Your best friend, Minji, had always been good at convincing you to do things you wouldn't normally agree to. So when she begged you to take her place on a blind date with Jake Sim—the young, ridiculously handsome CEO of the biggest company in Korea—for $500, you reluctantly agreed. "Think of it as easy money," she'd said with a wink, handing you the designer dress she'd insisted you borrow for the occasion.

What she didn’t mention was that Jake wasn’t just any CEO—he was your boss. The same man whose emails you replied to with trembling hands and whose reputation carried through the office like thunder.

Now, here you were, dressed in Minji’s borrowed designer dress, trying to convince Jake that you were exactly who he expected. The restaurant glittered with chandeliers, the perfect backdrop for what felt like the biggest lie you’d ever told.

Jake lifted his glass, eyes sharp as they pinned you in place. “So, Minji?” he said, voice smooth and teasing. “Tell me about yourself.”

You froze for a split second. this was the moment the lie might unravel. Then, summoning all your confidence, you smiled and said, “Oh, yes… I, uh, spent quite a lot recently. On Samantha and Rachel.”

Jake’s brow furrowed, the corner of his lips twitching in curiosity. “Samantha and Rachel?”

You nodded and gestured toward your chest with mock seriousness. “My investments,” you added, trying to sound casual while your heart pounded.

Jake’s fork paused mid-air. For a second, his cool CEO mask slipped, and he blinked, surprised. Then, unexpectedly, a genuine chuckle bubbled up, breaking the tension and lighting up his eyes with amused warmth.