#beyond the transcripts

Wonwoo crouches down to his level and asks, “Are you lost? Who did you come here with?”

The boy looks at him wide eyed.

“I'll contact the security team.”, his secretary, Mr. Jung informs promptly.

Wonwoo smiles as he ruffles the boy’s hair. It's astonishing, the way he feels extremely inclined towards the tiny human.

“What's your name?”

Seeing the reluctance, he decides to approach the boy with something that might pique his interest.

“Do you like playing games?”

And that works, the boy nods politely as his eyes light up and Wonwoo fights off all his urges to squish his cheeks.

“Let's play until that uncle”, he points towards Mr. Jung, “finds your family or relatives to get you.”

It was supposed to be a normal busy day at the company. The edifice echoes constant clicking of shoes, hushed murmurs and flipping of pages.

It is all good so far until a phrase starts spreading floor by floor, gets passed up in the canteen, being told in the cubicles.

‘Did you see a kid roaming in the building? He looks like a little carbon copy of our CEO, Mr. Jeon.’

Your heart thumps as you overhear your colleagues from behind the closed bathroom door. It can't be, you say to yourself. You pull up your phone to read the clauses stated in the company portal under the tab ‘Policies’. You are not allowed to bring your family to the premises unless there's an occasion or you're explicitly required and instructed to do so, states the rules.

Relief floods your senses, there's no way your son would be brought and led inside the building on a regular workday, that too without your knowledge or consent.

The day goes on as you submerge yourself in preparing a lawsuit against an accuser for trying to damage the reputation of the company and sabotaging the career of an artist under it by staging false allegations.

It's lunchtime and you're still reviewing the drafts when there's a knock on the cabin door. Your gaze doesn't even lift from the screen when Mr. Joo enters. You suppress your urge to roll your eyes, preparing yourself to be bombed with another set of misogynistic slurs being inserted after each line the old man says.

You've been recruited as the head of the legal department for unarguably the best in the entertainment and music industry, The Carat Company, eight months ago. And Mr. Joo who was so sure about getting promoted as the head, the position he eyed for (more than worked for) couldn't quite accept an outsider that too a woman who's much younger than him to snatch something from him which was never his to begin with.

You wonder how long until your tolerance runs dry and the man in front gets slammed by a lawsuit which wouldn't only end up with him losing his job.

After a draining ten minutes conversation with Mr. Joo, you head towards the canteen. You find your group at the table, as always saving you a seat.

“My son has a fancy dress competition at his school today. He went dressed up as Harry Potter.”, Sunjae from the IT department recites, taking out his phone and showing the pictures his wife has sent him. Everyone at the table coos at the cuteness.

The chattering continues with you all catching up on work, workplace gossip and family tales.

“My daughter hasn't been feeling well, I'll be clocking out early today.”, Sooji from the marketing department says, concern evident in her voice. You all nod in unison, even urging her to leave post lunch.

A sad smile splits onto your lips. You too want to show how cute Wonjae looked when you dressed him up for the picnic you both went to last week. Everyone knows that you're a single mother and that you've a son. That he's an intelligent kid, that he's the bundle of joy that shines in your life. But that's all they get to know because you want to keep it lowkey.

How could you show him to them when he looks exactly like his father? That he's more like Wonwoo than Wonwoo himself. Same Wonwoo, who's also the CEO of the company you are working at. Records would give away that you both attended the same university, practically batchmates, shared lectures. You're afraid of any digital footprints either of you could have left behind. You can't afford to shake up any rumours.

Prior to applying for this job, you had taken time, there were months of mental preparation before you sent across the application. You had no choice but to succumb to this economy and walk into the lion’s den.

Now everyday before leaving the house, you pray not to cross paths with Wonwoo. You wonder if he'd even recognise you, you don't want him to but there's an ache in your heart at the thought of it.

“I saw a kid roaming in our block. You won't believe at a glance I thought he's the son of Mr. Jeon.”, Sunjae recollects.

“Mr. Jeon isn't even married.”, Yoongi, from finance deadpans, “Though you don't need to be married to make a–”

Collective shushes make him shut up.

It piques your interest, you wonder who it could be until your phone buzzes with a call from Jihoon, the HR Manager.

And you're panting, down on your knees as you see your son, Wonjae standing in front of you.

“How did you get here?”, you ask the little boy, who stares at you with glossy eyes and jutted lips.

“Are you angry at me, mama?”, he asks with a quiver in his voice and your heart sinks.

You give him soft kisses on his forehead, patting his arms gently, “Jae, I'm not angry, I just want to know what happened.”

“I brought him here, Y/N.”, Jeonghan steps up and says with his head hung low, “I'm sorry.”

You sigh and get up rubbing your temples.

“Jae said he wanted to see the place where you work. I thought I could give him a quick tour, as getting permission won't be a problem.”, Jeonghan continues, “I brought him here only after confirming that Wonwoo won't come to office today.”

“And you didn't think of informing me?”, you ask using your strict voice, causing Jeonghan to cower a bit, “How did he end up roaming alone around the entire office?”

“I got a call when I was walking him through the gaming zone and it went on for a while. When I hung up, he was gone. After searching for a bit, I had to run by the security division and found him through the CCTVs.”, Jeonghan grimaces, “I'm really sorry, Y/N.”

Jeonghan and you, go way back. He's a prominent and popular artist under the company but you were friends, well to be precise he was Wonwoo's friend and you knew Jeonghan through him during the university days. Then circumstances caused you to cut ties with him. It was two weeks ago when Jeonghan (another person you wanted to avoid) found you while taking the same elevator.

And he didn't let you slip away. You hated how persuasive he was because he made you spill your life out which you don't do with others. It enraged you that he didn't even have to be perceptive to know who Wonjae’s father was.

“The entire office is talking about him, Jeonghan.”, you whine out in defeat.

“And that's not the worst part, Y/N.”, Jihoon who was watching the scene, the one who called you, the only one in the office who without any prior connection to you knows about your situation, articulates, “I found Wonjae inside the CEO’s office. He was playing Jenga with Mr. Jeon. I took him by saying he's the son of one of the new crew members.”

The ground beneath you slips. Everyone watches you holding their breaths. Your mind runs miles, producing hundreds and thousands of thoughts. And this moment of truth makes you question everything.

Were you too numbed by the pain of your miseries that you neglected your son's wants? What if he wants his father in his life? What if he hates you for not letting him be with his father? What if–

A little pair of hands grabbing yours, breaks your reverie.

“Mama, I'm sorry.”, Wonjae cries, waddling a bit towards you, hugging your legs.

You collapse on the floor, embracing your son tighter, letting your own tears fall. You rarely cry, tears are a luxury, you think. But today, maybe the tears are falling because you can't bottle up anymore.

You pull away, wiping his tears, “Shhh. Don't cry, I'm not upset.”

The trembles subsides and Wonjae hugs you again, face planted against your chest. It's a habit, he hides his face and complains, “Papa bumped into me, I almost fell.”

You listen quietly, caressing his back.

“Then he took me to his office.”, you see him swaying his right hand in the air, “I told him my name and age but I didn't tell him about you, mama.”

Wonjae takes a lot after his father, in his appearance, stances and habits. He is calm, patient and has better intelligence and emotional quotient compared to the kids of this age. He knows about his father, he understands that there must be a reason behind his parents not living together unlike his friends’.

And most importantly, he trusts you. He knows whatever you do, it will be for his good, so he's compliant and obedient.

“Mama, can we go home?”, he says yawning, “I want to sleep.”

You understand, you get it. Wonjae has seen his father countless times on the screens and the covers but today was the first time he met him. Knowing your little guy, you know that he has used all of his brain capacities today in spending time with his father. So you'd let him rest today.

The conversation you want to have with him, has to be shelved tonight. It's something you'd have to thread carefully with Wonjae.

And after dinner when your son falls asleep, you stay wide awake.

Maybe, you can't avoid Wonwoo all your life. And maybe, you shouldn't avoid Wonwoo anymore.

You wonder if certain strings of incidents are bound to happen. It was last week only when your son met his father and today, it seems you'd be meeting your past lover.

A sudden allegation about copyrights being charged against the company, an emergency board meeting and now a briefing about the legal action items to dissolve the matter.

And being the legal head, you'd be leading the meeting. You look at your reflection in the mirror, chanting the same words in your mind. You understand the gravity of the situation, the urgency it holds because within the months of your joining, this is the first time you'll be directly reporting to the CEO.

You think Wonwoo wouldn't recognise you. A mere fling, that's what you were to him after all. And even if he does, it would be best in his interest to ignore.

Wonwoo enters the meeting room and you find your gaze fixated upon him and it brings back all the memories.

You don't meet his eyes when his secretary introduces you both but you do feel the touch of his hand lingering longer on yours.

The meeting goes on and you're proud of yourself for not becoming a mess under his gaze. There are no questions from him, he just listens to what you offer and you take it as a good sign.

“I'll prepare the draft version of the clauses and send across to you, Mr. Jung.”, you say standing up from your seat while sizing the papers laying on the table, “It shouldn't be a major threat because I have found some discrepancies in their lawsuit, they most probably want to stir up some buzz about themselves and make some money out of it.”

Mr. Jung nods, “I'll be expecting the final draft today, we can discuss it further.”

You take it as a sign to take a leave. You walk out of the meeting room only to slide into the next empty one you found because your legs almost give up. You take deep breaths, drink water and assure yourself that it's not a big deal. You're sure that Wonwoo would want no business with–

The door opens and you freeze.

It's Wonwoo who's standing on the threshold.

“Y/N”, he calls out your name with so much vulnerability that it makes your heart twist with an ache.

“I never thought I'd find you again.”, he says almost breathlessly.

“Sorry, I know seeing me again caused a lot of disappointment.”, you blurt out even before thinking and sigh, “I did apply here knowing that it's your company but be assured I didn't come here because of you.”

You could see his face drop and he's about to open his mouth to speak again but you beat him, saying, “Mr. Jeon, if you'd excuse me, I have a meeting in five minutes.”

Wonwoo says nothing but just as you cross him to walk out of the room, he grabs your arm.

And he looks at you holding an unspoken plea in his eyes, while yours glare back at him. Your eyes hold the same intensity, Wonwoo thinks.

“I don't think what you're doing is appropriate, Mr. Jeon.”, you articulate, trying to free your arm from his firm grip, “Let me go.”

While you successfully yank out your arm, his next words leave your head spinning.

“I'll let you go now but we'll be seeing each other often from now on, Y/N.”

And he is true to his words.

The employees are confused, the legal department is in uproar. Why is the CEO visiting their department every other day?

“Y/N, is there something serious going on within your department?”, Yoongi asks oneday, during lunch, “I thought the copyright allegation lawsuit was resolved.”

You feel like banging your head on the very first surface you lay your eyes on. Wonwoo has been trying to talk to you and honestly if he wanted he could summon you anytime and you would have no other choice but to oblige. But you don't get what he's trying to establish by making trips throughout the office, especially the legal department.

“There are some ongoing issues which might escalate if not taken care of right now, so we're having rounds of discussion.”, you lie through your teeth, hoping for Yoongi to believe it.

Yoongi nods but he in fact does not believe it. Because you may not be aware, but he is, aware of the fact that you have a son, about whom when asked you always dodge the topic. He has seen Wonjae one night walking down the streets of the market with you. It wasn't something very peculiar until he found out that you have studied at the same university as Wonwoo, the graduation year matching as well. He didn't make his presence known, he just watched. He has a hunch that there's a past that you've been trying to bury so earnestly. That's why he doesn't pry.

Work is done for the day and you drive to your favourite spot, in hopes of getting a breather, a break from all the chaos.

