Chapter 33- Manse Group

You and Me : The life of an Executive

SooJin had barely left the safety of her blankets since it was the only place she felt any sense of safety. She thought that maybe there was some perks to having a luxurious bedding since she had fallen right asleep, even when everything around had been on fire. But her body also remembered the warmth that came with companionship. Everytime that it would pop into her mind, she would feel the flushed feeling and knew that the redness was creeping up her neck. So ever since then, she has tried not to think about that night. But on the few occassions that it did enter her mind, she couldn't help but crave that closeness again. 

She's lost it.

She was sure of it. There was no way he would even think twice about her, unless he was sorry or felt like he was thankful. Nothing more than platonic. The way that he hadn't even protested when she told him that they were going on that double date. He must still have feelings for HyunJoo otherwise he would have been mad enough to end the whole fake fiancee deal. Instead, he even tried to make himself presentable for the whole thing. 

He still loves her, she was sure of it. She doesn't know why that made her feel something, but it wasn't anything personal. They were still friends and if a wedding really did happen someday, she would be right there supporting the two. Because they're friends. That's all. She heaved a deep sigh and returned her attention to the movie she was watching. Watching movies or dramas never felt like a waste of time in her line of business, so at least, she could feel like she was getting something done while her body was still trying to put her in an autopilot. 

It was a few days after and she was in her latest drama binge and this new obssesive thought made its way into her mind again. She basically punched the space bar, leaving the hero with his mouth wide open and his eyes all rolled back on the screen. But she couldn't be bothered with this hilarious detail. She was too busy beating the thought out of her mind. She started literally beating at her head. "SooJin -ah... snap out of it. Have you lost your mind? Michyeoss-eo? Remember that all of this is fake, it means nothing. And, remember you said you won't get married until you've made it? Stop it. Remember where your goals." Just as she was battering herself mentally, her fists did the physical part for her. She only stopped when one of her hits went too far. Wincing, she rubbed at the sore spot on her head. 

One good thing that came out of this was that she had momentarily abandoned whatever thoughts she had. She was busy nursing the intentional pain to care. It was then that she decided maybe she could do with some fresh air. Grabbing a cardigan, that she had kept close under the circumstance, she walked out of the room. She hadn't even managed to turn the corner before bumping into what she had first thought was the wall. She thought that maybe she was so disoriented from barely leaving the room that she forgot there was a wall right there. 

But then, a resounding oomf followed by two hands steadying her told her otherwise. She looked up to see Won's concerned face. "Gwenchana?" It seems like he wasn't even affected by the collision. Instead he was busy giving her the once over, making sure she wasn't hurt. She felt a flush that was all too telling so she pried herself gently away from his grip. 

"I'm fine...." She wrapped the cardigan tightly around herself as if it would keep the feelings away. 

"Oh..." She felt something drop in her stomach when his usual icy stare slipped into place. "I'm sorry about that." 

She cleared , noticing the awkwardness that all of this was heading in. "It's okay...did you want to talk about something?" She couldn't think of what else to say. But seeing as they bumped into each other in front of their room, then it was safe for her to assume that. 

"Oh...yeah. Actually I talked to abuji about...." He couldn't look at her straight in the eyes but she knew exactly what he meant. He cleared his throat as they came into a silent understanding. "He has his secretary on it first thing this morning....and unsurprisingly, Manse Group was quick to rise to the occassion. Once they found out who was on the other end of the line. News travels fast in Seoul." 

She hadn't bothered to pitch in that both their families were treated as the royals of the city. So of course everyone would find out. Except this time, everyone would find out the truth. That she wasn't the pauper turned princess. But she was in fact, the crown Princess of another nation bethrothed to the crown Prince. She has been pushing the thought away for long enough. But she can no longer deny it. By taking this as a last resort, she has to sacrifice her anonymity. She knew that Manse Group could never reveal who she was without everything ending in an ugly lawsuit which won't only cost the company money but also ruin the image that the company has. After all, the company works in home living and the food and beverages industry. 

Like their labels always say : "Taking a little bit of home and sending it your way." A lawsuit within the family and a hidden heiress doesn't seem so homely does it? They would want to keep everything under wraps. The quieter the better. 

The thought made her stomach churn and a sharp pain in her side made her bend over a little. That's when Won went back to worried mode. "Gwenchana?" He was ready to catch her if she fainted. 

She raised a hand to signal that she was okay. "When?" She asked instead. 

"Tomorrow." He gulped. She felt the lump in go with it. 

All of a sudden she didn't feel like being alone otherwise she felt like she might actually self combust. Or maybe break a few expensive furniture or something. "I was going to get some fresh air...do you want to come with?" He stared at her wide-eyed in response. "It's okay if you don't want to.." 

"Aniyo...." he snapped into attention then. "Let's go..." She was so glad to have the company that it even amused her when he offered his arm. She took it and they walked down to the garden that covered the estate.

....

Won had expected the response from Manse Group, seeing as they too are mega company looking to take care of their image. And he was pretty sure that his abuji had thrown a few threats into the mix too. That could give them some leverage to get the ball rolling into their court. At least the terms could be negotiated in their favour. 

He could feel SooJin breathing in the fresh air beside him. She hasn't let go of his arm yet and if he were being honest, he hoped she would stay for just a little longer. When they arrived at the lookout, however, she slowly slipped her hand away. He didn't bother trying to understand the pull in his chest, as if something was pulling his insides down. Instead, he moved to stand beside her. 

When he was little, he loved being there, looking out onto the estate; especially given that their garden was so huge that you could potentially get lost in it if you weren't familiar with it. Not for him though. After his eomma passed on, and his abuji had started spending more time than usual at the office or maybe somewhere else, somewhere where he met his mistress, Won had occupied himself by exploring the confines of their little palace. 

He used to be amazed at how they could have something so huge but so personal, in a bustling city like Seoul. As he grew older, he realized that money can get you anything, even a huge plot of land to build your mansion on. 

"You know...sometimes I wonder what it would be like to be a normal office worker." She had her elbows on the railing with her head resting lightly on her balled up fists. He can't look away and he would be lying if he said he could comprehend everything that she was saying in that moment. But he decided to match her posture by leaning in to show he was present. 

"You have your worries too like how to keep your job or how to get a promotion, or maybe even a boss that is difficult to please." Her eyes had that faraway look in them and her sigh signalled just how deep into her thoughts she was. "Sometimes I want to forget all of this and just disappear, be obscure, get a part time job or something....Enjoy my freedom." He thought that maybe it wasn't her life she was running away from, but rather who was in it. 

