Beyond the Transcripts || Wonwoo - Part 1
Pairings: Ceo!Wonwoo x Legal Head!Fem!Reader
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff, exes to co-parents to lovers au, second chances au.
Synopsis: Jeon Wonwoo, the calmest and untainted CEO to ever exist, gets his world shaken up when he finds you as the legal department head at his own company and your only registered family is a little guy who resembles him a bit too much.
Alternatively, you are smooth in onboarding Wonwoo into your son's life but problems arise when he tries to slide back into yours.
Warnings: Themes of co parenting, mentions of past difficult pregnancy, misogynistic slurs being used at workplace, wonwoo suffers from hyperventilation once, reader suffers from gastroenteritis, reader questions herself a lot, secret identity, workplace jargons.
Word Count: 11k
This fic is a part of THAT'S SHOWBIZ, BABY! Collab which also marks my first time participating in an event. Please support all the fics in the Collab!
Thanks again to @lovetaroandtaemin , Ally for coming up with this beautiful banner!
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Teaser | Part 1 | Final
“What are you doing here alone, little guy?”
Wonwoo wasn't supposed to visit the headquarters today but a sudden rescheduling of an important meeting had him rushing in.
With the meeting ending sooner than expected, he decides to spend some time in the gaming zone, in hopes of not to be seen by any of the employees.
And to his surprise, it isn't an employee he bumps into, it is a little boy wearing specs bigger than the size of his face.
And he reminds Wonwoo so much of himself.
Wonwoo crouches down to his level and asks, “Are you lost? Who did you come here with?”
The boy looks at him wide eyed.
“I'll contact the security team.”, his secretary, Mr. Jung informs promptly.
Wonwoo smiles as he ruffles the boy’s hair. It's astonishing, the way he feels extremely inclined towards the tiny human.
“What's your name?”
Seeing the reluctance, he decides to approach the boy with something that might pique his interest.
“Do you like playing games?”
And that works, the boy nods politely as his eyes light up and Wonwoo fights off all his urges to squish his cheeks.
“Let's play until that uncle”, he points towards Mr. Jung, “finds your family or relatives to get you.”
It was supposed to be a normal busy day at the company. The edifice echoes constant clicking of shoes, hushed murmurs and flipping of pages.
It is all good so far until a phrase starts spreading floor by floor, gets passed up in the canteen, being told in the cubicles.
‘Did you see a kid roaming in the building? He looks like a little carbon copy of our CEO, Mr. Jeon.’
Your heart thumps as you overhear your colleagues from behind the closed bathroom door. It can't be, you say to yourself. You pull up your phone to read the clauses stated in the company portal under the tab ‘Policies’. You are not allowed to bring your family to the premises unless there's an occasion or you're explicitly required and instructed to do so, states the rules.
Relief floods your senses, there's no way your son would be brought and led inside the building on a regular workday, that too without your knowledge or consent.
The day goes on as you submerge yourself in preparing a lawsuit against an accuser for trying to damage the reputation of the company and sabotaging the career of an artist under it by staging false allegations.
It's lunchtime and you're still reviewing the drafts when there's a knock on the cabin door. Your gaze doesn't even lift from the screen when Mr. Joo enters. You suppress your urge to roll your eyes, preparing yourself to be bombed with another set of misogynistic slurs being inserted after each line the old man says.
You've been recruited as the head of the legal department for unarguably the best in the entertainment and music industry, The Carat Company, eight months ago. And Mr. Joo who was so sure about getting promoted as the head, the position he eyed for (more than worked for) couldn't quite accept an outsider that too a woman who's much younger than him to snatch something from him which was never his to begin with.
You wonder how long until your tolerance runs dry and the man in front gets slammed by a lawsuit which wouldn't only end up with him losing his job.
After a draining ten minutes conversation with Mr. Joo, you head towards the canteen. You find your group at the table, as always saving you a seat.
“My son has a fancy dress competition at his school today. He went dressed up as Harry Potter.”, Sunjae from the IT department recites, taking out his phone and showing the pictures his wife has sent him. Everyone at the table coos at the cuteness.
The chattering continues with you all catching up on work, workplace gossip and family tales.
“My daughter hasn't been feeling well, I'll be clocking out early today.”, Sooji from the marketing department says, concern evident in her voice. You all nod in unison, even urging her to leave post lunch.
A sad smile splits onto your lips. You too want to show how cute Wonjae looked when you dressed him up for the picnic you both went to last week. Everyone knows that you're a single mother and that you've a son. That he's an intelligent kid, that he's the bundle of joy that shines in your life. But that's all they get to know because you want to keep it lowkey.
How could you show him to them when he looks exactly like his father? That he's more like Wonwoo than Wonwoo himself. Same Wonwoo, who's also the CEO of the company you are working at. Records would give away that you both attended the same university, practically batchmates, shared lectures. You're afraid of any digital footprints either of you could have left behind. You can't afford to shake up any rumours.
Prior to applying for this job, you had taken time, there were months of mental preparation before you sent across the application. You had no choice but to succumb to this economy and walk into the lion’s den.
Now everyday before leaving the house, you pray not to cross paths with Wonwoo. You wonder if he'd even recognise you, you don't want him to but there's an ache in your heart at the thought of it.
“I saw a kid roaming in our block. You won't believe at a glance I thought he's the son of Mr. Jeon.”, Sunjae recollects.
“Mr. Jeon isn't even married.”, Yoongi, from finance deadpans, “Though you don't need to be married to make a–”
Collective shushes make him shut up.
It piques your interest, you wonder who it could be until your phone buzzes with a call from Jihoon, the HR Manager.
And you're panting, down on your knees as you see your son, Wonjae standing in front of you.
“How did you get here?”, you ask the little boy, who stares at you with glossy eyes and jutted lips.
“Are you angry at me, mama?”, he asks with a quiver in his voice and your heart sinks.
You give him soft kisses on his forehead, patting his arms gently, “Jae, I'm not angry, I just want to know what happened.”
“I brought him here, Y/N.”, Jeonghan steps up and says with his head hung low, “I'm sorry.”
You sigh and get up rubbing your temples.
“Jae said he wanted to see the place where you work. I thought I could give him a quick tour, as getting permission won't be a problem.”, Jeonghan continues, “I brought him here only after confirming that Wonwoo won't come to office today.”
“And you didn't think of informing me?”, you ask using your strict voice, causing Jeonghan to cower a bit, “How did he end up roaming alone around the entire office?”
