Penned words, written then erased

Feelings for you, so many to let go

You'll be in your offices in around 45 minutes. As you parked the little Kia in the underground parking, your nerves were frazzled. The weather is cold, but you have shivers as you fasten your jacket buttons and put on your thick winter coat over your jacket. As you make your way to the elevators, the heat penetrates your skin.

The warmth of the hallway welcomed you when you arrived at your floor. Kai was already waiting in reception with a steaming cup of caramel cafe latte when you walked through the glass doors.

"Good morning, Kai,"

You greeted him, and now it's time to welcome the rest of the early staff who were scurrying over the place. It appears that a dignitary will visit you today...

"Good morning, Jenna... The boss man is a nervous wreck. He was racing around like a headless chicken, barking orders to the entire floor, and even the tea lady went insane. Everything must be ready for the pitch...are you prepared?" He huffed and ran behind you as you sipped your latte, trying not to appear apprehensive at the idea of meeting your past again.

You hope it's the elder Jeon-Hyung and not the Jeon- maknae who sends shivers down your spine. You haven't seen him in person in two years, and you only saw him once when you and Lalisa accompanied your Boss to an industry event. However, you have assured that you stay undetected from that family. 

His now-fiancée, one of South Korea's most gorgeous models, and his older sister Eujin, on the other hand, kept him busy. He didn't see you. They have a formidable family legacy, ranking among the top ten richest family dynasties in South Korea.

With a heavy sigh, you enter your office, and as you hang your coat on the hanger, Kai hands you all the folders to swiftly review. As you scan the data, you furrow your brows. Lalisa provided a couple of footnotes for things to consider during the pitch.

Amid blatant hostility, this will be one of the most challenging pitches you'll ever have to present. You were looking into the frigid eyes of the guy you once loved with all your heart but couldn't seem to get over it. Fortunately, your employer and Lalisa will be present.

You and Kai went through it all. Your Boss also walks into your office, looking apprehensively at your calm and collected demeanour. He doesn't need to know you're about to have a nervous breakdown.

"Are you all right, dear? This is our chance to get our hands on the most prized account of a few billion wons, and we cannot, under any circumstances, make an error. Can I rely on you,Jenna?" He fixed his gaze on you with unrivalled intensity.

You took a massive breath and said, "We'll do our best, sir. Red Cherry just ended their pitch a few minutes ago." He'll be on his way, and he'll be here by noon" You can feel your palms starting to sweat. Kai was a nervous wreck as he finalized the conference folders for Jeon Shipping.

"Great, we'll need this account. Be prepared to answer any counter-questions. Don't worry, and I'll be there." Your Boss responded.

Lalisa was preoccupied with the private conference room, making sure that everything was spotless. The mints and flavoured water. The television and laptops are set up, as is anything else you'll need as a backup. She arrived a little flustered, and her gorgeous eyes were concerned as she gazed at you.

She smiled at you, yet an aura of nervousness surrounded her. Lynx Advertising is desperate for this account, and you'll do everything you can to get it, but you're up against two powerful competitors. If the Jeon CEO is aware that you are the go-getter for Lynx, your chances of obtaining the account are slim.

"Are you ready, girl? How do you look so beautiful in this freezing weather?" Lalisa attempted to brighten the stressful atmosphere in your office.

"If I become too hot," you said with a smile and a shrug. "I tend to become more nervous, and I might. How will I manage this account if their CEO is in the room?" With a scrunched-up nose, you inquire.

"Jenna, just do what you do best. We will be present. I realize Mr Jeon is a formidable person, but let us try our best to work together to get through this. I understand Mr Jeon is very intimidating, but let us get those billions in. We are the best in the advertising industry. We get things done...come here," she said as she walked around your desk and hugged you tightly. " You'll do great. Don't lose your calm, please."

You adore your best friend, yet there are some things she is unaware of. She is aware that you dated a guy for two years in university and that he broke your heart during your last year, nearly causing you to fail. You and the young CEO have a painful history, and you were the apparent cause. He has every reason to despise, no, hates you. You knew deep down that it was "revenge time" once more. Why did he select your small agency over the big ones? The Jeons is aware of your executive position at Lynx. The Jeons' matriarch kept a close watch on you as if you were about to divulge your past with their "golden maknae."

You simply pressed your lips together and returned her hug, but facts are facts. When the powerful Jeons get involved, no one escapes unscathed, and you fear that you will be the significant sacrifice once more.

