The Weight of Deja Vu

Su Yeon's POV

"Let's go," Mr. Gwang said before stepping out of the car. I didn't reply, the air between us still thick with unspoken words. As we entered Gwang Hotel, the realization hit me—this must be where the investor meeting was being held.

The moment I stepped inside, I felt the weight of opulence pressing in from all sides. The grand chandelier overhead sparkled with an almost ethereal glow, reflecting off the pristine marble floors that seemed too immaculate for mere footsteps. The scent of fresh flowers, expensive cologne, and polished wood filled the air, wrapping around me like a delicate yet suffocating veil. It was breathtaking and overwhelming all at once.

I had never been anywhere this extravagant before. The sheer luxury of it all should have left me gaping, but strangely enough, it didn't. There was something unsettlingly familiar about this setting as if my body knew these surroundings even if my mind couldn't place why. The gliding movements of the staff, the soft murmur of high-profile conversations, the way the towering pillars stood as silent witnesses to power plays—none of it felt foreign. If anything, it felt like I had been here before, or somewhere just like it, a long time ago.

But that didn't make sense.

I forced myself to maintain my composure, swallowing down the unease creeping into my chest. This was not the time to be distracted.

Several higher-ups greeted Mr. Gwang at the entrance, one of them stepping forward.

"Welcome to Gwang Hotel, Mr. Gwang," the man greeted before bowing. "I trust your trip here was smooth?"

"No, unfortunately," Mr. Gwang replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm. I glanced at him briefly, wondering if he was always like this.

The man cleared his throat awkwardly before turning to me. "Ah, you must be new."

I bowed politely. "Yes, I am Shin Su Yeon, Mr. Gwang's new secretary."

"I am Lee Hyun Seok, it's—" Before he could continue, Mr. Gwang raised a hand, cutting him off.

"We're late. Skip the pleasantries," he stated flatly.

Hyun Seok quickly nodded. "Of course, sir. This way, please."

As we walked deeper into the hotel, my fingers brushed against the fabric of my blazer, grounding me. It was easy to feel out of place here, surrounded by men in tailor-made suits and women draped in designer labels, their very presence exuding a wealth I could barely comprehend. But strangely, I didn't feel entirely like an outsider. It was as if some part of me had once belonged to this world, had moved through it effortlessly. My reflection in the polished gold trim of the elevator doors showed nothing but an ordinary woman trying to blend in, yet the sense of déjà vu gnawed at me, persistent and unrelenting.

"Ms. Shin, where are you going?"

I turned back, confused. "Sir, I assumed you didn't like being crowded, so I was going to take the next elevator."

He raised a brow. "Don't get smart with me. You're my secretary. Get in."

"Yes, sir." I complied, noticing the surprised glances from some of the other employees. Did he normally ride alone?

I was so immersed in my thoughts that I didn't notice he was snapping his fingers at me.

"Ms. Shin, get your senses together. My hand is stopping the door, and I won't wait all day for your sluggishness."

I bowed apologetically before stepping in. "I'm sorry, sir. It won't happen again."

"I'll hold you to that." His tone was sharp but teasing. Then, after a pause, he added, "After listening to my conversation with my sister, speaking casually and suddenly acting like my ex is a big strike."

I stiffened. "I sincerely apologize, sir. It won't happen again." I bowed deeply, closing my eyes in embarrassment.

He chuckled. "You're fascinating, Ms. Shin. I'll give you that. We'll be encountering a lot from now on."

I wasn't fascinated. That was for sure.

As the elevator doors opened, I was greeted by the luxurious decor of the executive floor. The conference room's grand doors were framed with dark wood and gold trimmings, exuding both elegance and intimidation. We stepped inside, where an investor sat at the far end of the table, alongside what appeared to be his negotiator. Without greeting them, Mr. Gwang sat down, and I took my place beside him.

