HAUGHTY-To Love ✔

CHAPTER 29

IRA CORP

MORNING ( 9:25 AM )

AUN POV

"Could you please send a regular coffee to cabin number 4E12? Thank you," I said into the receiver before placing it back down. Leaning back in my rolling chair, I sighed as the day seemed to drag on, despite it still being before 9 am. This was the third time I had ordered coffee, desperately trying to stay awake.

Feeling tired and drained, I rested my neck against the headrest, attempting to find some relaxation. Last night had been difficult, plagued by sleeplessness. The knowledge that I would soon become someone else's fiancée weighed heavily on my mind. And to make matters worse, that someone happened to be the person who had taught me the harshest lessons in life.

Thoughts of him had consumed me throughout the night. It was a cruel twist of fate that I had been working in his company for the past four years without ever knowing it. Yesterday's meeting had turned my world upside down, revealing whose hands I had unwittingly fallen into.

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that JungYun would own such a massive company. After doing some research on him, I discovered that he had started a small business during his early days of university. He worked on creating minor AI devices, which gradually impressed a few tech companies and led to investments in his products. In just nine years, he had achieved tremendous success.

"Now I understand why I always found him in the AI Lab," I thought to myself.

JungYun is an inspiration for younger developers. Despite his cocky, arrogant, and selfish demeanor, I admire his passion and hard work. Working in his company doesn't disgust or shame me; instead, I feel proud to be a part of this growing institution.

During yesterday's meeting, I had expected him to make witty or irritating comments about my project or me. However, to my surprise, he maintained a professional demeanor, allowing Jae-Min to address the deal and the terms of the launch. As the chairperson, he asked relevant questions and raised any concerns to ensure a smooth process. His attitude was completely professional.

As the meeting concluded smoothly, with both men approving my launch and discussing future plans for the BOD members conference, I felt a sense of relief. Knowing that JungYun, as the chairperson, had already approved my work, I had no worries about the launch.

However, my mind quickly shifted to the real headache at hand - marrying my misanthropic fiancé, who also happened to be my boss's boss's boss's boss. The thought alone made me groan in frustration, and I instinctively rubbed my face in an attempt to alleviate the stress that seemed to cloud my mind. JungYun consumed my thoughts, leaving little room for anything else.

"You have one more week to do something, Aun..." I thought, my mind racing in all directions to find a way to prevent the upcoming engagement. I knew that my actions would disappoint the Jeons and my father, but a life with JungYun seemed impossible for me.

"What if I convince JungYun to call off the engagement?" The idea sounded ridiculous, considering his stubborn nature, but I felt compelled to at least give it a try before changing my mind.

"Hello, can you connect me to Mrs. Hail, please?" I asked the person on the other end of the line, hoping to be connected. After a brief wait, I heard a voice on the line saying, "IRA Corp, Mrs. Hail speaking. How may I help you?"

"Linda, it's me, Aun. Can you come to my cabin now?" I requested, knowing that she might be busy. There was a pause on the line as I could hear her taking a breath before responding, "Aun, I'm busy right now. Why? Do you need something? Is it urgent?"

I felt a pang of guilt for disturbing her during her work hours, but I had already made up my mind to ask for her help. "Um, can you by any chance propose a meeting with the chairman for me?" I asked, hoping she would understand the importance of my request.