The night of the Lee-Russo holiday party has finally arrived...
"In a few hours, we'll finally know who will be the new CEO of the company."
"Oh, it'll definitely be Sofia."
I turn to Jenny, who came over early to help me get ready. She's already dressed as my plus-one, and I look up at her as she swipes the makeup brush over my cheek.
"You think it'll be Sofia? How do you know?"
" 'Cause you work in her lab. Sure, Lee Know is smart and hot or whatever, but he doesn't have anyone like you helping him out."
"Thanks, Jen. I couldn't have done any of this without you. You're been my rock."
"A rock? Girl, I am a diamond. Now, put on that fancy dress Lee Know sent over so we can both shine bright tonight."
I open the dress box and find a note from Lee Know...
Tonight is the first night of the rest of our lives. I had this gown made especially for you. I want you to look as amazing as you make me feel.
Love, Lee Know
"He really out did himself this time..."
I pull on the beautiful royal blue, sequins dress that falls off the shoulders and a thigh high slit.
"Wow..."
"Damn. Lee Know won't be able to keep his hands off you."
"Just the way I like it."
Jenny and I arrive at an upscale hotel in the heart of Manhattan...
"I feel like I'm in a fairytale..."
"I'm pretty sure a fairytale wouldn't include people like Robin and Sofia."
"Someone has to play the villain. And it won't be me, at least not until I get a drink."
As Jenny heads to the bar, I crane my neck to spot Lee Know, but the ballroom is so crowded, I can't see him among the whole of NYC society.
I should probably mingle while I look for him...
I find Aditya trapped in a corner conversation with Evan.
"Wow, (Y/N). That outfit is putting the rest of us to shame."
"Thanks. You don't look so bad yourself. Very dapper."
"How're you finding your first Lee-Russo holiday party so far?"
"It's...crowded. I can barely find my way in here. Aditya, is your wife hiding out somewhere? She could be right behind you, and I'm not sure I'd notice."
"Oh, she didn't come. Too much Real Lifestyles of the Rich and Idle to catch up on."
"Really? Then it sounds like you need a drink. Excuse us, Evan."
Aditya leans over as we walk away...
"Thanks for the rescue."
"Don't thank me yet..."
I steer him toward Jenny, who lights up as we approach.
"Oh my God, if I hear one more person talk about NFTs, I'm gonna keel over."
"Aditya, this is my best friend Jenny. Jenny, this is my lab partner Aditya."
"I've heard a lot about you. (Y/N) mentioned that you're interested in sustainable fashion?"
"Duh. Who doesn't wanna look hot while helping the planet?"
I smile to myself as they shake hands, noticing how their hands linger...but I decide to leave them to themselves. I spot Lana, Marisol, and Will from across the room.
"Where did you get a gown like that? It looks couture."
"Hi Lana, it's nice to see you too."
She waves away my pointed reference to her lack of manners, but her eyes remain glued to my dress.
"I have to hand it to you, (Y/N). Not only did you land Lee Min-ho, but you did it with style and grace. Even Sofia didn't manage that."
"Did you just admit you're wrong?" Will asks Lana.
"I'm just saying, we're obviously going to be stuck with (Y/N). We might as well make the best of it."
"Lana, I appreciate your support. The holiday spirit must be getting to you."
"The only spirit getting to Lana is a vodka tonic." Marisol giggles.
"Please. You know I'm a vodka cranberry girl. Speaking of..."
I give the group a little wave as they head toward the bar. I begin to look around for Lee Know when Vivian stop me.
"(Y/N), you look so elegant tonight. I love that gown on you."
"Thank you, Vivian. So do you."
She nudges Robin in the side, and he shoots her a look that makes me suspect that Vivian has been put on Robin babysitting duty for the night.
"Happy holidays." he grumbles.
"Happy holidays to you too, Robin."
"Thanks. Sort of hard to get into the holiday spirit this year...but I appreciate the sentiment."
"Have you seen Lee Know anywhere? I've been trying to find him..."
"He's probably trying to kiss Dad's ass one last time..."
"What's that, dear? You'll have to speak up if you want to be heard." Vivian tells Robin.
"It's fine. I'll just, uh, keep looking. See you two later..." I smile to Vivian.
I continue my search, trying to shake off the look on Robin's face. Finally, after having scoured the entire party, I step out of the ballroom...and spot some familiar faces hoarding a tower of holiday sweets.
"I should've known you all would find the cookies."
"It was our first stop of the night!" Liliana tells me.
