to the US five years ago to handle the US operations. Was he assigned back to Korea by his Dad?

Sulli took a deep breath as she approached the secretary.

“Hi, I’m here to give a document to Mr. Siwon Choi. My manager said Mr. Choi is already waiting for the document.” Said Sulli.

“Are  you Miss Sulli Choi?” asked the secretary.

Sulli was a bit startled.

“Yes.”

The secretary smiled.

“He’s been waiting for you. Please go inside.” Said the secretary.

Sulli nodded. And then she pushed the door open.

She walked inside the huge office. It is the CEO office. She saw a man standing by the window.

“Hi, Good afternoon, Sir. Are you Mr. Siwon Choi?” asked Sulli.

The man turned to look at her. He looked at her from head to toe. Sulli suddenly felt like cold water went down her spine. She stood straight like a soldier.

“You must be Sulli, Sulli Choi.” Said Siwon.

Sulli nodded.

“Mr. Park asked me to bring this document to you.”

Sulli went towards Siwon and handed the document to him.  Siwon took the document and placed it on the table.

“Good Day Sir.” Said Sulli. Sulli turned to leave.

“Wait Miss Choi.” Said Siwon. “I specifically asked Mr. Park for your time today. So sit down.”

Sulli blinked a few times. Mr. Siwon Choi wants to talk to her? But why? Did she make a mistake?

Sulli felt nervous all of a sudden.

“C’mon, sit down. I don’t bite.” Said Siwon.

Sulli took a deep breath and sat down.

“Is…there a problem, Sir?” asked Sulli.

“Hmm…it depends on how you’ll treat the situation.” Said Siwon.

“Situation?” asked Sulli.

Siwon sat across Sulli.

“Sulli-ssi.” Said Siwon. “When was the last time you met your Father?”

The faint smile on Sulli’s lips faded.

“Why…are you interested to know…Sir?” asked Sulli. “Because for me… Matters relating to my father is really personal.”

Siwon nodded.

“I know. This conversation is non work Sulli-ssi. This is a personal conversation.” Said Siwon.

Sulli stood up.

“Sir, it is still work hour now. I don’t think it’s right to talk about personal stuff right now.” said Sulli.

Siwon pointed at a clock. It was 6:30PM.

“The work hour ended an hour and a half ago.” Said Siwon.

Sulli hesitantly went back to sit in front of Siwon.

“Why are you interested in.... my father?” asked Sulli. “When I don’t even know you personally?”

“I’m not interested in him. I’m interested in you.” Said Siwon.

Huh?

“But since I know your Father, that can be our common ground.” Said Siwon.

Why will he be interested in her? And in what way is he interested?

“Do you mind if I be blunt?” asked Sulli.

“No.” Said Siwon. “Just tell me what you want to say.”

Sulli wet her lips and tucked her hair behind her ear. She took a deep breath and clasped her hands together.

“Sir.” Said Sulli. “I don’t know why you would have an interest in me but if you think we can have my father as our common ground, you got it wrong.”

Siwon leaned back on his seat.

“My Father and I…do not have any relationship with each other.” Said Sulli. “I grew up without him.”

Siwon just stared at her for what seemed like an entire minute.

“I don’t think we should be talking about this kind of personal stuff since I do not personally know you. These kinds of things, I don’t even talk with people I know for years.” Said Sulli.

“But I know you Sulli.” Said Siwon. “And it’s high time you know me too.”

Sulli’s eye thinned. What is this man saying? He’s…so weird!

“You said you did not grow up with your father.” Said Siwon. “I know that. That is why I was asking when did you last meet him. I know you haven’t seen him in a long time.”

Sulli felt fear. This is creepy. Why did this man know about their family?

“How…did you know my father?” asked Sulli.

“He’s my father’s friend. I don’t think you know but he’s my father’s business partner.” Said Siwon.

“Business partner?” asked Sulli.

No way.

“Which business was he a partner?” asked Sulli.

“Which do you think?” asked Siwon

“I only know this one.” Said Sulli, pertaining to the company she’s working for.

Siwon smiled.

“Our fathers are partners in THIS business.” Answered Siwon

NO WAY!

“Was my Dad bought out?” asked Sulli.

Siwon chuckled.

“Nope, your Dad is still a part owner.” Said Siwon. “He still has some shares under his name.”

“What?!” Sulli was frozen like stone. She was…working under her Dad’s company all along?

“Does he know… I’m working under his company?” asked Sulli.

“I…don’t think so.” Said Siwon. “Your Dad…has died four years ago.”

Sulli turned into stone. She couldn’t move. She couldn’t speak. Her Father… is dead?

“His shares should go to his heir. But the heir did not come to claim the shares. Until now, those important shares are hanging with a dead owner.” Said Siwon.

Siwon saw Sulli’s shock.

“I’m sorry if you only learned about it now.” Said Siwon.

Sulli’s hands were shaking. She stood up but even her legs felt weak.

She stumbled on the floor. Siwon helped her up.

“There are a lot of things you do not know about your Dad.” Said Siwon.

“He did not look for me and my mother.” Said Sulli. “Until his dying days.”

“He had always known where you were. He had you watched until his dying days.” Said Siwon. “Sulli-ssi, I know he’s gone but… it isn’t too late to get to know him.”

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Sulli walked out of the elevator. Her legs were still shaking. Her mind is full of confusion.

Her Father is dead. Why did it sound like her father has tried to take care of them from afar? But why from afar? Why did he never show up?

Sulli closed her eyes as her leg gave way. Sulli almost fell to the floor when someone caught her.

Sulli tried to stand up but she couldn’t.

“Sulli, are you Ok? I was waiting for you here.