The second meeting with Kang Jiho wasn't just cold; it was downright frigid. The man had an uncanny ability to make the very air in the room feel hostile. I arrived early, determined to set a professional tone, but he was already there—his eyes fixed on the sprawling view of the lake through the glass windows. He didn't acknowledge me as I entered. Not a glance, not a nod. Just silence.
I cleared my throat, trying to gather my courage. "Mr. Kang," I started, carefully setting my bag down on the table. "I'd like to discuss how we'll proceed with your sessions."
"No," he said, cutting me off without turning around.
"No?" I echoed, caught off guard.
He finally turned, his dark eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my skin prickle. "No, because you're assuming I'll follow your plan. Let's get one thing clear: I agreed to this arrangement for my own reasons, not because I believe in your methods."
"Then why did you agree?" The words slipped out before I could think better of them. His lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, I thought he might actually throw me out.
Instead, he moved closer, his steps measured and deliberate. "You'll find out eventually. For now, understand this: I'm not your usual client. Don't treat me like one."
"And what exactly does that mean?" I asked, refusing to back down.
He studied me for a long moment, as if weighing how much to reveal. "It means you'll need to earn my trust. Until then, you're just another obligation."
The words stung more than I cared to admit. But instead of arguing, I took a deep breath and nodded. "Trust isn't built overnight, Mr. Kang. I'm not here to push you; I'm here to help you. Whether or not you accept that is your choice."
For the first time, something flickered in his expression—something almost vulnerable. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by his usual stoic mask.
---
Later that evening, I sat in the small guest room I'd been assigned. The mansion was as cold inside as it was outside, and the silence felt oppressive. I couldn't help but replay our conversation in my mind, wondering what lay beneath Jiho's icy exterior. His hostility wasn't just a defense mechanism; it was a fortress.
Just as I was about to lose myself in my thoughts, there was a knock at the door. Startled, I opened it to find the butler standing there, his expression as unreadable as ever.
"Mr. Kang requests your presence in the study," he said.
"Now?" I glanced at the clock. It was well past 10 p.m.
"Yes, Miss Yoon."
I followed him back to the study, my heart pounding. When I entered, Jiho was seated behind his desk, his laptop pushed aside. This time, he looked at me as I walked in, his gaze heavy with something I couldn't quite place.
"Sit," he said, gesturing to the chair across from him.
I obeyed, waiting for him to speak. For a moment, he simply stared at me, his expression unreadable.
"Do you know why I don't trust people?" he asked finally.
The question caught me off guard, but I answered honestly. "No. But I'm willing to listen if you want to tell me."
His lips twitched in what might have been a bitter smile. "Everyone I've ever trusted has let me down. Family, friends, business partners. They all had their price."
I nodded slowly, sensing the raw emotion behind his words. "I'm sorry you've experienced that. But not everyone is like that, Mr. Kang."
He leaned back in his chair, his gaze piercing. "And what about you, Miss Yoon? Are you here for the paycheck? For your family's reputation?"
The question stung, but I met his gaze head-on. "I'm here because I believe I can help you. And yes, my family's expectations brought me here, but that doesn't change my intentions."
He studied me for a long moment before nodding, as if satisfied with my answer. "We'll see."
---
That night, as I lay in bed, I couldn't shake the feeling that Kang Jiho was testing me. Every word, every glance seemed calculated. But beneath his icy demeanor, there was a pain he couldn't hide. And for the first time, I wondered if I was in over my head.
But one thing was clear: Kang Jiho wasn't just a client. He was a puzzle. And I was determined to solve him.