8. I’ll pay the compensation

Baekhoon's obsessive fans won't leave me alone, constantly harassing me at the office. It's a personal issue between Baekhoon and me, so — why do they feel entitled to take revenge on me? Their relentless actions fuel my frustration, testing my patience. Don't they know we're husband and wife? I'm tempted to confront them, to scream the truth in their faces and put an end to this madness. But I must restrain myself, swallowing my anger to avoid escalating the situation.

"Yongju, grab three cups of coffee for the design department!" Soohe, one of the gossiper, ordered, kicking the broom I held.

Making coffee wasn't part of my job, but the more I gave in, the more they'd demand.

"Can't you wait until I finish my work?" I replied.

Soohe's eyes narrow. "Yongju, we were once colleagues, but now you're beneath me. Do you dare defy my orders?"

I stand firm. "Ask someone else, Soohe."

Soohe's smirk falters. "Fine, I won't force you."

Soohe stalks off, her heels clicking defiantly as she disappears around the corner, leaving me breathless with relief. I let out a quiet sigh, grateful the uncomfortable encounter has ended. But my reprieve is short-lived. Just as I'm about to return to my tasks, I'm confronted by the stern face of Mrs. Park, the head of the cleaning department.

"Yongju, do you really want to get fired?" Mrs. Park's voice drips with disdain, her eyes blazing. "First, revenge against the new CEO, Byun Baekhoon, for demoting you, and now you're targeting the design department? Your actions are bordering on insubordination."

I stand tall, confusion etched on my face. "Ma'am, I have no idea what you're talking about. I've done nothing but my job."

Her expression darkens, a deep crease forming between her brows. "Get to my office after your shift!" she barked.

What's going on? Revenge against the new CEO? Baekhoon? I haven't done anything to him — he's the one who wronged me.

-o0o-

Mrs. Park's office door swings open, revealing Soohe, lounging in a chair, a smug grin spreading across her face. Becoming Baekhoon's obsessive fan is her choice, but why must she torment me and meddle in my affairs? Just be a fan of Baekhoon, no need to bully me and meddle in my affairs.

"Yongju, what do you really want? You joined this department on the Director's orders, not ours. Why refuse to follow our instructions? That's your job!" The Team Leader snapped.

"Ma'am, I..."

"You're aware our new CEO is the president director's son and future leader of HK Group. You should be grateful he spared your job. Yet, because he demoted you, you're willing to leak company secrets? You're bold, aren't you, daring to defy him after he stripped you of your title?"

I'm denied the chance to explain. Clearly, Soohe has fed Mrs. Park a web of lies. Her smug expression reveals she's thrilled to see me reprimanded.

"Sorry, Ma’am," I offer, attempting to diffuse the tension.

"Don't apologize to me!" Mrs. Park snaps. "Apologize to Ms. Soohe. She's the one offended by your actions."

I knew it'd end like this. What choice do I have? My self-respect is sacrificed. "Ms. Soohe, I apologize for my mistake. I hope you'll forgive me," I said, forced into submission.

"Do it right!" Soohe snapped, her voice dripping with disdain.

"What?" I asked, bewildered by her escalating demands.

Soohe gestures impatiently, her eyes flashing with superiority. "Kneel down and apologize properly," she spits, her words venomous. "Show some genuine remorse."

"Yongju, hurry up! Don't get us into trouble!" Mrs. Park whispers urgently, her eyes filled with anxiety.

I swallow hard, my heart heavy, and reluctantly comply with Soohe's demand. I kneel before her, head bowed. "I'm sorry, Ms. Soohe. I apologize for my mistake."

I'm sacrificing my dignity again for the sake of the cleaning department. You all owe me.

Baekhoon emerges outside Mrs. Park's office, his face etched with surprise and confusion. But as his gaze meets mine, a sly, self-satisfied smile spreads across his face, piercing my heart with anguish. His eyes gleam with triumph, as if he's reveling in my downfall.

-o0o-

I slam the red folder onto Baekhoon's desk, the sound echoing through the room, as my anger boils over. "Withdraw your complaint, Baekhoon!" I demand forcefully, my voice resonating with determination.

Baekhoon glances up from his laptop, a casual, infuriating smile spreading across his face. "What's your stake in this?" he asked, his tone eerily calm, devoid of guilt or remorse, as if daring me to challenge him further.

"I'm innocent!" I shout, frustration boiling over. Unlike Baekhoon's calm demeanor, I'm consumed by rage.

"All evidence is here, solid and legally binding. How dare you continue fighting this, Miss Lee?"

"You!" I jab my finger accusatorially, my gaze piercing his smug face, seething with contempt and rage.

I'm at a loss for words, desperate to make him hear the truth hidden behind his sinister smile. Baekhoon's lips curl into another smirk, his eyes glinting with unsettling satisfaction and defiance.

I'm speechless, consumed by the crushing weight of his oppression. How can he relentlessly pursue someone as vulnerable as me? I draw a deep breath, weighing my options. Baekhoon won't back down. Resigning means diving into unemployment, with no financial safety net. Getting fired is equally devastating. Prison looms, a haunting, dreadful prospect.

"Okay, I'll pay the compensation," I concede, defeat etched on my face.

Baekhoon's grin twists, dripping with mockery. "Are you sure? I have a sweeter deal: work on, compensation-free, and I'll ditch the lawsuit. One condition, though —" His eyes glint maliciously. "—Dump the agreement with my parents."

My eyes widen in disbelief. "What? That's outrageous!"

His smile expands, taunting. "Isn't it painfully simple?"

Accepting Baekhoon's offer means — I'm betraying the President Director, inviting financial ruin and selling my soul to a monster.

"You think it's easy? This isn't about ease or difficulty; it's about loyalty. Just like your unwavering dedication to waiting for Shela. You should understand my position!" I retort.

Baekhoon's aura darkens at the mention of Shela. "Make your decision, now!" he growled, icy.

"I won't back down," I asserted. "I'll cover the company's compensation."

Baekhoon thrusts the agreement at me. "Sign, then!"

With trembling hands, I scribble my signature.

"But I'll pay in installments," I negotiate, seeking a lifeline.

Baekhoon's piercing gaze tightens. "Fine, just settle the entire debt within a year."

"A year?" I echo, stunned by the daunting deadline. I nod resignedly, swallowing hard. "I'll manage, somehow."

I'd rather swallow my pride and pay the compensation. Not because I'm guilty, but because I'm cornered – unable to afford the luxury of lawyers and detectives to fight my case.

My agony intensifies with each passing moment. Baekhoon proves to be a ruthless vendetta-seeker, relentlessly pursuing his revenge. He demotes me for daring to reject his offer, then frames me for leaking sensitive company secrets. His cunning business tactics mask the cruelty behind his disarming, calculating smile.

"By the way, was it you who spread the rumor that I leaked company secrets to get back at you?" I asked, eyes narrowing. "A revenge tactic for demoting me?"