How long will you be able to bypass your past? It's time for everyone to let go and move on. He moved on...and you tried to move on until you got this account.

How many times has your agency been on the verge of losing lucrative accounts because the matriarch of Jeon was scheming behind your back? All doors were closing in your face as a result of a single word from a powerful Billionaire.

You missed countless unique career possibilities in the past. One unfavorable statement in the hearing can cost you plenty of excellent employment opportunities... After graduation, you lost a lucrative internship...but circumstances hindered you from pursuing the advertising race for several months. But, thank goodness, no one was looking at one of Seoul's most underrated and smallest agencies...Lynx.

- flashback-

It was entirely by accident that you got the job, and you were not even given a proper interview. Your current Boss visited the coffee shop where you work as a temp, and he was your customer, and you exuded natural warmth and friendliness.

He appeared stressed, and there were folders in front of him, and he was typing quickly on his laptop, but you could tell this older businessman was going through something. He seemed agitated and appeared to be under stress.

You handed him a complimentary croissant with cream cheese and orange marmalade. Simply to cheer him up. He was overjoyed, and you began to chat casually.

He wanted to know everything there was to know about this lovely, caring waitress. Fortunately, the coffee shop was still empty after the morning rush. So you obtained permission to just talk to him and tell him about yourself.

When you graduated, sadly, all doors at the best advertising firms closed on you. You are consistently shortlisted but never hired.

This included more than ten of South Korea's largest companies. You were ready to give up on life by that point, and things just got worse. The illness of your adopted mother, the scars of your break-up, the disappearance of your biological mother...all odds were stacked against you...until a light or an angel appeared in the guise of your present Boss into the shop on that cold and miserable day.

He asked for your opinion on a presentation, and you redid his entire pitch right there in the coffee shop, and you were recruited straight away. His company landed a significant deal with Lotte Chilsung, a soft drinks company. You rose to the pinnacle of your career thanks to your outstanding presentation skills.

Lynx Agency grew to be a powerful force and one of South Korea's leading agencies. Because of the "little golden goose," billion-dollar corporations have wanted to use your agency's services since then. And, regrettably, your reputation in the boardroom drew the attention of the family you despise...The Jeons. They played a crucial role in all of your future...misendevours.

End of flashback.

.........

It was time. You take a big breath as you receive all of the supportive comments from your team and coworkers. Everyone wishes you the best of luck. Even your adorable assistant Kai acted like a mother hen around you and Lisa. Rose appeared more worried, and you were concerned that it would impact her pregnancy, so you urged her to leave early. Lalisa will notify her of the outcome. Excessive excitement could be hazardous. She has already put in a lot of effort to make this pitch a success over the last few weeks.

The executive team and the "Bossman" stood at the boardroom's glass entrance doors. You and Lalisa were a little behind your Boss.

The group from Jeon Shipping was escorted by the agency's executive PA. You could feel your heartbeat quickening. It will be the first time in two years that you will be this close to each other.

You can sense Lalisa's anxiety, but she looks fabulous when you feel out of place. When the group enters from the long hallway... The young staff employees were fanning themselves as they gazed upon the tall, gorgeous, and expressionless youngest Billionaire. He emanates strength and command.

"Bossman," appeared slightly stressed, but you kept your face composed and your body language optimistic and professional. Fortunately, you refreshed yourself a few minutes ago and gave yourself a positive affirmation.

Jeon Jungkook strutted between his stunning PA and his older brother. The three didn't smile and appeared solemn, which made the boss man nervous. You scoff inwardly. People with money, as expected,  believe they own the entire planet.

In his navy and royal pinstriped suit, the youngest CEO looked dazzling.

Your throat tightened as a result of his transformation. When he fixed his gaze on you, his entire demeanor changed. The Boss and the rest of you bowed in greeting and mutual respect.

You couldn't see the intensity behind his eyes, but there was a glimmer and an almost unnoticeable smirk. You know him so well, and you sigh deeply, knowing this will be the most challenging pitch you've ever done. His brother glanced at you, puzzled as if he tried to place you but couldn't think of anything. 

You only met him once, but you were wearing glasses at the time. His PA glanced at you with a snobbish and disdainful expression. She regarded the lovely Lalisa with distaste, but Jungkook appeared to be appreciative of Lalisa's beauty. You can see one of his brows raise as he looks at your friend.