“I got a call when I was walking him through the gaming zone and it went on for a while. When I hung up, he was gone. After searching for a bit, I had to run by the security division and found him through the CCTVs.”, Jeonghan grimaces, “I'm really sorry, Y/N.”
Jeonghan and you, go way back. He's a prominent and popular artist under the company but you were friends, well to be precise he was Wonwoo's friend and you knew Jeonghan through him during the university days. Then circumstances caused you to cut ties with him. It was two weeks ago when Jeonghan (another person you wanted to avoid) found you while taking the same elevator.
And he didn't let you slip away. You hated how persuasive he was because he made you spill your life out which you don't do with others. It enraged you that he didn't even have to be perceptive to know who Wonjae’s father was.
“The entire office is talking about him, Jeonghan.”, you whine out in defeat.
“And that's not the worst part, Y/N.”, Jihoon who was watching the scene, the one who called you, the only one in the office who without any prior connection to you knows about your situation, articulates, “I found Wonjae inside the CEO’s office. He was playing Jenga with Mr. Jeon. I took him by saying he's the son of one of the new crew members.”
The ground beneath you slips. Everyone watches you holding their breaths. Your mind runs miles, producing hundreds and thousands of thoughts. And this moment of truth makes you question everything.
Were you too numbed by the pain of your miseries that you neglected your son's wants? What if he wants his father in his life? What if he hates you for not letting him be with his father? What if–
A little pair of hands grabbing yours, breaks your reverie.
“Mama, I'm sorry.”, Wonjae cries, waddling a bit towards you, hugging your legs.
You collapse on the floor, embracing your son tighter, letting your own tears fall. You rarely cry, tears are a luxury, you think. But today, maybe the tears are falling because you can't bottle up anymore.
You pull away, wiping his tears, “Shhh. Don't cry, I'm not upset.”
The trembles subsides and Wonjae hugs you again, face planted against your chest. It's a habit, he hides his face and complains, “Papa bumped into me, I almost fell.”
You listen quietly, caressing his back.
“Then he took me to his office.”, you see him swaying his right hand in the air, “I told him my name and age but I didn't tell him about you, mama.”
Wonjae takes a lot after his father, in his appearance, stances and habits. He is calm, patient and has better intelligence and emotional quotient compared to the kids of this age. He knows about his father, he understands that there must be a reason behind his parents not living together unlike his friends’.
And most importantly, he trusts you. He knows whatever you do, it will be for his good, so he's compliant and obedient.
“Mama, can we go home?”, he says yawning, “I want to sleep.”
You understand, you get it. Wonjae has seen his father countless times on the screens and the covers but today was the first time he met him. Knowing your little guy, you know that he has used all of his brain capacities today in spending time with his father. So you'd let him rest today.
The conversation you want to have with him, has to be shelved tonight. It's something you'd have to thread carefully with Wonjae.
And after dinner when your son falls asleep, you stay wide awake.
Maybe, you can't avoid Wonwoo all your life. And maybe, you shouldn't avoid Wonwoo anymore.
You wonder if certain strings of incidents are bound to happen. It was last week only when your son met his father and today, it seems you'd be meeting your past lover.
A sudden allegation about copyrights being charged against the company, an emergency board meeting and now a briefing about the legal action items to dissolve the matter.
And being the legal head, you'd be leading the meeting. You look at your reflection in the mirror, chanting the same words in your mind. You understand the gravity of the situation, the urgency it holds because within the months of your joining, this is the first time you'll be directly reporting to the CEO.
You think Wonwoo wouldn't recognise you. A mere fling, that's what you were to him after all. And even if he does, it would be best in his interest to ignore.
Wonwoo enters the meeting room and you find your gaze fixated upon him and it brings back all the memories.
You don't meet his eyes when his secretary introduces you both but you do feel the touch of his hand lingering longer on yours.
The meeting goes on and you're proud of yourself for not becoming a mess under his gaze. There are no questions from him, he just listens to what you offer and you take it as a good sign.
“I'll prepare the draft version of the clauses and send across to you, Mr. Jung.”, you say standing up from your seat while sizing the papers laying on the table, “It shouldn't be a major threat because I have found some discrepancies in their lawsuit, they most probably want to stir up some buzz about themselves and make some money out of it.”
Mr. Jung nods, “I'll be expecting the final draft today, we can discuss it further.”
You take it as a sign to take a leave. You walk out of the meeting room only to slide into the next empty one you found because your legs almost give up. You take deep breaths, drink water and assure yourself that it's not a big deal. You're sure that Wonwoo would want no business with–
The door opens and you freeze.
It's Wonwoo who's standing on the threshold.
“Y/N”, he calls out your name with so much vulnerability that it makes your heart twist with an ache.
“I never thought I'd find you again.”, he says almost breathlessly.
“Sorry, I know seeing me again caused a lot of disappointment.”, you blurt out even before thinking and sigh, “I did apply here knowing that it's your company but be assured I didn't come here because of you.”
You could see his face drop and he's about to open his mouth to speak again but you beat him, saying, “Mr. Jeon, if you'd excuse me, I have a meeting in five minutes.”
Wonwoo says nothing but just as you cross him to walk out of the room, he grabs your arm.
And he looks at you holding an unspoken plea in his eyes, while yours glare back at him. Your eyes hold the same intensity, Wonwoo thinks.
“I don't think what you're doing is appropriate, Mr. Jeon.”, you articulate, trying to free your arm from his firm grip, “Let me go.”
While you successfully yank out your arm, his next words leave your head spinning.
“I'll let you go now but we'll be seeing each other often from now on, Y/N.”
And he is true to his words.
The employees are confused, the legal department is in uproar. Why is the CEO visiting their department every other day?
“Y/N, is there something serious going on within your department?”, Yoongi asks oneday, during lunch, “I thought the copyright allegation lawsuit was resolved.”
You feel like banging your head on the very first surface you lay your eyes on. Wonwoo has been trying to talk to you and honestly if he wanted he could summon you anytime and you would have no other choice but to oblige. But you don't get what he's trying to establish by making trips throughout the office, especially the legal department.
“There are some ongoing issues which might escalate if not taken care of right now, so we're having rounds of discussion.”, you lie through your teeth, hoping for Yoongi to believe it.
Yoongi nods but he in fact does not believe it. Because you may not be aware, but he is, aware of the fact that you have a son, about whom when asked you always dodge the topic. He has seen Wonjae one night walking down the streets of the market with you. It wasn't something very peculiar until he found out that you have studied at the same university as Wonwoo, the graduation year matching as well. He didn't make his presence known, he just watched. He has a hunch that there's a past that you've been trying to bury so earnestly. That's why he doesn't pry.
