The following week, I serve the twins their favorite breakfast on their last day of summer vacation.
"Mickey, you've got peanut butter and chocolate waffles. And Mason...strawberry crepes. Happy Sunday!"
"Pass the syrup, I'm going in!" Mickey says rubbing his hands maniacally
"I think there's enough sugar without the toppings, but nice try." Lee Know smiles.
"Thanks for breakfast, (Y/N)!"
"You're welcome. I just want you two to enjoy the start of an awesome school year. Third grade will be the best one yet."
"I hope we get Ms. McAllister. I heard she does cool science experiments, just like you!" Mason giggles.
"Are you trying to make me jealous? Sterling Academy sounds awesome." I tell the boys.
"I'm always jealous to hear about the boys' school days." Carter says coming around the corner, holding a thick envelope.
"Morning, Carter. Waffles?"
"No, thank you, Ms. (YLN). I'm just dropping this off. My apologies that it got lost in the shuffle, Mr. Lee."
"Not a problem. I know we got a lot of mail while we were gone."
Carter gives the twins a smile before heading back to the elevator. Lee Know opens the envelope embossed with the Sterling Academy crest, glancing over the papers with a few rapid blinks of surprise.
"Looks like the boys are in different classes this year. Mason is with Ms. McAllister, and Mickey, you're with Mr. Hodges."
"Awesome! Mr. Hodges is cool." Mickey cheers.
"Yeah...awesome."
"On the bright side...now you can distinguish yourselves. It must be hard to be in the same class as your twin every year. This way, you can really stand out."
"And you're in Ms. McAllister's class just like you wanted, Mason." Lee Know adds trying to cheer Mason up.
Mason nods and takes another bite of his crepe, barely chewing. I grimace and glance over at Lee Know, who gives me a knowing look before gesturing to the other room.
"Poor kid. They've had to deal with a lot of adjustments recently, and it looks like Mason has finally reached his limit."
"We should do something extra special for them on their last day of summer. Make sure they know that not everything is changing."
"There's this little amusement park outside the city I've been meaning to check out with the boys. It's got mini golf, go-karts, very unhealthy food...and it's far enough away that we can be ourselves. It would definitely take their minds off of school for the day, and let them have some fun in the process."
"That's a great idea." I blurt.
"Boys, after you finish your breakfast, we're celebrating your last day of summer at Golf & Game Park."
"No way! Mason, pass the whipped cream!" Mickey blurts in excitement.
I intercept the can with a smile.
"Nice try."
An hour later, I lead the others through the bright gates to Gold & Game's amusement park.
"There's so much to do, how do we pick a place to start?"
"Go-karts! Go-karts! Go-karts!" Mickey chants.
"Aren't those too fast for us? What if we crash?" Mason asks warily.
"That'd be even more awesome! Epic wipeout!"
"I think I'm in more of a mini golf mood."
"We can do both, don't worry." I smile.
"Maybe we should split up for a little bit. We can trade in thirty minutes, then regroup for lunch?" Lee Know suggest.
"Sounds perfect."
I take Mickey and arrive at the track and get buckled into our karts.
"You ready to do this, Mickey?"
"You mean am I ready to win? Heck yeah!"
"That's some big talk, kid."
we both turn our attention ahead as the race begins! Mickey zooms down the track.
Look at him go!
My tires squeal as my go-kart flies onto the track, quickly catching up with Mickey.
"How're you so fast?" Mickey asks.
"It pays to know how to drive an actual car."
I press the pedal hard, and the track blurs around me.
"Woooo!" I cheer.
My car screeches over the finish line, and I pump my fist in triumph!
"That. Was. AWESOME!!! Will you show me how to do that?"
"Of course. But you'll still need to practice if you're gonna get good enough to beat me.
"You're on!"
I loop an arm around Mickey's shoulder an give it a squeeze.
"Hey, there's something I wanted to talk to you about."
"Is it about me having fun?"
"Actually, it's about Mason having fun. As an older brother, you can lead by example."
Mickey nods, serious.
"How can I do that?"
