This can't be happening. How could he betray my trust like this? I really believed in him. Sitting on the stool next to the dressing table, I buried my face in my hands and let out loud sobs. I felt completely shattered and deeply hurt. All I wanted was to feel loved and to have the people I cared about back in my life. I missed Jungkook so much; it felt like a part of me was missing. No one ever comforted me the way he did, and now that I had the chance to talk to him again, I was pushing him away.

I was filled with self-loathing for feeling this way about him. It was so confusing because I wanted to be close to him, yet I felt like I was driving him away. But the truth was, he had left me, and I felt utterly powerless to change that. I couldn't help but cry myself to sleep, feeling lost and alone. The tears just wouldn't stop, and I wished for things to be different, for the love and connection I once had to return. It was a painful cycle of emotions that I couldn't seem to escape.

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Later that morning, I slowly opened my eyes and realized I was lying on the floor, my head resting awkwardly on my arm. A deep sigh escaped my lips as I pushed myself up, only to wince in pain as my arm felt completely numb. I gently rubbed the area, trying to bring some life back into it, before finally standing up to get ready for the day. I couldn't believe I had let myself cry so much the night before. I was convinced that Daehyun was the one who had killed my father, but a part of me struggled to accept that idea. His sudden disappearance made me suspicious, but I knew I had to consider everyone else at the office too. With a heavy heart, I took a long, refreshing bath to clear my mind.

Since I had woken up early for work, I decided to make my bed and treat myself to a nutritious breakfast for a change. It felt good to start the day on a positive note. I slipped into a crisp white shirt, rolling up the sleeves to give it a more relaxed look. Then, I paired it with some loose-fitting blue jeans, taking a moment to check my reflection in the mirror. I had already applied my makeup, and now I felt ready to face the world, even if it was a little daunting.

As I stood there, looking at myself, I felt a mix of determination and anxiety. I knew that going to the office meant confronting my fears and the uncertainty surrounding my father's death. I took a deep breath, reminding myself that I had to stay strong and keep my mind open to all possibilities. With one last glance in the mirror, I grabbed my bag and headed out the door, ready to tackle whatever the day had in store for me.

I stepped out of my house, ready to catch the bus, but to my surprise, I found out that it had already left. Instead of waiting for the next one, I decided to walk to my office. As I was strolling down the street, I passed by a bike rental station and noticed that there were bicycles available for use. A sign nearby mentioned that riders should return the bikes right after they finish using them. Feeling a bit adventurous, I approached the friendly guy who was renting out the bikes.

"Hi, I'm Lee Heejin," I introduced myself, explaining that I needed a bike for a while since my car was out of commission. The guy was really cute, and he nodded in understanding, offering me a bike with a warm smile. I soon realized that he was mute and couldn’t speak, but that didn’t matter. I handed him the money, and he gave me the bike. With excitement, I hopped on and started pedaling down the street. In just 15 minutes, I arrived at my office, feeling proud of my quick journey.

As I approached the parking lot, I noticed workers cleaning up the wreckage of my broken car. Suddenly, it hit me that I had completely forgotten about the accident from the night before. My uncle Daehyun had caused the damage to the car he lent me! In a rush, I brought the bike inside the office and parked it there. Yi Yura, who was at the reception desk, looked surprised and asked "why are you  keeping the bike inside.". I explained my situation, but she seemed skeptical, saying it was just an accident and questioning why anyone would want to ruin my bike. I nodded, trying to make her understand my concerns, but I still felt it was safer to keep the bike inside for now.

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As I walked into the office, the receptionist greeted me with a polite bow. My eyes felt puffy, and my voice was shaky because I hadn’t gotten any sleep the night before, which left me with noticeable dark circles under my eyes. I made my way to my office, but I couldn’t help but notice her sitting in her cubicle right next to mine. She was absentmindedly twirling a strand of her hair around her finger, and the adorable pout on her lips made me feel an overwhelming urge to kiss her. I stood there for a moment, just watching her focus on her work, a goofy smile spreading across my face.