Work is done for the day and you drive to your favourite spot, in hopes of getting a breather, a break from all the chaos.
“Sorry to interrupt your alone time.”, you hear a very familiar voice and smile instantly.
“You're not interrupting anything if we had decided to meet here, Chanie.”
Chan walks upto beside and leans against the railing, watching the city lights blaze underneath.
“How's everything going?”
“I don't know, but one thing for sure, this is something I don't want to do at all.”, he answers with a tinge of agony in his voice.
Lee Chan is the CEO of Sebong Corp., the company known to be a rival of The carat company. He is definitely someone who shouldn't have anything to do with you but you both go way long back. When he was still a student and you were just a law major who was working multiple part times while searching for a job.
You took pity on a student who always looked lost and saved him the food packets hiding from your boss only to give it to him when he made a routine tour to the store.
And that student almost cried out of gratitude whenever the pregnant worker sneaked him food late at night.
It goes on for a few months, until Chan reveals that he's actually a chaebol and in line to inherit the family business.
You were rendered speechless. But Chan was annoyingly sticky, he appeared whenever you worked begging for forgiveness until you gave in.
You wonder if you attract these kinda people.
Apart from Mina, he's the one who stayed by your side, always offering help if you ever needed and spoiling Wonjae whenever you would let him.
You are proud of how Chan is handling everything and still staying rooted to the ground.
“Next time, let me take you and Jae to a nice restaurant to eat.”, he suggests but frowns the next moment, “I doubt he'd even remember his one and only favourite uncle, it's been so long since we met.”
“True, why don't you come home over this weekend? I'll make you your favourite dishes.”
“Deal done.”, he beams and you turn to him and open your arms.
He instantly hugs you and you pat his back, “I'm so proud of you, Chanie. You're doing so well.”
He sighs, all the tension leaving his body, “Needed to hear this today, thanks.”
Not every bond has to be blood related, some go beyond everything.
“What's going on, Mr. Jeon?”, Mr. Jung asks as he notices Wonwoo spacing out again.
“You can drop the honorifics, Uncle.”, Wonwoo says in a lite tone. He slumps against the chair, his eyes fixating against the white wall of the ceiling, “It's her, Uncle. I had no idea she was working here.”
Mr. Jung’s expression solemns, “It explains your erratic behaviour. Did you get a chance to talk to her? Instead of going around the office, you could just summon her.”
“I have a lot to tell her, but where do I start?”, Wonwoo grimaces, “Wouldn't it be an abuse of authority to summon her for any personal agenda.”
Mr. Jung just nods.
“I have so much to say but at the same time I don't have any words that I could give out.”, He rubs his eyes, they're glistening, “Maybe, I just want to know how she has been because I am a selfish prick who needs to hear that the girl he dumped back then is unscathed so that he can be guilt ridden.”
He lets out a chuckle, “Honestly, I am just parading around the legal department because I get to see her, hear her voice and sometimes we even have a conversation because of work.”
“You say that you don't regret the choices you made. It certainly doesn't seem so.”
Wonwoo doesn't reply, he doesn't have an answer. He was doing just fine, living his life, doing his work diligently non stop for years. So what changes now?
It's late in the evening as the office empties out. There's a cramping pain in your stomach and you curse out when you discover that you've forgotten the medicines at home. You feel nauseous, there's a throbbing ache in your head and it intensifies everytime you look at the long chains of emails that sit inside the folders, all labelled with high importance and needing to be made some progress today.
You walk out of your cabin and enter the cafeteria to get some cookies as you call your son to inform him that you'll be going home late tonight. You tell him to do his homework and heat the food before eating. You also tell him to not wait for you and go to bed.
“Check the monitor first. Don't open the door to strangers.”, you remind him, “I love you, Bye.”
You hang up and get the fright of your life when you see Wonwoo standing beside you.
“Who was it?”, Wonwoo asks, his brows raised and arms crossed over his chest.
“W-What are you doing here?”, you ask panicked as you try to peep behind him, hoping no one sees the two of you.
“Let’s go to your cabin, I need to talk to you.”, he says and waits for your rejection because he knows there's no way you're willing to talk to him.
But you agree and now you're both inside your cabin, standing facing each other.
“What do you want?”, your voice comes out strained as you clutch your stomach, supporting yourself against the table.
“Are you okay?”, Wonwoo asks, concerned, “You're sweating and–”
“What did you want to talk about?”, you cut him off, “It’s surprising because I thought we're done for this lifetime. You made it pretty clear that time.”
Wonwoo winces at your verbal jab.
“And if it's something trivial, if you're trying to apologize or bring up our past then don't. I have moved past everything and I'm quite content in my life now, Mr. Jeon.”, you try to speak, emphasizing each word but they come out in ragged breaths.
The more Wonwoo observes you, the more he gets worried, he picks up the water bottle from the table and uncaps it to hand it to you, urging you to sit down.
There's a sharp sting in your stomach and you crouch down. When your vision fades you manage to utter, “M-Mr. Jeon, Amaris Hospital...”
And that's what Wonwoo hears before he watches your body go limp as you collapse on the floor.
Wonwoo watches your unconscious figure laying on the hospital bed as he stands outside the VVIP ward. His mind races miles after the conversation he had with the doctor.
He gets to know that you've been suffering from severe gastroenteritis which you've acquired post pregnancy. He is baffled, his mind can't comprehend and in the heat of the moment he makes an unethical request to have your medical records, the request which he takes back immediately, apologizing.
Mr. Jung rushes to the hospital with the information Wonwoo has asked him to get.
“Y/N, has only one person registered as her family in the records.”, he informs, “It's her son. She has her friend as an emergency contact and I've called her. She should be here anytime.”
What comes as a greater shock to Wonwoo after sometime is seeing Jeonghan rushing towards the ward, holding hands with a little boy whom even though he has seen only ones but remembers vividly.
“How is Y/N, Wonu?”, Jeonghan asks as he pants.
Wonwoo is frozen, he's not present at the moment. There are gears running in his head, there's vigorous thumping in his heart.
“She's fine now. The doctor said she'd be discharged tomorrow. She'll wake up once the effects of sedation wears off.”, Mr. Jung answers.
“Thanks for admitting her. I'm Mina.”, your friend says.
Jeonghan picks up Wonjae in his arms, they both look at your sleeping form from outside the ward.
“Mama will be okay right uncle Jeonghan?”, Wonjae asks and Jeonghan and Mina assure him immediately.
“Wonjae… Jeon Wonjae….”
