Her REV LOVE

C-8

I stood by the enormous floor-to-ceiling window of the great hall, my eyes scanning the breathtaking view of Seoul's twinkling skyline. The chatter of the room was buzzing behind me, yet my mind was elsewhere. Every step I had taken to reclaim my life had been leading here. Tonight, I made my debut: Ruth Kim, CEO of Aurora Designs-the company I had rebuilt from ashes.

Yet inside, I fumed. I wasn't just Ruth Kim. I was Larisa Kwon. The same woman Frank Park, my ruthless ex-husband, had left for dead six years ago in a cold, desolate warehouse. The man who'd destroyed my world now stood somewhere behind me, oblivious to my resurrection.

Ruth," a smooth voice called out, and I turned to find my assistant, Min-Jae, approaching. "Mr. Park has arrived. He's requesting a moment of your time."

I firmed my fists, the nails digging into my palm. Of course, he wanted a meeting. That man was always seeking control, manipulating everything in his path.

"Fine," I replied curtly, fixing my mask of indifference.

As Min-Jae guided me toward Frank, the marble floor clicked with my heels at each step, sure and measured despite the storm that had erupted inside. Reaching him, his eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, the noise of the gala faded into oblivion.

His sharp features were unchanged, but something softer seemed to have etched into his expression. He looked at me like he was searching for something-confirmation, perhaps? Recognition?

Miss Kim," he said, extending his hand. "Frank Park, CEO of Apex Group. Nice to finally meet you."

I batted away his hand and gave him an icy smile. "Mr. Park," I replied. "I assume this is business?"

His lips twitched, and for a millisecond, taken aback. "Straight to the point. I like that.

I didn't say a word, and he went on, "You've caused ripples since you got back. Aurora Designs is the word on everyone's lips in Seoul. I'm here to offer a partnership."

"A partnership?" I raised an eyebrow, my voice dripping with skepticism.

"Yes," he said, leaning in closer. "Apex Group is breaking into the luxury jewelry market. Aurora Designs is the perfect partner. You bring the artistry, and we bring the resources.

I held his gaze, my heart pounding violently. This was the same man who had left me to die, and now he wanted my cooperation?

"And why should I trust Apex Group?" I asked, my voice steady.

Frank titled his head a little, narrowing his eyes. "It is not about trust. It's about an opportunity. This collaboration could seal your position as a leader in the industry. It would be. mutually beneficial."

I snorted inwardly. Mutually beneficial? The audacity was hilarious. Still, the strategic advantage his offer brought couldn't be denied. The board was skeptical of me, and allying with Apex could shut them up-for now.

"I'll consider it," I said finally, turning to leave.

But he reached out and grasped my arm as I turned to leave, the spark of his touch sending a jolt through me. I froze. The warehouse, the explosion, the betrayal-all the memories swirled in my head.

"You look. familiar," he said, softer now. "Have we met before?"

I jerked my arm free; my mask cracked a little. "I don't think so, Mr. Park. It's my first time in Seoul.

His brows furrowed as if he didn't quite believe me, but before he could press further, a delicately modulated voice cut through the darkness.

"Frank," she called, and we swung to face her.

A wan, breakable woman in a wheelchair wheeled toward us, her eyes kind as they rested on him.

"Ivy," he whispered, hurrying to her side.

All the time that he was distracted, I gained control over myself. Obviously, his heart still belonged to Ivy, as it was the case six years ago when he chose her against me. It really hurt to see him pampering her knowing very well that some things just won't change.

I flipped my head and moved off, heels clicking a lot faster this time.

Later that night, I stood on the terrace alone, the night air crisp and refreshing, a respite from the suffocating atmosphere indoors.

"You're a hard woman to impress," a voice said behind me, and I turned to find Frank there, his hands tucked into his pockets.

"I don't remember inviting you out here," I said icily.

He didn't reply to my comment but instead took a step closer, his proximity uncomfortably familiar. "You are different from the others I've met. You do not try pleasing, impressing. Refreshing."

I laughed rather mirthlessly. "Is that a compliment, Mr. Park?"

"Frank," he corrected me in a much softer voice.

"I'd rather not," I hastily answered.

The man smiled slightly but also wisely made no further argument on the point. "You remind me of a person that I once knew.

He nodded, and his face grew wistful. "She was strong, determined, just like you. But I lost her a long time ago."

I clenched my fists at the words that seemed to fall from his mouth. Was he really remorseful, or was this another manipulation?

"Life is cruel like that," I said, my voice sharp. "We all lose people we care about. The trick is not to dwell on the past.

Frank watched me a moment, his eyes searching. "You're right," he said finally. "But sometimes, the past has a way of catching up to us."

"Let's hope it doesn't," I replied, turning away.

As I went back inside, my resolution began to set in. Frank Park might not recognize me now, but when the time was right, he would. And at that moment, I would make him pay for every ounce of pain he caused me.

Just as I reentered the gala, Min-Jae approached me with a look of concern.

"Ruth," he said in a low tone. "There's something you need to see. It's about Frank Park."

My heart leapt. "What is it?"

He handed me a tablet, and the blood ran cold as I looked at the screen. It was a leaked document, detailing Apex Group's newest acquisition-a luxury warehouse suspiciously close to the site where I had "died" six years ago.

Well, so he hadn't forgotten after all.

Looks like the past has caught up to us, I said, my lips curling into a slow smile.