"I've eaten four already." Mason informs me.
"I've had five!" Mickey states.
"Carter and I only ate two."
"We decided moderation was best."
"We're having a contest to see who can fit the most in their mouth. Have some!" Mickey explains.
I pop one of the cookies in my mouth. Then another. Then another...
"They're good, right?" Mason asks.
"Mmlismmous."
"Eat this snowflake one!"
I stuff my face with as many cookies as I can get away with...
"Eight?!" Mason exclaims.
"I didn't think that was possible..." Liliana says astonished.
"A new record!" Mickey cheers.
"Very impressive." Carter smiles.
With great difficulty, I manage to swallow every last crumb.
"Do you have any plans this evening besides making sure no one else gets a cookie?"
"Nope! No plans here!"
"Just cookies all night long!"
Mickey throws his arms out wide as if to prove it...and bumps into Liliana, making her spill her apple cider.
"Ohh!"
"Whoops...I'm sorry Liliana, that was an accident, I swear."
"It's okay, I just need to wipe it off. Where's the bathroom?"
"This way. Will you watch the boys, Ms. (YLN)?"
"Of course."
No sooner am I left alone with the twins than they launch themselves at me.
"Finally. We thought we'd never get our chance..." Mason grins wickedly.
"We have the best pranks planned for Aunt Sofia and Uncle Robin, but we can't do it without you." Mickey informs me.
"Please say you'll help us. Please..."
"I'm in."
The boys lead me to the edge of the hallway, so I have a view of the ballroom. They scan the crowd for their targets.
"Who should we prank first, (Y/N)?" Mason asks.
"Let's get Robin."
Mickey unzips his backpack to pull out a can of shaving cream.
"Are we gonna secretly shave someone's mustache off?"
"No! This is for Uncle Robin."
"Boys, are you sure this is enough? One bottle of shaving cream will barely cover him."
"See? I told you, Mason!"
"Yeah, but he'll notice if we use too much! We need the element of surprise!"
I nod.
"What do you need me to do?"
"You're on distraction duty." Mickey directs me.
"While Uncle Robin talks to you, we'll sneak in and fill his Santa hat with shaving cream!" Mason begins to explain.
"Then when he puts it on...smoooosh! "
"Santa hat?"
"Yeah, Grandma always makes him wear it at the holiday party."
"Let's do it."
I head back to the ballroom and spot Robin standing alone near one of the exits. Mason slips underneath a table while Mickey sidles along one wall while I approach from the front.
"Hey Robin...how's your job search going?"
"Seriously? Not tonight."
"It's just a question! Can't friends ask each other about major life events?"
"Sure, friends can."
Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Mason grabbing Robin's Santa hat off the table. With a whoosh, Mickey fills it with shaving cream...
"Uh oh, I think Evan is about to talk Jenny's ear off. I'd better rescue her..."
I leave before Robin can respond and meet back up with the boys.
"Now what? "
"Now...we wait."
It doesn't take long before Vivan returns to Robin's side. I can't quite make out what she's saying, but I see her gesture to the hat on the table. Robin sighs as he reaches for the Santa hat. The twins hold their breath as he fits it in place...and the slop of the shaving cream streams down his face!
"What the–?"
"Oh my..." Vivian covers her mouth in surprise.
"We'd better run. Uncle Robin does not look happy..."
The boys sprint away, but I pretend I only just now noticed what was going on.
"Robin, is that...shaving cream?'
To my surprise, Robin is just shaking his head as he watches the twins run.
"I'm gonna get them back for this..."
"Maybe wait until New Year's?" Vivian suggests with a small giggle.
"You know what they say...it's not a real Lee party until someone gets pranked..." I giggle with Vivian.
I give a little wave, then sneak out to rejoin the boys.
"Okay, what's next?"
"Aunt Sofia is up."
"I'm almost afraid to ask what you have planned for Aunt Sofia..."
"Don't worry. We aren't gonna ruin her hair."
"We know better than that."
I watch as they pull out a bottle of apple cider vinegar.
"Where did you get that? I hope aren't planning on spiking the cider bowl with that."
"We didn't bring enough for everybody..." Mason informs.
"We just need you to steal one of the fancy cups from the drink table. They won't let us near it 'cause we're kids." Mickey explains.
"Consider it done."
I head inside and pick up an empty mug, returning after only a few moments.
"Grown-ups have it so easy." Mason smiles.
"We'll be able to do so many cool pranks when we're old." Mickey laughs.
