On the night of Lee Know's opera fundraiser, I'm standing in front of my closet, surveying its contents with Naya.
"You really think it's believable that I just happen to be there?"
"Of course. Don't you support the arts of education? Besides, the most of the other attendees will assume that you paid $5,000 to be there, just like them."
"This thing is $5,000 a ticket?! Please tell me that money is going to kids who actually need it."
"It's all going to public schools in the city. Academies like Sterling did not make the list. But let's focus on tonight. I don't need to tell you how high the stakes are for this event. The people who'll be there...politicians, celebrities, influencers...what they think matters, and what they say matters even more."
"Right. It'll be hard work... But I'm ready for it. I might not have been born into this life, but I can play the part. And anything that gives me more time with Lee Know is worth the effort."
"Very well. But you do still need to look the part... With the right touch, no one will question whether you're worthy of Lee Min-ho."
Naya offers me a stunning gown that takes my breath away.
"It's perfect..."
I put on a glamorous gown that's perfect for an evening among the city's elite.
"Damn. I almost don't recognize myself."
"If looks could kill... Even Min-ho won't know what hit him."
Later in the evening, I arrive at the Met and step out onto the red carpet. Flashes from the paparazzi's cameras immediately dazzle my view.
"You look stunning! Who are you wearing tonight?" a report asks.
"Oh, this old thing? It's a Hazel Boutique original."
As I follow the crowd toward the front entrance, time seems to slow as I spot a familiar face...
"(Y/N). I had no idea you were an opera lover."
I know we're surrounded by people–including members of the press–and I have to be careful how I respond...
"Well...I'm a woman of mystery. There's a lot you don't know about me."
"I can only hope I have the chance to find out then."
He turns so his lips are close to my ear. A shiver of longing works up and down my spine, but I'm careful not to let it show.
"You look stunning tonight. If we didn't have an audience..."
"You'd tell me how beautiful my dress would look on your bedroom floor? "
"Something like that. Let me escort you inside. I'm sure the boys will be thrilled to see you."
"Mason and Mickey are here?"
"We invited students from schools that have robust arts programs, like Sterling, to give testimonials. Hopefully they'll inspire people to donate more."
A man in a tuxedo pulls open the front door for us. I blink at the chandeliers and bejeweled gusts...
And I was afraid I'd only know Lee Know.
I notice Lana, Marisol, and Will chatting in the back of the room...
"Can you believe they're serving salmon puffs at this thing?"
"Yes, but I can't believe you're still judging every function by its apps."
Mason, Mickey, and their school friends weave through the crowd, followed closely by Jordan.
"Mason, did you see that big statue in the back?" Mickey asks.
"I bet we can climb it together!"
"Now wait a second..." Jordan runs after them.
"We should probably mingle on our own..."
Lee Know allows his fingers to graze my waist, his touch teasing and light.
"See you on the other side."
I take a deep breath and head toward the group of Sterling parents. Lana spots me first.
"Well, well. Look who arrived fashionably late... Although I guess we know the reason why. You totally look like you belong here in that gown."
"...Thanks. So what brings you all here? Business? Pleasure?"
"A little bit of both." Will replies.
"We donate to this fundraiser every year." Marisol adds.
"I do love a good drama. I mean, opera. Though, how did you score a ticket, (Y/N)?"
"Lana, you know how much I support the arts. They give kids creative outlets. Even if they end up pursuing a different passion later in life, like me, it's important to have that foundation."
"Actually–"
"Very true. I wish I'd had more artistic opportunities when I was in school." Will says before Lana could begin.
"And on that note, I think I need another drink. We'll catch you inside, (Y/N)." Marisol smiles.
I mouth a 'thank you' at Marisol as she leads Lana away from me. I find the children playing hide and seek along the edges of the room.
"(Y/N)! This place is awesome!" Mason exclaims.
"Jordan's been showing us all the best hiding places!" Mickey giggles.
"Oh wow, (Y/N), you look..."
Jordan clears his throat and shakes his head. I smile as I change the subject.
"Hide and seek, huh? That's no match for indoor ice skating."
"Indoor ice skating?" Mickey questions with shock.