All heads turn as Wonwoo keeps on mumbling the name. Every dot connects. Wonjae carries his surname, he looks like him and he's seven years old. The last time he saw you, before he left you, was eight years ago.
He walks towards Wonjae as Jeonghan lets him down.
“He is mine, isn't he?”, Wonwoo asks Jeonghan before crouching down in front of him.
Jeonghan stays quiet, so does Mina when Wonwoo looks at her.
And when he finally locks his gaze on his son, he breaks down in tears. He sobs hugging him.
Wonjae, seeing his father, cries as well.
“Don't cry, Papa.”, he says as his tiny hands try to wipe the tears from his father's face. And the more Wonwoo sees him, hears him call him as father, the more his sobs turn into wails.
Your body feels heavy, your head feels weighed. There are some whispers that reach your ears but you can't quite make sense out of it. Slowly opening your eyes, you see the white ceilings, the monitor beeping and then Wonwoo.
And by the demeanor, you guess that he has figured out something.
“Mr. Jeon...”
Wonwoo perks up at your voice and when your gazes meet, you see a fresh bout of tear pooling in his eyes.
And all he says is, “We have a son, Y/N. Wonjae is mine, he's ours…”
You inhale shakily. Out of all the possible ways you imagined that he'd react when he finds out about Wonjae, this isn't the one you thought of. Why does the CEO of the most successful entertainment company seem in distraught? Definitely, he's unpredictable and you're scared of what's to come next.
You crane your neck to look at Wonwoo, “Mr. Jeon, I'd like to discuss some things with you, could you please make some time out of your schedule for me?”
Wonwoo feels the distance between you two. It twinges, it gnaws at him.
“Get rest first. I have sent Wonjae with Jeonghan, he'll be staying at his house. Mina is still here and we'll talk once you get better.”, Wonwoo assures you, “You can find me anytime.”
You close your eyes, mind pondering about what's to come.
Your fingers hover against the door. You could feel the weight of the documents clouding over the entire span of you've spent to raise your son.
On the opposite side, behind the closed doors, waiting for you, is the man you once loved. The father of the child you birthed seven years ago. The chief executive officer of the company you're currently working at.
Also the man, who had broken your heart, had left you alone to pick up the pieces on your own.
You knew that this day would come. You have spent years preparing to face him one day. Over the years you've seen this face everywhere, be it on magazines or billboards or be it glorified on media but why is your chest caving in as you stand on the threshold, a moment away to see him again?
Taking a deep breath, you pitch your face into the most neutral expression you could bear. You won't deter, you won't step back.
Your knuckles give two swift knocks on the door and the secretary opens it for you, letting you in and stepping out once you enter.
At the sound of the door closing, your gaze lifts.
Wonwoo walks towards you, in large but steady strides, just as you have remembered. He stands in front of you, at a distance. Your gazes meet and the time stops.
Because this time unlike all the previous encounters, you are not avoiding him. This time you take time to observe him.
Wonwoo hasn't changed much, his eyes hold the same depth. He, you assume, still likes his hair side parted with locks clipped so they don't fall on his face. The scent of the same perfume lingers in the air, the one which he had always claimed as his signature. The frame of his glasses aren't geometric anymore, he goes with pilot nowadays.
And before your mind could trace back on the memory lane deeper, you decide to slip back into the momentum.
“Mr. Jeon”, you bow to him, giving a small smile. Your heart beats erratically, as you continue to speak, “You must be busy so I won't take much of your time.”
The title you call him by is foreign to Wonwoo's ear. It has been bothering him a lot. It always used to be strings of sickly sweet nicknames.
He watches the changes time has brought upon you. You no longer seem like the carefree law major from back then. You no longer are the girl who'd cry over smallest things, speak the first thought that came to your mind.
While Wonwoo loses touch with the current predicament, you line up several documents on his desk in specific order.
It's exacting because you used to know him so well, maybe even know if he hasn't emerged entirely as a different person. You see the way his eyes are on you but the dilated pupils give away the fact that he's running miles in his head.
So you wait, wait for him to come back to the present, to this moment.
And he does, a few minutes later. You can tell it by the way his gaze locks into yours right away, his lips curling down in slightest.
“How have you been, Y/N?”
His voice strikes a chord in your heart, before it reaches your ear. The voice that you used to love so much, the voice that sung you to sleep on restless nights, the same voice which when called your name, it summoned your soul.
Years of preparation goes down in the trench as you're about to break down at the first set of words you hear from him today.
But you can't, you're not the same vulnerable Y/N, who used to strip bare in front of her lover.
“I think we have more important matters to discuss, Mr. Jeon.”, you speak through your gritted teeth.
“But you promised you'd answer all my questions.”, Wonwoo reminds you calmly.
“And this is what you want to know?”
“Out of all things, first and foremost, yes this is what I want to know.”
You find it ironic, trapped in by his words, you answer truthfully, “I just can't sum up everything but I have been holding it in, thanks to Wonjae.”
Wonwoo perks at the mention of your son's name, well his as well.
“The first document is about me as Wonjae’s legal guardian, consenting to you conducting a DNA test.”, your gaze is gentle as you point at the bunched papers, “I don't want any questions, any fingers raised at my son in future.”
“But I don't–”
“I request you to conduct one.”
Your sharp tone shuts up Wonwoo completely, though not willing, he nods.
His gaze sweeps across the rest of the document which promotes him to ask, “What are the rest of these documents for?"
Your eyes turn somber. You've studied law, practised it. You know all the nooks and crannies and you're a mother who is raising her son against all odds.
“The second document is a contract that states that if you don't want to be associated with Wonjae then the fact that he’s your son will be concealed and never brought up by me. If I ever do so”, you turn the pages and show him the space left blank, “You can fill up the breach statement and penalties in this section, I have left it blank.”
Wonwoo gapes at you in disbelief, “What do you think you're trying to pull here?”, he speaks in a low tone but you can hear the agitation ringing in it, “What do you think of me, Y/N?”
You don't deem it necessary to answer his questions and proceed further to explain the contents of the last document.
“If you have any concerns about me working in your company and see me as a threat or identify me as someone who has the potential of stirring up trouble then you can ask me to resign but under the conditions that I work here until I find another job.”, you attitude has shimmered down from being hyper to nonchalant, now that you have done your part.
Wonwoo observes you, in disbelief and at himself in distaste because he's the reason behind the version you are currently showcasing.
“Also, I have prepared the clauses for custody just in case you're willing to share responsibilities in future. I'll bring it to you if you decide to be a part of Wonjae's life.”
