Isabelle Han... The hardworking and well-known employee everyone relied on in the office... Walked past the employees, greeting them with a smile and a well-organized appearance, as usual.
But she wasn't heading for her desk. She was going to the managing director's office on the next floor.
She had been employee of the month a few times and was well known to be calm even under the pressure of a project submission deadline.
They say; she's the quiet force that keeps the department running so smoothly.
And this lady was getting ready for a promotion, one she worked so hard for.
"Miss Han, this time for sure, you'll get the promotion," one of her colleagues said to her as she passed.
A few others nodded, offering knowing smiles and respectful acknowledgment.
Isabelle returned the gesture politely with a smile and waved at them.
"She looks so calm even in a situation like this."
"I'd have my heart in my throat if that were me."
Though that seemed to be the case, Isabelle was actually nervous. Her heart wouldn't stop pulsing heavily.
'It's finally here,' she thought, feeling immense gratitude she could cry. 'My glorious promotion.'
Though this was just the first step, she planned to climb higher with time.
Isabelle put her all into her work. She had done everything right; stayed late, picked up extra work, helped others without complaint, and made sure to always stay composed because she believed no good could ever come from losing her mind.
Though it was stressful, it was all worth it because today had to be the day she had looked forward to in her four years as an assistant manager.
Straightening her blazer with her chin up, she took a deep breath and walked toward the Managing Director's office.
The moment she opened the door, her steps faltered.
Someone was already there.
A black haired man she had never seen before sat on the sofa, one leg crossed over the other, a cup of coffee steaming in his hand. His posture relaxed, and behind those thin-rimmed glasses he wore, his gaze was calm but sharp, like he saw everything.
For a fleeting moment, Isabelle's heart skipped.
He was handsome. Even though she was over thirty, she didn't think she would actually meet a man like this in her life and consider them handsome.
Then, she noticed a rose brooch on his breast pocket. It was quite catchy that it was difficult not to notice it. It was more like a red rose pin but it served as a brooch in this case so she didn't think much of it.
A client, maybe? She thought, quickly regaining her composure.
But she decided not to dwell on it too much. Staring was a bad habit, after all.
But as she was about to turn her head, his sharp gaze met hers and this forced her heart to skip yet another beat in shock.
'That... That scared me.'
It was hard to stay composed when eyes like that were staring at her.
'Well, let's not look any longer. I'm here to receive my promotion news after all.'
Turning to the man behind the desk, she bowed slightly.
"You wanted to see me, sir?"
The Managing Director leaned back, eyes flicking briefly toward the stranger before settling on her.
"Yes, Miss Han. Please, have a seat."
Something in his tone made her hesitate but she didn't overanalyze and went to sit.
She sat on the sofa opposite the handsome 'client' but didn't sit directly in front of him.
Something about his presence in the office while she was about to get her wonderful news left a sense of unease in her heart.
Maybe it was because of the sharpness he carried. Maybe it was because she had never met someone like him before.
But she still held on to her positivity.
Once she was seated with her legs firmly pressed together, the managing director sighed softly and folded his hands together.
"You should be prepared from now on." He said,
"Yes?"
"Henceforth… you'll be reporting directly to the man sitting in front of you."
He nodded toward the man on the sofa.
For a second, the words didn't make sense.
Reporting… to him? It felt like gibberish being spat at her and then thrown to the floor.
Did this even make sense?
Isabelle turned, her eyes flicking between the two men. It wasn't what she thought it was, right?
Please...
A silent prayer echoed in her heart.
Please don't let it be what I'm thinking.
"I-I don't understand." She said. "I thought this meeting was about the promotion..." Her straight and confident tone seemed to dip at the end, as if her throat had been caught by her own saliva.
The Managing Director's expression faltered. He looked regretful but there wasn't anything he could do about it anyway.
"I'm sorry, Miss Han." He said his piece. "But there's… no vacancy anymore. He'll be taking over that position."
It felt like the ground gave way beneath her.
This couldn't be happening. Not now. Not right now.
This was supposed to be her day.
She was supposed to get promoted.
The promotion she had worked for... sacrificed for... it was gone? Just like that?
Just handed over to some man she'd never seen before?
How long... She gritted her teeth silently and clenched her fist... How many more years does she have to stay stuck as an assistant manager with the kind of capabilities she has?
Her chest felt tight, but Isabelle managed a small, professional smile despite the anger and pain she felt in her heart.
"Understood, sir."
The Managing Director gave her a sympathetic look, the kind that only made her feel worse.
It wasn't like his sympathy could help her.
If it could, he would have secured this position for her no matter what it took, but...
He wasn't the enemy, he looked just as cornered with no other option, but it didn't matter. The decision was already made.
The man on the sofa finally spoke, his voice calm and smooth, with a faint foreign tone that made the situation feel even worse for Isabelle.
"Miss Han, right? I'll be counting on your cooperation from now on."
Isabelle turned slightly toward him. His gaze was unreadable behind those glasses but the way he looked perfectly at ease after stealing somebody's promotion made her despise him.
Still, she could not show it.
Her jaw tightened but she maintained her professional smile.
"Of course, Mr…?"
He set his cup down and with a straight face, went ahead to introduce himself.
"Elias. Elias Yoon."
'So, the name of my enemy is Elias Yoon. Even his name sounds expensive.'
She was convinced he was a rich brat who got this spot through connections.
How else would they explain a complete nobody taking the position of acting manager with no further introductions?
If he worked in other branches, then the managing director would've said something, but he didn't say anything. He looked like he had been out on the spot, and he had no choice but to comply with the higher-ups.
"Well then, Mister Elias Yoon," she said with an even tone, not even a hint of her frustration showing forth. "I hope you'll find everything to your satisfaction."
And with that, she stood up.
She bowed once more to the Managing Director, who looked like he wanted to say something but didn't. Then she turned on her heel and walked out.
The moment the door closed behind her and she got into the elevator alone, the polite and professional mask she wore cracked into an expression twisted with pain.
The pulse of her heart pounded in her ears, her vision blurring slightly as anger replaced disbelief and composure.
Just... how could they?