The road was too dark. Too quiet.
God… I don't want to die now.
Every turn felt like it was taking me deeper into the unknown, away from the city, away from safety.
But then, out of nowhere, the road opened up into glowing city lights. I exhaled in relief.
He slowed the car and parked near the ocean—not close to the public seating area, but a bit down the hill, where fewer people were around. I saw a few figures walking at a distance, but it was mostly empty.
Without saying a word, he stepped out of the car and shut the door behind him.
Maybe he just wants some fresh air, I told myself, trying to calm my nerves.
Then suddenly, the passenger door opened again.
It was him.
"Get out," he said.
His voice wasn't yelling. But it was cold. Final.
I knew it. You're going to throw me into the ocean. Feed me to the fish. Just like in those dramas…
"Why?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Get out, Minji," he said again, ignoring my question.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and slowly stepped out of the car, closing the door behind me. The night wind hit me immediately—sharp and cold. I wrapped my arms around myself.
He was standing in front of the car, wearing a long black coat. The wind blew through his hair as the city lights reflected off the ocean behind him. It should've been beautiful.
But the look in his eyes said otherwise.
"Minji," he said, his voice calm but heavy.
"Yes?" I replied, standing there with the cold wind brushing my face. The car was behind me. He was beside me, staring.
"I'm your husband," he said.
I know that. Can you tell me something I don't already know?
I didn't answer. Silence hung between us.
"Did you hear what I said?" he asked, more firmly.
"Yes… sir," I said without thinking.
"Don't call me Mr. Joonseo. I'm Joonseo—to you," he said, almost pleading.
Is that what's bothering you? That I don't call you by your name?
"Okay," I replied quietly.
"And I don't want you around that guy anymore," he added.
"Who?" I asked, though I already knew.
"Seungwoo," he said, clenching his jaw.
"What did I even do?" I said, my voice rising.
"I don't want you near him. It drives me crazy, Minji," he said, his tone breaking just a little.
I took a deep breath.
Then I snapped.
"What about you, huh?" I shouted.
He looked surprised. "Me?"
"Yeah—you and Yuna. The famous Chinese model. Blah blah blah," I said bitterly. "Or am I the only one who doesn't get to be around the opposite gender?"
"She's just a friend," he said.
"Friend?" I repeated, scoffing. "I saw you hugging her, smiling with her, dancing like she's the love of your life—while I'm just… the mistress in the background."
"Minji, don't forget you danced with Seungwoo too," he said, his voice rising.
"I only did that because I was mad at you!" I yelled. "But you and Yuna—that was different. You looked happy. Like that's your real wife and I'm just some obligation you want to hide."
He stared at me, frustration bubbling under his expression. "Minji, can you at least say one thing that makes sense?"
"I tried," I said, my voice breaking.
"Then I want everything to be clear between us, okay, Minji?" he said, his tone sharp but tired.
"I think the real problem is you and Yuna, not me," I said, standing my ground.
"Minji, don't bring up Yuna. I already told you—she's just a friend," he said, frustrated.
"I see," I replied, my voice cold. "A friend," I muttered to myself, turning away from him.
"Minji," he called softly.
"Hmm?" I answered, still facing away.
"I really love you. I can't stand seeing you with another guy," he said, his voice almost breaking. "It drives me crazy."
"…Sorry," I whispered.
Then he stepped closer and kissed me. His hands gently found mine after the kiss, and he stood beside me in silence, both of us facing the night sky.
"It's beautiful, right?" I said quietly.
"Yeah, it is," he replied. But when I turned to him, he wasn't looking at the sky. He was looking at me.
We smiled at each other.
The Next Day
He drove me to work. After saying goodbye, I walked into the building and headed toward the elevator. I pressed the button for my floor. Just before the doors closed, someone stopped them—Joonseo.
He stepped in with a smile. "Good morning."
"Good morning," I replied with a smile of my own.
Then Seojun slipped into the elevator just in time, and the doors slid shut.
"How are you, Minji?" Seojun whispered beside me.
"I'm good. And you?" I whispered back.
"I'm feeling dazed," he admitted with a soft smile.
"Want some tea or coffee?" I offered quietly.
"Coffee would help," he replied.
Suddenly, Joonseo looked up from his tablet. "Minji is my assistant, not yours, Seojun."
The elevator went quiet for a moment.
Then we got to the floor, and the elevator doors opened. Both Joonseo and Seojun walked into his office while I quietly went to my seat. Hours passed, and I was still sitting there, doing nothing, just staring blankly at the screen.
"Minji," a familiar voice whispered suddenly.
I flinched and accidentally hit my hand on the table. A sharp sting made me look down—my finger had been cut by the scissors lying nearby.
"Oh my God!" I said. "You scared me!"
It was Nakyung, holding in a laugh.
"Someone's here," she said, leaning closer.
"Who?" I asked, holding my finger.
"Yuna," she said.
Ugh. That girl is everywhere I go. Just hearing her name made my blood boil.
"Does she even have shares here or something?" I asked, irritated.
"Girl, she just wants Mr. Joonseo," Nakyung said, rolling her eyes.
Before I could answer, Yuna started walking toward us like she was on a runway, her heels tapping with purpose and drama.
I rolled my eyes harder.
She stopped right beside me, her perfume overwhelming.
"Hello," Nakyung said politely.
"So… you're Joonseo's assistant?" Yuna said, with a voice full of fake innocence. She didn't even bother to say Mr. Joonseo. Just Joonseo. Like they were married.
"Is Joonseo available? Tell him I want to see him," she added with a small smirk.
"He's busy," I said quickly, not even looking at her.
I don't want you two meeting again. Ever.