It was exactly twelve noon and Haeji was impatiently waiting in her seat. She expected them to have reached but it didn't cross her mind that she was actually half and hours early from the appointed time.
Maybe it's because she was feeling nervous or maybe it's because of the fact that she's going to take a big risk with what she's going to do.
Not once did she thought she was going to do this but the current situation didn't allow her to have many choices and this was the best way out.
Even though this might probably change everything that she had now, she's willing to take the risk since if she executed her plan right, sooner or later everything going to be hers.
So to her, if it meant that she has to lose now, she'll just gladly accept it.
As she was slowly losing her cool, her phone vibrated, indicating that she has an incoming call. At first, she thought it was Minseok and was ready to give him a piece of her mind.
But when she saw the number on her phone screen, she quickly cools herself before answering the call.
"Hello? Is Haeji there? This is Minjoon speaking."
Haeji silently squeals in excitement. The anger she had early completely vanish as soon as she heard his voice.
"Yes! Er, I mean, yes. This is Haeji here. What brings you to call me on such a lovely day?"
Honestly, she felt like slapping herself. What's with the 'such a lovely day'? As if she would answer like that in real life. She felt like puking when she thinks about it.
And what the hell was she thinking? Feeling all excited by Minjoon's call. He was just to be a pawn in her plan. She shouldn't have any feelings for him.
"Hahaha! That was so cute. And yes, it's indeed such a lovely day. That's why I thought of bringing you out for dinner tonight. Think you're up for it? If you're busy, we can just go another time."
Her heart was beating fast when she heard his laughter. Haeji never expected for Minjoon to call her cute. Was she dreaming or was this really happening?
The Minjoon she had a crush on for such a long time and the Minjoon that was going to make her have everything. Did he really just called her cute and ask her out on a date?
Haeji just couldn't believe her ears. It was as if God had answered her prayers. Indeed, it was worthwhile to wait rather than to make the first move.
Who says Minjoon didn't have any feelings for her? Maybe he was just shy or maybe he just didn't want to be pressured.
If he really does have feelings for her, it seems it wouldn't be long till she becomes Mrs. Kim, the First Lady of Kim Corporation. Oh, she just couldn't wait for it to happen.
Because then, she can get rid of Haeun once and for all and everything will be hers. No more needing to worry about that obnoxious bitch and no more feeling like she's powerless inside the Lee family.
"Oh no. It's okay. I'm free this afternoon. Where do we meet? Is there any dress code?"
She asks as a small blush crept up on her cheeks.
"Just dress comfortably, that will do. And you don't have to worry. I will pick you up at your grandparent's house? Is that okay? Because it's been quite some time since I visited them too."
Hearing Minjoon mentioning her grandparents made her snap out of her thoughts.
Minjoon can't possibly meet her grandparents. Because if he did, there would be a bigger mess to clean up.
Seeing that Minjoon was talking to her normally, it would mean that he still doesn't know about the rumor. And she would like to keep it that way.
She just needed to butter up her way into Minjoon's heart during the dinner and he might just be able to help her out of this mess.
Though it's not exactly a full proof plan, at least it was worth the try.
"Oh.. Erm, can you pick me up at my condo residence instead? Cause grandmother and grandfather are busy with something today. They have a guest from overseas coming and you don't want to disturb them, do you?"
Haeji quickly made up an excuse to prevent Minjoon from visiting her grandparents. Though she was used to lying and acting all the time, this time it was different.
This time, it was Minjoon whom she's speaking to and she can't possibly make herself get found out.
He is going to be her ultimate key to achieving her dream and if he hated her or worst, found out what she was up to, this would be the end for her.
Because without Minjoon, she wouldn't be powerful enough to control whoever she wanted. Only with the title of Mrs. Kim would she easily get whatever she wants.
Money, power, control, and respect. All this would be hers without she even needing to lift a finger. With only just one title, she will get all of that.
But to get that, she needs Minjoon to be completely all over her.
"I see. Okay then. I will pick you up at six later? Is that enough time for you to get ready?"
