After a few days, sumi returns to work, but as soon as she steps into the office, her feet freeze. Her gaze falls upon a large TV screen mounted high in the hall, displaying a photo of Jesse's secret lover with blurry face. The news is presented in a way that makes it seem like a huge revelation, something that would shock everyone, make some people angry, and leave others disbelieving. The way it's showcased makes it clear that people are meant to view it negatively, not with a favorable eye.
it is very easy to do. A woman who's divorced and found to be in a relationship with someone else will inevitably be viewed negatively. This is a harsh reality, regardless of her wealth or power. People tend to prioritize a woman's character above all else and judge her accordingly.
Everyone in the hall stood transfixed, their eyes glued to the screen. Sumi watched in shock, her fists clenched in frustration. 'Don't you all have work to do?' she shouted. 'Go back to your tasks!' The crowd reluctantly dispersed, pretending nothing, as if the news wasn't a big deal to them.
Sumi angrily pulls out her phone, scrolls through her contacts, and dials a number. As soon as the call is received, she gets straight to the point. 'You must have seen the news by now. I don't want this news out at any cost. Delete it immediately. If this news spreads to others or the entire world, I'll fire you. Do exactly as I say.' With that, she cuts number in anger.
"Oh Sumi, why are you standing outside? Come in." Jesse says, noticing Sumi's angry demeanor from across the office chairs. As soon as Sumi enters, she unleashes her frustration in front of Jesse. "Did you see the news? There are all sorts of rumors going around about you. How could anyone betray you like this? We've had a good relationship with that channel for years, but today they've crossed all limits. I won't let them get away with it. I've already called them and told them to take down the news. Don't worry, everything will be fine."
As Sumi vented her anger in front of her boss, like a child, her boss couldn't help but burst out laughing. her boss didn't seem to care about the news or what was being said about her; she was just amused by Sumi's outburst. Sumi, on the other hand, was taken aback – instead of being concerned or angry about the news, her boss just laughing. Confused, Sumi composed herself and asked in a soft voice, 'Why are you laughing? Did I say something wrong?'
jesse After trying to contain her laughter for a moment, she composed herself and said, 'You don't have to be so furious now. I don't care what people say about me. Let them say whatever they want – don't worry about it too much. I know I have someone in my life who will always be there for me, and with her, I'll stay strong. So, I won't take people's opinions seriously anymore. It doesn't matter to me. What matters is the person who's always with me. so Don't overthink it.'
Sumi's fists tightened, her nails piercing her skin, but she didn't flinch. Her boss's words cut deep – the revelation that someone new had entered her life, someone who mattered enough to render others' opinions meaningless. Sumi felt like a wild woman, wanting to scream and demand answers. Why the sudden change? Why didn't her boss seem to care about the news? But she bit back her questions and asked only one: "Who is this person?"
Jesse spoke in a playful tone, 'I thought you'd know who that person is. You've been with me for so many years, working together. You should've known, come on, don't ignore your boss like this.' Jesse revealed, 'That person is none other than my first love, my last love Dezze. I've never given anyone else that place in my life. she is the most important person to me.'
Sumi was taken aback, but her acting skills kicked in, and she replied with a faint smile, 'Congratulations. I had no idea. I thought I'd worked with you long enough to know you, but I guess I was wrong. You've shown me today that in this life, everyone can be happy except... (gets silent.). '
Jesse understood Sumi's silence and knew her well enough to see beyond her facade. she has always seen Sumi as a loyal manager, a good friend, and a girl who cared deeply about her mother. nothing more than this.
Summoning courage, Sumi asked another question, 'You've worked tirelessly for this company, building this industry from the ground up. When you first started here, I was just a fresh graduate and an ordinary employee with nothing much to my name. I wasn't aware of the struggles you were going through back then, but you saw potential in me and brought me to this position, which would take years for someone else to achieve. I understand that what happened to you wasn't right, but after years of silence, I'm struggling to understand how you're able to speak so openly now. Have you truly changed, or is there something else going on? Can I ask you this question with complete clarity?'