“Sorry to interrupt your alone time.”, you hear a very familiar voice and smile instantly.

“You're not interrupting anything if we had decided to meet here, Chanie.”

Chan walks upto beside and leans against the railing, watching the city lights blaze underneath.

“How's everything going?”

“I don't know, but one thing for sure, this is something I don't want to do at all.”, he answers with a tinge of agony in his voice.

Lee Chan is the CEO of Sebong Corp., the company known to be a rival of The carat company. He is definitely someone who shouldn't have anything to do with you but you both go way long back. When he was still a student and you were just a law major who was working multiple part times while searching for a job.

You took pity on a student who always looked lost and saved him the food packets hiding from your boss only to give it to him when he made a routine tour to the store.

And that student almost cried out of gratitude whenever the pregnant worker sneaked him food late at night.

It goes on for a few months, until Chan reveals that he's actually a chaebol and in line to inherit the family business.

You were rendered speechless. But Chan was annoyingly sticky, he appeared whenever you worked begging for forgiveness until you gave in.

You wonder if you attract these kinda people.

Apart from Mina, he's the one who stayed by your side, always offering help if you ever needed and spoiling Wonjae whenever you would let him.

You are proud of how Chan is handling everything and still staying rooted to the ground.

“Next time, let me take you and Jae to a nice restaurant to eat.”, he suggests but frowns the next moment, “I doubt he'd even remember his one and only favourite uncle, it's been so long since we met.”

“True, why don't you come home over this weekend? I'll make you your favourite dishes.”

“Deal done.”, he beams and you turn to him and open your arms.

He instantly hugs you and you pat his back, “I'm so proud of you, Chanie. You're doing so well.”

He sighs, all the tension leaving his body, “Needed to hear this today, thanks.”

Not every bond has to be blood related, some go beyond everything.

“What's going on, Mr. Jeon?”, Mr. Jung asks as he notices Wonwoo spacing out again.

“You can drop the honorifics, Uncle.”, Wonwoo says in a lite tone. He slumps against the chair, his eyes fixating against the white wall of the ceiling, “It's her, Uncle. I had no idea she was working here.”

Mr. Jung’s expression solemns, “It explains your erratic behaviour. Did you get a chance to talk to her? Instead of going around the office, you could just summon her.”

“I have a lot to tell her, but where do I start?”, Wonwoo grimaces, “Wouldn't it be an abuse of authority to summon her for any personal agenda.”

Mr. Jung just nods.

“I have so much to say but at the same time I don't have any words that I could give out.”, He rubs his eyes, they're glistening, “Maybe, I just want to know how she has been because I am a selfish prick who needs to hear that the girl he dumped back then is unscathed so that he can be guilt ridden.”

He lets out a chuckle, “Honestly, I am just parading around the legal department because I get to see her, hear her voice and sometimes we even have a conversation because of work.”

“You say that you don't regret the choices you made. It certainly doesn't seem so.”

Wonwoo doesn't reply, he doesn't have an answer. He was doing just fine, living his life, doing his work diligently non stop for years. So what changes now?

It's late in the evening as the office empties out. There's a cramping pain in your stomach and you curse out when you discover that you've forgotten the medicines at home. You feel nauseous, there's a throbbing ache in your head and it intensifies everytime you look at the long chains of emails that sit inside the folders, all labelled with high importance and needing to be made some progress today.

You walk out of your cabin and enter the cafeteria to get some cookies as you call your son to inform him that you'll be going home late tonight. You tell him to do his homework and heat the food before eating. You also tell him to not wait for you and go to bed.

“Check the monitor first. Don't open the door to strangers.”, you remind him, “I love you, Bye.”

You hang up and get the fright of your life when you see Wonwoo standing beside you.

“Who was it?”, Wonwoo asks, his brows raised and arms crossed over his chest.

“W-What are you doing here?”, you ask panicked as you try to peep behind him, hoping no one sees the two of you.

“Let’s go to your cabin, I need to talk to you.”, he says and waits for your rejection because he knows there's no way you're willing to talk to him.

But you agree and now you're both inside your cabin, standing facing each other.

“What do you want?”, your voice comes out strained as you clutch your stomach, supporting yourself against the table.

“Are you okay?”, Wonwoo asks, concerned, “You're sweating and–”

“What did you want to talk about?”, you cut him off, “It’s surprising because I thought we're done for this lifetime. You made it pretty clear that time.”

Wonwoo winces at your verbal jab.

“And if it's something trivial, if you're trying to apologize or bring up our past then don't. I have moved past everything and I'm quite content in my life now, Mr. Jeon.”, you try to speak, emphasizing each word but they come out in ragged breaths.

The more Wonwoo observes you, the more he gets worried, he picks up the water bottle from the table and uncaps it to hand it to you, urging you to sit down.

There's a sharp sting in your stomach and you crouch down. When your vision fades you manage to utter, “M-Mr. Jeon, Amaris Hospital...”

And that's what Wonwoo hears before he watches your body go limp as you collapse on the floor.

Wonwoo watches your unconscious figure laying on the hospital bed as he stands outside the VVIP ward. His mind races miles after the conversation he had with the doctor.

He gets to know that you've been suffering from severe gastroenteritis which you've acquired post pregnancy. He is baffled, his mind can't comprehend and in the heat of the moment he makes an unethical request to have your medical records, the request which he takes back immediately, apologizing.

Mr. Jung rushes to the hospital with the information Wonwoo has asked him to get. 

“Y/N, has only one person registered as her family in the records.”, he informs, “It's her son. She has her friend as an emergency contact and I've called her. She should be here anytime.”

What comes as a greater shock to Wonwoo after sometime is seeing Jeonghan rushing towards the ward, holding hands with a little boy whom even though he has seen only ones but remembers vividly.

“How is Y/N, Wonu?”, Jeonghan asks as he pants.

Wonwoo is frozen, he's not present at the moment. There are gears running in his head, there's vigorous thumping in his heart.

“She's fine now. The doctor said she'd be discharged tomorrow. She'll wake up once the effects of sedation wears off.”, Mr. Jung answers.

“Thanks for admitting her. I'm Mina.”, your friend says.

Jeonghan picks up Wonjae in his arms, they both look at your sleeping form from outside the ward.

“Mama will be okay right uncle Jeonghan?”, Wonjae asks and Jeonghan and Mina assure him immediately.

“Wonjae… Jeon Wonjae….”

All heads turn as Wonwoo keeps on mumbling the name. Every dot connects. Wonjae carries his surname, he looks like him and he's seven years old. The last time he saw you, before he left you, was eight years ago.

He walks towards Wonjae as Jeonghan lets him down.

“He is mine, isn't he?”, Wonwoo asks Jeonghan before crouching down in front of him.

Jeonghan stays quiet, so does Mina when Wonwoo looks at her.

And when he finally locks his gaze on his son, he breaks down in tears. He sobs hugging him. 

Wonjae, seeing his father, cries as well.

“Don't cry, Papa.”, he says as his tiny hands try to wipe the tears from his father's face. And the more Wonwoo sees him, hears him call him as father, the more his sobs turn into wails.

Your body feels heavy, your head feels weighed. There are some whispers that reach your ears but you can't quite make sense out of it. Slowly opening your eyes, you see the white ceilings, the monitor beeping and then Wonwoo.

And by the demeanor, you guess that he has figured out something.

“Mr. Jeon...”

Wonwoo perks up at your voice and when your gazes meet, you see a fresh bout of tear pooling in his eyes.

And all he says is, “We have a son, Y/N. Wonjae is mine, he's ours…”

You inhale shakily. Out of all the possible ways you imagined that he'd react when he finds out about Wonjae, this isn't the one you thought of. Why does the CEO of the most successful entertainment company seem in distraught? Definitely, he's unpredictable and you're scared of what's to come next.

You crane your neck to look at Wonwoo, “Mr. Jeon, I'd like to discuss some things with you, could you please make some time out of your schedule for me?”

Wonwoo feels the distance between you two. It twinges, it gnaws at him. 

“Get rest first. I have sent Wonjae with Jeonghan, he'll be staying at his house. Mina is still here and we'll talk once you get better.”, Wonwoo assures you, “You can find me anytime.”

You close your eyes, mind pondering about what's to come.

Your fingers hover against the door. You could feel the weight of the documents clouding over the entire span of you've spent to raise your son.

On the opposite side, behind the closed doors, waiting for you, is the man you once loved. The father of the child you birthed seven years ago. The chief executive officer of the company you're currently working at.

Also the man, who had broken your heart, had left you alone to pick up the pieces on your own.

You knew that this day would come. You have spent years preparing to face him one day. Over the years you've seen this face everywhere, be it on magazines or billboards or be it glorified on media but why is your chest caving in as you stand on the threshold, a moment away to see him again?

Taking a deep breath, you pitch your face into the most neutral expression you could bear. You won't deter, you won't step back.

Your knuckles give two swift knocks on the door and the secretary opens it for you, letting you in and stepping out once you enter.

At the sound of the door closing, your gaze lifts.

Wonwoo walks towards you, in large but steady strides, just as you have remembered. He stands in front of you, at a distance. Your gazes meet and the time stops.

Because this time unlike all the previous encounters, you are not avoiding him. This time you take time to observe him.

Wonwoo hasn't changed much, his eyes hold the same depth. He, you assume, still likes his hair side parted with locks clipped so they don't fall on his face. The scent of the same perfume lingers in the air, the one which he had always claimed as his signature. The frame of his glasses aren't geometric anymore, he goes with pilot nowadays.

And before your mind could trace back on the memory lane deeper, you decide to slip back into the momentum.

“Mr. Jeon”, you bow to him, giving a small smile. Your heart beats erratically, as you continue to speak, “You must be busy so I won't take much of your time.”

The title you call him by is foreign to Wonwoo's ear. It has been bothering him a lot. It always used to be strings of sickly sweet nicknames. 

He watches the changes time has brought upon you. You no longer seem like the carefree law major from back then. You no longer are the girl who'd cry over smallest things, speak the first thought that came to your mind.

While Wonwoo loses touch with the current predicament, you line up several documents on his desk in specific order.

It's exacting because you used to know him so well, maybe even know if he hasn't emerged entirely as a different person. You see the way his eyes are on you but the dilated pupils give away the fact that he's running miles in his head.

So you wait, wait for him to come back to the present, to this moment. 

And he does, a few minutes later. You can tell it by the way his gaze locks into yours right away, his lips curling down in slightest.

“How have you been, Y/N?”

His voice strikes a chord in your heart, before it reaches your ear. The voice that you used to love so much, the voice that sung you to sleep on restless nights, the same voice which when called your name, it summoned your soul.

Years of preparation goes down in the trench as you're about to break down at the first set of words you hear from him today.

But you can't, you're not the same vulnerable Y/N, who used to strip bare in front of her lover.

“I think we have more important matters to discuss, Mr. Jeon.”, you speak through your gritted teeth.

“But you promised you'd answer all my questions.”, Wonwoo reminds you calmly.

“And this is what you want to know?”

“Out of all things, first and foremost, yes this is what I want to know.”

You find it ironic, trapped in by his words, you answer truthfully, “I just can't sum up everything but I have been holding it in, thanks to Wonjae.”

Wonwoo perks at the mention of your son's name, well his as well.

“The first document is about me as Wonjae’s legal guardian, consenting to you conducting a DNA test.”, your gaze is gentle as you point at the bunched papers, “I don't want any questions, any fingers raised at my son in future.”

“But I don't–”

“I request you to conduct one.”

Your sharp tone shuts up Wonwoo completely, though not willing, he nods.

His gaze sweeps across the rest of the document which promotes him to ask, “What are the rest of these documents for?"