"Here?" Mason asks with excitement.
"Why not? This floor is perfect for it."
I slip my heels off, then show them how to glide across the smooth marble in just their socks.
"This is amaaaaazzingggg!" Mickey yells.
"I feel like I'm flying!" Liliana laughs.
Jordan sidles closer to me, his arm brushing up against mine as he smiles at me.
"How do you come up with this stuff?"
"If there's one thing I know, it's friction!"
The children and I slide around for a few more minutes before the string quartet reminds me of why I'm here. I excuse myself and go my separate way. I'm almost glad when the cocktail hour comes to a close. Before everyone finds their seats, Lee Know gives a welcome speech to the crowd...
"I'd like to extend my deepest thanks to everyone who came out tonight to support this fundraiser. With your help, we'll be able to help fund the arts at every public elementary school in New York City."
Damn, that's a lot of schools.
A rustle of movement to my right draws my attention about halfway through the speech.
"Not now, Robin..."
"Yes, now. We're running out of options."
"Fine. Make it quick."
Robin and Sofia are leaving through the side door? I bet they're sneaking out to plot against Lee Know. There's no way I'm letting them take down Lee Know without a fight.
As soon as I'm sure no one is paying any attention, I follow after them and find myself in an industrial kitchen... I keep to the shadows to avoid being caught and creep forward to hear what they're saying.
"I don't understand why you won't talk to me, Sofia! After everything we had together..."
"I'm talking to you now. Do you have anything useful to say?"
"I'm trying to tell you if we just get back to where we used to be, when we were on the same page, we can–"
"Not a chance, Robin. I already read that page and closed the book. We're over."
"You don't mean that. Not now that we have a chance to finally do something great together."
"I don't want to hear about your stupid plan. All I want is for you to leave me alone."
Before I realize what's happening, Sofia turns on her heel. She's heading straight for me! I slip around the large prep station to my right and crouch down to hide myself from view.
Don't come this way, don't come this way...
I can hear the sound of Sofia's heels clicking angrily past me. I hold my breath... When I hear the side door close, I let out a sigh of relief.
Good thing she wanted to get away from Robin so quickly. Now, I have to warn Lee Know about what I just heard.
I manage to make my way to Lee Know's side just as he finishes his speech.
"I need to talk to you."
"What's wrong?"
I'm about to tell him all about what I overheard in the kitchen when I catch sight of Robin talking to Lana.
"Oh, you're such a flatterer!"
"It's not flattery if it's true."
"What's Robin up to now?" Lee Know asks with annoyance.
"I don't know all the details, but it involves Lana and Sofia."
"He really does have a type, doesn't he?"
I give Lee Know a quick rundown of what I heard in the kitchen.
"Wow, that's...unexpected. I thought Robin was using Sofia as much as she was using Robin."
"But what's not unexpected is that Robin basically made Sofia the same offer he made you."
"He must really be worried about losing..."
"But then why is he involving Lana?"
"He's probably trying to get funding. She's got deep pockets. It wouldn't take much to push the manufacturing department to the next level."
"In that case, we can't let them sit together. There has to be something we can–"
"Dad! You'll never guess what Mason did! He held hands! With a girl! "
"I was just helping Liliana up because she fell down!"
"Mickey, buddy, we talked about teasing your brother. It's hurting his feelings."
"Jordan's right. Besides, the show is about to start, so we need to calm down and find our seats. We came here to see an opera, remember? Unless..."
Lee Know gets a look in his eye like he has an idea. He pulls me aside and lowers his voice.
"I just had an idea for how to deal with Robin..."
"Go on..."
"Since I'm a member of the organizing committee, I bet I can get us and the kids backstage access for the first part of the show."
"I see, it would give them a chance to see what it takes to put on a professional production. Plus, Mason will love spending more time with Liliana."
"And if Lana happens to come with us to keep an eye on her daughter and leaves Robin all alone...well, that's just a bonus. What do you say?"
"Let's do it."
"Why don't I tell the boys, and you go invite Lana and her daughter?"
"On it!"
I make my way across the room to where Robin and Lana are huddled in a whispered conversation near Liliana.
"So you're telling me–"
"Promising you."
