The Sunday morning everyone was woken up by your aunt to get ready for church at 08h00, You wonder why can't it be later. Your aunt loves the early bird services which work well for the family business. You took a quick shower and dressed in a soft, silky flowing dress with your white and diamond Jimmy Choo shoes. You made sure to place eyes masked and serums on your blotchy face because of your excessive crying during the night.

But you look so radiant and beautiful that everyone complimented you on your beauty. You felt a little upbeat, knowing you could hide your real feelings.

You and the family had a great time after you came from the local church. You felt much better after hearing a great inspiring sermon from Pastor Yong. During the service, you couldn't help to smile at the charismatic old pastor who preach as though heaven came down. But above all expectations, you love the live -band and when you got to the restaurant where your aunt s workers prepared a Sunday buffet for you- you couldn't have felt better about life in general.

Your aunt wasn't impressed that your mother never see faith as vital in your family. You never really went to church and you are not religious. But oh well there is still a first time for a flawed person like you.

You were laughing and just enjoying family time. As you look at the love and affection of your family, you suddenly felt deflated thinking about yours.

Ha-ni never complained about how her family struggled all their life, to keep the restaurant going, send their daughter to uni, and maintain their family togetherness. It makes you so sad, thinking that your parents were never really like a traditional family.

Your mom was a political photojournalist, turned Magazine owner, and your dad a French ambassador. You can't complain because they placed you in an exclusive boarding school so that their work and your academics didn't interfere. As you see Ha-ni light brown eyes glow at the joke your uncle just uttered it makes you feel nostalgic.

Your mom doesn't even realize that you already suspected that she and your dad who live separately actually divorced five years ago. They think you don't know about their separation. You knew your dad decided to be away in the Embassy where he was deployed. You love both your parents must you feel so betrayed that they didn't trust you enough to tell you? For goodness sake! You knew already even if they try to show love in front of you. You felt guilty because they married because of you. You were an unplanned burden in their well-ordered lives.

The only time where you saw solidarity in their relationship is when they discussed your future and your well-being. They think you would be devastated if you knew about their separation. You scoff inwardly. No wonder you are so messed up with what love concerns. You were like sawed -off to romantic interludes. Until you gave love a chance with Gervais. You even went on dates to see if you can fall in love and maybe be different than your parents, but you end up giving up on going on dates. Lots of guys were falling for your looks but they couldn't handle your coldness towards romance.

That is until Mr. Jung Hoseok came into the picture. He warmed his way into your rigid and cold heart, he taught you that it's okay to be vulnerable. You fell for someone that loves someone else. How crazy is that?

Ha-ni looked at you far away look, "Noèmie are you ok? I've been asking you if you want a little soju?"

You turned to her puzzled until you saw her holding the bottle over your little glass, you smile and nod, "Er no thanks I had already three glasses of the cider. I think I'll dish up more vegetables for myself."You smile and stood up and walk to the buffet table where various vegetable dishes were lined up. Your aunt has an extensive menu. The restaurant will only open at lunchtime for the public, luckily you had church very early and you can still enjoy your fellowship until it's time to open.

There were numerous to choose from. You haven't eaten a lot of Korean cuisine lately.Kongnamul Muchim (Seasoned Soybean Sprouts) ,Oi Muchim (Spicy Cucumber Salad) Gaji Namul (Steamed Eggplants), Sukju Namul (Seasoned Bean Sprouts), Oi Bokkeum (Stir-fried Cucumbers), Putbaechu (Young Cabbage), Doenjang Muchim, Mu Namul (Stir-fried Radish) and Gaji Bokkeum (Stir-fried Eggplants)

You took a little off of the Mu Namul-the stir-fried Radish.

From where she sat and ate, Ha-Ni watched you with concern. She couldn't put her finger on it, but Noémie appeared to be heartbroken rather than upset about losing her wealth or reputation.

Ha-ni excused herself from the family and approached you quietly, asking, "Are you okay?"

"Er, yeah, why?" you grin. You wonder why she asked in that tone.

You examine Ha-Ni's concerned expression. She looks at you with a furrowed and calculating expression in her eyes. She sensed the apparent sadness in your eyes when you don't notice her observing you.

"You look...deflated? Are you positive? Is everything ok for your Diamond Exhibition?" she asks.