"Just invite Mason to sit with you at lunch or play with you at recess. Once you show the other kids how much fun Mason is, he'll make friends as easily as you"
"I can do that."
I pat him on the back with a smile.
"I know you can."
"Wanna go again?"
"Let's do it."
After several more laps, Lee Know finds Mickey and I. Mason's at his side, looking a bit more cheered, but not quite his normal self.
"Ready to switch?"
"Dad had to win all the plastic goldfish for us. I didn't get a single ring toss." Mason tells me with a big smile.
"Let's go try mini golf, okay? I have a feeling your luck is about to turn around."
I share a soft smile with Lee Know as I take Mason's hand and guide him away. I take Mason to the miniature golf course, get our clubs and scorecards, and get started with a leisurely match. Mason swings his club...and the ball ricochets off a boulder obstacle and bounces back toward him.
"Oops!"
"At least you're missing with style. Maybe next putt."
I chuckle and take my turn. As I play the first several holes, I can tell he's distracted.
"Missed again..."
I help him make the hole, but when he reaches to pick up the ball, I brag it before he can.
"Alright, are you sure you don't wanna talk about what's on your mind? 'Cause I'm pretty sure it has something to do with school..."
"No! I was just thinking...how cool it'd be if we just played mini golf all year!"
"And didn't go to school at all?"
"Oh, is that what would happen? Well, since you suggested it, I guess I'd be okay with that too..."
"You know, I bet Ms. McAllister has a lot of games planned for you this year. From what you've told me, she sounds like the kind of teacher who makes learning fun."
I step behind Mason and help him lineup his next putt.
"Can't I just learn stuff from mini golf?"
"Sure you can! Like angle and trajectory. Sometimes it's impossible to get to the hole by going straight, but if we bounce the ball off that wall..."
"It'll go around the obstacle?"
"Exactly."
Mason smiles, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes, even after I help him sink the ball into the hole.
"That was fun! And I didn't need Mickey..."
"See? You'll be just fine in Ms. McAllister's class."
"But I still have you here. I'm not all alone."
"No, you're not. Why don't you try the next hole by yourself?"
He lines up the shot on his own, but his ball plops right into the fake sand trap.
"See? I can't do it. I can't do anything without help!"
"That's not true. It's moments like these when you help yourself and realize how strong you really are."
"If you say so..."
"Lee Mason, you get in that sand trap and try. Even if you don't get it, you'll know that you did your best."
I kneel down and put my hands on his shoulders, looking him square in the eye
"You can do this. I believe in you."
Mason nods. He hits the ball toward the hole, but it only goes a few inches before it rolls back to its original position in the trap. His shoulders sag.
"Do you know what 'resilient' means?"
"No..."
"'Resilient' means that when you fall down, you get back up. Metaphorically and literally. Everybody falls down. But when you get back up by yourself, you know you can do anything. Whether Mickey, Dad and I are there, or not."
"You're right. I just have to try again."
Mason takes a deep breath, squares his shoulders, and swings his club as hard as he can! This time, the ball pops out of the sand trap and rolls to a stop a few inches away from the hole.
"I did it!"
"Yeah, you did! Like I said, games don't just teach us about math and physics after all. They teach us confidence. Even though it's going to be tough, that's part of the fun, and it makes success even sweeter. You're smart, strong, and resilient, Mason. So I know you can do it."
"Me too!"
After mini golf and go-karts, we meet up with the others by an ice cream stand for 'lunch'. The twins hold down a bench while Lee Know and I get in line.
"Those boys haven't taken it easy on us...but I think a banana split will give me the energy boost I need."
"I'll give you a massage tonight after they're in bed too."
"I'd say that makes it all worth it...but the smiles on their faces already have."
The two of us look back at the boys.
"I got a hole in one!" Mason exclaims to Mickey.
"That's pretty cool...but still not as cool at go-karts! I'll be ready for my license in no time."
Lee Know wraps his arms around me, pulling my attention back to him.
"Thank you."
"Trust me, it was my pleasure."
