Chapte

d in her chest, there was an undercurrent of anxiety that never fully left. Valentine had chosen to embrace the life that Jang Woo was offering, and as the days counted down to her departure, she found herself

her clothes, toiletries, and a few keepsakes-still lay scattered on her dresser. She hadn't been able to bring herself to zip the bag up completely. Leaving behind the life she had built, the only life

ing her from her thoughts. Valentine pick

at 8 AM sharp. We'll get you settled into your new home and the

ess. The anticipation of what awaited her filled her with a mixture of excitement an

s pausing as she wondered how best to respond. *

ly: *"It's my pleasure. I'll

was made. Tomorrow, she would step into a new world, a world she had never imagined for herself-a

-

She quickly got out of bed and moved through her morning routine with a mechanical precision. She showered, dressed, and made herself a quick breakfast, all while

door. Valentine's heart skipped a beat, and she glanced

r, taking a deep breath as she ope

rk hair was perfectly styled, and his intense, ocean-blue eyes met hers with a depth that made her breath catch

e smooth, yet laced with the undercurrent of something de

llow him into the apartment. "I think so," she said softly, h

king over the belongings she had yet to pack away. "

orcing a smile. "Yeah. It

"I understand. It's a big transition, but you've got everything i

s intimidating. The luxury, the fast-paced business world, the social circles-all of it seemed so far removed from the life she had known in her smal

ping forward to grab her suitcase. "The sooner we

time. The place felt empty now, as though it was closing

pered, her voice

-

se. Valentine's mind was consumed with everything she was leaving behind. Her family. Mason. Her friends. Her child

h a casual question. "Have you

, not really. I've only heard stories. I

ps. "Well, now you have a reason. It's a beautiful city. It's on

tered, her voice bar

hink that this time tomorrow, she would be in a different city, in a different world altogether. The reality of her decision wa

-

lentine couldn't help but notice the way people looked at him-admiring, respectful, even fearful. It was clear he was a m

thing about it was a stark contrast to her simple life-plush seats, sleek wood pane

rom her, his gaze still intense

e steady. "I'm fine. Just.

your time. But remember, you don't have to be perfec

ew life wasn't as daunting as she had imagined. Maybe

the city below grew smaller and smaller. The familiar ground was slipping away beneath he

change, and there wa