Jessica woke up the next morning with the smell of food filling her nostrils. She crawled out of bed and exited the bedroom with half-opened eyes. Her nose led her to the kitchen, where she was greeted with Yuri's warm smile before anything else.

"Good morning," the tanned girl said, wiping her hands on the apron. "I made breakfast. Didn't expect it to be so good that it could pull you out of bed, though."

Jessica stretched her neck and her eyes lit up at the sight of delicious waffles waiting for her on the table. Yuri chuckled, amused by Jessica's hungry look.

"I figured I should make you something nice before you go…" the tanned girl went to the table and pulled out a chair, indicating that the blonde should take that place. "Consider this my apology for forcing you to stay here. I won't do that again." Yuri's voice went softer as she continued, her expression adopted a shadow of guilt. "If you don't want to be with me… I guess there's nothing I can do. I hope I'm still allowed to come to Sooyoung's parent's restaurant to visit you, though."

"Yuri…"

"I just want you to know that you're important to me," Yuri said quickly, as if she was afraid this was her last chance to do so. "I know you have your doubts, but I swear, I can never love anyone—"

"I'll stay."

"—or anything more than—wait, what?"

"I'm staying," Jessica repeated, smiling at the baffled look on Yuri's face. "I’ll take your offer, Yuri. Show me that you aren’t leaving your grandfather not because you don't love me enough. Prove that your heart is with me, and only me."

It took Yuri a moment to process what she just heard. She broke into a smile, thankful for the chance she received.

"I will. I promise, I will."

Yuri spread her arms to hug Jessica but the blonde dodged the embrace.

"You have yet to prove your words," Jessica held up a finger, tilting her head. "Until then, the rule is no hugs. No touching. Nothing. Got that?"

Yuri stopped, sensing the determination in Jessica's voice. The girl was not going to give in easily this time round, that's certain. Yuri watched as Jessica took place at the table and began cutting the waffle. The blonde popped a piece into her mouth, chewed, swallowed, and gave a satisfied sigh.

Suddenly, Yuri had the funny thought that maybe all she needed to get the stubborn girl back was good food.

---------

After breakfast, they drove to the Kwon Enterprise with in Yuri's car. It didn't occur to Jessica until then how nervous this "mission" was making her feel. Even though she knew Yuri wouldn't let anything happen to her, she couldn't help but to feel more anxious the closer they got to their destination. She realized the problem wasn't Yuri or Jiyong. It solely lied with their grandfather. The thought of having to face Old Kwon daily sent shivers down her spine. She didn't know for how long she would be able to lie to him or if she could find out anything useful at all when he's being on guard. And then, there's this fear of getting humiliated while being in direct reach of the enemy, too. Yuri wouldn't be able to stand by her side all the time, and she wasn't sure how she would take it if Old Kwon attacked her with his sharp words when she was defenseless and alone.

Yet, she was determined about doing this. If the Kwons really had anything to do with her dad's disappearance, the main person behind it would be none other than the eldest. The only way to find out was getting as close as possible to potential sources of information. The risk would be worth it. Take the bull by its horns, they say.

Jessica turned to the side and glanced at Yuri, who was unusually quiet. The tanned girl was keeping her eyes on the road, but her thoughts seemed to have wandered to somewhere else. Jessica just hoped Yuri wasn't regretting making the proposal.

"What are you thinking of?" the blonde asked. "You seem uneasy."

"No, I'm fine," Yuri smiled but kept her gaze straight. "It's probably just that I still can't believe you agreed to stay with me."

Jessica knew that was not it. "Are you worried about how to explain everything to your grandfather?"

"No, of course not," Yuri denied. "You don't have to worry. I have everything under control."

Jessica didn't ask anymore, even though she still had her doubts. She was going to let Yuri handle Old Kwon, just as Sooyoung had told her. How the tanned girl was going to do it was none of her business. She didn't need to care too much about this matter.

The rest of the car ride was silent as neither of them bothered to say anything. Eventually, they arrived in front of the Kwon Enterprise's headquarters. Yuri got out of the car first and gave the keys to a valet. Jessica unbuckled her belt as the tanned girl walked around the car to her side.

