I smiled warmly at the customers walking past as I strolled through the showroom, making sure everything was operating smoothly.

Mrs. Min spotted me from across the floor and walked over. "You're adjusting to this branch much faster than I anticipated," she said with a warm smile, the kind wrinkles around her eyes creasing affectionately. "How was your meeting with Sunjae on Friday?"

My heart thumped when she said his name. After everything that has happened, I didn't blame myself.

"It was... interesting. He's very unpredictable," I admitted, nervously pushing up my spectacles.

Mrs. Min nodded knowingly. "He is unpredictable. You're right about that. But he never does anything without a calculated reason. I truly believe you two will work together flawlessly, especially with how sharp you are."

She has absolutely no idea.

I nodded in response. She gave my back a reassuring pat and walked away.

I continued supervising the first floor, eventually walking past Gaeul, who was currently assisting a customer. For a split second, our eyes locked, but she immediately averted her gaze. My confrontation from the other day had finally gotten through to her.

Suddenly, the woman Gaeul was helping gasped aloud, her eyes glued to her phone screen. She frantically shoved the device toward the man standing next to her, whose eyes widened in equal shock. Gaeul stared at the two of them in utter confusion.

On the other side of the room, another customer let out a loud gasp, similarly staring down at their phone.

I shrugged it off, not thinking much of it at first.

But as I turned toward the staircase, Erin came dashing toward me at full speed.

"Manager Kim! Did you see the news?!" she yelled, her voice trembling.

I arched my brows. "What is it? Is there an impending apocalypse or something? Why is everyone in here gasping?"

With sheer shock in her eyes, she pulled out her phone and held it up to my face. The screen was flooded with dozens of breaking news articles featuring Sunjae's face as he walked out of headquarters. The headlines practically screamed off the screen:

The Eldest Son of the Hwaon Group is to be Married Next Month.

The New Daughter-in-Law of the Hwaon Group to be Revealed on the Wedding Day.

Who is Mr. Lee's Mystery Wife?

Here is What Will Happen to Elyvion's Stock Prices Following Mr. Lee's Shocking Marriage Next Month.

My eyes widened to the size of saucers. Dang, he really does work fast.

However, before I could even fully process the articles, Gaeul marched over, ripped the phone out of Erin's hands, and snapped, "What is everyone panicking about-"

The moment her eyes scanned the headlines, her voice died. Her jaw dropped, and her eyes stretched wide in complete disbelief. Erin stared at the two of us, real tears welling up in her eyes.

"No! My ultimate crush is getting married! Erin wailed. "How could this happen to me? This has to be a sick joke. Mr. Lee, please don't get married!"

She turned to Gaeul, grabbing her arm and shaking her frantically, while Gaeul's eyes remained completely glued to the screen. "Didn't you have a massive crush on him, too, Gaeul?!" Erin cried, holding back tears.

My eyebrows arched. So, Gaeul liked Mr. Lee, too? No wonder she had reacted so bitterly when he banned the woman who slapped me. She was jealous.

I couldn't really blame her, though.

With sheer panic written all over her face, Gaeul shoved the phone back into Erin's hands and frantically pulled out her own device to search for the articles. It was as if she believed that seeing it on a different screen might somehow mean it wasn't true.

I turned to Erin and patted her shoulder reassuringly. "Let's get back to work, okay?" I said, my pitch a little higher than usual as I desperately tried to diffuse the situation.

All around us, nearly every customer in the store had their eyes glued to their screens. A few of our prominent VIP clients frowned deeply at their phones before abruptly storming down the stairs and marching out of the showroom. I could only assume those were wealthy matriarchs who had been actively eyeing Sunjae as a potential match for their own daughters.

I stared at the chaos unfolding around the room, a sudden weight settling in my chest. I couldn't help but wonder what would happen to Elyvion's stock market after a bombshell like this. And more than anything... I secretly hoped Sunjae was okay.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and unlocked the screen. It was a message from Sunjae.

Stay at work until everyone has left so that I can come pick you up.

I took a deep, steadying breath and slowly tucked the phone away.

This is going to be one hell of a long year.

I waited outside the entrance and glanced down at my watch. Why did he want to pick me up?

Just then, his black sports car came to a halt in front of me, and my stomach churned as he stepped out of the vehicle. I could never get used to his presence. How was I going to survive this marriage?

He pushed back his hair, ruffling up his slick hairstyle as his bangs gracefully rested on his eyelids. He opened the passenger door and glanced at me, “Are you not coming?”

I nodded and entered the car. He slid into his seat after me and started the engine. I’ve been in his car before, but now that my mind is clear and not full of rage, the reality of my situation is settling in. Currently, the world is in a frenzy trying to figure out who Mr. Lee’s wife is. I wonder if they would be disappointed if it turned out to be just an average woman.

Suddenly, Mr. Lee turned to me and leaned in. My eyes widened as the scent of his perfume gently brushed my nose. He met my gaze, and my eyes slowly glided to his lips.

What was he doing?

“Umm, Mr. Lee…”

He leaned past me and buckled up my seatbelt.

“Your seatbelt was unbuckled.”

Oh.

I gulped as he leaned back to his seat and started driving as if he didn’t just make my heart race. I swear he was doing this on purpose.

I cleared my throat, “W-Where are we going?”

“My place. Where else?”

My eyes widened.

“What? Are you serious?”