You were saddened, but what did you expect? Lalisa can't help herself if she's so beautiful that she drew the attention of your ex-lover. He loathed you, and he made sure that you saw his icy cold nod in your direction, to which you responded. Lalisa was furrowing her brow. She might be curious about the moment between the two of you. Do you know one another? With Bossman, he was a little warmer.

Lalisa motions for the group to enter. Kai was already in the meeting room, nervously standing in the corner.

Ms. Joy introduced her Bosses, and you all acknowledged each other as the boss man introduced all of you.

The agency's senior executive was introduced to you by your Boss. Lalisa was beaming...

Mr. Jeon smirks and motions for your Boss to begin. Kai informs them quickly about the contents of the presentation folder in front of them. As Kai pressed the laptop, the entire presentation was displayed on the screen, and Jeon-Hyung looked slightly impressed.

You presented your pitch with poise and professionalism. Because of your nerves, the start was a little rough. When you saw Jungkook's cold, calculating eyes and a countenance devoid of expression, your brow sweated, and your pointer almost dropped out of your palm. He didn't cut you off during your pitch. Lalisa may feel your nervousness, yet you smile and conclude your most detailed presentations.

You examined all of their firm's current strengths and dominance in the shipping and logistics sectors, as well as how your marketing will help their company, save them billions, and put more money in their pockets, and presented them with many well-compiled infographics.

You took a big breath and then made your ad pitch for billboards, every news outlet, and every social platform available.

Your Boss is impressed, but Jeon-maknae appears unimpressed. His brother looked at you with a smirk, quite impressed, but when he saw his younger brother's unimpressed expression, his smirk vanished, and he became uneasy. The ball is in the hands of the youthful CEO.

On the other hand, you give your most professional smile. Thank the group for listening before introducing Lalisa to close the second half of the presentation until your Boss takes over and concludes the pitch. Lalisa smiled brightly and began to present, in her preppy voice, how the advertising strategies would attract the audience's attention and compel them to approach the Jeon company quickly and sign contracts. You gave her a warm smile. She is so extroverted and cheerful that she quickly let Jungkook tilt his head and glide his finger sensuously over his bottom lip while raising an eyebrow. You scoff inwardly and wish you weren't here right now. You're hoping that Lalisa's allure would be enough to secure you the lucrative contract.

She smiled and added additional charms to impress the young Jeon. You smirk because you know how she can use her feminine charms to help her in her career advancements constantly, and now she's used the same enticement on the Jeons', who are not immune to her. You wish she had done the entire pitch by herself from the start. She was fantastic. Peeking discretely at your ex, he appeared unbothered, but he grew into a handsome young man. You had to fight your mind not to go into uncharted territory at that time, where you recall how he tenderly held you in his strong arms and kissed you passionately with those velvety lips.

It was the most challenging thing you'd ever done in your life to let go of him. You swiftly disregarded such gloomy thoughts. He matured, and soon he will be a married man. You pay special attention to the movement of your Boss at your side as he stands up and delivers the final half of the pitch. Kai appeared to be a nervous wreck. He worked so hard that he had little time to spend with his girlfriend. You decided to take him and Lalisa out to lunch.

Your boss smiles and thanks, everyone. Typically, during a pitch, the client does not say much; they simply stand up and thank you for your time, and if you are successful, they will call you. Right away or in two days.During the two critical days before the accounts are turned over to the highest bidder. The relentless agency began working behind the scenes to bribe or entice clients with attractive or better offers.

Nobody knew what Lynx was up to because your pitch was kept under wraps. You and your team were asked to allow them some alone time. Your Boss nodded, and you hurriedly exited the room, causing you to slip into another empty office.

Your Boss congratulated you on a fantastic pitch and expressed his optimism. Your Boss seems ecstatic about the prospect of winning the deal. You smile, but it doesn't make it to your eyes. Lalisa and Kai were open about how attractive the young CEO was. They only see him talking on business news or in his magnificent features that graced the pages of business and financial magazines. You were suffering odd shivers running down your spine, and you knew Jeon Jungkook was there for a purpose. Red Bl Cherry and Mandate were always the industry's top dogs. Why would your agency handle this lucrative five-year contract with all of the perks?

His personal assistant Joy knocked on the open office door, signaling you to return to the boardroom for the final verdict. You're wondering why he didn't just up and leave as most clients do and then phone you later to tell you you didn't get the account. Why prolong the inevitable?

