A Second Chance - A Jikook Story

Old Life

"...this will place us within the margin – contractors will be pleased, and we'll be able to be one step ahead of the competition. Oversea projects will make up forty percent of next year's profits, from there on, we'll be talking about major expansions."

Jeongguk was only half listening, focusing on trying to force down the bile that had begun to accumulate in his throat. There was just no way Jeongguk was going to be able to give the meeting any of his attention, not when his thoughts were being obscured by other things. Frustration didn't come close to properly expressing his current state of mind, it was something that festered; ran deeper.

"Sorry to interrupt but I'm going to have to leave the call. I understand it's an important session, but regardless of the fact, I'm sure Minwoo will expertly take over in my absence." Jeongguk was quick to voice out, eyes settling over the screen of his laptop, taking in the confused looks that were a product of his dismissal. None of them openly objected however, and it wasn't until Minwoo was clearing his throat from the other side of the screen, that Jeongguk took it as a sign to end his side of the call.

The action itself seemed unprofessional, but it's not like Jeongguk could bring himself to care, not when he had better things to do with his time.

Being the CEO of Han and Company Architects, there was just too much that Jeongguk had to take care of, as well as having so little time to do it. Even with a good number of assistants, like Minwoo, couldn't lessen the stress that Jeongguk encountered on the daily. He couldn't even remember the last time he ever felt relaxed and...happy.

Han and Co. was the largest architectural company within Seoul, only fourth in the world's leading firms of engineers and architects. Jeongguk had a lot on his table – however, wasn't this what he had been fighting for? Months of hard work finally paying off when Han Geon made him his sole successor before retiring. How many hours did he spend at the office, drawing and creating plans that would help the company secure a better future?

All that he did, from working late into the night, to using up most of his time off to accommodate the needs of the company, was for his goals. Jeongguk couldn't do much without recognition, needed to get himself known, perhaps have his name thrown out there.

Whatever worked.

Jeongguk had been starving for success, to finally hit it big and find his place in the creative world of architecture and engineering.

So why wasn't he happy now that he had it all?

His name was in the mouth of social media, praise thrown in his direction for playing a vital role in the economic growth that was important for South Korea. Jeongguk was considered one of the youngest entrepreneurs of their decade, just a shy year away from thirty, yet, not seeming to age one bit in appearance. An untouchable bachelor with a knack for creative building but little to no interest in getting himself involved with any kind of commitment.

Sure, there were partners here and there over the years, but nothing that screamed genuine and wholesome; everything wanted something, aimed for things only Jeongguk could give them. In the end, it was all some thirst of a plan to squeeze some money out of him.

That he did have plenty of – cars, high profile clothes, a large estate, even some vacation homes. Jeongguk couldn't even begin to start naming all his material wealth and possessions that came with the rest of his luxuries. Yet, no matter how much he gained or how much he spent; nothing ever came close to filling that void located deep inside him; it felt like a black hole just sucking and tearing everything up from the inside out.

There was hardly any room for self-preservation, could not even shine a light on himself without being reminded of all the things he trampled on to get to the top; all that he lost for a more favorable gain. Well, back then he thought he was doing the right thing, but now? Now he wasn't so sure.