Just as Jesse was about to reply, Sumi cut in, 'I know these questions are personal, and I shouldn't be asking. But please, treat me like a friend and answer honestly.'
"The love you desired with all your heart and soul, the one you had to face many challenges to attain, may have come late, but you got it. People say that what you achieve after overcoming great difficulties is truly beautiful. However, beauty also has its own glow. If that glow shines too brightly, it can attract the wrong kind of attention."..... Did you read this line?' Jesse asks, her smile still evident.
Sumi thought for a moment before realizing the line was from the same novel her boss had worked on. Sumi wasn't just a casual admirer of her boss; she had been a huge fan in the past. She would read every novel her boss wrote, and it was unlikely she'd forget a line. Sumi was honest about her feelings and also optimistic.
Before answering yes, Sumi hesitates for a moment, but then confirms, 'Yes, it's from one of your novels. I've read it.'
"I wrote this line with the same mindset I've carried throughout my life – the belief that if I received something good, it would only be temporary. People's opinions can turn white to black in an instant. This mindset defined my journey, from my marriage to my divorce, and even after my mother's passing. I always thought I wasn't good enough to deserve good things. But that changed when Dezze entered my life for the second time. she didn't do much, but what she did was enough to make me realize that I'm not wrong for prioritizing myself. I've spent years trying to make others happy, but now I want to focus on myself. Dezze is a beautiful chapter in my life that I'll never erase. she taught me that living for myself is the greatest thing, and prioritizing my own needs is not selfish, it's essential. So, I'm no longer afraid. If the media says something negative about me, I'll face it head-on. I'm ready to respond with courage, unlike before when I'd ask you to handle it. I know you'll always stand by me, and I'm grateful for your support. But now that Dezze is with me, I don't want to be held back by fear."
For a moment, Sumi fell silent. She hadn't expected such honesty from her boss, and hearing it left her feeling a little hurt. She wished she hadn't asked, wished her boss could've spared her the painful truth. If only she could've kept the illusion intact, with a fake smile and a bow. 'Thank you for sharing this with me,' Sumi said, her voice tinged with sadness. 'I think I've asked too much. But I wish you happiness in the future.' With a bow, she turned to leave.
After leaving Jesse's office room Sumi felt lost. She had thought she could move on, but it seemed she was still deeply affected. She rushed to the rooftop of her office building, and as she opened the rooftop door, she let out a deep breath. She inhaled and exhaled heavily, clutching her chest in pain. 'Why does it hurt so much?' she cried, pounding her chest. 'I didn't do anything wrong.' She broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. Sumi was alone on the rooftop, and her cries echoed through the empty space. She didn't understand why she was so devastated. She had only asked her boss for clarity, and she had received it. But the response had left her feeling hollow and hurt. The pain was unfamiliar, like nothing she'd experienced before. It felt like something beautiful had been tainted, turning from white to black. The ache in her chest was unbearable, and she couldn't stop crying. She didn't know why she was crying so much, but the pain was overwhelming.
Evening, Sumi waited in her car outside the office for her boss, who was usually late. But today, she try to leaving early, beaming with happiness, eager to spend time with Dezze. As soon as she got in, Sumi started the engine and hit the road. Halfway through, Jesse suddenly asked Sumi to drop her off at Dezze's apartment instead. Sumi's face tightened, but she nodded and gripped the steering wheel tightly. 'Okay,' she said, though it was clear she wasn't thrilled. However, she knew how to maintain her composure in front of her boss. Just as they were about to reach the apartment, Jesse's phone rang, and she received devastating news – someone was hospitalized in critical condition. Jesse's world crumbled; her hands trembled, and she instructed Sumi to rush to the City Hospital. Sumi obeyed, driving swiftly, but this time, she wasn't sad. Instead, a faint smile played on her lips, just like secrets that were slowly beginning to surface.