One morning, a knock at my bedroom door interrupts my morning routine. I stare at my surprise guest uncertainly...
"(Y/N), we need to talk. I know what happened at the company picnic."
"Y-you do?"
Crap, crap, crap! I thought Lee Know and I were careful! How did she find out?
"Yes, Robin told me all about the conversation the two of you had."
"Wait, Robin?"
"Well, he didn't tell me all about it. He kept the details pretty vague. But I heard enough to know Robin was way out of line, and I just want to reassure you that I told him as much. He won't bother you like that again."
So she doesn't know about what happened between Lee Know and I while we were cleaning up... She thinks this is all about Robin.
"Thank you for talking to Robin for me. You didn't have to do that, and I appreciate it. I admit, I've been a little shaken up by our conversation."
"It was my pleasure. Don't tell anyone, but I do love putting Robin in his place every now and again. Anyways, now that that little bit of unpleasantness is taken care of...we can talk about why I'm really here. I know we don't always see eye-to-eye. I forgot sometimes how intimidating I can be to insecure younger women. But I could really use your help."
"Seriously? Didn't you want me fired not too long ago? You know, after I defended you to your dad?"
"Oh, Min-ho told you about that?"
"I overheard."
Sofia looks embarrassed for the first time since I met her.
"I do...appreciate what you said. Though the when and where were out of line... Still, what you said was...nice. And Min-ho told me in no uncertain terms that you were keeping your job, so I've moved on."
Sofia waves her hand, as if she expects me to just move on, as well.
"There's an important charity gala this weekend, and I'll never be ready in time without the help of an assistant. Unfortunately, my current assistant is on maternity leave right now. So selfish and irresponsible."
"Having a family can be demanding too. You'll find that out if you marry Lee Know."
I realize too late that I said 'if', but Sofia doesn't seem to notice as she waves away my concern.
"Yes, family is important, but in this particular instance, business is even more important. I need to be at my best for this event. Min-ho told me it's fine if you took the day off to assist me since he already has plans with the boys. Meet me at this address in an hour."
Sofia offers me a business card.
"Okay... See you then."
"I knew you were a team player! I'll see you there!"
Sofia smacks a kiss on my cheek and stroll away. I sigh, looking down at the business card in my hand.
"A full day of Sofia. Whoopee..."
I hear another knock at my door. I brace myself for whatever Sofia forgot...but then glance up to see Lee Know poking his head in.
"Is it safe to come in?"
"Lee Know, you really are scared of Sofia, huh? You're a grown man sneaking around his own fiancée. You see that, right?"
Lee Know slips into the room with a smirk.
"I wouldn't call it 'sneaking'. More like...walking with discretion. But I am sorry she ambushed you like that. I owe you, big time."
"Good thing I know just what I want as compensation."
"Oh? And what's that?"
"I want you. Just you, all to myself. Send the kids to spend the weekend with their grandparents, and leave us the penthouse..."
Lee Know's eyes darken at the suggestion. He moves closer to me, until I can feel the heat from his body.
"That seems like a...dangerous proposition."
"That's what makes it fun."
"(Y/N)..."
Lee Know shakes his head and leans back, clearing his throat.
"For the time being, maybe there's something more immediate I can do to make it up to you?"
"I'm listening...intently."
"I was thinking I could make you breakfast with...you know, pancakes, eggs, bacon, the works."
"Sofia would never approve."
"Sofia isn't here. I'm will to risk it. What do you say?"
"I guess making me breakfast is the least you can do."
"Right this way. Chef Lee Know is at your service."
A few minutes later, I settle down into a chair. Lee Know knots an apron around his waist and warms some butter in a pan. Lee Know looks up and smirks at me.
"Normally I'm the one enjoying the view while you make breakfast."
"I didn't notice you were taking the scenery."
"I do try to be subtle...even if I don't always succeed."
My cheeks warm as Lee Know fills a bowl with pancake mix.
"You have a favorite thing about what you saw?"
"I'm not sure I can narrow it down to just one thing... Between your adorable bedhead and cute little pajamas, my eyes just don't know where to look. But I definitely appreciate how sweet you are with my boys...even when they're loud and rambunctious before coffee."
"I care about them. That makes it easy."
"I've met my boys, (Y/N). I'm under no illusion that taking care of them is easy, even if you do have a magic touch."
Lee Know glances down at his bowl of batter.
"Would you like to help, or would you prefer to relax?"
"I'll help you."
"Oh, thank God. I've always been a little helpless as this sort of stuff, and I don't want to burn your thank-you breakfast."
"Yeah, yeah. Just hand me that bowl."