Suddenly, I heard a sound that made me snap back to reality; it was my secretary clearing his throat, and I turned to see him standing next to me. Quickly, I wiped the smile off my face and tried to look serious as I headed toward my office. It was a little embarrassing to be caught daydreaming, especially when I was supposed to be focused on my job. But I couldn’t shake off the image of her cute pout and the way she was so engrossed in her tasks. It was hard to concentrate when thoughts of her kept swirling in my mind.

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I saw him walking toward his office, and I couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for him. His eyes looked puffy, and he seemed really worn out and stressed. I was watching him through the glass that separated our workspaces, and he caught me staring almost immediately. Feeling a bit embarrassed, I quickly turned back to my tasks, but I could sense his eyes still on me. When I looked up again, he was still watching, which made me feel anxious. In a rush, I poured myself a glass of water and drank it quickly to calm my nerves. Just then, I heard a knock on my door.

I saw Mr. Hyun standing at my door, a friendly smile on his face as he handed me a file. I took it from him and quickly skimmed through the contents. "You should review it and then give it to sir," he suggested. My smile disappeared in an instant. "Um... I've already checked it, so could you please take it to him on your way back?" He looked at me with a puzzled expression and then urged me to hand it over myself. "He asked for this file yesterday, and I'm running late. You're amazing, and he really likes you. I promise he won't be upset if you deliver it," he insisted. I let out a sigh of resignation. "Alright, just go."

I turned my gaze back to the glass partition, where I could see him focused on his laptop. Gathering my courage, I stood up and walked toward his office. I knocked on the door, and his deep voice called out, "Come in." As I entered, I found Jungkook sitting at his desk, his sleeves rolled up, revealing his tattoos. My heart raced, and I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me. How could I still have feelings for my ex? It was driving me insane. He seemed to notice my discomfort.

"Ms. Lee... please stop imagining things about me," he said, catching me completely off guard. What? How could he possibly know what I was thinking? I felt my face flush with embarrassment. "N-no sir, I actually came to give you this—" I stammered. "Just put it on the table," Jungkook interrupted me. I placed the file down and was about to leave when he added, "Did I tell you to leave?" I shook my head, feeling flustered. "No sir. I... I'm sorry—"

He stood up, and in that moment, my heart seemed to stop. I instinctively took a step back, but he continued to close the distance between us. Before I knew it, my back hit the door, leaving me with nowhere to go. "S-sir... what are you doing?" I stammered, feeling a mix of confusion and anxiety. He leaned in, resting one arm against the door, and smirked slightly. "Aren't you being a bit stubborn?" His words hung in the air, and I found myself avoiding his gaze, focusing instead on the details of the room around us. I wished I could just vanish, especially after everything that had happened the day before. He had done so much for me, and here I was, unable to express my gratitude properly.

Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed when he reached out and gently moved my hair aside, tucking it behind my ears. The simple gesture made my heart race, and I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath to steady myself. "You didn’t put cream on this wound," he said, breaking the silence. His voice was calm, but I could feel the weight of his concern. Finally, I exhaled, realizing how much I had been holding in. When I opened my eyes, I found myself locked in a staring contest with him. His gaze was intense, and I felt a mix of embarrassment and vulnerability wash over me. "I—I forgot..." I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

The air between us felt charged, and I could sense the tension building. I was acutely aware of how close he was, and it made my heart race even faster. I wanted to explain myself, to tell him how overwhelmed I felt, but the words just wouldn’t come out. Instead, I focused on the warmth of his presence and the way he seemed to genuinely care about my well-being. It was a strange mix of fear and comfort, and I couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking. Did he realize how much his actions affected me? I felt a rush of emotions, and for a moment, I forgot about everything else, lost in the moment we were sharing.

