Before You Came

I Know Your Secret

12 Hours Earlier

An unusual quiet permeated the vice president's office of Park-Im Group. No ringing phones, no clacking of the keyboard, not even the sounds of an important business deal taking place could be heard. The lights had been darkened and a prone figure could be found sleeping on the fine leather sofa. Nayeon had woken that morning to a regrettable hangover that wouldn't let up despite painkillers and an absurd amount of espresso she'd consumed. Left with no other choice, she opted to take a nap during her much needed lunch break, giving Jihyo strict instructions she was not to be disturbed under any circumstances.

Her mother would be unhappy with her recent neglect towards her health. Excessive drinking, lack of sleep, not to mention the scant meals she ate, it was all adding up. She was pushing herself to the brink of exhaustion. But Nayeon didn't know any other way. No one else was going to do the hard work for her so she kept pushing forward, eyes never straying from her goal.

"No....appa." A soft cry was barely audible in the large room. Nayeon trembled in fear, reaching out a hand to grasp at something or perhaps someone. Then with a sudden gasp, she sat up, chest heaving, as tears streamed down her cheeks. The unabashed fear she felt slowly dissipated as the familiar surroundings of her office came into focus.

It wasn't real. Just a nightmare.

She shakily rose to her feet and stumbled to the sidebar where she grabbed a bottle of water, gulping at its contents until it was empty.

"Miss Im?" Jihyo's hesitant voice came through the door, muffled yet loud enough for Nayeon to hear. "Is everything alright?"

Nayeon took several deep, calming breaths, willing herself to regain her composure. "I'm fine Jihyo." Her voice was back to being steady and sure. She glanced at her watch. Ten minutes to one. That hour had gone by much too fast. With a sigh, she walked back to the sofa and slipped into her heels. When she finally allowed Jihyo to come into the office, Nayeon was put back together, not a trace of tears or a hair out of place, like her nightmare hadn't occurred.

"I'm sorry for disturbing you earlier Miss Im," Jihyo apologized. "I thought I heard something fall and wanted to be sure you were alright."

"Thank you for your concern Jihyo," Nayeon replied. "I dropped my phone. Luckily the screen didn't crack." The lie flowed out of her mouth as easy as water from a tap, and Jihyo swallowed it just as easily. "Do you have anything to tend to this evening Jihyo?"

"I'm available Miss Im. What do you need?"

"Book a reservation for us tonight at 7PM. I have something I'd like to discuss with you that would be better kept outside the office."

"Any particular restaurant you'd prefer?" Jihyo already had her tablet poised and ready.

Nayeon took a moment to run through the list of options. LaYeon was definitely off the table considering its status as far as her grandfather was concerned. Pierre Gagnaire? No, too many of her grandfather's associates dined there. Jungsik was certainly off the table as well; that moron MinHyuk would probably show up for no other reason than the universe hating her. Perhaps...

"Book a table for two at Mugunghwa," Nayeon said after coming to a decision.

"Right away Miss Im." Jihyo left immediately to make the arrangements.

*ding*

Nayeon reached for her phone and read the message.

MoHoe
"I might have a few leads for you. I'm still gathering background info. Will send the details when ready"