Lee Know passes me the batter. I work the lumps out while he chops some walnuts on the cutting board beside me.
"You know, for someone who claims to be 'helpless', you seem to know your way around a chef's knife."
The chopping part comes naturally from years of working hands-on in a lab. You need the same sort of steady strokes for both. But when it comes to the rest of it...I swear, I've never met a chicken I couldn't burn to a crisp.
Lee Know flicks the walnut pieces into the batter and gently lays his hands over mine, reclaiming the bowl from me.
"I'm not so sure I should give this back..."
"You can supervise while I attempt to not burn these pancakes."
He glances over his shoulder at me with a little smile, then layers several pancakes into the pan.
"A little cinnamon, a little honey, top with strawberries...I hope you like'em sweet."
"You know I do."
I watch with a soft smile as he concentrates, delicately drizzling toppings and then flipping each pancake.
"Don't forget the secret ingredient...lots of love!"
Lee Know turns when he's done, presenting me with a mountain of mouthwatering, steaming pancakes.
"Maybe just for you."
"Looks delicious."
I cut a small piece of pancake and slip it into my mouth. I close my eyes to relish the crunch, the sugar, the butteriness, everything...
"Mmmm...so good. Are you sure you're bad at this?"
"Pancakes are the one dish I've perfected over the years. There's a reason I offered to make you breakfast and not dinner."
"And here I thought it was because you wanted to lick the syrup off of me."
Lee Know lets out a low groan...
"(Y/N)..."
Lee Know holds my gaze for a long moment...Finally, the intensity is too much, and I reach for the syrup, knocking it over.
"Whoops! Sorry..."
I smile sheepishly as the two of us both reach to clean up the spill together.
"I've got it." he smiles
"No, let me help..."
I wipe at the spill with my napkin, then glance up, realizing for the first time how close Lee Know is... I can feel the heat radiating from his body...but I can't move away. He swallows heavily.
"Did I get it all?"
I lick my lips, and his eyes dart down to catch the movement.
"You missed a spot on my neck."
I tilt my head to the side and Lee Know leans in, mesmerized by the curve of my throat. His breath warms my skin... His tongue explores my neck, nipping and licking as I loll my head back to give him better access.
"Mmm...so delicious."
"Wait until you taste the rest of me."
"Oh God..."
His hands drifts down to my waist, bunching up the fabric there, desperately searching for a silver of my bare skin.
"(Y/N)..."
I pull his lips to mine, kissing him with all the fire I feel inside.
"Touch me, Lee Know...I need to feel you."
Immediately, his hands find their way under my clothes, and I shiver at his touch.
"Like this? "
"God yes..."
He feels so good already, and I feel like he's going to drag me over the edge within seconds, right here against the counter... Until the familiar sound of stampeding bare feet thunders down the hall.
"Something smells yummy in the kitchen! "
"Crap!"
"I thought Aunt Sofia threw away all our good food."
Lee Know and I spring apart, quickly smoothing our hair and clothes just before Mason and Mickey enter the kitchen.
"Boys, we made pancakes!"
"Score!" Mickey yells.
"Take a seat while I grab you two plates."
Still blushing furiously, I slide several pancakes onto two plates and pass them to the boys.
"Boys, what do you say to (Y/N)?"
"Thank you! It's really good!"
"Mmm. Yeah, way better than Aunt Sofia's--I mean thank you!"
I studiously ignore Lee Know for the rest of breakfast, trying to steady my racing pulse before I have to spend the rest of the day with his fiancée. I've almost made it to the door when Lee Know calls out after me.
"(Y/N), wait! Before you go..."
Lee Know holds something out to me.
"Something tells me you're gonna need the extra caffeine to get through your day."
I take the cup from Lee Know, letting my fingers linger on his.
"Thanks."
I take a sip, letting its warmth energize me. I turn to leave, feeling much more ready to take Sofia on. Later, I meet up with Sofia for the day of shopping. She drags me from place to place, never breaking stride.
"I've got an appointment for eyelash extensions, but you can quiz me while you watch."
"I thought we already went over small talk topics at the nail salon..."
"Nonsense, we're just getting started. Here, take these flashcards."
I try to stay focused on the card as a woman starts doing something to Sofia's eyelashes.
"Uh...a potential investor just walked up and asked about Lee Enterprises. What do you say?"
"My husband is the soon-to-be CEO of the third largest biotech company in the world. We're here because we're dedicated to resolving the complications surrounding healthcare and disease with technology and innovation. How was that?"
"It was perfect. Maybe too perfect. You should try to be more expressive with your face so the investor can read your emotion. Well, not right now, with you eyelashes and everything...but later, at the gala."
