“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!”

The birthday woman was taken aback. She never once expected so many people would gather inside her not so small mansion on her birthday. After all, she had spent two-third of her life alone, since the unwanted incident where her parents were robbed and murdered approximately 20 years ago.

“Yaah! Say something, will you?” Sooyoung nudged the woman.

“Omo. I am sorry. I just still can’t believe this. You all actually come. Wait, how many are you, people?” Taeyeon or we could also say the birthday woman eyed the people who were mostly her employees at work while the rest were her best friends.

“No worries, Taeng. I have the attendance list with me. Hmm.. More or less, there are about 87 people gathering inside your place now.” Seohyun informed.

“Yaah! You are no fun! Now, will you please blow the candles? We didn’t buy the tallest ones you know.” Sunny grumbled.

“I am sorry. Should I blow now?” Taeyeon chuckled.

“Wait! We have to sing first!! Happy birthday Taeyeon~~ Happy birthday Taeyeon~~” Sooyoung started to sing, followed by others.

“Now you can blow the candles!!” Jessica said. Taeyeon clasped her hands altogether, closing her eyes, and said her confidential prayer. When she had done, she opened her eyes and blew the candles off.

“YEAAYY!! NOWW~~ EAT!!” Sooyoung earned a knock on the back of her head.

“She hasn’t cut the cake, you idiot!” Jessica barked.

“Oopss.. I am sorry. I forgot. Got carried away since I am too hungry.” Sooyoung blushed.

“You are hungry all the time~” Jessica rolled her eyes.

The sudden birthday party continued with Taeyeon cutting the cakes and shared them with others. The cake was big enough to feed the 87 people inside her house. There were foods, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, balloons, and surely people who had fun celebrating Taeyeon’s birthday. Well, she was quite known as a humble and kind-hearted employer at work so no wonder all of her employees loved her.

The guests were various, from managerial line to securities. They were willing to spend their nights which also meant sacrificing their time with families just so they could come and attend Taeyeon’s birthday. After all, the ideas to celebrate came up from them too. They didn’t mind also spend a few of their earnings just to make the birthday party happening.

Dancing people were everywhere. Some were ready and brought their swimsuits so they could swim in Taeyeon’s pool. Some were just changing from genius to idiot, like Sooyoung who was a Manager at work yet now wearing two pieces of bikinis while eating pizza in the pool. They were happy, maybe even happier than the birthday woman herself. Taeyeon was now sitting on the poolside, watching people having fun. She couldn’t help but smile, feeling happy and touched by their coming.

“Hey.” Taeyeon turned sideways.

“Hey, Jess.” Taeyeon scooted, making space for Jessica.

“Would you like some?” Jessica gave one glasses that she held earlier to Taeyeon.

“You know I cannot handle alcohol.” Taeyeon shook her head.

“Nah. It’s only baileys. You wouldn’t get drunk from this.” Jessica put the glass on the table and served it to Taeyeon.

“I never expected this. I mean.. Wow~ I have spent more than 5 birthdays alone so I’m already used to it. But still, thank you very much.” Taeyeon smiled sincerely.

“That’s because it’s only been 5 years since you lead this company, Taeng. And I along with others ensure you wouldn’t ever spend your birthday alone again. We are here for you.” Jessica replied.

“I feel very old, Jessi. This year I am officially entering the big and a quarter 3 or shall I say 32 years old since I was born into this world. It .” Taeyeon hesitantly grabbed the glass and drank half of it.

“Wow, this tastes nice.” Taeyeon added.

“It’s coffee flavor.”

“Your age may old but surely, your look doesn’t describe your age at all. You can go out with your backpack; using your school uniform and no one will criticize you. Heck, they will even believe you if you said you’re 18 this year.” Jessica gulped the content of her glasses empty.

“I feel merry but it’s only for tonight. When tomorrow comes, I will be lonely again.” Taeyeon leaned back on the chair and sighed.

“Then it means you really need to find someone to accompany you until death do you both apart.” Taeyeon frowned hearing the statement.

“What? You just said you’re no longer young so it’s normal if I said you need a partner for life; a husband. Wait... A wife I mean.” Jessica giggled.