He leans in and presses a soft kiss to my lips, and the rest of the world goes hazy as I let myself indulge in the moment. Eventually, I bring the ice cream back to the boys.
"What do you think about laser tag after this?"
"Laser tag? Mason, eat faster!" Mickey urges.
"Brain freeze!" Mason shouts holding his head.
Lee Know and I share another smile over their heads before I dig into my banana split.
Monday morning, Lee Know and I drop the twins off at Sterling Academy for their first day. The entrance is packed with parents and students.
"Come back right here after school. Carter, Jordan and I will be here to meet you."
"I'll be the one in the snazzy chauffeur cap." Carter laughs.
"Are you boys ready to go?" Lee Know asks.
"Born ready! Byeee!"
Mickey sprints up the stairs, disappearing inside. I stoop down to give Mason a hug and a final pep talk, but he lets me go after a quick squeeze
"Bye, Dad! Bye, (Y/N)! See you after school!"
And with that, Mason disappears into the building too. Lee Know and I shrug at each other and smile.
"I don't know what you said to him at Golf & Game, but whatever it was, worked."
"A nanny never reveals their secrets."
Lee Know reaches for my hand, and my eyes widen. There are still other parents around...Lee Know pauses and simply gestures for me to walk ahead of him instead.
"Sorry. Forgot where we were for a moment there."
"Soon, once the heat dies down."
Lee Know nods, and the two of us head toward our next challenge of today...the shareholder meeting.
Carter drives us to Lee Know's office...
"Did it get bigger while we were in Italy?" I ask.
"Seems that way sometimes."
As we walk through the front entrance, I hesitate, pulling gently on Lee Know's arm to make him pause.
"Are you sure about this? As far as everyone here is concerned, I'm just the nanny who broke up your engagement"
Lee Know puts an arm around my waist to guide me firmly but gently toward the elevator.
"I don't know why my dad insisted on you coming today, but I do know we're in this together. That won't change no matter what happens in this meeting"
Despite my turbulent thoughts, I take strength from Lee Know's conviction that I belong with him, wherever he goes. I stride into the conference room with my head held high, determined not to let the stares get to me...
Wait, there's barely anyone here. Where are the shareholders?
Lee Know's dad and Sofia's father, Paolo, sit at the head of the table, and Robin is set up in the middle on the other side. The rest of the seats are noticeably empty.
"Finally. Let's get this over with." Paolo grunts.
"What's she doing here?" Robin growls
"I asked (Y/N) to come, and before you protest, your opinion on the matter is unnecessary." Mr. Lee answers.
Why is Robin so mad at me? He's just as guilty of breaking up Lee Know and Sofia, and it's not like I asked to be here...
I glance at Lee Know, noticing a pained expression cross his face for just a moment.
"Robin...it's been a while. I assume you're well, considering you're always your top priority."
"Damn straight. How are you and the nanny doing? Has the existential dread that you've just made the biggest mistake of your life ruined everything yet?"
"Robin, let's not lose focus"
I take a deep breath and force a polite smile onto my face.
"The way you talk, it sounds like I'm the whole reason this meeting was called. I certainly hope you all wouldn't waste our time like that, given Lee Know's immaculate business record."
"Heaven forbid we upset the golden child." Robin says sarcastically.
Lee Know slips a hand onto my knee under the table, giving me a grateful squeeze.
"Now then, I think we're ready to get started. Where are the other shareholders?"
"About that. This isn't actually a shareholder meeting–" Mr. Lee states.
"Are you kidding me?" Robin yells.
Robin is already on his feet, making his way toward the door, but Lee Know's dad blocks his path.
"This is exactly why we had to stoop to a ruse to get you two in the same room." Mr. Lee remarks.
"We have important business to discuss, now that the family merger fell through and Sofia's run off to St. Bart's" Paolo adds.
"Sofia went on the honeymoon alone? I almost feel bad for her. I hope she's found someone else to share that suite with... She certainly needs some stress relief." I say.
"Sofia's completely spiraled into self-pity and indulgence, just like her mother. I knew I was right not to let her be in charge."