"Don't you? Would you want to run away?" The way she said it while looking at him with that look made him want to say yes immediately, like he couldn't help himself. But he nodded slowly instead and when he thought about it, he couldn't imagine another life for himself aside from the one he was leading. 

"Honestly, it sounds great, to escape, for a little while." He could see the flower garden in the distance. The gardener had allowed him to pick a bouquet of flowers always. But one day, when his abuji brought a baby back home, he never went out there again. Not until it was time to visit his eomma. "But then, I don't know what I'll be if I wasn't the heir to Jeguk Group...." He realized all at once just how sad that sounded, and just how immersed he was in his work. It had become his identity and in fact his only defining trait. 

SooJin chuckled. "Yeah...I can't imagine myself doing anything else either...But it's fun to imagine... I think, I'd be a marketing intern..." She said dreamily. Won couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him. At first, he could only see her as a producer but when he thought about it and glanced at her, he could see her  as the head of marketing, something he could never do. He would probably just be brooding there and nothing would get done. 

"How about you? What do you think you'll be good at?" 

That was unexpected to say the least. He hadn't thought about it before, he had no need to. Everything was already decided for him ever since he was little. But if he was forced into a corner to think about it, he would pick something that was solitary. "I don't know...maybe a writer or poet or something..." 

He thought he had said something wrong when his answer was met with silence. Then, he heard the sound that he didn't know he was waiting for. From beside her, he could feel her shuddering and thought with terror that maybe she was crying again. He turned to comfort her but was himself comforted by what he saw. She was shuddering but only because she was trying to keep in the laughter. 

Her laughter couldn't be contained any longer and it was the best thing he'd heard in a long while. It carried through the entire estate though he wasn't sure if anyone else heard it, but he wanted to keep listening so he didn't interrupt her. She wiped the tears away from her eyes from laughing too much. Maybe laughter really was contagious because he soon found himself chuckling before being thrown into a full fit of laughter. The two doubled over laughing while holding on to the railing for support. 

They only saw any hope of stopping when both felt the stitch in their sides. Soon they were out of breath, massaging the pain in their sides away. Wiping the tears blurring his vision, he saw that she had a serene smile on her face, the kind that made him wary. Only because she already has her poker face down and he wasn't sure whether she was smiling because she was really okay or because she was trying to hide what she was really feeling. 

"Won ah..." She looked out into the distance as she said it. 

"Oh?" It was pretty depressing coming down to this kind of low after experiencing that kind of high. But still, it was great that she kept talking despite that. 

"Everything's going to be alright right?" Tiredness filled her face and now that she was looking directly at him, he could see it, most of all in her eyes. He felt a kind of responsibility to reassure her, to make sure that she felt like she could rely on him, even when he didn't know what was going to happen himself. 

"Of course...there is no way that they could deny what they did with the amount of evidence we have on them. We have the advantage." He tried to sound as sure of himself as he could and to throw in a rare smile in there too. She looked unconvinced but humoured him anyway. 

"Right? They can't get away with it can they?" She smiled and looked away again. 

"Won ah..." This time, he hadn't taken his eyes off of her but for some reason, the sound of voice made him flinch. 

"We can't go out can we?" No. They cannot. News spread like wildfire when you're part of the royal family. In one way or another, there was always a hidden reporter here and there and if not, a few witness that was easily bought for information and pictures. So no, the Chairman has forbidden the two of them on going anywhere until they have sorted everything out and made a proper statement. Otherwise, the media circle will just sink their talons in and it doesn't even matter if what they reported isn't true. As long as there was a juicy enough news, everyone will eat it up. 

His silence was answer enough and the deep sigh was her way of venting her frustrations without actually destroying anything. After a long silence, SooJin was the first to speak and her question was random to say the least. But he couldn't blame her either. It was her way of keeping her mind off of things. He has left her alone all this time, knowing what she was doing in their room. It seems like he had no choice but to join her that night. It made tomorrow look much further away than the 'less than 24 hours' that it currently is. 

"Yah, you want to watch movies with me tonight?" Of course he had said yes. She had the pleading look in her eyes, the one that made him want to give everything in the world to her. If she needed the company, then he would start from there. 

"Yeah, okay..." 

 

....

 

She wished that she had her WooHyun with her, her appa, anybody. But the way that everything was being laid out at the moment, she couldn't just meet up with them, not only for her own safety but also for theirs. So far, there were only speculations in the media about her background and her family, but none were really close to the truth. Not yet anyway. 

She felt so tired, being alone, so her impulse probably made her invite him. But all through dinner, she had been looking forward to it too. Maybe she was getting way too comfortable with him. Doesn't matter, they were chinggu anyways. It felt great to have someone be with her, to feel that reassuring warmth of another breathing human being next to you when you feel like your entire world has just been plucked from the skies and thrown down to the ground and everything has just exploded with whatever was left was all up in flames and she was just sitting in the middle of all of this, rocking herself back and forth like a little baby. 

They had grilled hairtail for dinner with countless side dishes. Simply put, a full korean table. If anything, the mansion offers a variety in their foods. Probably because the Chairman had a fragile health that required him to be careful of what he consumed. But that didn't stop the younger ones in the household to keep their own special stash. Tan had offered to show her his which she politely declined since she has made a dent in the main house's fridge already. But she'll gladly keep the offer in mind. 

She exchanged a knowing look with Won, after she had made sure he had his fill, of course. But he didn't even look like he was eating anything but rather he was pecking at the food in front of him. Doesn't matter. She too had limited the amount of food intake, saving room for that night. She had talked to attendants and asked help from the ahjumma to get everything ready. 

She felt like she had over planned the whole thing but she didn't care. She was determined to show him her lifetime movie reccomendations. On the list was a mix of western and korean movies. She would have included more asian movies but they would have to stay up late as it is. And tomorrow was doomsday as far as she was concerned, so technically they had to go to bed early. 

Having stolen glances at her throughout the entire dinner, he caught her signal right away. What she hadn't known was he had looked forward to the movie night just as much as she had. So, at the first opportunity he got, he interrupted the table with the most civil way he knew how to; by clearing his throat. Like a well oiled machine, the Chairman looked in their direction, to his right, with SooJin next to Won. "Abuji, if it is not too much to ask, can we be excused early?" 

The Chairman cleared his own throat, trying to maintain his composure even when he was only in front of family. He had his image to upkeep. "You know we never excuse ourselves early and we wait for everyone to finish before we leave." It looked like they weren't going to get the pass so SooJin decided to take a chance and hopefully her current situation would give her the pity factor over Won. 

