Chapter Eleven

BIDDING ON LOVE

A couple of minutes after Yoona entered her apartment, her phone rang, displaying an unknown number. She hesitated but answered, placing the phone on speaker and setting it on the kitchen counter as she grabbed a glass of water.


“Hi,” came the voice from the speaker.


“Junho?” Yoona said, surprised.


“You didn’t save my number?”


“How did you get my number?”


“We exchanged business cards the day we first met, remember?”


“Ah, right. So, why are you calling?”



All photos used are not mine; all proper credits belong to the rightful owners.


“Well, maybe I just couldn’t stop thinking about our lovely dinner,” Junho said with a playful tone.


Yoona raised an eyebrow, smiling slightly. “Is that so? Or are you already bored?”


“Maybe a bit of both,” he admitted, laughing softly. “But actually, I wanted to make sure you got my invitation.”


“Invitation?”


“Yes, I think you’ll see it tomorrow, but part of the reply I sent to your thank you email includes an invitation to the garden party our group is hosting. Members of the board, all executives of San-San Group, and many of our company’s partners will be attending. I wanted to extend the invite to you personally.”


“You said you already sent this via email.”


“Yes.”


“Then why are you calling to invite me again?” Yoona's curiosity was piqued.


There was a brief pause. “I guess I want to hear your ‘yes’ and not just read it.”


……


“What makes you think I’d say yes?”


Junho chuckled, a hint of flirtation in his voice. “Maybe because you enjoyed our dinner tonight?”


“Maybe,” Yoona teased. “But that doesn’t mean I’m easily won over by garden parties.”


“Oh, come on. It’ll be fun. Besides, I might need someone to save me from a boring conversation with the board members.”


“Using me as a lifeline already? That’s a bold move, Junho.”


“Only because I know you’re more than capable,” he replied smoothly.


Yoona laughed softly. “You’re persistent, I’ll give you that.”


“I like to think of it as charmingly determined.”


“Is that what you tell yourself?” she said, her tone playful.


“Only when it works. So, will you come?”


Yoona paused, enjoying the banter and the unexpected warmth she felt. “Alright, I’ll come. But only because you asked so nicely.”


Junho's relief was audible. “Great! I’m looking forward to it. See you there, Yoona.”


As she ended the call, Yoona suppressed a smile, feeling a flutter of anticipation for the upcoming event.


All photos used are not mine; all proper credits belong to the rightful owners.

----

All photos used are not mine; all proper credits belong to the rightful owners.

It was a little after 3 PM of that cloudy Saturday when Yoona arrived at the tea party venue, which was the grand estate of the Seo-Lee family. The house was an impressive, modern structure, its sleek white facade gleaming under the afternoon sun. As she stepped inside, she was immediately welcomed by impeccably dressed servants in black suits, each equipped with discreet earpieces, adding to the air of sophistication.


She followed a marble stairwell that led to the expansive garden. As soon as she arrived, she was captivated by the breathtaking decor. The garden was a sea of vibrant flowers, arranged artfully around tall tables draped in crisp white linens. A string quartet played softly in the background, filling the air with enchanting melodies. Classic adornments were scattered throughout, yet each one had a modern twist, creating a perfect blend of elegance and contemporary style.


Junho saw Yoona first, his eyes locking onto her as she entered. She wore a beautiful sage dress that accentuated her serene beauty, making her look almost ethereal. The dress’s color highlighted her complexion, and the delicate fabric flowed gracefully as she moved, giving her an aura of effortless elegance. Junho couldn’t help but admire her; she was a vision, a stark contrast to the cold businesswoman he had initially met. Drawn to her like a bee to the most exquisite flower, Junho approached her.


All photos used are not mine; all proper credits belong to the rightful owners.


He came up behind Yoona, causing her to startle slightly before she turned.


“Didn’t expect to see you here, Ms. Lim,” he teased, a grin spreading across his face.


“Considering you practically begged me to come, I’m surprised you didn’t roll out a red carpet,” she replied, a smirk playing on her lips. 


As she spoke, she noticed how dashing the fine man in front of her is. Junho is wearing a white casual suit over a matching shirt. The outfit perfectly complemented his tall, lean frame, giving him an air of relaxed sophistication. His confidence was evident, but there was something more – a warmth in his eyes that made him even more captivating.


All photos used are not mine; all proper credits belong to the rightful owners.


“I’ll make a note for next time,” Junho chuckled. “Shall we get a drink?” he offered, gesturing towards the refreshment table.


As they walked towards the drinks, their conversation flowed easily, filled with intelligent, flirty banter.


“So, do you always make such dramatic entrances?” Junho asked, handing her a glass of champagne.


“Only when there’s someone worth impressing,” Yoona quipped, taking a sip. “And from what I’ve seen, it doesn’t take much to stand out here.”


“Touché,” Junho laughed.


Their lighthearted exchange was interrupted by Junho's older brother, Seo Yul, who approached with an air of authority. 


"Junho, aren't you going to introduce me to your guest?" Seo Yul's voice was smooth, but his eyes held a calculating gleam.



Chapter Ten |  Chapter Twelve (Coming Soon)


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