Yes, most of her best friends had all known Taeyeon’s preference. Jessica, who had befriended Taeyeon since high school knew much about Taeyeon; her preference, hobbies, likes, and dislikes, etc. She also graduated from the same university, yet she took a different major. Taeyeon took business management while Jessica preferred international relations. Along the way, Taeyeon met Sunny and Sooyoung in the university. Taeyeon met Seohyun on a work interview when the younger woman applied as her executive secretary.

“You know that searching for a wife is not as easy as you turn your palm, right?” Taeyeon commented.

“I know but it’s not like you have tried before, right? When was the last time you have a proper relationship, huh? You always chose to sleep around with different women. How many hotels in Seoul that you have visited, Taeng? Yes, you are a perfect boss and leader but you are not a good lover. You have a trust issue here” Jessica exclaimed.

“I don’t, okay? I don’t have a trust issue. I am just not sure when I am ready to settle down.” Taeyeon responded.

“Do I need to remind you that you are 32 by this year? I am already married, Taeng. Even Seohyun who is 5 years younger than you already engaged. When is your turn?” Jessica continued speaking her thoughts bluntly. Well, she was known to have no filter when it came to expressing her thoughts.

“Alright alright. I get it okay? Then instead of complaining, why don’t you start helping me by introducing me to potential lovers, huh?” Taeyeon said.

“That’s what I am waiting for! I got a friend, a very beautiful one. Her name is Tiffany. She works in one building as me, but a different floor. She is 4 years younger than you~~” The story went on and on that Taeyeon was sure half an hour had passed since Jessica the first time mentioned Tiffany’s name.

“Fine. Meet me up with her.” Feeling tired of hearing the discourse about Tiffany, Taeyeon immediately interjected and just said with the proposal to meet her.

“Great idea!! She is single too!! I am sure you will directly feel attracted once you meet her. She is a very outgoing person. She is fun to talk with and-“

“Enough, Jessi. I will meet her soon anyway, right? Where is the fun if I already know all her traits from you? Let me know how she is and judge whether she is potential or not.” Jessica just grinned and nodded her head.

“By the way, does she even swing my way?” Taeyeon almost forgot the most important thing she needed to know about Tiffany.

“She swings every way~” Jessica laughed with her own statement. She then refilled the glass with the bottle she just brought not too long ago.

“Jessi, you’re starting to lose your consciousness. Stop drinking.” Taeyeon stopped Jessica by holding the bottle in the air.

“Oh come on, Taeng. It’s your birthday and tomorrow is Saturday! And I am sober enough to respond to you in a good manner, alright? See, I even know what you just said earlier. I am not drunk.” Jessica snatched the bottle and drank the content directly from it.

“I mean it when I said she swings every way. She is a bi, Taeng. She too has been complaining about how lonely she feels lately. And it makes me think how good you two look together. Trust me in this.” Jessica winked and continued lifting the bottle up; like what they said, bottoms up.

“Yaah! Soo!! Bring Jessi to my room. She is getting drunk!” Taeyeon stood up and waved her hands.

“I am busy swimming, Taeng! Ask Sunny instead!” Sooyoung yelled from the pool.

“You cannot even swim, Soo.” Sunny replied, with the same loudness.

“Here, help me carry her to your bedroom. I am too small to lift her alone.” Sunny approached Taeyeon and squatted near Jessica. The blonde woman had her head on the table, totally K.O.

“Right.” Taeyeon then helped Sunny to bring Jessica safely into her room which located on the second floor.

“I’m gonna back and enjoy the rest of the night, okay? When else can I have drinks as much as I want if not now?” Sunny wagged her eyebrows. Taeyeon secretly sighed, knowing that in no time, Sunny too would be losing her sanity.

“Fine. Thank you.” Sunny nodded and walked hastily to the door, didn’t forget to close it behind her.

“I hope you are serious about introducing me to your friend, Jessi.” Taeyeon sat beside the sleeping Jessica. She turned her body around and opened the drawer, taking the small photograph of her and her parents. It was the only photograph of her parents she had before their departure to another world. Surely, she got the bigger one that she hung on the wall of the living room, but it was taken when she was still 5.

