Prologue

"Mother, how many times must we discuss this?" Jinho groaned as he shuffled important papers on his desk.

"You can't blame me for constantly bringing up this topic, dear," his mother replied over the speakerphone. "You've done nothing but drown yourself in work. Your father and I aren't getting any younger."

"But I'm not the one who's responsible for continuing your bloodline," Jinho stopped as he looked at the phone. "In matters such as this, you should discuss this with Taeyoung."

His mother sighed and said, "Your brother still has a long way to go. You're the eldest and you're already set in your career. It's high time that you find a bride for yourself and settle down."

"Can't I decide that for myself?" he asked as someone lightly knocked on his door. It creaked open and his assistant, Kim Hyeongu, peeped through the small opening.

"I already agreed to that and look at where we are now," she replied. Jinho gestured for his assistant to enter as she continued, "You always ask for more time. Yet, it's been seven years since you said that. Still, you're on the top of the most eligible bachelors in our city." She added, "We already gave you enough time. Don't force us to do it for you."

"I know I asked for time. And I still do. My business has attracted more partners and expansion is inevitable. At this point, settling down is out of my priorities," he argued as Hyeongu arranged the new arrivals. Accidentally, Jinho bumped the other palets that Hyeongu carried. His eyes widened as the files scattered all over the floor. He offered to help but Hyeongu declined and started to pick up the papers.

"Until when will your business be your priority?" his mother answered. Jinho watched as Hyeongu collected the scattered files. But his world stopped when he saw a specific file.

"Jinho? Are you listening to me?" his mother raised her voice as it came out of fade.

"Oh, un, yes, Mother," he replied as he snapped back to reality. "Mother, can I call you back? I need to do something important."

His mother sighed. "Will you be joining us for dinner?"

"I'll let you know."

"Okay. Don't work too much."

"Yes. Bye." Jinho quickly turned off the speakerphone. He turned to his assistant and said, "Hyeongu, may I see that resume?"

Hyeongu's brows furrowed. He skimmed through his files and pulled out the first resume that he saw. He then showed it to his boss.

Jinho nodded eagerly and Hyeongu immediately handed it to him. Jinho read the resume and asked, "What's this for?"

"We currently have an opening for our production floors. She's one of the passed applicants," Hyeongu explained.

Jinho smiled and asked another, "Do we have a job opening here on our floor?"

Hyeongu thought carefully before he answered, "The only opening we have is the secretarial position. Miss Park has sent in her resignation letter and it was effective immediately."

Jinho nodded as he finished the resume. He handed it over to him and said, "Give the position to this applicant. Her credentials seem to be proper for the job."

"Uh, of course, sir," Hyeongu nodded. He was confused as he couldn't understand his boss' decision. He already read the said resume and her credentials weren't suitable for the position. But he knew he couldn't argue against it as his boss was already set on it.

"Is everything ready for my departure?" Jinho asked as he stood from his chair.

"Yes, sir. I had everything settled for you," Hyeongu replied. "Your luggage is all ready. Your private plane will undergo its final checking tonight. And you're set to fly out early tomorrow morning."

Jinho nodded. He turned to his assistant and said, "While I'm away, I entrust everything to you. As much as I want to bring you with me, someone has to stay behind and manage the company."

"I promise you, sir, that I will do my very best to keep the company in check," Hyeongu replied as he bowed his head for a quick moment.

"And while I'm away, handle the training process of our new secretary," Jinho continued. "You're well-familiar with everything that a secretary does in my company. Show her the ropes and keep a close eye on her. Should she struggle, give her a helping hand at all times."

Hyeongu nodded.

Jinho's phone buzzed. He checked it for a while before he slid it back into his pocket. "Looks like one of our partners wants to have a late night dinner with me," he remarked.

"Should I have the car ready for you, sir?" Hyeongu asked.

Jinho nodded as he started walking.

Hyeongu followed closely behind him and spoke to his inner ear, "Have the car be at the front door. Mr. Nam has an appointment."

As they headed to the elevator, Jinho couldn't help but allow a slight grin to appear on his face. He just couldn't believe that after such a long time, he found her at last. And to be able to have her as his secretary, he finally felt that it was his time to catch up with everything.

And throughout the night, only one name played over and over in his mind.

Ryuk Mingyu.