rich [k.d.h fanfic]

epilogue [2/5]

CEO Kim's fiancé is an orphan?

Youjung's head was laid on Donghyuk's shoulder in the midst of chaos. The moment they left the male's apartment, reporters, questions and flashes bombarded them. He shields her like a gentleman he was but it raised more questions within the media. As Kihyun sped off, a worried look that was evident on his face, the couple found themselves stepping on eggshells as they tried to find out the reason behind the bombarding.

Halfway through the trip, the driver lets out a deep sigh before mumbling about the others murdering him and reveals the news outspread. An unknown source had tipped every media company information of Youjung being an orphan, despite being the daughter of the infamous Chairman Min.

So far, Chairman Min showed no response of wanting to clear anything up and it angered her tremendously. It may be the truth but it doesn't mean that it should be showcase to the world like some breaking news. Chanwoo had reassured them that he was doing everything; from using his connections to personally making deals, to prevent things from getting out of hand but it seems that it has escalated too far.

The Kim parents have already rung up their only son, mentioning of a meet-up later in the week to talk about the issue. They had shut themselves in the office, away from prying eyes and noises that would further stress them. Minji was to direct calls and prevent anyone from breaking their temporary peace – under the orders of CEO Kim. The other employees also did their best to contain any media coverage that would rudely barge into the office just to grab a glance of the currently trending duo.

Jinhwan, Junhoe and Yunhyeong, all are currently appeasing the shareholders and board of directors who demand an explanation. Questions that couldn't be answered by any of them were thrown across the meeting room, stressing everyone out. All wondering where Donghyuk was in a situation like this but they knew that instead of the company needing the CEO just yet, the lady needed her partner.

"I'm not good enough for you, Donghyuk," Youjung whispers, breaking the silence to exchange it for a heavy atmosphere. "You know it."

He frowns and adjusts their position so that they were facing one another. He grabs both of her hands and holds them tightly, making eye contact. "Don't degrade yourself like that, Youjung," he says with slight pain in his tone.

"I'm not degrading myself, Hyukkie," her voice slightly raised, discontentment fully heard. "It's the truth. The shareholders and board of directors will never accept an orphan as their company heir's wife."

"But you've done so much for the company. Your change overdrives this stupid being an orphan issue," he replies, frustration hanging off his tongue.

"This is no longer about my ability as a CEO's, potentially company owner, wife or business partner," she states, distress filling her eyes. "It's my background not matching yours. It's a pride thing that elders have but we have to listen to them despite not liking it."

Donghyuk stays silent, deep in thought. "Does that mean if... just if," he asks shakily, gaze more intense than before, "the elders told us to break up, would you?"

Her head lowers as a grim look overtakes her usual happy features. "You're not thinking about it right?" he tries again, not wanting to stutter. "Youjung?"

When no reply came, he clenches his fist, not even reflecting what he was feeling on the inside. "Why?" he asks and she looks up. "Why do you want to end things even before we can do anything. It took us so long to face our feelings and we're still both unsure what the heck going on or what we both want. And we're just going to end everything just because some old people said so?"