“Mom and Dad. Your daughter is 32 now. Wow, time flies so fast, doesn’t it? It has been 20 years since the last time I see you. I’ve been living my life well but hmm.. I think Jessi is right. I am not a good person as a lover. I sleep around all the time. I know women and men chase me for my money and instead of being careful, I use their greed to fulfill my lust.” Taeyeon grazed her palm on the photograph.

“Maybe Jessi is right. It is already time for me to settle down and get married. Therefore, will you please assist God in giving me a woman for me? A good one of course and I don’t mind if she is too beautiful to handle.” Taeyeon chuckled yet her tears were already threatening to fall down.

“I am sorry I choose a woman instead of a man. I too want to be straight but I just can’t.” Taeyeon closed her eyes, squeezing the tears to finally flow down to her smooth cheeks.

She clenched her fist remembering how the robber cruelly ended her parents’ life. She was there when it happened, hiding under the bed with her eyes widely opened; witnessing how the robber who was also a man her mother in front of her father, threatening her father that he would kill her if he did anything stupid to prevent the robber from having his filthy hands on her mother.

In the end, he still stabbed her mother before shooting her father right through his skull. Yes, the robber was a man and he was heartless because Taeyeon heard how her father begged him not to kill her mother, yet he still did anyway. Since that time, she hated men even though not that extreme. She still hired men and wanted to cooperate with other companies whose owners were men. But! She didn’t want to be involved romantically with a man. She preferred women and she rather be single all her life than marry a man.

“I miss you two. I really do. I hope you two are well in heaven.” Taeyeon smiled. She carried the photograph closer and kissed it. She then put it back inside her drawer.

---

“Sorry! Was I late?” Jessica pulled out the chair and sat in front of the other person.

“Late? Nah~ You came on 12.37 while we promised to meet on 12:00 PM so you’re NOT that late.” The woman annoyingly emphasized.

“I am sorry, Tiff. Blame my boss. He didn’t end the meeting on time. And I have to make MoM right after this. Work sometimes.” Jessica leaned on her chair and massaged her temple.

“Stop being a drama queen for once, will you? Now hurry up and look at the menu. Make the order right after.” The woman called as Tiff slowly sipped her latte and waited until Jessica was done with her choice.

“Well, you know why I am here, right?” Jessica grinned. She gave back the menu to the waiter. The man with the uniform bowed and made his departure after he had repeated the order Jessica made to ensure no mistakes would be made.

“Hmm.” A nod.

“Is it only my feelings or you’re indeed not feeling interested with what I am about to say or more like a promotion?” Jessica sighed.

“I’ve told you many times that I don’t need a matchmaker. Yet, you still insist that I need a lover and that I keep getting older each year. Worse, you even scared me by telling me that I have chances to end up being a scary granny. That way, do you really think it will be interesting?!” The brunette took her phone and noticed there’s a new message. She opened the home screen and went to the application. Once she realized it’s none but someone who had been stubbornly tried to court her, she immediately locked her phone back and put it on the table.

“Is it him again, Tiffany?” Jessica was aware of the latter’s movement.

“Yeah. I wonder why he is so stubborn. It’s getting unbearable. If only he doesn’t work in the same company, I would have blocked his number by now.” Tiffany breathed deeply, elaborating her annoyance toward whoever just sent her the message.

“It adds more reasons to listen to my promotion.” Jessica clapped her hands excitedly, having feelings that she would eventually succeed in persuading Tiffany to meet her loner best friend.

“Hmm.. For starters, you can mention some of the traits that I may like in him. You already know my type so I really hope you didn’t find the man whose traits would be unlikable. I know you can be stupid times.” Tiffany chuckled. She cut her sandwiches into pieces and offered it to Jessica, knowing that the blonde was probably hungry.

“Yah! I am far from stupid! For your info, I am a financial analyst at work so there’s no way I’d be stupid!” Jessica complained. She forked the piece of sandwich and brought it into .

