Chance Encounters

Stronger

Ji Sung was having a great night. His team was given the recognition by the Chairman. This achievement meant that the entire company would receive financial bonuses if they kept up their work to the end of the year, and Jin Ah's team was also recognized because of the collaboration with the sales team.

It was a surprisingly casual atmosphere where everyone could just mingle with everybody else and the employees seemed to be having a great time.

Most important of all, he came to the party with the most beautiful woman in the world.

He kept stealing glances at Jin Ah and remained as stunned with her beauty as the first time he saw her that evening.

"She's beautiful," one of his teammates commented, following his gaze.

Ji Sung nodded proudly, not taking his eyes off her. Song YoonAh, who was friends with Jin Ah, looked on happily. "You should be careful. People might think you're whipped."

Ji Sung chuckled. "I think I am. Would you excuse me?"

As he headed back to her, she saw a man approach and he politely kept his distance until she was done with the conversation. He did not want to look like an overbearing, possessive boyfriend and knew that Jin Ah to handle herself. He did not hear their conversation at first, but when she first shook her head, he instinctively moved closer until he was within earshot just in case she needed some assistance.

She smiled tightly. "I just wish to be left alone."

Ji Sung finally approached when it became apparent that the man would insist. "I believe the lady said she wished to be left alone."

Towering over the other man, the stranger decided it was not worth the confrontation. "Fine. Have it your way. She's pretty but quite stuck up."

Ji Sung was about lunge for him but Jin Ah stood up quickly and dug her high heels into the man's foot as she stood. "Oh. Sorry," she said sarcastically and went over to Ji Sung's side. "I need some fresh air. Join me?"

When they were at a distance and he was assured that she was alright, he felt calm being near her again.

"Ji Sung-ah," says a familiar deep voice. "Is this your latest 'date'?"

"No. This is my girlfriend, Jin Ah, this is my Father."

Hwang Ji-seok looked at Jin Ah as she gave a deep bow to show her respect. Head of one of the top conglomerates in South Korea, Ji Sung's father was a force to be reckoned with. Building his empire from the time he was out of University, he now owned various business from real estate, technology, utilities and other interests.

He commanded every room he walked into and this gathering was no exception.

Ji Sung pushed it out of his mind that his Father, who was one of the investors in their company, might make an appearance. As one of the conditions of his joining this firm, his Father didn't involve himself in much of this business. But, here he was. Insulting him and Jin Ah with his stare and one sentence.

"I see that you did well with work. Achieving targets for the company. That's new. You are being responsible for once," Hwang Ji-seok continued. "Well, I better not hear any scandals," he warned, letting his gaze land quickly at Jin Ah.

When he was gone, Jin Ah exhaled audibly. "Ji Sung?"

"Hmm?" He turned to her, gazing at her lovingly.

How he could look so softly at her when he was raised by such a cold man was surprising to Jin Ah. Again, she found another reason to appreciate this man. "I'm sorry, but your Father is scary."