"Um, if I may...we planned to have a movie night date tonight..." She gave her puppiest, most pitiful looking smile on top of it. "Since we need to be up early tomorrow, we thought it would be better to start earlier..." She let the sentence hang, making herself sound more hopeful than she felt. But thankfully, they had help and Tan's comment was the nail in the coffin. 

"Abuji...let the two enjoy their pre honeymoon, the two are engaged!" Tan sounded so exasperated that she would have believed he really was if she hadn't seen the look he gave them. "Staying here, they won't be doing anything anyway..." 

She looked hopefully to the Chairman who seemed to be thinking. Being at home, she hoped he would be more lenient than his usual iron grip self at the office and maybe all that wishing and hoping worked because a second later he looked to them and said, "very well. Only for tonight. " He added the last part when he saw the happy faces on Won and her's faces. But even he couldn't hide the shadow of  a smile at their supposed display of affection. 

"Thank you." SooJin said while Won gave his abuji a slight nod of thanks. The Chairman waved them away. And SooJin wishes that she could wipe that smirk off of Tan's face. The only sound that could be heard then was the scraping of chairs as the two got up. The cursed silence then followed the two all the way up to their room. 

It wasn't until she had her hand over the doorknob that she could muster herself to speak. "So, do you have any movies in mind or...do you want me to choose?" She knew that he won't object either way, but the question was just out of courtesy. 

"Uh...I'm okay with anything." He answered then, but she was only half listening as she swung herself onto the bed and the laptop. She then reached for the intercom and ordered for the feast to be brought up. 

"I hope you're not to full... I got something ready." She settled herself against the headboard as she browsed to get to the movie she wanted. It was a cliche one, but one that she always went back to whenever she felt lost. She looked up to see that Won had been hanging onto the bed post, looking at her with a curious look on his face. 

She couldn't help but smile and slowly she pat the space next to her. "Come sit here..." the simple gesture invited. He hesitated for a moment before going to sit next to her and in doing so he was able to see what she had pulled up on the screen. 

"The dead poet's society?" his forehead wrinkled in what she thought was confusion at the choice. 

"Uh huh... It inspired me to go into this business in the first place. I thought maybe one day, I could make a movie like that and maybe inspire a young kid or two. Give them the same feeling that I had when I first watched it." She settled back into her spot but not long after was interupted by a knock on the door. 

"Ah...Won could you get that?" she was so excited that her leg bounces made the laptop bounce along on the bed. She felt bad since he had just sat down, but she also felt this overwhelming laziness that you usually feel when you're already settled into your spot on the bed. The prince exchanged a few words with whoever was behind the door and reappeared, holding a tray filled with her requests. It was a miracle that he had the whole thing balanced without spilling anything over the edge as he kneed the door close. 

"Ah....nothing better than sugar for comfort..." Judging by the expression on his face, she could tell he wasn't a fan. There's always a first for everything right? "Oh come on....try a popcorn if you don't want anything else..." She said, taking the tray from him and setting it in front of them. Though she had prepared a few options, from the chilly sweetness of ice cream with syrup to the buttery popcorn to an assortment of gummies to the savory 'hotdog' dusted lightly with sugar. To top everything off, she had cider to wash everything down. 

When she saw that he was still reluctant, she grabbed a piece and fed it to him. But that didn't mean that he yielded easily. "Ah....chaebal... you're not going to die overnight from consuming a little sugar..." She said, trying to shove the it in. 

"Yeah, but you can over time..." He eyed the little bit of popcorn like it was something that might explode. He must have mistook her annoyed expression as confusion because he went on, "Addiction. You know how dangerous sugar is for addicts?" 

She sighed and raised a hand. There was only one way to it. "I, Kim SooJin, swear that after this night, I will stop Kim Won at all cost from consuming more than the prohibited healthy intake of white sugar." She took a deep breath. "I will make sure, for as long as I am his fiancee to make sure that he does not develop an addiction to sweets. But after that...I'm sorry but he is on his own." At the last part, he couldn't help but chuckle and SooJin found herself doing the same. "Come on...don't make me feed you like a baby... the ice cream's beginning to melt anyway. Hmm?" She offered him the popcorn again and this time he did nibble at it. Realizing that he was trying to bite her finger, she chuckled and pushed it in, making sure they won't spill it on the bed. 

"Cha...Sijag halkka?" She reached to press play and resettled in her place. Without knowing it, she started snuggling closer and pretty soon, they shoulders were touching and once in a while, their knees would meet, whenever SooJin would shake her legs. But it's okay. Friends could do that for each other. They could comfort each other. There doesn't have to be any awkwardness in any of it. 

 

...

 

He had considered moving away, but he didn't want to be rude. Or is that what e was supossed to do? He barely had any experience and the only real girlfriend that he has ever had had been HyeonJu, so he couldn't help the sheen of sweat he could feel starting to form on his forehead. His only hope was that she was too focused to realize. And he hoped that the ice cream he kept shovelling into his mouth would soon cool him down. 

But every time that he started to calm down, SooJin would lightly nudge his knee with her own. He had this strange feeling in the middle of his chest when they first started sitting so close that their shoulders touch. Now, he felt like he had gotten used to it that if she even moved away, he felt like he'd feel a kind of weird disappointment, so without even knowing it, he began to sit a little closer to her, secretly loving it when their shoulders touch. 

Was that weird? Was he a weirdo? But the thing was, he didn't want to pull away either. Not anymore. 

Every once in a while he would sneak a look at her but she was zoned out watching the movie. They were well into half of it by then and he wondered if she was ever going to start a conversation or if they were going to spend the night just in silence? Either way, he found that he didn't mind. In fact, he loved the comfortable silence that they were in. 

"You know...everybody wants to have a life like in the movies... but not all movies have a happy ending." She was still staring straight ahead and he didn't know if he was meant to answer or not. "This one definitely doesn't." She huffed, with a slight smile. 

That's when he decided he couldn't keep quiet anymore. "SooJin, are you okay?" It worried him the way that she seem so disconnected. But instead of answering, she scooted closer and before he had time to even flinch, she rested her head on his shoulder. He couldn't tell if she could feel the instant rigidity in his posture, but he was afraid to move, afraid to do anything while she was that close. 

She breathed in and gave a little sigh which gave him all the answer he needed. He knew there was probably a lot on her mind, even when she tried to push them away. "I don't even know what the worse case scenario would be? What? That I would have to leave the industry?" Honestly, he never understood that. For him, the position wasn't so bad. For him. 

