After a strange start to lunch at one of Bangtans' favorite restaurants, he and Jessica just took a seat, and in less than five minutes, Jessica decided she didn't want to eat any Korean dishes at that time and suggested they go to his hotels' restaurants because she had just remembered it was international cuisine buffet day at his five-star hotel.

Hoseok was taken aback by her sudden change of heart, and she exuberantly leaped up and directed him to the side glass doors because she supposedly noticed a lovely art piece there and wanted to see who the artist was, as well as take a beautiful selca with him. Hoseok just shook his head and allowed Jess to lead him out by linking her arm with his, her eyes deeply gazing in his.

Being in Jess's company made Hoseok feel out of place. He felt terrible for abandoning this exhausting, unpleasant relationship, even though there had been frequent breaks during their time together. Her onyx eyes had an unusual gleam to them, and her emotions were perplexing.

Even her mood was startling after his immediate break-up news. It was strange to see her so 'together'. It was unsettling to watch her so relaxed-almost accepting. He wrinkled his brows as he remembered her cheery behavior as she walked inside her favorite Cartier store. He was perplexed by how kind she was with the girl with whom he was "intimate."

He recalls dating the second-year beauty for a year during his senior undergraduate year at university. An unusual occurrence transpired with a classmate. He remembers being partnered up with a really lovely female who was sincere, and they were working on a very challenging assignment. They had to pull an all-nighter, and he and another male classmate stayed up until the wee hours of the morning. The next day, Jessica discovered the truth and confronted him, claiming that he had spent the night in this girl's place, which wasn't completely wrong, but she suspected he was cheating on her. Assume the girl received a punch in the nose along with a well-intended warning to keep away from her "man."

During their lunch date, Jessica noticed Hobi's mind was elsewhere. With pressed lips, she wondered whether his mind had wandered off to the arrogant designer. She began to dislike Noémie because she knew how to make "her'man' stray." Jessica found it strange that the two oblivious people had a fascination for each other that went undetected by the regular eye.

She felt great jealousy whenever she caught Hoseoks' gaze, which was always fixed on the exquisite beauty. The French girl was unquestionably gorgeous, as evidenced by the admiration of nearly every one of the Cartier VIP guests that visited the high-end store.

Jessica knew it would be tough to reclaim her love. Hoseok was fed up with their long-distance relationship, and she understood his reluctance to accompany her to the United States. She is still certain that they must work on the missing link in their relationship. Especially if they've been in love for ten years.

Hoseok was aware that the feelings of sadness and sense of being so detached from this relationship had begun around 2-3 years ago when his restraint had been put to the ultimate test.

He loved Jessica almost as much as he loved a close friend or sister, but the passion faded away.

Jessica continued to want to spend time with him until she went to the United States. He was aware that her mind had gone off the grid. She wants him back, but he's through. He is well aware that he no longer loves her as a future wife or girlfriend. He fell out of love a long time ago and never realized it.

Jessica appeared overjoyed when he reluctantly offered to go with her to the exhibition evening. Hoseok could only shake his head at her restored happiness, wondering why she appeared so smug.

He dropped Jessica off at home, then headed to his office to wrap up some work before returning to his private residence. He was delighted to see Gervais enter the store this morning. He appeared to be there to pick up Noémie for lunch, who had escaped a short while before. He knew she ran away from him, but he wouldn't let her slide through his fingers.

Hoseok was taken aback when he saw her in her light blue expensive outfit. He couldn't take his eyes off her fit and toned body. She had his imagination racing to undiscovered territories he wished to return to.

He could see the emotions flashing beneath those licorice irises as they met eyes this morning. But she remained stoic and surrounded herself with cool professionalism. He was conscious that his presence rattled her and made him feel disoriented.

She was the first female to push him over the edge. Her sheer presence hypnotized him and caused his mouth to dry up. His heartbeat was pounding wildly in his chest, and he knew he needed Noemie.

He just couldn't do what she wanted in order to force him to put effort into a non-existent relationship. He will never be with Jessica again. Noemie has stolen his heart, and he cannot disclose to her if Jessica is still around.

Breaking up and quickly entering another relationship will be inconsiderate. He wishes to take a break and begin over from scratch.

