That evening, in the privacy of his luxury penthouse. Hoseok sat, his face solemn. He was both enraged and disappointed. How could Noemie do this to him? He never imagined she was so vindictive in her efforts to go so far. That is sabotaging his business. Was it a ruse to get even with him?

He narrowed his eyes as he twirled his wine glass in his hand. Taking the last swig of wine, he jumped up and walked to his open window, gazing out at the nightscape of Seoul. His heart was torn in two. Thinking about her made his mouth taste bitter. He was mad as hell.

He hurls the glass against the pillar near the kitchen, his frustration palpable. He was indifferent about the million shards that had strewn across his laminated flooring. He winced, clutching his hair strands in his hands, thinking about how to deal with the betrayal of that moment.

It doesn't help that he is illegally attracted to the arrogant French girl. He folded his arms as he returned to his white lush sofas and plopped down, between the soft, fluffy cushions, briefly closing his eyes to let himself settle down. He was struggling to breathe, and when he's like this, he doesn't want anyone entering his mental space, but Noèmie was adamant about occupying that space. He wanted to despise her, but he couldn't.

Her teary eyes looked up at him, begging him to believe her and the devastation in her eyes when he said the only thing he knew would hurt her tremendously...that he regretted sleeping with her. He knew he had crossed the line when he saw her expression change to one of deep hurt. He harmed her emotions to the point where she became saddened and cold.

Is there any reason for him to doubt his dependable employees? He desperately wanted to believe her, but there was evidence and witnesses, and she had joked about doing it. Why does he take the situation so personally? Oh my goodness! He spends four hours in bed with her. He would never physically love a girl in his presence for that long. He was too busy. She was the only girl in his life who had that advantage.

Not even with Jessica, his girlfriend of ten years. Jess was more methodical and time-conscious. never had time for extra cuddles and "rounds," but Noèmie...well, she was woman enough to match his passion. He could be both free and vulnerable. Not the strong, strict, and wealthy CEO of the most luxurious hotels in various countries. Noèmie made him laugh and also make him mad, but she also stimulated his intellect and her thoughtfulness, which is why he felt so safe and close to her.

She morphed into a fiery flame that was suddenly distinguished by a flood of water. Just then, he heard his new galaxy z fold4 phone ring. He sat up abruptly, frustrated, to fetch it from his table.

When he saw the ID caller, he let out a deep sigh.

Jessica.

A renewed sense of shame washed over him. He practically betrayed Jess by seeing a woman for the first time during their hiatus. He was always proud of the fact that no girl could ever persuade him to cheat during his and Jess's numerous hiatuses.

How could he let his girl down like that? He obviously loves Jess and hopes she will be ready to settle down with him. He is desperate for her. After his slip-up with Noémie, he is unsure if he will not slip again. It scares him half to death. Noémie ruined him.

He pulls out his flip phone and takes a deep breath to perfect his voice and tone. But Jessica knows him inside and out. His greeting already shows signs of strain.

"Hey, baby. Why do you sound so stressed--" she inquired, concerned.

"Hi, Jess...no worries just work-related. So, what's new?" He tried to sound upbeat. He does not feel compelled to share his daily burdens with her. He just wanted to forget about this daunting day and Noémies' sad and heartbroken eyes.

"Well, it seems like my Boss knows my heart," Jessica's sultry voice fills his ears with contentment." He suggests that I return a week in advance. The old miser gave me three weeks off. We only have three weeks together, baby "Hoseok smiled for the first time today because she said with sheer delight.

He felt a wave of relief wash over him. He couldn't be happier that his girl is returning. Maybe he'll forget about the allure of Noémie.

"That is a fantastic baby. Because our executive suites are all booked, would you like to use my premier presidential suite? Is it all right?" He hopes she feels comfortable staying in his suite...but he can't trust himself with her in his penthouse right now. These days, he doesn't understand himself.

"That will be fantastic. Your hotel is fantastic. The people are extremely friendly and accommodating. And Mr. Kim Taehyung personally invited me to the exclusive Cartier Diamond exhibition. I can wait. Why didn't you tell me about the event? You already know they are my favorite jewelers." She chastised him jokingly.

Hoseok chuckled "Please accept my sincere apologies. I received an invitation, but I assumed you wouldn't be able to attend the event. I wasn't sure if you'd come or not. I told Taehyung that I might not be able to make it... might go to Jakarta, and I'll be attending a planning meeting. The new hotel will be built in a few weeks, and I may be in Indonesia for a month or so to oversee the project."

Her voice has a sad tone to it. "I understand. Er, Hobi-- I know our relationship suffered as a result of our long-distance relationship. I'm sorry for suggesting the hiatus so we don't hurt each other...but I really miss you. I know you paid me a visit a few months ago, and I promise to be there for you even if we don't date. But you know how much I love you."