You say terms, speak things all in legal language and Wonwoo just listens.
“I would have suggested you to run these documents by your legal team to cite any negotiations or catch any flaws but unfortunately, it would mean that I'd be the person you'll need to work with.”, you smile sardonically, “So it would be better if you contact someone who's not affiliated to this company.”
He wonders if things would have been different if he stayed and in the midst of the storm that whirlwinds in his head, he asks, “Why didn't you tell me that you were pregnant?”
What a simple question to ask. Are all questions meant to have an answer?
“Would you have stayed?”
Silence falls upon.
You give him a knowing smile, “Just when you were leaving, I asked you something, do you remember?”
Yes, he remembers, all of it. The way you had chased him to the station, your face wet, eyes bloodshot from crying. The way you just stood in front of him, mumbling the last question you had as the train entered the platform.
“What if I have something important to tell you? Would it make you stay?”
“There’s nothing left to salvage. Nothing's gonna stop me from leaving. This is the end for us.”
It answers his previous question. It makes sense now, he didn't only leave you, he had abandoned his unborn child as well.
Some fences can't be mended, some bridges can't be cemented, just like this relationship, which once bloomed beautifully, is now wilted.
“Do you have anything else to ask, Mr. Jeon? If not I'll be taking my leave.”, you say arranging all the documents, “I'll leave the documents here with you. We can meet once you have gone through these and made a decision.”
Wonwoo observes you, he can't even fathom the hurt you've gone through. He knows he's the reason for your suffering, he's grateful that you've been raising his son with so much love.
“I'll get back to you, Y/N.”
That's all he says and expects you to leave but what you do next tears him apart.
You are kneeling down, in front of him. Your head hangs low as you plead, your voice quivering, “Mr. Jeon, you can have everything you want at your feet but Wonjae is the only one I have. You have the power, money and capability to do anything. So I beg you, please don't take my son away from me, he's the sole reason I'm living this life.”
Wonwoo fists his hands, he feels insulted. How low do you think of him? But again, is it your fault that you don't trust him, because if it was in the past you used to trust him more than yourself.
He bends and holds your shoulder firmly as he helps you get on your feet.
“I'd rather perish than to do something like that to you or our son.”, Wonwoo grabs your chin to make you look at him, “We made him with love, Y/N.”
A tear falls down your eye, “Did you ever love me?”
His hands leave you, he looks at you with dejection.
“Love is built on trust but you never trusted me. Not enough to let me know your actual identity. You hid the fact that you are an heir to the Jeon estate. I get it, you didn't slip initially but we dated for 4 years. You even knew about my cousin’s best friend but I didn't even know about your closest family.”
You let out a bitter chuckle, “It's all in the past now. Let's focus on Wonjae, if you want to be a part of his life.”
“I want to be a good father to him.”, Wonwoo says sincerely, “Help me, Y/N, please.”
You nod while wiping your tears, “Jae is just like you. It's like my genes didn't even try.”, you breathe out a smile, “He likes you, I can see the way he lights up when he sees you on the Tv or covers. Please don't disappoint him, please be there for him. If you're going to do it, please do it right.”
And Wonwoo is determined.
“I already got your number from Jeonghan, I'll call you later.”, you tell him, “And if you want to meet Jae, come over this weekend, I'll text you my address.”
“Thanks, Y/N.”
“You're welcome.”
It's going well, though Wonjae was hesitant initially, he is delighted to have his father in his life which makes you wonder if all these years you have been doing things right. You'd admit that you're jealous seeing the father-son duo because they blend in so well, it's like they've never been apart. But you're happy for Wonjae.
“Don't spoil him too much.”, comes your warning one day when you spot Wonwoo setting up the new gaming devices in your son’s room, which you recollect your son has been wanting for long.
“I'll keep it in check.”, Wonwoo answers, “But let me make up at least a little for the lost time.”
Your heart swells when you enter the room an hour later only to see your son perched on his father's lap, both of them equally invested in the game, same face, same expression and same mind.
“He goes to karate classes every friday.”, you say rummaging through the drawers one evening and Wonwoo adds it as a reminder in his calendar.
“He goes to painting class on Tuesdays and his music classes are on Wednesday and Saturday. He learns to swim on Mondays and he rests on Thursdays. Sundays are reserved for his weekly shenanigans, he suggests random activity and we do it throughout the day.”
Wonwoo is half amused, half concerned and you see it on his face vividly.
“And no he doesn't get tired, it's not too much for him. It's his idea to explore all the fields and go ahead with the ones he finds interesting. The list of curricular activities was way long, we have trimmed it down to these and it may shorten further.”, you explain in a breath and hand him the timetable you finally found after almost turning the room upside down.
“He may look like me but he's just like you, Y/N.”, Wonwoo smiles looking at the paper in his hand, “You used to be like this.”
Used to be, not anymore, you think. The past you were totally a different person, she wouldn't even recognise the present you, you're so different now.
Wonwoo lays the paper flat on the table as he meticulously inputs each activity in his calendar. You watch him in silence, watch the man you had once wanted to spend your entire life with.
“Are you planning to let everyone know about Wonjae?”, you ask Wonwoo, later that night anxiously after he puts your son to sleep.
It had been gnawing at you relentlessly. Wonwoo notices the nervousness, he walks into the kitchen and makes you a cup of coffee.
“You’re the favourite celebrity of the nation, a long line of influential people are waiting to get their daughter married to you and if you suddenly declare that you have a child…”, you look at him with glassy eyes, “I'm afraid that people will target Jae. I don't care if I am subjected to any kind of ridicule or threat–”
“Y/N, calm down.”, he says calmly, “For now I have decided it to be not known. I have tightened the security and been careful but”, he assures you, “if it gets known I'll protect you both.”
“You don't have to protect me, Mr. Jeon.”, your voice drops an octave, a sign of your defensiveness, “Just take care of Jae.”
“I'm sorry, Y/N.”, he just says it, for the present, for the past, “I had a reason to leave though it wouldn't justify what I did. I'm really sorry.”
“Jae has fallen asleep, I think you should leave now.”, you get up from where you're sitting, “You're my employer and let's try to stick to the dynamics.”
Wonwoo watches quietly as you retreat back to your room. You have changed, a lot, thanks to him.
“Won! You won't believe what happened.”, you jump onto his lap as soon as you spot him sitting on the sofa.
Wonwoo smiles, ruffling your hair as he secures his arms around your waist, “What happened, love?”
