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彡┆29

i exhale, then pull it open and there he is. in-ho standing in a tailored black suit, his posture relaxed, his eyes instantly locking onto mine. i hate how good he looks. how effortless it is for him. how his mere presence makes my stomach tighten.

he smirks slightly, his gaze slowly trailing down my figure before meeting my eyes again.

''you look-'' he starts, but i cut him off before he can finish.

''come in,'' i say, stepping aside, refusing to let him win this little game so easily.

he chuckles under his breath, amused, before stepping inside and just like that, the night begins. i take a step forward, inhaling slowly as i turn to face the room.

''everyone,'' i say, my voice smooth, controlled. ''this is mr. hwang.''

in-ho steps further inside, his presence commanding without even trying. my father watches him carefully, his sharp eyes assessing every movement, every detail.

''mr. hwang,'' my father says, standing up from his seat and extending a hand. ''i've heard a lot about you.''

in-ho takes his hand, shaking it firmly. ''all good things, i hope.''

my father lets out a short chuckle, nodding. ''we'll see.''

''hana, bora - this is mr. hwang,'' i say quickly. ''he's an important business contact of ours.''

bora, ever the actress, flashes a charming smile. ''nice to meet you.''

''yeah, nice to meet you,'' hana adds, eyeing him suspiciously.

''shall we?'' i say smoothly.

my father nods, leading the way, and i feel in-ho's gaze on me as we move. tonight needs to be perfect.

the conversation starts light - small talk, business pleasantries, my father discussing recent deals while hana throws in the occasional question, trying to act engaged.

but the moment we settle in, i feel it. his hand on my thigh. just like last time.

bora side-eyes me, like she knows something's up, but she stays quiet, probably enjoying this too much. meanwhile, my father is completely oblivious, talking about potential business strategies.

my father leans back in his chair, sipping his wine before nodding toward me.

''well, my daughter once again proved that i can trust her instincts,'' he says, his voice filled with pride. ''she knows how to spot the right people.''

in-ho smirks slightly, his fingers still resting on my thigh as he answers. ''yeah,'' he muses, glancing at me. ''she seems to have a sharp mind.''

i take another sip of my wine, pretending his words don't make my stomach flip.

my father nods, exhaling. ''that's what i'm thankful for. being a businessman and having kids isn't the easiest job.''

in-ho chuckles, shifting slightly in his seat. ''i can imagine.''

my father tilts his head slightly, looking at him with interest. ''what about you?'' he asks casually. ''do you have kids?''

i tense instantly. shit. i don't dare look at in-ho, but i feel the way he stiffens for just a second.

in-ho exhales, his voice smooth, controlled. ''no kids, no wife in the picture.''

he says it so casually, like it's just a fact, nothing more. but i know better. his fingers are still resting on my thigh, and for a brief second, they tighten just barely, just enough for me to notice.

''well,'' my dad says, taking another sip of his drink, ''that makes things easier. family complicates business. trust me.''

in-ho chuckles lightly, the sound low, effortless. ''i can imagine.''

i remember the night he told me about his wife. about how he lost her. and yet, here he is, saying there was never anyone.

as dinner wraps up, my father stands first, adjusting his suit jacket before extending a hand toward in-ho.

''mr. hwang,'' he says firmly, ''thank you for joining us tonight. i appreciate the conversation - and your insights.''

in-ho takes his hand, shaking it with the same confidence he always carries. ''the pleasure was mine,'' he replies smoothly. ''your daughter speaks highly of you.''

my father smirks slightly, nodding. ''she should. i taught her everything she knows.''

bora, stepping forward, offers a charming smile. ''well, mr. hwang, if you'll be working with jia, i'm sure we'll be seeing more of you.''

''i wouldn't doubt it,'' he says, smirking slightly.

my father checks his watch, nodding once. ''jia, please walk him out.''

i nod, stepping toward the door as in-ho follows me. when we step into the cool night air, i turn to him, expecting a simple goodbye.

but instead, he leans in, his lips just brushing the shell of my ear.

''come over later,'' he murmurs, his voice low and filled with something that sends a dangerous warmth through my body.

''demanding, aren't we?'' i murmur back.

''you love it.'' he smirks, his eyes flickering over me.

i scoff lightly, shaking my head. ''we'll see.''

he takes a step back, his smirk never fading. ''don't keep me waiting, tiger.''

and with that, he walks off, disappearing into the night. i stand there for a moment, arms crossed, watching him go.

damn him. he knows i'm going to come.

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so good so far but let's see what happens next my loves <3