A Billionaire For Hanni

Chapter 38

The date with Soobin had started so simply, so innocently. It was just coffee at a quiet café, a chance to catch up and enjoy each other's company. Soobin had been kind, charming even, and for a brief moment, Hanni allowed herself to relax. She felt a flicker of hope—maybe, just maybe, this could be something real.

But as their conversation continued, Soobin excused himself to go to the bathroom, leaving his phone unattended on the table. Hanni, her thoughts racing, couldn't help but glance at the phone. It was only a quick peek, just a fleeting moment, but what she saw sent a chill down her spine.

A message popped up on the screen from someone named Sullyoon. The text was unsettling:

*"Hurry up. Make sure she falls for you. Get her for me, Minji have to be mine.. I will be there when she's vulnerable. You know what to do."*

The words hit Hanni like a punch to the gut. She felt her stomach twist in knots as she read them again, just to make sure she hadn't misinterpreted. Sullyoon was involved in this—someone else who had been orchestrating the entire situation. It was clear now: this wasn't about her. This was a plan, a plot to manipulate her into taking Minji's place.

Hanni's heart raced, her mind spinning with disbelief. She had been so caught up in Soobin's charm, so focused on the idea of something new, that she hadn't seen the strings being pulled behind the scenes. It wasn't just Soobin. It was Sullyoon. And that, more than anything, shattered the small amount of trust Hanni had left. This wasn't just about a guy playing her—it was a deliberate, calculated plan to manipulate her emotions, to make her fall for Soobin, and then, in a moment of weakness, to steal Minji away.

Without thinking, Hanni stood up, her chair scraping harshly against the floor. She grabbed her bag and walked out of the café without a word. Her heart pounded in her chest as she left Soobin's confused voice behind, calling out for her. But she didn't turn back.

She needed space. She needed clarity.

When she reached home, Hanni collapsed on the couch, her head spinning with a mix of emotions. She felt betrayed, deceived, and completely broken. She had trusted Soobin, allowed herself to believe in something that now felt like a cruel joke. But it wasn't just Soobin—it was Sullyoon, the mastermind behind the entire thing. She had been played, and now she couldn't trust anyone, not even herself.

As she sat there, her thoughts began to circle back to Minji. She had been right. Minji had always been there for her, careful with her feelings, protecting her in ways Hanni hadn't fully appreciated. Minji had warned her about Soobin, but Hanni had been too caught up in the moment to listen. Now, everything felt like a lie. She had been so blind.

Tears began to flow again as she thought about Minji's quiet support, how much she had cared for her. Minji had always been honest, never hiding her feelings. And now, Hanni couldn't help but feel ashamed. She had been so wrong about everything.

She wiped her eyes and took a deep breath. She couldn't keep running from this. She needed to face the truth—she needed to talk to Minji.

Her hands trembling, Hanni picked up her phone and texted Minji: *"I need to talk to you. Can we meet?"*

Within minutes, Minji replied, her concern obvious even through the screen: *"Of course. I'll be there soon."*

Hanni didn't wait. She went straight to the office, her heart pounding in her chest with every step. When she arrived, she found Minji sitting at her desk, the soft light of the office casting a calm glow around her. Minji looked up when Hanni entered, and the moment their eyes met, Hanni felt a rush of emotion.

"I saw something today," Hanni said, her voice trembling. "Something on Soobin's phone."

Minji's expression didn't change, but there was a quiet understanding in her eyes. She stood up and walked over to Hanni, her gaze soft but steady.