You press a quick kiss to his lips, smiling, “While returning back from the University I saw an old man selling some stuff at a very cheap price. And I was shocked when I saw the limited edition cassettes, you know the ones I've been collecting recently. I bought all of them! My collection is complete!”
“Woah, I'm so proud of you.”, Wonwoo kisses the side of your head.
“I got you a metal pick, because you keep losing them. Also, I got us matching rings!”
Wonwoo looks at you in awe as you put the ring on his pinky.
He puts his hand over the suit pocket and feels the ring as he presses over it through the layers of fabrics. A look at the closed door and he's out the next moment.
“I am guessing the matters are resolved now.”, Yoongi says one day during lunchtime, “Mr. Ceo is not seen as much around the office nowadays.”
“Yes, it is resolved.”, you say monotonously.
Yoongi hums, “Good then. Let me know if you need my help for anything.”
You squint your eyes, smiling, “You don't know shit about law, Yoongi.”
“Oh but I do know about a thing or two outside law, Y/N.”
“You have a misconception about yourself, I see.”, you chuckle when Yoongi glares at you.
And that glare turns into a fond smile while you eat off his ears about a character of the show you don't like.
Wonwoo, who happens to pass by the area, doesn't quite like the way whoever the guy sitting beside you is looking at you. That afternoon, he didn't have lunch, apparently due to loss of appetite.
He has been trying to make space for himself in your life but you're rigid. He shudders at the thought of your angry face whenever he subtly tries to bounce off the wall you've built around yourself. You only pay him mind when you discuss about Wonjae with him, otherwise he's just sidelined.
He has zero interest in work today, his mind keeps playing the incidents from the previous night.
He was supposed to drop by your apartment as usual to spend some time with Jae and you.
He punches the passcode and is met by a startled you.
“Jae would be staying at Mina’s tonight, I had already sent you a text regarding this.”, you say and wait. Wait for him to leave.
“Oh sorry, I didn't get a chance to check my phone.”
Lies. Wonwoo is at your place today with just one motive, to talk to you.
There's a moment of silence and you're just about to show him the way out, he asks, “Can we talk?”
“We don't have anything to talk about, Mr. Jeon–”
“Stop calling me that!”, he hisses and closes the distance between the two of you, “Call me Wonu, Won, Woni anything, please.”
You look at him incredulously, “But that's not what I should be calling my employer, isn't it?”
“I'm not just your employer.”, his voice drops an octave, “I was your lover, I am the father of your child.”
“What are you doing?”, you ask wearily when he grabs your arm and pulls you closer, wrapping his arms around you.
He rests his forehead against you, closing his eyes, “Please, let me hold you for a moment.”
You are confused, you don't want yourself anywhere near him but your body betrays you, it seeks comfort into the embrace of your past lover, it's just like returning to an old habit.
“I never stopped loving you, Y/N.”, he confesses, opening his eyes to see your wide ones, “I did leave you at my own will but it wasn't because I fell out of love.”
“It doesn't matter anymore.”, you say trying to push him away but his grip is too strong, “All I wanted was a closure when you left but you didn't even consider me worthy of that. I didn't know who you actually were, didn't get the reason behind your abrupt decision of breaking up and now you decide you wanna do the truth drop just because we have a son.”, you shake your head, “That's not how it works. I know I'm just a baggage that comes with Jae, I know my place, you had made it clear then, so you don't have to do all of this.”
He frees you, his eyes holding depths of oceans before retreating to stand by the window, facing away from you.
“I am the youngest within the Jeon household. I was loved, always getting what I wanted and never put on the pedestal because I have an older brother. I was always used to getting away with whatever, while he was dumped with all the expectations, afterall he was supposed to take over the Jeon empire.”
There's a pause before he continues, “He looked like he belonged to the limelight while I was the opposite, always preferred to be in the shadows. It was a blessing, to have a big brother like him, to have such loving parents who never tried to load their expectations on me. I expressed my desire to get enrolled into the University under the plain disguise and pursue a degree I wanted.”
He turns to look at you, “That's when I met you and we fell in love. I was so happy, happiest I'd say because you saw me for me, I was grateful that you made me a part of your life but it kept bugging me that I was hiding my identity.”, his voice cracks, “I was afraid, what if after learning everything, you make a decision to leave me? But that's when the incident happened.”
“My brother finally snapped. He couldn't take the pressure, couldn't bear the heaviness of the expectations anymore so he tried to step down. But my parents wouldn't let him, for them their pride mattered the most. They couldn't just let people think that they raised a failure in the Jeon household.”
You listen silently.
“My brother left. He disappeared without any trace, no goodbyes, nothing. I was heartbroken, my parents were inconsolable. Until a few months passed and they recovered. And that's the first time I got to witness the true nature of my parents. They only saw me as a replacement to my brother. It was so evident, I was thrusted into grooming sessions to be the acting director. It was so sudden, it felt nauseous because I have always seen myself out of those scenes, to me they were for my brother. No one cared, the expectations were projected onto me and that's when I started missing the classes and I got to see you less. My mind started to shift, it was messed up and after pondering for weeks, I chose to be an obedient child to my parents and leave behind everything I was associated with, including you.”, he looks at you apologetically, “I'm sorry.”
“I can't forgive you.”, comes your immediate and stern reply, “I hope you realise that out of all the things you could have done, you decided to abandon me.”
Wonwoo freezes at your words, the truth hits him in the gut.
“You didn't even seek for me for all these years.”, your voice cracks with the hurt, “You know about Jae because I decided it to be known. So don't you dare come here pretending like a good person as the world believes you to be. I know who you are, what you are.”
“You're right.”, Wonwoo says, more to himself, “I am really an awful person.”
And then he leaves and doesn't come back for days until your son calls him just because he misses his father.
The weekend follows and the doorbell rings. Before you could reach, you see your son jumping towards the door, his smile widening when he sees his father on the monitor.
It's a mundane Saturday, except you're building a fort in the living room with your son and Wonwoo. It's simple actually, you've built it for Wonjae many times but today something is hindering it and you figure out that the reason is Wonwoo.
He's absolutely clueless, he's not helping, he rather needs help.
“Papa, you are so bad at it.”, Wonjae calls him out and you bite your lips to suppress the laugh bubbling in your throat.
Wonwoo with a very childish frown on his face, refutes the claim, “I am just giving you both a chance to showcase your skills.”
You roll your eyes, focusing on assembling the fort while the two guys bicker on the backdrop.
“Mama, save me!”
You turn back to see Wonjae tackled on the ground as Wonwoo tickles him. A laugh bubbles out of your throat, you feel good in the moment. After all, this was something you've always wanted, to get married and start a family with the man you once loved so much.
