EPISODE 002
1076 Words
Eunha went outside to smile politely at Chairman Dae-jung and her Abeonim. Following a brief conversation, she returned inside and took a seat at the breakfast table beside Sooyeon.
As Eunha was reaching for her spoon, one of the housemaids approached and began setting food in front of her.
Eunha took a bite out of the spoonful of rice she had scooped. Warm and tender with a hint of seasoning she enjoyed, it tasted delicious. She gave a small nod and carried on eating, but then she became aware of an oddity.
Sooyeon wasn't eating.
Her spoon remained untouched as she sat there looking at Eunha.
Eunha gave her a perplexed look. You're staring at me, but why? Will you not eat?
Sooyeon smiled gently at her. "I'm just abiding by the rules."
"What are the rules?" Eunha scowled. "What exactly are you discussing?"
Mrs Kang sat down next to Eunha and joined the discussion before Sooyeon could reply again. "Eunha, how is breakfast going for you today?"
"Eomeonim, it's good." Eunha smiled slightly at her and turned away. "But really, what regulation is Sooyeon referring to?"
Mrs Kang laughed. It's only a small gesture on the chef's part. All he wants is a specific order. He's a little... picky.
Eunha's face contorted in shock as she said, "Wait."" Why are we paying such attention to a chef's rules? Who is he to command everyone, including you, Eomeonim?
A deep voice called out from the stairway, "Maybe that would be me, Yeobo."
Looking dapper in his work suit, Eunha turned to see Joonho heading down. He smiled, obviously proud of himself.
She gazed at him. "You're responsible for this?"
I'm still grinning, he nodded. "I just want you to try my food first. That's all. I thought you'd be less likely to toss it if everyone waited for you.
"That is just absurd. So, just because of me, you're allowing your entire family to go hungry?
"I won't allow them to go hungry. After you finish your breakfast, they can start eating. In front of everyone, he moved closer and put an arm around her waist.
Eunha stiffened. "You're intentionally doing this. You promised not to coerce me once more.
"I'm not pressuring you." His voice was soft as he leaned in. "Jagiya, I'm just coming up with clever ways to make sure you don't miss meals. That's all.
Then he kissed her cheek in front of everyone. Her heart pounded more rapidly as her body tensed.
Why does he continue to act in this way?
"I... need to finish my breakfast," she muttered, turning her face away.
Eunha took a seat once more and concentrated on her meal. At last, the rest of the family began to eat around her. Everyone at the table was grinning, as though they had been anticipating this moment.
She failed to understand.
Her heart would always react the same way—racing, stumbling, losing all sense—no matter how many times he pulled these things. He could make her feel this way, even when she didn't want to, and she didn't like that. However, each time she gave in.
She detested it. However...
Eunha went upstairs to prepare for work after breakfast. Joonho was right behind her, but she was unaware of it.
She didn't bother locking the door when she entered her room. Why would she? Nobody ever entered without warning.
She went to her closet and chose a basic yet professional outfit for the day. She began to undress without giving it much thought.
The door then clicked shut.
Joonho stood there, staring at her bare back. After a moment of holding his breath, he sighed quietly.
With his arms wrapped around her waist from behind, he stepped forward.
Eunha froze, her heart pounding once more.
Then, near her ear, she heard his low voice. "Jagiya, it's me."
Her muscles loosened a little.
"You look so beautiful," he whispered, kissing the side of her neck.
The heat rose up her neck. She detested how easily her thoughts became jumbled and how weak she became in his presence.
As he slowly raised one hand, he continued kissing her skin. The other held her close to him.
She was having trouble breathing.
What's going on? Why don't I stop him?
Her body leaned back against him as if it desired more, even though her head begged her to distance herself and set boundaries.
His voice was husky as he whispered, "You have no idea how hard it is to stay calm when you're like this."
Eunha's knees grew weak.
She resisted her thoughts.
Withdraw. Speak up. Don't allow such an event to occur.
However, everything about his touch—his lips, his hands—felt excessive. It's too hot. Too near.
At last, she gave him a slight push back. "I... I need to prepare myself."
“All right, all right,” he smiled. "I'll leave you alone after just one kiss."
She turned to face him, and he drew her in close.
Trying not to look at his face, she gazed at the buttons on his shirt. Her breath came in short gasps.
He kissed her after gently raising her chin.
He kissed her without hurry.
It wasn't violent.
It was delightful.
Nevertheless, it made it clear to her how possessive he was and how he couldn't bear the idea of losing her. She felt every moment of that kiss. His hands gripped her tightly. Slowly but firmly, his lips moved. He seemed to reaffirm his ownership over her.
It seemed like the moment went on forever.
Her head was spinning when he finally withdrew. Her mind was filled with confusion.
Why does he make me feel this way all the time?
He grinned once more. "You can now leave."
Calmly, casually, as though nothing had happened, he took a step back.
Eunha's inner turmoil was palpable.
After grabbing her clothes, she entered the bathroom and shut the door.
She tried to breathe properly, leaning her back against the door.
This is incorrect.
He claims to be concerned.
He presents himself as kind.
However, it always seems like he is trying to draw me in so that I cannot escape.
Although she would rather not acknowledge it, she knew in her heart.
Joonho had more than just love for her in mind.
He desired to possess her.
What's the worst?
A part of her refused to flee.
- Writer