"Everything is in order," you say softly then you chuckle a little", I'm a little nervous about displaying diamond jewelry worth more than $60 million. I'm glad Cartier signed an exclusive agreement with a well-known security firm. As a result, the Kim Museum will take additional precautions. I'll have lunch with Mr. Kim tomorrow to go over the additional details, and my colleagues will arrive in Seoul in two days. So, don't worry. It's just my abdomen that's a little sensitive after the pain attack. But I'm fine," you hugged your little, older cousin sideways.

You can't tell her anything about your illicit encounter with the CEO. You'll die of embarrassment. She'll tease you and possibly be disappointed in you or worse lecture you about morality. You snort a little.

"Don't think about your losses, okay? It will soon be the end of the month, and you will receive a large check as well as your bonuses for a successful diamond collection. It will go well." She attempted to comfort you. You smile affectionately at the small frame of your older cousin.

"Okay, I'll forget about it...being poor will be difficult. Let's go join the clan, shall we? "You took your plate and led the way back to your table, where your uncle was loudly laughing at your aunt's story.

Ha-Ni smiled as she noticed you beginning to enjoy your interaction with your family.

When it was time for the lunchtime rush hour to begin, your aunt told you and Ha-Ni to go spend the rest of the day together. Fortunately, Ha-Ni borrowed her father's car, and the two of you decided to go to the Mall for dessert. You both turn heads as you walk through the mall.

Ha-Ni was just blushing from all the compliments she received from passersby. She never felt so pretty walking with her beautiful cousin that always made heads spin.

You decide on a very cute ice cream parlor where the two of you can simply enjoy your time together. You sure missed your carefree lifestyle.

Ha-Ni was the one who would pay the bill. She always complained that you always pay for all your meals and drinks or when you go sightseeing, but today Ha-ni returned the favor.

Then your phone lit up. When you saw the ID caller, you exhaled deeply. Gervais.

You had been gesturing to Ha-Ni to order your desserts.

"Bonjour Gervais...Comment ça VA how are you?" you softly asked.

"Bonjour ma belle...good morning beautiful lady...Are your issues sorted now? I was quite shaken." he asked you concerned in French.

You chuckle softly, "Everything is sorted, Gervais. Thank you so much for helping me out. I'll pay every cent back promise---"

"Non --- non ma chérie --No ---no my dear. I don't want anything. I miss my little friend. Still adamant about not dating any guy? What a pity. Oh, I saw Cartiers'diamond promotions. You didn't tell me you were part of the models?"

You snicker, "Oh, that is a story for another day. I tried the jewelry on, and the designer was so mesmerized that she asked the boss to let me model some of the designs. I got a lot of calls from modeling agencies that wanted me to sign with them, but I'm not interested. Now my boss wants me to be part of the promotional brochures."

Gervais whistled at the other side, "Woah...manifique. I told you you were beautiful. Listen, girl...I'm heading to China for the China Formula Grand Prix. in a week. I might come to Seoul to see you during the Cartier event."

" Oh, mon Dieu..oh my gosh really! Wow. Please let me know when you'll arrive. I can't wait to see you Gervais." you excitedly exclaimed.

You were overjoyed to hear from a friend you hadn't seen in a long time. He even told you that if he makes it for that weekend, he will take you out to dinner every night and that you must show him around South Korea, which you will gladly do.

You and Gervais talked for another minute until Ha-Ni motioned to the dessert in front of you. She was delighted to see you genuinely smile. You long for your friendship with the Frenchman.

"So you and Gervais?" Ha-ni smirked as she looked at your smug face.

"There's nothing between us, Ha-ni, and you know it," you raised your brows at her clear teasing tone. He is a dear friend who saved this poor lady from a possible prison sentence. When did her life turn into such a roller coaster?

You focused on the delectable frozen dessert in front of you.

You gave Ha-ni a deadpan look with your spoon inside your mouth, "what!"

Ha-no laughs softly." Oh, please keep him away from your dear Eomma, who may be arriving soon for your exhibition."

"She won't be impressed if she finds out about my renewed friendship with the notorious Frenchman," you sigh. That is still a very sensitive issue.

"So you'll be working full-time at the Kim Museum starting tomorrow? You just have a lot of hot men around you. How fortunate can a girl be?" She looked at you dreamily, recalling the legendary Bangtan Elite Club.

