While Jinho was buried under a mountain of paperwork at his desk, the heavy mahogany door to his office swung open.
In walked Tanya Miller.
"How's your day?" she purred, casually leaning against the edge of his desk.
Tanya was the undisputed top model of IMG Models, their agency, having just returned from an international shoot in France. Jinho, as the company's creative director, was all too familiar with her presence.
"So, you're back," Jinho replied coolly, not even bothering to look up from his computer screen.
"Yes..." Tanya offered a dramatic pout, tilting her head. "Because I missed you."
Jinho remained completely unfazed, his face stoic as he continued typing. "You can leave now. I'm busy."
"Is that really how you welcome the agency's star model?"
Tanya held herself with an insufferable level of pride. She was drop-dead gorgeous, highly intelligent, and hailed from a ridiculously wealthy family. She was used to getting every single thing she desired. But to Jinho, none of that mattered.
"I heard you got married," Tanya continued, crossing her arms as her eyes narrowed slightly. "Who's the lucky girl? I'd love to meet her."
Jinho paused, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. He slowly turned his gaze toward her, his dark eyes glinting with a dangerous warning. "If you're planning something malicious... drop it now. Because if you mess with her, I won't let it slide."
Tanya let out a soft, wicked chuckle. "Why? Are you scared?"
Underneath her polished exterior lay a manipulative spoiled brat. If Tanya wanted something—or someone—she would get it by any means necessary.
"Get out," Jinho commanded, his voice dropping into an icy register.
"Fine... see you later, Mr. Director."
A moment later, a staff member knocked on his door. "Mr. Director, the executive board meeting is about to start."
"I'm coming."
The meeting commenced with the CEO of IMG standing at the head of the conference table. "Good morning, everyone. First, let's welcome back our star model, Tanya Miller."
Because of her elite status, Tanya had a seat at the table. Throughout the entire presentation, her eyes remained fixed on Jinho as he spoke, studying every line of his face.
I'll find a way to make you mine, she swore silently to herself.
When the meeting concluded, Jinho gathered his tablet, eager to leave. But the CEO called out to him.
"Jinho, could you drop Tanya off at her place? Her family is hosting a dinner party to celebrate her return, and as director, your presence at the welcome event is mandatory."
Tanya offered Jinho a triumphant smirk as they walked to his car. "I'm so happy I get to ride with you."
"I'm only doing this because the CEO requested it," Jinho stated flatly, starting the engine. "Not for you."
Tanya feigned offense, placing a hand over her heart. "Ah... you hurt my feelings."
"Once I drop you off, I'm leaving."
"Don't you have to stay? The agency's most important investors are going to be there."
"I don't care."
"So you don't care about your job?"
"My wife is waiting for me at home," Jinho replied coldly, stepping on the gas.
The moment they arrived at the venue, Jinho dropped Tanya off at the entrance and immediately drove away without looking back.
The Condo
Back at the apartment, Jinho and Cha were sitting down for a quiet dinner when Jinho's phone began ringing repeatedly on the table.
Cha glanced at the screen, seeing the CEO's caller ID. "Aren't you going to answer that?"
"Hold on a second, wifey," Jinho sighed, stepping aside.
— On the Phone —
"Jinho, you need to come back to the party right now," the CEO demanded firmly. "The main investors have just arrived and they're asking for you."
Jinho suppressed a deep sigh. "Understood, Mr. CEO. I'm on my way."
Hanging up, Jinho walked back into the dining room with a heavy expression.
"Is there a problem?" Cha asked softly.
"I have to attend Tanya's welcome party after all. The agency investors are there and I need to represent the company."
"Ah, I see... Who is Tanya?"
"She's IMG's top model."
Cha walked over to the living room table and picked up a luxury fashion magazine, pointing to the cover model. "Is it her?"
Jinho took a brief look. "Yeah. That's her."
"She's stunning..." Cha murmured, staring at the flawless woman on the glossy cover.
Jinho stepped closer, taking Cha's face gently in his hands and giving her a warm wink. "You're infinitely prettier than her."
Cha flushed, offering a small smile. "Go on, change your clothes so you won't keep your boss waiting."
