Days passed, but Taewon still didn't return home.
Inside his office, a mountain of files covered his desk. His pen moved steadily, each signature crisp and deliberate.
A knock broke the silence.
"Come in," he said without looking up.
Harin stepped in, a folder clutched in her hands.
"Taewon, check this and sign. The deal with Kim Hara is closed."
He flipped through the file and signed. "Alright."
She lingered.
"Oh, and you know Taehyun's back?"
"Yes,"
"I contacted him. He'll be here today."
"Where were you these past few days?"harin asked,
"Why?"
"No reason." She shrugged lightly.
"You just disappeared. One day you're here, the next you're flying out of the country midweek."
"I had work."
"Oh." She nodded, forcing a smile.
"Since Taehyun's back, how about dinner together?"
"I'll see when I'm free." He was already looking back at his papers.
"Fine. I'm leaving early today. I've worked all week going on a date."
"Alright. Go."
Her smile wavered, but she left without another word.
Moments later, Secretary Jisso entered.
"Sir, Jihyun's calling again."
"Answer it," Taewon said without glancing up.
She put it on speaker.
"Yes, sir?" Jisso spoke politely.
Jihyun's voice cut sharp.
"Why aren't you answering? Where's Taewon? Did he come back or not?"
"Yes, sir. He's back," Jisso replied.
"And where is he now?"
"Sir will be coming."
"Tell him he'd better come back, or I'm leaving for my home."
The line went dead.
Before Taewon could react, another knock came.
The door swung open.
"Surprise!" Taehyun strode in with a grin.
"You're already here?" Taewon raised a brow.
"Of course. It's been ages. Give me a hug at least."
"Sit down," Taewon said.
"Miss Jisso, coffee for me and Taehyun."
"Yes, sir." She left.
Taehyun dropped into the chair opposite, then wrinkled his nose.
"Are you in rut or something? Your pheromones are way too strong."
"Yeah. Last day," Taewon said.
"Dude, it's making me nauseous. And you're walking around the office like this?"
"Most employees here are Beta."
"Still, you're stronger than most S-class Alphas. Who knows maybe you'll end up an Enigma."
"Why did you suddenly come back to Korea?"Taewon asked,
"You know my mom," Taehyun smirked. "She decided it's time I find a wife. Someone like yours."
Taewon's brow arched. "Good luck."
"Yeah, someone pouty and clumsy, the type who falls asleep in the car"
"You're not getting any more messages from me," Taewon cut him off.
"Relax, I'm joking. But seriously why leave the country in the middle of your rut? Or are you cheating on Jihyun?"
"Do I look like that type?"
"Not really. But then why not spend it with him?"
"Don't piss me off. And don't act like you don't know."
"I thought maybe he'd fallen for you by now."
"No. He's planning a divorce."
Taehyun froze. "What?"
"He's been planning it since the day we married."
"And you're just going to let him go?"
"No," Taewon's tone sharpened. "I don't want to."
Taehyun leaned in. "So does he know about your dad's deal?"
"No. He doesn't."
"The work you gave me is done. The files you asked for will be ready in three days."
"Good."
"By the way, what are you going to do with that project?"
"I'll do everything to make it complete and successful. I won't let Dad ruin anyone's life."
"Don't worry you'll succeed. I'm with you. I'm also working on those thai company files you sent. We'll find clues for sure."
Taewon's phone lit up Jihyun calling again.
"Attend to it," Taehyun said. "No need. I'm heading home anyway."
" Oh, does he know you were in rut?"
"No. He doesn't."Taewon replied.
"Let's grab dinner Thursday, when the files are ready."Taewon added.
"Alright."
"And check out Mina for me. You know it's important."Taewon said.
"Yes. I'll find out why she suddenly came back."
"Okay let's meet again "
"Alright, bye"
They parted ways .
(Back at the condo)
Taewon entered, coat in hand. He toed off his shoes.
Hana was just about to leave.
"Hello, sir. Are you back?"
"Yes. Are you going already?"
"Yes, sir."
" What about lunch and dinner?"Taewon asked.
"Ahm,sir Jihyun .He's in the kitchen."
Jihyun emerged wearing an apron, spatula in hand, two fingers bandaged. Hana greeted them both and left.
Taewon's eyes went to Jihyun's injured hand still scarred from the burn.
Jihyun's expression darkened. He stepped forward and whacked Taewon's shoulder with the spatula.
"Who do you think you are?"
Taewon didn't answer, only looked down at him. "Sorry."
"What? Sorry?"
Jihyun's voice cracked with frustration.
"You think I'm some decoration you can pick up when you want, and ignore when you don't? You left the moment I said no to you just because I wanted to have dinner with my crush!"
Taewon stayed silent, listening.
"You stay next to Harin everyday, who's clearly in love with you, maybe you even love her too. I don't say anything. But when it's me, you're always like this."
Tears pricked his eyes.
"Don't think I'm crying because of you."
Taewon pulled him into a hug. "I'm sorry."
Jihyun shoved him away.
"Why are you hugging me? Explain where you went, and with whom."
"Didn't you say our rules mean where we go and with whom is none of the other's business?"Taewon teased.
"Don't throw that at me." Jihyun turned for the kitchen.
"You keep thinking about that day I told you she's my crush you have no right to stop me from liking someone. If you're mad, be mad. I don't care."
Taewon grabbed his wrist, turning him back.
"Why didn't you go to the hospital that day? I made an appointment. Dr. Seo was waiting, but you never showed. You went out with friends, even with Mina ,when she's only a crush to you. I get that you don't accept me as a husband or partner. But can't you at least think of me as a friend? As someone who cares?"
"When did you make an appointment? When did you even tell me?"
"I told Hana to tell you. You were asleep when I came to your room."
"Then why didn't she tell me?" Jihyun frowned.
Taewon blinked.
"She didn't?"
"No. And you're blaming me? I didn't know anything. If I had, I would've gone my looks come first."
Realization hit Taewon.
"I'm sorry."
"I don't need your sorry," Jihyun said. "Because of you, I cut my fingers."
"Because of me?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Nothing." Jihyun turned toward the lounge.
Taewon went to the kitchen, grabbed the aid box, and followed him.