Your eyes turn somber. You've studied law, practised it. You know all the nooks and crannies and you're a mother who is raising her son against all odds.

“The second document is a contract that states that if you don't want to be associated with Wonjae then the fact that he’s your son will be concealed and never brought up by me. If I ever do so”, you turn the pages and show him the space left blank, “You can fill up the breach statement and penalties in this section, I have left it blank.”

Wonwoo gapes at you in disbelief, “What do you think you're trying to pull here?”, he speaks in a low tone but you can hear the agitation ringing in it, “What do you think of me, Y/N?”

You don't deem it necessary to answer his questions and proceed further to explain the contents of the last document.

“If you have any concerns about me working in your company and see me as a threat or identify me as someone who has the potential of stirring up trouble then you can ask me to resign but under the conditions that I work here until I find another job.”, you attitude has shimmered down from being hyper to nonchalant, now that you have done your part.

Wonwoo observes you, in disbelief and at himself in distaste because he's the reason behind the version you are currently showcasing.

“Also, I have prepared the clauses for custody just in case you're willing to share responsibilities in future. I'll bring it to you if you decide to be a part of Wonjae's life.”

You say terms, speak things all in legal language and Wonwoo just listens.

“I would have suggested you to run these documents by your legal team to cite any negotiations or catch any flaws but unfortunately, it would mean that I'd be the person you'll need to work with.”, you smile sardonically, “So it would be better if you contact someone who's not affiliated to this company.”

He wonders if things would have been different if he stayed and in the midst of the storm that whirlwinds in his head, he asks, “Why didn't you tell me that you were pregnant?”

What a simple question to ask. Are all questions meant to have an answer? 

“Would you have stayed?”

Silence falls upon. 

You give him a knowing smile, “Just when you were leaving, I asked you something, do you remember?”

Yes, he remembers, all of it. The way you had chased him to the station, your face wet, eyes bloodshot from crying. The way you just stood in front of him, mumbling the last question you had as the train entered the platform.

“What if I have something important to tell you? Would it make you stay?”

“There’s nothing left to salvage. Nothing's gonna stop me from leaving. This is the end for us.”

It answers his previous question. It makes sense now, he didn't only leave you, he had abandoned his unborn child as well. 

Some fences can't be mended, some bridges can't be cemented, just like this relationship, which once bloomed beautifully, is now wilted.

“Do you have anything else to ask, Mr. Jeon? If not I'll be taking my leave.”, you say arranging all the documents, “I'll leave the documents here with you. We can meet once you have gone through these and made a decision.”

Wonwoo observes you, he can't even fathom the hurt you've gone through. He knows he's the reason for your suffering, he's grateful that you've been raising his son with so much love.

“I'll get back to you, Y/N.”

That's all he says and expects you to leave but what you do next tears him apart.

You are kneeling down, in front of him. Your head hangs low as you plead, your voice quivering, “Mr. Jeon, you can have everything you want at your feet but Wonjae is the only one I have. You have the power, money and capability to do anything. So I beg you, please don't take my son away from me, he's the sole reason I'm living this life.”

Wonwoo fists his hands, he feels insulted. How low do you think of him? But again, is it your fault that you don't trust him, because if it was in the past you used to trust him more than yourself.

He bends and holds your shoulder firmly as he helps you get on your feet.

“I'd rather perish than to do something like that to you or our son.”, Wonwoo grabs your chin to make you look at him, “We made him with love, Y/N.”

A tear falls down your eye, “Did you ever love me?”

His hands leave you, he looks at you with dejection.

“Love is built on trust but you never trusted me. Not enough to let me know your actual identity. You hid the fact that you are an heir to the Jeon estate. I get it, you didn't slip initially but we dated for 4 years. You even knew about my cousin’s best friend but I didn't even know about your closest family.”

You let out a bitter chuckle, “It's all in the past now. Let's focus on Wonjae, if you want to be a part of his life.”

“I want to be a good father to him.”, Wonwoo says sincerely, “Help me, Y/N, please.”

You nod while wiping your tears, “Jae is just like you. It's like my genes didn't even try.”, you breathe out a smile, “He likes you, I can see the way he lights up when he sees you on the Tv or covers. Please don't disappoint him, please be there for him. If you're going to do it, please do it right.”

And Wonwoo is determined.

“I already got your number from Jeonghan, I'll call you later.”, you tell him, “And if you want to meet Jae, come over this weekend, I'll text you my address.”

“Thanks, Y/N.”

“You're welcome.”

It's going well, though Wonjae was hesitant initially, he is delighted to have his father in his life which makes you wonder if all these years you have been doing things right. You'd admit that you're jealous seeing the father-son duo because they blend in so well, it's like they've never been apart. But you're happy for Wonjae.

“Don't spoil him too much.”, comes your warning one day when you spot Wonwoo setting up the new gaming devices in your son’s room, which you recollect your son has been wanting for long.

“I'll keep it in check.”, Wonwoo answers, “But let me make up at least a little for the lost time.”

Your heart swells when you enter the room an hour later only to see your son perched on his father's lap, both of them equally invested in the game, same face, same expression and same mind.

“He goes to karate classes every friday.”, you say rummaging through the drawers one evening and Wonwoo adds it as a reminder in his calendar.

“He goes to painting class on Tuesdays and his music classes are on Wednesday and Saturday. He learns to swim on Mondays and he rests on Thursdays. Sundays are reserved for his weekly shenanigans, he suggests random activity and we do it throughout the day.”

Wonwoo is half amused, half concerned and you see it on his face vividly.

“And no he doesn't get tired, it's not too much for him. It's his idea to explore all the fields and go ahead with the ones he finds interesting. The list of curricular activities was way long, we have trimmed it down to these and it may shorten further.”, you explain in a breath and hand him the timetable you finally found after almost turning the room upside down.

“He may look like me but he's just like you, Y/N.”, Wonwoo smiles looking at the paper in his hand, “You used to be like this.”

Used to be, not anymore, you think. The past you were totally a different person, she wouldn't even recognise the present you, you're so different now. 

Wonwoo lays the paper flat on the table as he meticulously inputs each activity in his calendar. You watch him in silence, watch the man you had once wanted to spend your entire life with.

“Are you planning to let everyone know about Wonjae?”, you ask Wonwoo, later that night anxiously after he puts your son to sleep.

It had been gnawing at you relentlessly. Wonwoo notices the nervousness, he walks into the kitchen and makes you a cup of coffee.

“You’re the favourite celebrity of the nation, a long line of influential people are waiting to get their daughter married to you and if you suddenly declare that you have a child…”, you look at him with glassy eyes, “I'm afraid that people will target Jae. I don't care if I am subjected to any kind of ridicule or threat–”

“Y/N, calm down.”, he says calmly, “For now I have decided it to be not known. I have tightened the security and been careful but”, he assures you, “if it gets known I'll protect you both.”

“You don't have to protect me, Mr. Jeon.”, your voice drops an octave, a sign of your defensiveness, “Just take care of Jae.”

“I'm sorry, Y/N.”, he just says it, for the present, for the past, “I had a reason to leave though it wouldn't justify what I did. I'm really sorry.”

“Jae has fallen asleep, I think you should leave now.”, you get up from where you're sitting, “You're my employer and let's try to stick to the dynamics.”

Wonwoo watches quietly as you retreat back to your room. You have changed, a lot, thanks to him.

“Won! You won't believe what happened.”, you jump onto his lap as soon as you spot him sitting on the sofa.

Wonwoo smiles, ruffling your hair as he secures his arms around your waist, “What happened, love?”

You press a quick kiss to his lips, smiling, “While returning back from the University I saw an old man selling some stuff at a very cheap price. And I was shocked when I saw the limited edition cassettes, you know the ones I've been collecting recently. I bought all of them! My collection is complete!”

“Woah, I'm so proud of you.”, Wonwoo kisses the side of your head.

“I got you a metal pick, because you keep losing them. Also, I got us matching rings!”

Wonwoo looks at you in awe as you put the ring on his pinky.

He puts his hand over the suit pocket and feels the ring as he presses over it through the layers of fabrics. A look at the closed door and he's out the next moment.

“I am guessing the matters are resolved now.”, Yoongi says one day during lunchtime, “Mr. Ceo is not seen as much around the office nowadays.”

“Yes, it is resolved.”, you say monotonously.

Yoongi hums, “Good then. Let me know if you need my help for anything.”

You squint your eyes, smiling, “You don't know shit about law, Yoongi.”

“Oh but I do know about a thing or two outside law, Y/N.”

“You have a misconception about yourself, I see.”, you chuckle when Yoongi glares at you.

And that glare turns into a fond smile while you eat off his ears about a character of the show you don't like.

Wonwoo, who happens to pass by the area, doesn't quite like the way whoever the guy sitting beside you is looking at you. That afternoon, he didn't have lunch, apparently due to loss of appetite.

He has been trying to make space for himself in your life but you're rigid. He shudders at the thought of your angry face whenever he subtly tries to bounce off the wall you've built around yourself. You only pay him mind when you discuss about Wonjae with him, otherwise he's just sidelined.

He has zero interest in work today, his mind keeps playing the incidents from the previous night.

He was supposed to drop by your apartment as usual to spend some time with Jae and you.

He punches the passcode and is met by a startled you.

“Jae would be staying at Mina’s tonight, I had already sent you a text regarding this.”, you say and wait. Wait for him to leave.

“Oh sorry, I didn't get a chance to check my phone.”

Lies. Wonwoo is at your place today with just one motive, to talk to you.

There's a moment of silence and you're just about to show him the way out, he asks, “Can we talk?”

“We don't have anything to talk about, Mr. Jeon–”

“Stop calling me that!”, he hisses and closes the distance between the two of you, “Call me Wonu, Won, Woni anything, please.”

You look at him incredulously, “But that's not what I should be calling my employer, isn't it?”

“I'm not just your employer.”, his voice drops an octave, “I was your lover, I am the father of your child.”

“What are you doing?”, you ask wearily when he grabs your arm and pulls you closer, wrapping his arms around you.

He rests his forehead against you, closing his eyes, “Please, let me hold you for a moment.”

You are confused, you don't want yourself anywhere near him but your body betrays you, it seeks comfort into the embrace of your past lover, it's just like returning to an old habit.

“I never stopped loving you, Y/N.”, he confesses, opening his eyes to see your wide ones, “I did leave you at my own will but it wasn't because I fell out of love.”

“It doesn't matter anymore.”, you say trying to push him away but his grip is too strong, “All I wanted was a closure when you left but you didn't even consider me worthy of that. I didn't know who you actually were, didn't get the reason behind your abrupt decision of breaking up and now you decide you wanna do the truth drop just because we have a son.”, you shake your head, “That's not how it works. I know I'm just a baggage that comes with Jae, I know my place, you had made it clear then, so you don't have to do all of this.”

He frees you, his eyes holding depths of oceans before retreating to stand by the window, facing away from you.

“I am the youngest within the Jeon household. I was loved, always getting what I wanted and never put on the pedestal because I have an older brother. I was always used to getting away with whatever, while he was dumped with all the expectations, afterall he was supposed to take over the Jeon empire.”

There's a pause before he continues, “He looked like he belonged to the limelight while I was the opposite, always preferred to be in the shadows. It was a blessing, to have a big brother like him, to have such loving parents who never tried to load their expectations on me. I expressed my desire to get enrolled into the University under the plain disguise and pursue a degree I wanted.”

He turns to look at you, “That's when I met you and we fell in love. I was so happy, happiest I'd say because you saw me for me, I was grateful that you made me a part of your life but it kept bugging me that I was hiding my identity.”, his voice cracks, “I was afraid, what if after learning everything, you make a decision to leave me? But that's when the incident happened.”

