Matchmaker: BOOK I [Y/N X KAI]

✨ Chapter 23 ✨

I try to control the shake to my voice. But I don't think it's being very convincing.

Nini's jaw clenches, "That's understandable. That's a horrible thing to have to go through. This can get pretty traumatizing and it's totally okay to take time to heal."

Suddenly, a realization hits me and I look up.

Is this really that jerk-head CEO Kim Jongin I'm talking to?

"I.." I look at his face, totally startled with this softness.

"What? What happened?" he asks being as surprised.

"I..You..No I mean, actually.. I..kind of expected you to laugh," I blurt out.

"Laugh?!" his eyes pop-up huge.

"I mean, isn't this the part where you make fun of me for being dumb enough to get stood up and left out at my own wedding?" I ask with wide eyes.

"Why the fuck would I make fun of you for something like this? This is not something to joke about.." he steadies his posture "And you're not dumb or anything, Niki. What you went through was terrible. I'd never think to laugh about that."

"Jongin.." I cross my arms and roll my eyes, "Stop acting like you care because you don't."

Nini's concerned expression pinches and suddenly becomes icy all again.

"Fine. Let's just get back to business, then, if that's what you really think," he says crossing his arms too.

Yes, sir.

"Fiiine," I growl.

He sighs, "But whether you believe me or not, I think it's an abhorrent thing to do. I could never imagine myself doing that to someone."

I want to think he's the type of selfish jerk who's capable of doing something like this quite easily, but for some reason, I don't think that. I believe him.

"..and let alone having that happened to me," his expression of concern returns, his eyes definitely scream a genuine worry for me when he looks at me. Did I just misjudge him?

"Thank you for telling me, Niki. I know that this couldn't have been any easy," he whispers gently and his hands settle on my shoulder as he squeezes gently. The warmth of his hand is steady and sure.

It's been a very long time since I've told anyone the whole story. I actually feel a little lighter..

Okay, let's be honest, a lot lighter.

But talking to Nini from all the people in the world, isn't that crazy?

"Yeah, well, thank you for listening," I say.

He nods,"Of course."

Nini switches to CEO, no-nonsense made almost instantly.

"I'll admit you had good reasons, but you still didn't have to do what you did today. That kind of behaviour is unacceptable. And you've effectively proven that my concerns were valid," he growls.

I know this is the part where I get fired. It must be a record to get fired by the same guy from two jobs in the span of a week. At least, I'm consistent.

I nod, "I'll get all the paperwork sorted and then I'll be out of your business, I promise."

I was about to walk away when..

"Niki..wait.."

Nini comes running after me.

He turns to me "Of course, you screwed up today. No doubt about it. But, I can understand why you did what you did. And so, I'm going to give you one last chance to prove yourself, and if you can pull it off, I'll convince Aria to not find another wedding planner for her."

Wait...Did I really just hear that right?

"You'll convince her to keep me? Y-you really will do that?" I gasp loudly.

He nods, "Yes, I will. But remember, it's only if you manage to pull it off right. It's a chance, not an offer."

"I can do this! Whatever it is, I can definitely do this!" I mutter out excitedly. I think that might've turned out a tad desparate. But, hey, I think it's working! At least, he's pulling out his phone!

"I want you to plan Aria's bridal shower. She's always wanted it at this restaurant our family used to go when we were growing up. It's very important and close to her," he informs me.

"Oh my god! Nini, thank you, thank you, thank you!" I yell at the top of my lungs. I'm pretty sure that it's probably not doing much to convince him that I'm very matured and responsible but I'm so relieved that I don't even care. I didn't jump up on him or wrapped him on a big damn hug, that's enough maturity for this moment.

"I promise I won't waste this second chance. You won't regret this, I swear!" I say.

He sighs, "Yeah, yeah, just get it done first. We can talk about the logistics of your position after you've successfully handled this.

I nod simultaneously, "You're right. But I just need you to know that I'm going to rock this. Just wait and watch!"

Nini raises an eyebrow.

"I really hope so. This is your last chance, Niki. If you blow this up, I can't help you," he says.

The way he says that makes me feel kind of awful.

"I don't need your pity, Sir," I blurt out.

Don't get me wrong. I'd rather have a job than not have a job. But it's the principle that counts.

"What do you mean?" he wiggles his eyebrows.

"It's kind of you to have offered me this. But I think it's unwise to take this opportunity after messing up it totally. I don't want to get my job by getting all emotional and talking about my personal life. It feels like you're giving me this opportunity out of sympathy for my past. And I don't need that," I tell him as a matter of fact.

"Maybe not. But it's also unwise for me to have judged you by what I saw because it was only half-truth, judging by this isn't seeing this from a neutral perspective," he says.

✨ To Be Continued ✨