At Finn's company,Max knocked on the door and stepped inside, speaking to Finn in a composed manner."Mike just arrived. He said he has something important to discuss with you. I've already invited him to wait in the lounge. Would you like to see him now?"He spoke in a steady stream, finally prompting Finn to lift his head and glance at him. His voice was calm yet distant."Is that so? Then I'll meet him now."Max nodded. Watching Finn rise from his chair, he suddenly remembered something and hurriedly added,"Boss, I almost forgot to remind you.""Don't forget that the day after tomorrow, you'll be leaving for a business trip to City A. I'll send you the final itinerary later today.""I'll also be accompanying you on this trip. Everything has already been arranged."Recently, Finn's company entered into a new partnership with an automobile firm in Country A. Being meticulous by nature and having never collaborated with this company before, Finn decided to make the trip himself to f
Max flattered him with words, but Finn remained indifferent, showing little emotion.After dinner, the two strolled toward a nearby shopping mall. The place was vast, and just as Max had described, it housed numerous renowned handbag brands.It was clear that Max had done his research. At every boutique they visited, he meticulously examined the designs, carefully considering his choices. And, of course, whenever he found a piece he fancied, he would turn to Finn for an opinion before making a decision.Finn, on the other hand, lacked Max's enthusiasm. He merely observed the stores with a detached gaze, occasionally offering a few suggestions regarding Max's selections.In the end, after what felt like an eternity of browsing, Max emerged carrying an assortment of shopping bags from various luxury brands. Finn estimated that his friend had likely spent the equivalent of at least a month's salary on handbags for his girlfriend.Yet, Max showed no hint of regret. On the contrary, he see
After returning, Finn remained dazed. A strange sense of emptiness lingered in his chest as if he had missed something profoundly important.The graceful silhouette of the girl he had encountered near the coffee shop refused to fade from his thoughts, haunting him like a half-remembered dream. Even when he finally arrived back at his hotel room, his mind was still adrift. His unusual demeanor did not go unnoticed-Max, who had been walking beside him, frowned in concern."Boss, are you feeling unwell? Do you need me to take you to the hospital for a check-up?" Max asked, his gaze fixed on Finn's slightly pale face.Finn shook his head and pressed a hand lightly against his forehead. Then, without another word, he pushed open the door and stepped inside."I'm fine. Probably just a little tired. I'll be fine after some rest," he said nonchalantly. "You should get some rest too."Max let out an understanding hum. He didn't forget to remind Finn to call him if anything happened-his room w
Finn's business trip ended in a haze of uncertainty. However, he began to suspect that his longing for Annie had conjured illusions in his mind.Everywhere he went, he imagined he would see her.Even after returning to his country, Finn remained lost in a fog of confusion, unable to understand what had been happening to him lately. But there was little time for reflection. The moment he arrived back home, he was swept into the relentless rhythm of work, often staying late into the night to handle the company's most critical projects....Meanwhile, Sofia's life was in complete turmoil. Ever since she had openly severed ties with Calliope and ceased playing the role of a sycophant, she had become invisible in the household. The very servants who once flattered her now treated her with indifference, their warmth long gone.Worse yet, when she issued commands, they deliberately ignored her.She had lashed out at them more than once, but deep down, she knew-this was all Calliope's doing.
"Is this all it takes to break you?""A little trick, and you're already trembling?" Calliope's lips curled in mockery. "And here I thought you were so strong, Sofia. Wasn't that why you dared to go against me?"She pushed herself up from the table, her eyes raking Sofia from head to toe with unveiled disdain."Such pitiful strength, yet you thought you could challenge me? You truly don't know your place."Sofia clenched her teeth, seething with rage, but words failed her.She had been too arrogant. Too confident.She had believed Calliope couldn't touch her. That she was untouchable.All because she had Finn's money to fall back on.She had taunted Calliope, provoked her, thinking she could get away with it.Calliope watched as realization flickered across Sofia's face-the color draining, the weight of her mistake settling in.With slow, deliberate steps, she closed the distance between them, smiling coldly."So? Have you come to your senses, darling?""Do you still want to defy me?