“My brother finally snapped. He couldn't take the pressure, couldn't bear the heaviness of the expectations anymore so he tried to step down. But my parents wouldn't let him, for them their pride mattered the most. They couldn't just let people think that they raised a failure in the Jeon household.”

You listen silently.

“My brother left. He disappeared without any trace, no goodbyes, nothing. I was heartbroken, my parents were inconsolable. Until a few months passed and they recovered. And that's the first time I got to witness the true nature of my parents. They only saw me as a replacement to my brother. It was so evident, I was thrusted into grooming sessions to be the acting director. It was so sudden, it felt nauseous because I have always seen myself out of those scenes, to me they were for my brother. No one cared, the expectations were projected onto me and that's when I started missing the classes and I got to see you less. My mind started to shift, it was messed up and after pondering for weeks, I chose to be an obedient child to my parents and leave behind everything I was associated with, including you.”, he looks at you apologetically, “I'm sorry.”

“I can't forgive you.”, comes your immediate and stern reply, “I hope you realise that out of all the things you could have done, you decided to abandon me.”

Wonwoo freezes at your words, the truth hits him in the gut.

“You didn't even seek for me for all these years.”, your voice cracks with the hurt, “You know about Jae because I decided it to be known. So don't you dare come here pretending like a good person as the world believes you to be. I know who you are, what you are.”

“You're right.”, Wonwoo says, more to himself, “I am really an awful person.”

And then he leaves and doesn't come back for days until your son calls him just because he misses his father.

The weekend follows and the doorbell rings. Before you could reach, you see your son jumping towards the door, his smile widening when he sees his father on the monitor.

It's a mundane Saturday, except you're building a fort in the living room with your son and Wonwoo. It's simple actually, you've built it for Wonjae many times but today something is hindering it and you figure out that the reason is Wonwoo.

He's absolutely clueless, he's not helping, he rather needs help.

“Papa, you are so bad at it.”, Wonjae calls him out and you bite your lips to suppress the laugh bubbling in your throat.

Wonwoo with a very childish frown on his face, refutes the claim, “I am just giving you both a chance to showcase your skills.”

You roll your eyes, focusing on assembling the fort while the two guys bicker on the backdrop.

“Mama, save me!”

You turn back to see Wonjae tackled on the ground as Wonwoo tickles him. A laugh bubbles out of your throat, you feel good in the moment. After all, this was something you've always wanted, to get married and start a family with the man you once loved so much.

“Woni, let's get married.”, you declare, out of nowhere, “I want to marry you immediately.”

Wonwoo laughs, “You speak out the very first thought that comes to your mind.”, he caresses your cheeks fondly, “Let’s get married once we settle in our careers.”

“You don't have to work, I'll take care of you.”, you say sincerely, “Just be mine, please.”

“That's not what you said last time, as far as I can recollect.”, Wonwoo squints his eyes at you, “You said that you don't want to work, you just want to be my wife, the mother to my kids.”

“And I meant it!”, you cross your heart.

“Which one did you mean? Because both are pretty contradictory to me.”

“I’ll be whatever you want me to be.”, you admit, a soft smile spreading on your lips.

And in the moment, Wonwoo falls in love with you all over again. He leans in, eyes never leaving yours as he closes the gap between you two.

The phone rings and you both groan.

“It's my dad, let me take this one.”, you say, pulling back as you check the caller Id.

He nods but does exactly the opposite by pulling you by your neck and planting his lips on yours for a kiss that takes your breath away.

The ringing of the phone eventually stops but Wonwoo doesn't.

A soft sigh escapes from within you and your mood shifts. There's no point in dwelling in the past now.

Yoongi paces nervously as he awaits you. A sudden click and he sees you entering through the door and from behind you, emerges Jihoon.

Yoongi pulls you aside and whispers, “What's the HR guy doing here, Y/N?”

“He's trustable.”, you assure him and introduce them to each other.

Yoongi exhales sharply, he sweeps a glance at the two of you and speaks, “I think there may be some fund embezzlement going on and for long.”, he takes out his phone and shows some the snaps he has taken, “While I was accessing some documents for the recent staffing activities, I came across this.”

“How did you get access to this? Shouldn't this be requiring credentials of Senior Managers?”, Jihoon asks, eyeing Yoongi suspiciously.

Yoongi scoffs and looks at you, “Look at your trustable guy, he's doubting me.”

You glare at Jihoon and then look back at Yoongi, “Don't mind him, Yoongi, tell us the entire thing.”

He nods, “So the exchange receipts you're seeing, on the surface they're all going to different accounts but when I traced back the companies turned out to be paper companies. Someone has to be in the directorial position to pull this without getting noticed. I had even dropped an anonymous tip to the auditor's office but surprisingly or not, no action was taken.”

“This is concerning.”, Jihoon ponders over, “Does anyone else know about this?”

“I'm not aware.”, Yoongi answers truthfully, “This shouldn't be of my concern but I can't get it out of my head and I think if I try to poke again they'll be on my tail.”

“We definitely need someone from the Audit team on our side, someone who's trustworthy and holds power.”, you say, “But it doesn't seem plausible.”

“I'll see what I can do.”, you assure both of them, “Yoongi, please send those evidences and Jihoon, could you check if you could link any of these account owners to anyone from the company?”

While you walk out of the room with a lot on your mind, you get a call from your son and he has some requests.

Wonwoo punches the code hurriedly as his heart races after getting a sketchy text from his son. He manages to enter your apartment only to find it pitch black and eerily silent.

“Y/N? Jae?”, he calls out through the passage and he keeps calling as he makes his way to the hallway.

Suddenly the light goes on, the whistles blow and confetti flies.

Wonwoo stands wide eyed, as he sees the banner reading a ‘Happy Father's Day!’ and looks at Jae holding a cake smiling while you, Jeonghan and Mina stand behind him each wearing a party hat and funny accessories.

You observe quietly, the way your son is beaming in happiness when his father appreciates and voices out all the praises on receiving the gifts.

You're proud of your son, he's empathetic, he's kind and he's all you could ever want. When he called you at work, which was rare, with a hesitant voice and a wish to celebrate the day because he recently learnt that his father's birthday had already passed, you agreed immediately, because he loves to celebrate special days.

You're setting the table, faint sounds of laughter reaching your ears.

“Thanks, Y/N.”

You look up to see Wonwoo looming over your frame.

“It was all Jae’s idea, you should be thanking your son.”, you say light heartedly, “I didn't even remember.”

Wonwoo looks at you surprised, “You forgot? Didn't uncle always nag when you don't wish him? You should give him a call–”

He halts when he sees you go stiff.

“Is everything alright, Y/N?”, Wonwoo asks, now alarmed, “Are your parents fine?”

“They should be.”, you answer vaguely, before busying yourself back on plating the food, “You should go back, Jae must be looking for you.”

The dinner is going well with Wonwoo mostly talking with Jae and Jeonghan while Mina chimes in only when she feels like it.

Your mood has dampened ever since Wonwoo has brought up your father so you're just present, not involved in whatever is being discussed.

When Jae hops off to take a washroom break, Jeonghan takes the chance to ask you, “Are you seeing someone, Y/N.”

You shake your head, “There's a lot on my plate already and I'm content with Jae in my life.”

Though it is an open secret, Wonwoo feels relief flood in his chest.

“Didn't even seek?”, Jeonghan probes further.

You sigh, “Actively no. But I did go on a couple of dates, even the blind dates Mina set me up for, but”, your gaze drops, “All of them backed out as soon as they learnt about Jae. Guess, no one wants a woman like me. So I have given up on it.”

There are words on the tip of Wonwoo's tongue, he wants to say that you're everything one could ever want, then why did he leave you in the first place?

Your mind lingers back to that phase where your self esteem had hit rock bottom because of some failed dates with men you didn't even know. Might sound funny but the canon balls life had thrown at you combined with ‘nothing has ever gone right’ made you falter.

Jae comes back and the topic is dropped off the table, it's all laugh and chatters until Jeonghan decides to tease you for fun, with the help of his beloved nephew. He loves teasing the heck out of people whom he dear and has engulfed the little boy into this as well. He murmurs something into Jae’s ear without you noticing.

Jeonghan gives a sly grin as he sweeps a gaze round the table and asks Jae, “Jae, tell us who you love more, Mama or Papa?”

A classic trick question to which people tend to avoid answering.

But Jae is giggling as he answers almost immediately, “Papa!”

It is supposed to be a stick to tease you but your heart drops. There's a sudden shift in your demeanor and it's noticeable.

There's a screeching sound as you stand up abruptly and walk into your room, closing the door behind.

“Everything is not made to be a joke about.”, Mina hisses, glaring at Jeonghan.

“Did I hurt, Mama?”, Jae asks, tears already pooling in his eyes.

“Yes, you did. This is not something I expected from you.”, Mina answers him, trying to tone down her anger, “Go to your room, we'll talk tomorrow about it.”

Wonjae follows obediently.

“I'm sorry, I was just trying to–”

“You should leave if you're done.”

It hits a nerve and Jeonghan tries to defend himself which leads to a heated exchange between both.

“Aren't you being too much here, Mina?”, Jeonghan raises his voice with accusations.

“Oh maybe I am because you and him”, she sweeps a glance at Wonwoo, “weren't there during her pregnancy phase. Neither of you are aware of what she had to go through, that her parents disowned her, that she almost lost her life while giving birth to Jae due to excessive bleeding and all other complications.”

Both the men freeze and Mina heaves out a breath.

“You might think, Y/N is getting sensitive over a joke but you guys need to understand that she has her entire life built around Jae, she has always tried to be the best parent to him so if he suddenly says he loves his found father more over her even as a joke, she would begin questioning whatever she has ever done for Jae and whether she went wrong somewhere.”

“Can I go and talk to her?”, Wonwoo asks, his voice shaky holding the pleading tone.

“Do whatever you want, just don't hurt her anymore.”, she says, grabbing her belongings and exiting the apartment.

“Go talk to her.”, Jeonghan adds, “I'm leaving, call me if you need me.”

You sit quietly at the corner of your bed, your mind empty. Your fingers fidget among themselves and all you are trying to remember is why you left the table. Why did it sting so much? Wonjae has always longed for his father ever since he knew about him so it was given and there's nothing to be upset about it.

But maybe you're easy to be left behind, maybe not choosing you is easier than staying. You feel tears streaming down your face, you feel your heart constricting in pain.

Wonwoo enters the room crouches in front of you.

“I'm sorry”, you say, as soon as you feel his presence, avoiding his gaze, “I overreacted over a small matter–”

And you halt when you hear a choked sob.

“No I'm so so sorry.”, he hiccups through every word he tries to speak, “I– You had to suffer so much and I wasn't even by your side. I can't even turn back time, I can't take away your pain.”

You wipe his tears and he leans against your palm.

“I left when you needed me the most. You had to make a lot of sacrifices, while I was just– I'm sorry, Y/N.”

Wonwoo's crying and you watch in shock as he goes into hyperventilation. He grasps at your arm as he tries to breathe but it doesn't work. You hurriedly take off his glasses, loosen his tie and unbutton the first few buttons of his shirt.

“Wonwoo, calm down”, you say, grabbing his face, “Look at me and try breathing. Inhale through your nose and exhale slowly through pursed lips as if blowing out a candle.”

“I-I can't–”, he manages to speak between the ragged breaths.

Then you do what your mind prompts you to, you press your hands near to his mouth which makes his lips pucker and you plant yours on them.

You kiss him tenderly, caress his arms gently with the motive of calming the neurotransmitters in his brain and it works, you feel Wonwoo taking slow breaths as his mind distracts and body eases in the moment.