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"Don't forget to use the cream next time," he said with a concerned look. "I really don't want to see you like this again." I nodded in understanding, standing up and giving him a respectful bow. "Thank you, Mr. Jeon," I replied, feeling a mix of gratitude and confusion. He acknowledged my thanks with a nod, but then he called my name softly, "Heejin..." His voice was serious, and I could tell he had something important to say. "It's essential to have people in your life who will support you during tough times. I know you might not take my advice seriously, but I really think you should try to find someone special for yourself. And if you ever feel like you can't find anyone, just know that I'm always here for you."

As I left his office, my heart raced, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. I was puzzled by his words and what he meant by needing someone to be there for me. Who could that person be? I had never really thought about it before, and now it was swirling in my mind like a storm. The idea of finding someone who could support me felt both exciting and scary. I wondered if I was ready to open up to someone or if I would just keep everything bottled up inside. The thought lingered as I walked down the hallway, feeling a mix of hope and uncertainty about what the future might hold.

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I was busy at my desk in the office when my secret manager walked in. He had a big smile on his face, and I felt excited because I was finally going to introduce him to everyone at the company. He had come to my office several times before, but he always kept his identity hidden, so no one knew who he really was. "Hello, Park Dong Wook! How are you today?" I greeted him. He returned my greeting with a smile and replied, "I'm doing well, sir. It's great to be here." Honestly, it was the first time I had ever seen him smile like that. I nodded in response and quickly called my secretary to set up the meeting room for our big reveal.

After a little while, I gathered all the employees in the meeting room. Heejin was there too. "Good afternoon, everyone. I'm Jeon Jungkook, the CEO of this company. Today, I want to introduce you to our newest team member, Park Dong Wook. He has been a valuable part of our company for the last 15 years. I want him to feel comfortable and supported in his work, so please make sure to look out for him." The staff acknowledged my words with nods, and soon after, they began to exit the conference room.

Heejin was the last one to go, and I let out a deep sigh as I turned to Dong Wook. "Make sure you look after her," I said, hoping he would understand. He nodded in response and walked out too. I stood up and peered through the glass window, catching a glimpse of her as she wiped away her tears. It broke my heart to see her alone like that. I wished she could make a different choice, but I knew it was a choice that would never be accepted by him. With another sigh, I returned to my work in my room, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me.

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I was busy working in my office when a tall guy suddenly stopped right in front of me, crossing his arms over his chest. I looked up and saw Park Dong Wook standing there, grinning at me. I returned his smile and asked, "Do you need something?" He shook his head and replied, "No, I just thought it would be nice to get to know the staff better, so why not start with our manager?" He smiled again, and I nodded, feeling a bit confused about what he meant.

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As I pedaled my rented bike back home, I couldn't help but think about my conversation with Dong Wook earlier that day. It felt good to talk to someone who understood my pain, especially since he expressed his sympathy for my father. He reassured me that he was doing everything he could to track down the person responsible for my father's death, a task that Jungkook had entrusted to him. For the first time in a while, I felt a flicker of hope. I realized I wasn't alone in this fight; Dong Wook was determined to help me uncover the truth about my father's killer, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me.

However, my thoughts quickly turned dark as I remembered my main suspect, Daehyun Uncle, who had vanished right after I mentioned my investigation. His sudden disappearance left me feeling uneasy and betrayed. I sighed heavily as I passed by the bike rental guy from the day before, but my heart dropped when I saw him. His head was gruesomely severed from his body, and blood was splattered everywhere. The street was eerily empty, and panic surged through me as I frantically searched for help. Just then, I heard the terrifying sound of a chainsaw revving up in the shadows, sending chills down my spine. I instinctively clutched my throat, trying to suppress a scream, and my body was drenched in sweat as I realized the danger was closing in on me.

In a state of sheer terror, I stumbled off my bike and began to run for my life. My heart raced as I caught a glimpse of a figure with black hair sprinting toward me. The resemblance to Daehyun Uncle was uncanny, but the scar beneath his eye made my blood run cold. Just as I thought I could escape, I tripped and fell, the man looming over me with the chainsaw in hand. I pushed myself up and ran faster than I ever had before, adrenaline coursing through my veins. I burst onto a busy road, but in my panic, I collided with a car and tumbled onto the pavement. As I lay there, I watched in disbelief as the man casually tossed the chainsaw aside and walked away, leaving me in a state of shock. In that moment, I closed my eyes, hoping to wake up from this nightmare.

