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chapter 2
“A secretary is impossible to spot in the cafeteria.”
It was a slightly mocking expression and tone.
Even Director Ki, usually so perceptive, almost got fooled.
For a brief second or two, Director Ki stared at Taeheon intently.
Seasons had changed, and another season had passed, yet Taeheon remained unchanged.
His expression, his voice, even the way he sat appeared flawless.
If one weren’t part of his inner circle, they wouldn’t have noticed at all.
That someone Taeheon held close to his heart existed, despite his perfect exterior.
Outwardly, Taeheon seemed utterly composed.
He woke up every morning at the crack of dawn and followed his routine meticulously, performing his daily tasks. A true workaholic. Completely absorbed in his work.
It was as if he had never wandered the empty office late at night.
As if he had never whispered a name that dissolved into a sigh.
Even the recent comment didn’t sound like he was talking about a woman he liked—it sounded like he was evaluating work.
Director Ki quickly looked away and replied in a businesslike tone.
“I suppose she might be deliberately avoiding it.”
“Deliberately avoiding?”
Taeheon sharply raised his head. Director Ki adjusted his glasses and answered lightly.
“I understand the secretary rarely goes to the cafeteria.”
“Why?”
“Some employees in other departments have been quite bothersome.”
Director Ki reported that Eunse often found herself troubled by male colleagues giving unnecessary attention during lunch. Once, an embarrassing argument even broke out when they tried to sit next to each other.
He casually added,
“Perhaps because of that, her team gave her subtle hints.”
Ah. A low sigh escaped Taeheon’s lips.
His superior, understanding the situation, remained silent for a while.
Observing Taeheon carefully, Director Ki tentatively spoke.
“There’s the HR year-end party tonight.”
“I know.”
“This year, everyone from the General Affairs team and the secretaries must attend. No exceptions.”
“……”
From Taeheon’s tightly closed lips, not even a brusque “So what?” emerged.
Still, Director Ki had watched him since he was a little boy. He knew how silently Taeheon suffered within, day and night. Seeing this, Director Ki felt both amazed and pitying.
Today, he decided to take the initiative and set the stage.
“How about coming by briefly to give a few words? It would boost employee morale and be good for everyone.”
Taeheon gave no response.
And so, Director Ki could not have anticipated it.
That Taeheon would take a seat at the head of the table during the evening party.
“Once again, let’s thank CEO Yoon Taeheon for gracing us with his presence tonight. Now, everyone, raise your glasses! One!”
For a moment, everyone raised their glasses enthusiastically.
“No need for shots. The CEO said not to overdo it.”
HR Manager Oh put his glass down reluctantly, feeling frustrated. How long had they been waiting for this party?
But with the company CEO sitting there like a grim reaper with his arms crossed…
‘Tonight’s party is ruined.’
It wasn’t like he could scold the staff for taking just a sip and putting the glass down.
Manager Oh sighed and wet his throat, disappointed.
Sitting at the far end of the table, Eunse felt a sense of relief.
It would have been difficult and awkward without Taeheon’s presence. She would have had to drink several rounds in the “drink it all” atmosphere from the start.
Among male colleagues who offered drinks only to her, she constantly had to be wary of her coworkers’ eyes.
Nowadays, she was often treated like a transparent ghost anyway.
She had anticipated days like this.
From her very first day, her seniors had been unkind to her.
“Didn’t you hear the dress code? Don’t shorten the uniform!”
“Are you a secretary or ‘outta here’? If that’s the case, you might as well leave the office.”
She had worn the uniform as received, trembling in embarrassment.
The only relief was that it became quickly evident she hadn’t altered it. Comparing it with other secretaries wearing the same size, there was not a fraction of difference.
Still, coworkers persisted with nonsense, claiming she subtly altered it or deliberately requested a smaller size.
Custom clothing would’ve been no different. Eunse’s frame was naturally slender at the waist and ankles. Compared to her fragile body, her curves stood out even more.
The two senior-most employees openly criticized her, and soon the rest of the coworkers began keeping their distance.
No handover was given. Eunse often stayed behind after everyone else left, reviewing documents and learning the programs alone.
“Hang in there. I have to make it through.”
Eunse bit her lip firmly.
She was used to hardship. An orphan and a rookie employee with no one to rely on, life had always been harsh.
What would office life change?
Getting a job had been difficult. She didn’t want to give up this hard-earned position.
There were plenty of reasons to endure.
Yoon Taeheon.
Eunse quickly lowered her head when she glanced at the direction Taeheon was sitting.
The thought made her neck and earlobes burn red, infiltrating her mind.
During the final interview:
“Oh? Your father is a university professor? At a private school?”
She had trusted the blind recruitment process, disregarding background and experience.
But the older interviewer’s leering gaze betrayed his intent.
With every passing seat, Eunse’s heart pounded harder.
“Oh, Eunse Han? My, what bright eyes you have.”
The interviewer complimented her beauty to the point of embarrassment, then asked a lewd question.
“Coming from a distinguished family, your parents never made you enter beauty contests?”
Eunse couldn’t even respond, her breath caught.
“Why are you asking such a thing?”
A cold, deep voice cut through the room. Silence fell instantly.
Footsteps approached. The presence was overwhelming.
It wasn’t just his handsome appearance.
His piercing gaze made it impossible for ordinary people to meet his eyes.
“What? Director Kim. Why are you asking such questions?”
His arrogant tone wasn’t seeking an answer.
On that day, Yoon Taeheon, CEO of Pars Korea, had somehow entered the HR interview room. The reason was never revealed.
Director Kim was immediately dragged out following the silent command to leave.
“From now on, personal matters are off-limits in interviews. If you’re caught doing this again, termination won’t even be the end of it.”
Under Taeheon’s commanding order, the conduct of senior executives became impeccably restrained.
From that day, Eunse dared to hold Taeheon in her heart. Over time, she fell deeply for him.
More than his looks, it was his impeccable behavior and character as a superior that shone.
Her secret affection was something she planned to keep hidden for life.
Simply holding it in her heart brought her joy and fulfillment every day.
There were more than enough reasons to persevere.
She was calming herself for the hundredth time when Manager Oh asked,
“Shall we head for round two, CEO? There’s a nearby pub or perhaps soju with grilled intestines?”
Manager Oh’s wide grin.
“Let’s call it a night,” Taeheon cut him off mercilessly.
The employees, dreading the thought of tomorrow’s work, quietly rejoiced internally.
As everyone exchanged goodbyes and dispersed, Eunse staggered around a corner of the barbecue restaurant. Walking a bit further, someone called out to her.
“Eunse!”
It was Assistant Manager Joo from HR. Handsome and stylish, he was often talked about even within the secretarial office.
He had been following Eunse recently, and even waited with musical tickets in the lobby after work.
Eunse’s expression immediately turned cold.
‘A woman only works here to flirt with men.’ ‘It’s only a matter of time before the secretary team is rumored to be corrupted because of you.’
These were the kind of insults Eunse had been hearing, mostly because of him.
“Assistant Manager Joo, I’ve told you clearly I feel burdened by this.”
“I know, I know… ha.”
He staggered, holding his forehead, then lowered his hand. His face had turned grim.
“Damn… charging an arm and a leg, huh?”
“Excuse me?”
“At this point, you should accept it. There’s a limit to acting brazen, even if you think you’re clever.”
The pungent smell of alcohol hit her as he stepped closer.
Frightened, she instinctively stepped back.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
A chillingly cold voice split the space between them.