In the office, Finn was staring intently at his computer screen, barely blinking, completely absorbed in the upcoming project. Max knocked politely before stepping in, as always carrying a thick stack of documents in his hands."Boss, I think we need to talk right away."Finn lazily tore his gaze from the screen, took a sip of coffee, and then looked up at Max."What is it? Is something important?"Max studied Finn as if searching for the right words. After a brief pause, he let out a sigh."I don't know if Sofia has gone through some kind of shock recently or has an agenda, but she's been coming here every single day-just like before.""Every day, she shows up flawlessly made up, playing the role of a devoted fiancée, bringing you lunch. She even subtly probes me about the company's current business situation."Back when Sofia had finally stopped showing up, the one who felt the greatest relief was none other than Max. After all, every time she appeared, Finn would leave him to handl
After Sofia entered Finn's office, Max frowned in confusion and asked him,"Boss, why are you indulging Sofia like this? Letting her into your office-what if she causes trouble?"His brows furrowed as he clenched his fists, looking as if he was ready to march in and drag Sofia out himself.But Finn remained calm. He took a leisurely sip of his tea, his voice unhurried."So what? I want to see exactly what she's up to.""Instead of constantly worrying about Sofia and Hubert's schemes, why not give them the chance to act? That way, we can figure out a countermeasure more quickly."Only then did Max finally grasp Finn's intentions. He let out an "Oh" of realization, impressed by his boss's foresight. Finn merely smiled, offering no further explanation.His gaze, however, remained fixed on the surveillance feed displaying Sofia's figure in his office.Sofia didn't make any immediate moves. Instead, she strolled around the room, casually taking in the arrangement of the furniture-playing t
Hubert put on a sycophantic smile, carefully laying out his plan to Sofia."What do you think about becoming my fiancée after Finn fails this project? Although we don't have real feelings for each other, we can always build them over time."He gazed at Sofia, trying to appear deep and affectionate."Not to mention, I'd love to see Finn crumble under everyone's scrutiny. Losing such a crucial project and his fiancée simultaneously-now that would be a devastating blow."Hubert reveled in the thought, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. His excitement grew, his voice rising unconsciously-completely oblivious to Sofia's expression, which had turned from indifferent to outright disgusted.She regarded Hubert with unveiled contempt."If that's your plan, then forget it. I have no interest in playing a fake couple with you."At the very least, Finn was handsome and wealthy-pretending to be his fiancée would at least have some prestige to it. But Hubert? He had absolutely nothing going for h
A few days passed.Sofia had been caught up dealing with the financial loopholes in her father's company, leaving her with no time to meet Annie. Meanwhile, Annie was equally consumed by her own work and assisting Amber with her new film shoot, barely sparing a thought for Sofia.As for seeking Finn's help with the financial issues-Sofia knew full well it wasn't an option. If she brought it up now, there was a real chance their relationship would reach an impasse. Annie had already returned home; Sofia no longer had many means to keep close contact with Finn.What's more, if Finn truly wished to bestow Annie with the title of fiancée, then surely, he would be all the more eager to see Sofia make a mistake. That way, he could pursue Annie openly and justifiably, making them a rightful couple in everyone's eyes.And that was the outcome Sofia feared the most.So, when it came to this matter, she was as good as lost-on the verge of losing her mind. At times like these, she often ended up
After giving Finn a quick reminder, Mike smirked and told him to wait outside. Then, straightening his collar with a calm, confident air, he cleared his throat and stepped into the room."Everyone, may I have your attention for a moment? I have something to announce," Mike called out, his voice carrying easily across the space.Once he was certain all eyes-including Annie's-were on him, he continued in a bold, theatrical tone."Today, my friend, the CEO of a very well-known company-you've definitely heard of it-Company X happens to be in the area."He paused deliberately for effect."He decided to drop by and visit me. And not just that-he's generously sponsoring lunch and afternoon tea for all of us during the shoot. Let's give a warm welcome to my friend, Finn!"Mike's playful tone lifted the mood instantly, drawing laughter and applause from the crew. He sneaked a glance at Annie, and sure enough, caught a flicker of unease on her face-her complexion paled slightly, her expression
After standing dazed on the balcony, Annie finally gathered herself. She let out a soft sigh and stepped back inside, only to find that Isolde had already been awake for quite some time. The girl blinked at her, voice gentle."You're up early. Is it because you have a shoot today and need to prepare?"Annie nodded, yawning lazily. She reminded Isolde to call her if anything happened at home, and only after the girl nodded in agreement did she start getting ready to leave.Isolde followed her downstairs and made a simple breakfast of sandwiches and warm milk. The two of them sat down to eat together. During their quiet meal, Isolde asked softly,"Who were you on the phone with this morning? You didn't look too well afterward."Isolde was an observant soul. With just one glance, she could sense Annie's unease. Annie didn't try to hide it and confessed honestly-Sofia had called, asking to meet and talk about Finn."Sofia knows what you've been through and still wants to meet? Is she tryi
