SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)

Someone like you?

---

The snowstorm subsided, leaving the world outside sparkling under the pale winter sun. Inside his estate, Mr. Lee adjusted his tie with his usual precision, preparing for a long-overdue return to the office.

Despite the peaceful facade, tension lingered. His sister, Jihyun, was a constant reminder of secrets he had spent years burying, while Sophia’s presence remained an ever-growing distraction.

Kai was already waiting by the sleek black car parked in the driveway. "About time you showed your face at work," he teased, holding the door open.

“Enough,” Mr. Lee replied curtly, stepping into the car.

As they drove off, Kai smirked. "Sophia's probably missed you. She seemed... lost without your charming attitude."

Mr. Lee ignored him, though a flicker of something unreadable crossed his face.

---

The office was alive with its usual buzz when Mr. Lee arrived. Employees straightened their postures and offered polite bows as he passed, their fear and respect palpable.

Sophia was already at her desk, diligently typing away.

* So early*

When she noticed him approaching, she stood quickly, smoothing down her blouse. "Good morning, Mr. Lee."

His eyes swept over her, lingering just long enough to make her shift uncomfortably. "Morning, Sophia. My schedule?"

She handed him a tablet, her fingers brushing his for a fleeting second. The contact sent a jolt through her, but his expression remained impassive—though the corner of his mouth twitched, almost imperceptibly.

“Efficient as always,” he remarked, his voice smooth yet unreadable.

Sophia followed him into his office, setting down a fresh cup of coffee on his desk. She hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Do you need anything else, sir?"

He leaned back in his chair, his gaze piercing. "Stay. I might."

---

The silence stretched between them, charged and heavy. Sophia stood by the desk, her heart racing under his intense scrutiny.

"You've been quiet lately," he said, his voice soft but commanding.

Sophia blinked, caught off guard. "I... I didn't think you wanted me to speak unless necessary."

His lips curved into a faint, dangerous smile. "And who told you that?"

She shifted under his gaze, feeling as though he could see straight through her. "No one. I just assumed."

He stood abruptly, rounding the desk until he was mere inches from her.

She instinctively took a step back, only to find herself against the wall.

"You assume too much," he murmured, his voice low and almost hypnotic. His hand rested on the wall beside her, trapping her in place. "Tell me, Sophia. Do I intimidate you?"

Her throat went dry as she struggled to find her voice. "Sometimes," she admitted.

"Good," he said, his eyes darkening. "But that doesn't mean you get to hide from me."

--

The tension was broken when Kai entered without knocking, his cheerful presence a stark contrast to the storm brewing in the room.

"Interrupting something?" Kai asked innocently, though the glint in his eye suggested he knew exactly what he was doing.

Sophia ducked out from under Mr. Lee's arm, her cheeks flushed. "I should get back to work," she muttered, hurrying past Kai without looking back.