– The Gala Night
The gala glittered like a scene out of a fairytale. Crystal chandeliers bathed the grand ballroom in golden light, violins played softly in the background, and Seoul's most powerful elites floated through the room in gowns and tuxedos worth more than Seo-jin's entire apartment building.
Seo-jin's heels clicked nervously on the marble floor as she entered, clutching her tiny clutch bag like a lifeline. The midnight-blue gown shimmered under the lights, hugging her in ways that made her want to melt into the nearest curtain.
Beside her, Seo Jun-ho walked with effortless poise, his dark suit perfectly tailored, his presence commanding the attention of every guest. Heads turned. Whispers followed.
He looks like he belongs here, she thought miserably. And I look like a very confused extra in a drama.
"Relax," Jun-ho murmured without looking at her. "You're drawing more attention by looking terrified."
"I am terrified," she hissed. "These people probably use gold bars as paperweights!"
His lips twitched. "Just stay close to me."
The whispers grew louder as they moved further into the ballroom.
"Is that Han Seo-jin?""His… secretary?""Unbelievable. What is Mr. Seo thinking?"
Seo-jin's cheeks burned. She wanted to disappear — but Jun-ho placed a hand on the small of her back, guiding her forward with such quiet authority that the crowd instantly parted for them.
It was a simple gesture. Barely a touch.But Seo-jin's heart stuttered all the same.
The night dragged on with endless introductions. Chaebol heirs, board members, socialites — all curious about the mysterious woman at the CEO's side.
Seo-jin bowed, smiled awkwardly, tried not to trip over her dress, and prayed no one asked her anything that required knowing the difference between Bordeaux and Burgundy wine.
But it wasn't long before the first spark of trouble arrived.
"Jun-ho," a silky voice called.
Seo-jin turned to see a stunning woman approaching — tall, elegant, dressed in a gown that probably cost more than her yearly salary. Her smile was sweet, but her eyes were sharp.
"Min Seo-yun," Jun-ho greeted coolly.
Seo-yun's gaze flicked to Seo-jin, scanning her up and down with polite disdain. "And who is this? Surely not your date."
Seo-jin opened her mouth, panicking — but Jun-ho's hand tightened on hers, his voice calm and deliberate:
"This is Han Seo-jin. My date."
Seo-jin nearly choked. Your what now?!
Seo-yun's smile faltered, just for a second, before she recovered. "How… unexpected. Well, I suppose you always did enjoy surprises."
She glided away, but the sting of her smirk lingered. Seo-jin leaned closer to Jun-ho, whispering furiously, "Why would you say that?! I'm your assistant, not your—your—"
"Would you prefer I let her insult you?" he murmured back, voice low.
Seo-jin blinked. "I… no, but—"
"Then stop worrying." His gaze flicked to hers, steady, unyielding. "You're with me tonight. That's all that matters."
Her breath caught. The ballroom noise faded, just for a moment, as their eyes locked.
It was ridiculous. Impossible. Dangerous.And yet, for the first time that evening, Seo-jin felt like maybe… just maybe… she belonged.