A Billionaire For Hanni

Chapter 35

The dinner was held in a luxurious restaurant, where the soft light of candles reflected a calm elegance on the polished surfaces. The sound of delicate plates being set down, mixed with the hushed laughter of other diners, created an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere that felt miles away from the thoughts swirling in Hanni's mind. Minji looked perfect as always, her impeccable black dress and natural aura of power. Every movement she made was precise, every word measured, yet there was a slight weariness in her eyes that she couldn't hide.

"It's been such a long day," Minji said, taking a sip of her red wine, her gaze fixed on Hanni. "The meetings were endless. But at least now, I'm here with you. How was your day?"

Hanni found herself staring at the wine glass in front of her, feeling the weight of a response she wasn't yet ready to give. "Quiet," she finally said, her tone automatic, more out of habit than conviction. "Like always, at home. Alone."

Minji tilted her head slightly, as if she were trying to read deeper into Hanni's answer. "I'm so sorry," she said, lowering her voice slightly, letting her words carry a sincerity that struck Hanni deeply. "Because of my work, I'm never at home, there's never time to be together. Only to eat and sleep. And that's not okay, I know."

A knot formed in Hanni's chest. Minji's words were genuine, but there was a part of Hanni that couldn't ignore the emptiness that had grown between them. "It's not your fault," Hanni replied, shaking her head slightly. "I understand. Your company is important. And I can't help but respect that."

Minji sighed, seemingly relieved by Hanni's response. But then, despite her attempt to seem relaxed, Hanni noticed the tension that still lingered in her smile. "I know it's hard for you, Hanni. But I really wish there was more I could do. I wish there was more time for us. But... I understand if that's not enough."

Hanni couldn't hold back the thought that had been nagging her for days. The truth she hadn't yet found the courage to express. Finally, she decided that it was time to be honest, to say things as they were.

"Minji," she began, her voice firm but still uncertain. "I've been thinking a lot over these past days. I don't love you the way you love me. It's not the same for me. But..."

Minji looked at her, the smile she'd been trying to force fading slowly. "But?" she asked, her voice tinged with a faint hope, as if she were trying to grasp something she couldn't quite understand.

Hanni took a deep breath, feeling the frustration and uncertainty swell inside her. "I can't say I love you the way you do. I don't feel that. But there's something I can't ignore. A force, an... attraction, physically, that I can't explain. It confuses me, it troubles me. But it's real."

Minji fell silent, as if she were trying to process those words. Her expression didn't change immediately, but a shadow crossed her face, a sadness that Hanni had never seen before. "I didn't expect that kind of answer," she said finally, her voice tinged with pain. "But thank you for being honest with me."

Then, Minji leaned in slightly, her eyes searching Hanni's, her face serious but gentle. "Hanni, I'm not asking you to love me right away. I just want you to stay with me. To try. If this attraction could become something else. A deeper feeling, a connection that goes beyond that."

Hanni looked into her eyes, her heart pounding in her chest. Her mind was clouded; the physical attraction she felt for Minji wasn't enough to make her forget the doubts that haunted her. Yet, something, perhaps the love she still held for the woman who had always given so much, kept her from completely rejecting her.

"I'll try," she finally said, her voice quieter, yet determined. "But without promising anything. I can't give you false hope, Minji. I can't tell you it will change, that I'll become what you want me to be. If nothing changes between us, I'll have to consider divorce."