His CEO

begin again

"Be careful, Jihyun."

Jihyo called out gently as her daughter eagerly hopped out of the car. Jihyun barely spared her a glance and was already distracted by Insung kneeling down to her level just a few steps away.

"Come here, princess," he said softly, opening his arms wide.

Jihyun rushed into his embrace without hesitation, wrapping her small arms around his neck. "Are you going to live with us now, Appa?" she asked.

Insung hugged her tightly, resting his chin on her head. "Soon, Jihyun-ah," he whispered.

"But why not now?" she asked again, looking up at him with wide, curious eyes.

He exchanged a brief glance with Jihyo, searching her face for reassurance before turning his attention back to their daughter. "I want to make sure everything is perfect for you and Mommy," he explained gently. "I'm getting a special place ready for us to live together—a home just for our family. And you'll have your very own room."

Jihyun's eyes lit up at the mention of her own room. "Like a princess room? In a palace?" Her excitement bubbled up, her voice rising in pitch.

Insung smiled, nodding. "Exactly. But it takes a little time to make it special, so you'll have to be patient, okay?"

She seemed to ponder this for a moment, her tiny brows furrowing before nodding firmly. "Ne, Appa. I'll wait." Her serious expression melted into a bright smile as she added softly, "I love you."

"I love you too, my little princess," Insung murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead before standing up.

After a while, Hyekyo came out by the gate. "You guys might want to come in now, we're already preparing for dinner."

Jihyo turned to Insung. "Would you like to stay and eat with us?" she offered.

Insung shook his head with a small smile. "I'm fine. Still pretty full from earlier," he replied, glancing down at Jihyun, who was now twirling in circles beside him.

"Is Dad home already?" Jihyo asked, her attention shifting to Hyekyo.

Hyekyo nodded. "Yeah, he got back a little while ago."

"Okay. Take Jihyun inside. I'll follow you guys right after," Jihyo said, watching as Jihyun ran to Hyekyo, taking her hand and skipping toward the house. The sight made her heart swell.

As they walked away, Jihyo turned back to Insung, a soft smile on her face. "That was sweet," she commented, crossing her arms and leaning against the car.

"I'm really trying, you know," he said, his voice quieter now that they were alone. "I want her to feel safe and secure. And you too."

"I know you are," Jihyo replied, her expression softening. "But... did I hear you right earlier? You're preparing a place for us?"

"Well," he began, "I already began searching for a nice house here in Yongsan while we were in the office this morning... one that could give us space, a backyard for Jihyun to play, and somehow close enough so she won't have to transfer schools."

Jihyo raised an eyebrow, impressed but also a little curious. "What about your penthouse? It's already big, and it's closer to the office."