But when he looked over and saw the look on her face...the look of longing...he understood. To her, making these movies was like his work in the company. It was her purpose. Without it, she might as well have been lost. She snuggled closer into him and he noticed that they had come to the part of the movie where one of the character has been told he could never do what he loved. The scene that came after was way too heartbreaking for him to watch so he looked to SooJin instead. 

She was staring dead ahead. Either she has watched the scene so many times that she was disensitized or...she was thinking of something. He felt useless, not knowing how to comfort her. What was he supposed to say? He can't even begin to imagine what it was like. All his life he has been raised with more responsibilities than some, has had to mature faster. But at least he was always accepted. He always belonged. And frankly, having his life planned for him, he never really questioned what he had to do with his life. 

SooJin on the other hand, had always been kept out of her family. He scrunched his nose at that thought. How much of a family could they be when the only time they needed her was when they needed an heir and needed to save face? Not to mention the illegal stuff they had done to torment her mentally and possibly even physically. Add all of that together, and it made him sick to his stomach. He moved his arm from under her and for that split second SooJin looked ready to cry but he made up for it by putting his arm around her instead. 

"I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow..." He said. "But whatever happens we can take it one at a time, one day at a time. Because life isn't like the movies. Something bad doesn't escalate in the span of an hour or two. If you look at it, compared to the movies, it takes almost an eternity in real life." He gave her shoulder a squeeze. "And if that's the case, then we can always think of another way out. It's not like the movies. Life, is more technical than anything. There is no crafty way out, not unless you want to upset the law." He felt that hazy feeling of sleep start to come on. He had to fight it. At least, until the movie was over. 

The closing scene was of the professor, leaving behind the school and Won thought maybe some movies are like real life after all. But those movies are less popular to the masses because almost everyone preferred a happy ending. But he liked that some don't end the way 'they're supposed to'. It makes everything more complex, more to think about. 

"I like these kinds of movies...." She sighed in his side. "There's more to it than meets the eye, you know? Happy endings, everything is so definite....so clean...probably because you're so satisfied with it, you never stop to think...what happens after...with sad endings, you don't feel fulfilled...so you start to wonder...what could be..." She yawned, stretching as she did. Won didn't understand how this was possible or how it happened, but they end up being squished together even more by the action. "Maybe... sad endings can be hopeful too...it makes us think that maybe there is an after...after every bad thing... there has to be...because we are always looking for happy endings so sad ones, makes us think of it in a different light no?" Her voice started drifting too. "Like maybe we don't have to be so negative...maybe there is an after...a happy one.."

He didn't think his heart could have beat fasterbut when she started stretching and snuggling into his side, murmuring lightly as she did. It reminded him of a kitten and it made the warm and fuzzy feeling inside of him grow. What he had wanted more than anything in that moment was to sneak an arm around her. No. He shook the thought away. He was treading dangerous waters thinking that way. 

He could already see it in his head, how she would look at him with pain in her eyes, push him away and maybe give him a hard slap across the face. So he did what he did best, retreat and try to run away. He carefully removed himself from under her and scooted over to the edge of the bed. He was planning on cleaning up before he left. 

But he didn't even make it out of the bed before he felt a tug on his shirt. He was frozen to the edge of the bed, feeling that slight pain in his back whenever he stayed in a strained position for too long. He turned to come face to face with SooJin who he thought had started drifting off to sleep. Her eyes were glazed over with an emotion he couldn't read. 

"Won ah...could you..."

 

....

 

She had fully intended to stay awake the entire night. Even when she had tried to take a nap earlier, she found that her mind won't let her. She wanted to stay up as late as possible, even being excited for the movie night she had planned. It had been a while since she had felt anything but stressed and when she wasn't working on something, including this whole fake relationship thing, she realized she didn't know how to feel. All she has been doing was going from one problem to another. 

Now that she has had all this time to think, she realized just why she had been restless and eager for everything to get back to the way it was. When she wasn't busy, she felt...nothing. In all her adult years, she has always had a goal to run to, something to do to get there. Now everything was at a standstill so it's like her body had gone into shock. 

Even though she had expected not to be able to fall asleep at all, she couldn't help but feel her eyelids droop as she snuggled in closer to Won. She considered the weirdness of it all, of what she was doing, but comfort ultimately won out. In her half dazed state, she vaguely remembered mumbling something as if she was in a drunken state. Comfort was the best. She felt sleep coming on fast, but not before she felt the familiarity of Won pulling away. It felt like that lull of comfort had been taken abruptly away from her. A part of her was more than annoyed at getting the cold treatment but a part of her was also embarrassed knowing that she had just been rejected. But then, there was a stronger urge, a part of her that was on the verge of breaking apart if she was left all alone. She didn't want to be alone..She wanted him to stay. 

So without even thinking much, her hand reached out and grabbed his sweater just in time. She half expected him to tear himself away, look at her with a disgusted look in his eyes. But all he did was look at her with that same wide eyed expression. Something heavy lifted off of her chest. "Won ah..." She gulped, not knowing what could happen. "Could you..." She felt her heart go a hundred miles an hour. 

"Can you stay?" She knows she looks pitiful at best, but she couldn't help it. For once she was selfish enough to actually be a whiny baby and she won't let embarrassment get in her way. After all, if all goes well, she won't be seeing Won anymore anyway. 

"Please...." She flashed him her best puppy eyes. Waiting for his response, she hadn't even noticed the sting of her nails digging into her palm through his sweater. She was ready to let go, before he started turning his body towards her and crawling back into his spot. She could still feel the warmth that he had left in the spot but she still felt the delicious warmth start spreading through her as he settled beside her. 

Letting herself go, she snuggled into his side, wrapping her arms around his middle. All the while in her head she was trying to convince that everything was okay, what she was doing was okay. Friends sometimes need hugs from each other too. She needed the hug so why should she be ashamed. No, she won't overthink everything. So much worse has been done to her. She deserved a break once in a while. 

"I'm sorry HyeonJu, I'll borrow him just for tonight..." She thought to herself. 

She felt the tingles, that yummy feeling you get that starts in your shoulders and going down to your toes, the one that although, she didn't know yet, was something people felt when they fell in love. She breathed in his citrusy musk and felt sleepiness start to take over. She could feel the rhythm of his breathing and the beat of his heart and though it got way too hot throughout the night, she hadn't woken up even once, not even when he had readjusted himself so that he too could lie down. And before long, both were lost in their own dreamland. 

 

....

 

For a couple that was only pretending, he thought they were pretty clingy with each other. He hadn't seen much of his hyung lately and he wondered if it was because of his future sister in law. Why not? At that point, he was convinced that they would actually be family soon. To be honest, he liked SooJin the moment that he had met her. He felt like his hyung became someone different whenever he was with her. It made Tan smile, thinking that his grumpy hyung could actually possibly be happy with someone for once. 

