The next day, I fidget as Carter drives Lee Know and I to the Manhattan office of Naya Pratt, publicist extraordinaire.
"So...how common is it to hire a publicist in your tax bracket? Is it pretty average, like a prenup? Or is she going to give me a whole new identity, like in witness protection?"
"She might fluff and polish, but she's not going to invent an entirely new us. She'll just sand off the imperfections."
"Okay...you promise I won't have to change?"
"Promise. Naya Pratt really is the best in the business. Remember when Riley Wincrest drank too much cough syrup and flipped over an autograph table?"
"...No?"
"Exactly."
Lee Know reaches over to take my hand, suddenly deadly serious
"(Y/N), I won't let you fall prey to the dark side of this lifestyle. You're my everything, and if I have to hire a hundred publicists to protect you, I will."
I can tell from his faraway expression that he's been swept back into the past, into a memory from long before we knew each other...
"Lee Know..."
"Excuse me, Mr. Lee. We're here."
Carter's voice breaks his reverie, and Lee Know gives my hand a reassuring squeeze.
"We won't do anything you're not comfortable with, and if you don't like Naya, we'll find someone else."
"...Okay."
I take one last deep breath, then grab Lee Know's hand and step out of the car.
Not long after, I'm seated across from Naya Pratt, her penetrating gaze focused on me like a laser.
"The people who come to me have the urge to...beautify the truth. But I can't control a story if I don't know it. If one stone is left unturned, someone else will turn it for me. Do I make myself clear?"
"Perfectly."
"Brilliant. Now, how did this all start? What's the real story I'm working with?"
"It all started before I knew Min-ho was engaged. Min-ho and I were attracted to each other from the moment we met. We tried to stay away, for the boys' sake as well as Sofia, but..."
"(Y/N) was irresistible. I was the one who instigated, though."
"I wanted you too."
"Wonderful. This is all great info. Exactly what I mean when it comes to complete honesty. Thank you. From now on when you're asked this question, you'll say after Min-ho's broken engagement. You two grew close due to your shared affection for his sons."
"And you're sure people will buy that?"
"The only thing the public enjoys more than a scandal is a love story, Mr. Lee. Now, the first step is to separate you two, at least until we've rehabbed your images individually. For example, we'll fix Min-ho's severe business persona."
"Excuse me?"
"I'd say you're more charmingly repressed." I smile.
"After that, we'll establish a new Day One for your relationship, then follow up with a serious of low-profile appearances... If everything goes well, we'll finish with a tell-all interview to establish a credible public record. You two will be good to go in six months, a year tops."
"A year?! Are you sure we can't fast-track some of this?"
"I don't want to make unrealistic promises that will lead to disappointment later. We might be able to adjust the timeline as we go, but this type of reconstruction takes time."
"We'll still be together behind closed doors, (Y/N). We can get through this."
"I know, it's just...longer than I thought it'd be."
"Oh, and one more thing...Sofia Russo is a constant liability, so we should move quickly on this. How do you want me to handle her? We can go on the offensive, or simply ignore her..."
"(Y/N)? What do you think?"
"I want to take Sofia out. We can't have her threatening to pop up at any point and ruin this for us."
"I'll add that to the agenda. From what Min-ho told me earlier, she's already provided us plenty of ammunition."
Naya jots something down in her ledger, then shuts it with a snap.
"There's no time to begin like the present. Min-ho, shall we get started with your makeover?"
"Ooo, a makeover?" I smile.
"I'm going to regret this, aren't I?" Lee Know looks to me and chuckles.
"Nonsense. It's the easiest way to make you appear more relatable and down to earth, while still maintaining your heartthrob status. I can call in a favor and get you a private appointment with a fashion expert." Naya informs.
"That's a tempting offer...but I'll only do it if (Y/N) comes too. What do you say?"
"Let's make you over." I giggle.
"Excellent. If you'll both follow me..."
Soon, Lee Know and I are following Naya through a downtown shopping district.
"A quick word before we begin. Everyone I work with has signed a N.D.A., but it'd still be prudent to keep the full extent of your relationship under wraps."
"Got it. So, where are we going? Neiman Marcus? Bergdorf Goodman? F.A.O. Schwarz?"
