Regrets [COMPLETED]

Chapter 2

"See, Seulgi, if you have the money, you can get what you want," Lisa remarked with a wink, patting Seulgi's back as she exited the car.

Seulgi muttered to herself in disbelief, "I'm still alive!"

JENNIE POV

The deafening music pulsated through my head as I surveyed the scene. I witnessed people in various states of inebriation, losing themselves in dance and alcohol. The place was filled with couples lost in flirtatious exchanges and passionate kisses. It was a familiar sight, not surprising given my upbringing in a country known for its liberated culture.

Jisoo had thoughtfully reserved a VIP room for us to celebrate my long-awaited homecoming. I couldn't help but feel a rush of nostalgia and fondness for my hometown, the people, and the culture I had missed. It had been years since I last set foot in Seoul, having left when my parents decided to move to New Zealand when I was just 15 years old.

"Why did you choose to come here instead of resting first, Ruby Jane?" Jisoo's question reached my ears, but before I could respond, a chorus of cheers from my friends diverted my attention.

"Cheers for Jennie's comeback!"

Glasses were raised, and we clinked them together in a toast.

"Geez, I hate this taste!" Wendy protested, pulling a face and swiftly reaching for a glass of water.

"Who told you to drink whiskey, huh? You look like a kid who just took medicine and washed it down with water. I thought you were a drinking master," Jisoo teased.

"Shut up!" Wendy responded, rolling her eyes. They playfully bantered back and forth, leaving me wondering when, or if, they'd ever truly grow up.

This wasn't the first time we'd bonded, they used to visit me in New Zealand every summer, and we'd spend the entire season together.

"Jennie, I can't believe you agreed with your dad and decided to give up your career. Are you sure about this?" Irene asked me with a hint of concern.

I smiled at her, "Why not? As a child, even if you're of the right age, sometimes you still have to obey your parents if it's the only thing that can make them happy. That's what I'm doing now. Plus, no one else is going to inherit our company but me."

"Don't worry, Jennie. I've made your office even better, and everyone is excited to see the new CEO," Jisoo assured me.

I expressed my gratitude to Jisoo. She was not only my cousin but also a business partner, as we both managed the company after taking over the positions our fathers held. I had made a conscious choice to follow in their footsteps, and I believed my decisions were leading me in the right direction. I understood the immense dedication and hard work that my father had put into establishing the company, and now it was my turn to carry on his legacy.

On a bright morning in Seoul,

JENNIE POV.

I glanced at the clock – 11:15 AM. I found myself in the midst of a meeting with our new investors. The elderly gentleman across from me, one of Seoul's wealthiest businessmen, constantly gave me unsettling glances and wore a smile that felt predatory. It was more than annoying; it was making me incredibly uncomfortable.

"Excuse me, I need a short break," I politely requested, rising from my seat and heading towards the restroom. Inside, I confronted my reflection in the mirror, my frustration simmering.

"That old man is really getting on my nerves."

I retrieved my purse, touched up my lipstick, and fixed my hair before returning to the table.

After much discussion, the meeting came to a close.

"Thank you, Ms. Kim. I appreciate your time, and I am looking forward to a fruitful partnership," said Mr. Muhammad, one of the wealthiest individuals in Dubai who also had a significant presence in Seoul.

I couldn't help but wonder why he had chosen to invest in our company when he could have anything he desired with his wealth and influence.

Seeing him extending his hand for a handshake, I responded, "You have my word, sir."

"I'm pleased to hear that, Ms. Kim," he said, returning the smile as we sealed the partnership with a handshake.

After some further discussion, he bid his farewell.

"Mr. Kim is truly fortunate to have a daughter like you. You are the future of your father's company," I heard the old man comment from behind. It was none other than Mr. Choi, the rather annoying man who had been ogling me throughout the meeting. I turned to him and smiled, masking my irritation.

"It's always a pleasure to hear such kind words, Mr. Choi."

He continued, "No wonder many entrepreneurs are eager to invest in the company since you've taken your father's position. Your father is a very generous man, and your mother is a beautiful woman, just like you. Forgive me, Ms. Kim, but if we were the same age, I'd want to marry you right away."

I was taken aback by the audacious statement, but before I could respond, his phone rang.

"Excuse me, Ms. Kim, I have to take this call. Don't leave, I'll be right back," he said with a flirtatious smile.

"Take your time, sir," I replied, hiding my true feelings behind politeness. As soon as he left, I seized my phone to check for any messages or notifications.
___

"Really? He said that?!" Wendy exclaimed as they sat down for coffee after the meeting.

"I can't understand why some men who are even married, with children and successful businesses, can still engage in such flirtations. I wouldn't be surprised if Mr. Choi has a mistress," Irene remarked, leaving Jennie a little taken aback.

"Hey! Irene, be careful what you say; someone might overhear," Jennie cautioned.

Jisoo joined in, speculating, "I wouldn't be surprised if Mr. Choi has a mistress hidden away in one of his houses. I heard he owns several here in Seoul. The rich ones usually have a way to get whatever they want."

Wendy, on the other hand, chuckled and stated, "That's precisely why I'm never getting married, just sex and play the field."

Jennie, in the midst of sipping her drink, almost choked on her food. "What did you just say?"

"Nothing, did I say something?" Wendy quickly changed the subject.

Jisoo, with her mouth full of chicken, chimed in, "I think someone's hiding something here."

Wendy glanced at her friends, looking a bit guilty. "Okay, Bambam and I are friends."

"No way!" Jennie was astonished.

"Friends with benefits, you mean," Irene pointed out.

Wendy clarified, "Yes, well... No. Honestly, I still love him."

"But he broke up with you, right? He fell in love with another woman," Jennie added.

"You mean, he chose another woman," Wendy corrected herself with a hint of sadness in her eyes.

"I think that Bambam has a big dick, that's why Wendy can't forget about him," Irene teased, causing both her and Jisoo to burst into laughter.

"Ah, stop it. I don't want to hear about dick anymore. You guys, please, let's not mention it here," Jennie interjected.

"Wow, are you virgin Maria?" Jisoo couldn't help but laugh.

"You got a problem with that!" Jennie playfully shot back.

"But admit it, you want to suck once again, admit it.” Jisoo teased, poking Jennie's side.

"Shut up, Chu! This is not the right place to talk about that. Let's finish this food before it gets cold," Jennie replied with a grin.