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I opened my eyes in a room that felt oddly familiar, and it finally clicked where I was. I was back in his mansion. Why did he have to keep dragging me into this? I realized I was in the Jeon mansion, and Mrs. Jeon was right next to me, gently stroking my hair. When I looked up, I saw her smiling down at me, which made me feel a little better. As I sat up, I noticed the entire family was gathered around me, including Chayoung, who looked concerned. "Are you okay, unnie?" she asked softly. I gave a small nod, but my attention was drawn to Jungkook, who was sitting on the couch with a furious expression on his face. I couldn’t remember what had happened before I passed out, but then I saw the blood on my clothes, and a wave of panic washed over me.

Suddenly, memories flooded back, and I recalled the guy on the motorcycle. "Oh no! This can't be happening!" I exclaimed, my heart racing. "He can't die! He was innocent! He can't die because of me!" Mrs. Jeon held my shoulders tightly, trying to comfort me, but I was overwhelmed with guilt. "Mrs. Jeon, he can't die! His head was separated from his body... He was mute and helpless... He was poor!" Tears streamed down my face as I spoke, and just then, Jungkook moved closer to me. Without saying a word, he wrapped his arms around me and began to rub my back gently, trying to soothe my distress. "Jungkook, please take me to him. He can't die. He can't die because of me," I pleaded, my voice breaking.

In the midst of my panic, Jungkook surprised me with a sudden proposal. "Heejin... Marry me." The room fell silent, and everyone, including Somi, Aaren, Chayoung, and even the tiny baby in Mrs. Jeon's arms, froze in shock. I was taken aback by his unexpected words. "What are you saying?" I pushed him away slightly, trying to process what he had just said.

I looked at him with a serious expression and said, "Lee Heejin, I really mean it. Will you marry me?" I stood up from the bed, feeling a mix of emotions, and shook my head firmly. "No... I can't do that. You were the one who let me down before. I can't risk going through that kind of pain again." He let out a deep sigh, looking frustrated. "This isn't the right moment to dwell on the past. I swear I will keep you safe and protect you from everything out there. I promise you won't have a reason to be sad if you choose to marry me. I will make you the happiest person in the world, Lee Heejin." I took a small step back, feeling the weight of his words. "Jungkook... You already know what my answer is."

He let out a deep sigh and gave a small nod. His mother placed her hand gently on his shoulder and said, "Jungkook, now isn't the best time to discuss this." He nodded once more and stepped outside. I turned to look at his mother, who was smiling and patting the space beside her. I walked over and sat down next to her. She wrapped her arms around me as I struggled to catch my breath. "You're having a panic attack," Somi suddenly announced. Mrs. Jeon nodded in understanding and motioned for everyone to exit the room.

"Heejin, being outside isn’t safe for you, my dear. It’s better if you stay close to us if you want to be protected." I just shrugged my shoulders, feeling determined. "That’s not an option, Auntie. I’ve made my choice to fight, and I’ll keep fighting until my last breath." Mrs. Jeon let out a deep sigh, looking concerned. "You should marry Jungkook. I promise he will make you happy. I really promise." I was taken aback by her suggestion. "Auntie, you have to understand where I’m coming from. I feel weak inside right now, and I can’t trust any man." She gave me a gentle smile. "I get that you don’t want to trust anyone, but for your own safety, you should at least consider this." I paused for a moment, thinking it over. "I just need some time." She smiled warmly and hugged me. "Don’t worry, take all the time you need."

