You were an early riser the next morning. Your mom texted you very last night that Anais, your best friend was in France and the two of them will come together by tomorrow. They will be in Seoul on the morning of the Banquet.

Gervais will come this after afternoon. You told him that you will see him when you are done at the Gallery. He will first get his rest at his hotel and come to see you and pick you up for dinner at the Gallery or get you at home.

You opt that he come and meet you at home so that you can introduce him to your Korean family. He was so elated to see your mom's side of the family.

Mr. Kim just looked at you amused the entire morning at the Kim Gallery, but he didn't ask you about your little encounter with the famous Mr. Jung Hoseok. You're at a loss to explain.

You just want to move on and actively forget Hoseok. Loving someone who does not love you back in the way you want him to is both distressing and agonizing.

You met his girlfriend Jessica, and it appears she already despises you. Can she read you so well that you're in love, mesmerized, and enchanted by her long-term ex-boyfriend?

You and some of the gallery staff were working at the conference hall that Cartier will use for the banquet the next day when you noticed Mr. Kim in the room talking to the events team. There will be a ramp in the center of the room for the models to showcase some of the most latest designs. The majority of the designs are usually booked or ordered by prestigious companies or wealthy entertainers.

You're feeling out of place today because your abdomen is acting up again, and you know you need to see your gynecologist to avoid aggravating your exciting condition. But that will have to come after your vacation with your best friends.

Fortunately, you can now pay for your healthcare. You prefer to pay and buy things in cash, you don't believe in credit, yes if your credit card has a lot of money on it.

Mr. Kim approached you and smirked "Are you okay? Ms. Seo. Don't feel nervous, the place looks awesome. I really like the events company you used. They are both imaginative and efficient." He looked around the room, where the staff was busy assisting the event company in setting up the tables to Cartier's specifications.

You smirk slightly as you go over the evening's guest list "Yes, my company would not spare any expense for their events. It's usually very opulent and glitzy. You'll enjoy it. Mr. Kim, have you ever been to a Fashion Week? "You raised your eyes to the very attractive man standing next to you.

Mr. Kim smiled widely "I told you to call me Taehyung. The Bangtan Club has been to many of these over the years. The last one I went to was New York Fashion Week almost two years ago "He said it quietly because it was a moment he wished he could rewind. He lost his memory a few weeks after that event. You looked at his solemn face, but a grin flashed across his face for a split second. You give a soft smile "So, we'd like to thank you for allowing us to use this magnificent room for our exclusive events. Will you have a partner?" You asked tentatively, smirking at him. He turned and looked you in the eyes with his big brown eyes.

He bit his lip and smirked at you. "Well, I can ask you the same question, but yes, I will bring my girlfriend, Dilraba. Do you have a plus one? Maybe a significant other, or is there something going on between you and a cheerful CEO member of a certain club?" he waggles his brows.

You playfully shove his shoulder sideways as you look at his side alone. He was well aware that you and Mr. Jung harbored unresolved feelings for each other.

It's so embarrassing that Mr. Kim knew you were simping on a taken guy. He almost happened to come across you and his hyung playing tonsil hockey. You were mad that he interrupted, but you were also grateful.

A pained emotion flashed across your dark eyes as you looked quietly downcast, as a deep sigh escapes your mouth," It...it was a huge mistake. We made a mistake, and I can't make his life any more complicated. I don't want to be the cause of a permanent break-up between him and his beautiful girlfriend, Taehyung. I er...care for him," you softly confessed, your heart constricting painfully as you realized how difficult it was to let go of someone who was not even yours.

"Well, Hoseok's love life was always a little concerning to our club members," Taehyung said, softly patting your arm. "I'm sorry Noèmie. It's not difficult to see that he genuinely loves Jess, but their relationship has had many ups and downs, and they always find their way back to each other. I think he likes you, Noèmie. But I doubt he'll take action or act on whatever he feels. He is completely committed to his relationship with Jessica, and I believe that if he asked her to marry him right now, she would say yes. They are not currently dating, and I believe you have confused him a little."