You pull away, searching for his eyes, “Better now?”

He nods, breathing heavily. You don't let him leave in the middle of the night, offering him to sleep in your bedroom. Once you both kiss your son’s sleeping form goodnight, the two of you settle in an awkward stance.

“Jae doesn't like sharing his bed, so you take my bed and I'll take the couch.”

But somehow you end up in your bed with Wonwoo as he invades your personal space and holds you in his arms like he always used to do.

There's intimacy in the moment which makes you spill your heart out, you tell him how your orthodox parents cut ties with you when you told them about your pregnancy. They never reached out to you after that. You tell him how haunting it was for you to go through it alone. How tiring it was to support yourself by working multiple part time jobs while preparing for interviews and managing the pregnancy and that you believe that Mina is godsend because she's the nurse at the hospital you were brought to when you had fainted at work once and since then she stayed and looked over you like a godmother.

“Aren't you uncomfortable in those clothes?”, you ask, eyes droopy.

“With you in my arms, these clothes are the least of my concern.”, he smiles stroking your hair, “I could do this all my life.”

“I missed you, Won.”, the nickname slips out of you naturally, “When it was unbearable, when I had something to share but no one was there to listen, when while giving birth I thought I wouldn't be able to live through.”, you hide your face in his chest, trying to blink away the tears, “I wished you were there when I held Jae in my arms for the first time, when he grew up to be so much like you.”

Your words turn into sleepy mumbles until they stop.

And once you fall asleep, his floodgates open again, Wonwoo cries the more he looks at you, apologizing a thousand times. He promises to keep you and Jae safe and now all he wants is to take the weight off your shoulders.

Morning comes with the rays of sun peeking through the curtains. You turn within the sheets, having the best sleep in a while as you hug the side pillow, throwing a leg over it. Ten more minutes you promise to yourself as you snuggle closer, a familiar Cologne hitting your nose. You frown, running your hands over the pillow only to find it moving as well.

Your eyes fly open and reality comes crashing down, the pillow you're grabbing is a certain Jeon Wonwoo, who is currently staring down at you with fond eyes and a soft smile.

“Good morning.”, he greets and all you try to do is get away from the proximity. But your baby daddy has other plans.

With a swift swig, he pulls you closer by your middle and pecks your forehead. You go stiff as he eyes your lips and leans in but you don't stop him.

“I think Jae is calling me.”, you say, getting your senses back and wriggling out of his grip, running out of the room.

Wonwoo sits disappointed but his heart is eased.

“Are you sure, you don't wanna inform Mr. Jeon yet?”, Jihoon asks as his eyes almost pierces through the documents, “I got hold of Jimin from the Auditor’s team and he's digging up the history it seems.”

“We can't go up to him just with these documents. We need concrete proof because seemingly we are up against a bunch of influential people. Let Jimin come back with something.”

As you fish out your phone to call Yoongi, the said man appears looking very distraught.

“Guys, it's not only embezzlement, they're planning to upsurge the ownership of this company.”, he informs, leaving the rest of you shocked, “They are on move to convince the shareholders about transferring the shares but given our CEO’s clean image, it won't be easy, what could they be upto?”

“How do you know so much?”, Jihoon asks Yoongi and the latter rolls his eyes.

“Put your mind to come up with something useful.”, comes Yoongi’s snarky remark.

And while the two snide at each other, you ponder on whether to inform Wonwoo about the matter or wait a bit more.

But time doesn't wait and so doesn't the conspirators because a few days later all you see is yours and Jae’s face on every article, all the news bulletins linking the two of you with Wonwoo.

And your heart drops when you realize they're going to use you to tarnish Wonwoo's image.

After everyone settles with their devices and questions, Wonwoo takes the initiative to greet and introduce himself to everyone before addressing the matter. He admits to everything while making sure no one dares to cross the boundaries again.

“....Additionally, I want to make this clear, I would not be tolerating any questions intended with slander or malice towards my son and my former partner. To avoid any doubts, I have shared the employment details of Y/N with the external auditing team and the entire hiring process has been audited and cleared by the auditors. I'll put up the details after the conference. There was no foul play, she was hired fairly and totally based on her qualifications”, there's a threat underlining in his tone, “And if I see anyone writing up articles with twisted words or mobbing my son and Y/N anywhere or publishing private details, then please be ready to face lawsuits and by lawsuits, I want to clarify that it would not end with regular visits to courts, it would not end at all certainly.”

The typing on the keyboard stops, the entire hall goes silent. Each and every person present in the room freezes, they are flabbergasted. It's new, this version of Jeon Wonwoo, the man who has never exercised his influence, never at once been anything but polite is now openly challenging the press.

“We can now proceed with questions.”, he continues as he sweeps a glance at all the cameras, staring at the main one through which the livestream is being broadcasted, “I'd once again like to remind everyone to be careful with the words. This is to make sure that no one later gets to say that they haven't been warned.”, his lips now stretch with a tight smile.

The questions drop significantly in numbers, though the journalists edge the boundary trying to test the waters, Wonwoo totally shuts them off. He just stands, answers the one which he deems appropriate and tells off the rest.

After the press, he goes directly to the company building because the shareholders have called for a meeting. A lot of questions are thrown at him, he's put at the pedestal while everyone gets at his throat.

He handles them for the day.

Next, he's driving to his parents home. He is greeted with a slap across his face by his father, his mother keeps crying and throwing tantrums.

And he lets them let it out as he waits like a good son like he always has been. Once they get to a state of listening, he explains everything, earnestly and honestly.

For the first time, he speaks about his struggle, the love he left behind to be the heir of Jeons' and how difficult and suffocating his life has been since then.

But he realises that his attempt to confide in his parents is fruitless when they ignore everything he had just said and start badmouthing about you.

“No one gets to talk bad about Y/N and Jae and if it takes to move mountains to protect them”, his icy glare locks on his parents, “I will move the mountains.”

Then he leaves, without looking back.

You have just put Wonjae to bed. It has been a long day with everything going on. When you and your son topped the trending searches the previous night as soon as your details were published online, you were scared, more for your son.

Wonwoo had left your home late at night with a simple request to you.

“You don't have to worry about anything, I promise I'll handle it all. I'll keep both of you safe. Just don't leave the house tomorrow.”

You've seen the press conference, you are aware that he has been to the office and you know he's out there fighting off the world, all alone.

And you hope that he comes home tonight.

Wonwoo stands outside the door. It's late and he's contemplating if he should go inside or just leave. He's tired, physically and emotionally but he just wants to see your face.

Suddenly the door opens, leaving him shocked. You stand at the threshold as if waiting for him.

You see through him, all of him and your heart twinges in ache.

“I'm sorry, I know it's late.”, Wonwoo says feebly when you take his hand and lead him inside.

“I was waiting for you.”, comes your honest reply.

He goes straight into Wonjae's room, kisses his forehead and comes out. He lingers for a bit, quiet on the surface but his mind runs miles.

“I should probably head back now”, Wonwoo says, giving you a small smile, “You can go back to the office tomorrow, I hope there won't be any issues. Let me know if anyone makes you uncomfortable.”

You take a step closer to him, searching for his eyes. And your heart breaks to see the tear stains on his cheeks but you don't pry.

“Did you eat, at all?”

He purses his lips for a moment before shaking his head, “I'll have something on my way back.”

You take both his hands into yours and say, “Stay, please.”

Wonwoo goes stiff, he's not sure if he's hearing you correct.

“Are you sure?”, he asks, “I don't want to be a bother–”

“The only thing that's bothering me is how you think you're alone in this.”

You both sit in silence as you watch him eat.

“I have had Mr. Jung send over some of your clothes.”

And it's quite as well now that he lays in your arms. You stroke his hair gently as he snuggles his face into your neck.

“Stop thinking and try to sleep.”, you tell him, your tone warm, “You had a long day today.”

Wonwoo just hums, pulling you closer. For him, this is what he wants, you are all he wants.

He looks up to see your face and smiles.

“What?”, you ask, squinting your eyes.

“You are beautiful.”

Your heart skips a beat. It brings back old memories, the way he's with you in the moment.

“That’s a huge confidence boost since it's coming from the most eligible bachelor of the nation.”, you tease him, “Everyone wants you, Wonwoo.”

“Not anymore, now I'm a man with a child.”, Wonwoo chuckles, “And I made it very clear that I'm very much indulgent towards the mother of my child.”

You ponder over for a moment before saying, “Today at the press conference, you've been referring to me as your former partner when you could have just called me as the mother of your child. It would have meant less significance.”

“That's what, I wanted to make it clear that you were not just a fling, not a one night stand. That we had something much more deeper than that, that we were lovers, that you were my significant other.”

You stare at him, trying to register his words. Wonwoo stares at you, leaning in closer. You are in a daze, in your head he registers as your college lover, not some CEO, not the father of your child. He's just your lover, your soulmate.

Wonwoo notices your dazed vision, the way your hands are gripping softly on his forearms. Tonight you've been different, you've let him in more than you usually do. He gets that tonight you're as vulnerable as he is.

So he hovers over your face just to press a soft kiss on your forehead. You close your eyes, feeling his lips lingering on your cheeks as he presses kisses on them.

“Good night, Y/N.”, you hear him say and open your eyes to find him looking at you fondly.

“It's gonna be crazy at work tomorrow.”, you whisper, as you pull down his face on your chest with him tangling himself entirely around your body.

“It won't be that bad, I promise.”, Wonwoo assures you and hums softly to bring you to sleep.

You take a deep breath as you park your car in the designated parking slot. Your steps are casual but your heart is thumping vigorously in your chest as you walk through the building.

You could feel eyes on you but surprisingly there are no whispers or murmurs. Once you settle in your cabin, you sigh in relief.

Work is slow today and it's lunchtime. You don't expect your friends group to actually stay friends with you, everyone would just be acquaintances, you think.

So when you walk into the canteen, you're stunned to find Sooji and Sunjae calling out your name. Yoongi is present as well as, all waiting for you while saving you a seat.

No questions are asked and you fall back into conversations like nothing happened.

“It must have been so difficult for you, Y/N.”, Sooji says, caressing your back, “I'm so proud of you.”

“We understand now why you were trying so hard to hide your son, it was to protect him.”, Sunjae adds, “You always have us, you're not alone in this.”

You sniffle, “Guys, you are gonna make me cry.”

“You're already crying.”, Yoongi chirps in, “Oh but we can't have you seeing what if Mr. CEO sees us making her cry?”

Sooji laughs, “Y/N must not be knowing about the mail.”

“What mail?”

Sunjae takes out his phone and shows an email from the day before, apparently it was sent to everyone in the company.

Your eyes go round as saucers. To sum up it was clearly stated that if anyone is found gossiping about the matter or made any provoking attempts, they'd face immediate termination. It was sent directly from Wonwoo's account.

No wonder, people weren't being openly nosy.

“This guy…”, you mutter under your breath.

There's a perk, you suppress your laugh when the obnoxious Mr. Joo doesn't act so obnoxious today. He seems timid, extra careful with his words. His entire demeanor towards you has changed and you're liking it.

It's 9 at night when you get ready to clock out for the day. There's a knock on your cabin door and you groan assuming that more work is coming your way.

“Come in.”, you say, waiting for the laptop to shut down.

“Are you done with work?”

It's Wonwoo and your first instinct is to pull him inside looking outside to make sure no one sees the two of you.

When you turn to face him, he's trying hard to not laugh.

“Everyone knows now, Y/N. There's no need to hide anymore.”

It clicks and you frown. Then you're sighing, “Right, I forgot. But here, you're still my boss so let's maintain the decorum.”

