Chapter 6

If the fact that she was dating Dokyeom reached Junho’s ears, it seemed certain that his eyes would flip in rage.

However, was it really okay to have a fake relationship with Dokyeom just to see such a reaction?

Even if she were to lose her position as Cha Heeyoung’s personal secretary, she could still gather information about her during the time she pretended to date Dokyeom.

Since it seemed likely that Dokyeom would use her in this way, this was also an excellent opportunity for her.

To catch Cha Heeyoung’s weakness and take her revenge.

Moreover, if Cha Heeyoung found out that she and Dokyeom were dating, she would undoubtedly lose her mind.

Seeing that face didn’t seem like a bad idea either.

As Leeyeon’s contemplation grew longer, Dokyeom spoke up.

“Either way, you’ll have to meet me often, won’t you? To report on Director Cha Heeyoung.”

“Yes, I suppose so.”

“Then, before we get caught and questioned about what kind of relationship we have, it might be easier to announce that we’re a couple first.”

In other words, no one would find it strange no matter how often they met or what they did together.

“Even Director Cha Heeyoung might throw fewer unreasonable fits if she hears you’re meeting me. Or am I wrong?”

It would be one of two things.

Either she’d become even more erratic and resort to slapping, or she’d desperately want to but wouldn’t dare touch her.

“If there’s nothing urgent, I’ll come to Jicheol Gallery during lunch or after work.”

It was an offer to rescue her from suffocating moments.

Hesitant, Leeyeon cautiously asked,

“But is that really the only reason you’re making me this proposal?”

“You mean the proposal to date?”

“Yes.”

A faint chuckle escaped him—

Dokyeom seemed to find her bold question quite amusing, and a subtle smile spread across his face.

“It’s a decision I made because you seemed like the appropriate partner. And I think we’ll be compatible in many ways.”

“Compatible? In what way?”

Dokyeom’s expression was full of conviction.

Which made it even more puzzling.

“I find that hard to agree with. Yesterday was the first time we had a proper conversation…

“Are you certain yesterday was the first time?”

What on earth was he talking about now?

“Have we met before that?”

Without answering her question, Dokyeom stepped closer to Leeyeon.

As he approached, her heart began racing uncontrollably for reasons she couldn’t fathom.

She told herself it was because of all the surprising things she had heard.

While thinking this, she tried her best to maintain a calm expression.

“I think we have quite a lot in common.”

Dokyeom leaned slightly against the seat and stared intently at Leeyeon’s face.

“Like the determination and persistence to endure and challenge for the sake of achieving something.”

“…”

Leeyeon’s lips parted slightly without her realizing it.

He was referring to her persistence in enduring all the humiliation by Heeyoung’s side.

‘Does he know the real reason I’m staying by Director Cha Heeyoung’s side?’

She thought it was impossible, that he could never know her true purpose, but her heart was racing uncontrollably.

Feeling like she needed to say something, Leeyeon barely managed to open her mouth.

“Not giving up is one of my strengths, but…”

“Exactly. I really like that about you, Han Leeyeon.”

Dokyeom’s faintly upturned lips were truly mesmerizing.

It was clearly just a compliment about one of her strengths, yet it felt as if he was saying he liked her as a whole.

“From now on, I plan to use you, so you should use me too. Han Leeyeon, I’ll gladly let you use me.”

It was a deal she had no reason to refuse.

So, she made her decision.

She had no intention of letting this opportunity slip away.

“Alright. Let’s do it—a fake relationship.”

After all, it wasn’t a real relationship; they just had to pretend.

If the news reached Junho, it might even deal him a small blow.

And if this gave her an excuse to quickly uncover Cha Heeyoung’s weaknesses, it would benefit her as well. There was no reason to refuse.

“I like how quickly you make decisions, Han Leeyeon.”

It was the beginning of a deal where both parties would give and receive what they wanted.

“I’ll need you to come to my office tomorrow to draft a contract.”

“Alright, I’ll stop by before heading to Jicheol Gallery.”

“Good. Let’s do well, Han Leeyeon.”

Dokyeom extended his hand first.

Leeyeon hesitated for a moment, staring at his large, masculine hand, before reaching out to shake it.

His hand was warmer and more comforting than she had expected.

There was no turning back now.

She could only hope to find Cha Heeyoung’s weakness soon—

So she could escape from this dangerous man’s side as quickly as possible.

Leeyeon sincerely hoped for that.

The conversation ended, but the rain still hadn’t stopped.

Rain pounded relentlessly against the windows of Dokyeom’s car.

“There’s a spare umbrella in the trunk.”

After saying that, Dokyeom chuckled softly.

“But I suppose you’ll refuse that too, Han Leeyeon.”

Leeyeon gave an awkward smile and nodded.

As expected, she declined, just as he had predicted.

Watching her stubbornly refuse everything he offered made him strangely determined to give her even more.

If I offered to drive her home, how flustered would she look?

He wanted to see that expression, but he held his tongue.

He knew she’d only appreciate it if he didn’t bother her.

Yet, for some reason, Leeyeon made him want to keep giving her things.

He was also curious about how long she would continue to refuse his kindness.

Perhaps she was only turning him down because the things he offered were small.

If I promised her something she couldn’t easily obtain, like others consumed by greed, would her firm resolve crumble?

He even found himself entertaining such pointless thoughts.

“Director, I’ll visit Jicheol Construction tomorrow.”

Leeyeon’s composed voice snapped Dokyeom out of his spiraling thoughts.

“Alright. Take care.”

When Leeyeon stepped out of his car, the rain began pouring even harder.

Already soaked, she figured a little more rain wouldn’t make a difference.

As if mocking her decision not to bring an umbrella, the rain lashed down even more fiercely.