You shook your head and bit your lip, with a little tremble, "That is exactly what I meant. I'm only going to complicate and confuse his life. Jessica clearly loves him, and he loves her, Taehyung, I don't think I'll stand a chance. We cannot act on what we assume we feel. It's merely a physical attraction, and I want more from life. And, in reply to your question, yes, I will have a plus one."

Gervais has already informed you that he will accompany you to the event. Anais stated that she will bring Ha-Ni because she knows no one in Seoul.

Taehyung can already tell you've been affected and hurt by whatever happened between you and Hoseok. He knew Hobi fell for this girl when he confessed that to him, but as a friend, he has to keep it a secret. He just hopes Hobi makes the right decision, but when does Hobi think rationally about love? Will his stubborn Hyung choose loyalty over passion? That remained to be seen.

Noèmie seems to adore his Hyung. When she talks about him, her facial expression changes, and her emotions show on her face.

When she served them in Hobis' presidential suite that Friday, there was a palpable sexual attraction between the two. The way they keep an eye on each other's movements throughout the afternoon. Even the boys knew Hoseok was smitten by the French girl. Hoseok was falling for Noèmie, but the only problem was his conflicting emotions and devotion to Jessica. He will always fight for his relationship, and he has never given up on Jess. But Jessica is a wealthy, self-centered brat.

She desires Hoseok, but she is hesitant to marry him because she does not want him to be free to pursue other potential relationships.

And Ms. Seo has the potential to make Hyung very happy while also energizing the group and Hyung. He'd never seen his hyung get so worked up about a girl like Ms. Seo.

She drew the tiger out of him, and he was constantly ranting. Even his mother and Jiwoo, his cousin, were concerned that this girl was different. He never acts so weirdly around a random girl.

You felt your eyes sting behind your eyelids, and hearing from his close brothers' lips, you realized that Mr. Jung will never choose you if his dear Jessica is still in the picture.

Jessica was adamant that Hoseok was hers and that she was not leaving anytime soon. You could see her emotions and empathize with them. She had him first.

You and Taehyung decided to eat lunch at the gallery's tiny coffee shop after finalizing the seating arrangements for the local Seoul celebrities.

You embrace your new buddy relationship with Tae. He admitted that he purposefully made you go to Seokjins'restaurant to test Hobi's genuine interest in you if Jessica was present.

"Taehyung, you're such a guy. I'm not sure what you said or did in front of Jessica. She even warned me not to seek Hoseok." You then quietly seethe. Mr. Jung will be difficult to forget. Even if you block his phone number.

"I apologize. Jessica arrived in Seoul too late for me to find out. I would never allow you to show up in a place where both were." He apologized nonchalantly, pouting his lips. You literally shrugged.

You and Taehyung were surprised by the arrival of your Paris-based colleagues after a quick lunch. Pierre was extremely charming and mesmerized by the Gallery owner, and Adrienne fell instantly in love and requested all of the details about Taehyung.

Pierre

Adriene

Pierre lavished compliments on your appearance and dress style. You just chuckled and ignored him.

Pierre look at you with a look of sheer appreciation and purred near your ears: " frenchtu as l'air captivante ma fille,(you look riveting my girl). I miss you so much. toujours une fille stylée always a stylish girl."

You pushed him aside and wrinkled your brow. What's the matter with him?

Adriene grinned and pull you aside after she saw Mr. Kim converse with the charming Pierre, "Oh mon dieu, il est tellement magnifique... est-il pris ?( Oh gosh, he is so gorgeous...is he taken? )" she looked at Taehyung as if she wanted to eat him up.

You just snort lightly," Oui..yes. Hook, line, and sinker. And he is very handsome and very kind."

"Oh mon... dommage (Oh my...a pity)...we could've been great together. Oh well, ' She licked her bottom lip but sigh with an exaggerated gesture, her clear blue eyes gleaming with excitement.

You just snort at your hormonal coworker. Adriene is not known for her modesty. She adores singlehood because she adores all types of men. She even had a brief, passionate encounter with Pierre. She's such a salope. But you like her because she is fun to be around, knows how to have a good time, and is kind. But her way of life is not what you envisioned for yourself. She has no concept of discretion.

You smile and shove her shoulder as her gaze is drawn to the alluring Mr. Kim. She was openly checking him, and her wide eyes said it all. You just hope she's not trying to seduce poor Mr. Kim.

