The cabin door burst open with a loud bang. A furious young woman stormed inside, her eyes blazing with anger.
"Seo!" she shouted, her voice trembling. "You… you got married? How could you do this to me? You betrayed me!"
She slammed the door shut behind her, the sound echoing through the hallway.
Meanwhile, in the copy room, Nari Hana was still battling with the stubborn machine. She pressed random buttons, slapped the side panels, and finally yelled,
"Oh, come on! Please, just start working!"
Frustrated, she smacked the machine harder, her voice rising with desperation.
Suddenly, a soft laugh came from behind her. Startled, Nari Hana spun around quickly. A young man stood there, his expression amused.
"If you keep doing that," he said with a teasing smile, "the machine won't turn on—but it will definitely break faster."
Nari Hana narrowed her eyes and snapped,
"If you know how to use it, then you do it! It's not like I've ever used machines like this before."
Still smiling, the young man stepped forward, pressed a few buttons, and the machine whirred to life. Within moments, copies of the documents slid neatly into the tray.
Nari Hana blinked in surprise. "Huh… You actually fixed it? Who… who are you? I haven't seen you around before. What's your name?"
The young man placed the finished copies back into the folder, then turned slightly, his smile never fading.
"I'm the one who just helped you," he replied softly. "Someone you already know… but don't recognize yet."
Confused, Nari Hana frowned. Suspicion flashed in her eyes as she muttered,
"Don't tell me you're some thief… someone who sneaks into companies and steals projects to sell to rivals?"
He laughed lightly at her accusation, clearly entertained.
But Nari Hana raised her voice, pointing at him.
"I won't let you steal anything here! I'll scream right now and everyone will come running!"
Before she could shout, he quickly covered her mouth with his hand.
"Shh… quiet," he whispered, locking eyes with her.
For a moment, their gazes lingered, silence stretching between them.
At the same time, a luxurious black car stopped in front of the company building. The driver hurried out, rushing to open the rear door.
A slender foot stepped out first, adorned with elegant red imported heels. Then, a striking woman emerged—her short black designer dress hugging her figure, a sleek branded bag hanging from her arm. Diamond rings sparkled on her fingers, a matching bracelet glimmered at her wrist, and her ears shone with elegant earrings. Black sunglasses framed her face with effortless grace.
She slid the glasses down slightly, her piercing eyes scanning the building ahead.
The driver bowed respectfully. "Miss Yui."
Yui made a graceful gesture with her hand.
"You may leave. I'll call you if I need you."
She strode confidently toward the entrance, her presence commanding immediate attention.
Manager Shin, noticing her arrival, hurried forward.
"Hello, Madam. How can I help you?"
Yui's lips curved into a faint smile as she asked coldly,
"Where is Seo Lang?"
Manager Shin bowed slightly. "Please, Madam, come with me."
Dofeng Ling's hand still covered Nari Hana's lips, his eyes locked on hers. Startled, she quickly pushed his hand away and stepped back.
"I won't let you stay here!" she snapped angrily. "You're a thief, aren't you? You came to spy on our new projects. But I won't allow it!"
She turned toward the door, ready to run out and call for help, but before she could leave, Dofeng rushed forward and caught her wrist.
"I'm not a thief," he said firmly, pulling her back toward him.
Nari Hana gave a mocking laugh.
"Ha! Every thief says that. What else could you possibly claim?"
A playful smile curved on Dofeng's lips.
"Do I really look like a thief to you? Tell me honestly—doesn't this face look far too handsome for that?"
Nari Hana rolled her eyes, a sarcastic laugh escaping her.
"Handsome? Please. Thieves don't walk around with labels on their faces. And who told you that you're handsome anyway?"
Her words made him pout dramatically, his expression turning boyishly cute.
"Wow, Nari. You really did forget me, didn't you?"
Nari blinked, puzzled. "Forget you? Who exactly are you?"
He leaned closer, his smile softening.
"I'm Dofeng… Dofeng Ling. Don't you remember me? I'm your Dofeng."
She frowned, stepping back again, trying to search her memory.
"Dofeng…?"
And then, like a spark, the name triggered an old memory.
Dofeng grinned and called her by a childhood nickname.
"Oi, Nana! You still don't remember? It's me!"
Nari Hana's eyes widened as recognition hit her. "Wait… you… you're that Dofeng?!"
"Exactly!" he said cheerfully. "Your childhood friend."