“And for starter, it’s a she instead of a he.” Tiffany almost gagged and her drink almost spilled on her white blouse.

“YAH! YOU ALMOST GOT ME A HEART ATTACK!” In a sudden, she forgot how loud she could be. Her loudness earned her weird stares from other guests.

“I am sorry. Please continue your eating.” Tiffany bowed shyly.

“! Don’t joke with me, Jessi!” Tiffany hissed.

“Unfortunately, I am not. But! Before you express your disappointment or even your anger toward me, please hear me out first?” Jessica pleaded. She enlarged her eyes in purpose with her lips pursed, trying hard to meet Tiffany’s heart.

“Fine. Spill.” Tiffany could only sigh.

“I vaguely remember that you want a rich husband. It will be even much better if he is an orphan, knowing that his wealth will all become yours. He too has to be loyal to ensure he won’t cheat on you, moreover that men lately will easily have affair when they have too much money. You also want a handsome one because it will make you feel proud to accompany you to your friends’ weddings. Hmm.. What did I miss?” Jessica tapped her chin. Soon, her food and drink came. In instant, she started to eat since she felt famished.

“You forgot the fact that it has to be a man instead of a woman.” Tiffany exclaimed not too loud, afraid their conversation could be heard by others. After all, they eat in the building’s canteen where ears and eyes were everywhere.

“Na ah. I clearly remember you never mentioned it has to be a guy.” Jessica stated confidently. Jessica sliced her steak impatiently. Yes, she’s that hungry.

“Can’t you eat slower? You’re a woman, Jessi.” Tiffany reminded. Yes, Jessica might look like a lady but only to her close friends and families would she act naturally, or in other words, she would be herself; ignorant, messy, and not so lady-like.

“Yes, I admit I never mentioned it BUT! Do I even need to emphasize how I hope my husband to be a man?! I mean, come on! They are called husbands not for nothing. If it’s a woman, then she’d be called as a wife instead.” Tiffany said.

“You are right. However, she has successfully fulfilled other conditions. She is 32 this year, very beautiful and elegant, and most importantly; she is unbelievably rich! She is also the only child whose parents have died a long time ago.” Jessica informed too excitedly.

“Why are you so bent in making me interested in her? It’s not like you have ensured she’s gay. How come you know she wants a wife instead of a husband, huh?” Tiffany raised her eyebrow.

“She has been gay since forever, Tiff. She is my best friend whom I met in high school. No one knows her better than me.” Jessica proudly admitted.

“Fine. Whatever. Then why are you so sure that I’d be willing to meet her and even go as far as being her wife?!” Tiffany crossed her arms on her chest. She had a serious face yet Jessica still couldn’t stop smiling.

“Because she has every trait you seek in your potential husband or should we say wife now?” Jessica wagged her eyebrows playfully.

“But then again, what happened to her parents?” Tiffany’s question finally put the smile away from the blonde’s face.

Jessica took a swift glance at her wristwatch. After knowing that she still had more time to spend, she started to tell the story about Taeyeon’s background; what happened to her parents, and how she became someone she was now. Jessica spared some details, like how Taeyeon liked sleeping around and smoked at times or when Taeyeon got too stressed with works and life.

“I see. So that’s why.” Jessica nodded slowly.

“Yeah. Hmm.. Did I succeed in persuading you to meet her?” Jessica pried.

“You don’t know when to give up, do you?”

“Oh come on! I just told someone’s darkest secrets. The last thing you can do to show your appreciation is by saying yes.” Jessica was being pushy. She focused her stare right at Tiffany’s undeterred face.

“Yes.” Tiffany gave up.

“YEAY!! This Saturday then~ As a thank you, let me pay for the lunch!” Jessica happily retrieved her wallet from her purse and pulled out her card. She raised her right hand to summon the waiter.

“Yah! You are so unfair! I didn’t even order a proper lunch! It will be too cheap for you.” Tiffany pouted.

“Your fault.” Jessica stuck out her tongue.

---

“Jessi~” Taeyeon called.

“What is it, Taeng? Be more patient, will you? She’s been only 10 minutes late. I am sure it’s because of the traffic. It’s a good thing that she agreed to meet here you know~ It’s quite far from where she lives.” Jessica told her friend.