"More expression, got it."
Soon, Sofia searches through racks of fancy clothes while I drill her on photos of the guest list.
"Okay, who's this guy?"
"Miles Houston, entrepreneur and tech mogul. Vegan, likes meditation. Dislikes pollution, irresponsible spending. Too easy. Another."
"Alright, how about...this one?"
"Selene d'Torte, heiress and philanthropist. Has a degree in philosophy. Burned by a bad investment with now-bankrupt MediShade Corp."
I hold up picture after picture, and Sofia aces every one without hesitation.
Damn. She knows her stuff.
"Sofia, I have to say, I admire you. You're really dedicated to seeing Lee Know's company succeed."
"Well, I don't know about all that, but fair enough. You know where to find me when you realize you do, in fact, need someone to look up to."
I sigh internally, but hold my tongue, knowing that my silence will make the rest of the afternoon easier.
"What do you think of this one? Won't it bring out my eyes?"
I glance up to see Sofia holding a gown, then give her a tight smile.
"Sure."
Sofia tucks the dress under arm, giving me a suspicious look.
"Am I making you tired? I don't know how you manage to keep up with the boys if you're already worn out. I know! You should start coming to the gym with me to get that stamina up."
"I didn't know being tortured would increase my stamina..." I whisper low enough that Sofia doesn't hear.
"Anyway, one more stop, and then I'm afraid I'll have to drop you off back at the penthouse. I've got a coffee date."
"I thought Lee Know was staying with the kids all day. are they meeting you?"
"Oh, no, it's a business thing. Minho won't be there. Now, keep up."
Before I know it, I'm perched on a couch in Sofia's private dressing room as she sorts through the dresses in her 'maybe' pile.
It's almost over, (Y/N). You can do this. That pile can't grow forever...
"What do you think? Won't Min-ho love me in this?"
Sofia holds up a garment bag, giving me a peek of what's inside. I glance at the dress, then back at Sofia as she struts around in her underwear.
"I mean, I can't really see the gown like this."
"Use your imagination, (Y/N). You have one of those, right?"
"Yes, I have an imagination. And I think you'll look very professional. And since that's all that matters to you..."
"Exactly. It's perfect."
Sofia pulls the dress out of the garment bag and steps into it. She turns to me, motioning at the fabric pooled at her feet.
"Why don't you come zip me up?"
"Uh, sure."
"Of course, Min-ho will be the one zipping me up on the big night...and the rest of my life, for that matter. For now though, you're going to have to play the roll of Min-ho...just like you sometimes play the role of Sofia."
I stop dead in my tracks, the gown still at her hips, as the meaning of her words dawns on me...
"W-what do you mean?"
"Oh, I think you know exactly what I mean."
Sofia casually fluffs her hair in the mirror, not even caring that the dress has fallen back to her feet.
"It's easy to get confused when you live with such an attractive man, get close to his children, and spend your free time together."
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing pulse.
"The only thing confusing me right now is you, Sofia."
"Then I'll say it plainly. I know all about your little crush on Min-ho."
"My crush? What crush? Lee Know and I are just friends! Not even that! He's my boss and--"
"I'm not stupid, (Y/N). I've seen the way you follow your boss around like a little lost puppy."
"But I--"
"Relax. I think it's cute. If I was threatened by you, I'd have to be threatened by every woman on the street."
"Well, I wouldn't say I'm just a random passerby..."
"Of course not. Except, well, you are kind of randomly passing by. That's the nature of being hired help. You pop up, you go away, life moves on."
"We're all extras in a movie. No one cares about us, and nothing we do makes a difference."
"I'm sure someone cares about you. Just...someone more on your level."
"What do you mean? Lee Know is on my level."
"Levels aren't determined by traits. They're determined by class. For example, Robin might dally with a waitress, but...he'd never bring one to a party at Rolling Hills."
"Lee Know literally brought me to a party at Rolling Hills."
"As his nanny, to watch his children. You've never been a guest. Look, I just don't want your little crush to give you the wrong impression. It's so easy to let your feelings cloud your judgement if you aren't careful. I know tough love can be hard to take sometimes, but as your role model, I'm willing to make that sacrifice."
Satisfied, Sofia bends to pick up the forgotten gown, then grabs another garment bag.
"Hmm, maybe I should try this one on too, just in case. Be right back.
As soon as Sofia leaves, I pull out my phone.
If I have to stay here with Sofia for one more minute, I'm not responsible for my actions. I need a lifeline.
I scroll through my contacts until I find Lee Know's name, opening up my text conversation with him.
"But what do I say?"
I take a deep breath and start typing...