"He has the appearance of a Kpop idol. Gorgeous to the core. Is he loyal to his girlfriend...or would he like a little Frenchie? Our kisses are divine?" She inquired, slyly.

You arch your brows and give her a deadpan expression "Adriene, please behave. He is a taken man who adores his girlfriend. She is a Japanese model. Asian girls have cat nails and will fight you if you stare at their beau. So, please, don't create scandals so far away from home. We're here to work, not to play "You scold her lightly.

"Okay, baby, loosen up. Just thinking "But the way she sensually bit her lip makes you feel uneasy, and you know she's going to flirt with the handsome gallery owner. Few men could stand up to Adriene. When she sets her sights on a target, she is lethal, and Mr. Kim has just made the game even more exciting.

You smiled and shook your head "So, I'm going to leave early. Gervais will arrive from China later today. So, I have plans "With furrowed brows, you lift your wrist and check the time. If you still want to rest, shower, and relax with the family, you must leave.

"Gervais...your racer boyfriend?" Adriene exclaimed." Are you back together? Since when?" Her blue eyes are puzzled.

" Oh mon dieu...gosh no!. We dated in high school and are now just friends, please. Do I appear drunk to date such a flirt?" You let out a loud snort. Gervais is one of your closest friends, and you've always had a lot of fun together. But you wish he could settle down with just one girl, but you suspect he hasn't yet fallen in love or met Ms. Right.

"Well, Pierre wants you as well. Do you perhaps have a thing for Asian guys?" she teased, pouting her lips. You scrunched up your nose, well aware of what she was implying.

"I'm Asian, Adriene, and my mom would like to get me to get hitched to a native Korean," you snort. " Despite the fact that my father is a true French-Korean. "

"They are gorgeous men...go get one for yourself. We're in the Korean ocean of beautiful fish, and I'm going to catch the biggest shark.. miaow," she fans herself as she imagined hooking up with hot Korean men here in Seoul. You just shook your head. She might sit up with more suitors than she could imagine with her sexiness.

"You'll meet many of Seoul's hottest celebrities. Of course if you're lucky enough to catch their attention". You bit your bottom lip to keep from laughing out loud. Are you certain she'll find a guy?

"I have to leave. Let me just greet our host, Mr. Kim. You and Pierre can complete all of the event's and Exhibition's tasks. Mr. Kim will guide you further. My work is finished here "You waggle your brows as you link arms with her and pull her to where Pierre and Mr. Kim were standing to converse. They both smiled widely when they saw you. Adriene was seductively twirling her hair while staring at Taehyung. You snorted quickly as you noticed him looking at you, inquiring. What's the deal with the blond? You just bit your lower lip with a sparkling eyes. Poor Mr. Kim.

You bow and greet the men before making your way downstairs, where the uber was waiting for you.

But now that the rest of the arrangements will be handled by your colleagues, you've called it a day. Gervais sent you a brief text message informing you that he will arrive at Incheon Airport by late afternoon. You text him your home address because he wants to meet your family.

He also promises to take you out to dinner in Gangnam-gu, but you are suddenly exhausted.

You reminisce about your life while riding in an uber back home. You've been completely derailed by love. How will you deal with these emotions? You're not very good at concealing your emotions.

Just then, your phone rang, and it was an unknown number. You furrowed your brows, wondering if you had to reply back. However, it could be the shipping company or something crucial to you.

You sigh and open your phone, pressing the answer button.

"Bonjour ! good day! "You respond with a light, airy voice, contrasting yourself about what you really feel inward.

"Noèmie, mind explaining why you blocked my number?"A soft voice rang through your ears.

Your eyes widen as your breathing becomes ragged. Mr. Jung discovered that you have blocked his phone number. Did he call from another phone?

You take a deep breath in, gripping the phone tightly against your ears, and close your eyes for a second before summoning the courage to speak to him. His tone of voice was irritated. Typical CEO mentality.

"Mr. Jung, hey," you said nonchalantly in French, hoping your driver wouldn't overhear your conversation.

"Don't 'hey" me , Noèmie, and don't play innocent. Just answer back to me! Why?" His voice was raspy. If he's so open with you, you wonder where his girlfriend is. She's as bad as a clinging kangaroo.

