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chapter twenty-two
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Meanwhile, at the office, you were nervous.
The judging was commencing shortly, and everyone had packed into the crowded conference room, chatting and sharing ideas on their designs. On the other side of the room, Jungkook and Rae were as wrapped up in each other as they had been all week - something you had yet to confront them about - so that left you alone, awaiting Taehyung's arrival. You gazed down at the pieces, fiddling with the designs to make sure they were placed straight, and trying to ignore the knot of anxiety in your stomach.
"Not bad."
You swung around at the voice, and narrowed your eyes instantly. Jaewon was standing behind you - far too close for comfort - glancing between you and your designs.
"Jaewon," you greeted, as neutrally as possible. After all, Jaewon and your father were judging the competition today. You at least needed to appear mildly friendly if you had a hope of winning.
"I have to admit, the guy is talented," Jaewon indicated at Taehyung's beautifully crafted ceramics, which were laid out in front of the designs of each room you were proposing to place them in.
"I know," you grinned, unable to help it when you thought of Taehyung and how much care he had put into this work. "I just hope it will be enough."
Jaewon laughed bitterly at this. "Seriously? You really think your dad is giving the win to anyone but you?"
You opened your mouth, and closed it again, grin faded as you stole a glance at the other designers around the room. All of them looked hopeful, but every now and then, you saw their eyes shift to yours, and the hopeful light in them dimmed.
Did everyone in here just assume you were going to win because of who your father was?
Jaewon grinned in victory, knowing he had you doubting yourself.
"You don't know what you're talking about," you shot back, unable to hide your dislike for him any longer. "Me and my father aren't exactly on the best of terms right now."
Jaewon just laughed again, as if he knew something you obviously didn't.
"Face it, sweetheart. Good terms or not, your project is going to win," he said in a vicious whisper, as he turned to leave. "And when you're promoted, your father is going to expect something in return. I think you know what that is, hm?"