ME:
-I don't think I'm gonna last a whole afternoon with Sofia.
LEE KNOW:
-What did she do this time?
ME:
-What HASN'T she done?
-I'm trying to not let her get to me but...
LEE KNOW:
-She wears you down.
-I know the feeling all too well.
-What can I do? Would a distraction help?
Sofia's voice breaks through my concentration, forcing me to look up from my phone.
"(Y/N)! Bring me my facial moisturizer! And don't drop it! One tub is worth more than your weekly salary."
"Be right there."
I deliver the moisturizer as asked, then return to my phone.
LEE KNOW:
-(Y/N)? I lose you there?
ME:
-Ok, I have to ask...
-WTF do you SEE in her??? She seems like the opposite of your type.
LEE KNOW:
-You're not wrong.
ME:
-Oh?
LEE KNOW:
-TLDR: My history with Sofia is complicated but I AM sorry you're caught between us today. She was so insistent when she asked. I didn't want to arouse suspicion by resisting too much.
ME:
-Her mind games are seriously next level. At this point, I wonder if her assistant even has a kid.
LEE KNOW:
-(Y/N), I WILL make this right. Sit tight.
ME:
-What're you gonna do?
-Lee Know??
But Lee Know never responds. I sigh as you put the phone down.
"I wonder what his plan is..."
I resist as long as I can, but finally glance at my text messages again.
"Still no word. I just hope Lee Know makes his move before Sofia is done with whatever it is she's doing back there."
Half an hour later, I'm reaching for my phone to check it again when...
"Did you know there's a gourmet bakery just down the street from here?"
Lee Know walks into the room with a white box with a bakery logo on the top.
"Lee Know!"
I throw my arms around him, and he quickly adjusts his grip on the box so it doesn't fall.
"I should surprise you like this more."
"If you think you're gonna get away with pawning me off on Sofia for an entire day ever again..."
"I guess I'll just have to come up with another way to surprise you."
"You know how to turn my day around. Thank you for finding a way to show that you care."
"It's the least I could do, given what you've done for me today to show that you care."
Lee Know puts a comforting hand on my arm, looking deeply into my eyes.
"You need me, I'm here. Okay?"
"Is that my boo-bear? "
Sofia steps into the room, grinning.
"And you brought...cookies! That's very sweet, literally."
Sofia picks up a cookie, gives it a sniff, and puts it back.
"I'll have to save it for my cheat day."
"I'm told they're the best cookies in the city. Consider it my way of thanking you two, since you spent all day preparing for an event on my behalf. But since it looks like you're done already, maybe I can kill two birds with one stone and take (Y/N) home with me?"
"Hm? Oh yes, that's fine. I have an appointment soon anyway."
Does she mean the 'coffee date' she mentioned earlier?
"(Y/N)? Shall we?"
I jump up and grab all my stuff.
"After you!"
Before I know it, Lee Know is driving me back home through the streets of New York. I reach across the gear shift and intertwine my fingers with Lee Know's.
"So, you're going to a charity gala this weekend?"
"It's not as much fun as it sounds, believe me. Even though it's not official business, it'll be all shoptalk, all night."
"With fancy food and fancy drinks and fancy dancing? That doesn't sound all bad."
"You're right, it's not."
He gives my hand a little squeeze.
"And with the right date, it could be downright fun. But--"
"You're going with Sofia."
"Yeah. She has her moments, but she tends to stay laser-focused on business at events like this."
"I wish I was going with you. You'd have so much more fun with me. Just like at your engagement party."
"Maybe it's a good thing I'm not bringing you, then. You were dangerous that night."
"Just that night?"
Lee Know glances over at me, his eyes darkening.
"And every night since. It's not fair to tease me when I'm suppose to keep my eyes on the road."
"I never said I play fair."
"(Y/N)..."
His voice is low, almost a growl...and I decide to go easy on him, since he did just rescue me.
"Fine, fine, I'll be good... For now."
But I keep holding onto his hand the rest of the drive home. Finally, the night of the gala arrives. I'm trying not to let my jealously get the better of me...so there's a pizza on the way and a new movie to watch with the boys. Suddenly, there's a knock at my door, and I throw it open, expecting Mason or Mickey.
"Are you boys ready to have fun--"
I open the door to find Lee Know dressed in fancy clothes.
"Lee Know...you look amazing."
I reach out to adjust his jacket lapels, smoothing my hands down his chest.
"There. Now you're perfect."
"What would I do without you?"
"Walk around with a wrinkled lapel, I expect."
Lee Know chuckles, then clears his throat.
"(Y/N), I know this is terrible short notice, but...will you be my date to the gala?"