Hoseok sighed heavily "I wouldn't lie if I said it wasn't difficult without you, Jess. Jess, I love you as well, but I respect your decision not to marry so soon. I can...wait. "He says this hesitantly. He can't deny that he misses having his 'girlfriend' around. Her presence in Seoul will undoubtedly counteract any illicit feelings he may have developed for a certain wide-eyed French girl.

When did his life become so complicated?

Jessica grinned but then say with a soft tone" You are the most patient man I've ever met. Where can I find someone like you, Hoseok? Please don't give up on me...please."

"I still love you, Jessica," Hoseok whispered. "And as long as you want me, we can talk about our relationship again, okay? --" He became exhausted unexpectedly. It's 9 a.m. in New York City, almost 8 p.m. Seoul, and he wants to go to bed early. He is mentally exhausted.

Jessica laughed "I can tell by your tone that you're tired--but please let me hang up so you can get some well-deserved rest. I have an urgent staff meeting to attend-- , "They said their goodbyes and hung up the phone.

Hoseok took a deep breath and went to the kitchen to get cleaning aids to clean up the mess he'd made, taking care not to cut himself with the glass shards.

After cleaning, he turned off the lights and gazed in awe at the stunning picture of Seoul at night. The glinting lights in the dark appear to be dazzling jewels on a black velvet cloth. He appreciates the panoramic view of the nightscapes.

He sighed deeply and walked slowly to his bedroom to enjoy a well-deserved hot shower.

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Your heart was broken because you were so disappointed in yourself. Trusting someone so completely. He said he regretted being with you, and that pierced your heart. Since high school, you've never let a man touch you like that.

He was the first guy who made you believe in love again, even though you knew he was both officially and informally taken. He has already stated that he loves Jessica even if they are not together.

When you arrive at the bus stop, you are unable to resist crying in the back of the bus. Fortunately, you were wearing sunglasses, so no one could see your deep sadness.

You didn't want to order an uber because you were afraid your card would be rejected due to insufficient funds.

Your body felt exhausted as you walked up the stairs to your middle-class neighborhood home. Nobody would be home at this time. The entire family would be present at the restaurant. You could unwind and recoup.

You wouldn't even consider going to church with Ha-ni. You looked relieved as you took out your extra key and opened the door. The house is clean and well-kept.

You can reschedule it for next week. Have you never felt so down after an incident that happened almost 9 years ago? When you entered the room, you just lay down on your bed, as if you'd lost your way.

You had no joy, and you knew you needed to get your brain out of its' rut. You needed to concentrate because you had two events to plan, the gala bouquet and the exhibition. Mr. Jung will be pushed to the margins of your mind, preferably away from your heart. You closed your eyes and rolled onto your back.

"Oh my gosh...how could I have fallen for the idiot so quickly and so easily," you lament softly. "You are so stupid and naive Noémie. " You are now poorer than you have ever been. Your heart is filled with sadness as you consider your plans with your girlfriends "to the Maldives and the substantial deposit you were about to put down on a Parisian apartment near the Eiffel Tower. Since you arrived in Seoul, your life has taken an uncontrollable turn.

You suddenly felt a shooting pain in your abdomen. Because of the unexpected attack, you stood up abruptly and bowed over.

"Oh my goodness! "You couldn't stop crying as you rubbed the area where the pain became excruciating. The agony was unbearable. You couldn't figure out why it was happening now of all days.

You were aware of the warnings but chose to disregard them. Why were you so naive? Vigorous exercise and physical exertion were already against your doctor's orders, and you simply opted to ignore them. You spent four hours in Mr. Jung's bed, and those "physical exercises" aggravated your already fragile condition. What made you so stupid? But you didn't listen, and now you're just hoping it's not too severe.

You can't inform your parents about the latest attack. Will they believe you if you tell them a little lie about jogging more miles than allowed and your abdomen starting to hurt, but you knew it was due to Friday's rendezvous with the CEO? You just have to put up with it and wait it out; going to the doctor will alert your parents because they will have to pay the extra doctor's fees or it will reflect on their medical insurance. Oh, why are you so unlucky?

Ha-Ni discovered you in a fetal position, attempting to relieve the pain that came in waves. You were moaning and wringing on the bed.

"Oh my goodness, Noémie...what happened?" Your eyes welled up with tears when she said that.

"I...think it's around that time of the month again. You know how painful my period can be." "You strangled it out.

"Let me quickly give you something to relieve your pain--just lay still. Don't move unnecessarily ---" she rushed out of your room to begin caring for you... You were grieved because Ha-Ni would have made an excellent mother or nurse. She had impeccable bedside manners. Bang Chan has no idea what he is missing out on. Allowing a girl like her to slip through his fingers.

Ha-ni quickly made you a hot bottle to place on your abdomen and then made sure you were properly medicated. She draw you a warm bath and left you to rest for a few hours.

You decline any lunch and instead go take a nap. You were mentally exhausted and tired, and the medication began to make you drowsy.

