CHAPTER 5
Inside the USB, there were countless documents related to company projects. But…
“My brother’s name isn’t here.”
Jae-in pulled out her phone and began photographing the files. Her hands trembled and she almost made mistakes several times, but she made sure to capture every page—just in case there was a clue.
Then—
Suddenly, she heard footsteps outside. Her heart nearly stopped. Though her hand was still photographing, her ears strained to hear.
Who is it?
The footsteps grew closer. Jae-in quickly removed the USB, replaced the book in its spot, hands slick with sweat, her heart pounding.
Please…
She swiftly returned the computer to its original screen, stood up, and removed her gloves. At that moment—she heard the doorknob turn. Her heart felt ready to burst.
Just as her fingers touched the doorknob, someone opened the door from the other side. Standing in the doorway was Manager Kim.
“Seo Ki-heon?”
Her heart sank, but relief washed over her—at least it wasn’t Do-hyeok.
“Why are you coming out of the VP’s room?”
Kim’s voice was full of suspicion. Jae-in controlled herself and replied calmly:
“I’m sorry, Manager Kim. I had documents to deliver to the VP, but he didn’t seem to be inside, so I was just about to leave.”
Kim’s eyebrows rose slightly.
“Documents?”
Jae-in quickly offered the file she had in her hand.
“Yes, these documents. Could you review them?”
Kim stared at her intently before accepting the papers. As he glanced through them, his expression softened.
“Hm, but in the future, if you need to enter the VP’s office, you must report to me first.”
“Yes, I understand.”
“The VP dislikes intrusion into his personal space. Be cautious.”
“Yes, I’m sorry.”
Jae-in bowed politely. When Kim turned away, she let out a relieved sigh—but cold fear ran down her spine.
I must be more careful from now on.
Kim paused, then turned back to her.
“Alright, Seo Ki-heon. Starting tomorrow, you’ll accompany the VP in earnest. Are you ready?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Good. Then be at the VP’s home by 6 a.m. He wakes at 6:30 and works out in the fitness room at 7, so you must arrive before that and prepare.”
Jae-in nodded attentively as Kim continued.
“Yes, I will be punctual.”
Satisfied, Kim nodded and left. Jae-in watched him go, exhaling deeply.
I will uncover the truth.
She gripped her phone tightly—even though the USB had no mention of her brother, she wouldn’t give up.
Watch over me, brother.
Early the next morning, under a veil of mist.
Arriving outside Do‑hyeok’s home, Jae-in pulled into the driveway and drew a deep breath, reminding herself of Manager Kim’s instructions.
He wakes at 6:30 and begins exercising at 7; arrive early to be prepared.
Do‑hyeok’s disciplined routine was well-known within the company—likely long-standing.
Three years ago, he had gone to Switzerland to escort a North Korean ambassador who failed to defect. Jae-in was on duty to transport the ambassador to safety. In a hotel café, waiting for the ambassador’s contact, they were ambushed by Russian intelligence seeking the ambassador’s documents ahead of South Korea.
She managed to get the ambassador to safety, but then became their target.
That was when she saw him. At first, engaging with him was a strategy: his magnetic presence might help her evade capture. He raised an eyebrow, gave a slight smile, and played along—pretending to know her.
Jae-in convinced herself it was all part of the mission. But in truth, she may have been falling for him.
His intense eyes, alluring presence, low voice… hidden beneath was a burning intensity she found captivating.
That night in the hotel room, she felt she wasn’t herself. It became an indelible memory.
I never expected to meet him again like this…
She tried to steel herself, yet fear lingered—what if he recognized her?
Long hair now short, disguised in masculine attire, she felt foreign in her own skin—but this was Seo Ki-heon’s identity for the day.
She stepped out of the car; the crisp dawn air iced her cheeks. Was it nerves, or the chill?
Remain calm.
She pressed the doorbell. A caretaker’s voice answered from within:
Crackling walkie-talkie voice: “Who is it?”
“I’m here to assist the VP with his morning routine.”
The heavy iron gate clanged open. Inside, Jae-in paused to admire the well-kept garden. She snapped back and hurried forward.
At the front door stood a middle-aged woman.
“Oh, are you the new secretary? Come in.”
“Hello, I’m Seo Ki-heon. Pleased to meet you.”
The woman studied her and smiled.
“My, your skin is so smooth and fair for a man.”
Jae-in’s skin prickled with fear—her disguise seemed near exposure.
“Ah, yes… thank you. Good genes, I suppose.”
But the woman persisted in inspecting her face.
“Such pretty features—Mrs. VP will be pleased.”
Jae-in froze, biting her lip in uncertainty.
Then a low voice floated from upstairs:
“Mrs. Kim, who is it?”
The caretaker finally looked away from Jae-in and toward the upper floor.
“Oh, the new secretary, Mr. Vice President.”
A fleeting memory of that night resurfaced.
“I’ll go see him now.”
Jae-in climbed the stairs with small, steady steps.
A slightly open door revealed Do‑hyeok dressing. A glimpse of his firm physique startled her—and memories flooded back.
Stay focused, she chided herself. Inside, Do‑hyeok spoke:
“Sent by Manager Kim?”
“Yes, I’m Seo Ki-heon. From today, I’ll be assisting the Vice President directly.”
Do‑hyeok, now dressed, turned to look at her. His gaze was as cold and sharp as ever.
“Let’s start with today’s schedule briefing.”
“Yes. At 9 a.m., there’s an executive meeting. At 10:30, a new product launch discussion. At 2 p.m., a video call with overseas buyers. At 4 p.m., a visit to the lab.”
Once she finished briefing, Do‑hyeok passed her silently. His cologne—the same scent she remembered from three years ago—brushed by.
Jae-in stood frozen for a moment, then followed him. She had a sense the day would be long.
That afternoon, Jae-in stared at her laptop, but her mind was elsewhere. She had shadowed Do‑hyeok into meetings—technically, she should have been assisting him directly, but Manager Kim accompanied them instead.
She felt guilty—did her misstep in his office yesterday get reported?
What happened this morning…
She began replaying the day in her mind.