As I stood up to leave their house, I noticed Jungkook giving instructions to the bodyguards. "You’ll stay outside her apartment, and one of you will be inside just in case someone tries to break in. Now, you can all go." I walked closer as he approached me. "Make sure to lock your bedroom door at night. My guards will be with you inside your apartment." I nodded, glancing back to see Mrs. Jeon smiling at me. I returned her smile and hugged Somi before heading out. It felt good to have their support, even if I was still unsure about everything.

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I was heading to the office when I overheard some employees chatting among themselves. As soon as they noticed me, they quickly straightened up, trying to act like they were focused on their work. I smiled at them as I walked by, but I could still hear snippets of their conversation about me. One of them said, "Well, even our manager isn't bad. What do you think?" The other person shook her head and replied, "What are you talking about? Ms. Lee with Mr. Jeon? No way! Only Ms. Min would look good with him." I found myself puzzled, wondering, "Who is Ms. Min?"

Then, I caught them saying, "Oh yes! I have to announce something." They seemed excited, and I was curious about what it could be. "Someone special is coming tomorrow. Guess who?" The employees looked confused and asked, "Who?" The first person revealed, "Min Haneul is coming tomorrow, which means... our gifts are coming too!" One employee nodded enthusiastically, saying, "Yes, I love her just because she buys gifts for us." The other person agreed, adding, "I really hope Mr. Jeon marries Ms. Min. They would be perfect together." At that moment, a wave of jealousy washed over me. The person who had caused trouble in my relationship seven years ago was still in contact with him. Just as I was lost in my thoughts, I suddenly noticed a figure standing right in front of me.

Haneul burst into the office with a big smile, catching everyone off guard. "Surprise! I wanted to surprise you all!" she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around her coworkers in a cheerful hug. Laughter filled the room as everyone joined in on the fun. I couldn't help but roll my eyes and poke my cheeks, feeling a bit annoyed as I returned to my work. Jungkook was running late today, which was unusual, and just as I was getting back into my tasks, Haneul approached my desk. She knocked on my door and flashed a smile, but it quickly faded when she realized who I was. "L-Lee... Heejin," she stammered, clearly taken aback. I crossed my arms and stood up, reminding her of our past. "The person you wanted to avoid for the past seven years is right in front of you," I said, stepping closer.

Haneul tried to brush it off with a smile, insisting, "No, no. Why would I avoid you?" I couldn't help but scoff at her response. "Maybe because you stole my man? Or are you just scared I might take him back?" I challenged her. She sighed, trying to explain, "You're totally getting it wrong, Heejin. Jungkook and I were never in a relationship. He just came back with me because—" Suddenly, a voice interrupted us. I turned to see Jungkook standing there, his expression shifting as he noticed Haneul with me. "U-umm... Hi... Haneul... What are you doing here?" he asked, and she immediately hugged him, making me raise my eyebrows in disbelief. I rolled my eyes again, feeling my frustration boil over when she kissed his cheek before pulling back. "Nothing, Jungkook. I just wanted to surprise you, but Heejin surprised me instead," she laughed. I couldn't take it anymore, grabbed my bag, and said, "Move. I want to go out," as I brushed past her, intentionally bumping my shoulder against hers. "Ouch!". Jungkook suddenly held her by waist and I glared him immediately before exiting in the company with thrushing steps. I was fuming in anger. I booked a cab and immediately left from the company.

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As I arrived at my location, I ringed the bell of the house. The door was opened my their maid. She smiled at me as I entered the house. I was sitting in the drawing room when auntie came out and sat infront of me. "So heejin, what brought you here?".

"I'm ready for this marriage"..

"What do you mean?" she asked, rising from the couch in surprise. It seemed like she couldn't quite grasp what I had just told her. "Yes, Mrs. Jeon, I really am ready to marry Jungkook," I confirmed. A smile spread across her face as she called for the rest of the family to join us. Cha Young rushed over, planting a kiss on my cheek and wrapping her arms around me in a warm hug. Somi was equally excited, while Aaren had already left for work. I beamed at everyone, feeling a mix of joy and nervousness, and then Somi came over to sit next to me.

