Chaoter 18: A Line in the Sand

The days following that rooftop conversation left Lee restless. She buried herself in work, going through meetings, planning the grand opening, and finalizing the wedding arrangements her mother had set in motion.

But no matter how much she tried to focus, Gen's words wouldn't leave her alone.

"Look me in the eye and tell me you feel nothing."

Lee had tried. She really had.

But she couldn't.

And Gen had known.

Wang Yan, oblivious to the storm raging in her daughter's mind, was more active than ever. She had officially announced Lee's engagement to Joon, and preparations for both the wedding and the hotel's launch were running parallel. To the world, it seemed like Lee was stepping into the life she was always meant to have.

Only one person knew that wasn't true.

And that person refused to make things easier for her.

Gen.

She still acted the same—teasing, confident, effortlessly charming as she moved through the hotel, handling the menu preparations like she didn't have a care in the world.

But something had changed.

She no longer sought out Lee.

No more stolen moments. No more playful remarks. No more challenges.

Gen had drawn a line in the sand.

And it was driving Lee insane.

A Tension That Wouldn't Break

One evening, after a long meeting, Lee found herself walking into the hotel's restaurant, half-hoping and half-dreading what she'd find.

And there she was.

Gen stood at the far end of the open kitchen, her sleeves rolled up, giving instructions to the staff while tasting a new dish. The golden light of the kitchen cast a glow over her sharp features, her hair slightly tousled from hours of work.

Lee hated how easily her breath caught at the sight.

And she hated even more that Gen didn't look up.

Instead, it was one of the staff members who noticed Lee first.

"Miss Lee," the young chef greeted. "Would you like to try today's special?"

Before Lee could decline, Gen finally turned around. Their eyes met, and for a moment, Lee thought she saw something flicker in Gen's expression.

But it was gone just as quickly.

Gen wiped her hands on a towel and leaned against the counter. "Didn't think I'd see you here."

Lee cleared her throat, straightening. "I wanted to check the final menu before the launch."

Gen nodded. "Sure. Let me get it for you."

She turned, grabbed a neatly printed menu from a nearby table, and handed it over.

Lee took it, flipping through the pages. The dishes were perfect—elegant, modern takes on classic flavors. It was exactly what the hotel needed.

But that wasn't why she had come.

She lowered the menu, searching Gen's face. "You're avoiding me."

Gen raised an eyebrow. "You're engaged."

Lee inhaled sharply. "That doesn't mean—"

Gen leaned in slightly, her voice quieter but firm. "It means everything, Lee."

Lee's grip on the menu tightened. "You don't get to decide that."

Gen's expression didn't change. "Neither do you. Not anymore."

Something in Lee snapped.

She stepped closer, lowering her voice so no one else could hear. "So that's it? You just walk away?"

Gen met her gaze, unflinching. "You asked me to."

Lee flinched.

Because it was true.

She had asked Gen to let her go.

And now that Gen had, it hurt in a way Lee hadn't been prepared for.

Before she could say anything else, Gen stepped back, putting distance between them. "If you'll excuse me, I have work to do."

Then, without waiting for a response, she turned and disappeared into the kitchen.

Lee stood there, gripping the menu, feeling like the ground beneath her had just crumbled.

She had drawn the line.

And now she had to decide whether to cross it.