"Now what do we do with this champagne flute?"
"Now...we fill it!"
I watch, intrigued and alarmed, as the twins pour the apple cider vinegar into the glass and top it off with a mix of cayenne and cinnamon.
"Wanna taste it before we send it to Aunt Sofia?" Mickey asks.
"No thanks."
I follow the boys back inside the ballroom to spot our target.
"Wait, how do we make sure she drinks it?"
"Put the cup on that waiter's tray and leave the rest to me..."
I take the long way around to where Sofia and Evan are talking.
"...You know when we first started researching plastic alternatives, I was the one who did all the initial testing. So, really, (Y/N) got a leg up from me."
"Uh huh..."
The waiter with the pranked cider approaches, and I swoop in.
"Hey, you two. Have you tried these spiked hot ciders yet? They're to die for. Apparently it's some hotshot chef's recipe."
I do my best to look innocent as I take a non-pranked cider from the tray.
"With a recommendation like that...'
I bite my lip as Sofia reaches for the vinegar drink and takes a huge gulp...
"Bleeeeh!"
She promptly spits it back out again all over Evan's shirt!
"Oi! This is my best suit...'
"What is this stuff?"
I take Sofia's glass and pretend to take a sip.
"Huh...this tastes fine to me. Are you sure you're not sick or something? You know, they say pregnancy messes with your taste buds..."
"I'm not pregnant. And you can't honestly think that tastes normal."
Sofia sniffs the drink again, her eyes narrowing a little.
"I bet Min-ho's brats did this, and you're trying to cover for them."
"Me? I would never."
"What about me? I'm the one who got sprayed..."
"Oh, go away, Evan." Sofia shoos him away with a wave of her hand.
I take my chance to sneak away and meet up with the boys.
"We'll never be able to top that one." Mickey tells Mason.
"Yeah, we should retire!" Mason agrees.
I spot Carter approaching from the end of the hall.
"Oh, Good. My reinforcement's back."
"What did I miss?"
"Nothing!"
"We were perfect angels!"
I shake my head and hand them off to Carter, who starts herding them back inside the ballroom.
"Keep an eye on these two. They're in the mood for mischief."
"You don't have to tell me twice."
Once I'm alone, I feel an intense gaze at my back. I turn around to find the one I've been looking for all night.
"Lee Know! I was starting to think you stood me up..."
"Never. But especially not when you're the most beautiful creature I've laid eyes on..."
"Is it everything you'd thought it'd be?"
"More. You're always more, (Y/N). I'm sorry I wasn't there to greet you at the door, but maybe I can make it up to you..."
Lee Know points above our heads to where a sprig of mistletoe hangs. He circles his arms around my waist and I slide my arms around his neck. He leans in and brushes his lips across mine, soft and teasing...
"This is perfect. Being here with you is all I need."
Lee Know deepens the kiss, and I sigh contentedly, our breaths mingling as one.
"The reason I'm late is because I was in a closed-door meeting."
"You mean..."
"They're making the announcement in a few minutes, but I wanted you to be the first to know... I won. They want me to be the new CEO of Lee-Russo Incorporated."
"I never doubted you. Congratulations! You're gonna make a great CEO."
"Thanks, (Y/N). I mean it."
Something about his expression gives me pause...
"...Why do I get the feeling you aren't as happy about this as you should be?"
Lee Know opens his mouth to respond...but he's interrupted by his dad on the microphone back in the ballroom trying to get everyone's attention.
"Good evening. I hate to put a pause on the fun, but I've got a little announcement to make..."
"That's my cue."
Lee Know and I make our way back into the ballroom to listen to his dads speech.
"It's been an interesting year for Lee Enterprises, or rather, Lee-Russo Incorporated, and it's about time for a changing of the guard. I've been preparing to step down as CEO...and trying to find my successor. Someone innovative and bold, who will continue Lee's great legacy."
This is it. Lee Know is about to become the new CEO.
"So it's with great pleasure and pride that I'd like to introduce the next CEO of Lee-Russo... Lee Min-ho!"
There's a big whoop from the robotics department as everyone applauds. Lee Know joins his father on stage, taking a moment to find me in the crowd again. Grinning, I lift my hand to my lips and blow Lee Know a kiss.
"Mwah! "
"Thank you, everyone. I can't tell you what an honor it is to be chosen as your next leader. The amount of work you put in every day, your dedication to this company... I'm humbled every time I walk through those doors."
Lee Know takes a deep breath. I've never seen him so tense.