Taeyeon was both excited and nervous. Jessica had briefed Taeyeon about the upcoming meeting with Tiffany. Jessica had shown Taeyeon the photograph of Tiffany. Taeyeon couldn’t deny Tiffany’s beauty. She was glowing in the photo. Her lips were beautifully curved and looked kissable, her nose was undoubtedly well-shaped and her eyes looked so clear that Taeyeon couldn’t help but being happily drowned by her brown orbs. And it was only from the photo. Taeyeon couldn’t imagine how she would feel when she met the person for real.

Jessica made time to go to Taeyeon’s apartment on Thursday night, right after work. She deliberately came to announce the good news that her friend, Tiffany finally said yes to her proposal. No, Taeyeon hadn’t known how Tiffany looked like until that Thursday night where Jessica opened up her gallery and found a very beautiful photo of Tiffany in her red strapless dress. Taeyeon was already mesmerized; it was like her attention was all being taken for Tiffany. Tiffany’s beauty captured Taeyeon’s heart just like that. Yes, Taeyeon hadn’t met her in person but if her personalities were as beautiful as her photo then no doubt, Taeyeon would fall head over heels for the woman called Tiffany.

“I am nervous, Jess. What if she doesn’t like me? Heck, what if she is not gay?!” Taeyeon frantically expressed.

“Shussed! Do you want every single person in here knows your preference?!” Jessica frowned.

“Sorry.” Taeyeon smiled apologetically.

Jessica wasn’t being fair for she didn’t tell how Tiffany was like to Taeyeon. No, it’s not because she didn’t want to but more like because Jessica didn’t know Tiffany that well. She knew Tiffany came from a regular family. She also knew that Tiffany had two siblings, one older sister, and one older brother. She came from California and judged by that, Jessica was sure Tiffany wasn’t a close-minded person. That’s one of the reasons why Jessica approached her in order to match her with Taeyeon.

Jessica knew Tiffany after working in the same building for two years. Since Jessica’s position was similar to Tiffany's, it’s unavoidable that they often met in meetings. Jessica was a financial analyst while Tiffany was a supervisor in the Account Payable Department. In short, Tiffany was not a quiet person so no wonder, eventually they became closer. Tiffany wasn’t an introverted person but it’s rare for the brunette to talk about her family background while Jessica was too ignorant sometimes that she never pried to ask much about Tiffany and her families.

“But, do you think she will like me? Or at least not to feel disgusted with me?” Taeyeon fidgeted in her seat.

“Taeng, how many women again you have slept with? And right now we’re only waiting for one woman instead of a woman. Come on, be brave, would you? Besides, she’s way younger than you. Why would you be the one that feels nervous instead?” Jessica sighed seeing Taeyeon who pretended to be busy stirring her cappuccino ice.

“Hey! I am sorry I am late. The traffic is unbelievable!” Another voice made Taeyeon chickened out even more.

‘Damn! Her voice is very husky! It’s too much for my heart to take. Omo, Taeyeon! You’re such a path-‘

“TAENG!” Taeyeon felt a jab on her stomach. She looked up and saw a hand had been reached out toward her direction.

“Uhm.. Taeyeon, right? I am Tiffany?” The woman looked unsure. If Taeyeon wasn’t mistaken, the voice didn’t belong to her friend, Jessica.

“Ah. I am sorry. I am Taeyeon.” Taeyeon nervously scratched her palm to her cloth to ensure it had been cleaned before she dared to touch Tiffany’s hand.

“You are very funny, Taeyeon.” Tiffany smiled. Taeyeon was deadpanned in her place.

“Sit down, Taeyeon.” Jessica embarrassingly told Taeyeon. She could even swear the usual Taeyeon wasn’t like the Taeyeon she met right now. Usually, Taeyeon would be aggressive when she put interests to her new pry but she would be very cold and seemed rude when she didn’t have any interests toward the woman she was meeting. So, it’s totally a brand new Taeyeon she found right at this hour.

“I-I am sorry.” Taeyeon smiled shyly.

