Chapter 11: Cold Fronts and Warm Hearts

...Woo-seok stepped out of his ice cream van, leaving behind the sweetness of the afternoon, and returned to the office. His demeanor changed entirely, shifting back into the cold, composed CEO he was known for. As he walked through the office doors, the atmosphere turned tense. Employees rushed to their desks, working faster under his icy gaze. Woo-seok’s footsteps echoed as he strode down the hallway, his expression hardening with every step....

...Inside his office, Woo-seok sat down at his desk, his usual scowl back in place. He flipped through reports, occasionally shouting instructions at his employees, his tone sharp and impatient. His assistant, standing by nervously, announced, "Sir, you have a visitor. May I let her in?"...

...Woo-seok, rubbing his temples tiredly, nodded. "Yes, send them in."...

...Moments later, Min Ji, Woo-seok’s childhood cousin, entered the office. She was radiant and confident, her eyes lingering on Woo-seok with a mix of nostalgia and mischief. "Woo-seok," she greeted warmly, taking a seat opposite him. "It's been a while."...

...Woo-seok glanced up briefly but quickly returned his focus to his work, barely acknowledging her presence. Min Ji continued speaking, trying to engage him in conversation, but his mind seemed elsewhere. Growing slightly irritated, Min Ji leaned forward, her voice soft and sultry. "Would you like to come to my place? It’s a family gathering… but you should come alone," she suggested, her eyes glinting with intent....

...Woo-seok barely looked up. "I’ll come, but not alone. And don’t get any closer or have hopes about us. My cold behavior will only break your heart," he responded curtly, his tone unyielding....

...Min Ji laughed, her voice dripping with playful defiance. "Oh, Woo-seok, you’re such a silly, cute bear craving love. You act all tough, but deep down, you’re just waiting for someone to melt that ice around your heart."...

...She leaned closer, her words becoming more flirtatious. "You know, I could be that someone. I could make you forget everything else…" she whispered, her fingers lightly brushing his arm....

...Woo-seok remained unbothered, ignoring her attempts to seduce him. His eyes stayed fixed on the paperwork in front of him, his indifference unshaken. Min Ji’s advances grew bolder, but Woo-seok’s icy demeanor was a shield she couldn’t penetrate. Frustrated yet amused by his resistance, she eventually left the office, throwing him a lingering look over her shoulder....

...As soon as Min Ji left, Woo-seok let out a deep sigh. He understood her intentions now. Determined to counter her plans, Woo-seok picked up his phone and called Song Yun. "Hey, there’s a gathering at my cousin’s place, and I want you to come with me. Everything you need—the dress, shoes, accessories—has been taken care of. Just show up, okay?"...

...Song Yun hesitated at first, but after some convincing, she agreed. When the package arrived, she was stunned by the extravagant ensemble. The dress was an elegant masterpiece, the fabric shimmering with an ethereal glow. The shoes were intricately designed, and the jewelry looked like something out of a fairy tale. She held up the dress, realizing it was worth more than her entire house. Though overwhelmed, Song Yun admired her reflection after getting ready; the hair stylist arranged by Woo-seok had done a fantastic job, making her look even more stunning. The dress hugged her figure perfectly, highlighting her beauty in a way that made her feel like royalty....

...She told her father about the event, and though he was initially hesitant, his open-minded nature prevailed. "Just be sure to come home early," he said, giving her a reassuring smile....

...When Song Yun stepped outside, she saw Woo-seok’s luxurious car waiting for her, its sleek design catching the eyes of everyone in the neighborhood. The neighbors peeked out from their windows, whispering and watching as Song Yun climbed into the car. Woo-seok sat inside, dressed in a sharp suit that matched the car’s elegance. The moment Song Yun entered, Woo-seok’s heart skipped a beat. His usual calm demeanor faltered as he took in her appearance. The way the hair brooch sparkled in her hair, the grace with which she carried herself—it all made his heart race, not from his illness, but from the sheer beauty before him....

..."You look… stunning," Woo-seok managed to say, his voice softer than usual. "That dress really suits you."...

