Chapter 14:
In front of Lumina Corp, Lena froze.The towering glass building loomed over her like a reminder of everything she wanted to forget. Her stomach tightened. Bad memories clung to her skin, whispering for her to turn back. But in her hands was the hoodie she'd borrowed. She had promised herself she would return it.
Just drop it at the reception, she told herself. Nothing more.
Inside Will's Office
"Sir," Stephen began, standing with practiced confidence. "A report on the gala."
Will didn't even look up from his paperwork. "Go on."
"Everything is on track for next week. The only uncertainty is partner availability, but we're coordinating with Watson Media for coverage as requested."
"Good." Will finally lifted his gaze, sharp as glass. "Book it. I'll handle the partners myself. What about the other matter?"
Stephen faltered. "Sir, we're still—working on it."
Will's head snapped up, his voice slicing the air. "Working on it? Jin?"
Jin stepped forward, calm as ever. "There are protests."
Stephen nodded quickly. "Small shop owners, citizens. They're worried about losing homes, heritage—businesses."
Unmoved, Will leaned back. "This is hardly new. We should know what to do by now."
"Give us a month, Sir. The mayor already handed over the district. We just need time."
"You have three weeks." Will's voice was ice. "That district is outdated. They'll understand what progress means." His eyes narrowed. "Make it happen."
Stephen bowed stiffly. "Understood."
When the door shut, silence fell. Will grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, standing before the endless glass view of the city.
"Imagine it, Jin. A world where AI removes suffering. Where even the poor live without fear, without scarcity. They can't see it yet—they still believe breaking their backs is survival. But I'll open their eyes. One city at a time."
Jin stayed quiet, listening, but when Will sat again, already lost in his files, Jin quietly left. Lunch hour never meant anything to Will Shade.
Meanwhile…
Lena stepped nervously into the lobby. She hurried to the receptionist's desk, placing the hoodie down.
"Thank you for letting me borrow this."
"You're welcome," the receptionist smiled—then squinted. "Wait… you're the flower girl from the media, aren't you?"
Lena blinked. "You recognized me?"
"Of course! You were wearing my hoodie. So… are you really dating Mr. Shade? Is that why you're here? To see him?"
"Well, yes… sort of." Lena hesitated, gripping the lunchbox. Marry's instructions echoed: deliver it personally.
"I'm here to bring him lunch."
The receptionist gasped. "So romantic! I knew the boss had it in him. Hold on—I'll get you an elevator pass."
"Oh—thank you."
The ride up felt endless. Lena smoothed her clothes, aware of how plain she looked compared to the world she was stepping into.
At the top floor, urgency crackled through the air. Assistants rushed, phones rang, papers shuffled. Behind a sleek desk, a sharp-eyed woman scanned Lena head-to-toe while speaking into her phone. She held up a finger, forcing Lena to wait.
Finally, she hung up, voice clipped. "What do you want?"
"I… I'm here to see Mr. Shade."
"Do you have an appointment?"
"No, but if you tell him Marry sent me—"
"No appointment, no entry. Leave."
"Please, I just need to give him something. It's personal, not business."
"Do I look like I'm joking?" Her tone hardened. "Security will escort you out."
Lena flushed. "I really know him—"
"Then call him." The woman smirked. "If you know him that well."
"I… I don't have his number…"
The standoff tightened—until the office doors opened. Jin stepped out. His eyes immediately landed on Lena.
"Miss Morisawa?" His tone softened. "Lena?"
The receptionist stiffened. "Director Kim… you know her?"
"Yes. Let her in."
"Yes, Sir," the woman stammered.
Lena exhaled. "Sorry, Jin. I just… Marry asked me to bring this to Mr. Shade."
"Marry, hm? Interesting." Jin's lips curved faintly. "Good timing. Follow me. He's hungry."
Inside the Office
Lena stepped in and froze.
The office was enormous. Floor-to-ceiling glass framed the skyline, polished shelves lined with books, a sleek kitchen in the corner, and at the center, the massive desk where Will Shade worked like a man welded to his empire.
She stared, wide-eyed.
Will cleared his throat.
She jolted. "S-Sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt. Marry sent me—with your lunch."
His gaze sharpened. "Marry sent you?"
"Yes. I can leave it on the table if you'd rather—"
"Set the table," Will ordered, leaning back, arms crossed.
Lena blinked. "You… want me to do that?"
"I thought you wanted this to work. Don't you remember?"
"Remember what?" she frowned.
He rose, crossing the space in steady strides. Leaning close, his voice dropped to a low murmur by her ear.
"I thought you said I had beautiful eyes."
Her heart stopped. Heat flooded her cheeks. The memory hit her—the tears, the stumble, his arms, and her drunken slip of the tongue.
"No… no, it can't be…" She covered her face. Mortified.
Will's lips curved. "From now on, while this contract binds you, you will not drink."
"What? You can't tell me what to eat or drink!"
"Read the contract again," he said smoothly. "You're forbidden from doing anything that could damage my image." That includes getting drunk." His gaze sharpened. "Unless you are with me… or in the house."