" Mr. Jung, it's for our own good. My heart is a little delicate, so I decided not to see you. I'm sorry." You whisper softly as your heartbeat becomes erratic in your chest. Just hearing his husky voice will gladly send you to the ICU.

"Sorry isn't going to cut it. Noèmie I need to see you, please. I understand where you're coming from. You may not need to see me...but I do. We can't just brush whatever is going on between us under the rug. We must face it and deal with it," His tone was pleading. Why does he want you to meet? Can't he see that being with him evokes illicit feelings of attraction? It's not fair to the three of you.

"We can't see each other, Mr. Jung. I don't want Jessica to be insecure about your love. I know you love her, and I want to put a stop to whatever is progressing between us. I don't expect you to choose. You love your girlfriend and just regard me as an unwelcome distraction. I just can't, please understand. "You sigh deeply and hang up on the CEO before he could respond...and block the new number again.

This is better for all parties involved. You know that if you happen to be in each other's presence you will fall into his arms and kiss him without a moment's hesitation. That you should avoid. You are not allowed to love him. Gosh, you feel like a mistress. Loving someone else's man.

You'll return to Paris a month or two after opening the new Cartier store and ask for strength to forget him once and for all.

You take a deep breath as you lean back in your seat, wishing you could turn back the clock...before you met Mr. Jung on that fateful day with the accident.

.....

Later that day, after you had a nap, drank some medicine, and showered. You dressed comfortably in a white designer top, black skinny pants, and black and gold velvet pumps. Your hair was softly braided in a thick, loose plait, and you wore bronze gold sleeper earrings. Your make-up was naturally done. You were surprised to see your family sitting in the lounge, drinking tea and eating assorted cakes. You smile as you gaze at the happy family.

Your aunt noticed you at the door and looked up, smiling widely. You gave a mall bow to the family.

"Oh, you're up. You look as beautiful as ever. Come sit and relax with a refreshing cup of tea. I asked Ha-Ni not to bother you." She motioned to the seat beside her.

Your uncle is joyful, "Thank you for another wonderful evening. We really like the Japanese food."

You softly chuckle, "It's a pleasure. I'm glad you enjoy your impromptu date night. We should do it more frequently. Just to unwind and have a great time." You took a seat next to your aunt after helping yourself to a cup of tea and a cream pastry. Your uncle was sitting on the lazy boy with his legs stretched out, watching his favorite variety show. When you looked at your watch, it was nearly 5 o'clock. Gervais should be here soon.

You turn to Ha-ni "My friend will be picking me up for dinner, so don't wait up for me. We need to catch up. Gervais is from Paris. Aunty will like him because he is very charming. Please, don't fall for his charms." You snicker softly.

"Wow, he's coming to us?" Ha-ni murmured. She had never met your friend before, but she had heard a lot about him and she saw his attractive pics on your phone.

"Yes, I told him I wanted him to meet my Korean relatives. I'm not sure which hotel he's booked in "You inform them.

"Is he coming from a racing championship in China?" smirked Ha-ni.

You turned, "Yes, but I didn't watch any sporting events here. So I'm not sure how he fared.

You just got a notification that he had arrived at your door.

"He's here," you exclaimed cheerfully as you jumped up and walked briskly to the front door, Ha-Ni hot on your tail. You flash a wide smile at Ha-Ni, who is standing behind you, waiting.

A bell rang, and you smiled and opened the door after checking your security cameras to ensure it was his face.

Gervais, your very hot and sporty best friend, stood in front of you. One of the wealthiest bachelors in Paris. His green eyes were wide with humor, and his blond sun-kissed hair was unruly around his face.

A soft gasp was heard next to you. As she watched you and Gervais kiss on the cheeks, Ha-Ni's eyes widened at the very handsome Frenchman. After he greeted you and you led him into the house, he had a playful smirk on his face.

"Wow, long time no see, sweet cakes," he smiled. His gaze shifts to your cousin next to you, and his brow furrows. You smirked as you saw Ha-Ni blush cutely in response to Gervais' flirtatious and appreciative gaze. Ha-ni's brown hazel eyes captivated him.