You laugh, "They are only causing trouble. And all of those hot men are already taken." Still saddened by your recent incident with the CEO. You determined to keep as far away from him as possible. You made a pact with yourself to forget about him. But you were well aware that you were deceiving yourself. Denial at its finest. You're madly in love with Mr. Jung, and being with him causes you to want him even more. Someone you'll never be able to have or call your own.

You shook those insanely delusory thoughts away. Jung Hoseok regrets being with you, end of the story. It was only physical attraction, and you both slipped for it. It was a huge mistake, and forgetting about him will be tricky, but you'll get through it.

You benefited from your outing with your cousin. You laugh a lot, and Ha-ni bought you a pair of shoes to make you feel better. And it worked wonders for your glum mood.

✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺

The following day.

Mr. Kim sent you the restaurant where you would be meeting to discuss this. At least it's for lunch. So you slept a little in. You felt renewed energy because you made up your mind to focus on your job. You sigh deeply as you make sure you are dressed to impress. Your aunt and Ha-Ni's jaws dropped when you entered into your designer outfit.

"Oh my...you look dazzling Noèmie. A true french belle" your aunt clapped her hands.

You grinned as you twirl around so that they can check your outfit. They clapped their hands as you bow in an exaggerated manner

"Merci mesdames...thank you ladies.I bought it in Venice about three months ago when we open a new Cartier shop there. The family let me love you and leave You. I don't want to keep Mr. Kim waiting. We had a lot to discuss and I had to report back to my superiors." you smirk and waggle your eyebrows

Ha-Ni chuckled as she handed you your black Hermes handbag and your laptop bag. You thank her and wave to the two smirking women. The uber was already waiting for you. You greeted him with a small bow and enter the backseat. The air was crisp, and the day seemed to be promising.

You felt relieved as you began typing on your phone to communicate with your colleagues. You can't believe you were starting to miss them, even the obnoxious Pierre. Mr. Kim had sent you a text message to rather meet him at the gallery and do all the official planning then the two of you would be free to eat some lunch. Fortunately, you were prepared to meet him an hour earlier.

You were delighted by the new art pieces that adorned the wall from the entrance to the open foyer when you arrived at the Kim Contemporary gallery. Soo-ah, Mr. Kim's adorable and bubbly secretary, leads you to his office. He was preoccupied with papers at his small office meeting table.

He was pleasantly surprised to see you dressed so elegantly. Taehyung inhaled deeply and flashed a smile as he greeted you at the door. You both bow in greeting and take your seats at the table.

"Wow, Ms. Seo, you look very lovely," he says, blushing slightly. Taehyung noticed your beauty as you walked in wearing trendy clothes and Jimmy Choo heels in black.

You smile a little because of his endearing demeanor "Thank you very much, Monsieur Kim. You appear to be as charming as ever." As you were seated you both started chuckling.

You grin slightly as you place your handbag on one of the chairs and your laptop on the table.

"Would you like us to have lunch first or get right to work?"

Mr. Kim inquired, motioning to his mini boardroom. Paper folders were on the table.

"What do you think? In your museum, I noticed a cute coffee shop. Will it be okay if we eat something light and avoid getting stuck in traffic? I would rather eat here." You inquire, a little nervously.

You've heard from Ha-ni and even the waitress Bong and Seom-ni that Mr. Kim is very popular when he goes out in public places and is always caught on camera with beautiful women as arm candy, but you'd rather stay off Dispatch's radar. If you get noticed by the Korean tabloids here, your mother will not be pleased.

"No problem. It will be better for both of our sanities. I hadn't considered the consequences. I'm sorry. Being photographed with a woman having an innocent lunch while I'm in a relationship will ruin you." He took a deep breath and smiled relievedly.

You make a nod. Mr. Kim is certainly attractive...but Mr. Imbècile is smoking hot. You quickly chastise yourself for thinking thoughts that could cause you unnecessary mental pain.

You smirked, and he reached out his hand to help you up. You laugh softly. Mr. Taehyung is an odd character, but that adds to his charm. You stood up and put your small hand in his.

You both walked out to the elevator, softly discussing the exhibition room, the glass enclosures, and the lighting. When you and Mr. Kim exited the elevator on one of the exhibition floors, he led you to one of the areas where his most recent art exhibitions will be displayed.

You take in all of the beautifully displayed art pieces. Two of Mr. Kim's exhibition designers noticed you two standing there watching them work. Sunwoo and Seulgi.