After a few hours of well-deserved rest, you felt much better and the ache went away. You decided to have dinner with the family after your aunt and uncle arrived home from work. Your tummy was rumbling, protesting to be fed. Especially after you skipped lunch.

After cleaning up the kitchen, you and Ha-Ni went to your room, where you told a shocked cousin about your encounter with the administration and Mr. Jung.

"What! I believe it is that envious manager. When Mr. Jung asked you to be one of the waitresses, she had it in for you." She was wide-eyed.

"I don't know because when I worked with Seom-ni and Shuhuah, she was unnecessarily rude to us. Specifically, her attitude toward me. I'm not sure what I did to her anymore." As you take a sip of the liquid medicine, you sign.

"At least, Mr. Jung granted you your freedom. I can't wait to hang out with you. I presumed you'd return home without enjoying your vacation." She grins.

"Yeah...I just feel bad that Mr. Jung thought so little of me and was actually vindictive by accepting my money. Oh my lord, Ha-Ni. I'm literally bankrupt. I can't ask Eomma for money, and Anais is also coming, and she wants us to book our getaway, and I wanted to let you come with us to just relax and forget about our miserable lives." you look suddenly sorrowful, and Ha-ni 's furrowed at your demeanor.

"You and Mr. Jung have an uncanny chemistry. I believe you began to like him because why are you suddenly concerned about what he thinks of you? You didn't care what others thought of you." She teased you with a knowing glint in her eyes.

You pressed your lips together but did not respond. Ha-Ni snorts loudly, and when you saw her mocking eyes, you grabbed a pillow and began to hit her. Ha-ni squeals as she bursts out laughing at your flustered expression.

"OMG! You like him." She laughed and ran around the room, away from your vicious hits.

"Don't be silly. He is an idiot!"You huffed, already tired of running after her.

"But he's a hot idiot!" She raises her hands in defense and says, "OK, cease-fire. I'm done, and I apologize for bringing it up." But you can tell she was amused by her expression. You sighed deeply and sank onto your bed.

"So, forget about Mr. Jung," Ha-Ni said as she came over and lay down next to you." Tell me how you got Gervais to respond to your plea. I thought your love-hate relationship was over. You said you hadn't spoken in three years, so--"

"He promises he will always be there for me if I need him," you scoff. "I just asked for a favor and will repay him, but I'm not sure when. It's so messed up, Ha-Ni. Gervais Dassault and I closed that book in our lives."

"--but it happened years ago, Noèmie," Ha-ni frowned. "Didn't your parents already forgive him for the blunder?"

You shook your head, "I'm not sure. But I promised my parents that I would not associate with him. I felt terrible for shutting him out, Ha-Ni, and a few months ago I secretly began talking to him. I...miss our friendship. He wanted to see me, but I'm hesitant to be seen with him in public. He's too well-known right now to be waking up sleeping dogs! So I did contact him, and he wired the funds to my credit card account right away. I'll be eternally grateful to him, and I'm sorry for betraying my parents' trust."

You got the more distant look. Gervais Dassault was your first love in high school. He was a classmate at the boarding school Ecole des Roches, which you both attended. You met the handsome French boy when you were sixteen and he was seventeen.

Your feelings for each other grew, but you were both rebellious pranksters at school who weren't interested in dating. Despite the fact that he was extremely popular and you had one of the most attractive faces at your school. Everyone wanted to be a part of your and Anais's friendship group. But you were intelligent. Troublemakers who are well-liked but notorious.

Gervais Dassault, the resident hottie, ruled the school. He was extremely wealthy, the youngest son of Laurent's, and his grandfather was one of the founders and owners of the Dassault Conglomerate group- in aviation.

The combined net worth of his family is estimated to be around 23.5 billion euros. When you were seventeen, you and Gervais decided to date, but it was only a short-lived affair. Only for a month, until that incident changed your life forever and brought the Seo. family's wrath.

"But Noèmie...he is a grown man right now," Ha-Ni puzzledly stated. "You are an adult who can make your own decisions. You two were close friends--"

"Ha-Ni, he was the cause of my condition, and it will alter my future for a happy marital life," you sigh deeply." I'll never be a full woman. That is why I will never place such a burden on a future husband. I'd rather be single for the rest of my life than bring anyone emotional pain." Thinking about your miserable life, your eyes welled up with tears. Your career is the only source of happiness and fulfillment in your life right now.

Ha-Ni looks deflated "Don't say it, Noèmie. If he loves you, your future husband will accept you exactly as you are."

"Tell that to my future in-laws when they find out I can never bear children for their son..."you scoff.

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A/n: I hope you like this chapter. Kindly comment with your thoughts and don't forget to vote. Enjoy your holidays and stay safe.

1. Do you think Jessica and Hoseok will rekindle their relationship once again?

2. What do you think happened in Gervais and Noèmie's past?