Hubert's teasing remark brought a flush to Sofia's cheeks. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say anything, she heard a soft chuckle escape his lips."What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?"His voice dropped to a lower, more serious register."Or... are you regretting having a one-night stand with me? After all, you're still Finn's fiancée. Now that you've slept with me, are you feeling guilty... repenting for your betrayal?"Sofia seemed lost in thought, her expression dazed, and Hubert gave a faint, mocking smile. But she shook her head and replied with quiet sincerity."No. I'm just trying to remember exactly how... we ended up sleeping together last night."Her tone was honest. Though she often drank, she had never once gone so far as to do something reckless. And now, thinking back on what had happened the night before still left her stunned.Hubert scoffed."Isn't it obvious? You just couldn't resist my charm. It's perfectly understandable."He said it carelessly
"Are you really okay? That man was quite rude earlier," Hubert said, his eyes falling on Sofia's arm-still red and tender from the encounter. Concern laced his voice.Sofia forced a small smile, trying to appear unfazed."I'm really fine. And... thank you for today."Though their relationship had never been particularly close-and in truth, Sofia hadn't always treated Hubert with the respect he deserved-this time, she was genuinely grateful.Without him, she didn't even dare to imagine how things might have turned out."I'm glad you're okay," Hubert said gently. "But it's dangerous for a woman to go to a bar alone. Why didn't you ask a friend to come with you?"His question was casual, almost offhanded. Sofia shrugged and replied that she didn't like going out with others. Hubert didn't press further-just offered a soft, easy smile."Well then, do you mind if I join you for a few more drinks? After all, I did help you out with something pretty serious. Asking for a few drinks in return
Although Finn tried to appear composed and indifferent, his expression betrayed him. His eyes were distant, shadowed with nostalgia, and even his reactions lagged behind their usual sharpness.Sofia had finished speaking for quite some time before he finally let out a dazed "Oh."She sneered."Don't bother pretending with me Do you want to see Annie?"Her voice dropped lower, almost conspiratorial."I can arrange a little accidental meeting."Sofia gave a casual shrug, but it was precisely that nonchalance that made Finn suspicious. Narrowing his eyes, he asked her,"Can you really?"Under his probing gaze, Sofia nodded confidently and lifted her chin defiantly."Why not? Don't forget-no matter what's happened, Annie is still my sister. You think she'd refuse to meet her ownflesh and blood?"The question left Finn without a comeback. But he wasn't so easily fooled-he knew Sofia wasn't the kind of person to do favors out of kindness.His lips curled into a faint, cynical smile."So, wh
Half a month slipped by quietly, and at last, the day came for Annie and Isolde to return to Country B. From the break of dawn, they were already up, preparing and packing their belongings with care.There wasn't much to take home-everything unnecessary, especially things easily bought back in their homeland, had long been given away to neighbors and acquaintances.Just as they finished, the crisp chime of Annie's phone rang out."Annie, are you and Isolde ready? The taxi I booked is waiting just outside your home." Amber's cheerful voice came through, full of anticipation, as if she had been eagerly looking forward to this journey.Annie glanced around one last time, a soft smile playing on her lips."All done. We're heading out now."Ending the call, she turned to Isolde with a gentle look, and together they carried their things outside."Ready for a new life, darling?" Isolde asked softly as they stepped through the front door, her voice light and relieved.Annie nodded."I'm ready
With a gentle voice lingering in the air, Annie looked up at the young man who had just arrived-Nathan. Her eyes sparkled with unmistakable delight."What a coincidence," she said lightly. "Did you have plans here today too?"Nathan held her gaze without blinking, the corners of his lips curving into a smile as he casually adjusted his cap, revealing a pair of captivating, deep-set eyes."I'm meeting a friend for dinner," he replied with an easy charm.Then, as if noticing John sitting across from Annie, Nathan tilted his head slightly, his tone taking on a hint of curiosity."And who's this? Your boyfriend, Annie?"He added a playful wink, grinning as he teased,"Didn't you always say you were single? Hiding a boyfriend from everyone now, are you?"Nathan's lighthearted humor instantly put Annie at ease. She didn't notice the stiffness in John's expression and shook her head gently."Boyfriend? Don't be ridiculous. This is John, my neighbor. He knew I was returning to country B soon,
Sofia pretended not to notice Finn's silence, and even added with a sly smile, "Annie's been bragging about how she's always surrounded by admirers overseas. Not to mention, she just broke up with some boyfriend after only a few months of dating.""Who knows, maybe this time when Annie comes back, she'll bring her boyfriend along. And in that case, I could generously keep pretending to be your fiancée-so that you don't lose face."Her tone was teasing, deliberately mocking him.Finn remained silent from beginning to end, clearly unable to stomach the blow. He couldn't believe that Annie-the girl he had been searching for all this time-could so easily forget him and fall for someone else so quickly."Hey, why aren't you saying anything? Are you heartbroken to the point you've lost your voice?"Sofia goaded him, her voice deliberately rising in pitch."Don't fool yourself into thinking Annie would wait around forever just because you two had some sweet memories. It's been two years, Fin