Na Rae exhaled as she peered at the lofty building. Standing by the foot of the skyscraper, she stared at its magnificent architecture. One could say that this was like a modern palace--a present-day castle where the CEO was the king and she's nothing but a lowly peasant. Her only dream was to live a comfortable life in which no one can hurt her anymore. However, this isn't a fairytale. This is just another day in her miserable life.
She held onto the envelope tightly. Squaring her shoulders, she then proceeded to enter the grand lobby of Summit Group International. Na Rae had already informed Min Jae of her visit. Apparently, she's an outsider that needs an appointment first before meeting the majestic CEO. Min Jae didn't reply so she was unsure whether she would be granted the permission to enter. Nonetheless, she decided that she would wait. She would wait for him even if it takes until dawn.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Choi. Your request for an appointment has been declined by Mr. Lee." The receptionist declared.
Na Rae blinked as she processed this. 'Declined by Mr. Lee.' "Oh." She mumbled. Scoffing, she slowly nodded in response. "I understand."
Just like that he had easily cut her off again. She had been trying to contact him for the past few days but to her dismay, her every attempt would be rejected. Na Rae sighed before turning to ask the receptionist again. "By the way, can I ask what time Mr. Lee usually leaves his office? It's really important that I see him right now and I would really appreciate it if you help me out this time."
The receptionist kept a professional demeanor as she addressed Na Rae. "I apologize, Ms. Choi. The CEO's schedule is a private matter and I'm afraid I can't disclose this information with you." She answered. "Please leave now before I call for security."
Na Rae's free hand balled into a fist. It completely slipped her mind that she already had a record here. Thus, she impulsively cursed under her breath before looking at the woman before her with a painfully sarcastic smile. "Alright, I won't ask again. But please... forward my request to the CEO once more." She requested and soon after, she made her way to the guest lounge near the café.
Minutes quickly turned into hours as Na Rae continued to wait. She was the only one seated in the area. Hence, she was easily noticed and she was often eyed by employees that were passing by. Even the security guards were frequently glancing at her direction, cautious that she might attempt to start trouble again.
By dusk, Na Rae was already beginning to grow impatient. She was very tempted to march up to the receptionist and demand that she see Min Jae in an instant however, she was held back by scrutinizing eyes that were upon her. She couldn't risk acting brassily. And so even though she was already itching to throw a tantrum, she tried her best to remain calm.
A few moments later, her stomach began to grumble. She could usually handle skipping a single meal but due to her pregnancy, her hunger was now twice as strong than the norm. Moreover, her cravings makes it worse! Na Rae placed a hand on her lower abdomen. "Hey, quit making me so hungry all the time." She absentmindedly muttered. "I haven't even seen your dad."
Her empty stomach replied with a deep growl. Consequently, Na Rae winced. Finally convinced that she should go fetch some food, she stood up and departed the guest's lounge. She was nearly outside the office doors when suddenly, she noticed the employees showing courtesy towards her direction. Turning around, at last, she saw the man she had been waiting for.
Min Jae had just exited the elevator and his presence immediately gathered every employee's attention. He was backed up by two guards and on his side, Secretary Yoo was speaking to him about something. Na Rae didn't think any further. Without hesitation, she walked up to him right away.
"Lee Min Jae!" She called out. Min Jae's eyes flickered towards her. Of course, the eyes of his security guards drifted to her as well. Even Secretary Yoo had stopped reporting as he turned to look at her. "We need to talk." She announced as soon as he was only a few feet from her reach. Instinctively, the guards blocked her way.
"We need to talk." Na Rae repeated.
Min Jae inserted his hands on his pockets. "There's nothing for us to talk about, Ms. Choi." He replied, showing no hint of emotion. "Please leave."
Everyone was beginning to look at the commotion in the lobby. To avoid rumors from further developing, Min Jae turned to his heel as he made his way to the other side. There was a hallway at the east side of the lobby and through that passage was where he was set to meet with the marketing department. His entourage followed after him.
Na Rae's brows furrowed as she was yet slapped with another rejection. With her blood boiling and fury thriving in her veins, she stomped and followed after him. She caught up to him by the hallway and from there, she shouted. "Lee Min Jae!!"
Min Jae didn't stop to even look at her. Instead, he continued to be on his way. "Bastard! Don't you dare f****** ignore me!" She threatened. "Min Jae!"
Fortunately, there were no people around. But with Na Rae making a fuss, the employees nearby would certainly grow intrigued. It wasn't long before guards from the security department arrived to restrain Na Rae. They held her by the arms and advised her to leave. Stubborn as she was, she still attempted to wrestle her way free from their grasps.
"I have the results! Isn't that what you want?!" She blurted out. With this, Min Jae actually halted in his tracks. "The results have already been given that's why I personally came here to tell you! Don't you even want to know?! Huh?!"
Na Rae struggled to pull her arm free. However, the guards were big men and compared to her small and fragile frame, she stood no chance. "Don't f****** touch me! Let me go!" She hissed at them.
Min Jae turned to face Na Rae. His face was expressionless. There was not even a hint of interest in his eyes as his gaze met hers. Na Rae dropped the envelope on the ground and kicked it with her foot so that it slid across the floor towards Min Jae's direction. "That's the certified copy of the result. See it for yourself." She breathed.
Secretary Yoo immediately fetched the envelope and gave it to his boss. "Mr. Lee." He presented.
Without taking away his eyes off of her, Min Jae pulled out the paper inside the stationary. His eyes were dark and cold. He was dead serious, yet his expression was still unreadable. His brown eyes flickered over to the white paper. Min Jae looked at it as if he was about to read its content but unexpectedly... he tore it into pieces.
He snorted. "Do you honestly think that I'll believe you?" He asked. Na Rae was left dumbfounded. "You're not a doctor so why the hell would I trust a word that comes out of your stupid mouth?" He challenged.
"It's positive, Min Jae. The result is positive!" She persisted.
But Min Jae on the other hand, remained adamant to his decision as well. Who knows whether or not this woman was telling the truth?! She could've easily manipulated it!
"Get out." He replied through gritted teeth. "Don't make me drag you out myself."