...Song Yun blushed slightly, her cheeks warming at his compliment. "Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself," she replied with a shy smile....

...Woo-seok’s assistant drove them to Min Ji’s house, where the gathering was already in full swing. As they entered, Min Ji spotted them immediately. Her eyes darkened with jealousy when she saw Song Yun by Woo-seok’s side. She approached them, her smile strained. "Woo-seok, you made it. And who’s this lovely lady?" she asked, though her voice lacked warmth....

..."This is Song Yun," Woo-seok introduced, his tone polite but distant. As Min Ji reached out to shake hands with Song Yun, she clenched her fingers tightly, her grip conveying her displeasure....

...The party was lively, with guests mingling and music playing softly in the background. Woo-seok and Song Yun found a quiet corner where his assistant joined them, bringing a variety of dishes. They laughed and chatted, enjoying the evening despite the underlying tension from Min Ji’s presence....

...After some time, Song Yun excused herself to go to the washroom. Unbeknownst to her, Min Ji followed closely behind. As Song Yun entered the washroom, Min Ji, seething with jealousy, took a bucket filled with juice and poured it over Song Yun, drenching her dress. She quickly locked the door, trapping Song Yun inside....

...A few minutes passed, and Min Ji returned to the party, approaching Woo-seok with a sly smile. She placed her hand on his shoulder, trying to draw him closer. "Woo-seok, how about we get in the spotlight together?" she suggested, her voice laced with seduction....

...Woo-seok looked at her, utterly unimpressed. With a sarcastic smirk, he responded, "Sorry, Min Ji, but I’d rather drink expired milk than dance with you in the spotlight." His assistant, overhearing, snorted with laughter, trying to hide his amusement....

...Min Ji’s expression soured, but Woo-seok didn’t care.He scanned the room, his eyes narrowing as he noticed Song Yun’s absence. Growing increasingly worried, he began searching for her, his heart pounding in his chest. He heard faint, muffled cries from the washroom. His instincts kicking in, he approached the door and found it locked....

...“Song Yun, are you in there?” Woo-seok called out, his voice laced with urgency....

...“Yes, I’m here! The door’s locked!” Song Yun replied, her voice shaky....

...Without hesitation, Woo-seok used his strength, breaking the door open with a single forceful push. As the door gave way, he saw Song Yun standing there, soaked and shivering. Without a word, he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly....

...Song Yun felt a rush of safety wash over her, enveloped by his warmth and protective embrace. Woo-seok’s arms around her felt like a shield, strong and unwavering, and for a moment, the world around them disappeared....

... "I’m sorry. I should have been with you," he whispered softly, holding her close....

...Song Yun felt a rush of safety wash over her, enveloped by his warmth and protective embrace. Woo-seok’s arms around her felt like a shield, strong and unwavering, and for a moment, the world around them disappeared....

...Min Ji tried to intervene, feigning innocence. “I didn’t know… I swear…”...

...But Song Yun’s voice, though still shaky, cut through. “It was you, Min Ji. I heard you.”...

...Woo-seok said nothing, but the death glare he directed at Min Ji spoke volumes. His eyes were cold and unforgiving, a silent promise that he would not forget her actions. Without another word, he guided Song Yun out of the washroom and away from the gathering....

...Outside, he stopped, pulling Song Yun into another hug, his grip gentle but firm. Song Yun’s heart calmed in his embrace, feeling safer than she ever had. The steady beat of Woo-seok’s heart against her cheek, his protective hold, made her feel like she was exactly where she was meant to be....

...Woo-seok didn’t say much, but his actions spoke louder than any words. He brushed a strand of hair away from Song Yun’s face, his touch lingering softly. ...

...“You’re safe now,” he whispered, his voice low but full of promise. ...

...In that moment, Song Yun realized just how much Woo-seok’s presence meant to her. His cold exterior masked a heart that, when it mattered, beat fiercely for those he cared about. And as Woo-seok held her close, she knew she was in the safest place she could ever be....

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