“Now that you two have met, my job is officially done. I will take my leave. Tiff, please take care of my best friend here, okay? She is not usually like this so I really don’t know what’s happening with her right now. Tae, be good alright? And stop embarrassing yourself.” Jessica advised. She stood up and leisurely walked out of the restaurant before both Taeyeon and Tiffany could even have time to react.

“Err.. Did she just say she would leave? Like literally, leaving? And not to toilet or such??” Taeyeon finally went back to her right mind after some time.

“Yeah. I think that’s what she just said.” Tiffany smiled. Again, the deadly smile almost got Taeyeon insane. It was too much for Taeyeon’s heart.

“Will we be okay then?” Those words effortlessly blurted out from the older woman.

“What are you saying? We both are adults, Tae. What’s there to be worried? Anyway, can I call you Tae or Taeyeon instead of being formal?” Taeyeon nodded her head frantically, obviously too happy to protest or even asking why.

“Are you always like this?” Tiffany continued smiling, feeling that Taeyeon she imagined in her mind was far from the real Taeyeon.

Jessica had told her how hard Taeyeon's life was; how she struggled to live alone. Yes, she still had relations or family who lives in Jeonju but she wasn’t close to them. She remembered what Jessica said because most of them wanted to be close to Taeyeon only because they desired her money.  Taeyeon was a straightforward person so she didn’t need pretenders just to make her happy and felt being cared for some amount of time. No, she didn’t need that.

“No, I am not. Jessica was right. I also don’t know what’s happening to me. I am sorry if I am not according to your expectation. You are free to walk away if you think I am that unbearable though. I won’t blame you. However, thank you for your time.” Taeyeon suddenly got up and bowed deeply at Tiffany, startling the latter.

“Yaah, Taeyeon! What are you doing?? Go back to your seat. This date is not over, at least not until you have accompanied me back to my apartment and say goodbye. Oh, and after that, if you’re lucky enough, maybe you’d be presented by the second date?” Tiffany blushed.

“Wow~ I didn’t mishear it, did I? You really said you would consider a second date already?” Taeyeon’s sour expression transformed into a much happier one.

“And from my long sentences, the only statement you managed to remember is the date part?” Tiffany asked in disbelief with her face still reddened from an earlier conversation.

“And you just changed into a braver Taeyeon! Should we celebrate it? Since I am still full from my breakfast and you have your pastries, what do you say if we go out from here and watch a movie? I heard 13 hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi has been out! My friend said it’s a very good movie. We can try to get to know each other during dinner instead if you don’t mind.” Tiffany tried to be more dominant and proactive since Taeyeon looked like a shy kid right now.

“Sure. Let me pay it first. Err.. You can wait outside if you don’t mind. I parked not far from here.” Just like that, their first and not last date started.

---

They walked out of the restaurant and went to the parking area. It wasn’t hard to find Taeyeon’s car since the type of car she brought was far from ordinary. It was a red two-seated Lamborghini. It turned out that Jessica didn’t like it when she told Tiffany how rich Taeyeon was. All her life, the most expensive ride Tiffany had tried would be Jessica’s car and her car was only a normal SUV; nothing special but Taeyeon’s ride was much different. Imagining sitting on it had made the brunette nervous as hell.

“After you.” Being a gentlewoman, Taeyeon helped to open the car and Tiffany was secretly very thankful for that because if Taeyeon didn’t help her, she wouldn’t have known that the car was opened upward. It wasn’t a normal car at all.

The date went surprisingly well, probably due to Tiffany who was naturally an easy-going person. She was the person who did talking more compared to Taeyeon who did nothing but helplessly feeling attracted to the latter each hour passed. It was hard not to set her eyes on Tiffany and Tiffany only. She was like a horse whose eyes could only look up straight and yes, she could only see Tiffany. Nothing else mattered.

Tiffany knew she had successfully made Taeyeon feel attracted to her. On the other side, Tiffany too couldn’t deny the idea that she liked Taeyeon’s personality. It was only for a night that contained very few hours but it was enough for the brunette to generally obtain the basic information related to Taeyeon; how she was polite, genuine, humble, and well-mannered. Appearance aside, Tiffany would give Taeyeon a score of 9 out of 10. If you add physical matters, then the score would be a perfect 10.