........

You all return to the boardroom and take your seats silently, waiting for the verdict. Your nerves are tingling, and Lalisa and Kai appear tense.

His handsome features glistened with a smirk as his frosty calculating eyes darted from your Boss to your nervous stares. His piercing look made your heart accelerate, and it was difficult to breathe.

He lifted his eyebrows at you as he played with his pen in front of the document, smiling without looking at your Boss.

"The $500 million contract is yours, but there is one condition," his smirk faded.

You and your Boss both widen your eyes in disbelief.

He leaned back in his black leather chair, pointed at you with the tip of his pen, and said coldly, "Fire her...with immediate effect!" Your heart almost collapsed as you furrowed your brows in confusion. He and your teams both let out loud gasps.

You and Jungkook locked gazes. Yours was astonished, and he was icy. You didn't take your eyes off each other. Lalisa and Kai were deafeningly silent. The brother and PA of Jungkooks were noticeably shaken. Everybody in the industry understood your worth in Lynx. You bit your lower lip and recognized right then and there that the past had returned to haunt you.

Your startled Boss jumped up, stunned. "Mr. Jeon, what went wrong? Ms. Song is one of our agency's most inspiring and talented employees, and she is quite competent in handling the most difficult accounts...'

You look up at your Boss, your eyes welling up with unshed emotions, and softly touch his arm to calm down. He already got a heart condition. He was always there for you, and he was a father figure to you. You knew Jungkook had ulterior motives for seeking revenge against you. How long will you have to pay for the mistakes of the past?

"Sir...is fine...we need the account...right now, you need to expand, and moving has been your lifelong desire." You turn to face the stern expression on Jungkooks and say, softly but firmly, "Mr. Jeon...thank you for giving Lynx Agency this opportunity. I'm willing to type my resignation letter right now if you sign that as well." You lift your head to meet your Boss's troubled gaze. He desperately needed the account, but he can't afford to lose you this way. What is behind this?

In horrified silence, Lalisa shook her head and murmured, "Please, Mr. Jeon, don't put us in this situation. Jenna is the one that comes up with all the ideas..."

"So you're saying that your company can't function without one employee?" He mockingly gazed at Lalisa, who shook her head uncomfortably.

"Mr. Jeon...Jenna is one of the best...why?" your boss nods.

"That, sir...is unimportant. She is not essential for this project. Her reputation was exaggerated. Her presenting skills were lacking, and I don't want a team leader who is unsure of herself and repeatedly messes up the pitch...so she has to go!" Your jaw dropped. What the hell just happened? You nailed your pitch. Yes, you were nervous, as is natural when giving a new presentation—what a slap in the face.

You stood up, narrowing your eyes and tilting your chin upwards with all the pride you could muster. Jungkook has just declared war.

"Thank you, Mr Kang, for giving me the fantastic opportunity to work for Lynx Advertising and Kai for being the best assistant ever...for the artwork you and Rose did for the pitch and...Lalisa...you are my best friend, sister, and thank you for all the graphic design you did for the presentation...I trust that you will work together as a great team and ensure that Jeon Shipping reaches its full potential in the Western market."You noticed Lalisa wiping away her tears...they all know how important this account is to you...your Boss was conflicted. He seemed to have planned to murder the young CEO for playing such a crafty trump card, resulting in a loss of his best executive...his "daughter."

Without saying anything, you bowed greeted to the clients. You strutted out of the office with a straight face, but inside, a storm was raging, and it felt colder than the snow outside...luckily, you could smile brightly at one or two staff members in the hallway until you reached your office on the executive floor...

When you reach your office, you race to the door, hurriedly open and lock it before collapsing on the white sofas and crying in pain...

A/N... Another update. Thank you for all the reads of CEO Jungkook. He is a real jerk, I know.

Question 1: The boss man is torn. Should he keep you or let you go to save the company and its employees?

Question 2: Do you think you'll be able to recover from this life-changing pitch?

Question 3: Do you believe the past still has a significant impact on ex-lovers?

Question 4: Jungkook played dirty since he knew Lynx wanted the account. Do you think his revenge plan is complete or has it only begun to destroy you, your life, and your career? a shout out to our newest readers.

@Arivanya @EverySoulTastesDeath @kpop-girl06 @bangtoorii

Also, a big shout out to the first five commenters who will receive dedication in all the coming chapters.