He got back to his lavish bachelor apartment. about 7 p.m. His body was fatigued, but fortunately, Savvi and Mijiwoo had already planned the white luncheon special party for the Bangtan in his penthouse.

He only invited the guys and their partners, but Jenna is resting at home, so Yoenra decided to come along with little Kai. Fortunately, Hobis' housekeeper will be present, as she has always enjoyed keeping an eye on her and Yoongi's sweet baby.

Taehyung and Jungkook will attend on their own. Jimin will have a 'new' Polish date. The boys were merely grinning as they wondered how long this fling would survive. They can't wait for Jimin to fall in love and settle down, but that has yet to happen.

Namjoon will be there with his closest buddy, who is clearly captivated by him, and Seokjin will also be stag.. Meijiwoo and Arthur, his cousins, were invited. The latter will have a date. He learned via Meijiwoo that Arthur had an 'encounter' with Noémie's best friend, Anais, and that she will also attend. He was hoping Noemie was there since they had something to talk about.

With a heavy sigh, he removed his suit jacket and rolled up his shirt sleeves. In the penthouse, Hoseok enjoys his privacy. It's a brand-new penthouse he purchased a few months ago after his previous meeting with Jessica in New York. In this apartment, he never spent "time" with Jess. She wanted to stay with him here, but he didn't want a female to spend the night in his private home. He typically reserved a room for her at the Jung Suray Towers.

Jessica believes that just Bangtan would be invited, but this time he wanted the spouses to come as well. He dislikes Dilraba, and thankfully, Taehyung was hesitant to invite her owing to her jealousy of his friends' spouses. She will be in Osaka for a modeling trip for some hair products.

Jessica was obliged to spend the day in Busan celebrating her grandmother's 85th birthday. She pleaded to come, but he urged that she spend time with her family, who seldom had time to see her when she was in Seoul.

Hosoek walked to his mini-bar and poured himself an ice-cold glass of white wine. He enjoys looking out his panoramic windows at the skyscrapers. He grinned to himself as he proceeded to the patio side and chose to just stand by his penthouse balcony and let the fresh air play with his hair. He enjoys being outside, and the Bangtan Elite group enjoys BBQing and relaxing on his patio most evenings.

They like spending as much time as possible with each other once or twice a week. They visited Suray in his man cave and Seokjin in his restaurant two weeks earlier. They spent this week relaxing at Jimins' Cabin Resort and attending his White Champagne Luncheon, which he usually puts together once a term. The daily schedule was exceedingly hectic, and he could feel the fatigue in his joints.

He wanted to get a good night's sleep tonight because the much-anticipated Diamond Exhibition at Taehyungs Gallery is on Friday. It's one of the month's most important art events. He was irritated that Jessica wanted to accompany him as his plus-one after they had broken up. She was still concerned about keeping up her appearance. The majority of Bangtan, as well as his and her parents, are aware of their split. It appears that she just refuses to accept it.

He was reminded of what happened at Jimin's Cabin resort during the weekend as he leaned over the steel balcony.

He was more comfortable than he had ever been, and when Selena approached him, he knew the news she had unearthed was not good. He was at the bar when she approached him on his own. He and Selena had an unusual friendship, which irritates Yoongi when he visits their executive office.

They like harmless flirting and always come up with the most creative pickup lines. Prospective girlfriends were frequently jealous of her intimate connection with the guys. Jungkook's ex-fiancee and Yoongis' stalker despised her, and Dilraba and, in particular, Jessica dislike her. Jessica once speculated that he was hooking up with Selena behind her back, which was preposterous given that Selena was being pursued by a determined suitor.

Flashback.

"Are you sure, Sel?" he was perplexed.

She nodded, and he inhaled deeply when she whispered, "Yes. Remember eight months ago when Jess drove you to take another break? And the three times you tried to propose marriage to her, she always shied away. We are delighted that you have decided not to ask her again."

"I know," Hoseok cracked a grin," Jimin didn't mince words as much as Seokjin. They wanted me to call it quits for good, but..."

"Yeah, you're too nice to break a girl's heart; seriously, she really had you soft," Selena smiled, "even if you are dreaded in the boardroom. My source, on the other hand, conducted a background check."