Taeyeon might be petite and too young for her age but at the same time, she had a good appearance. Let’s start with her thin yet pink lips, and her small button nose, not to mention the splendid jawline that made Tiffany wanted to grasp it and graze it with care. Taeyeon had a good neckline and amazing biceps and triceps. The only thing Tiffany wasn’t satisfied with was the fact that Taeyeon was a she instead of he. Then again, Jessica didn’t lie when she told Taeyeon that Tiffany swung everywhere. Yes, she’s bi and she sometimes felt interested in women yet she never had a chance to have a relationship with women before. Maybe, just maybe Taeyeon would be her first one.

“So I heard you work in the same building as Jessica?” Taeyeon started the conversation nervously. The first 5 minutes had passed with silence until she decided to just break the ice.

“Yep. I have known her not that long but enough to know that we could click well. I love to meet new people while Jessi plays an important role in her office. Usually, I meet her during meetings until one day I tried to approach her and tried to get to know her better. Good thing she welcomed me because some people said Jessica was known to be a rude and cold woman.” Tiffany answered it not so short.

“Those people weren’t wrong. Everyone would think of her like that since it was very very hard to make her smile, moreover laugh. She’s warm and kind in the inside but she only showed it to some people she considered worthy or close enough with her.” Taeyeon smiled while commenting.

“It took me several months to finally know her in person and you’re right. She is actually fun to hang out with and she is like my protector.” Tiffany said while her eyes on her phone, unlocking the screen when she felt her phone vibrated.

“Protector?”

“Yep! I don’t mean to be arrogant or to look proud but there are some men at my office or even sometimes from vendors and clients who like to disturb me. It’s unavoidable to give them my personal business card whenever we meet during the meeting but they rarely contact me to talk about business if you understand what I mean.” Tiffany frowned reading the message. She quickly deleted it and locked her phone back.

“Like that person who just texted you?” Taeyeon cleared . Secretly, she paid attention to Tiffany the whole time she was sitting in her driving seat.

“Yeah like this person. Wait. I am gonna block his number.” Tiffany sighed.

“While the men in my office know my number from the list of phone numbers owned by employees sent by General Affair monthly.” Tiffany continued.

“Then what did Jessi do to protect you?” Taeyeon asked.

“Well she couldn’t do much for those men outside of office building but for those who work in the same building, she ensures my safety by often having lunch with me. She would be the one who said no to those men.” Tiffany giggled remembering how possessive actually Jessica was.

“I see. She is scary indeed. No wonder those men back off. She didn’t even need to lift a finger. Her deadly glare was even enough to make cheetah run the second she set her eyes on it.” Taeyeon added and laughed.

“Why are you still single until now?” Taeyeon changed into a deeper topic, hoping Tiffany wasn’t feeling offended by her straightforwardness.

“You’re blunt, aren’t you? If I didn’t know better, I would have said you are the owner of the company.” Tiffany smirked. Taeyeon stayed silent, pretending not to hear it while silently nodded her head mentally.

“You can say it’s common to answer but yeah, I just haven’t met the right person.” Tiffany shrugged.

“How about you? Why are you still single? I heard from Jessi that you’ve settled down and you have everything ready for a married person.” Tiffany questioned in return before Taeyeon had even a chance to pry her with more questions.

“Frankly speaking, I am afraid of commitment. I have trust issues. What Jessica said is right; I have everything ready and the only thing I don’t have is a person who was willing to be my other half, to be my wife.” Taeyeon smiled a little, suddenly turned mellow.

“Do you have a bad experience related to commitment? Have you ever been cheated before?” Tiffany asked again.

“Not really. I don’t have bad experiences with that but the reason why is the statement you just said now.” Taeyeon replied.

“Because you have settled and have everything ready? You are very rich that you are afraid people would only after your money, right?”

“JACKPOT!” Taeyeon groaned.

“But it doesn’t mean everyone or should I say every woman would be like that. When was the last tim