Chapter 69：Realisation

A fortnight later Ye-jin had gained full control over the business. Her father was back home and was recuperating well.

So-ah finally revealed to the whole family that she was expecting and already three months along the way. Thus, the elders made it clear to the would-be-mother that she was to not meddle much in the business or anything stressful. Ye-jin was in complete support of the decision.

Under everyone's strict administration, the elder Park sibling slowly turned to a passive role in the company leaving her little sister in the decisive and topmost position. As a result, Ye-jins' lifestyle took a complete one-eighty degrees turn.

Before she used to have leisure filled laid back life with a few surprises here and there due to her rescue works but now one could find her hidden behind a mountain of files, which needed her immediate approval. Her free time was also cut short to only a few minutes during the working hours. Although the company didn't need her to be present 24/7, she was focusing on international expansion and that led her to have less time for her personal life every day.

Moreover, Ye-jin had moved places from her little haven to her family home. It was for the sake of both professional and personal interests.

And as for Ray, after that night in the car park, they were both embarrassed to face each other. Ye-jin felt mortified at her reaction and messed up emotions. The busy life at work kept her from mulling over the incident.

It proved to be a headache for him when the little girl refused to stay away from him during her breaks. She was curious about everything. Her energy alone tired out the other members, not to mention Ray who was almost reduced to tears.

Vic, who was the self-proclaimed wise guy of the group decided to save Ray by informing Ye-Jin about his current predicament. He didn't waste time in calling Ye-Jin to execute his plan.

Ye-Jin: hello?

Vic: Hi sis-in-law! It's me, Vic!

Ye-Jin: (surprised) w-what?

Vic: (sheepish) oops! Sorry, my tongue slipped.

Ye-Jin: (waving it off) it's alright. What's the matter?

Vic: It's about Ray. He's in some trouble. There's this girl-

Ye-Jin's heart hit the bottom when she heard 'Ray' and 'girl' in the same sentence. She was all of a sudden jealous of whoever that girl was.

Ye-Jin: (gritting her teeth) what girl?

Vic: (sighing) they never listen to me. Being the youngest, I have to help them solve their problems.

Ye-Jin: (impatient) where is Ray now?

Vic: (dramatic) ah! it's four already. I think he's on his way to pick her up now.

Ye-Jin: (scowling) where are they going?

Vic: the engagement party of our president-

He wanted to chat some more, share some of his grievances but unexpectedly the call ended.

Vic: (pocketing his phone) nevermind, (turning to Mui) you think this will work?

Mui: (grinning) definitely!

Vic: now all we have to do is wait. I just hope that she doesn't find out that we lied to her.

Mui: we didn't lie. We didn't tell her that Liu Bo is Ray's sister. She will understand.

Ye-Jin, who was prepping herself up with Aera for the evening was silently fuming. Her thoughts were all pointed towards cursing the whole male populace.

Aera: (shaking her) hey! Are you ok? Who was it?

Ye-Jin: (taking a deep breath) it was Vic.

Aera: and?

Ye-Jin: He wanted me to save Ray from some girl.

Aera: so?

Ye-Jin: so what? It's none of my business! Just because I didn't speak to him for a few days doesn't mean that I am dead! I am done with him!

Aera: (holding her laughter) why are you pissed off?

Ye-Jin: (defiant) I am not!

Aera: (nodding) Yeah, you're beaming with joy for my engagement party.

Ye-Jin: (defeated) Aera, I am so sorry sweetie. I don't know what's wrong with me either. I promise I won't get distracted anymore.

Aera: (chuckling) you're so cute Jin.

The party unexpectedly proceeded without any hitch.

Ray didn't bring anyone to the party and Ye-jin visibly relaxed at the sight. Furthermore, she took the initiative to end the cold war between them. She approached him with a glass of champagne as a peace offering. Before she could open her mouth, Ray cut her off

Ray: (anxious) Sweetie I am sorry if I hurt you that day. Although I still don't understand what made you angry but I really can't stand this silence between us, please forgive me.

Ye-jin: (stunned) ...

Ray: I know I shouldn't have waited this long to apologise to you but I couldn't reach you no matter how hard I tried! (Softly) I missed you a lot! I-

Ye-jin didn't know how she should react to his sudden apologies. She was prepared to have a huge row with him if possible but the thought of him surrendering never crossed her mind. Now that she paid him attention, his complexion was pale and there were faint dark circles below his eyes. Truth be told, she too missed him.

Ye-jin: (gently) Ray?

Ray; (halting his rant) yes?

Before she could speak they were joined by Aera, the woman of the night.

Aera: am I interrupting something?

Ye-jin: (hesitating) n-not exactly-

Aera: (smiling wide) If you don't mind then I'd like to steal your guy away from you for a while. I've got something to talk with him.

Ye-jin saw the determined look in her friends' eyes and helplessly nodded. Aera happily dragged a confused Ray away. If it was any other day, he would've never been hauled away that easily but the number of sleepless nights and worry had made him a little defenceless.

After the two vanished from her sight, Ye-jin felt lost. She looked around to find people to mingle with when Vic tapped her on the shoulder.

Vic: (curious) Ray says that you guys aren't dating, is it true?

Ye-jin: (sighing) no we aren't.

Vic: (frowning) it didn't look like there was nothing between you guys from my perspective.

Ye-jin: really?

Vic: (nodding) he likes you but doesn't know it yet and you-

Ye-jin: (shocked) I- I-

She didn't wait and turned on her heels and ran away from the place. Vic looked at her escaping figure and chuckled to himself.

Vic: (smirking) looks like she figured it out.

On the other side of the extravagant hall, Aera was beeing glared at by Ray.

Ray: Why did you bring me out here?

Aera: (rolling her eyes) Ray we need to talk. We can't drag Ye-jin down with our issues.

Ray: (softening) I know- I am-

Aera: (cutting him off) I know her. She won't complain, so we have to solve our issues. I know you liked me for a longtime but I didn't feel the same about you. I know, I was too harsh in rejecting you and I am sorry for that. I just want us to have an amicable relationship for the sake of Ye-jin.

Ray: (sighing) I know. I'll try my best not to cause any more troubles for her.

Aera: (smiling) I didn't think you'd join my team this easily.

Ray: (resolute) I'll do anything to make her happy.

Aera: (grinning wider) I was right!

Ray: (confused) huh?

Aera: (shaking her head) nothing. Xin must be looking for me. I'll go now, bye.

Ray didn't feel the same pain he felt days before when Aera or Wang Xin were mentioned. Instead, he felt a little relieved. He felt lighter as if he could finally let go. And he was willing to do it for the sake of his best friend. He didn't wait longer and went in search for Ye-jin- their conversation was cut short before by a meddlesome woman. And the poor him was desperate to get her to forgive him for whatever stupid thing he had done.