"So you actually pay attention to my Hyung and Jimin?" he said, shooking his head.

Selena beams brightly. "You've heard of me, the golddigger huntress! Jessica seems to like her boss's company far too much."

"Andre Connor!"---her boss, who is over forty years old and married. Hoseoks' eyes were wide with astonishment even if the news didn't hurt him as much as he had expected. What did he anticipate? They'd been separated for eight months, and he hadn't been with a woman since. He had plenty of chances to cheat, but he kept himself wholesome for her, and she wasn't bothered by it.

"Yup...Hobi. I'm sorry. She was photographed twice leaving his residence in the early hours of the morning, and my source also observed him leaving with her from her apartment one morning. She doesn't want to end her relationship with you since you are her key to all of the wealth and Andre is her path to professional advancement, so she plays both sides. But, while we know she loves you, she is obsessed with André, which is why she was promoted to Head Curator over her more experienced peers. She must keep Andrés' bed warm in order to preserve her position. She actually wants to marry you, and the reason why she wanted to wait until she was 30 is so she could apply for a directorship at one of Manhattan's best natural history museums in five years. Andre is her golden ticket. It's her job to make him happy," she joked.

Then she got her purse off the table and pulled out an envelope with the proof. Selena was struck down as she noticed the emotions flashing across his eyes. She hopes Hoseok doesn't rekindle the relationship as Jessica anticipated.

Hoseok pursed his lips as he flipped through the intimate photos. "Thank you, Sel," he responded, his eyes expressionless. "I know you didn't want to tell me, but I was contemplating proposing again-but this proof helps me decide. Jess is far from ready to settle down. She seemed to enjoy the American way of life, so I had to let her off the hook."

Selena nodded and took a long breath. "You've already begun the breakup process, Hobi. She only has to accept it. Who knows at this point? During that undercover reality show, you could have been with that over-eager Mexican waitress at one of your beach resort hotels in Mexico. She was head over heels in love with the ''Bellboy.'' Jimin left a wounded heart behind, Jungkook and Taehyung just turned down any approaches, and Seokjin is much too confidence-driven to ever drop that low, but our kitty cat carried his undercover affair home with him and married her. And you, my dear Hobi, stood faithful and committed to a wanderlust girl."

Hoseok scoffs, wiping his fatigued face. " I'm relieved to hear that. Please don't tell the boys just yet. But for the past two weeks, I've been thinking about making our break permanent. I'm finished, Sel and this information gave me the confidence to get what I needed to do a long time ago.

Selena's eyes welled up with tears. "She is a waste of time and a gold digger. If I were you, I would just revoke her access to your black card. Hobi, I know you like pampering your sweetheart well, but she doesn't deserve your love and dedication." Then, on her redberry-colored lips, a smile forms. "Everyone in the club knows you fell for a particular French Bell. Give way to more vibrant love; begin over---"

Hoseok's jaws were practically on the ground as he stared at her. what the heck!

Selena was laughing hysterically. "Common, Hobi. No girl irritates you more than that. What was her name again?

Hoseok lets out a deep sigh, "Seo Noémie, happy now."

Selena grinned and pushed his shoulder. "Was it too difficult for you to reveal her true identity? May I gate crash your white luncheon to meet her formally?" She flicked her long, black lashes.

Hoseok gave her a deadpan expression. "Selena, when did a lack of an invitation stop you? Yoongi, make sure you're constantly on my white luncheon invite list. You appear to be my half-sister from another mother. So why do you inquire as to whether you can gate crash?" He snorts and pulls her into a warm embrace.

Hoseok breathed deeply as his chin rested on her chocolate brown locks, which smelled like a lavender and cherry infusion. "Thank you so much, Selena. I appreciate your assistance with background checks."

"Of course, Hobi. Anytime," she said quietly.

Flashback end.

When you regained your bearings and returned after buying a purse from the Louis Vittone store across the street, you walked back with a deep sigh. Gervais' rented bloodred Ferrari is parked in front of the store. You had to put on a jovial grin and keep your emotions under check. He definitely didn't miss the sight of his friend, Hoseok, and his fiancé.