“Woni, let's get married.”, you declare, out of nowhere, “I want to marry you immediately.”
Wonwoo laughs, “You speak out the very first thought that comes to your mind.”, he caresses your cheeks fondly, “Let’s get married once we settle in our careers.”
“You don't have to work, I'll take care of you.”, you say sincerely, “Just be mine, please.”
“That's not what you said last time, as far as I can recollect.”, Wonwoo squints his eyes at you, “You said that you don't want to work, you just want to be my wife, the mother to my kids.”
“And I meant it!”, you cross your heart.
“Which one did you mean? Because both are pretty contradictory to me.”
“I’ll be whatever you want me to be.”, you admit, a soft smile spreading on your lips.
And in the moment, Wonwoo falls in love with you all over again. He leans in, eyes never leaving yours as he closes the gap between you two.
The phone rings and you both groan.
“It's my dad, let me take this one.”, you say, pulling back as you check the caller Id.
He nods but does exactly the opposite by pulling you by your neck and planting his lips on yours for a kiss that takes your breath away.
The ringing of the phone eventually stops but Wonwoo doesn't.
A soft sigh escapes from within you and your mood shifts. There's no point in dwelling in the past now.
Yoongi paces nervously as he awaits you. A sudden click and he sees you entering through the door and from behind you, emerges Jihoon.
Yoongi pulls you aside and whispers, “What's the HR guy doing here, Y/N?”
“He's trustable.”, you assure him and introduce them to each other.
Yoongi exhales sharply, he sweeps a glance at the two of you and speaks, “I think there may be some fund embezzlement going on and for long.”, he takes out his phone and shows some the snaps he has taken, “While I was accessing some documents for the recent staffing activities, I came across this.”
“How did you get access to this? Shouldn't this be requiring credentials of Senior Managers?”, Jihoon asks, eyeing Yoongi suspiciously.
Yoongi scoffs and looks at you, “Look at your trustable guy, he's doubting me.”
You glare at Jihoon and then look back at Yoongi, “Don't mind him, Yoongi, tell us the entire thing.”
He nods, “So the exchange receipts you're seeing, on the surface they're all going to different accounts but when I traced back the companies turned out to be paper companies. Someone has to be in the directorial position to pull this without getting noticed. I had even dropped an anonymous tip to the auditor's office but surprisingly or not, no action was taken.”
“This is concerning.”, Jihoon ponders over, “Does anyone else know about this?”
“I'm not aware.”, Yoongi answers truthfully, “This shouldn't be of my concern but I can't get it out of my head and I think if I try to poke again they'll be on my tail.”
“We definitely need someone from the Audit team on our side, someone who's trustworthy and holds power.”, you say, “But it doesn't seem plausible.”
“I'll see what I can do.”, you assure both of them, “Yoongi, please send those evidences and Jihoon, could you check if you could link any of these account owners to anyone from the company?”
While you walk out of the room with a lot on your mind, you get a call from your son and he has some requests.
Wonwoo punches the code hurriedly as his heart races after getting a sketchy text from his son. He manages to enter your apartment only to find it pitch black and eerily silent.
“Y/N? Jae?”, he calls out through the passage and he keeps calling as he makes his way to the hallway.
Suddenly the light goes on, the whistles blow and confetti flies.
Wonwoo stands wide eyed, as he sees the banner reading a ‘Happy Father's Day!’ and looks at Jae holding a cake smiling while you, Jeonghan and Mina stand behind him each wearing a party hat and funny accessories.
You observe quietly, the way your son is beaming in happiness when his father appreciates and voices out all the praises on receiving the gifts.
You're proud of your son, he's empathetic, he's kind and he's all you could ever want. When he called you at work, which was rare, with a hesitant voice and a wish to celebrate the day because he recently learnt that his father's birthday had already passed, you agreed immediately, because he loves to celebrate special days.
You're setting the table, faint sounds of laughter reaching your ears.
“Thanks, Y/N.”
You look up to see Wonwoo looming over your frame.
“It was all Jae’s idea, you should be thanking your son.”, you say light heartedly, “I didn't even remember.”
Wonwoo looks at you surprised, “You forgot? Didn't uncle always nag when you don't wish him? You should give him a call–”
He halts when he sees you go stiff.
“Is everything alright, Y/N?”, Wonwoo asks, now alarmed, “Are your parents fine?”
“They should be.”, you answer vaguely, before busying yourself back on plating the food, “You should go back, Jae must be looking for you.”
The dinner is going well with Wonwoo mostly talking with Jae and Jeonghan while Mina chimes in only when she feels like it.
Your mood has dampened ever since Wonwoo has brought up your father so you're just present, not involved in whatever is being discussed.
When Jae hops off to take a washroom break, Jeonghan takes the chance to ask you, “Are you seeing someone, Y/N.”
You shake your head, “There's a lot on my plate already and I'm content with Jae in my life.”
Though it is an open secret, Wonwoo feels relief flood in his chest.
“Didn't even seek?”, Jeonghan probes further.
You sigh, “Actively no. But I did go on a couple of dates, even the blind dates Mina set me up for, but”, your gaze drops, “All of them backed out as soon as they learnt about Jae. Guess, no one wants a woman like me. So I have given up on it.”
There are words on the tip of Wonwoo's tongue, he wants to say that you're everything one could ever want, then why did he leave you in the first place?
Your mind lingers back to that phase where your self esteem had hit rock bottom because of some failed dates with men you didn't even know. Might sound funny but the canon balls life had thrown at you combined with ‘nothing has ever gone right’ made you falter.
Jae comes back and the topic is dropped off the table, it's all laugh and chatters until Jeonghan decides to tease you for fun, with the help of his beloved nephew. He loves teasing the heck out of people whom he dear and has engulfed the little boy into this as well. He murmurs something into Jae’s ear without you noticing.
Jeonghan gives a sly grin as he sweeps a gaze round the table and asks Jae, “Jae, tell us who you love more, Mama or Papa?”
A classic trick question to which people tend to avoid answering.
But Jae is giggling as he answers almost immediately, “Papa!”
It is supposed to be a stick to tease you but your heart drops. There's a sudden shift in your demeanor and it's noticeable.
There's a screeching sound as you stand up abruptly and walk into your room, closing the door behind.
“Everything is not made to be a joke about.”, Mina hisses, glaring at Jeonghan.
“Did I hurt, Mama?”, Jae asks, tears already pooling in his eyes.