The air inside was thick with tension, the scent of expensive cologne mixing with the crisp, clean aroma of polished wood and freshly printed contracts. Despite myself, I inhaled deeply. Again, that strange feeling pricked at my senses—like I had been in a place just like this before. But when? And how?

"I see you're interested in investing in Gwang Air's expansion," Mr. Gwang stated, flipping through the documents in front of him. His voice was calm but firm, the kind of tone that immediately set the power dynamics in the room.

The investor nodded, gesturing to his negotiator, who slid a formal contract across the table. "We're offering 500 million won in exchange for a 30% stake in Gwang Air's production and future operations."

I skimmed through the contract, my eyes immediately narrowing at the numbers. That was too high. Leaning slightly toward Mr. Gwang, I whispered, "They're asking for 30% of Gwang Air for 500 million won. That would give them significant influence over decision-making."

I subtly encircled the concerning figures with a red pen before sliding the paper toward him.

He scoffed. "So, in other words, you want a controlling stake at a bargain price?" He set the paper down with little interest. "You know that's out of the question."

The investor straightened. "We believe our contribution—"

"Let's be clear," Mr. Gwang interrupted. "500 million won barely covers a fraction of an aircraft engine. Gwang Air is projected to be worth billions in the coming years. Thirty percent is a laughable demand."

The negotiator, sensing the tension, stepped in. "Twenty-five percent for the same amount, then. We are bringing not just money, but connections and industry expertise."

I quickly jotted a note and slid it toward Mr. Gwang.

Counter with 10% and test their flexibility. If needed, settle at 15%.

He glanced at it before leaning back in his chair. "Ten percent. Same amount."

The investor frowned. "Ten percent is too low for our contribution."

"If you're looking to buy a controlling share in a company, you should aim at struggling businesses, not a thriving conglomerate," I spoke before I could stop myself. My voice was calm but firm.

The negotiator turned to me, surprised. "Excuse me?" I shouldn't have spoken, but since Mr. Gwang seems to be too complacent or not really caring about what's going to happen, I might as well just say something before anything happens. I am treading on thin ice now that I am doing this further.

"Mr. Gwang does not require external funding to expand Gwang Air," I explained smoothly. "The only reason you're being entertained is because strategic partnerships are always beneficial—under the right terms. Otherwise, this meeting is wasting everyone's time."

A long silence stretched across the table. The investor's lips pressed into a thin line, his fingers tapping against the polished surface as he considered his next move. "Fifteen percent, and we guarantee priority shipping for all overseas expansions."

Mr. Gwang exhaled sharply, his gaze unyielding. "Twelve percent. The priority shipping stays, and you add access to your corporate legal team for the next three years."

The investor's brows knitted together. "That's a high demand."

"And so was your initial offer." Mr. Gwang smirked. "If you're truly committed to this deal, then consider this a long-term investment."

Another beat of silence before the investor finally sighed. "Fine. Twelve percent, priority shipping, and a legal advisory contract for three years."

I watched as the final agreements were drawn up and signed. When it was over, Mr. Gwang turned his attention back to me. "You really do have a bold streak, Ms. Shin." He tapped the contract against the table. "Secretaries don't typically interrupt negotiations like that."

I stiffened. "I apologize, sir. I should have just passed you a note or whispered instead."

He leaned back in his chair, studying me. "That would have been the appropriate course of action." Then, after a pause, his lips curled into an amused smirk. "But I must admit, watching you challenge them was quite entertaining. I almost want to throw you into our legal department and see what happens."

I exhaled slightly, unsure if that was a joke or a test. "I think I'll stick to being your secretary, sir."

"For now," he murmured before finally handing me the finalized agreement. "Good work today, Ms. Shin."

As we exited, my mind whirled with what had just happened. The weight of the moment hadn't settled yet, and as I glanced at Mr. Gwang, I couldn't help but wonder—why did I feel like I had done this before?

Something about this familiarity sent a strange shiver down my spine, as though a piece of a long-forgotten memory was desperately trying to surface.