"However, as much as I love this company and the work that we do...my family is my everything, so I cannot accept this position."
"What?!" I ask in shock.
"The person who should really be up here is...Sofia Russo."
"Really?!" Sofia questions in shock.
"She's taken our environmental division to new heights thanks to her smart hiring decisions, shrewd business sense, and willingness to collaborate. She's shown that she's a force to be reckoned with, and I couldn't think of a better person to spearhead this new era for our company."
Every head in the crowd turns to Sofia, and I can see her force her expression under control as she heads to the microphone.
"Thank you, Min-ho. And thank you, Mason. I am truly honored, and I just want to say..."
I tune out Sofia's speech as Lee Know makes his way toward me.
"That was amazing. Did you mean what you said? You're giving up the company?"
"Every word. But right now, I need you to come with me..."
Lee Know takes my hands and leads me away from the crowd. He opens the door the balcony and I graciously step outside. He wraps his arms around me, but when he leans in for a kiss, I put my hand up to stop him.
"Wait, wait. You're giving up your spot to Sofia? Just like that?"
"I know it seems sudden, but it's not. I think I've been heading down this road since the day we met."
"Me?"
"Being with you has changed everything. You've made me see that with the right passion and vision, I can do real work...make real changes. I want to start my own company. I'll build everything from scratch, and leave a legacy that I can actually be proud of."
"I support you no matter what, Lee Know. I'm in this one hundred percent, remember? If this is what you really want, then I'm happy for you."
"In that case, I think it's time for the next part."
"There's more?"
Lee Know glances over my shoulder and motions someone forward. I turn to find the twins standing in the doorway."
"Is it time now?" Mason asks excitedly.
Lee Know nods and moves to join the twins, all three of them facing me.
"All this thinking about my legacy has me thinking about the past...but also my future. Especially your place in it. No matter what happens, no matter where I work or how my fortunes change, only one thing remains true... I want you to be part of my life. Of all our lives."
"Lee Know, are you...?"
"Which brings me to one very important question..."
Lee Know and the boys get down on one knee holding out a box together. Inside, is a beautiful sapphire diamond engagement ring.
"Will you marry us?!" they ask simultaneously
"Yes, yes! One billion times yes!"
"I knew she'd say yes!" Mason cheers.
"Duh! (Y/N) loves us." Mickey exclaims.
All three of them surround me at once. I can barely see through the tears welling up in my eyes. For the first time, we're really a family.
"Why are you crying, (Y/N)?"
"Aren't you excited to marry Dad?"
"I'm crying because we get to be together forever. I know I can never replace your real mom, but I'm so thrilled we can officially be a family."
"Us too!"
"We've been waiting for this forever."
The boys jump in excitement running in for a big hug.
"But you were worth the wait." Lee Know smiles.
My eyes dart to the diamond ring sparking in the box in Lee Know's hand. Lee Know takes my hand and carefully slips the ring onto my left ring finger. I spot Carter out of the corner of my eye ushering the twins back inside.
"I asked him to help us get a little privacy."
"Oh yeah? And why would we need that?"
"You've made me the happiest man in the world, (Y/N). And I will love, honor, and cherish every single part of you...starting now. I booked a room upstairs just for the two of us. We can slip away for a little celebration before we return to the party...Mrs. Lee."
A thrill of delight runs through me at the sound of those two little words... Mrs. Lee, Lee Know's soon-to-be wife. Lee Know and I can barely keep our hands off each other as we slip into the elevator and head to the room. Every time I reach out to touch Lee Know, I can feel the extra weight of my engagement ring.
"Wearing this is gonna take some getting used to."
Lee Know lifts my left hand to his mouth and kisses each fingertip. The soft touch of his lips lingers over each one.
"Get used to it fast. I don't want to see you without it ever again..."
"And what about you? How will you tell the world that you're taken?"
Lee Know pushes me up against the elevator wall. Without letting go of my hands, he yanks them above my head and pins me in place.
"I'm sure you can think of a few ideas that don't involve a ring..."
Lee Know dips his head to the side of my neck, I can feel the light graze of Lee Know's teeth as he leaves his mark on my softly beating pulse. He brings his mouth back to mine, kissing me long and deep. I arch into it...into him.
"God, you taste so good."
He transfers his grip on my wrists to leave one hand free. As he trails his fingers along my shoulder, he dips his mouth to mine and claims me again.
"And you feel even better..."