Without another word, both of them laughed and hugged the way they used to as kids—first exchanging a playful punch on the arm, then tapping each other's noses with their fingers, and finally, embracing warmly.
For a brief moment, it felt as though time had turned back, and the innocence of childhood returned.
Meanwhile, upstairs in Seo-jin's cabin, the door creaked open quietly.
Seo-jin stood near the balcony, speaking to someone over the phone, his back turned.
The door shut softly behind the elegant woman who entered. Without a word, she walked across the room and slipped her arms around him from behind.
Startled, Seo-jin spun around and quickly ended his call. His eyes widened in shock.
"Yui…?" he whispered.
She smiled brightly, her eyes glimmering with mischief.
"Surprise. I'm back."
Seo-jin froze, unable to respond.
"What's wrong, Seo?" Yui teased, tilting her head. "Aren't you happy to see me? Doesn't my return bring you joy?"
Her words hung in the air, tension building between them.
Seo-jin quickly spoke, his tone slightly tense.
"No, Yui… it's not like that. But you told me you'd return after two weeks. How come—"
Before he could finish, Yui smiled brightly and wrapped her arms around him.
"Yes, I said two weeks, but my work ended earlier. So I came back." Her voice softened as she whispered, "And this time, I'll never leave you again, darling. Our engagement was canceled once, but now… we'll start over. I won't let anything separate us anymore."
She tightened her hold on him and, without hesitation, pressed her lips against his in a deep kiss. Seo-jin stiffened, his hands frozen at his sides.
Meanwhile, in the copy room, Nari Hana frowned at her friend.
"Dude, what are you still doing here?" she asked Dofeng.
Dofeng smirked. "Because… well, that's—"
Before he could explain, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen, his smile fading.
"I have to go. I'll explain later, Nari. Bye for now."
And with that, he rushed out, leaving her confused.
Clutching the stack of files, Nari Hana made her way toward Seo-jin's cabin. Manager Shin noticed and quickly stepped in her way.
"Don't go in there. Mr. Lang and Miss Yui Tanaka are busy."
Nari shook her head, pointing to the documents in her arms. Without another word, she brushed past Manager Shin and opened the door.
The sight before her made her world collapse.
The files slipped from her trembling hands, scattering across the floor. Her wide eyes froze on Seo-jin and Yui locked in a kiss.
Seo-jin immediately stepped back, guilt flashing across his face, while Yui adjusted her dress, a faint smile lingering on her lips.
Nari's eyes filled with tears. She quickly bent down, gathering the files, her voice breaking.
"I… I'm sorry. I didn't know you were busy…"
Yui's expression darkened, fury sparking in her eyes.
"I told Manager Shin that no one was allowed to disturb us! And yet—" she suddenly raised her voice, "Manager! Manager Shin!"
Within seconds, Manager Shin appeared. She shoved Nari lightly aside and bowed.
"Yes, Madam Yui?"
Yui's anger boiled over.
"Didn't I clearly tell you not to let anyone in while I was with Seo-jin?"
Manager Shin quickly pointed at Nari.
"I tried to stop her, but she ignored me and came in anyway."
Yui glared at both of them.
"Enough! Get out—both of you! Now!"
Her sharp voice echoed in the cabin.
Nari Hana's gaze lingered for a moment on Seo-jin, who stood silently, offering no defense. Her chest tightened painfully. Without another word, she stormed out, her vision blurred with tears.
At her desk, she slammed the files down hard, her frustration and heartbreak pouring out.
Manager Shin followed, gripping her arm harshly.
"See what you've done? Because of you, I had to face humiliation too!" she hissed before storming away.
Nari staggered to the washroom, locking the door behind her. She stood before the mirror, her reflection blurry through her tears.
"I hated him," she whispered to herself, her voice trembling. "For the last two months, I've been forced to stay by his side like a prisoner. I told myself I despised him… But then why? Why does it hurt so much to see him with that woman?"
Her reflection seemed to answer her, the truth slipping from her lips as sobs wracked her body.
"Because… I've fallen in love with Seo-jin Lang."
The confession left her broken, her tears flowing freely.
But just as she lowered her head, a sharp voice echoed from behind.
"So… you've fallen in love. With Seo?"
Nari Hana spun around, her heart skipping a beat. Standing there, watching her with fiery eyes, was Yui Tanaka.
Her lips curved into a cold smile as she stepped forward.
"Tell me, Nari. Who exactly have you fallen in love with?"....