Of course, he knew about Hyeon Ju and although it had been awkward for him since he saw her at school everyday, he felt that what his abuji had done had crossed the line. And look what happened? The heiress they picked had ran off with a man of her choice, someone that won't fit into their circle. No matter what, the damage was done and to have the two reconcile again would take a lot of effort on both parts and that would be the number one problem wouldn't it? The two hadn't been in contact with his hyung trying to protect Hyeon Ju and with Hyeon Ju trying to protect herself. This isn't a drama. In real life, once something has already ended for that long, then it's the end. No chance encounter. No falling in love at first sight for the second time. No. 

It was at times like these that he felt blessed that he was born the second son. His abuji had put up a fight but in the end, he couldn't deny his estranged son the one thing he wanted; to find love. Still, there was leniency when you weren't the official face of the company. And for that he was thankful. He could go back to the States and nobody would say anything, as long as he did his part. 

After dinner, he had went up to the library, trying to get some work done before finals. Maybe it was the full stomach or maybe his mind was already elsewhere to begin with but he couldn't make himself focus. Eun Sang had already told him she was on a 'no disturb' mode since assignments had been piling up lately so he had nobody to talk to either. He sighed, pushing the laptop and paper work away from him. He was seriously thinking that his body was rejecting the whole thing. In the end, he slammed the laptop shut, promising that he'll get up early tomorrow to get some work done. 

He considered just going to bed, it would do him good if he wanted to get up early the next morning. But as he reached the landing, he made a hard turn and found that his footsteps brought him in the direction of his brother's room. Part of him was curious as to if they really were having a movie night. If they were, then he could ask if he could join them. If not, then he could probably drag the two out for some drinks. 

His hand was already wrapped around the doorknob before he remembered that he was supposed to knock first. Against his will, a very explicit scene came into his mind that sent goosebumps up and down his entire body, even in places he never thought it was possible to get goosebumps. Clearing his throat, as loudly as he could, he then started knocking, so loudly, that the sound echoed through the entire hallway. It was a great thing that all their bedrooms are far and apart from each other so he won't be waking anyone who's already asleep. 

No answer. He tried again, just in case. Still, no answer. Did they really leave him all alone at home and went out to enjoy themselves? It can't be. The last time he heard, the two were under house arrest. Then again, they always were. Good thing was, the Prince second in line wasn't receiving any of that attention so he was free to do as he pleased. 

A thought, a very evil one, occured to him. If the two really did violate one of abuji's orders then, there was this chicken place that he was thinking of trying. As the older brother, he should be treating his baby brother anyway. He nearly couldn't  feel his hand as his grip tightened on the doorknob, trying to muffle as much of the sound as possible. As a result, the door opened without as much as a creak and as he pushed it opened, he relied on his weight to keep it as noiseless as possible. It wasn't until later that he realized just how dumb he was being when he already ruined his chances at being stealthy by banging on the door. 

He expected the room to be empty, that they were probably out or somewhere else in the house. The mansion was large enough to get lost in anyway. But once he took a peek inside, he was confronted by a fully lit room and the sweet scents of sweets. This was before he noticed the two all curled up together on the bed, fast asleep. 

His eyes went wide with surprise, event though he has had his suspicions. A cheeky smile spread across his face and he was ready to shut the door before the temptations of sweets took over. He tiptoed over, all the while the Pink Panther song playing in his head. "Ah...chincha..." He hissed as he got to the side table where Won had put the food out of the way earlier. "...the ice cream's all melted...." He tsked in annoyance. But that was an easy fix. He had his own stash of premium ice cream downstairs. He grabbed the tray of food. "Nothing solves a problem like food..." He smiled. "Even if my only problem is boredom...and loneliness..." He started fake crying at the last part, but stopped himself with a hand to the mouth when he thought he saw his brother starting to stir. 

He held his mouth all the way out of the room and got one last look at the couple when he tried to shut the door as noiselessly as possible. SooJin had her face hidden in the crook of Won's neck while his hyung had his arms around her and his head resting just above hers. It was a calming picture to say the least and an exciting one for Tan. He might actually get a sister in law soon. And the wedding would be a change that they all need from the mundane, gray tone of their everyday life. 

A real wedding this time. 

 

....

 

"What?" He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He had known about her background, one of the very few. Turns out, he might be that special after all. Someone on the inside had given the exclusive scoop that the Chairman of Jeguk Group was having an exclusive meeting tomorrow. 

"Although we don't really know what it's about. If only we do, then it would be big news." There's that hungry glint in Park Hyuk's eyes. Ever since his fall from grace, he has been trying to get on the news cycle's good side. This piece of news could be it, the two biggest corporations in South Korea meeting up? Even that would probably enough to rattle the cycle enough for him to snake his way back in. But he needed something that would ensure it, something scandalous, something that no one would even think of. 

He had been working with MyeongSu for a while, but if he was being honest, the man sitting in front of him right now, getting worked up about the two company meeting wasn't that much of a help. If Park Hyuk wasn't relaying something from his findings then the man would probably still be holed up somewhere, working on those comics. How does he keep himself afloat? Park Hyuk was about to enter his disapproving parent mode- kids these days- but then a thought struck him. 

Hang on. Why would he be so worked up about the two companies meeting? All he cared about til then was separating the girl from the heir. His ex girlfriend, who he so desperately wanted back. Why? 

"Wae? What's wrong?" Pretending was part of the game. MyeongSu knows something, he was sure of it. 

"Uh? Nothing... It's nothing...." Yeah right, the way that he started chewing on his nails meant that there was absolutely something. 

"Nothing...nothing at all...." Myeong Su excused himself by holding up a hand. He needed to think, to clear his mind. If the two companies were meeting, that meant her identity was in danger. But did that mean that the guy knew about her identity already? Did she tell him about it? Was she alright? Did he force her to use her identity as leverage for the company? The mere thought of it made his blood boil. 

"SooJin ah..." He hissed. "What are you doing? What if people found out...." He said, thinking he was safe behind a single wall. Walls are thinner than you think. Especially when there's a hungry hyena on the other side. "...that you're the heiress of Manse Group." He hadn't thought of the consequences once he had said the words out loud. And neither did Park Hyuk when he subsequently decided to put his intense shock and confusion aside to run the story. 

But in that moment, the two were stuck in a kind of limbo that slowed down their realities, at least for the time being. 

 

....