"–Promising me an investment opportunity of a lifetime. But I have questions."
"I have questions too." I ask walking into their conversation.
"Eavesdropping much?" Robin growls.
"It's not eavesdropping if you're talking in a public place, Robin."
"It's still a private conversation. What do you want?" Lana asks with irritation.
"I came to invite you and Liliana to enjoy the opera from backstage with Min-ho and the boys. But if you're too busy..."
"Mom, that sounds so cool!"
"Yes, almost too good to be true."
"But it's not. It'll be one-of-a-kind experience..."
Lana hesitates, looking from her daughter to Robin and back.
"Very well. Thank you for thinking of us."
"Yay!" Liliana cheers.
"But Lana..."
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Robin, but with Lana and Liliana, we're maxed out. We don't have room for anyone else." I give a feign smile.
Lana gives him a shrug and takes Liliana by the hand.
"After you."
I lead them toward the back entrance for the stage. I glance back at Robin, who glares at me viciously. I allow a sweet, mocking smile to curve my lips.
It serves Robin right. He's not the only one who has a trick or two up their sleeve.
Robin's face turns red as he watches me leave, but there's nothing he can do or say to stop me now. I can hear the hushed sounds of the crew at work as Lana, Liliana, and I make our way through the backstage maze.
"There are ropes everywhere. Look, that one is moving a fountain!" Mickey point's out.
"I wish all the furniture in our room was controlled by rope." Mason wishes.
"That would certainly make cleaning a lot easier." Jordan jokes.
" But potentially less useable. That fountain doesn't even have real water in it, see?"
Lee Know smiles at me as my group joins the others.
"Glad you three could make it."
"Thank you for having us." Lana smiles.
"Mason, look!" Liliana points.
A spotlight turns on, its beam focused on a spot on one edge of the fountains bottom ring.
"How'd they do that?" Mason asks.
"Most of the lighting is automated, but there's still someone sitting in the control booth making sure it all runs smoothly."
"And that's after hours of rehearsal to make sure everything's lined up perfectly with the action onstage."
"Plus, if you look closely up in the booth, there are a couple people controlling the main actors' spotlight."
"Cool..."
As the scene begins, the actors take their places and the orchestra begins the overture.
🎜 Oh, how I wish it weren't so, this life I didn't choose... But I'm trapped here in this castle, paying a life's ransom in dues...🎝
"She's beautiful..." Liliana smiles.
"And loud!" Mickey cringes.
"Do you think a dragon's gonna come save her?" Mason asks.
The kids are completely enthralled by this view of the performance, and even Lana seems impressed.
Maybe now's a good time to convince her to side with Lee Know and not Robin.
I sidle over to her.
"It's a spectacular show, huh?"
"That's an understatement. Julieta Castillo is singing."
"Right, I definitely know who that is... Lana...wasn't it generous of Min-ho to arrange this for us?"
"Oh absolutely. Thank you, Min-ho. I know my Liliana is enjoying herself. And I admit, I am too."
"You're very welcome. The kids don't get an opportunity like this every day." he smiles.
"Min-ho is always thinking of how to get the most out of every experience. It's one of my favorite things about him." I say.
"Is it?" Lana asks.
"In fact, he never lets an opportunity go to waste. Whether it's at the opera, with his kids...or at the office."
Lana purses her lips as she digests this information. I raise my eyebrows at Lee Know. He nods, understanding my signal.
"But if you're serious about investing, I know of a few opportunities that are much more interesting than manufacturing."
"Such as?"
"The work we're doing in robotics. It's revolutionary." Lee Know informs her.
"Robotics? That is interesting..."
"Allow me to give you the highlights. My division has been hard at work on a few projects..."
Lee Know and Lana step aside to discuss Lee Know's proposed changes and upgrades to his division. Content that they'll be busy for a while, I return my attention to the show.
🎜If I can buy a hamlet, why can I not buy your love?🎝
🎜Some things are not for sale, not for meadows full of foxglove...🎝
Jordan moves to my side, putting his hand on my arm to gently get my attention.
"Being a nanny for the Lees has its perks, doesn't it? "
"It changed my life, that's for sure. I never imagined I'd be backstage at the Met someday."