The elevator surges as we approach our floor, but I can barely hear it over the pound of my pulse. Lee Know's mouth is so hot and demanding that I can't do anything but let him in. Impulsively, I stretch out my leg behind him, pressing the elevator stop button with the toe of my high heel. The elevator comes to a sudden halt as the red emergency lights flicker on.
"(Y/N)?"
"I want you to feel more of me. Lee Know's grip on my arms tightens to steady us both."
"I like the way you think."
Lee Know practically pounces on me. He keeps my hands pinned with one hand as he starts kissing every part of me that he can reach. Mouth, jawline, neck, shoulder... I gasp as he begins trailing kisses lower. My breasts heave as he cups the rounded swell with just enough force to make me gasp.
"I could be trapped with you forever and never get tired of this..."
He teases my breast once more before running his hand down my side to take hold of the fabric of my dress.
"Lee Know..."
With a smirk, he slides his hand under and brushes his fingers against my core. His other hand still holds me in place, and all I can do is desperately try to urge him on with a thrust of my hips.
"Why, you're always so wet."
He strokes my button with his thumb, his motions excruciatingly slow. My moans bounce off the metal walls of the stopped elevator. Lee Know kisses his way back to my lips as he continues his languid teasing of my core. He's determined to drive me wild with desire, his kisses matching the lazy pace of his hand.
"Ohhh...yes..."
"Hello? We see that your elevator has stopped, is everything okay? "
Lee Know and I both snap out of our lust-fueled machinations, sharing a guilty look. Lee Know moves to press the intercom button.
"Everything is fine, we just accidently hit the wrong button. Thank you."
He presses the elevator button again and we start moving.
"Whoops."
"You're dangerous."
I can't get Lee Know out of the elevator fast enough. As soon as the doors slide open, I push him through, one hand flat on his chest.
"Someone's in a hurry..."
"Can you blame me after what we just did?"
I take a predatory step forward, determined to feel Lee Know's whole body give way underneath mine.
"And even before that, I couldn't help it. You look so hot in that tux... I can't wait to rip it off you."
Lee Know's hot gaze rakes over me as I move down the hallway.
"And I've been waiting to remove that gorgeous gown from you all night."
He lunges for me, and with a cry of delight, I dodge him playfully. With a thud, my back hits the door to our room.
"I'm not sure I can wait much longer..."
His whole body pins me against the wall. Chest, hips, legs...every part of him drives hard.
"I think I'll start from the bottom and work my way up."
I gasp as Lee Know runs his hands down the outside of my legs until he reaches the hem of my gown. Slowly, determinedly, he lifts my skirt until it's bunched around my hips.
"Lee Know..."
I moan as he hooks the edge of my panties and begins sliding them down my legs. I let him remove my panties right there in the hall...
"So naughty..." he grins seductively.
"Oh, you have no idea..."
The sound of a door opening a few rooms down pulls us both out of our bubble.
"Shall we take this 'conversation' somewhere a little more private?"
"I think that's a very good idea."
Lee Know pulls out a keycard and unlocks the door behind us. As soon as we're alone in the hotel room, Lee Know's hands are at my arms, holding me so I'm facing away from him. I can hear him removing his clothes, my neck craning to catch a glimpse of his glorious body. His bare body is a wonder. When he's dressed for work, he's always so put together, so controlled... But when it's just the two of us, there's nothing but hard, lean muscle as far as the eye can see.
"Like the view?" he chuckles.
"It's not that I haven't seen you before...but it's just dawning on me that I get to marry someone as incredible-looking as you."
Lee Know leaves his clothes where he dropped them, his hands returning to my body.
"I feel the same way. And speaking of seeing all of you..."
Lee Know's touch is gentle as he coaxes me out of my clothes. He kisses every bare inch of me as it's exposed...
"I want to love, honor, and cherish you..."
"Aren't those vows usually saved for the wedding?"
"I'm getting a head start."
He runs his hands over the curves of my hips. I can feel his body kneeling behind me, his lips leaving a blazing trail down my spine.
"I can't decide which part of you is my favorite..."
I turn around, my high heel making me seem even taller with Lee Know's bent body.
"Maybe you just need a different view to decide."
I look around the lavish suite for the perfect spot... I back up to the bench at the foot of the massive bed...
"Come here..."
I seat myself, running my hands over my thighs as I spread my legs wide.
"You're right, that did help me decide."
Still on his knees, Lee Know closes the distance between me, immediately lowering his head to the sensitive flesh between my legs.
"Ohhhh..."