They have big smiles and bow in greeting. You returned the bow with a wave. Mr. Kim told you that the duo is a perfect pair who consistently designs the best exhibitions. For the "Egyptian Exhibitions," they even received a national award. Mr. Kim introduced you to the duo.

"It looks amazing...you two are extremely creative."

As you gaze around in awe at the beautiful paintings and sculptures, you complement them.

Mr. Kim gave a beaming smile, "In four months, we will launch our "The Art of a Bleeding Heart Exhibition," which will run for three months. We will have artists from all over the world exhibiting their work. It will be a large exhibition, and art agencies are already sending paintings and sculptures by their artists.

"Wow...how many artists are exhibiting in this space?

"Some of the paintings were already placed in the large compartments with the artist names and so on. We received nearly 200 requests, but only 50 were chosen for the first exhibition, with the remainder fitting into three additional exhibition dates. This time of the year there is a huge demand for artists to break into the Asian Markets--"Mr. Kim and you walked around and talked about the exhibitions.

When you stroll into the small coffee shop, you can smell the fresh brew coming from the various espresso machines. Right now, a cup of decaf latte will suffice. You enjoy lattes and can't remember the last time you had one since moving to Seoul.

You and Mr. Kim greeted everyone and took a seat near the large windows. You like the panorama from the top floor.

You order a light lunch to share. You request a coffee latte, while Mr. Kim orders a cider. He was such a gentleman, and you chatted as if you were old friends.

After a relaxing and delicious lunch, you and Mr. Kim return to work and decide to spend an hour relaxing and working in the coffee shop. You were calling the security company and the event planning company to plan the banquet for the Diamond Exhibition's opening. Fortunately, your colleagues have already sent out the VIP invitations.

Mr. Kim put you in touch with a friend who knows all of the Korean celebrities who would like to attend the banquet. Fashionistas, fashion designers, kdrama and kpop stars, Tv presenters and Movies, producers, and directors, even in the art and literary world, sports stars, and print media are all represented.

You send all of the names to your colleagues too and send them exclusive invitations. You already have a special invitation for Ha-ni, Heyrin, and Seom-ni. The people who made your life meaningful.

Mr Taehyung will invite other important influencers from around the world. You knew the BRAT society would be there with their billionaire families. The banquet will seat approximately 250-300 guests.

This will be a huge event. Mr. Kim has already enlisted the help of the media to publicize the event. However, the exhibition itself is exclusive and requires a VIP ticket. You're hoping the collection will sell out in a matter of minutes. Usually, European VIPs get first dibs on the latest collection. The Monarchy adores your designs.

You were so excited that you couldn't wait to send the final report to your boss in France.

"Done," you said contentedly after completing the last important call to the shipment company. Now all you have to do is wait for your colleagues and the shipment to arrive, and your work will be done. They will take over, and you will be able to concentrate on setting up the new Cartier shop in Gangnam- gu's fashion district, as well as one in the COEX mall.

"Are you okay? It's nearly 3 p.m. Is it still required to send the report to your boss?" He turns to you and asks. You give a nod.

"Yes. He needs to get me a personal assistant. Making phone calls is exhausting. Fortunately, you have Soo-ah. She seems to be reliable." As you brush your hair behind your shoulders, you smile.

"But she's a sweetheart. I'm overjoyed to have them on my team. The majority of them have been with me for more than five years."

You smile, "You are very polite and kind. It's no surprise that they enjoy working for you. You're not bossy or domineering--"thinking sourly of a certain hotel owner.

Mr Kim smirked and waggled his brows, "So Ms. Seo. What's the deal with you and Hoseok- hyung?"

In shock, your eyes widen and your mouth begins to dry out. You should have expected him to bring it up. "Er...nothing," you mutter. "He's just an annoyance. But he let me off the hook to do my job." You say it casually, not wanting to show how much that name makes you feel like a strange butterfly in your stomach.

Taehyung's eyes had a mysterious glint to them that made you nervous. Do the Bangtan Club members know about your most recent altercation? They must have heard about the evil and vindictive French girl by now.

Mr. Kim smiles, "Don't worry, we know everything about the two of you. "That's fantastic, you thought. His face was filled with a knowing expression. You sigh deeply and examine your perfectly manicured white nails, not bothering to respond.