"Me neither. But people like us have to make the most of every opportunity..."
After a moment, I realize Jordan still hasn't removed his hand. I keep my gaze on the stage as I take a small step away from Jordan. He drops his hand, seemingly unperturbed.
Huh. That was...odd.
A hush falls over the audience as the soprano begins to sing her big duet with the tenor.
🎜If only I could prove my worth...🎝
🎜If only I could show you that you're worthy.🎝
🎜For you, I'd travel the entire Earth, none could dissuade me, no matter the controversy.🎝
The lovers glide across the stage, moving ever closer to each other.
🎜Just listen, my love.🎝
🎜My love, I'm listless. Given the chance...🎝
🎜I'll give thee a chance.🎝
They reach out for each other, and just as their hands are about to touch...
🎜Halt! A message from the king!🎝
🎜Troubling news, this must bring.🎝
The lovers separate as the curtain falls in front of them. I can see the house lights turn up to signal intermission.
"Wow. That was like...nothing I've ever seen before."
"Yeah, it wasn't boring at all!" Mickey smiles.
"There were two sword fights!" Mason exclaims.
"I liked the lady in the green dress." Liliana states.
Jordan steps forward to gather the kids together.
"I don't know about you three, but I could use something to eat after all that excitement. Who wants to hit the snack bar with me?"
"I do! I do!"
"Mom, can I?"
"Yes, but please keep your voice to a normal volume. The entire theater doesn't need to know your cookie preferences." Lana giggles.
As Jordan starts to lead the kids away, Liliana pulls Mason into a hug!
"Thanks for inviting us backstage."
"You're welcome!"
"Ugh. Gross." Mickey says sticking his tongue out.
Lana glances over at Lee Know and I.
"I suppose this means we'll be seeing a lot more of you."
"Looks like it."
Lana follows Jordan and the kids toward the lobby. I move after them, but Lee Know puts a hand on my arm to hold me back.
"Thank you for your quick thinking earlier. This backstage plan was perfect."
He looks deeply into my eyes, and my breath catches.
"We should take advantage of this moment." I smile wickedly.
"I was hoping you'd say that..."
Lee Know lowers his mouth to mine. I expect a quick, stolen kiss, but there's nothing fast about the way his lips move. He tastes me slowly and carefully, his tongue sliding deliciously along mine. Unable to resist the intoxicating pull of him, I wind my arms around his neck and return the embrace. My legs turn to liquid as he opens his mouth to let me in.
"Lee Know..."
He moves his hands down my body, skimming over my lower back to graze the curves of my ass. I hitch my leg higher, savoring the pressure of his body pulsing against mine. I lose myself in the moment as Lee Know nibbles at the corners of my mouth and down my jawline...
"I'm not sure this kind of behavior is allowed at a family show."
"Mmm, good point. The longer I have you in my arms, the less family-friendly I feel."
Lee Know and I exit backstage and return to the lobby to find the others. Intermission is a crowded, bustling affair. Everyone chats excitedly about the opera, grabbing cocktails and posing for the cameras that have once again made an appearance.
"The press is still here? I thought they'd have gone home by now..."
"An event this size will always draw a crowd."
I spot Robin and Jordan talking near the stairs.
"That can't be good..."
Without even having to discuss it, Lee Know and I head over to interrupt them together.
"...It was pretty cool, actually! I've never seen anything like it. Oh hey, (Y/N), Min-ho. I was just telling Robin how neat all the backstage stuff was. I don't think he finds it very impressive though..."
"Didn't you enjoy the first act, Robin?" I smirk.
"I never thought you'd stoop to playing dirty, (Y/N). I was talking to Lana first."
"It's not first come, first served. I had a better offer, and she took it."
"Besides, this is a charity event, not part of our corporate competition." Lee Know adds.
"Please, like you didn't talk shop when you had Lana's attention."
Lee Know just shrugs, refusing to rise to the bait.
"Robin... Let's focus on what's important. Tonight is supposed to be about supporting a good cause...and maybe setting an example for the youngsters in the crowd."
"(Y/N)'s right. I don't want to fight anymore tonight..."