Wonwoo observes quietly as you pace around the cabin absentmindedly.

He grabs your shoulders to still you, “Is something bothering you?”

There's a lot you want to say. The fund embezzlement going in the company, has your head jammed and the more you dig into it, the more you're scared to unveil the truth.

You look up at Wonwoo and ask him, “Do you trust me?”

“More than myself.”, he answers immediately, “What happened, Y/N?”

You shake your head, “Give me sometime, I'll let you know everything.”

Wonwoo, though worried, nods, “Let's go home, Jae must be waiting for us.”

“Hmm. You can leave first, I'll just sort some of the files and leave.”

“Nope. We're leaving together, ma'am.”, Wonwoo exerts, “I'll drive us home.”

You squint eyes at him, “Aren't you being a bit forward?”

“And what if I am?”

“Wonwoo–”

“It’s already late, let's leave. Please?”

After home, you greet your son and go straight to wash up while Wonwoo sits with him, listening to him carefully narrating his whole day.

“Papa, are you and Mama friends now?”, Wonjae asks his father.

“We are not there yet.”, Wonwoo answers honestly, “I have hurt Mama a lot in the past so it'll take a lot of time and consideration for her to forgive me and be friends with me. But I'm trying.”

Wonjae suddenly hops onto his lap, hugging him. His tiny hands caress his father's back, “I hope Mama will forgive you, I want us to live together and be a happy family like my friends say they have.”

You go stiff stepping out of the bathroom, as your son's voice reaches you. You don't know yet if you'll be ever ready to let Wonwoo again. You do trust him to be a good father but to have as a partner, you're not sure about that.

“I think you should give Mr. Jeon heads up.”, Jihoon suggests, “Because the way it's proceeding it's gonna hit him like a freight train.”

“I agree, your and Wonjae's details were made public to stir commotion and turn the notion against Mr. Jeon, just because they know we're digging up this matter.”, Yoongi adds, “I'm trying to find more concrete evidence but what worries me is that I'm sure they'll strike again and we don't know with what.”

You sit silent, absorbing every word both the men offer. It's been over two months and there's a sickening feeling in your guts saying things are about to shake up and for worse.

“I should talk to Wonwoo right?”, you look up with hesitancy, “Are you both sure? I'm not sure how he'll react, given we don't even have a definite proof.”

“Mr. Jeon trusts you, Y/N. We all saw how he went up square with literally everyone to protect you and Wonjae.”, Jihoon assures, “It would be hard for him but he deserves to know the truth before it destroys everything.”

You nod, unsure, “I'll try to talk to him soon.”, and give a small smile, “Wish me luck guys.”

“Goodluck.”, Yoongi says, “Don’t stress much about it. I'm positive we'll get something soon. Jimin is also working on it.”

That night your attempt to have a talk with Wonwoo fails when Jeonghan decides to drop by before leaving for an overseas schedule. Mina too gets invited and Jeonghan makes Wonwoo rent an entire arcade so everyone could have some fun.

You sit on the sofa, quietly watching as Jeonghan tries to teach Wonjae bowling. Your gaze shifts to the right only to find Mina occupying a dancing machine struggling to get the steps in beats.

You are startled when you feel something cold against your cheek. It's Wonwoo smiling cheekily, pressing the ice cream stick.

“Mina definitely needs some lessons.”, he jokes, as he sits beside you.

“Why don't you teach her?”, you snide, trying to tear the cover but failing. Wonwoo takes it, swiftly tearing it, holding the ice cream stick to your mouth as if the habit stayed. It jogs up the old, good memories.

You clear your throat, “T-Thanks.”, you say, taking the stick from his hand.

You both sit in silence, when Wonwoo takes the chance to entwine his fingers with yours. And you let him.

“Your mind is occupied.”

You look up to him, not choosing to speak. And when he meets your gaze, you rest your head on his shoulder instead.

“Look at Jae”, your finger points out towards your son, smiling, “Doesn't this feel like a Deja Vu? I remember Jeonghan teaching you bowling and now he's teaching our son.”

Wonwoo just nods, his eyes glassy as nostalgia hits him. His heart aches again remembering the university days, crushes at the thought of your lonely battle after he left and crumbles for the time lost not knowing about his own son.

Later, when Wonjae requests you take him to the photobooth, you lead him in unsuspectingly. As soon as you step in, the little guy runs out pushing his father in, pulling the curtains.

“I should really stop Jae from being anywhere near Jeonghan. He's making him a mini copy of his.”, you grimace.

“I like it though.”, Wonwoo admits and you glare when he ushers you towards the spot to take the pictures.

He holds the button and watches you fondly as you fuss about not knowing how to pose.

“Let's just stand and smile for the first one.”, you suggest and he agrees standing close to you, shoulders touching as he bends a bit.

He presses the button, the picture gets taken. Now he leans in, your heads touching for the next one.

“What should we do for the last one?”

“I think I know.”

Wonwoo suddenly grabs your waist, pulling you against him and before you could react, he's taking off his glass and sliding his other hand up to your neck, smashing his lips against yours in a breathless kiss.

You try to push him but he doesn't budge, rather he deepens the kiss making your legs weak and lungs give out. Your mind is too clouded to register the soft clicks of the button being pressed constantly.

He licks your lips, before resting his forehead on yours. You catch breaths when he pulls away and walks to the collection counter and comes back with 7 sets of photo strips.

“Came out nice.”, he smirks showing you the strips and your eyes go wide seeing all of them being about you two kissing.

You're left speechless and resort to giving him a glare and are about to walk out of the booth but Wonwoo grabs your hand, spinning you to pin against the wall.

“Jeon Wonwoo, what the hell are you doing?”

“Oh no the full name? After I gave you that mind blowing kiss? I expected something else, something more.”, he leans in close, teasing and nudging your nose with his, loving the shades of pink and red creeping on your neck and cheeks.

You groan, avoiding eye contact, “Let go! Anyone could walk in. What if Jae sees–”

He shuts you up mid-rant pressing another kiss, softer this time before letting go of your hands.

You almost run out, fixing your hair and wiping your lips. Wonwoo follows behind, wearing his glasses back and shoving the photo strips in his inner coat pocket.

Jeonghan is impressed, Mina is totally unimpressed at the vividly evident exchange that might have happened inside the booth. And your son, he innocently asks to show the pictures you both had taken.

“Should I show him?”, Wonwoo whispers in your ear.

You throw him a glare, “Have you gone crazy?”

“For you, maybe I am.”

“Shut up.”

Wonwoo is the designated driver for the night and after dropping off everyone else, he drives to your house.

“Goodnight Papa.”, Wonjae kisses his cheek when he lifts him up in his arms and carries him to the door.

“Goodnight. I'll see you tomorrow again.”, he says, putting him down as you unlock the door. Wonjae nods and goes inside waving him goodbye.

“And I'll see you tomorrow, hmm?”, he asks, his low tone, insinuating that he can't wait to see you again.

“I don't have a choice Mr. Jeon, do I? We have a meeting in the morning.”, you use your professional tone just to irk him.

And it works, you observe how his jaw clenches for a moment before he gives you a pointed look, “Careful there, I have been holding back after I got a taste of you. You wouldn't want me to lose control now, would you?”

You are running inside immediately, leaving him behind laughing.

You knew this day would come sooner or later but nothing could have prepared you for it.

Wonwoo's parents sit in front of you, their expressions are anything but welcoming or warm.

And they say exactly what you already know they'd be saying.

“Leave our son, stop using this child to pull him into a relationship.”

They keep berating, you keep listening. You're head-stead, the words are pouring but you're actually paying no mind. It's just a formality, your presence here because no matter what they are Wonwoo's parents and you just wanted to make sure this is a one time thing, that you won't be meeting that ever again if they choose to be jerks about the situation.

And the moment they bring up Wonjae to say something vile about him, you're on your feet ready to leave but not before knocking some senses into them.

“Instead of crying out loud here in front of someone you barely know, setting up a meeting behind your son's back like cowards, why don't you talk to your son? Oh maybe you did and he didn't listen because neither did you both listen to him even when he was speaking his heart for years.”

You heave a deep breath, your heart thawing in an odd satisfaction seeing their faces crumbled into shock. You decide to leave, not wanting to waste another second.

“Do you really think he loves you? If so then why didn't he look for you all these years?”

Your halt hearing those words.

“Didn't you join this company only to have his attention, to make him know about the child?”

Your heart plummets.

“You know he could do a lot better than being with a woman like you. Did he ever tell you Jenna? I bet he didn't. You're ruining everyone's lives here.”

Your ear rings at the mention of the name. Of course you know Jenna, everyone knows Jenna. But you don't go any further and head out straight. Their words haunt you for days.

One evening, Jeonghan is stunned to see you waiting outside his villa. 

He moves around quietly as he welcomes you into his place. He notices the tiredness your eyes hold.

“I’m sorry for showing up unannounced.”, you say as soon as you enter, “I just need to know something.”

Jeonghan offers you juice and sits across from you, listening patiently.

“Was there something going on between Wonwoo and Jenna Choi?”

Jeonghan's eyes widen for a moment and he masks it.

“Only the truth, Han.”

He sighs, “Jenna liked Wonwoo, a lot.”, he threads his words carefully, “So she sent a marriage proposal to the Jeons and of course Wonwoo's parents accepted immediately. She is an heiress and the marriage would be profitable for both the companies.”

“What about Wonwoo?”,you feel dread when you ask the questions, “When was this? What happened next?”

“Wonwoo had no say.”

“He didn't deny.”, you note to yourself and Jeonghan sighs again.

“And this was fairly recent, 2-3 months prior to when he came to know about you.”, Jeonghan bites his tongue, “The talks of marriage were in progress but nothing was made public mostly because Wonwoo didn't say anything. Nothing, not a word, as if he never heard of it, as if he wasn't aware at all.”

Jeonghan looks at you, his gaze dropping next moment, “The marriage is not happening anymore since he found you again. But Y/N, even if it weren't for you, the marriage wouldn't have happened, Wonwoo–”

“Thanks Han”, you said getting up, “I got to know everything I needed to know. Please don't tell Wonwo about today, I'll talk to him soon.”, a pause, “Promise.”

Jeonghan’s eyes drift back to your defeated expression and he raises alarmingly, “Y/N, Wonwoo loves you, please never doubt that. And the marriage? He'd have called it off sooner or later.”

You just give him a small smile before leaving.

The meeting went longer than the stipulated time. You enter one of the bathroom stalls and take out your phone to check for the messages when your ears perk up the mention of your name.

“Don't you think Mr. Jeon would be only with Y/N because they have a child?”, someone says from the other side of the door.

You go stiff.

“Do you mean he's going up for a compromise?”, you hear another voice ask.

“Exactly. Otherwise how does it make sense? Mr. Jeon would have definitely married someone of same status to expand the business, but rather he got stuck like a woman like Y/N.”

A woman like you? What does it mean? What kind of woman do they perceive you to be? 

“Maybe she's the one who ousted herself to make everyone aware of their past relationship. Otherwise why would she join here?”

Oh you know now, that's what they think about you. That's the image, a cunning woman using her son to force a chaebol into an unwanted relationship.

Your appetite is long gone and for the rest of the day you're cooped up in your cabin. But no matter how much you try to divert your mind, to indulge yourself into work, those words keep coming back and it makes you feel sick to the core.

It's a long day, you conclude as soon as you hear Jihoon’s words.

“What do you mean by that?”, you are flaring, “Why can't you process my resignation, Jihoon? Are you even the head of HR?”

Jihoon sighs, he takes deep breaths before answering you, “I can process everyone’s resignation except for the executives and above–”

“I'm neither of them.”, you shot back instantly.