“Yes, you did. This is not something I expected from you.”, Mina answers him, trying to tone down her anger, “Go to your room, we'll talk tomorrow about it.”
Wonjae follows obediently.
“I'm sorry, I was just trying to–”
“You should leave if you're done.”
It hits a nerve and Jeonghan tries to defend himself which leads to a heated exchange between both.
“Aren't you being too much here, Mina?”, Jeonghan raises his voice with accusations.
“Oh maybe I am because you and him”, she sweeps a glance at Wonwoo, “weren't there during her pregnancy phase. Neither of you are aware of what she had to go through, that her parents disowned her, that she almost lost her life while giving birth to Jae due to excessive bleeding and all other complications.”
Both the men freeze and Mina heaves out a breath.
“You might think, Y/N is getting sensitive over a joke but you guys need to understand that she has her entire life built around Jae, she has always tried to be the best parent to him so if he suddenly says he loves his found father more over her even as a joke, she would begin questioning whatever she has ever done for Jae and whether she went wrong somewhere.”
“Can I go and talk to her?”, Wonwoo asks, his voice shaky holding the pleading tone.
“Do whatever you want, just don't hurt her anymore.”, she says, grabbing her belongings and exiting the apartment.
“Go talk to her.”, Jeonghan adds, “I'm leaving, call me if you need me.”
You sit quietly at the corner of your bed, your mind empty. Your fingers fidget among themselves and all you are trying to remember is why you left the table. Why did it sting so much? Wonjae has always longed for his father ever since he knew about him so it was given and there's nothing to be upset about it.
But maybe you're easy to be left behind, maybe not choosing you is easier than staying. You feel tears streaming down your face, you feel your heart constricting in pain.
Wonwoo enters the room crouches in front of you.
“I'm sorry”, you say, as soon as you feel his presence, avoiding his gaze, “I overreacted over a small matter–”
And you halt when you hear a choked sob.
“No I'm so so sorry.”, he hiccups through every word he tries to speak, “I– You had to suffer so much and I wasn't even by your side. I can't even turn back time, I can't take away your pain.”
You wipe his tears and he leans against your palm.
“I left when you needed me the most. You had to make a lot of sacrifices, while I was just– I'm sorry, Y/N.”
Wonwoo's crying and you watch in shock as he goes into hyperventilation. He grasps at your arm as he tries to breathe but it doesn't work. You hurriedly take off his glasses, loosen his tie and unbutton the first few buttons of his shirt.
“Wonwoo, calm down”, you say, grabbing his face, “Look at me and try breathing. Inhale through your nose and exhale slowly through pursed lips as if blowing out a candle.”
“I-I can't–”, he manages to speak between the ragged breaths.
Then you do what your mind prompts you to, you press your hands near to his mouth which makes his lips pucker and you plant yours on them.
You kiss him tenderly, caress his arms gently with the motive of calming the neurotransmitters in his brain and it works, you feel Wonwoo taking slow breaths as his mind distracts and body eases in the moment.
You pull away, searching for his eyes, “Better now?”
He nods, breathing heavily. You don't let him leave in the middle of the night, offering him to sleep in your bedroom. Once you both kiss your son’s sleeping form goodnight, the two of you settle in an awkward stance.
“Jae doesn't like sharing his bed, so you take my bed and I'll take the couch.”
But somehow you end up in your bed with Wonwoo as he invades your personal space and holds you in his arms like he always used to do.
There's intimacy in the moment which makes you spill your heart out, you tell him how your orthodox parents cut ties with you when you told them about your pregnancy. They never reached out to you after that. You tell him how haunting it was for you to go through it alone. How tiring it was to support yourself by working multiple part time jobs while preparing for interviews and managing the pregnancy and that you believe that Mina is godsend because she's the nurse at the hospital you were brought to when you had fainted at work once and since then she stayed and looked over you like a godmother.
“Aren't you uncomfortable in those clothes?”, you ask, eyes droopy.
“With you in my arms, these clothes are the least of my concern.”, he smiles stroking your hair, “I could do this all my life.”
“I missed you, Won.”, the nickname slips out of you naturally, “When it was unbearable, when I had something to share but no one was there to listen, when while giving birth I thought I wouldn't be able to live through.”, you hide your face in his chest, trying to blink away the tears, “I wished you were there when I held Jae in my arms for the first time, when he grew up to be so much like you.”
Your words turn into sleepy mumbles until they stop.
And once you fall asleep, his floodgates open again, Wonwoo cries the more he looks at you, apologizing a thousand times. He promises to keep you and Jae safe and now all he wants is to take the weight off your shoulders.
Morning comes with the rays of sun peeking through the curtains. You turn within the sheets, having the best sleep in a while as you hug the side pillow, throwing a leg over it. Ten more minutes you promise to yourself as you snuggle closer, a familiar Cologne hitting your nose. You frown, running your hands over the pillow only to find it moving as well.
Your eyes fly open and reality comes crashing down, the pillow you're grabbing is a certain Jeon Wonwoo, who is currently staring down at you with fond eyes and a soft smile.
“Good morning.”, he greets and all you try to do is get away from the proximity. But your baby daddy has other plans.
With a swift swig, he pulls you closer by your middle and pecks your forehead. You go stiff as he eyes your lips and leans in but you don't stop him.
“I think Jae is calling me.”, you say, getting your senses back and wriggling out of his grip, running out of the room.
Wonwoo sits disappointed but his heart is eased.
“Are you sure, you don't wanna inform Mr. Jeon yet?”, Jihoon asks as his eyes almost pierces through the documents, “I got hold of Jimin from the Auditor’s team and he's digging up the history it seems.”
“We can't go up to him just with these documents. We need concrete proof because seemingly we are up against a bunch of influential people. Let Jimin come back with something.”
As you fish out your phone to call Yoongi, the said man appears looking very distraught.
“Guys, it's not only embezzlement, they're planning to upsurge the ownership of this company.”, he informs, leaving the rest of you shocked, “They are on move to convince the shareholders about transferring the shares but given our CEO’s clean image, it won't be easy, what could they be upto?”
“How do you know so much?”, Jihoon asks Yoongi and the latter rolls his eyes.
“Put your mind to come up with something useful.”, comes Yoongi’s snarky remark.
And while the two snide at each other, you ponder on whether to inform Wonwoo about the matter or wait a bit more.
But time doesn't wait and so doesn't the conspirators because a few days later all you see is yours and Jae’s face on every article, all the news bulletins linking the two of you with Wonwoo.
And your heart drops when you realize they're going to use you to tarnish Wonwoo's image.
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