pte

side fading as the soft hum of the city seemed to blend with the pulse of her own thoughts. The folder Jang Woo had given her lay open on the small table

-a chance for financial stability, a chance to move up in the world. It would solve all her worries, the loans she'd taken out for her brother's edu

e loved her work at the daycare, loved the simple joys of helping children grow, watching them learn and thrive. It was fulfillin

was Jang W

around him. The thought of working so closely with someone like him, someone so intimidating and powerful, stirred a strange combination of excitement a

uncertainty, hope. She had always been the kind of person who played it safe, who followed the rules and took car

behind her small town, her family, her comfort zone, and

through the quiet. She picked it

ou to remember something. No matter what decision you make, it's yours

d faintly, feeling a wave of warmth spread through her. Her mother had a

t that this job would give her a chance to change everything. It could give her financial independence, freedom from debt, and a chanc

get where she was, and the thought of leaving everything behind, o

r her mind. She took deep breaths, allowing the silence t

and she had watched him grow into the charming and bright child he was today. He had a special place in her heart, and the idea of leav

r heart pounding as she crossed the room. She wasn't expecting anyone-her family lived far

door, her breath c

tood Ja

leather jacket-yet he still carried the same air of authority that made him impossible to ignore. His dark eyes locked onto hers, and for a mo

, unsure of what

. I thought we could talk in person. I realize you must have a lot on your mind, and I want to give y

his words. Was this a good sign? Or was he merely check

ask me that?" she asked, her v

ot in the habit of leaving things up to chance. If you ha

a little intimidating. His confidence was both a comfort and a challeng

to. She swallowed hard, glancing down at the floor for a moment. "I'm not su

ine. This isn't something I'm offering lightly. I believe in your potential, Valentine

hope, maybe it was fear-but it was strong

hold of her door. "Because I see something in you. I see strength, a drive that others might

lentine met his gaze, feeling the gravity of his statement. Was he of

o speak. He wasn't pushing her, not yet, but his presence alone m

er soon," she finally

r, then gave a slight nod. "Take your t

d there, her hand still on the door handle, her mind racing with everything she had just hea

s something in him that saw her-truly saw her-and

fear. The answer was within her reach, but she st