“How is it possible? Isn't this against the protocol?”, you ask defeated.

“And you. If you let me finish.”, he says rubbing his temples, “Mr. Jeon has your employment details courted under him, that means he's the final approver if you put the papers. It has to go through him. I don't even have access to your employment details.”

“He is the protocol, Y/N. He makes rules and exceptions. We can't question him and those who can, either they are unaware or aren't bothered enough with this.”

You settle into your cabin again with another lost battle.

There's only one time you step out of your cabin that is to find your hair tie. It's your favourite, the one Wonjae had bought for you with the prize money he got for winning a quiz competition.

Your mind traces back your footprints and you start searching within the washroom, the department desks and even call your friends to check if they had it with them in case you had accidentally left it with them.

You go to the main cafeteria, though you hadn't visited there today. 

“Still searching?”, Sooji asks when she comes and finds you looking through the chairs and tables. 

“I can't lose it, Sooji, it's a gift from Jae.”, you sound so desperate that she feels bad and joins you.

Sunjae arrives sometime later.

“I think I really lost it.”, you say, almost broken. You're so lost in your thoughts that you don't hear the whispers around you.

“Does your blue scrunchie have pink flowers on it?”, Sooji asks in a hushed tone.

Your eyes shoot up, as you nod frantically, “Yes? Yes. Did you find it?”

“I didn't but I can see it.”, she says cautiously, “Look behind you.”

And you did immediately, only to collide on Wonwoo’s chest.

You compose yourself and step back before he could hold you and as your gaze drops, you see the scrunchie tied on his wrist.

And the CEO was seen around the entire office roaming in the headquarters with a scrunchie round his wrist.

“I came to give this to you.”, Wonwoo speaks in a poised tone and raises up his hand for you to take it off his wrist, “You left it in the conference room.”

You glance around to find people already murmuring, “Thank you.”, you say in a small voice. 

Wonwoo watches you for a moment and detects your dampened mood.

Sooji takes the chance and in the pretense of having conversation with Sunjae she slips out that you didn't eat anything the entire day.

You glare at your friends and grimace when you notice that Wonwoo is giving you a pointing look, the one which means a mix of concern and irk.

“I'm taking you out now. I know a place where they serve your favourites and it's good. Log off for the day and get your belongings.”, Wonwoo orders, taking your hand into his and with the other hand he is pulling out his phone to inform his driver, “If you have any meetings, please reschedule them to tomorrow and loop me in those.”

“Everyone is watching, Mr. Jeon”, you say in a hushed tone, trying to pull out your hand from his grip.

Wonwoo leans in whispering in your ear, “Come with me while I ask you nicely or I'll pick you in my arms if that's how you want to be out of this office.”

The entire office goes into a frenzy. The employees find it hard to believe that they're witnessing their CEO openly holding hands with an employee. They know who you are exactly but this is something else.

It's like Jeon Wonwoo is making a statement.

Wonwoo is worried, for the past few weeks he could feel you drawing a line. He could see you slowly recoiling from him. Whenever he visits your apartment nowadays, you're either making plans with Mina or retreating into your bedroom at the sight of him, leaving him alone with Wonjae or having him leave after Wonjae is asleep which is abrupt because you were letting him in, you let him share the bed, he was getting used to the quiet morning routines, the subtle feeling of belongingness.

But now he gets none of it.

He observes as you sit quietly opposite to him in the booth he had reserved at the restaurant. Your eyes are dazed, you are lost in thoughts that you don't even notice that he crosses the table to sit beside you.

“Did I do something to upset you?”

Your reverie is broken by his soothing voice. You find him sitting beside you now and your heart clenches in ache when your eyes meet.

You shake your head in a ‘no’, putting your head against the wall but Wonwoo doesn't buy it. 

He slides towards you, ever so slightly, “Then why are you retreating?”, his voice cracks a little, it's agonizing.

There's a lot to say, a lot to do. But you have no words to offer, at least tonight.

“Tell me please.”, Wonwoo pleads, “Let me fix it.”

“Let's eat first, I'm hungry.”

No, you're not.

You both eat in silence, with Wonwoo occasionally throwing glances at you. It takes a lot of courage for you to take him back to the office.

Wonwoo is puzzled, he has no idea why he's back in your cabin, at night when he had called off for the day.

You take a deep breath and face him, holding a bunch of documents and sight doesn't really settle well with Wonwoo.

“There has been fund embezzlement going on in the company for a long time.”, you start cautiously, “And we tried our best to collect proofs for the past few months and this is all we could collect.”

Wonwoo isn't surprised. But you are though, seeing his calm demeanor.

“I am aware, Y/N.”, he says calmly, “And I have people working for me to uproot them from the core so that they don't dare to think of committing something like this again.”

You are partially relieved hearing him.

“Thanks for these materials, it'll surely be helpful.”, Wonwoo says, placing the documents on the table and suddenly pulling you by your arm. You fall onto his lap grabbing his shoulders in reflex while his arms lock around you tightly.

“Won–”, your eyes go wide when he kisses you. You're pushing him but it's of no use, he presses against you harder.

“I love you so much.”, he confesses between the kisses and your heart almost stops. He leans up to meet your gaze, “I really do, there was no else after you. It has been you always.”

“There are cameras–”, you gasp as he trails kisses your neck and sucks a particular spot that has your toes curling, “S-Stop–”

“Not even Jenna Choi?”, the words slip out even before you can comprehend.

Wonwoo's eyes darkened, “Did you meet my parents?”

You don't speak. But he gets the answer.

“You two would make a great couple Wonwoo, your marriage would be beneficial for companies as well.”, you say tearily, “You should be with someone like her.”

His heart breaks at your words, at the pain that's etched on your face. He finally understands the reason why you have been building up the walls again.

“You shouldn't be burdened to be with me just because we have a child. You'd always have Jae in your life. We can take care of the custody. Jae might be young but he would understand.”, your chin is quivering and it's a battle to not let those tears fall, “I don't want to tie you down, you can stop now.”

“Stop what now?”, Wonwoo asks, terrified.

“Stop chasing a woman like me.”

Wonwoo takes great offence at the insinuation behind your words. He wants you to see yourself through his eyes. He wants to show where he puts you when it comes to respect, love and admiration.

“Y/N, why don't you see that I'd always chase you. I'd always want to be with you. I made a mistake back then but when the universe gave me another chance I'd not let it go to waste.”, he presses a soft kiss on your forehead, wipes the tears that fall from your eyes, “I might have spent all my life being the good child to my parents but I would have never married Jenna. I could never love her because I have you in my heart. The marriage wouldn't have been fair for either of us. I was finding ways to break it off completely and right in time I found you again.”

You're sobbing, trying to pry away his hands that are holding you. It's too much to take, too much is at stake and you don't know what to think of anymore. Your mind squares out.

“Why didn't you find me, Won? Why didn't you tell me about your identity and reason to leave? Why did I have to find out from someone else that you were about to get married?”, your voice turns quieter, “Why don't you trust me?”

“Y/N–”

You ponder for a moment before speaking again, “It was Mr. Jung who leaked our pictures to the media.”

“Words don't mean anything when your actions have been contradictory.”, you say, getting off his lap and Wonwoo is scared of the coldness in your demeanor.

Wonwoo freezes.

“He has been trying to convince the shareholders to vote you out from the company and acquire all the shares himself.”, you look at him with a pained smile, “He has been plotting this for a while and he wants to use me to tarnish your image and reputation. He is connected to find embezzlement as well.”

You take out a file from one of the drawers, “It has some circumstantial proof but not enough to pin your uncle down. I'm not aware of the motive. I know it's not easy to believe whatever I am saying but I think you should investigate yourself before he acts up again. We tried but we don't have enough connections to draw out the proof.”

“I had requested Chan look into some shady stuff and your uncle has been involved in many of those, especially the skeptical legal matters before I joined.”, you crouched down to meet his lowered gaze, “Wonwoo?”, you shake his shoulders, “Pull yourself together. It's gonna be your toughest battle.”

“I’ll have my driver drop you home.”, Wonwoo says in a cold tone.

And your heart constricts, your grip on his shoulders loosens off. You know Wonwoo would never believe you over his uncle but still it stings.

“I can go on my own. Take care.”, you say and walk out without giving him a chance to speak.

You don't remember when was the last time you actually saw Wonwoo. He has been coming home, there's no official work that would have you require him for a discussion. Wonjae asks about him and you don't know what to tell him anymore.

You start applying for other companies, Chan offers you to join him. There's so much going on in your mind, your head hurts.

So does your heart. Everything happens for a reason and you think it's time you close the chapter of Wonwoo in your life and finally move on. Except you can't totally shut him off because you'll have to see him because of your son. Complicated.

You finally put the papers and submit it to resign. Now you wait for it to get approved miraculously, hoping Wonwoo will approve it.

Jihoon and Yoongi are pissed at the lack of action on Wonwoo’s side but they're more ragging about your decision to resign.

A week later, you are in your cabin, eyes wide in shock as you read the article on your phone. The news is all hitting all the tabloids. Mr. Jung has been ousted and it's said that he has been sacked, effective immediately.

Before you could read further, there is a knock on the door and you're walking out only to be stunned.

It's Wonwoo, beside him standing with head bowed down is Mr. Jung. You see his parents at a distance.

“Apologize to her, Jung Ryeon.”, Wonwoo commands, his voice calm but the tone, icy, “On your knees.”

You hear loud gasps, everyone has gathered, all eyes are on the scene.

Mr. Jung gets down on his knees, head hung low, “I'm sorry, Y/N. Greed took over me and didn't think twice before hurting my own family. Please tell Jae that grandpa is sorry.”

Wonwoo hisses, “Don't you dare take my son’s name with that filthy mouth of yours.”

He calls the police and they escort Mr. Jung out of the building.

You are stunned with everything happening at a fast pace and what scares you is the look in Wonwoo's eyes when he walks towards his parents.

“I hope the two of you get a clear message from this. Don't ever try to meddle in my life again. Stop asking Y/N to meet you behind my back or bring up my son.”, Wonwoo seethes, “If you want your precious company to be intact and in my hands, then try to be good parents and stop interfering.”

His parents don't have the courage to meet his gaze and they walk out quietly.

The crowd gasps when they hear their CEO.

“Because if I were to choose between the company and Y/N. I'd choose Y/N. Her and my son, my own family.”

Wonwoo doesn't meet your gaze either, he simply dismisses the crowd and walks towards the elevator, without exchanging any words with you.

Your heart thumps vigorously within your chest. You're too embarrassed to step out of your cabin even during lunch and miraculously, there's a takeout sitting at your door.

At night you're washing the dishes post dinner when your son comes to you smiling wide.

“What happened honey?”, you ask, ruffling his hair, mirroring his smile.

Wonjae giggles, hugging you, “Papa said he'll be coming tonight and staying with us.”

Your smile drops, you aren't sure if you're ready to see him again when you both haven't been talking for so long that it felt like decades.

Wonwoo arrives late at night. He doesn't punch the code, he rings the doorbell. You open the door only for your eyes to fall off on seeing him with luggage bags at the threshold.

Still you don't pry, don't talk, just let him in and close the door. He stands in the hall, lost, as if for the first time arriving at the place. You just walk past and enter your bedroom.

Wonwoo checks into his son's room to find him sleeping. He takes a deep breath and enters your room to find you reading a book, totally unbothered by his presence.

He clears his throat, he walks around the room, no response.

“I'm staying here for a few days, I'm renovating my house.”

You scoff, “Don't you own like 10 properties over the city? Why here, go to your other houses.”

