Scarlet Strings.

Professional Lines

"Of course, but please, call me Aiden," he said, his tone flirtatious.

Scarlet took her seat, pulling out her tablet and opening the files they were supposed to review. "I've prepared a few concepts based on the brand's target demographic," she began, sliding the tablet across the table.

Aiden barely glanced at it, his eyes lingering on her instead. "Scarlet, you're clearly brilliant. But tell me, do you ever take time to enjoy yourself? You work so hard."

Scarlet's jaw tightened, but she maintained her professional demeanor. "Work is my passion, Mr. Cambridge. Now, about the designs..."

He interrupted her, waving a hand dismissively. "Passion is important, but so is balance. A woman as beautiful as you should have someone to spoil her. Don't you agree?"

Scarlet leaned back in her chair, her eyes narrowing. "I believe professionalism is equally important, Mr. Cambridge. If we're not here to discuss business, I see no reason to waste any more of my time."

Aiden chuckled, clearly unbothered by her sharp tone. "Relax, Scarlet. I'm just trying to get to know the person behind the genius."

Scarlet's patience was wearing thin. She picked up her tablet and stood, her expression icy. "This meeting was supposed to be about your brand's future, not an excuse for casual conversation. If you're not interested in the work I've prepared, I see no reason to continue this."

Aiden's smug smile faltered. "Scarlet, wait..."

"No," she said firmly, cutting him off. "I don't tolerate unprofessional behavior. If you're serious about your brand, you can schedule a proper meeting during office hours. Good night."

Without another word, Scarlet turned and walked out of the restaurant, her heels clicking against the polished floor with purpose.

***

Ha-joon's sleek black car pulled into the grand circular driveway of his mansion. The house, with its towering pillars and sprawling lawns, stood like a regal crown on the hill. The lights from the chandeliers inside reflected through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, giving the entire property an ethereal glow.

Mrs. Kang, Ha-neul's mother, let out a gasp as she stepped out of the car. "이 집이 정말 아름답네요!" (This house is truly beautiful!) she exclaimed, clutching her son's arm.

Ha-joon smiled politely, though his nerves were beginning to creep up. He knew Scarlet had been busy lately, and the state of the house wasn't exactly what one would call "guest-ready."

"감사합니다, 이모." (Thank you, Auntie,) Ha-joon replied in Korean, bowing slightly out of respect. "안으로 들어가시죠." (Let's go inside.)

Ha-neul glanced at his cousin, a knowing smile tugging at his lips as if he could sense Ha-joon's unease. "형, 괜찮아요?" (Hyung, are you okay?) he teased quietly.

"괜찮아," (I'm fine,) Ha-joon muttered back, though the tightness in his tone betrayed him.

As soon as the grand double doors swung open, Ha-joon's worst fears were realized. The usually pristine marble floors were dotted with discarded shoes. Scarlet's cardigan was slung over the back of a couch, her scarf draped carelessly over a chair. To make matters worse, one of his dress shirts was hanging off the edge of the bannister, and a few books and magazines were scattered on the floor.

Ha-joon froze for a split second before springing into action. "어, 잠깐만요!" (Uh, one moment!) he said quickly, darting forward.

Mrs. Kang's eyebrows shot up, her gaze sweeping over the mess. "이게 뭐야? 네 집이 이렇게 지저분하다고는 상상도 못했어." (What is this? I never imagined your house would be this messy.)