"I'm pretty sure that last one is a toy shop."
"Exactly! Imagine the possibilities..."
"Even better. I'm taking you to Mode magazine headquarters."
Naya sweeps into the upscale fashion magazine building and is immediately greeted by a chic, beautiful woman.
"Naya, so good to see you again."
"Amina, thanks for making time for us in your busy schedule. It's not every day the editor-in-chief agrees to do a fitting."
I grab at Lee Know's arm excitedly, dropping my voice while Naya and Amina catch up.
"The editor-in-chief is gonna give you this makeover? I'm so jealous. Imagine, being dressed by the Amina Harbour."
"I kinda fee like a doll, to be honest."
"Yeah, an impeccably dressed doll!"
Naya makes the introductions, then Amina leads our group to a private conference room.
"So, what are you looking for in your new style?"
"Well, Naya was suggesting something a little more casual and down-to-earth...although I do still have to look somewhat professional." Lee Know informs Amina.
"Polished, but approachable." Naya suggests.
"I see. And (Y/N)? What would you like to see on Min-ho?"
"Something that feels comfortable. No one wants to wear a scratchy sweater all day, you know?"
"Good note. Plus, if you look and feel your best, then you'll be your best. I think I have just the thing. Follow me."
We enter a huge closet filled from floor to ceiling with clothes, handbags, shoes.
"Is this heaven?"
"I know. Amina has good taste...but she also has all of the fashion world at her fingertips. Let her work her magic."
And work she does. Just a few minutes later, she's handed Lee Know a complete outfit.
"That should do it. While you change, Naya, I'd love to get your take on our new spring lineup."
"Of course. We'll be right back."
Amina leads Naya away, and I lock the door behind them. Lee Know turns to me with wide eyes.
"This is...more than I was expecting."
"You said Naya would deliver, and she has. Now, strip."
Lee Know starts to unbutton his shirt, and I drink him in appreciatively.
"Ah, that's better."
"It doesn't really hit the 'professional' mark though."
"Mmm...worth it."
Lee Know chuckles as he finishes changing into his new outfit.
"What do you think?"
"Wow...just wow!"
"Is that a good wow or a bad wow?"
"It's a great wow. The best there ever was."
Lee Know takes another look at himself in the mirror and smiles.
"If you love it, I do too."
"But I won't be able to keep my hands off you...although that has nothing to do with the clothes."
I slide my arms around Lee Know's neck, drawing him in for a long, slow kiss. Lee Know leans into me, pressing the length of his body against mine as his hands explore my curves.
"You're driving me crazy..."
My hands fall to his waist as I steady myself against the onslaught of pleasure. My fingers trail upward, sliding under Lee Know's shirt and spanning the bare skin of his back.
"(Y/N)..."
"Shhh..."
I lean forward and press open-mouthed kisses along his neck, mirroring the meandering path of my hands. I'm teasing him from all sides, and he grows more breathless as my delicious torture continues...
"That feels..."
His hips buck against mine, searching for my touch, but I just smirk.
"Ah, ah, ah. I thought we were going to behave"
"I...don't think...I agreed to that."
I swirl my tongue at the base of his throat, and he loses control. His hands find my hair as he guides my face up into a searing kiss. Just then, there's a knock on the food.
"You two okay in there? "
"Yup! Everything's great!"
"We'll be right out."
As Naya's footsteps retreat, I flash Lee Know a sheepish smile.
"I guess you're definitely getting that outfit now."
"No complaints from me."
He straightens his clothes, then reaches for my hand before the two of us go find Naya and Amina.
"Min-ho, you look divine." Amina compliments.
"What's the verdict?" Naya asks.
Lee Know and I share a conspiratorial look.
"We'll take it."
That afternoon, Carter drops me off at the penthouse, then takes Lee Know to his office to address some reports from his new division. The boys aren't home yet, but I find Jordan cleaning up in their room.
"Whoa, what happened in here?"
"We built forts last night...but they didn't tell me they set up their experiments under the sheets!" Jordan informs us.
I try to cover my smile as I step forward to help him.
"Next time, you should make sure to tire them out before you leave. If Mickey has an ounce of energy left, he'll use it."
"Good advice. And thanks for the help. I'm sure you had a crazy day too, and I appreciate the extra hands."