"You ready?" Yuri asked as she opened the car door for Jessica.

The blonde sighed and stepped out. No, she did not feel ready.

"You don't look too well," Yuri commented in worry as she shut the car door.

"I'm fine," Jessica mumbled. "Let's go."

Yuri led the way and opened the doors for Jessica. When they were inside, the two receptionists stood up and bowed, greeting Yuri in unison. Yuri smiled and greeted back, glancing at Jessica. The blonde didn't say anything. They headed to the elevators and met a few other employees on the way, everyone greeting Yuri properly. Jessica understood too well the position Yuri was taking in the hierarchy of the Kwon business. She used to be treated like this, too.

The thing that surprised her, however, was that no one seemed to know who she was. She had feared to cause a scene when she came in with Yuri, all the gasping and whispering that would occur, all the fingers that would point at her, the ex-girlfriend of their young boss, the daughter of their company's fallen rival. But people's gazes swept over her like a hurried breeze, neither recognition nor any judgment in their eyes. A few gave her a nod, others smiled at her, but most of them just greeted Yuri, ignored her and walked past the two of them quickly.

They entered the elevator at last, the doors closing slowly without anyone else coming in. Jessica unconsciously heaved a sigh of relief, already feeling tired of being surrounded by so many strangers. Yuri put a hand on her back, eyeing her worriedly.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," she said again, moving away from Yuri's touch.

"I'll take you to my office. You'll be working in there with me." Yuri chuckled upon the relieved look on Jessica's face.

"What?"

"Nothing," Yuri smiled. "I have to leave you alone for a while, though. I'll go talk to my grandfather."

Jessica looked at Yuri, taking in the warm smile the taller girl was giving her.

"Don't worry," Yuri grabbed her hand and whispered. "I won't let anything happen to you here."

Jessica pried Yuri's fingers off of her hand and crossed her arms. "Who says I was worrying?"

Yuri just chuckled. The elevator arrived at the desired floor and they entered the broad corridor, heading to Yuri's office.

"You never saw my office before, right?"

"I know your office in Iustit."

"Well, this one is a lot bigger and—"

"UNNIE!"

The moment the tanned girl opened the door, a loud voice boomed into their ears, startling them both. Jessica almost shrieked as she hid behind Yuri, the taller girl freezing in the doorway with a shocked face.

The unexpected guest was a tall girl with long, silky, brownish hair, obviously younger than them with all that baby fat on her face, yet still radiating a mature beauty. The girl looked elegant even when she was laughing at the look on Yuri's face, a hand covering her mouth in an extremely lady-like way.

"Hyunnie!"

The shock turned into a look of pleasant surprise as Yuri recognized her acquaintance. Jessica, on the other hand, had a slight frown creeping across her face as she witnessed the strange girl running into Yuri's arms. Yuri affectionately returned the hug, and the blonde uncomfortably looked away. Her gaze then met with another person standing in the doorway, looking bewildered at her.

"What is she doing here?" Jiyong asked, causing the two tall girls to release their hug and turn around. "Yuri, what are you doing?"

"None of your business, Jiyong," Yuri replied but didn't sound as cold as she usually was towards Jiyong. Jessica had a notion it was because of the new girl's presence.

The man eyed Jessica suspiciously at first but then let it go and grinned at the young girl instead. "Hyun, did you successfully scare the heck out of Yuri?"

"I did," the girl chuckled, poking Yuri. "Your face was too funny, unnie."

Yuri laughed and shook her head. "Since when did you become so naughty? The Seohyun I remember was always so timid and polite."

"I still am polite, unnie!"

Jiyong clapped his hands, the same grin plastered on his face. "Great to see you two getting along so well. That means it won't be too much of a shock once the elders reveal the news."

"What news, oppa?"

"You'll see. Yuri, you should bring Seohyun to grandfather's office now. Her parents are there too, they're waiting for us."

"What is this all about?"

Jiyong glanced at Jessica, contemplating what to do for a moment. "I wasn't going to spoil it, but looking at the situation now…"

The voice made Jessica feel uneasy. She could feel Yuri was starting to tense up, too.

