THE BITCH CEO (Im Nayeon)

71

NO ONE'S POV

Nayeon and Hans were seated at a corner table in one of the city's most exclusive restaurants.

The dim lighting and soft classical music created an intimate atmosphere that mirrored the significance of this moment.

For most couples, dining out might be ordinary, but for them, it was a milestone. This was their first official public date—a bold step they had both hesitated to take for years.

Their last public appearance together had been years ago, when they attended Taylor Swift concert.

Even then, they hadn't explicitly confirmed their relationship, leaving the media and fans to speculate endlessly. Now, after years of hiding in the shadows, Nayeon had decided it was time to step into the light.

The decision hadn't come easily. Hans, ever considered Nayeon's welfare, had initially been reluctant to go out without their usual security detail. But Nayeon had been insistent.

"Love, I'm done hiding. I want to live my life openly. I want the world to know I'm proud of who I am—and of us." She had said a few nights ago, her voice steady with determination.

That declaration had been enough to convince Hans. She couldn't deny Nayeon anything, especially when she spoke with such conviction.

And so, here they were, seated together, their fingers occasionally brushing across the table as they waited for their food.

Nayeon glanced around the restaurant. A few patrons had noticed them and stole a pictures of them, but she didn't care.

The days of worrying about public opinion were behind her. What mattered now was her happiness, and her happiness was sitting right across from her.

"So, when are you flying to Thailand?" As they waited for their foods, Nayeon broke the silence.

Hans glanced up, her blue eyes meeting Nayeon's dark ones.

"In two days but I'm still thinking about sending Vlad in my place." She replied.

"Why would you do that? I thought the Thailand project was your dream." Nayeon frowned slightly, clasping her hands together.

"It is. But I don't want to leave you and Haven here alone." Hans said as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat, avoiding Nayeon's gaze.

At the mention of their daughter, Nayeon's heart softened. She reached out, taking Hans's hand in hers.

"Oh, baby, you've worked so hard on this project. You've put in countless late nights, sacrificed so much, and now you're thinking of missing the inauguration? I don't want you to do that." She said gently.

"I just...I hate being away from you two. Every time I leave, I worry something might happen." Hans said, her voice breaking slightly.

Nayeon's chest tightened. She knew where this fear came from. A few weeks ago, Lisa had confided in her about Hans' lingering trauma.

Years ago, when Nayeon had suddenly disappeared without a trace, Hans had been left devastated. The uncertainty, the not knowing if Nayeon was safe, had left emotional scars that still hadn't fully healed.

Since then, Hans had developed a deep-seated fear of being apart from her family.

Every time she traveled for work, she would call incessantly, checking in on Nayeon and Haven.

And if Nayeon so much as mentioned missing her, Hans would cut her trip short, returning home immediately, even if it meant walking out of important meetings or deals.