PAPER HEARTS - Ryeji (English ver)

Chapter 3

– How can you not fire her? – she asked indignantly after hearing her father's firm denial.

– I will never do it – he replied after swallowing a mouthful of mashed potatoes. They were at a luxurious city restaurant at night – and even less if it means she leaves with that idiot Connor Carter – he said the name with all the disdain he could muster.

– And what does it matter? She's just an ordinary lawyer. She has a doctorate, so what? – she asked as if it were insignificant – I could have one too and take her place. Plus, I'm your daughter.

– Do you understand the magnitude of the nonsense you're saying? – he asked, annoyed by his daughter's immaturity – Shin Ryujin is simply Shin Ryujin. Connor Carter has tried to take her away a thousand times, but she remains loyal to my firm, and I'm not going to fire her because of your stupid whim to be better than her – he declared – Do you understand?

– No – she replied quietly, playing with her fork. Her father sighed; he didn't like being so harsh with her.

– Why don't you give Ryujin a chance? – he asked with a small smile.

– It's her who doesn't want to give me a chance – she sighed a little.

– I know her, and she's a bit tough at first for a variety of reasons – he replied, not wanting to give many explanations – but you just need to get to know her a little. Ryujin is a good girl.

– I don't doubt it – she replied, recalling the little she could read from Ryujin's document – I suppose she's also very talented.

– She is, get to know her – Jinwoo said, smiling – despite being divorced and making us believe she doesn't want to live, I'm sure you'd be very surprised – Yeji just shrugged at her father's words; maybe she had been a bit harsh with Ryujin and should try to get to know her better.

~

Ryujin was in the small study she had set up in one of the rooms of her house, thinking about how miserable her life was, or at least for her, there were no longer reasons to think otherwise.

– You're calling the undiscovered talent number – she answered when she picked up her phone – What do you need from me?

– My dear! – She heard that voice loudly – How are you?

– Do you need my services as a lawyer? – she asked, treating it like any other person calling her private work number.

– I need your services as a woman – he responded gallantly, and Ryujin laughed a little.

– I don't have time – she sighed, scratching her head a bit – What do you want? And why are you calling my private number?

– I heard you got divorced – he replied. Ryujin rolled her eyes.

– I divorced you – she responded, confused – Are you drunk? – she asked, even though she already knew the answer.

– Maybe – he replied with a laugh – Come back to me, love. I miss you so much... – Ryujin sighed.

– No thanks, but thanks – she replied with an ironic laugh before hanging up – apparently, I'm not the only one with a miserable life – she whispered, looking at her phone, although she already knew that.

That night she would sleep in the comfortable chair where she used to sit to write, the first gift from Beomgyu as her husband.

~

Ryujin arrived at her usual workday with a cardboard cup full of coffee in one hand and her purse and folders in the other. The last thing she expected to find upon arrival was Mr. Jinwoo's daughter sitting in her chair, again, with a face radiating arrogance.