The office was almost empty when Choon-hee received the message.
[ From Sung Ji-ho, CEO 's Secretary]
" CEO Kang Gyu-min requests your presence in his office at 4pm."
Her fingers trembled as she reread the text. WHY ME? She wondered. Her pulse pounded in her ears. The only thing she'd done wrong— maybe— he knows her true form.
By the time the elevator reached the top floor, her knees felt like jelly. The hallway stretched endlessly, carpet muffling every nervous step.
When she entered, the lights were dim, city skyline glowing through the glass wall. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mixed with polished wood, something else – earthy, familiar. It made her heart twitch.
Kang Gyu-Min didn't look up right away. He was signing papers, his expression unreadable. She stood in silence until he spoke.
" Let's go."
She blinked ." Go... where?"
" You'll see."
The black Mercedes gleamed like a liquid midnight u der the company lights. She hesitated at the door.
" Get in," he said calmly, opening it for her.
As soon as the door shut, silence filled the car– only the hum of the engine, her racing heartbeat.
He didn't speak, his focus entirely on the road. She stared out of the window, Seoul's skyline stretching like a field of stars.
The car slowed before the Jungsik Seoul, its bright lights slicing through the night sky. Her eyes widened.
The hostess bowed as soon as he entered. " Welcome back, Mr. Kang." Of course he was a regular.
She trailed behind , clutching her purse like a lifeline. The moment she sat down, the weight of the crystal glasses , silent staff nearly suffocated her.
He glanced up from the menu.
" Order whatever you like."
She scanned the options – words she couldn't even pronounce. " I'll just... have a seasonal salad, iced tea," she whispered.
He raised an eyebrow.
" That's all?"
" It's fine,sir. I -uh- it's my first time here."
Something softened his gaze, though his expression stayed cool. " Then, let's make it memorable. "
He turned to the waiter.
" Two Hanwoo beef courses, one abalone risotto, bottle of Chateau Margaux 2018."
Her stomach flipped. That's a montly salary.
As the dishes arrived— art on porcelain – he finally spoke.
" Miss Jeong, I'll be straightforward. "
Her throat tightened.
" I need a favor," he said, leaning back.
" A personal one."
A favor? From him? She blinked, unsure if she'd misheard.
" My mother arranged a series of blind dates," he continued flatly." She's been relentless. And earlier today, I might have... told her I'm already in a relationship. "
Her brain went blank.
" You...what?"
" I need someone to play that role," he said without hesitation."For 10 months."
She dropped the spoon on the table." Mr. Kang,I –"
" You'll be compensated," he interrupted smoothly. " A written contract. You'll re a monthly allowance for maintaining the role, plus a completion bonus at the end."
She clenched her fists in her lap.
" You don't have to answer right now," he said, glancing at his watch. " But I'll need your decision by tomorrow morning. "
She responded awkwardly," Is that all, sir?"
"No." Hos eyes shifted to hers.
" There's one condition. "
"Condition?"
" If you accept, " he said, voice low, " You'll act like my real fiancée and girlfriend. No hesitation. No distance. "
Her pulse skipped. The scent of him who once carried her in his arms when she was a wounded pup, with whom in her puppy form she has cuddled beside him on his bed every night.
Later, the car slowed in front of her apartment building. She unbuckled her seatbelt carefully, still holding the contract folder.
" Thank you for the meal, " she said.
" Think about it," he replied, eyes briefly meeting hers. " And be in my office at sharp 10 am tomorrow. I'll expect your answer ."
H3 shifted gears,the car rolled away, its taillights fading into the night.
She stood there, watching the sleek black vehicle disappear around the corner. Then she smiled faintly, clutching the folder to her chest.
The night breeze brushed her gray hair. And as she turned toward her apartment, her mind drifted — one from her other self. AT THIS HOUR IAM SUPPOSED TO BE AT HIS HOME. IN MY TRUE PUP FORM.