"After what happened in Italy, Paolo and I decided that the only fair thing to do with Lee-Russo Incorporated is to hold a competition for CEO"
"Seriously? After everything I've done for this company? Everything I've sacrificed?" Lee Know blurts in frustration.
"We're just not sure we can trust your decision-making anymore." Paolo states.
Poor Lee Know...
I reach under the table and give Lee Know's hand a comforting squeeze. He squeezes back.
"I'm not the only one who made 'untrustworthy' decisions leading up to the wedding, Paolo."
"We're aware. Obviously, Robin isn't suddenly up for the job simply by default..." Mr. Lee says.
"But I took that leadership seminar!"
"Oh, one seminar! Why didn't you say so?" Lee Know sarcastically says.
"...Which is why you'll both have the chance to prove yourselves. You'll each take over a division that's currently in the red and bring it back to black. The most profitable division at the end of the quarter wins."
Mr. Lee hands Robin and Lee Know folders with charts and figures for all the divisions inside
"The new CEO will be announced at the company holiday party this December." Paolo says.
"That's only three months away!" I point out.
"Dibs on manufacturing. Meeting adjourned?"
Robin strolls out of the room with a breezy step, leaving the rest of us stunned.
"When do you need my decision?" Lee Know asks.
"Tomorrow morning is fine." his dad says.
Lee Know nods, and the two of us leave. As soon as I step into his office, Lee Know begins pacing as he flips through the folders.
"Fitness, animal rehabilitation, bioinformatics... There must be two dozen divisions in here to choose from"
"You should trust your instincts. One of your biggest advantages over Robin is your experience, and the business sense that's come from it."
"Still...in order to do that, I think I've gotta see the divisions in action. I don't want to feel like I've made this decision blindfolded."
"Why don't you spend the rest of the day touring all your options?"
"Only if you'll come with me. I can't decide without your help."
Lee Know stops pacing and wraps his arms around my waist. He leans in to kiss my neck, then whispers in my ear...
"Please, (Y/N)? Just imagine what else we could get up to around here after."
I turn in his arms and smile up at him.
"Lead the way."
We enter the first division on the list and look around...
"Mr. Lee, welcome back... And (Y/N), what brings you here? Don't tell me you've been assigned to the fitness division." Fiona smiles.
"I'm just visiting. This isn't where you work, is it?"
"God no, I'm just here to glance over the budgets and see what can be trimmed. Like this weight-loss belt prototype. It's testing poorly with our focus groups, so I doubt it'll make the cut."
"How do you even wear it?"
"If we already have a prototype and focus groups, we must've already sunk quite a bit of money into the idea..." Lee Know says.
"True, but if we keep going down the path, we'll never dig out of our hole."
"Have you tried making it look sleek and chic?" I ask.
"We were going for function over fashion..."
"Why not both? Slim down the nodes, make the material a crisp charcoal gray microfiber, maybe add a simple chevron pattern. A few minor tweaks, and I think the focus group'll warm up to them."
"Interesting... I'll pass that along to the design team."
"We've got another division to check out, but keep me updated on any changes down here."
"You've got it, boss"
I follow Lee Know out into the hall. I glance over at him, taking in his disinterested look.
"So, that's a 'no' to fitness, then?"
"While it's an important division and it would mean a lot to the company for it to flip back to profitable this year...I really can't imagine spending my days tinkering with high-tech ankle weights and instant adrenaline patches."
"Then let's keep looking. What's next?"
Lee Know leads me into a lab where all sorts of animals are in various stages of rehabilitation with Lee products.
"Hey there, Mr. Lee. (Y/N), long time, not see."
"Hey, Grant. You're not...doing animal testing in here, are you?" I ask warily.
"Absolutely not. These are all products for animals. If we happen to learn something that might one day apply to humans, great! But that's not the main goal. Right now, the division's been focusing on prosthetics."
"Then what brings you to the animal lab? Working on a new patent?"
"Actually, I'm here to try to save an old patent that might be cut from production. It's a wheeled support for small animals who've lost leg function."