You go back to reading until the book gets snatched from your hands. You sit up glaring at him only to see him kneel in front of you.

Your expression softens, you understand him, understand how hard it must have been for him to go through that. So you pull him into your embrace.

“I'm sorry, forgive me.”, he says, head hung low, “For the past days, it was hell not seeing you but I was so ashamed that someone so close to me, the one I considered my true family, could harm you or Jae. I promised myself to fix everything before coming back to you. So I am here today.”

"You really need to learn how to communicate.", you chastise, "You have no idea how worried I was. I thought that you were gonna leave, again."

"I would never."

It's quiet, it's soothing, the silence.

And it's still comforting when he changes and lays beside you, taking you into his arms.

“Who told you could resign?”, Wonwoo breaks the silence and feels you go stiff under his touch.

You plant your face further onto his chest to avoid meeting eyes. You choose to stay mute.

“I rejected it by the way.”, Wonwoo adds, his tone teasing and you immediately glance up at him with a pout.

He swears his heart skips at the sight and lays you on your back, hovering over, kissing you. And he smiles when you don't resist, kissing him back. He would take anything you'd give.

It's been four months since Wonwoo has been staying at your place and everything feels blissful to be honest, which scares you sometimes. You like waking up to him, leaving for and coming back from work together, picnics on holidays.

It's pleasant to see Wonjae beaming nowadays, just because he gets to live with both of his parents.

You think something is wrong with you. You, for the sake of lord, can't look at Wonwoo without pressing your thighs together today. The way his biceps are on flex as he carries Wonjae around the house effortlessly. The way he always kisses you dumb after settling on the bed but never going further. The way that towel hangs low on his waist when he's fresh out of the shower, his abs on display. His not so subtle touches whenever he's passing by you, be it at home or work.

So you blame him for your state tonight. As soon as Wonwoo enters the room after putting your son to sleep you press him against the door and crash your lips onto his.

Wonwoo is surprised but equally excited when you lead him onto the bed without breaking the kiss. He immediately flips you, so now you're under him as his tongue parts your lips to enter your mouth.

You moan when his knee presses against your crotch while his lips trails down kisses on your neck and collarbone. He pulls back and starts to unbutton your nightgown slowly with a teasing smile on his face.

But suddenly, your hands fly to stop him, the excitement in your face drops. Wonwoo looks at you alarmingly, creating a distance between you two.

“I'm sorry, I shouldn't have–”, he fumbled between the words, “I-I’ll take the couch, I'm really sorry, I mistook–”

“Wonwoo”, you call out, grabbing his hand but not meeting his eye, “I'm sorry. I just wanted to warn you.”

He looks at you confused, “About what?”

You take a deep breath, “My body isn't the same after giving birth. And it's certainly not beautiful. I have gained weight, there are stretch marks and even a mark from surgery. My breasts have become saggy because I had to breastfeed Jae till late before he stopped latching.”, you voice quivers, “I-I just don't want you to be disappointed when you see what's underneath. It's been so long since I have been intimate with someone, in fact I had no one after you.”

You bite your lips, trying not to cry as the insecurities label at the back of your mind. It's hard to let go, no matter how many times you try to shake it off.

“Hey look at me”, his hands move to cup your face gently, thumbs wiping away your tears as he kisses them away desperately. He presses his forehead against yours, "You are beautiful. You always be beautiful and those scars are the testament of your strength, your courage and resilience.", his voice breaks completely. You look at him with such vulnerability that his heart drops.

“Please believe me, my love”, Wonwoo pleads, face inching apart from yours, “You are everything I need, I would ever want. I am so grateful that you raised Wonjae to be such a good boy. You did that all alone, fighting all the odds. What would I have done without you?”, he closes his eyes for a moment, “You spared me from the betrayal of my own family member. And now you're allowing me to be a part of your life even though I don't deserve it. I promise I'll love you right this time. We'll raise our son and grow old together. We'll be happy.”

You smile at his heartfelt words.

“Did I ruin the moment?”, you ask lightly.

Wonwoo laughs, he lays you down swiftly, hovering on top of you again. Without another word his lips are on you, while his hands continue to undress you completely.

“So beautiful”, he groans, eyeing your naked body as he plants kisses on your entire body, “Can't believe your mine.”

He takes his time kissing every mark, every scar, praises flowing out of his mouth like gardens of Babylon. He situates between your thighs, parting your legs and pulling your core nearer to his mouth.

“Won, please, need you.”, you are aching down with need and Wonwoo acknowledges it quickly by giving your cunt a long, slowed lick. Your back arches off, gripping the sheets beneath.

“You taste the same as I remember”, he dives deeper, sucking your nub, making you mewl, “Shhh baby, wouldn't want our son to wake up. He shouldn't see what his Papa is doing to his Mama.”

He dwelves his tongue deeper into your hole, his thumb rubs on your clit stimulating you fuller. His other hand pulls you, placing your thighs on his shoulder to stop you from squirming away.

“Gotta make you ready baby. Don't wanna break you on my cock.”, he speaks against your wet cunt, the vibrations sending you closer to the edge.

He inserts two of his fingers, scissoring your hole just as you like it. You want it all, his mouth, his fingers, his cock.

And Wonwoo knows it all but he's taking his sweet time with you. His mouth vacuums out on your clit, he's tonguing your clit constantly while his fingers tear you open for him.

“Won”, you are whimpering quietly, a knot building in your lower belly, “I'm so close, please let me cum.”

“Sure baby”, he fastens his pace, encouraging you to unleash, “Let go for me, my love.”

And you let it go with a loud moan, your body bucking into him one last time. Wonwoo watches in awe as thick ropes of fluid pout out of your slick cunt and he trudges again, deeper now licking you up clean.

He pushes your legs apart when you try to close them, “Uh huh baby, let me taste you, I have been deprived for so long.”

His words make you wetter, if that is even possible. After licking you clean, he gets up and looks at you with guilt when the realisation hits him.

“What are you waiting for for?”, you ask with frustration laced in your voice.

“We don't have condoms”, he says painfully and you freeze.

A moment later you get up and pull him by his arms, “Just pull out, please Won. I can't wait any longer.”

Wonwoo sighs helplessly, “Baby, Jae was conceived because I gave into your urges last time.”

“And you love him, don't you?”, you ask, making him sit on the bed and getting on top of him, “Shouldn't we have another one?”

Wonwoo shudders, his pants getting tighter with each moment passing by, he's fighting demons to not rail you raw in the mattress. He knows you're ovulating and it's something you both should figure out but not now, not when you're naked and he's growing tents in his pants.

“Baby, it's your ovulation talking, we will have this discussion once you're clear in head.”, he presses a soft kiss on your forehead, “I promise, if you want to have another child, we'll have another, if you don't want then we won't. The previous pregnancy has been hard on you so I want it to be your decision, we'll talk to your doctor as well.”

You smile, letting his words settle in. You think you love Wonwoo. Correction, you have never stopped loving him, he was always in your heart.

You both make out for a good amount of time, his hands roaming all over naked body, as you grind on his cock.

“Careful baby, I might not be able to control and if that happens I'll end up breeding you.”

You clench around nothing, your wetness seeping through his pants.

“Woni, please.”

And now tears are streaming down your eyes, voice muffled by his one hand while the other fucks into you relentless.

He works on making you cum on his tongue and his fingers until you're laying dumb and numb on the sheets.

“You wanted it right, then fucking take it, baby. Won't stop until you're begging, until you walk funny and people know I'm the reason behind it.”

Wonwoo holds his breath as you and Wonjae enter his penthouse apartment. He has remodeled the entire house thinking about you and his son. There's an inbuilt arcade, gym, movie theatre and as well swimming pool.

“Papa, can I come here sometimes?”, Wonjae asks, grabbing the sleeves of his coat and Wonwoo smiles, picking up the little boy in his arms.

“This is your house, Jae. We are going to live here together from now on.”, Wonwoo says and his son giggles in glee.

He drops off Wonjae in the arcade and goes to find you.

You are sitting by the swimming pool, feet dipping in the water, humming quietly.

“Hey love”, Wonwoo takes the seat beside you. He places his hand on top of yours and looks straight when he asks, “Do you like the house? Do you think you can manage to live here with me for the rest of your life?"

Your eyes squint into slits as you look at him, “Is this your way of asking me to move in with you?”

Wonwoo bites back a smile. He just nods, “Yes, it's either you shift here or we can live in your apartment for the rest of our lives. Doesn't matter where, I just want to be with you and Jae.”

You cup his face and press a kiss on his lips. Wonwoo doesn't like water, but you know that he has a swimming pool built here just because you have always wanted a house with it.

“Are they usually like this?”

You feel Wonwoo snake his hands around your waist from behind.

“Trust me, they're worse.”, you say, eyeing Jihoon and Yoongi from far, both looking unimpressed with each other.

Wonwoo is hosting a house warming party and he had you invite your close friends to which you happily agreed. Surprise comes in the form of Lee Chan guesting himself at Jeon Wonwoo’s house. Only you could make it possible.

What's more surprising is the way both the CEOs of rival companies clicked together, they are both calm and easy going, bearing no malice towards each other.

Sooji and Sunjae play with Wonjae while Jeonghan is engulfed in some apparently serious talks with Chan, most probably a debate on who's Wonjae's favourite uncle.

Soft chatters, dim lights flood the house. You look around with a smile on your face and swell in your heart. You are in the middle of some talk with Mina when she takes you to the poolside.

You see everyone there but Wonwoo. Your eyes search for him, you even think about giving him a call when Wonjae says, “Mama, look behind!”

And you turn, only to find Wonwoo kneeling on his knee holding a red velvet box in his hands.

“I knew we were made for each other when I realised that even doing nothing with you meant everything to me. Will you allow me to grow old with you? Will you be mine forever? Will you marry me?”, Wonwoo says in a breath, his eyes stuck on you nervously.

“Yes yes yes!”, you say, giving your hand to him. Wonwoo jumps up putting the ring in your fingers as confetti and rose petals fall on you both. You slide the other ring onto his finger.

“Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!”, the crowd chants and Wonwoo leans in to give you a sweet peck on your lips.

Everyone cheers and Chan covers Wonjae's eyes while doing so.

“Don’t you think they'll notice that we're gone?”, you manage to say as Wonwoo positions himself between your legs while you're perched on the bathroom counter. He enters you slowly, both of you moaning deeply at the intense feeling.

“Don't care, baby. Need you to be inside you or I might die.”, he breathes out softly, thrusting deeper. He captures one of your breasts with his mouth, hushing your soft moans as he covers your mouth quickly, his other hand spread possessively on your stomach to keep you still.

He removes his hand from your mouth when he is done with your breasts just to kiss you hotly. He is moving slower and deeper, hitting that spot inside you that makes you see stars.

"Bite me if you're gonna cry out.”, he warns as you let out a loud cry at a particular brutal thrust.

He draws marks on your skin for which he'd get an earful later but now it makes your body tingle. You place your left hand on his chest as the rock sitting on your ring finger shines in the light, and Wonwoo thrusts harder at it's sight, possessiveness taking over.

You come undone, so does Wonwoo, resting his forehead against yours.

“I love you.”, he confesses, sincerely and softly.

“Love you too, Won.”, comes your response, as he pulls you into another kiss.

He cleans you up, fixes your dress and hair, making sure both of your are looking decent and not wrecked much.

Everyone gives you both the looks when you join back. Wonjae has already gone to bed and so the teasing is relentless.

You glare at your now fiancé and all he does is laugh all while giving you the bedroom eyes everytime your gaze meet.

When everyone leaves, Wonwoo makes love to you again, promising a lifetime to you, to atone for the suffering he has caused you and to love you till eternity.