"I know this must be overwhelming at first, but you'll get used to it in no time," Somi reassured me. "I promise you won't feel stressed living here." I nodded, grateful for her support. After some light conversation, we started discussing wedding dresses, even though the groom had no idea he was about to get married. We talked about the venue and Mrs. Jeon was daydreaming about how wonderful it would be when I officially became part of their family. I just smiled back at them, feeling a bit quiet and unsure. I couldn't shake the feeling of doubt—had I made the right choice? Would Jungkook stand by me when things got tough? He was a man of his word, and if he promised to support me, I had to believe he would.

As the evening went on, I gathered my things to leave. "Alright, Auntie, I should head out now. I have some work to finish at the office before going home," I said. Her expression changed to one of concern. "Are you sure? You remember what happened last night, right?" I smiled to reassure her. "Don't worry, I have your guards with me. I think you might be forgetting that," I replied. She smiled back, though still a bit uncertain, and pulled me into a hug. "Please take care of yourself for me. You know you're like my own child," she said. I nodded and kissed her cheek, then hugged Somi and Cha Young before finally stepping out of the house, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension about what lay ahead.

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As I stepped into the office, I caught sight of Haneul making her way out. It was already 7 PM, and I couldn't help but wonder what she had been doing in there for so long. My feelings toward her were anything but friendly; I really couldn't stand her. Just then, I noticed Jungkook staring at me with a fierce look in his eyes. I chose to ignore him and headed straight to my own office, not in the mood for any conversation. It baffled me that he could still be friends with her after everything that happened between us. Did he not realize that she was the reason for our breakup? The frustration bubbled inside me, and I thought about how determined I was to keep him away from her.

I had finally managed to win Jungkook back, and I couldn't help but smirk at the thought. I crossed my arms, feeling a sense of triumph. Just then, the door swung open, causing my arms to drop to my sides. I turned to see Jungkook stepping into my office. The rest of the staff had already left for the day, and I had come back to finish some unfinished work. But why was he still here? Was he actually waiting for me? It made no sense; he could have easily left with Haneul. I grabbed the files I had been working on, planning to walk past him, but then he unexpectedly grabbed my arm and pulled me closer.

In an instant, the files slipped from my hands and tumbled to the floor as I found myself in his embrace. For a moment, I was completely taken aback, trying to process what had just happened. He was hugging me from behind, his face nestled in the curve of my neck, and his arms wrapped securely around my waist. "You don't know how happy I am, Heejin. You finally accepted my proposal. After seven long years, I can finally breathe again. You mean so much to me," he whispered. I was at a loss for words, feeling a mix of fear and uncertainty. I didn't want to say anything that might hurt him again, especially not now when he seemed so genuinely happy. All I wanted was to see him smile, even if it meant putting aside my own feelings about the past.

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It was such a pleasure to meet you, Haneul. She greeted me with a warm smile and a firm handshake. "Don't worry, Jungkook. I really hope he agrees with me and accepts my proposal. I have strong feelings for him," she said, her eyes sparkling with hope. I couldn't help but smile back at her. "He definitely will. You're an incredible person," I reassured her. Her smile widened, and she seemed to gain a bit more confidence. "Alright then, wish me luck! I'm heading to the restaurant to meet him now." I nodded and wished her all the best. After we said our goodbyes, she left, and I turned my attention back to my work, realizing I had a lot to catch up on.

As I sat down, I felt a bit overwhelmed. I had wasted so much time today, and my tasks were piling up. My mind kept drifting back to Heejin, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of worry. I knew she had been upset when she left the office, and when she gets angry, she tends to act unpredictably. It also crossed my mind that she might be feeling jealous of Haneul, but I couldn't help but wonder if she truly despised me. Lost in my thoughts, I was suddenly jolted back to reality by the sound of my phone ringing. It was my mom calling, and I answered with a smile, eager to hear what she had to say.