 

Choi JiSung runs a tight ship and an even tighter schedule for himself. For the past 80 something years he has managed himself immaculately to make sure he made it to the big 9-0. But even then,  he couldn't escape the grips of age. He was getting old and he was starting to feel it. He was sure that pretty soon he was going to be gone and there won't be an official heir to his empire. 

This meeting could be the solution to all his problems, especially when he had his secret weapon. One, that he too was surprised, to have been handed to him. He had woken  that morning to the shrill call from his secretary, a phone line that he left open only for emergencies. And when he was told about the article, he couldn't believe his ears and his luck. 

He had immediately asked them to run the story and find the annonymous article writer. He could use a little help. He had kept his mouth shut knowing it would be messy if he had disclosed everything himself, the amount of lawsuits they would be in. Instead, he had been patient and let his grandson keep in touch with her, maybe try to persuade her over. But all this time he had been useless and his granddaughter had been too stubborn for her own good. 

Now everything will fall into place and he can die in peace. 

He straightened out his tie, not forgetting to refresh the news section on his tablet, the way his secretary had taught him. Technology these days. Everything was so easy. 20 years back he wouldn't have been able to do this, it would have probably taken days before anyone took any actual notice. But now all it takes is a push of a button or a screen or whatever people use these days. And the best part? Everyone sets these reminders to get their daily news. The last time he checked more than a handful of media outlets already have their hands on the news. Some the company had contacted directly, others have simply caught wind of it through the never ending cycle. 

Yes, it was going to be a good day. 

 

....

 

He had been rash and he wasn't sure if he wanted to make the same mistakes again. So this time, when he pressed send, he had made it so his name remained annoymous. He could always lay claim for it later. And if everything goes south, he won't likely be blamed for it. Not when he was using a PC room computer to post it. 

Little did he know, there was no need to come forward. Even before he fell asleep that morning, his phone had rung; an unknown number. He had considered letting it ring out or maybe just declining it. But he wasn't sure what it was, maybe even the nervous excitement of finding out the secret that made him ultimately decide to pick up. 

It turned out to be the best decision he has made so far. 

"Hello?" 

"Hello? Park Hyuk nim?" 

That had caught his attention immediately. Who was this person and why do they know his name? "Yes? How can I help you?" He was cautious to say the least. This could just be another troll, out to ruin his career. 

"Yes, hello, I am a representative from Manse Group." Uh-oh. A lawsuit, it has to be. Question was, how did they find him? They probably had eyes everywhere but still, he had driven out of the city just to post the article. That was the only reason he was only going to bed at the break of dawn. So, why now? 

"You were the one who wrote the article, yes?" When he didn't answer, a rather carefree chuckle had come from the other end of the line. "You do not have to worry Park Hyuk nim. We do not want to sue. In fact, we will pay you for the rights to your piece." 

He couldn't believe what he was hearing at first. But then his survival instincts started kicking in and he decided, if they were going to profit off of his work, he was damn well going to be credited in it. "Okay, but on one condition...Tell me are you free to meet up today?" 

When he had gotten off the phone, and grabbed he was out the door in a flash. There was no time for sleep, not when he could be making money for the first time in months. 

 

....

 

Unlike the press conference, the morning of the meeting was a lot less hectic and a lot more relaxed. Tan had knocked on the door to wake both of them up that morning. This time, it was a lot harder to get up. It wasn't only because they had wanted to avoid what was coming, especially SooJin who would rather not have the meeting happen at all. 

"Yah hyung! Abuji expects you guys downstairs for breakfast!" Even though Tan shouted through the door his voice still sounded muffled. SooJin stretched in Won's arms feeling like she won't ever get up from the warmth and comfort. Won had stretched his neck and his back first before looking up at the ceiling. 

After staying like that for a while, Won was the first one to move. Although he didn't want to get up either, relishing the feeling of closeness between them. He felt like if anything, he could stay like that forever, and he found himself hoping that she felt the same. She was currently all curled up by his side. From where he was, she looked like a curled up kitten and he felt like the guilty one to wake her up, but someone had to. If not, they'd probably spend all day in bed. 

"Come on..." he groaned, as he got himself up while pulling SooJin along with him. "Let's get ready and go get some breakfast." Despite himself, he couldn't help but smile at how she was half awake. Before he could stop himself, he reached out to brush her hair out of her eyes. He got out of bed and picked out a few clothes from the closet; neat and formal but still stylish at the same time. He brought them with him and before he left the room, he turned to her and said, "Get ready okay? We don't want to miss breakfast. Otherwise, I'll bring a tray up here." He gave her a reassuring smile before heading for his room. 

SooJin got up reluctantly. She hadn't believe, until the moment she really woke up that all of this was happening. But as she thought everything through, she didn't want to go there on an empty stomach either. Her stomach had agreed with a growling 'yes'. She really wasn't in the mood to pick out an outfit, so she picked the safest one she could; a white blouse, with a cream skirt ending at he knee and an oversized cream blazer. Black heels completes the look. Accessories on the other hand, consists of a dainty diamond necklace and a pearl, leather watch. 

After putting on a minimal amount of makeup, she made her way downstairs. The smell of breakfast was enticing, warming her every being. The great thing about this place was that they never seem to ever run out of food. "Good morning sister in law." Tan had this knowing smile that made her stiffen for a moment. But not for long. She has to be at her best for the day ahead. 

"Annyeong doryeonnim..." She returned the smile. Tan raised a mug of coffee at her. He, at least was dressed comfortably. She envied that a little. She wished she could stay behind too and maybe sleep in. But she had a feeling that she was going to be the guest of honour, rather than the Chairman. She wasn't looking forward to seeing her maternal grandfather though. And it wasn't even just because they never had that connection ever since she was little. It was the fact that he could be so cruel without even trying to listen to what she had to say. Once, she had thought he would listen to reason. She was young then. The first arson woke her up. She had to fend for herself. Nobody was going to help her. 

The entire thought diminished some of her appetite. She cleared of the bitter feeling that suddenly filled it. She poured herself some liquid battery liquid, hoping the caffeine would help her stomach settle. She could at least force some buttered toast down , just enough so she won't feel like throwing up all over her grandfather's shoes later on. 

"Good morning abuji..." She heard the chair next to her being pulled back. Won sat with a sigh and pulled the pot of coffee to himself. He frowned, as if the coffee couldn't flow fast enough into his mug. 

