Chapter 5

Jeanet

I’ve been staying in Damien's mansion in Sandton for a week. It was easy for me to learn how to be his receptionist, and everyone has been kind. We only speak about the job at work, and then at his house, I spend most of my time with Linda.

When Linda is not around, the house is big enough for Damien and me to avoid each other. Luckily, he spends most of his time in his study anyway. The problem is, I can’t stop thinking about the kiss, but it was nothing. It was a totally normal reaction of my body to kissing a hot guy. Wait, when did I find him hot?

I’m preparing for work when I hear Linda’s impatient knocks. She opens the door before I get a chance to respond.

“Hey, what if I had a guy in here?” I complain.

She rolls her eyes. “If you were with a guy, I would know.”

“How?”

“Because I know everything that happens around this house. I’m a huge gossip. Remember?” She grins mischievously.

“Of course.” I try to look annoyed, but I'm glad she's here, and I can take advantage of this opportunity to make her help me decide on what to wear for work.

“But what I didn’t know is that you kissed my uncle.” She isn’t smiling anymore, but she doesn’t seem mad either.

“How did you find out?”

“I almost thought it was AI. So, it’s real, you two kissed?” She gets on the bed and balances her chin on her palms.

“I’m sorry. I was going to tell you.” I place three dresses on the bed.

“I thought you two hated each other, but you were busy doing adult things! I feel betrayed.”

"Linda!"

"I'm just saying," she chuckles.

“It was just for show.”

“For Rachel?” Her lips curl up.

I nod. "Yes, and for the mistletoe. Who even came up with a mistletoe in South Africa?”

“I told you it was an international event, but it was clearly someone who wanted you to kiss my brooding uncle,” she chuckles. “And to make Rachel furious,” she squeals. “You are my spirit animal.”

“I know. Now get out so that I can prepare to go to work.”

“But I want all the tea. I want to know more about the event.”

“I was so bored," I groan at the recollection. "But your uncle seemed happy, and everyone else there did too. Except for Rachel and me. I ruined her night.”

"No, that's not what I want to know..."

“Out, Miss Nosy.” I drag her from the bed and gently push her toward the door. She tries to resist, but I’m able to get her all the way out and slam the door.

“This is not over,” she says from the other side of the door. "Wear the white dress. It's cute."

"Thank you," I say without opening the door.

Damien always leaves first. So, I drive one of the cars he lent me. When I complained that it's too fancy, he said walking from Sandton to Pretoria is also an option, but I shouldn't dare arrive late. Then, he left me the car keys on the kitchen counter.

***********

I’m in one of the reception areas when a man I saw at the Christmas ball walks towards me, a huge grin on his face. I can't help but stare at him. He has one of the most handsome faces, and he looks like one of the main leads in K-dramas.

“Hi, I’m Nam Ji-Hwan,” he says in a deep voice. “You can call me Ji-Hwan.”

“It’s very rude to stare, Jeanet.” Another deep voice of someone else says. Damien.

I wish I could scowl at him, but I need to be professional. I give Damien a polite smile and turn to face Ji-Hwan. That’s when I notice that Ji-Hwan has been patiently holding his hand out for a handshake.

“Sorry,” I say sheepishly as I take his hand.

“It’s no problem,” he smiles.

Damien clears his throat, making us let go of each other’s hands.

“You put on quite a show last time,” Ji-Hwan says to me.

“I was just for entertaining you rich, boring people.”

“She is pretty and funny,” he says to Damien.

“Don’t say such things to Mr Ruggiero," I interject. "He would rather wear mismatching shoes than give me a compliment.”

“Really?” Ji-Hwan raises an eyebrow. “I thought you two…” He trails off because Damien is glaring at him.

“Yes, she is pretty,” Damien says to Ji-Hwan, but this time, he is looking at me. His face is stoic, and I’m unsure if he means it or if he is mocking me, but I feel strange butterflies in my stomach. “Now, can we please go?” His tone is a little impatient.

“Of course,” Ji-Hwan smiles, but he doesn't leave. “So beautiful. Are you seeing someone? If not, could we go out on a date sometime?”

“She doesn’t have time to date," Damien interjects. "She is very busy.”

“I think I can pencil you in on my busy schedule,” I smile at Ji-Hwan. "I don't think I'll work on weekends until in January."

“That’s great.” Ji-Hwan smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes anymore. “I would really like to get to know you, if that’s okay with Mr Rugg...”

“Me too," I cut him off. "I would like to get to know you too.”

“Wait for me in my office, Nam Ji-Hwan. I need to speak to Miss Morgan about an appointment for one of my clients.”

Nam Ji-Hwan smiles at me before walking away.

“Stay away from him,” Damien whispers.

“Because I don’t deserve someone like him?” I raise a brow.

“Yes!”

“Why?” I ask, although I know the answer.

“You know why,” he sighs. “You are going to ruin his reputation.”

“Wow!”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.” He looks apologetic, and I am confused by this.

“I think I know exactly what you meant.” I try to keep my shaky voice steady. “Please excuse me, Mr Ruggiero. I would like to do my job.” I type a letter that one of the lawyers asked me to type. At least it helps me keep my eyes glued to the screen.

“Jeanet...” he trails off. I’m waiting for him to continue, but I don't look up. He just walks away.