"Of course--" you murmur. You were saved by a call before he could respond. Mr. Kim's phone rang, and his eyes widened at the ID caller. With a smirk, he motions to you if he could answer the phone. You nodded, and he motioned for you to follow him out. The food was on the house. You smile because you don't have to pay anything else today.

You smile and bow to the ecstatic coffee shop staff. You have to wonder what they were thinking when they saw a woman other than his girlfriend with their handsome Mr. Kim.

As you entered, you were walking quietly beside him as you approach the elevator

When you heard a name, your ears tingled. Jessica. That name sent shivers up and down your spine. You chastise yourself for being jealous of the girl Mr. Jung loves. You shook them off. Will there ever be a day when you can be free of Mr. Jung?

You merely choose not to listen to the conversation, but you were intrigued. You almost forgot that it could be ANY Jessica.

"--I'll go look for the package. Did you include it with Chris Hood's artwork from New York? I had no idea he had ordered a contemporary painting from your gallery-oh, Chris gave it to him as a gift--okay, I'll check it out. Sunwoo and Seulgi may have unpacked the New York paintings. I'll look into it. Oh...all right, fine. I'll be waiting for him...bye. Yeah, you too...take care--" he smiled as he hung up the phone.

You look at his smug expression but decide not to say a word about it.

"Ms. Seo Noèmie," he says with a half-smile. "Do you mind if I just check in with the two designers to see if a package has arrived? The owner could come to get it today. You may return to my office and submit all of your reports. I promise I won't keep you for too long. You appear to be exhausted. You are welcome to return tomorrow at noon."

"Oh-ok," you say, raising your brows in relief. "Will Soo-ah give me access to your executive floor?"

"I'll code you in." He quickly type a few digits at the elevator door and on the next floor, he greeted you but before he exited the elevator door, he turned, "You are free to leave if I have not returned. I'll say my goodbyes now "He salutes you. You chuckle and nod, waving to him as the doors close.

Your legs felt like jello inside the elevator. You're not sure why you're suddenly nervous. Perhaps the name "Jessica" evoked a negative emotion in you. When the elevators on the private executive floor opened, you quickly slipped out because you needed to send the report to your boss in Paris.

When you walk into Mr. Kim's office, Soo-ah smiles.You quickly grab your laptop and complete all of the required reports, closing your laptop with a deep sigh of relief after submitting the reports and some relevant files.

You stretched out your body as you stood up to place your laptop back inside its bag when the door unexpectedly opened.

Your eyes flew to the door, and your breath hitch painfully in your throat when you locked eyes with none other than the man that occupied a huge fraction of your mental space. You can't take your eyes off him. In a striped suit jacket and a fluffy scarf draped over his shoulder, you quickly divert your gaze so he doesn't notice how attractive you find him.

"Taehyung! Oh,...Noèmie?" He was visibly stunned as his gaze wandered over your elegant presence in his best friend's office.

You nod and say softly, "He went to see the designers,". You take your laptop back and prepare to leave, but he remains standing with furrowed brows, looking intently at you in front of him.

"I'm sure I would have noticed him. But what exactly are you doing here?" He looked you in the eyes with an undefined emotion. He can't believe you're standing right in front of him. You look stunning with your hair in place, your face made up, and those gorgeous lucious locks. Hoseok was smitten by your beauty.

"Well, then, I'll wait for him," he said with a cool expression. Then a small smirk makes its way to his cupid lips, with one raised eyebrow mockingly as he shut the door quietly.

You simply shake your hair over your shoulders and scoff audibly as you walk to the door to pass him "quoi qu'il en soit (Whatever). Knock yourself out."

As you try to pass him quickly Mr. Jung seizes your wrist to prevent you from attempting to escape his presence. You narrowed your eyes at his veiny hand, then moved up to his serious eyes. When you see a hidden emotion flash through his eyes, you visibly gulp.

"Noèmie...can we talk?"

He asked softly, his intense gaze fixed on your dark pools of licorice-colored irises.

✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺

A/n Another New year blessing for you guys. I hope you enjoyed the trials and tribulations of Noèmie and M.r Jung.

Thank you for all the support. Shout out to all voters, commenters, shadow readers, and those who added the book to their readers'list.

OmaPhinaPhire Stephersxxx Blu_sea_Red_sky

1. Do you think Noèmie's feelings are deeper or is it just a crush?

2. Does she has reason to be jealous of Jessica and Mr. Jungs'relationship?

3. Must she hear him out or ignore him?