"It's no problem. Min-ho and I had an appointment earlier, but that was it."
"Oh? What kind of appointment?"
Before I can respond, the elevator dings in the foyer. Jordan and I look at each other, but when it becomes clear he's not expecting anyone, I go check it out. In the entranceway, Naya holds up a sleek folder.
"I have the contracts ready for you and Lee Know to sign."
"Thanks, Naya. I can sign mine right now, but Min-ho's not here. Is it okay if I just give it to him tonight?"
"Tonight? (Y/N), do you still live there?"
"Uh...yes?"
"When I said the first step was to separate you, that did include your living arrangement. Leave that contract where Min-ho can find it and come with me. We're going apartment hunting, right now."
"But–"
Jordan steps into the foyer, offering Naya a bright and curious smile.
"Hello there! Everything okay, (Y/N)?"
"Jordan, tell Min-ho I went out."
"If you're sure. Good luck with...whatever this is."
I give Jordan a little wave as I resign myself to following Naya out the door. Before I know it, Naya and I are scuttling around the city, checking out various listings.
"I asked my real estate friend to send over some recommendations. We'll find a new home for you in no time."
"That last one had two toilets facing each other in the bathroom. Do people actually want that?"
"Picture the strangest thing a person could want in their home, and New York has an apartment to match. Which means it should be easy to find you something a little more...normal."
Naya surprises you by reaching across the seat and patting my hand.
"I know this is a big change, but I need you to trust that I know what I'm doing. With my help, you and Min-ho will emerge from this scandal unscathed. That's what you want, yes?"
"Of course it's what I want. I just don't know if this is the way to get it."
"Which is why Min-ho hired me. It's my job to know."
"Still...I want to make sure I don't lose who I am in this whole process."
Naya gives me a thoughtful look, as if she's really seeing me for the first time.
"You know, a lot of people would have no qualms taking advantage of this situation. Taking advantage of a man like Mr. Lee..."
"Yeah, well, I'm not a lot of people."
"So I'm realizing."
The cab stops, and I realize where I am.
Lee-Russo Incorporated is a few blocks away on my left, and if I really strain, I can make out Lee Know's apartment building to my right.
"We're right back where we started?"
"Based on what you said, I thought something in a familiar area might be more your style. As you've surmised, Empire Terrace is close to the family penthouse, but far enough away to be appropriate. And wait until you see the inside."
I step into a ground floor apartment, looking at the plain furnishings.
"We'll start with something simple and work our way up. Either way, a place in this building comes fully furnished"
"That's good, at least."
"Let's take a look at the bedroom. I think you'll be surprised by the amount of space it has. Be honest, (Y/N). This might be your new home. Thoughts?"
"If you want honesty...I don't know if anywhere will feel like home with Min-ho. I'm trying, but...it's just hard to picture myself here, you know?"
"That's fair. Let's see if we can find an upgrade for you..."
I follow Naya out into the hallway and toward the elevators.
"You know, you're not the first woman I've helped to navigate a messy affair... A former client left her husband for an old sweetheart after they'd been separated for years. He tried to leak nude photos of her and ruin her reputation in retaliation."
"What an asshole. How do you get ahead of something like that?"
"We held auditions for a young look-alike who agreed to claim they were pictures of her. Then we held a meeting with him. It would look like he was the one who had the affair with a much younger woman, then leaked her photos and lied about who they were."
"Damn. That's like something from a movie."
"Thank you. And...it's also not the first time Mr. Lee has reached out to me for my services."
"When else did he reach out?"
"He wanted my help in dealing with the press on behalf of his first wife, Addison."
Lee Know's first wife... He rarely talks about her, except when the boys ask for fun stories about their mom.
"I couldn't help them because of my client load then...although I got the sense that Addison didn't want my advice, despite Min-ho's encouragement."
"I had no idea... Why wouldn't Addison want your help?"
"Maybe she felt like it would be admitting defeat, or she felt like it would be considered a weakness that she couldn't 'handle' things."
"I guess this explains why Min-ho was so insistent on hiring you."
"He cares a great deal for you. Your relationship is still new, and opening up about the death of a spouse is difficult, even for the strongest man."
