Nicole glanced around, suddenly aware of the hushed murmurs rippling through the café. People were staring—whispering. Heat rushed to her cheeks. Embarrassed, she quickly turned back to Gu Sean, lowering her voice.
"Married?" she hissed.
"What do you mean married?"
Gu Sean leaned back in his chair, studying her with calm precision. He noted the way her fingers clenched around her bag strap, the faint tremor in her shoulders. She was flustered—beautifully so.
Then he leaned forward.
"I've seen you at work," he said evenly.
"You're disciplined. Intelligent. You come from a respectable background."
Nicole frowned.
"You graduated top of your class from Seoul National University."
Her breath caught.
"Wait—what?" she blurted. "So you've been studying me?"
Her voice rose despite herself.
"For what? Why marry me? We don't even know each other! What—were you planning to force me into marriage?" She scoffed, anger bubbling over.
"It's 2025. You can't just—"
Gu Sean lifted a hand, cutting her off.
"Nicole."
His voice dropped—low, controlled, dangerous.
The chatter around them seemed to fade.
"I'm not studying you," he said with a quiet chuckle, though irritation flickered behind his eyes. He dragged a hand through his hair, exhaling slowly before continuing in that same measured tone.
"First of all, I'm the director of your company. Every project you submit comes to me for final approval."
A small smirk tugged at his lips.
"So yes—I know your background. I hired you."
Nicole stared at him, stunned.
"And while you are attractive," he added casually, "this isn't about looks. This is a contract marriage. Strictly business."
She leaned back, disbelief written across her face.
"So what," she scoffed. "You picked me because of my projects?"
"No." His gaze softened—just slightly.
"I picked you because you're my type."
Her stomach twisted.
He leaned closer, lowering his voice.
"I've watched you around the office. I've listened. I know you just returned from overseas—and that you're currently without a place to stay."
Nicole stiffened.
"I can give you a house," he continued. "You'd live with me. I'll provide everything you need."
That was it.
Nicole shot to her feet, grabbing her bag and stepping back.
"This is too much," she said sharply. "This is weird."
She shook her head.
"We barely know each other. I've only seen you in meetings. This morning—I didn't even recognize you."
Gu Sean stood as well, calm and composed, straightening his coat.
"I call this morning fate."
He looked at her—not possessive, not aggressive—almost… admiring.
"I admit I came on too strong," he said.
"You're off tomorrow, correct?"
She hesitated.
"Let's continue this conversation over lunch. No pressure. We'll discuss terms, boundaries, offers."
Nicole's mind raced.
If I reject him outright, he could retaliate.
A lunch won't hurt. I can always say no.
She met his gaze, steadying herself.
"Fine," she said. "Lunch."
Without another word, she turned and walked out—heart pounding, unaware that this single decision had already changed everything.