Chapter 1: A Lie to Escape

The ex-CEO of CJW Construction, Mr. O Il Wook was seen in distress lately as the contract of one of their partners' company was taken over by his rivalry company, JCB Construction. It has been years ever since CJW Construction company was striking for the best and was always nominated for the best building construction company but that year, JCB Construction stole their partners and bribed them into taking over. To make sure CJW Construction was not fully controlled by them, the CEO of CJW Construction wanted to take some precautions. He wanted to marry off his only son, Jiwook to the daughter of the CEO of JCB Construction, Melinda Ryu Jee.

She studied in the States for Business Management and graduated there and now she is handling her dad's finance in the office. She is said to be stylish and arrogant because she thinks she could win anything or anyone with money. She doesn't care much about people's needs and doesn't extend much of a helping hand to those who are in need. She doesn't hesitate to fire people because of their simple mistakes or has any guilt over firing people for petty reasons. She is said to get what she wants and she knows her way with her dad is getting what she wants.

The only son of CJW Construction is Mr. Jiwook, his full name, Chang Ji Wook, is equally the same but he knows how to treat his employees and other staff in the building in the proper way. He is said to be a stone-hearted person sometimes when it comes to having deals and contracts with other companies. He is a strict and very organized person as he is very particular when it comes to work and meetings. He needs to be told an hour earlier about the meetings that he would be having that day and because of this negligence, he had fired about 10 of his P.As. He told his dad when his dad handed him the company, that he does not need any P. As he could handle the work himself and he thinks no one would be compatible with his workload and to keep up with him.

Mr. O Il: Son, you have to do this for me. I am very ill and I cannot afford to see our company that I build from scratch crumble just like that.

Jiwook: Dad, I can talk to them. There is no need for me to marry in their family to keep the company. I don't believe in this.

Mr. O II: Can't you even do this favor for your dying father? Are you that stone-hearted?

Jiwook looked at his dad who was already very ill from a terminal disease and was bedridden recently. He bit his lips and tried to control his anger in front of his dad. He did not want to get hitched with someone he doesn't know and definitely not because of business sake.

Mr. O II: Let's call them over and speak with them about the marriage. I like the girl. Have you seen her yet?

Jiwook: It doesn't matter now. She will be coming over for the meeting later.

Mr. O II smiled at Jiwook and held his hand. Jiwook would do anything for his dad who is ill and on his death bed.

Mr. O II: Why are you so against this? Are you in love? Tell me because if you are in love, we will drop this matter.

Jiwook looked at his dad again and thought. He was thinking of a way to persuade his dad to drop the matter so he nodded his head and smiled. Mr. O II was shocked but kept a calm face.

Mr. O II: If you don't bring her to meet me within these 3 months, I will take this marriage with Melinda a deal.

Jiwook nodded and smiled at his dad again. He assured me that he would bring the love of his life to his dad within that 3 months. Jiwook felt guilty of lying to his dad who have so much trust in him and would give him a chance to prove to him that he could bring someone in front of him. Jiwook left his dad's room and closed the door behind him. He took out his phone and dialed one of his cousins, Hae Rae for help.

Jiwook: Can you come over to the guest house in an hours' time? It is urgent!

Jiwook ended the call and decided to take a shower before heading to his guest house which was just 20 minutes from his house. During high school and his university times, Jiwook and his friends with his cousins would hang out in that huge guest house. There is a swimming pool and a huge basement which was their favorite spot for their hang-out sessions. Jiwook finished his shower and got out of the bathroom with his towel. He picked a casual outfit and brushed his hair neatly. He took his car keys and got out of his room as he looked back to his dad's room. No noise, so he is sleeping soundly.

Jiwook walked down the stairs and opened the front gate and got into his car. He just wanted to get to his guest house as soon as possible as he was now trapped with his dad's idea of bringing a girl to him. Hae Rae is the only person whom he can trust and rely on when times like this so Jiwook wanted to see what Hae Rae would say in this matter. He drove to his guest house and parked his luxurious car in his porch as Hae Rae's car also approached the house porch.

Hae Rae: What is so urgent? Is everything okay with you and your dad?

Jiwook: Yeah, everything is okay. My dad wants me to marry Melinda to save the company.

Hae Rae: Who? Melinda the daughter of the JCB company?

Jiwook: Yes, but I convinced my dad not to do that.

Hae Rae: How did you convince your dad?

Jiwook: I told him that I am in love...

Hae Rae who was sipping his beer can almost spat out his beer and choked at Jiwook's words. His eyes widened and got confused at the same time.

Hae Rae: You did what again?! Jiwook! And your dad bought that?

Jiwook: Yes! He told me to bring over my girlfriend within three months.

Hae Rae: If not?

Jiwook: He would proceed to marry me off with Melinda.

Hae Rae: This is critical now. You in love and Melinda, I pity you, man!

Jiwook: I don't know what to do now. Where to find a girl who would be my girlfriend?

Hae Rae: I know a girl who would be willing to be your girlfriend but you need to pay her.

Jiwook: I am willing to pay her! Just give me her number.

Hae Rae: She has done this so many times as side income so she is experienced...

Jiwook: Glad to hear that. I just need someone whom I can boss around and tell her what to do for me so that my dad will not be suspicious.

Hae Rae: Don't worry about that! You are in good hands now. Now, let's celebrate this idea of mine!

Hae Rae and Jiwook drank beer and swam in the swimming pool that evening till it was dark. They stayed in that guest house till the next morning as Jiwook had to get ready for work. Hae Rae, as promised, texted Jiwook her number and told Jiwook to settle payment and other details from her.