Chapter 19:
The next day, a knock sounded on Will's office door. Stephen entered, clutching his usual stack of reports.
"The street innovation project is moving along nicely," Stephen reported, his tone brisk. "We still have some protests, but many are bending, taking the bait we've set."
Will didn't look up immediately, his fingers tapping lightly on the desk. "Make it faster. The gala is this week, and I don't want anything to make our partners doubt us."
Stephen nodded, sliding a folder across the desk. "Here's the proposal for our European market expansion once we're ready."
Will glanced at it, eyes sharp. "Perfect. Leave it here; I'll revise it myself. You should get ready to attend too."
"To the gala, sir?" Stephen blinked.
Will shot him a look that made the answer obvious. "Of course. Where else would you be preparing for?"
Stephen straightened, pride and excitement swelling in his chest. "It will be my honor to accompany you, sir."
"Get the renovation going," Will said, his tone final.
"Yes, sir," Stephen replied, and stepped out, head held high.
Outside, colleagues noticed his smile.
"Did something happen? You look happy," one asked.
Stephen laughed lightly. "You wouldn't understand."
"No, really, tell us!" another pressed.
Stephen shook his head, then relented. "Mr. Shade invited me to attend the gala with him for the European market launch."
Shock rippled through the room. Some murmured congratulations; others just muttered enviously before returning to work. Director Stacy, passing by, froze mid-step, her expression darkening. She clutched a small picture of Will from her desk drawer and muttered under her breath, Why him? I've devoted myself to Mr. Shade. He should know I can do anything he desires.
Later that day, Jin intercepted Will as he left the building.
"Already on your way, sir?"
"Yes," Will said. "I have another engagement. You can pick up Lee at her house. What's the update on the new manager I requested?"
Jin hesitated. "She said—verbatim—'I will not have another manager. Tell William if he changes him, I will disappear.'"
Will's lips pressed into a thin line. "That girl," he muttered. Then, turning coldly, he added, "And Jin, did you just call me William?"
Jin bowed slightly, a faint smile on his face. "You call me Jin as well, sir. By now, I'd consider us friends."
Will exhaled slowly, sliding into the car. "A friend doesn't call another friend 'Sir Jin.' Be at the house. Marry will be excited when guests arrive."
At the mansion, Lena returned from work, sighing as she stepped inside.
"I'm always amazed I get to come back to this life," she muttered. "If I'm not careful, I might actually get used to it."
Marry appeared, bustling about the kitchen. "Lena, you're back already."
"No choice," Lena replied. "Curfew. But what's that amazing smell?"
Marry smiled knowingly. "Just some final touches for tonight's dinner guest."
"Guest? Who's coming? Do I need to prepare… or—" Lena stopped, realizing she was spiralling.
"Don't overthink it," Marry said gently. "Just pick something from your closet and change."
Lena nodded reluctantly. "Oh, umm,… but who is...?"
At that same moment, Leeann was driving, Jin navigating beside her.
"I've been out of the country for the shooting," Leeann said, frowning at the news on her phone. "And now, Will has a fiancée? Is that story still on?"
Jin didn't answer. "Mr. Shade will explain that himself," he said evenly.
Leeann huffed, leaning back in the seat. "I never get any straight information from anyone!"
When they reached the mansion, she bounded inside, arms full of shopping bags.
"Marry! I'm here!" she called, her voice bright.
Marry spun around, smiling. "My beautiful Ann! How are you? Come here, give me a hug."
Leeann laughed and hugged her tightly. "I've missed you so much, Marry. And your cooking! Here, these are for you and Will."
Marry took the gifts, beaming. "I'm sure he'll appreciate it, as usual."
As the two women chatted, Lena lingered behind the kitchen counter, her fingers fidgeting with her dress.
"What do you think?" she asked quietly, more to herself than anyone else. "Do I… really need to be part of this?"
Marry glanced at her, amused. "Finally wearing something from the closet, I see."
Lena looked up, forcing a smile. "Since someone important is visiting, I thought I should at least look the part."
Her words froze mid-air as she saw Leeann approaching, radiant and confident.
Marry stepped forward quickly, introducing them. "Lena, this is Leeann. She—well, people know her as Leeann, the—"
Before Marry could finish, Lena's voice cut in, full of awe.
"The famous, beautiful, talented Leeann? OMG, it's really you! I watch all your movies and shows. You're even prettier in real life!"
Leeann laughed softly. "This is exactly how normal people react to me. I don't understand why that doctor didn't react like that, though."
Marry blinked. "A doctor? You're not sick, are you?"
Leeann shook her head, turning her attention fully to Lena. "No, nothing to worry about. But… what are you doing here?"
Lena's heart sank, and she reminded herself of her place. I'm just the flower girl. She's a superstar. I shouldn't even be in the same room.