Naya turns to face me more fully, placing a reassuring hand on my arm.
"If I may be so bold, Min-ho enlisted my services specifically because he's committed to you long term. So be patient. He'll open up when he's ready. There's no rush when you have the rest of your lives together."
"Well, when you put it that way..."
"Now come on, I have another apartment for you to look at, and I think you'll like it even more than the last one..."
Naya leads me up to the penthouse. The apartment is modern and chic... I can't help but imagine what it'd be like to come home to this place every night.
"I just love the natural lighting in here, don't you?"
"This might actually be nicer than Min-ho's place... And I have gotten used to being on the top floor."
I wonder into the bedroom next.
Mmm...I can definitely picture spending some quality time with Lee Know in here.
"If I can't live with Min-ho, this is the next best thing"
"I agree."
Naya checks her watch.
"I should probably get you back, considering you have some packing to do. Shall I tell my realtor that you want the penthouse? You can always take the ground floor apartment, if you'd feel more comfortable."
If I have to move, then at least I can live in luxury.
"This place already feels like home. Well, as much as anything away from Min-ho can feel like home."
"I was hoping you'd say that. Let me see if we can't get you in here tonight..."
That evening, I'm settling into my new place when four tiny fists pound insistently at the front door.
"Come out with your hands up! " Mickey shouts playfully.
"We know you've got the treasure, Dread Pirate (Y/N)! " Mason blurts.
"Arrgh! You'll never get yer hands on me gold."
As soon as I twist the knob, the twins explode into the room, galloping around my apartment.
"I apologize in advance for whatever they're about to break."
Lee Know's arms circle around me from behind, and I lean back into him.
"It's so clean!" Mickey smiles.
"Duh, it's brand new." Mason retorts back.
"And it's pretty easy to keep it clean when you don't live with a couple of seven-year-olds."
"We'll just have to start messing it up for you!"
Mason shoves skeptically at my couch cushions.
"Huh. Good bounce rate. May require further testing..."
"I hypothesize that the bed will be even bouncier!" Mickey challenges.
The twins disappear further into the apartment, laughing and chasing each other.
"This closet is big enough for fort sleepovers! "
"Boys! Be gentle!" Lee Know tells them
Lee Know and I stand alone in the living room.
"So, what do you think? I know it's sudden, but Naya practically dragged me out the door when she realized I was still living with you. Besides, this will give us space to grow closer. We've been practically on top of each other since the beginning, and we kinda skipped a few steps. Think of this as our do-over. Our chance to solidify our foundation."
Lee Know turns me to face him, nuzzling my neck.
"I want that too. I look forward to getting to know you all over again. And I like that you have your own space. I would rather it be an add-on to the penthouse...but Naya knows what she's doing."
"Yeah I was skeptical at first, but she convinced me. Actually, she mentioned something else I wanted to talk to you about too...about Addison?"
Lee Know stiffens at the mention of his first wife's name, but doesn't pull back.
"I know you don't like to talk about her..."
"No, it's fine. I mean, I don't like to dredge up the past, especially when I have the future in my arms. But I'm sure you have questions, and I want you to feel comfortable asking them."
"In that case... Why did Addison need a publicist?"
"Addi grew up in a well-off family, but they never had the kind of scrutiny that comes with the Lee name. The press used her...naiveness against her. Anything she said, everything she did made headline news. It only got worse after the boys were born. Most days, she was afraid to leave the penthouse."
"That's horrible..."
"It was probably already too late when I tried to get help for her. That's why I wanted to be proactive with you."
"Makes sense."
I lean in, resting my head against his shoulder. He runs his hands up and down my back.
"Thank you for putting up with all this just to be with me."
"Well, there are some perks. Like..."
The sounds of rumbling feet pound down the hallway, right on cue. We step apart again as Mickey and Mason come rocketing back into the room, out of breath from whatever they've been doing.
"Dad, Mickey and I talked it over, and we're ready for our own apartment too."
"It'll be a big step for all of us, but we'll get used to it. I'm thinking of a ball pit living room, bubble bath bathroom, and a slide to get downstairs!"
"Yeah! And a bed that can also transform into a robot!"
"I'd love to talk about this more in, say, fifteen years?" Lee Know laughs.
