Future Me and My Love

The rain drummed against the large glass windows of Wang Hotels' executive suite, the rhythm matching the storm inside Lee's mind. She sat behind her desk, attempting to focus on the documents spread before her, but the ink on the contracts blurred as her thoughts wandered elsewhere—to Gen.

No matter how hard she tried, Gen's voice, her teasing smirk, and that ridiculous confidence wouldn't leave her alone.

"You slapped me because you thought I was with Nam. That's not exactly the reaction of someone who doesn't care."

Lee let out a slow breath, clenching her jaw. It had been days since that incident, and yet the moment played on repeat in her mind. She had acted out of impulse, out of something she refused to name. And now, every time she saw Gen, she felt an unsettling mix of guilt, frustration, and something even deeper.

Her mother's voice still echoed in her head from their last conversation.

"You will marry Joon, and that's final. Stop with this nonsense."

"I don't want to."

"You don't have a choice, Lee."

A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.

"Come in," Lee called, straightening in her seat.

Her secretary stepped inside. "Miss Lee, the chef is here for the menu review."

Lee's heart skipped for a moment before she composed herself. "Send her in."

A moment later, the door opened again, and in walked Gen.

Lee had prepared herself, but the sight of Gen still caught her off guard. The woman carried herself with her usual effortless confidence, a slightly damp blazer draped over her shoulders from the rain, her short hair perfectly tousled. She looked unfazed, as if their last confrontation hadn't even happened.

"Good evening, Miss Future Chairwoman," Gen greeted with a smirk, setting the menu down in front of Lee.

Lee rolled her eyes. "Let's keep this professional."

Gen chuckled, taking a seat. "Of course. I wouldn't dare distract the next heir of Wang Hotels."

Lee sighed, flipping open the menu. The selections were well thought out, blending traditional favorites with innovative new dishes.

"You've done a good job," Lee admitted without looking up.

Gen placed a hand over her heart dramatically. "Wow. A compliment? I must be dreaming."

Lee shot her a glare. "Don't get used to it."

Gen leaned forward, her teasing expression softening just slightly. "Come on, Lee. Can we at least acknowledge the tension here?"

"There is no tension."

Gen raised an eyebrow. "Really? So if I walked around the hotel with someone else, you wouldn't care?"

Lee's grip on the menu tightened slightly.

"Why should I?" she asked, her voice carefully neutral.

Gen smirked. "Just checking."

Lee stood abruptly, closing the menu. "If we're done here, I have work to do."

Gen also stood, sliding her hands into her pockets. "Alright, boss. But let me know when you're ready to admit it."

Lee clenched her jaw. "Admit what?"

"That you don't actually want to marry that guy."

Lee inhaled sharply, her patience wearing thin. "Goodnight, Gen."

Gen studied her for a moment before giving a small, knowing smile. "Goodnight, Lee."

As Gen walked out, Lee let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding.

She stared at the door long after Gen had left, her heart pounding against her ribs.

She had always been in control.

So why did it feel like she was losing it every time Gen was near?