"I know that you guys are engaged, but can't you guys stay away for just one second?" Tan sniggered, across from his hyung. Something that sounded unmistakably like Tan's knee being cracked sounded from under the table. Tan's expression faltered slightly, but not much. SooJin thought he deserved a round of a applause. The Chairman's authoritive clearing of the throat was what stopped anything between them from escalating. SooJin thought she should probably learn the skill while she was in her 'father in law's' good graces. But then she remembered that it probably won't work as well for her. Look at her grandfather. The man would rather kneel to the requests of another man as opposed to his own flesh and blood, his granddaughter. 

This time the Chairman deployed a different tactic; a cough this time. 

"The meeting will be at the conference room and like I requested, it'll be held at our office. Hopefully, we'll come to some kind of settlement." SooJin could feel herself heat up as she felt all eyes on her. She needed to get herself together. There was no way she would survive what would come next by being weak. She forced herself to look up and straight at the Chairman's sharp gaze. His gaze had help toughen her own. 

"President Kim, are you ready?" She half thought he was talking Won before she realized his eyes hadn't left her. 

SooJin took a deep breath, reminding herself that this will also likely pass. No day lasts forever. "Yes. Yes, I am."

 

...

 

Getting there wasn't the problem. She had this weird calmness the entire car ride. Nobody said a word, even though the car was packed to its full capacity. And once they arrived at the skyscraper where Jeguk Group's headquarters resides. She felt more like the Princess that day, more than any other, if only because all eyes were on them the moment they stepped through the door. She had been doing well, keeping up with the purposeful strides of the Chairman, who seemed more energized with the Chairwoman trying to keep up and also Won who looked like he had returned to his elements. He was walking a few paces in front of her. But once in a while he would look back to make sure she didn't fall behind. Trying to keep up but also trying to keep her posture as she walked, the way that the Chairwoman was doing had helped to pre ocuppy her mind after the calmness started fading away. 

The security made sure that they got the VIP elevator all to themselves. Even the execs who usually utilize the same elevator have had to bow down to them. The doors started closing slowly and once it was fully closed with a loud ding did everyone return to a more casual mood. The Chairman was starting to feel the consequences of his short spurt of vigor earlier while the Chairwoman was trying to keep him upright. Won, making sure his abuji was alright had that glint in his eyes again, the one that made him human. She hadn't realized just how scary his poker face could be. A shiver ran down her entire being at the thought. 

The elevator stopped at the 15th floor with that same loud ding. SooJin checked her watch. Big mistake. All of a sudden her heart made the most unnatural leap before stopping dead, only to start racing so fast she could hear it ringing in her ears. She felt cold all over but at the same time could also feel the sweat start to form. She felt sick to her stomach and her knees felt like they were losing whatever strength were in them. Without the banister to lean against, she would have probably sunk to the ground. 

She closed her eyes tightly, resting her head against the back wall, trying to regain her balance and strength. By the time she opened them again, Won was already out of the enclosed space, holding the door open for her. "Okay?" He still had that human part of him on show. She was thankful for that and when he offered her a hand, she felt her heart start to grow in her chest. She took his hand, switching to his arm only when they were fully out of the elevator. She gave his arm a squeeze as a sign of thank you since that was the only thing she could manage. 

The Chairman and Chairwoman was nowhere to be seen, probably already inside the conference room. Won led her through the double doors, making sure he matched her pace. Inside, the other couple was already riffling through papers that appeared through thin air. She couldn't help but eye the sheets of paper since nobody bothered to tell her if she needed to prepare anything. Or maybe, she should have been more attentive and actually asked instead of moping around. 

"It's just a few points that abuji will want to raise later on."  Won whispered so only she could hear. "Don't worry about it. I don't think we need to do anything other than support their points." After reassuring her, he had made sure that she was properly seated. She was thankful for the comfy chair so she could finally let her nervous driven body relax. 

Not giving anyone a second of a breather, the Chairman's secretary comes in, announcing that the other party had just arrived and would be in the conference room shortly. Not knowing what to do with herself, SooJin started smoothing out nonexistent creases in her skirt and rotating her watch several times, trying to make sure it's straight. She wasn't done getting the nervousness out before they heard the door being pushed open and in came rows of men wearing all black, splitting up like the Red Sea and lining up the far walls to make room for the King. 

She didn't know how she would react when she met her grandfather. But she knew now that her entire body would freeze up, turn to stone and her hands would start shaking and her vision would start to lose focus. That she would rather look anywhere but at her grandfather. Her only choice then was to look down at her lap where her hands were intertwined, trying to keep each other steady. 

The two Chairmans faced each other, gave a once over and a strong handshake before sitting down. 

"Let's get straight down to business shall we?" Her grandfather's voice was as cold as ever, if only a little more hoarse than she had last heard it. 

Jeguk Group's Chairman chuckled then, "Of course, it's all very nice and simple, given that we have this." With a snap of his finger, the video of the vandals from that night popped up on the screen behind them. SooJin thought she could relax a little then. Everything was going to be alright. Oh, but she didn't realize just how wrong she was. 

She hadn't expected. Nobody had expected the reaction from Manse Group's Chairman. He chuckled, a smirk addorning his wrinkled face and soon he broke into an evil grin. "Oh really? Tell me, has anyone bothered checking the news this morning or is that mansion of yours too high up in the mountains to get any of the news currently taking the nation by storm?" 

What was he saying. SooJin looked up to see confused faces all around, which wasn't ideal and it made her heart do that weird little jump again. What little she had for breakfast threatened to make its way out of at any moment, but not before her grandfather pulled out his secret weapon. Her grandfather snapped a finger and one of the men standing by walked over to the podium and whispered something Jeguk Group's secretary. The look of surprise on his face wasn't a good sign. But the secretary seemed to linger for a while before stepping away so that the man could have his place. 

Naver. He typed in Won's and SooJin's name. What followed was a line of articles that she has had to read twice to believe. "The Princess has her own kingdom", "The Crown Prince will remain a Prince", "Crown Princess turned out to be a future Queen". 

She didn't need to read the contents to know what all of them was about. Her identity was out. It's over. She felt her every being drop. If it weren't for the chair, she might have fallen down tot he ground. Whatever they did now doesn't matter. There's nothing to protect anymore. 

 

....

 

Won couldn't believe it. How could they have known. Under the table, his hands were balled up into tight fists and if the man wasn't so old that he could kill him with a single blow, he would have liked to give him just one punch right to the nose. He turned to see SooJin all frozen up, staring at the phone in her hands, eyes red, already starting to tear up. But instead, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes. All of which, grabbed the attention of everyone around the table. 

"I see you have something to say, my granddaughter." The smirk never left the man's face. 

"Fine. Tell them. But I won't be working for you." She said through gritted teeth. 

