Chapter 4: His World
686 Words
The building rose into the sky like a silent declaration of power.
Glass and steel reflected the morning sun, cold and untouchable. She stood at the entrance, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag.
This was his world.
And she didn’t belong here.
“You’re late,” he said calmly as he stepped out of the car.
She looked at her watch in surprise. “It’s only eight forty-five.”
“I start at eight,” he replied. “Walk.”
No greeting.
No explanation.
She followed him inside, heels clicking nervously against the marble floor. Every employee they passed straightened instantly.
“Good morning, President.”
“Good morning, Mr. Han.”
Their voices echoed with respect—and fear.
She lowered her head, suddenly aware of the many curious glances directed at her. Whispers followed in their wake.
Is that his wife?
She doesn’t look like much.
Did she marry him for money?
The elevator doors closed, sealing her inside with him.
“You don’t need to come here every day,” she said softly. “I can stay home.”
“That’s not the point,” he replied. “From today on, people must get used to seeing you by my side.”
Her chest tightened.
“So I’m… a symbol?”
“Yes.”
At least he was honest.
The elevator reached the top floor.
The moment the doors opened, a woman in a fitted suit stepped forward.
“President Han,” she said with a practiced smile. Her eyes slid toward her. “And you must be… Mrs. Han.”
She nodded awkwardly. “Hello.”
“I’m Ms. Seo, his secretary,” the woman continued, her gaze sharp, evaluating. “If you need anything, feel free to ask.”
The smile didn’t reach her eyes.
He handed Ms. Seo a folder. “Cancel my morning meetings.”
The secretary’s brows twitched. “All of them?”
“Yes.”
She glanced at his wife again before nodding. “Understood.”
They entered his office.
The space was vast, minimal, intimidating. Dark wood, clean lines, no unnecessary decoration.
Just like him.
“You can sit,” he said, pointing to the sofa. “Don’t touch anything.”
She obeyed.
He moved behind his desk, instantly transforming into someone even colder. Calls came in one after another. Orders were given without hesitation.
This was the man everyone feared.
And she was married to him.
A knock sounded at the door.
Ms. Seo entered again. “President Han, the board is asking about your… sudden marriage. There are concerns.”
“Let them talk,” he replied without looking up.
“They’re worried your wife may affect your image.”
Silence filled the room.
Her heart dropped.
He finally lifted his head.
“My wife is none of their business,” he said coolly. “If anyone has a problem with that, they can bring it to me.”
Ms. Seo froze.
“Yes, President.”
She left quickly.
She stared at him in disbelief.
“You didn’t have to say that,” she said.
He closed the file and leaned back in his chair. “I said it because it was true.”
“For your image?” she asked.
“For my authority,” he corrected.
Still… he had defended her.
She lowered her gaze. “Thank you.”
He studied her for a moment.
“Don’t misunderstand again,” he said. “I don’t protect people for free.”
Her heart clenched.
“What do you want in return?” she asked.
His eyes darkened slightly.
“Stay out of trouble,” he said. “And remember who you are.”
She nodded.
“Yes.”
As she stood to leave, she heard him speak again.
“And one more thing.”
She turned.
“Don’t let anyone here bully you,” he said. “If they do—tell me.”
For the first time since this marriage began, she felt something shift.
Not warmth.
But safety.
And that scared her more than the cold ever had.
- Writer