"Gervais...meet my dear older cousin," you laugh softly. Ha-Ni and Ha-Ni meet my idiot best friend, my rescuer in all crises. A brother I never had."

He raised an amused eyebrow at your introduction and extended his hand to greet Ha-Ni, who quickly bowed and took his rough hand in hers, shaking it. You gave him a warning look because he had a small half-smile on his lips.

You snort, "Gervais, just lay back. My cousin is not up for those adventures, so whatever you think...not going to happen."

Gervais chuckles softly "Always the fighter. It's a pleasure to finally meet Noèmie's dear cousin."

Ha-Ni smiles and replies in good English, "The pleasure is all mine," she says softly. You raise your eyes to Ha-Ni. Say what? She appears to be fascinated by the hot worldly guy. You just hope Ha-Ni doesn't fall head over heels for Gervais. He absolutely loves beautiful women but could never commit to one. So your innocent cousin will be no match for your flirtatious best friend.

You let Gervais meet the family. Your uncle and aunt were mesmerized by his visuals, as they called them. He was his charming self and told your aunt he will look after you, as if. When you grab your coat, you greet your family, and Ha-Ni smiles from ear to ear when he gave her a discreet wink. You could just shake your head and roll your eyes.

You were pleasantly surprised when Gervais picked you up in a rented sports car as you walked down the stone steps to the street. You raise your gaze to him, gesturing at the red sports car.

He grins as he opens the door for you "Did you really think I'd take an uber or a bus? You must really think I'm insane. I love my fast wheels "You snort as you look at this car. Gervais is a fan of speed. That is what makes him a formidable racer on the track.

You hope he follows the road signs. In Korea, traffic officers do not play.

"Really, Gervais... a Ferrari?"

You stepped into the car and looked around the interior in awe.

He grinned as he sat in the driver's seat, declaring, "If you want to experience unparalleled pleasure...this is the car to drive."

You laugh "Only you have that thought. Just be cautious, "you say softly.

He appeared a little sad, but a smile returned to his lips as he started the car and drove down the road.

You inhaled deeply as fear gripped your body "Please, Gervais, don't go too fast. Just take it easy...where are we going for a late dinner?"

"Someone on my first-class flight recommended a cute French restaurant called LAmitie, which I think we should try. You'll love it...you'll want to come home with me." You turn to face him and smile.

You snort lightly."Oh my goodness. I didn't even go to a single French restaurant. I wanted to eat local cuisine. and I've been enjoying it so far."

In the car, you and Gervais had a pleasant conversation. He was considerate enough to drive a little slower for your sake.

He told you he will be staying at the Lotte hotel.

The restaurant was close to SM Entertainment and even K-star Road, where you and your cousin enjoyed taking pictures.

When you arrived at the restaurant, the service was outstanding, from the food to the waiters. You adore the seven-course meal. You and Gervais were laughing and reminiscing about your school days and careers.

The waiter then arrived and brought you a complimentary bottle of white wine. A very expensive brand. You both raise your eyebrows in response to the gesture.

"Woah, why are we so fortunate today, Sir?" you wondered as he poured some into your glasses.

Gervais smirked as he took a sip of sparkling wine and looked at the waiter, "Hmm taste divine--"

The young waiter smiled and motioned to a couple in the back of the room, "You were blessed by that gentleman in the back... "

You both turn your heads to the back, puzzled, as a man raises his glass with a smirk.

You squint your eyes and almost drop your jaws to the ground as you hear an audible gasp across from you.

Gervais's face lights up in surprise as he raises his glass in a thank-you gesture.

"Oh, Mon Dieu! Hoseok, my close friend!" He looks at you with a surprised expression.

Your eyes widen with astonishment."Mr. Jung is your friend?"

Since when?

Oh, Mon Dieu! This cannot be happening.

A/N I hope you love this chapter. The charming Gervais and her charming colleagues arrived.

Shout out to all readers'voters, commenters and all followers, and those who were adding the books to your readers'list. You rock.

1. What are your thoughts on her colleagues?

2. Will Gervais's friendship with Hosoek put Noèmie in a dilemma?

3. Did Y/n find a friend in Taehyung?

4. Do you think Hoseok wants her close in his life?

5. Is it wise to block Mr. Jungs'numbers?