"Hey, Gguk!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. I could tell she had some good news to share. "I have something amazing to tell you!" My heart raced as I wondered what it could be. "What is it, Mom?" I asked, curiosity bubbling inside me. "Heejin finally agreed to marry you!" I was speechless. Did she really just say that? It felt surreal. "Mom, are you joking?" I asked, half-expecting her to laugh and say it was all a prank. But she assured me, "No, Gguk, I'm serious. She came over this afternoon and told me herself." I could hardly believe it; I was finally going to marry Heejin! After a brief conversation, we said our goodbyes, and just then, I saw Heejin walking into the office. I looked at her with affection, but she seemed to ignore me, so I decided to go to her cabin and talk things over.

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There was a really awkward moment between us while I was hugging her around the waist. After a few seconds, she decided to break free by gently pushing my arm away. It hit me then that I had crossed a line, so I quickly let go and stepped back. "I-I... didn't mean to hug you like that. I just couldn't help myself," I stammered. She nodded in response but avoided making eye contact with me, instead looking around the room. Just as she picked up her file and seemed ready to leave, I blurted out, "Um... I'll walk you out. Just wait a second." She nodded again, but I couldn't help but wonder why she was so quiet.

I started to think about how she might be feeling jealous of Haneul. It seemed like her decision to marry me was influenced by that jealousy, but honestly, I thought it was a great choice. I was determined to make her the happiest girl in the world. With that thought in mind, I headed to my room to grab my laptop and some important files before we left together. I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness about what the future might hold for us, especially since I wanted to make sure she knew how much she meant to me.

I stepped out of my room and gently took hold of her sleeve, guiding her toward my car. As she settled into the passenger seat, I opened the door for her, but I noticed she kept her gaze fixed downward. This made me uneasy; I wondered why she wasn’t engaging in conversation with me. I started the engine and headed toward the nearest park, but as I was driving, a car suddenly appeared in front of us. Instinctively, I placed my hand on her thigh to shield her, but I quickly withdrew it, feeling her eyes on me for a moment before she returned to her notes, seemingly focused on reviewing them.

Once we arrived at the park, I parked the car and got out to open her door. She looked up and asked, "Why are we here?" I smiled and replied, "For some fresh air." She nodded and stepped out, making her way to a nearby bench where I joined her. The silence between us felt heavy, and I could sense the awkwardness in the air. I hesitated before asking, "Um... Are you happy—" but she interrupted me with a question that caught me off guard. "Why was she here?" I was confused and asked, "Who?" She mentioned Min Haneul, and I couldn’t help but smile inside; it was clear that Lee Heejin was feeling a bit jealous.

I chuckled softly and explained, "She came from Australia after three years to see me." Heejin nodded but then asked, "And why do your employees like her so much?" I struggled to find the right words and finally said, "I think... because she brought them gifts." Her next question puzzled me: "Then if I buy them gifts, will they like me as well?" I was taken aback by her line of thought. "Heejin... What are you saying?" She turned her head away, muttering, "Nothing." I leaned in closer, and she turned to face me, our eyes locking for a brief moment. Just as I felt the tension building and was about to lean in for a kiss, a strong smell of alcohol hit me. It dawned on me that she was drunk.

─── ⋆⋅TO BE CONTINUED ⋅⋆ ──
SNEAK PEAK

"Check out our new house! I really hope you enjoy it." Heejin nodded and headed up the stairs, while Jungkook smiled and trailed behind her. "This is our room," he said. Heejin turned to him and asked, "Are we going to share this room?" Jungkook looked puzzled but nodded, replying, "Yeah, why?" She just shook her head and said, "It's nothing."

✯¸.•´*¨'*•✿ ✿•*'¨*'•.¸✯

While I was pulling things out of the drawer, I spotted a hidden compartment at the top inside. I was really curious and tried to open it, but it was locked. After searching around in the drawer for a bit, I finally discovered the key to that secret spot. It was tucked under a piece of paper that was neatly laid out on the bottom of the drawer. When I unlocked the compartment, I found a diary inside. It was my father's diary.

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