"Does that mean...?"
"I'm ready to call a truce if you are. Just for the evening."
"...Fine. I'm over this thing anyway."
Lee Know and I watch Robin turn and head out the front door.
"I guess he didn't want to watch the next act."
"I guess not. But enough about Robin..."
Lee Know leads me across the room and hands me a flute of champagne.
"I want to focus on 'us' for the rest of the night."
"Let's drink to new experiences. I wasn't sure if the opera would be my thing, but watching you in your element has been such a great experience."
"Everything is a great experience when you're a part of it, (Y/N)..."
We clink our glasses together and take a sip of the champagne, our eyes never leaving one another's. A spark of something hot and desperate fills Lee Know's gaze.
"I don't know how or why, but everything you touch comes to life in unexpected ways...including me."
We step closer to one another, drawn by desire and a pulsing heat that neither one of us can ignore. For a moment, it feels as though the entire room melts away. No sparkling lights nor loud conversations... It's only me and Lee Know, standing together and breathing the same intoxicating air.
"(Y/N)...I wish I could take you right here, right now"
"What would Naya say about that?"
"In this moment, I can't bring myself to care..."
The forbidden look in Lee Know's expression grows stronger. It ignites something deep within me...
"Jordan is watching the boys for the rest of the show. You can join me in the private box, and no one would be the wiser..."
"Then by all means, lead the way..."
The pair of us slip up to the private box as quietly as we can. The lights start to dim as the next act begins.
"Here we are..."
It's small and intimate, but I can see the entire audience seated below.
"Oh, this view is exciting. It's almost like we're on display up here."
"And that excites you?"
"Maybe..."
Lee Know steps up behind me and leans in to kiss the side of my neck. I let my head fall to the side, still acutely aware of the crowd in front of me. All it would take is one loud moan to draw attention to what Lee Know and I are doing... My whole body shivers with anticipation.
"Don't stop. Please."
Lee Know takes me at my word. His hands are everywhere all at once, tracing the outline of my body from top to bottom.
"Stunning..."
"It's the gown."
"It's you. The gown may enhance your beauty, but it's not what makes you beautiful."
Lee Know slips his hand under the neckline of my dress, his touch lingering on the swell of my breasts.
"Kiss me." I tell him.
"Here?"
Lee Know dips his head to the slope of my shoulder.
"Or here?"
He replaces his fingers with his lips, trailing along my chest.
"Or maybe here? "
He nibbles at the corner of my mouth. I turn my head to brush his lips with mine, but he pulls back to wait for my answer.
"On my lips."
I cup my hand around the back of his head and capture his lips with mine. His kiss is hot and demanding. He slides his tongue along mine as his hands slip around my waist, holding me flush against him.
"Lee Know...yes..."
He leads me on an intricate dance, and it's all I can do to keep up with his tantalizing rhythm.
"I need you, (Y/N). I need your hands on me."
"I want you to touch me instead."
"Do you?"
"Yes. If you had any idea how wet I am for you..."
That catches his attention. His eyes flash...
"Show me."
I take Lee Know's hand and guide it beneath my skirt. The tiny scrap of underwear I have on is no barrier for my slick desire.
"My poor (Y/N)...how long have you been like this?"
"Since I saw you outside."
"You've been a very good girl. So patient... You deserve a reward."
He slips first one finger, then another, inside my center. My hips buck up, desperate for his touch. The rising sounds of the opera match the rising pitch of ecstasy building between Lee Know and I. I bite my lip to try and keep quiet, but it's impossible when Lee Know nudges at my clothes, exposing more of my bare body...
"I want to see more of you, (Y/N). I want to see all of you."
The idea of being exposed on a balcony overlooking hundreds of well-dressed audience members thrills me...
"Bare yourself to me. Let me feel your naked body move against mine."
"Yes..."
He tugs the gown down to my hips. I shiver at the sudden exposure, but the gleam in Lee Know's eyes is unmistakable.
"Is this what you wanted?"
"Always."
He helps me slip out of the gown completely, and it pools on the floor at my feet.
"You have me right where you want me, Lee Know. The real question is...what are you gonna do with me?"