An amused laugh escaped the old man. "You're so sure about that but you won't have a choice once everyone knows who you really are. And that...." he pointed at the video. "....tell me how do you plan to prove the connection of those men to us?"  A triumphant grin spread across his face. "And if you somehow still want to fight this out in court, then you'll know what will happen to precious book shop of yours. It's goodbye forever. This time, I'll make sure the fire eats everything before anyone could call the police." He sat back with a smug smile. 

SooJin smiled incredulously. The first thought running through his mind was she was going to lose it, for real this time. But then she started chuckling and pretty soon she was laughing so loud that tears started rolling down her cheeks. Everyone watched her for a hot minute before she finally calmed down and wiped the tears away. "You're so sure of yourself, aren't you?" She said through an almost manic smile. "I said you could tell everyone about me. But I also told you I won't be joining the company. And one more thing." SooJin held up a finger. "You will leave Crystal Daisy alone. Forever." The old man looked like he was convinced she was crazy. 

"And how are you going to make sure of that?" He asked, a little nervousness in his voice despite himself. 

SooJin held up her phone in answer. "It's either that or I show everyone this video. Great wouldn't it? If everyone found out what the Manse Group Chairman is really like? You're bent on destroying my life, well I can do the same to yours. Instead, I'm not only destroying your life, but also your legacy and that's just the beginning. I don't care who goes down for it." There was a hardness to her expression that Won had never seen before. "They only have the old, senile, stubborn Chairman to blame." She sat back with a satisfied smile that Won had to admit, scared him a little. 

The old man was fuming. And his abuji wasn't trying hard enough to hide the smirk on his face. The glare the old man sent her way might have been strong enough to kill if SooJin hadn't exploded. But then a milder, more humbled smile appeared and he said, "You are a part of the Choi clan after all." He shook his head slowly, amused by his own granddaughter. He then his chin, thinking. After a while of doing this he finally looked up, sighing that old man sigh as he sat back in his chair. 

"Very well. We will do that. I leave the bookshop alone. and you'll be acknowledged as my granddaughter." he said with a finality. 

"Not so fast." SooJin piped. At this point, Won felt like he and his parents were stuck in the middle of a family fist fight. "Our attorney will draw up the papers and you will sign them. And so will I. The Chairman, and the President, if they so kindly accept the offer to become witnesses will sign as well. A binding, written contract." She said, with the same finality her grandfather had used. He coudln't help but stare at her in awe in that moment. 

"Of course." His abuji had said, giving SooJin a slight nod and an approving smile. 

The old man sank further in his seat, this time, with actual disbelief. "You....." He pointed a nasty finger at her. But SooJin wasn't afraid. No. Won turned to see her play the video she had recorded earlier and waving it in front of her grandfather, taunting him. As much as he wanted to retaliate, he was sure of his victory that he hadn't prepared more than one secret weapon while SooJin, she improvised. 

"Fine." He gave in. "Fine." He got up as he said it and as he walked out the door, the men in black trailed behind him like some kind of morbid veil. 

Once he was gone, the Chairwoman scoffed. "How rude....doesn't even give a goodbye shake." She tsked her tongue. But before long she was by SooJin's side, squeezing her shoulders and congratulating her. Won too felt a kind of pride fill him. But there was just one other thing when did she turn on the camera and how? 

"How?" She turned to him at this one question gave him the happiest smile he had seen in weeks. 

 

....

 

"I had given up earlier, thinking it was over, that there was nothing left to protect. But then I remembered..." She trailed off. "My eomma. Her memories. Her legacy. All that she was. He was going to make me give all of that up if I had agreed to work for him." Her smile faltered. "Then I got angry. They killed her, you know? By pushing her away. So I wasn't going to let them push me around. I wasn't going to let them push her away, even in death." A sad smile stretched across her face. "There was something I had to protect; her memory, her dignity, her legacy." She looked up to a room of slacked jawed execs. 

"So I decided then to do whatever it takes, even if it is dirty. He won't have seen it coming. So I the camera and covered the screen as best I could with my hands and hoped that he was at least in the shot the entire time." She placed the phone down with a triumphant sigh. She thought that maybe they would have to keep a duplicate of the video safe somewhere. You know? Now that they too were in the blackmailing business. 

Everyone was quiet for a while before everyone reacted at the same time. The Chairwoman gave her shoulders a painful squeeze and the Chairman laughed louder than he had in years and said his 'well dones'. But Won's reaction shocked her the most. 

"That's genius!" He exclaimed before coming in to give her a tight hug and after the brief moment passed and he pulled away, SooJin was sure her glowing red was mirrored on his own face. It was stupid to get worked up over a simple hug, but she couldn't help it. She might not know it yet, but something changed, the moment they accepted each other into the other's arms. Something that the two had never even thought about, until then. Especially SooJin who was oblivous of everything around her, even at the best of times.

 

 

 

 

A/N: Hello readers! This took some time to write. After a health scare not so long ago, I realized just how short life is. So I hope everyone is taking care of their health no matter where you guys are. And if you ever think you're too young or too healthy for a full health checkup, please don't. Please get a full checkup soon. It'll be better to know. Anything is preventable if you start early. I, am finally healthy enough to start writing again and I enjoy it more than ever. So as always, I hope you enjoy this chapter too and please, let me know what you think :)

 

P.S. I saw the crowdfunding banner and was thinking that since I'm still looking for a job, with not so good a luck, that this could potentially help me out. But I don't know what you guys think about it. So please let me know in the comments down below ya?

 

Much love, Ellie. 

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aibhara #1
Chapter 37: woah.. I couldn't stop reading your story.. It's really good..
I really like the plot and how you solve their problem..
Thank you for this wonderful story authornim..
Hope you could post the last chapter someday..
ChoKwanGi #2
Chapter 36: i can't open the links but I am sure she looks gorgeous. Thanks for the update. till next :)
gigiright #3
Chapter 35: thanks for the update
ChoKwanGi #4
Chapter 33: i waited for this update, thanks a lot. i hope you are well. and hope to read more updates soon! fighting!
ChoKwanGi #5
Chapter 32: am still reading and enjoying it. please continue like 10 chapters :) this is a breathe of fresh air actually.
oh, btw am not into K-pop though. sorry
liulishi #6
Chapter 31: Happy new year...🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Thanks for update...
liulishi #7
Chapter 29: love iiiitttttttt....yeah..update...
thank you...
fighting
liulishi #8
Chapter 27: finally you update this again... ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💙💙💙
Thanks
Anyway... stay safe and take care Authornim...
Warrawr
#9
Chapter 26: I hope you continue this and update quick. Great story.