"What's the problem with it?" Lee Know asks.
"The testing went well enough, and it's intuitive with terrain... But we did a soft launch with 50,000 units, and they're just not flying off the shelves."
"Sounds like you need targeted marketing. If we move the units into exclusive animal rehab brands, the sales should respond quickly, especially with online advertising."
"She's got a point."
Grant scratches some figures down onto a notepad and nods vigorously.
"I don't know how I didn't see it sooner, but I blame the marketing department. They're always trying to put every product in front of every person. But some products just don't need that kind of exposure or production. Like this isn't something every pet owner needs. Thanks, you two. I'll try this out."
"Good luck with the relaunch." Lee Know smiles.
Back out in the hallway, I turn toward Lee Know.
"So, is animal biotech a good fit?"
"Honestly, it seemed like it was a better fit for you. You were able to help Grant so quickly... But I just don't feel that spark I used to feel before I started taking over some of my dad's CEO duties... The rush I get from tinkering with parts, running code, pressing a button and seeing everything light up and work perfectly...or get completely fried and fall apart."
The faraway look in Lee Know's eyes remind me of one of the divisions I saw on the list earlier.
"That's it! I know exactly what division you should take over..."
I cover Lee Know's eyes and carefully direct him to the robotics lab. It looks exactly like it did the last time we were here together... I remove my hands with a flourish.
"Ta-da! Welcome to your new division!"
"The robotics lab?"
"It's perfect, right? This is where it all started for you...and us."
"It started for us long before we came here."
He smirks at me, then starts walking deeper into the lab, trailing his fingers along the tables filled with tiny machine parts and computer screens scrolling code.
"I remember when you showed me around before. It was written all over your face how much you love this stuff. Plus...you deserve to be happy. No matter what happens with the competition with Robin, you'd be happy working in the robotics lab over the next few months. And that's what's most important."
Lee Know looks around the lab, considering. Then he turns back to me and pulls me into his embrace.
"Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without your help."
"Keep things PG at the office?"
He nuzzles his nose into my neck, peppering my skin with soft, teasing kisses.
"True. You do tend to bring out the daredevil in me."
"Daredevil...or exhibitionist?"
Lee Know's eyes darken as a soft, knowing smile curves his lips.
"Why not both? Although I suppose we're missing an audience, if we're going for the whole exhibitionist thing."
"Robin could always interrupt us again."
"Don't jinx us."
Lee Know's fingertips skate softly along my cheek and jaw. He tilts my face up to his, his lips whispering like a tantalizing secret against mine.
"Let's make a sizzling new memory together."
Lee Know's eyes flash.
"Are you sure?"
"About being adventurous with you? Always."
Lee Know scoops me into his arms and settles me onto the nearest tabletop.
"Oh!"
Lee Know smirks at me, smoothing his palms up my thighs.
"You're right, you know. There's a lot of stuff in this lab that needs to get done. I think I'll start right here..."
Lee Know leans in and blazes a fiery path along my exposed neck with open-mouth kisses. I let my head fall back giving him better access as I wrap my legs around his waist and hold him against me.
"That feels..."
"Good?"
"Great..."
Finally, he captures my lips in a fierce kiss. I gasp, trying to catch my breath, and his tongue sweeps inside...
"Let's say we finish what we started last time we were here..."
"Yes..."
As I get lost in his kisses, Lee Know pulls my top up and over my head. I reach for his hand and get it over my breast. His thumb gently circles my pebbled nipple...
"Oh!"
I blindly undo the buttons of his shirt, needing to feel his skin against mine. I run my fingers over the smooth planes of his stomach, drifting to the waistband of his pants.
"What do you want, (Y/N)?"
"You."
Lee Know's hand snakes between my thighs, teasing me just enough to bring a heady flush to my cheeks.
"How do you want me?"
"I want your mouth on me."
Lee Know grins wickedly.
"Yes, ma'am."
Slipping down between my legs, Lee Know tugs my panties to the side, and I jolt with pleasure at the sensation of his tongue lapping my sensitive skin. I groan softly as he works me over, leaving me breathless and dizzy.