"But that's forever from now..." Mason whines.
"Tell him it's okay, (Y/N)!" Mickey begs.
"I think you should ask for a trampoline floor too." I encourage.
"Why didn't we think of that?"
"It's so much faster to jump around on!"
"Now I'm never gonna hear the end of it..." Lee Know smiles at me.
"Can't blame the kids for wanting a dream home."
I turn back to the twins.
"But maybe you two should wait until you do a little more research. What if you get a trampoline floor, then realize next year what you really want is a permanent ice skating rink?"
"Brilliant!"
"Or a foam pit!"
"The possibilities are endless!"
"How about this? You two can pick where we get takeout from tonight since (Y/N) doesn't have any dishes yet?" Lee Know suggests.
"Pizza!" Mickey shouts.
"Pizza! Pizza!" Mason agrees
"That was easy. Pizza it is!" I smile.
"My hypothesis was correct! Dad's new clothes have made him nicer!" Mason laughs.
"Are you saying I wasn't nice before?"
"You can be nicer than regular-nice." Mickey blurts with a smile.
Lee Know smiles at me over the twins' heads, and I feel contentment bubble up in my chest. This place is already starting to feel like home. Two hours later...both boys doze on the couch on top of the remnants of their fort, and I lead Lee Know to the bedroom.
"So I was thinking, now that we're not living together anymore, we need a new rule."
"Oh?"
"We should make sure we have weekly date nights. I know they'll have to be either here or at your place for now, but I don't want our real relationship to fall behind because we're focused on the fake one."
"Great idea. We'll make it happen."
Lee Know cups my cheeks in his hands and kisses me, his movements purposeful, searching...
"Trust me, Naya's plan might change the way the press sees us, but we won't let it change anything between us."
"Promise?" I ask.
"Promise."
I stare deep into Lee Know's eyes, my gaze drifting down to his perfect lips. I lean in and capture his mouth with mine, pouring all of my emotions into the kiss. Lee Know's arms slide around my waist, pulling me flush against him as his tongue sweeps between my parted lips.
"You know...we'll have to christen this new apartment eventually."
"Every room?"
"Every surface."
"Something to look forward to..."
Lee Know's hands move down my body, desperate to find a sliver of bare skin. I shiver as his fingers brush against my leg, then up my thigh.
"Lee Know..."
His lips find mine again, and I wrap my arms around his neck, urging him closer until...
"Dad? (Y/N)?"
We both pull back at the sound of stirring from the living room.
"I believe that's our cue."
"I should get the boys back. An accidental sleepover at your place is pretty much the opposite of what Naya had in mind when she moved you out."
"Talk to you tomorrow?"
"I'll be counting down the seconds."
I help him gather the twins and show him to the door for one final kiss goodbye, then get ready for bed in my brand new apartment. The next day, Jenny and I sit in my new living room, unpacking one of the remaining boxes and catching her up on the changes.
"So Naya said I needed a new place ASAP, and here I am!"
"Damn, it helps to have friends with connections. This place is amazing. Look at this view!"
"I know. I'm trying not to let it go to my head."
"I'm so jealous. Don't forget about us little people now that you're big time."
"I don't know about 'big' time. I'm still the same. And even if I do have more connections now, it's not gonna completely change who I am. Just...makes things a little easier."
"Good, 'cause I'm still a big fan of the O.G. (Y/N)."
My phone rings, interrupting the conversation.
"It's Naya. I should take this."
"Don't worry about me. I'll just be here, snooping through your stuff."
"Like I own anything you don't know about already."
Jenny sticks her tongue out at me, and I wave her off as I move into the bedroom.
"Hello? Naya?"
"(Y/N), I've got big news."
"The public already loves me and our new relationship campaign is over?"
"Even I'm not that good. But I've been thinking about how to introduce you to Min-ho's social circle form the outside, as a peer and not a nanny. The parents of Sterling Academy are the kind of people you need to impress before you and Min-ho go public, and he mentioned that they haven't been the most welcoming."
"That's one way to put it. So how do we turn things around?"
"We're going to warm them up to you by inviting them to a party in your new home!"
"You want me to throw a housewarming party?"
"Yes, this weekend. It'll be the go-to event in the city."
What has Naya gotten me into?