" You look dashing today, sir!” Yuna excimed with a bright smile as Park Jun strolled toward his team, his tailored suit perfectly framing his frame. “You all look fantastic as well,” Park Jun replied, a warm smile illuminating his face as he took in the sight of his colleagues. “Why are you te? The ceremony wrapped up ages ago, and you even missed the president's inauguration speech!” Mister Kim interjected, a hint of annoyance edging his voice. “I apologize. I had some personal matters to take care of this morning, and then I got caught in a frustrating traffic jam,” he expined, running a hand through his hair in exasperation. “Fortunately, no one brought you up, especially not the senior manager. Otherwise, today would have been a nightmare for you,” Yuna said, cautiously gncing around the crowded venue. Aliz, a top-tier cosmetics and fashion company with branches spanning across the globe, was celebrating its 75th anniversary with an extravagant party hosted in honor of its president, Park Bon Seo. This grand affair was held at Gagam, an opulent hotel, also part of President Park's business empire. Park Yi Jun surveyed the vish surroundings, feeling a mix of awe and trepidation. The room buzzed with the presence of elite members of the Aliz family and influential employees, a prime setting for networking and advancing one’s career. President Park, a formidable figure in the business world, had three children with his wife, who hailed from an equally prestigious lineage. Their eldest son was the top contender for the role of the next president, currently serving as the company’s director. Their daughter headed the clothing line of Aliz, while their youngest, Park Bon Hwa, oversaw the cosmetics and accessories division. Park Yi Jun and his team operated under Bon Hwa’s direction. “Sir, aren’t you going to greet others?” Yuna prompted, nudging him to interact with the attendees. Yi Jun hesitated, his gaze flickering over the crowd, searching for the right words. “Yes, we’ve already greeted several people,” Yuna reminded him, her expression encouraging. Determined, Park Yi Jun turned to his left and approached Senior Manager Kim, engaging in light conversation. “Do you think he’ll be okay?” Sumi asked, concern cing her voice. “Yeah, he’ll be fine. He may not enjoy interacting with superiors, but when the situation calls for it, he handles himself well,” Mister Kim replied confidently to his teammates. As Park Yi Jun approached another table occupied by his superiors, he gnced to his left, where President Park was engaged with other directors. His family's presence beside him commanded respect in the room, signifying their significant standing within the company. While discussing the company's new product line with other team managers, his attention was abruptly captivated by the arrival of the president and the directors to their table, making their rounds to greet all the guests. As the director began speaking to their group, Yi Jun stood quietly, composed yet slightly apprehensive, maintaining a polite smile. His eyes drifted to Park Bon Hwa, standing next to the director with an expression that revealed little. Today, he wore a sleek bck suit paired with a sharp bck tie, his hair perfectly styled back, exuding an air of sophistication and control. With sharp eyes and broad shoulders, he resembled a lion surveying its domain—the embodiment of authority and confidence. As the festivities wound down, Park Yi Jun exited the hotel with the others, making his way toward the parking area. The underground parking structure was bustling with people, leaving him to wait in his car until the congestion eased. While scanning the surroundings, his gaze nded on a small group—Park Bon Hwa and his circle of comrades, all scions of wealthy families much like his own. “Born with golden spoons... bastards,” Yi Jun muttered under his breath, irritation seeping through his tone. As soon as the remark slipped out, he caught Park Bon Hwa’s eye, sending a jolt of surprise through him. Quickly averting his gaze, he shifted his head to the right to avoid further confrontation................................................Later that evening, after a refreshing shower, Park Yi Jun stepped out of the bathroom cd in comfortable pajamas, feeling rejuvenated. He towel-dried his hair, grabbed his phone from the dining table, and sank onto the sofa with relief. “Haah...” he made a long sigh. He absently scrolled through his messages, eventually replying to his best friend, a forced smile stretching across his face. Jun Seo: “How about going out tomorrow for a blind date? My colleague keeps asking about you.” Yi Jun: “Who?” Jun Seo: “I showed you her picture st time, remember that long-haired girl with bck hair? She is really cute.!” Yi Jun: “Yeah... But dude, I don’t want to.” Jun Seo: “Why? ??????” Yi Jun: “No time. Way too busy.” Jun Seo: “C’mon! Are you still stuck on your cheating ex? Just move on!” Yi Jun: ?? Jun Seo: ???? "Are you seriously not going?" Yi Jun: “No.” Jun Seo: “It’s your loss. She’s a real beauty. ??” With a resigned sigh, Yi Jun set his phone aside, intercing his fingers behind his head as he stretched out on the couch, staring at the ceiling. Memories of his past flooded his mind. Throughout his life, he had always been popur—through school, college, and even at work. He’d had several retionships, but they always ended on a bitter note. The st one, two years ago, still haunted him. She had been stunning, with an impressive career, and he had genuinely loved her, even contempting a future together. But one fateful day, he discovered she had been unfaithful with a coworker. It took him a long time to shake off the heartache that followed. “Is there any real love in this world? Can I ever experience true love? Is there anyone who will truly love me?” His mind spiraled with these questions, his heart pounding in his chest, suffocated by pain, as tears threatened to spill from the corners of his closed eyes.