"Lee Know, I'm..."
"I've got you. Let go..."
My eyes close and my back arches as I reel closer and closer to the brink. I shudder as pleasure overtakes me, clutching to Lee Know like a lifeline.
"...Lee Know! "
"God, you're beautiful when you come all over my tongue."
"Lee Know!"
I slap his shoulder playfully when suddenly, the familiar sound of the door lock beeping echoes from down the hall.
"Not again!"
I scramble off the table, adjusting my clothes and hair as an intern steps into the lab.
"Oh, sorry to interrupt! I didn't expect anyone to be in here during lunch."
"Not a problem. I'm Lee Min-ho. Nice to meet you. I'll be taking over the robotics division for the next few months"
"You'll be...? Wow, what an honor! Would you like me to show you what we've been working on?"
"Well..."
Lee Know turns to me, and I smile.
"Go on. I have to pick up the boys soon anyway."
I turn to go, but Lee Know gently grabs my arm to stop me.
"Thank you...for everything."
I grin and nod, leaving as the intern starts to show Lee Know the division's new projects. That afternoon, I meet Jordan at Sterling Academy to pick up the twins. By the time I get there, the entranceway is already packed with waiting parents and nannies.
"Hey, Jordan. How's your first day going?"
"It was pretty easy since you and Mr. Lee dropped the boys off this morning... So I spent most of the afternoon setting up an exploding-foam experiment for Mason and Mickey–"
I get distracted by the loud voices of some of the nearby parents..."
"I don't know how you missed the story of the summer! The wedding blew up and Min-ho completely disappeared...supposedly with his nanny."
"Well, he took his kids, right? Of course he brought the nanny along to watch them." one parent defends.
"Yeah, I heard the driver went too." another parent defends.
"Ugh. You two have no sense of drama."
"Or maybe they just don't feel comfortable spreading unconfirmed rumors." I blurt.
The woman smirks at me, and I have no doubt she knows exactly who I am.
"Are you looking to confirm these rumors, then?"
If she knew I was Lee Know's girlfriend now, she wouldn't dare look so smug... But I can't just blurt out that we're together. Not at the boys' school.
"Actually the opposite. You're way off base. It's like your friend said, I was just a nanny who was asked to look after the kids. Anything else you think happened is all in your imagination."
The woman turns away from me, all but ignores what I said.
"Here I thought we paid Sterling to make sure there isn't trash on the grounds."
"Ma'am, you are being incredibly rude right now. (Y/N) is only here because she's training me to be the new nanny for the Lee family. I won't have you speaking ill of her. And I'm sure Mr. Lee won't have it either."
"I don't think it's necessary to get him involved..."
"Give it up, Lana. You tried to be the queen bee and failed. It happens, right, Will?"
"Careful, Marisol, we've got incoming..." will replies
The front doors burst open as the bell rings, and children flood through the gates.
"(Y/N)! Jordan!"
"Hey, boys. How was your first day?"
"Surprisingly good."
"Yeah, 'cause Mason's got a girlfriend."
"Shut up! I do not!"
"Mason's got a girlfriend. Mason's got a girlfriend!"
"Let's get you two home, and you can tell us all about it."
That night, I lounge with Lee Know in the penthouse, recounting everything from Jordan's foam experiment to Mason's new crush.
"So even though I'm technically unemployed, it was a very full afternoon."
"That's what happens when you continue to do your job after you were fired."
Lee Know reaches for me, his hands drifting up and down my back.
"Mmm, and how about you? How was the rest of your day?"
"Good. I told Dad I want the robotics division, and he seemed happy with my choice. But more importantly, I can't wait to get started."
"That's amazing!"
Lee Know clears his throat.
"I've also been thinking more about our future. Jordan told me what happened with that mom at Sterling..."
"She was nothing I couldn't handle."
"That doesn't mean things won't get out of control next time. I want you to be prepared...I want us both to be prepared."
"What does that mean?"
"It means we're going to hire a publicist to help us take our relationship public the right way."