Daehyun was silent as soon as he heard the declaration. However, his gaze certainly showed how irritated he was to hear that.

He stayed here for a while before he finally left the room without a word.

After he left with annoyance on his face, I didn't react for a few seconds like I lost my mind for a moment. Until Hoonsik's voice, which I almost forgot that he was still standing beside me, broke the silence and made me awake.

"Sir, sir? Are you all right?"

I slowly shifted my gaze towards Hoonsik who looked confused. Looking blankly at him, I smiled, but that only showed deep anguish from the various feelings that pierced my heart — relentlessly — and mercilessly.

"You saw how he behaved, didn't you? He came and left as he pleased. Not only that, but he also started acting like a kind person when he needed something as if he've never done anything wrong." I chuckled ridiculously before saying, "He always thinks of me as the troublemaker in his precious family without thinking about other people's families. He doesn't know his place. That's why I don't like him. Overconfidence makes his arrogance gets higher."

There was nothing I regretted about those words other than admitting them to be true. Smiling, I continued. "Or ... maybe ... being born into a rich family made him always want to be in the top position, so he acts as he pleases."

These are all complaints as well as mocking comments. I always wanted to say that in front of him and yell right in his face so that his face that was always covered with his arrogance showed a sorry, slumped expression that could make me laugh at him.

However, this feud was a little childish. We were like two little kids who were fighting over an exclusive candy bar until one of us burst into tears at his misfortune. So, after thinking carefully, saying it would also be pointless.

Meanwhile, Hoonsik was silent. He looked like he wanted to speak, but there was a reluctance on his lips as they opened so that in the end there was only silence.

I turned around, walking out towards the room labeled 'President's Room'.

Entering the room, I took off the coat I was wearing, threw it on the sofa, then sat behind the shiny black table. I leaned back and closed my eyes, imagining how I would cope with all the pressures of the reporters at the press conference tonight.

However, it was only for a moment. A few seconds later, the thoughts turned into a grieve for myself. I slowly opened my eyes, staring at the ceiling of this room with a weak smile.

There was nothing wrong if I grieved for myself because I had always looked pathetic lately. I had been aware of that for a long time, ever since I ... lost something most precious in my life.

All thoughts gathered in my head and all the feelings gathered in my chest. All of it was already too much to be called 'painful'.

Hoonsik suddenly voiced awkwardly, "Um, Mr. Lee, actually what Mr. Kim said earlier was not to brag."

I swept my gaze over Hoonsik, looking at him and wondering about how he could say that so boldly. There was a sense of rejection when I heard the sentence but I chose to be silent and waited for him to speak again.

"Um, sir, not only for the sake of the Kim Family. Kim Myungdae is even willing to say the same, it's for the company. You must know what's going on if people know the rumors are true."

Hearing his last sentence, I frowned. I just remembered that Hoonsik exactly didn't know anything about the rumors. Or, he might only think positively about me all the time?

Over the years, I had always been in awe of his analytical powers. It intrigued me that I chose him as my confidant as well as my advisor who managed everything included my personal affairs.

However, I was quite surprised why he didn't notice this.

"Yes, sir, you should think about it carefully. Mr. Kim warned you repeatedly not without reason, this is only for the sake of—"

"I'm always in a difficult position when I argue with him, you know. Even if I just sneer behind his back, people will be in his side, right? Even now, my own confidant who has served me for a long time does." I purposely suppressed the last sentence, offending it blatantly.

I was actually angry. But, now I didn't know how I should show it other than talking in a calm tone that I had not even done before when I was angry.

Seemingly, this sadness and pain made me feel how painful suffering was so I learned to be calm at this time.

Hoonsik was getting more and more awkward and guilt dimmed the light on his face, "A-ah, I'm so sorry, sir. I'm sorry."

Sighing, this conversation wasn't something to argue about. Not having any objections, I asked lightly, "What about the things I asked for? You should also remember the flowers I ordered for Chunghee. Give them to him when he comes back."

"Ah," his voice was already more cheerful, "I've bought everything you need, sir — it's in the car — do I need to get it to show you?"

I shook my head slowly and replied, "I just wanted to make sure."

Paused for a moment, Hoonsik asked in surprise, "Um, but why don't you just send the flowers to Mr. Park in Sokcho, sir? Isn't Mr. Park ... um, doesn't ...."

Yoon Hoonsik stopped before he finished his words while scratching his head. He might be afraid to continue because he was worried that I would get furious.

However, even so, I still knew what exactly he wanted to say. I smiled, then said deeply, "Chunghee will return to Seoul. I'm sure he will come back for me this time."

I said the words confidently. I knew that I shouldn't have to say this far-fetched thing but I was sure, that Chunghee would really come back to me.

Hearing those words, Hoonsik was slightly surprised. He looked at me with his mouth slightly open.

Until he then cleared his throat softly as he walked to pick up his bag on the sofa. He probably thought I was insane for saying that, so he changed the subject by saying, "Um, I have something to take care of, sir. So I have to get back to my office."

When his hand was about to turn the doorknob, he stopped and immediately turned around when he heard me say, "Actually, the rumors that I'm in a relationship with Sunyeon are true. I even had sex with him in this room, you know. But I don't love him. He only entertains me when I feel bored, or... when I'm having a bad day with Chunghee. You should know that, right?"

Hoonsik was instantly flabbergasted by the honesty. His eyes widened as if his eyeball wanted to jump from their lids.

"Why? Are you surprised? Are you even disgusted now? Or, do you want to blame me? It doesn't matter, though." I stared at him as if forcing him to speak immediately.

After all, I thought that people should know how stupid I was for doing that. So, I let Honsik find out first.

In a long silence, he finally said, "So it's true. You shouldn't have done that, sir. Mr. Park is a very good man I think."

I smiled. "I know right. That's why I'm suffering now. So, since you know this now, feel free to choose whether you want to stay or leave if you don't agree with this rumor."

A smile was etched on Hoonsik's face. He said, "No, sir. You have put your trust in me, and I will serve you too. We have been through tough things at the company for a long time, I couldn't have run away so easily."

Hearing that answer, a smile of satisfaction immediately tugged at the corners of my lips.

Hoonsik continued, "If the rumors are true, then it's not a problem. I will always believe in you, sir. Whatever your decision, I believe that you can handle everything on your own. And when about Mr. Park, at least, you have done your best to fix your relationship. Also, Mr. Cho, I'm sure you've regretted it and won't repeat the same mistake."

Hearing Hoonsik's words, I lowered my gaze. Those were words I had wanted to hear for a long time where someone didn't blame me for my own stupidity. It made me want to cry but I tried hard not to embarrass myself in front of my subordinate. So, I just said, "You don't need to show your politeness to Sunyeon. The words 'Mr. Cho' isn't necessary. You're even in a better position than him. He was rude to you too, right?"

Hoonsik chuckled softly. "He was a child then, sir. It doesn't matter at all."

I didn't respond but smile.