Haeji could imagine his face as he said those words over the phone. Oh, how wonderful would it be if she could see his precious smile.
The smile that worth millions and could melt any ladies heart in an instant. The smile that any ladies would die for it to be only meant for her.
But soon, she will be the lucky lady that gets to see his smile every day. Just the thought of all the ladies wishing to her, had her laughing gleefully in her mind.
"Oh yes, that's more than enough time. I'll see you later at six then."
The call ended and Haeji was basking in joy. She can't wait to meet Minjoon for dinner later. This was going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity for her and she's not going to waste it.
If it needed for her to act all girlish and shy in front on Minjoon, then so be it. Because nothing is more important to her than getting Minjoon in her grasp.
As Haeji was thinking of what to wear that evening, she was interrupted by one of her guards.
"Boss! They're here. Do you want me to escort them in?"
She clicks her tongue in annoyance and glared at him. Why does she have such people working for her? Isn't it obvious? Did they expect her to do the escorting instead?
Haeji sigh in frustration as she gave him the signal to bring them in. She wonders to herself just how long she can keep up with all these dimwit guards of hers.
She then quickly adjusted her appearance and made a smile appeared on her face as she heard footsteps coming her way.
Haeji made sure that she looks just enough to pass as someone who was excited yet curious to meet someone dear to her.
As she saw Minseok entering, she knew that was her cue.
She immediately stood up from her seat and cried, slowly walking towards him and Haeun.
"Omg! You're alive! You're really alive! How thankful am I to know that you're safe, cousin! Do you know how long we have been looking for you? Grandmother and Grandfather will finally feel at ease now that you've been found."
Haeji forced herself to hug the stunned Haeun in a tight embrace, all while she fake cries her reliefs. In actuality, she was rolling her eyes out at her pathetic act.
All this just for a damn title. It better be worth it, she thought.
After all, she has to keep up with this act for god knows how long before she can wipe out this troublesome bitch.
"Erm, I'm sorry but who are you? Min, what's this? You said we came here because you're treating me to lunch. Who's this lady? Please don't tell me she's your mistress?!"
Honestly, Haeji was a little bit taken aback when Haeun pushes her away amidst their 'embrace'. She didn't expect that to happen.
She would be screwed if Haeun had seen the face she made. Thankfully, she was quick to naturally let her emotion take control of her feelings.
"Honey, that's not it! This is your long lost cousin. She and her family have been searching for you everywhere for the past few years. I wanted for it to be a surprise meeting but it seems you're not accepting the situation that well."
Seeing Minseok quickly running to Haeun and ease her out made Haeji impress with him. She didn't expect he was someone that could act so well.
The last time she saw someone with such impressive acting was her Mother. And to think that she had actually picked out a gem to help her out. Oh, what luck does she have.
"Cousin? But my parents never mention that to me. Are you sure she's finding me? I'm sure she's mistaking me for someone else. It happens to me a lot of time. Maybe because I don't have a beautiful face like hers."
Haeji almost blurted out cursing words when Minseok abruptly started coughing out of nowhere. He wasn't even drinking any water for him to suddenly choke like that.
Just what exactly that made him cough loudly so suddenly? It wasn't like Haeun had said anything unexpected for him to react in such a way. Just when she had approved his acting skills.
"Are you okay? Do you need some water? Here. I've already ordered a drink for both of you."
Haeji smiles as she passes a drink to Minseok. Though the situation was unexpected, it did make way for her to successfully execute her plan.
Having seen Haeun patting Minseok's back and looking at him worryingly, she realized that they were still standing.
So, she took the opportunity and acted as if she has forgotten and invited them to take a seat.
"Oh? Please do pardon my manners. I should have asked you guys to sit down first. This happens when you're such a forgetful person. Do take a seat and let me explain everything."
She smiles as she guided Haeun and Minseok to their seats. Though she was smiling, she was actually laughing in the inside.
How could she not when Haeun had stupidly and unknowingly fallen into her trap, just like a rat eating a slice of cheese off a mouse trap, having no idea what's going to happen to her.