Jessica and Mr. Jung's presence affected you. You couldn't believe you kept your cool, which is really unusual for you. When they returned from the Maldives, your mother examined you with piercing eyes. Your mother knows you so well, and you know you'll be questioned shortly about what makes you so quiet and nervous these days.

You're too terrified to tell her mother your darkest secrets because you're afraid of her mother's displeasure and that you'll get a big moral lesson from your mother.

You'll never get tired of being compared to your "sweet and wholesome older cousin."

Your poor mother wants you to be a better version of yourself. Find a good Asian husband, get married properly, and possibly adopt a child or two. But you disagree. Who would want to marry a half-woman? The deep sorrow that you have always walked with knowing that you will never have a happy ending causes you to live in agony since you have already found the one, but you will not be his one. All you have to be thankful for is that you found love, even if you had to let it go.

Gervais noticed you walking in, and he noticed you were a touch downcast.

He swiftly waived at the flirtatious staff members and Adrienne's thirsty eyes before approaching you, where you had just bowed to the security doorman.

You soon smiled as you noticed Gervais approaching the doorway with a deep, buried grimace on his face. You're hoping he doesn't question you since you'll have to lie to him.

When he reached you, he gave you two cheek kisses before leading you out of the door and opening the red door of the Ferrari. You merely bowed and slid in with your brows wrinkled.

Gervais grinned as he turned to face you before putting on his sunglasses. "« Est-ce que tu vas bien, fille? »Are you OK, girl?"

You grin softly and nod, your gaze fixed on the road. "Je serai...I will be..." you mumble.

Gervais turned on some calm classical music and accelerated onto the highway as your heart began to palpitate. "Pouvez-vous conduire un peu plus lentement? Ce n'est pas une course de Formule 1. Les autorités sont sévères. »Could you please drive a little slower? It's not a Formula One racetrack. The authorities here are severe." You regarded him with apprehension His erratic driving makes you worried and anxious.

When you walked into the restaurant, the friendly waiter escorted you to a table for two near the glass windows.

Gervais made you read the menu and order swiftly.

""Vous n'avez aucune idée à quel point je suis soulagé que nous ayons terminé l'exposition vendredi. Ensuite, je dois prendre la position de MD pour le bureau de Gangnam, une promotion inattendue, -You have no idea how relieved I am that we will have completed the exhibition by Friday. Then I have to take the MD position for the Gangnam office, an unexpected promotion," you snort.

Gervais said, "« Wow, fille, tu monte l'échelle de la carrière. Designer senior avec le titre de Directeur Général sur votre porte de bureau Vous êtes en hausse. Woah, girl, you're moving up the career ladder. Senior Designer with the title of Managing Director on your office door You're on the rise." He raises his green tea, and they smirk and toast.

While the waitress was bringing your first cider to the table, you noticed movement in the far corner of the restaurant. When your eyes met Jessica's cold ones, you exhaled a sigh of relief. Hoseok's back was to you, and when Jessica saw you, Gervais was oblivious to what was going on behind his back as you drank your tea discreetly as you watched with amusement as Jessica suddenly jumped up with anxiety and quickly talked with exaggerated hand movement and led an equally oblivious fiance out of your vision to the side door.

You weren't sure whether to laugh or cry, but the circumstance made you snort internally. Jessica is nervous and you're wondering if it's because of your clash in the shop.

Is she worried you'll hit on her man? You smirk to yourself, recalling your recent encounter in a restaurant. You catch your breath as you remember Hoseok's burning lips mingling with yours. How his arms enveloped you, kissing you like a ravenous lion, and you matched his passion.

Gervais laughed at your shaken expression. "« Et pourquoi tu te blushes comme ça, fille? Ce que vous voulez partager avec votre meilleur ami. -And why are you blushing like that, girl? Something you want to share with your best friend," he added, his eyes oddly glinting.

Your eyes widen as you bite your bottom lip, unable to hide the immediate heat in your body from remembering the man who made you dream all those unacceptable fantasies about him. You take a deep breath in and smile slightly. "Ne soyez pas ridicule. Il fait un peu chaud ici.Don't be ridiculous. It's a little hot in here."