"I'm sorry, my wifey... I feel like I haven't been giving you enough time lately."
"It's okay," Cha assured him gently, kissing his cheek. "You can make it up to me another day."
Tanya's Villa
"Everyone, allow me to introduce the Creative Director of IMG Models—a man who never fails to deliver perfection!" The CEO announced to the gathering crowd as Jinho stepped into the lavishly decorated ballroom. "And, of course, our star of the night, Tanya Miller!"
"Hi, everyone! Please enjoy the party," Tanya beamed at the guests before immediately steering Jinho toward a quieter corner of the estate.
Jinho yanked his arm back from her grip. "What do you want to talk about?"
"About your wife," Tanya said smoothly, taking a sip of champagne. "Is she pretty?"
"Yes," Jinho answered without hesitation. "Far prettier than you."
Tanya's smile faltered for a fraction of a second. "Really? Then why didn't you bring her?"
"There was no need."
"I just wanted to see if your claim was true. I'm beautiful too, Jinho... why didn't you ever look at me?"
"Because Cha isn't just beautiful on the outside," Jinho said, his voice laced with cold truth. "She has a pure, beautiful heart. Something you know nothing about."
"I can be good, Jinho..." Tanya took a step closer, reducing the space between them until her perfume overwhelmed his senses.
Jinho took an immediate step back, turning his shoulder on her and walking away into the crowd. For the rest of the night, he expertly avoided her, dodging every attempt she made to corner him.
at Condo — 1:00 AM
It was well past midnight when Jinho quietly unlocked the door to their apartment. The master bedroom was dark, Cha already fast asleep under the covers.
Slipping off his jacket, Jinho climbed onto the bed and began pressing soft, desperate kisses along Cha's neck and jawline.
Cha stirred, blinking sleepily against the moonlight. "Jinho...? I'm sleeping... please, stop..." She sat up, rubbing her eyes as she looked at him. "Why...? Did something bad happen at the party?"
"No... nothing happened."
"Then why do you look so sad?" Cha asked, her heart breaking at the heavy, exhausted look in his dark eyes.
"I'm just tired, wifey..." Jinho murmured. He leaned forward and wrapped his arms tightly around her waist, burying his face into her chest. "I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost you..."
Cha blinked in confusion, running her fingers through his dark hair. "You're being so weird tonight... What are you talking about?"
Jinho pulled back slightly, his eyes shining with uncharacteristic vulnerability. "Wifey... no matter what happens, can you promise to always trust me?"
"Of course I trust you..."
Yet, deep down, an uneasy pit formed in Cha's stomach. She could sense that something—or someone—was deeply troubling her husband.
"I love you, wifey," Jinho whispered, kissing her forehead before pulling her back down against the pillows, holding her like a lifeline.
"I love you too..."
I'll do whatever it takes to protect you, Cha, Jinho promised in the silence of his mind. I won't let anyone destroy us.
Jinho lay awake in the dark, his mind racing with anxiety over Tanya. He knew how viciously calculating she could be when crossed. He was terrified that Tanya would target Cha—or worse, orchestrate a scheme to tear their marriage apart.
IMG Headquarters — The Next Morning
Jinho stepped into the elevator, pressing the button for the top floor. Just before the doors slid shut, a slender hand blocked the sensor.
Tanya stepped inside, looking radiant in a designer power suit. "Hi... good morning, Jinho."
The elevator doors closed, leaving just the two of them in the quiet metal box. Jinho kept his eyes glued to the illuminated floor numbers above, completely ignoring her presence.
"Can we have lunch together today?" Tanya asked, shifting closer to his side.
"I'm busy."
"Really? Or are you just avoiding me?"
Before Jinho could react, Tanya closed the remaining distance, stepping dangerously close into his personal space, her eyes locking onto his lips.
Ding.
The elevator doors chimed and slid open on the executive floor, catching the two of them standing inches apart in front of a group of stunned employees waiting outside.
Jinho instantly pushed past Tanya, his expression dark as he strode furiously down the hallway toward his private office, slamming the door shut behind him.
Leaning his back against the closed door, Jinho ran a frustrated hand through his hair, his pulse hammering against his ribs.
That woman is completely insane.
___Chapter 8 end___
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