Love Under Pretenses | Winrina

22.

It’s the second day for us here in Barcelona, Spain, and we’re all dressed in formal attire for the evening’s corporate event, which also includes a party. Jimin stands out even more tonight, especially since she has a speech to deliver in front of a large audience. She wasn't informed beforehand, so she didn’t have time to prepare, but she mentioned that she prefers it this way, she believes impromptu speeches are more sincere and genuine, and I can't help but admire her confidence.

At 8 PM, the night party is in full swing at the lavish corporate event venue, filled with invited CEOs and employees from various countries. The formal attire requirement has made the atmosphere even more upscale, with everyone looking exceptionally elegant. Jimin's sleeveless black dress clings to her figure, accentuating her curves and showcasing her legs, which seem to shine under the soft lighting of the venue. As I catch a glimpse of her, I find myself unable to look away, my breath hitching in my throat as I swallow hard, she looks absolutely captivating.

Just moments ago, the important meetings wrapped up, and now the air is filled with the sound of chatter as CEOs and employees engage in conversations about their companies and recent accomplishments. Giselle, on the other hand, is busy catching up with some foreign guests, her face lighting up with enjoyment as she converses effortlessly with them. Both Jimin and Giselle have no trouble striking up conversations, thanks to their fluency in English.

I’m off to the side, enjoying my cocktail. Thankfully, it’s not too strong since it’s just a cocktail, and I know I won't get drunk from it anytime soon. I take a sip and watch the lively scene unfold before me, feeling a appreciation for this moment in Barcelona.

While I was busy observing the people around me, I suddenly felt my phone vibrate inside my handbag. Without a second thought, I opened it and pulled out my phone, curious about the message I just received.

My brows furrowed as I read Jimin’s text, and I could feel the confusion building up inside me.

Grumpy CEO😾
-Help me, come over here. There's a guy hitting on me, and it's starting to make me uncomfortable.

Immediately, my eyes scanned the room, searching for Jimin. It didn’t take long before I spotted her off to the side. She was standing with a foreign man—someone she had been chatting and laughing with earlier. But now, the man had his hand resting on her waist, holding her too closely for comfort. His gaze was fixed on her with an unsettling intensity, his eyes lingering on her in a way that made my skin crawl. Jimin’s expression was a giveaway, she looked stiff and uneasy, clearly not enjoying the way the man was getting too touchy with her.

A surge of anger coursed through me at the sight, my jaw tightening as I clenched my fists. How dare he touch her like that? I could feel my temper rising, heart racing as frustration bubbled up inside me. I didn’t hesitate for a second—there was no way I was going to let this continue.

I quickly made my way toward Jimin, and as soon as she saw me, the uneasy expression on her face melted away, replaced by a smile of pure relief. The sight of her looking so grateful made my heart skip a beat.

“Love!” she called out as I approached, her voice deliberately loud enough for the man beside her to hear, making it clear that she was already taken.

But of course, the guy seemed to have selective hearing. He kept chatting with one of his colleagues, clearly pretending he hadn’t heard a thing.

“E-excuse me, Sir Evans,” Jimin called out politely, finally catching his attention as he turned to face her.

“My girlfriend wants to spend some time with me now, so if it’s alright, I’ll be leaving you here,” she said sweetly, trying to maintain her calm, even though I could see the tension in her eyes.