Guarded Hearts || Yoon Jeonghan ||

CHAPTER 11

Jessica's pov

I left the library as soon as I read the message; my mood was completely shattered. Stomping back to my room, I collapsed onto my bed, thoughts swirling in my mind. How was I going to convince him? All I wanted was to run away—from him, his mansion, this job, everything tied to him. But deep down, I knew that wasn't an option.

Finally, it was time to face him. I felt the knot in my stomach tighten. I knew what would happen if I confronted him—he'd reject me outright. I'd practically be begging him to attend this dinner, and still, he wouldn't listen.

Why did he hate his father so much? What could his father have possibly done to him? I needed to understand, or else my tasks—everything I was meant to do with him—would crumble.

Taking a deep breath, I got up from my bed and left my room. I searched the living area, but he was nowhere to be found. He must be in his room. I made my way upstairs, my heart pounding with every step. When I reached his door, I hesitated, gathering my courage.

Just as I was about to knock, he swung the door open.

"Why are you standing at my door?" he asked, an eyebrow raised.

He looked ready to leave, dressed in jeans, a fitted shirt, and a leather jacket. It was as if he was about to step into another world, one I couldn't follow.

"You're going somewhere?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Yeah, I have to go," he said, glancing at his watch.

"I want to tell you something," I said, my pulse racing. He met my gaze, his expression unreadable.

"I know you won't like this, but you have to go to your father's house today for dinner. Please think about it. He wants to introduce his partners to you, and it's important. I really don't have a choice in this." I exhaled, the weight of my words hanging in the air. Would he reject me again? Or worse, would he just ignore me?

"Okay, I will be there," he said, his tone surprisingly calm as he stepped past me and headed downstairs.

I stood at the door, feeling like I'd just seen a ghost. He had actually agreed to go to dinner so easily—something felt off. Was he planning something?

I followed him downstairs, and he was already on the phone. "Mr. Jeonghan, is something wrong? Why did you agree to go?" I called out, my voice cutting through the tense atmosphere.

"Jessica, do you want me there?" He turned, his gaze piercing and challenging.

"Yes," I replied, confused and anxious. Why was he asking?

"That's why I'm going," he said, shoving his phone into his pocket, his expression unreadable.

I couldn't believe it. This man would never willingly agree to dinner with his father for my sake. I wanted to press him for more, but I could see his mood was shifting again.

"Tell me where we're going," I said, snatching the car keys from the counter, determined to keep this on track.

"By the way, there's a condition for this dinner," he said, a smirk creeping onto his face.

I felt a surge of irritation. Of course, he had a catch. "What?" I asked, bracing myself for whatever ridiculous demand he might make.

"I have to finish my business from last night, and you won't be coming with me," he stated, his tone matter-of-fact, as if it were a simple fact.

"This is not happening, Mr. Jeonghan! You know I can't leave you for even a moment. I didn't wait up all night for nothing," I said, trying to keep my voice steady while my blood boiled.

"Yeah, I know. But today, you're not waiting outside her house," he shot back, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that sent chills down my spine.

"I wish I could do that! I have no interest in you or your business, but that's impossible," I snapped, frustration bubbling over.

"  If you go with me now, I won't attend the dinner, That's the condition," he said, his tone unyielding, leaving no room for negotiation.

I opened my mouth to argue, but he cut me off. "I don't want to hear anything else. I've said enough."

He knew how important this dinner was, how critical it was to bring him there. It felt like he was manipulating the situation, and it made me seethe. I hate him.

"Okay, you can go," I said, my voice barely above a whisper, the weight of my resignation heavy in the air. I had no choice; the dinner was too crucial to jeopardize.

After a few moments, he left the mansion alone. As soon as he was out of sight, I jumped into another car, settled into the driver's seat, and started the engine. I had to follow him.

I kept a safe distance, trying to remain inconspicuous as I followed him. After a few minutes, he parked his car right outside the girl's place, just like he had the night before. A sinking feeling settled in my stomach—I was sure he was going to her. My mind raced with possibilities. Was he really headed somewhere he shouldn't be?

I couldn't shake off the morning conversation or what Lee Chan had said about the meeting. Doubts flooded my thoughts, spiraling out of control. Maybe I was overthinking it all, but the nagging suspicion wouldn't leave me.I quickly turned the car around, my heart pounding. I needed to get back to the mansion before he could spot me.

Jeonghan's pov

The man right across me leaned back in his chair, a sly grin spreading across his face. "How are you, Jeonghan? I heard you've acquired a new... plaything. A female bodyguard, no less. I'd love to meet her, test her skills... and maybe more."

My fists clenched, ready to strike. This man wasn't just any client; he was a provocateur.

"You should focus on your item Jaehyun," I growled, my voice low and menacing.

"Verify its contents. No refunds or exchanges. That's how we operate."

Jaehyun's grin never wavered. "Chill, man, my guys are checking already. And here's your payment."

He slid a sleek, black suitcase across the table, overflowing with stacks of cash.

Seuncheol nodded to Minghao, who swiftly opened the suitcase and began counting the money with practiced efficiency.

"Forty-five million, as agreed," Minghao confirmed, giving a curt thumbs-up.

"Now we're done here; we're leaving," I declared, standing up.

Jaehyun's smirk returned, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Do you treat all your clients like dirt, or am I special?"

My gaze turned glacial. "You can take it as whatever you want."

With a dismissive  two finger salute,
I signaled our departure.