"They're gonna announce the engagement between you two," Jiyong tilted his head towards Yuri and Seohyun.

The younger girl's jaw dropped to the ground, and Yuri was frozen on the spot. Jessica tried to read Yuri's expression but failed. She bit her lower lip, trying not to show Jiyong how she was feeling. The tanned girl eventually returned her gaze, but with eyes that were uninterpretable.

"Let's go," Jiyong urged Yuri and the still shocked Seohyun.

"Oppa, are you serious?"

"You know I don't kid around when it comes to this kind of thing," Jiyong replied and gently pushed the young girl out of the door.

Yuri turned to Jessica, quickly grabbing the blonde's hands. "I have to go now. I will be back."

Jessica didn't know what to say.

"Sica, remember—" Yuri said softly before releasing Jessica's hands. "I love you."

Yuri rushed out. Jessica was left behind, not sure how she should feel. One thing was for sure, the existing bond between Yuri and this Seohyun girl was not a good thing. She could tell that the affection Yuri had for Seohyun was extraordinary, seeing that the workaholic Yuri used to have no friends besides Sooyoung. On top of that, Seohyun was not only close to Yuri but also to Jiyong.

Jessica frowned upon the realization.

Who on earth was this Seohyun?

----------

Yuri sighed in relief as she opened the door to her apartment and saw lights inside. She kicked her shoes into the corner and hurriedly went inside.

"Sica! Sica, are you here?"

The blonde girl on the couch put the book she was reading aside, turning around to look at Yuri.

"Gosh, why did you leave without telling me?" Yuri approached Jessica. "Do you know how I worried I was? You didn't even pick up your phone."

Jessica didn't answer but rose from the couch, heading towards the bedroom.

"Sica…" Yuri followed the blonde girl, holding her back by her arm. "Don't do this. I was really worried. I thought you'd left me for real."

"Did you reject the engagement?"

"What? I—" Yuri sighed. "Not yet. I will, though. I'll figure out a way."

"How many times have you said this, Yuri?" Jessica pulled Yuri's hand away. "How long have I waited? You haven't figured out anything. Everything's still as messed up as it was three weeks ago, if not even messier. And you're doing nothing, Yuri. I'm tired of waiting. I've waited in your office for three hours today. I couldn't stand it anymore. I only went back to your apartment because I don't want to be a promise breaker like you."

Jessica wanted to walk away, but Yuri wrapped her arms around the blonde and engulfed her in a tight backhug.

"I'm sorry…" Yuri whispered pleadingly into Jessica's ear. "Please, give me more time. Don't give up on me yet. I swear I'm trying my best. It just can't be done overnight, Sica. Seohyun is just a good sister to me, nothing more. Trust me. If I'm going to get married, it won't be with anyone else but you."

Yuri rested her chin on Jessica's shoulder as the blonde girl heaved a heavy breath.

"Your words are not enough anymore, Yuri."

Jessica freed herself from Yuri's embrace and went into the bedroom.

----------

The gloomy atmosphere was still present the next morning.

They got up, had breakfast, exited the apartment together, but without the exchange of a single word. Yuri didn't understand why Jessica was so fed up yet still decided to stay and even went to work with her. Not that she was complaining. Jessica probably was still giving her this last chance, and Yuri wasn't intending to try the girl's patience. But she knew she cannot hurry. Everything had to pursue the plan; otherwise she would never be able to truly make it up to Jessica.

"Sica…" Yuri hesitatingly said as they drove out of the parking garage. "We… erm—have to pick Seohyun up."

As expected, Jessica turned around to look at her with fierce eyes. How dare you, that look said.

"I couldn't refuse, her parents and my grandfather were—"

"Stop the car."

"Sica, I—"

"I said stop the car!"

Yuri unwillingly blinked and halted the car on the right-hand side of the road. Jessica unbuckled her belt and opened the car door.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm taking the bus. I don't want to pick up your fiancée."

"But—"

Yuri was cut off as Jessica slammed the car door shut. She watched in defeat as the blonde stomped away, knowing that Jessica was cursing her silently right now. Yuri sighed. Maybe she should change her perfect plan to something that would deliver faster results. Jessica's temper was making her heart weak.