Lee Know laps at my pleasure point, then licks along my entrance in teasing strokes. I lean back, gripping the edge of the bench.
"You always make me feel so good..."
"I can't wait to make you feel good for the rest of our lives."
Lee Know's tongue focuses on my most sensitive spot as he slides one finger, then another inside me. I close my eyes, focusing on the feel of him as my sounds of pleasure match his ever-increasing tempo.
"I'm close..."
"Don't you dare hold back."
And with that command, I find myself flying over the edge...
"...Lee Know! "
After a moment to catch my breath, I reach for Lee Know's hand.
"I can't be the only one having all the fun."
I lead Lee Know over to the bed, pushing him backward onto the mattress and climbing onto him. Lee Know groans as I slide down his body, my limbs tangling with his. I don't stop until I'm seated before the glory of his desire. I lower my mouth to his waiting length, sliding all the way down him before tonguing my way back up again.
"Yesss..."
Lee Know groans as I take him all the way in...
"I was...trying to take things slow...but you're killing me."
"Me too. I need you, Lee Know... I want you on top."
I roll off of Lee Know and tug his body on top of mine, capturing his mouth in a searing kiss.
"I want to feel every inch of you...and for you to feel every inch of me."
Lee Know positions himself between my legs and nudges my entrance. I open up to let him in, but he takes his time, torturing me inch by inch...
"Lee Know, please..."
"Please what?"
I gasp and buck, trying to encourage him. But we both know I won't get what I want until I say the words...
"I need you, Lee Know. I need you inside of me."
He finally thrusts hard and deep, giving me exactly what I begged for. I cry out as he whispers...
"I love you, (Y/N)... I can't wait to make you my wife."
"Yesss, Lee Know... I love you too..."
I have no control over my body. As I thrust my hips hungrily against Lee Know's, I feel myself hurtling closer to release for the second time tonight.
"Cum for me, (Y/N)... Cum with me."
Wrapped in each other's arms, we leap over the edge together...
"Oh God, Lee Know, yessss! "
"...(Y/N)!!"
We both ride our waves of pleasure before collapsing on the bed next to one another.
"That was incredible. Thank you."
"You have nothing to thank me for. You made me the happiest woman on earth today."
I snuggle closer and rest my head on Lee Know's chest. From this position, I can easily admire the ring on my finger.
"I'm gonna spend my whole life making sure you're just as happy."
"Having you by my side is all I need. From now on, we're equals. Partners."
I glance at the clock on the wall and sigh.
"We've also been gone from the party for a long time. We should probably get back or people will wonder what happened to us."
Lee Know and I quickly help each other get dressed. I reach for the hotel room door, but Lee Know pulls me back just far enough for one last gentle kiss...
"What was that for?"
"Just being you."
News of my engagement spreads fast...Jenny greets me first, her eyes immediately zeroing in on the ring.
"That's some rock, Lee Know."
"(Y/N) is some girl." Lee Know smiles at me with loving eyes.
"Don't worry, I'll give you all the deets later." I giggle with Jenny.
"I knew something big was in the air. Congratulations." Will chuckles.
"Lana is gonna tear her hair out when she hears about this." Marisol giggles.
"Lana can control herself in public, thanks. And as for (Y/N)... I know several celebrity wedding planners, as well as a White House caterer." Lana tells me with a genuine smile.
"I think I may take you up on those offers. Thanks, Lana. I think I'll need all the help I can get."
A few colleagues from the robotics department try to pull Lee Know away to offer their congratulations...and to pepper him with questions about him leaving.
"Do you mind? Sofia takes over the company impacts them the most."
"Of course not. Do what you need to do."
No sooner does Lee Know leave my side than I'm surrounded by Aditya, Evan, and a vaguely familiar woman.
"I just heard the good news." Aditya smiles with his arms ready for a friendly hug.
"Does this mean I get a promotion?" Even laughs.
"It's all very romantic." a stranger compliments.
"You look familiar. Do you work at Lee-Russo?" I ask her.
"Not exactly. I only came up to offer my congratulations. You two look very happy together..."
A memory snags at the back of my mind...that evening I got milkshakes with the boys...a strange woman asking about my relationship to them...
"Hey, wait–"
As recognition finally clicks, Mason and Mickey come racing up to me.
"(Y/N), guess what! We just saw the craziest thing–"
They both stop short at the sight of the woman. Mason's jaw draps, and Mickey's eyes widen to the size of saucers.
"Boys...I've missed you."