Lee Know takes me by the hips and pulls me flush against him. I moan at the sudden pressure, my knees growing weak.
"Watch the opera, of course. Isn't that what we came here to do?"
Without giving me a chance to respond, Lee Know whirls me around. The only thing standing between me and the crowd below is a protective railing.
"Listen to the music, (Y/N). Feel it move through you. Let it take you to new heights. And don't you dare let go of that railing."
My grip tightens as Lee Know nudges my legs apart and forces me to lean over the railing. He leaves a trail of hot kisses all over my body. My neck, my shoulder, the curve of my waist...
"I could taste every inch of your skin and never be satisfied."
Lee Know's hold on my hips tightens. I'm acutely aware of how naked I feel against him, how exposed my body is... When his fingers trail up my inner thighs, I give a jolt of surprise, but he holds me fast.
"Spread wide for me, (Y/N). Let me in."
I try to stay focused on the opera below, but all I can see are stars. Lee Know finds my center and slips inside, his touch moving in time to the music.
"Good girl."
My whole body coils as I start to reach the edge...
"Lee Know, wait..."
Lee Know drops his hand as I turn to catch his gaze over my shoulder.
"I want to ride you in one of the box seats."
Lee Know settles himself in a seat, pants lowered and his breath coming hard and fast. I take my time sauntering toward him, but he grabs me by the hips and pulls me into his lap.
"Don't tease. I want you on top of me."
"Some things aren't meant to be rushed..."
I sit astride Lee Know, my knees spread wide and my body poised to take him in.
"You can't have me until you kiss me like you mean it."
Lee Know doesn't hesitate. He pulls me down for a long, searing kiss. His tongue slips between my lips as his length nudges my core.
"I need you, (Y/N). Please."
"I need you too."
He angles my hips down over his and thrusts up into me. Lee Know's cries of pleasure match my own. The sights and sounds of the opera have fallen away, leaving just me and Lee Know alone in our private world. My body tightens as climax draws near... With a firm hold on my bare hips, Lee Know drives in again and again.
"Take me, Lee Know. Make me yours."
I rapidly lose control of myself, my body moving in rhythm with Lee Know's. The tight thrum of release nears, and I hurtle over the edge.
"Tell me you're mine."
"Yes, Lee Know...I'm yours!"
As the wave of pleasure breaks out over us both, the crash of the orchestra starts up once again.
"That was a close one..."
Lee Know laughs shakily as the opera continues down below, our bodies still intertwined.
"I told you this box was a private one."
Lee Know kisses me softly before the two of us collect ourselves. Once my hair is smoothed back and my clothes are straightened, Lee Know reaches for my hand
"I don't think I've ever enjoyed the opera this much before."
"Glad I could help."
At the end of the night, I ride home with Lee Know and the boys. Carter sits quietly in the front seat, and both boys have fallen asleep in the back.
"It's nice to see you again, Ms. (YLN). We've been missing you around here."
"I've missed you too, Carter."
"Did you have a nice time at the opera, Mr. Lee?"
"We did, although I think the boys might've had a little too much fun..."
Carter chuckles and turns his attention back to the road ahead. Lee Know reaches for my hand.
"What about you? Did you have fun?"
"Honestly? I'm exhausted, but in a good way. I think my favorite part was spending time with you. It was nice to be out with you and the boys again. Even if I had to be on my best behavior."
"I wouldn't say best behavior."
Lee Know rests his hand on my thigh, reminding me of exactly what those hands did earlier tonight...
"A girl can only resist so much temptation."
"I'm sure it's only a matter of time before Naya agrees that the best way for the public to accept us as a couple is to see us as a couple."
"I hope so..."
Lee Know gives my hand a squeeze.
"You definitely earned some downtime after this. Your help with Robin is going to make a big difference in the upcoming weeks. Thank you."
"You're welcome...but I'm not sure I want downtime. It felt nice to be useful again. I haven't felt this good since I was working on the twins' nanny."
I sit up with a jolt.
"That's it!"
"What is it?"
The boys murmur sleepily. I drop my voice to a whisper, though I'm barely able to contain my excitement.
"What I need isn't more time throwing house parties or upping my social game. What I need is a new job! "