Chapter 191: Failed

When Mina finished showering, she slipped into the most comfortable pajamas she owned. It was a cute pink crop top with matching three quarter pants. She loved the way the smooth cotton felt, and it was her favorite thing to sleep in. She toweled off her hair and stepped into the bedroom, where she was greeted by the wide-eyed President Lee. Mina shrieked so loudly that it caused the man to visibly panic. He rushed forward and covered her mouth with his trembling hands.

"Shh, Shh, I didn't know you were showering," he said in a whisper. Mina narrowed her eyes and for the second time, she slapped the man across the face, although this time was not as hard as the first. Only then, did he let her mouth go.

"I deserved that," he said, and he knew that he did.

Mina's body was otherworldly. Her ample chest stood straight up without help, and the curves of her body were like smooth ocean waves. Everything about her was perfect to him, and he knew that there were plenty of others who felt the same way. If he were honest with himself, he knew he should have left when the strong citrus aroma filled the air. It was a clear indicator that Mina had just ended her bath, but a part of him wanted to see her wrapped in a towel.

Unfortunately for him, Mina was wise enough to use the changing room, so instead he only got to see her in her girly pink pajamas. Not that it was not a pleasant sight, because it was. It just covered too much of what he knew only his eyes had seen. Coming to his senses, Ian turned his face away from the fuming Mina.

"President Lee, I don't know what impression I've given you, but these cheap tricks will not work. Whatever I did wrong, just tell me. Otherwise stop with the mind games," she said angrily.

Ian felt wronged, he was not just trying to win Mina's favor by eating dinner with her. Everything was supposed to lead to the revelation that she could now confidently walk into any company and gain employment. Ian had only come back to tell her that he was the one who made it possible, and that she would not have to pay a cent to Maggie.

Out of habit, Ian turned to look Mina in the eye while replying, but she used a single finger to nudge his head back in the opposite direction. He had to stifle a laugh. If only she knew how annoyed he would have been by her actions had she been anyone else, but because it was her, Ian found it amusing.

"I'm not used to having a woman in the house," Ian said.

"Then please get used to it." With that Mina ducked back into the changing room.

Not wanting to push his luck, Ian left. He could always talk to Mina later.

----

The next morning, Luna waited in Tavin's office. She did not know why she was so nervous, but the anxiety caused her to pace back and forth. She had not slept well, and she did not bother with dressing up.

When Tavin entered, he was as handsome as the first day she saw him. His brown hair was perfectly combed, and his golden skin looked flawless, even under the harsh fluorescent lighting of the room.

Tavin wore casual black slacks with a blue dress shirt and blue tie. Seeing how professional and clean cut he looked, Luna regretted not putting a little effort into her appearance that morning.

"About last night," Luna started to say, but her lips were sealed by his finger.

"I'll do it, but I need to know why." Tavin listened carefully as Luna explained the situation. "I don't think I like that Lisa person much," was his only take away.

"She is just like my brother. She only cares about her career," Luna said.

"On the other hand, that Shai person may not be someone we can easily fool. Should we put on a bit of an act?" Tavin asked. Even if it were just pretending, he was going to use the opportunity to his full advantage.

----

Mina felt exhausted. Straight after breakfast, she was forced to dust her room from top to bottom. All the while Carmen stayed with her and made sure she was doing things in a 'proper manner'. Mina grumbled under her breath. She knew President Lee leaving a tantalizing plate of food in front of her was a test, and she obviously failed, but what lesson was he trying to teach her? If it were a lesson in pride, he was mistaken to think she did not have any. In fact, she had greatly modified her behavior to avoid his ire. If he wanted her to further prostrate herself, she would not even know where to begin. By the time she finished dusting, she felt as if the room itself needed to be cleaned. Mina silently cursed the man responsible for her current state. She could not wait for a chance to enact her plan.

----

Luna awkwardly sat across from Tavin at a nearby cafe. The man had suggested being seen together in an intimate setting and although she knew it was fake, she could not help but to feel nervous. It was not the first time they had gone out alone, and as far as she was concerned it was not their first date, but Tavin seemed to be under the exact opposite impression. He was busy making small talk as if he were genuinely interested in what she had been doing since they parted ways.

"Luna, if you behave anymore awkwardly, there will be no point to this charade. You might as well tell your brother and get it over with," Tavin said.

"I'm sorry, it's just been a while."

"It's been awhile since you went out to eat?" Tavin asked with a raised brow.

"It's been a while since I've gone out with you," she replied.