"Oh- Ok, si tu dis ça- Oh- OK, if you say so," he responded sarcastically. You sigh deeply, knowing Gervais is aware of something you are not, and you hope Hoseok didn't tell him about your steamy rendezvous two weeks ago. Gervais will grill you if he discovers you slept with one of his buddies when he was still in a "relationship hiatus."

Fortunately, your food arrived, and you and Gervais enjoyed your unique appetizers. You and Gervasi shared a selca with your meal.

Gervais appreciated the soup dish as part of the first course. You both chose a scrumptious chicken main entrée with veggie side dishes. You're not really hungry.

"Ma belle, tu as l'air si fatiguée- My Belle, you look so tired," Gervais replies, looking into your tired eyes. Do you want to return to the store or go home? I still have a date with Ha-Ni, and I don't want to overeat."

"Oui, nous pouvons s'il vous plaît aller à la maison- Yes, can we please go home?" you nodded. "Adrienne sait que j'ai quitté tôt. Vous et Ha-Ni pouvez passer une agréable après-midi et une soirée ensemble. Elle est ravie d'être avec vous. »Adriene is aware that I left early. You and Ha-Ni may spend a lovely afternoon and evening together. She is overjoyed to be with you."

He grinned, and the red color on his cheeks was visible. Your eyes widen as you realize Gervais has a thing for the older girl. "Je veux l'impressionner pour qu'elle accepte de me laisser sortir avec elle.-I want to impress her so she will agree to let me date her."

"Elle vous aime, Gervais- She likes you, Gervais," you giggle." Il suffit de bien la traiter. Son cœur est encore endommagé, alors s'il vous plaît laissez-lui le temps de guérir. Ne vous précipitez pas avec elle- Just treat her well. Her heart is still damaged, so please allow her time for healing. Please don't rush things with her."

He silently nodded.

Then he gives you a crooked grin, and you wonder what that was. "Quoi- What?" you asked, frowning.

"Rien; j'étais juste curieux de savoir pourquoi mon cher ami Hoseok a pratiquement demandé que je vous amène au déjeuner, et pourquoi c'est...Avez-vous une « confusion secrète » avec le magnat de l'hôtel, Noemie? Vous savez que Jessica prétend avoir accepté sa proposition. » Nothing; I was just curious as to why my dear friend Hoseok practically demanded that I bring you to the luncheon, and why that is...Do you have a "secret entanglement" with the hotel magnate, Noemie? You are aware that Jessica claims to have accepted his proposal." He gazed at you with pity in his eyes.

Avoiding his penetrating look, you bit your bottom lip and shrugged your shoulders. "Rien ne se passe entre nous, Gerv.Jessica vous a-t-elle dit qu'elle était fiancée à Hoseok?- Nothing is going on between us, Gerv. Did Jessica tell you she's engaged to Hoseok?" You could feel your hands beginning to tremble. It hurts too much to think about the couple. Why can't you just get over it? It's not like the world is ending. You only have to avoid them in the future.

"J'ai été surpris quand elle m'a regardé dans le magasin et a murmuré que Hoseok avait finalement proposé et qu'ils pourraient s'éloigner aux Bahamas pour se marier. -I was surprised when she winked at me in the store and whispered that Hoseok had finally proposed and that they might elope to the Bahamas to marry." He told you with remorse, and when he saw the intense anguish in your eyes, Gervais realized his "girl" had fallen too deeply.

............

You were extremely emotional that night, sitting alone outside your aunt's house with a bleeding heart. The air was chilly, yet you couldn't really feel the crispness of it.

You sat against a secluded wall near the kitchen entrance, thinking about an unknown quote that was perhaps fitting for you right now.

With your eyes filled with unshed tears, you murmur to the emptiness around you, "When love is lost, do not bow your head in sadness; instead, keep your head up high and gaze into heaven, for that is where your broken heart has been sent to heal."

You merely shook your head, wondering whether you'd ever be able to recover.

A/n: Hoseok had a flashback.

Thank you for all your loyal support of this book. Kindly vote or comment with your thoughts.

1. Jessica is not ready to let go of Hoseok. Do you believe her lies will be revealed?

2. Will Noemie back out of the event now that Gervais confirmed Hoseoks' engagement?

3. How do you feel about Selena's background checks?