When I first arrived in this world, I rember thinking this was just the drama Madman playing out according to the fixed synopsis and the story I already knew. But the more ti passed, the more it veered off course—so much so that I began to question if this was even the sa drama at all.
Take, for example, the demotion of the forr Secretary Team 3 Lead, or Han Yejun himself. Originally, there were no disciplinary actions for that team leader. And Han Yejun? He was supposed to fall head over heels for Yoon Taeo. And vice versa. But neither of them showed any particular interest in each other. And there were far more subtle changes. I’m not even sure if my mory’s totally accurate anymore, but even the secretarial staff looked nothing like what I rembered from the show.
“Are you doing this on purpose to ss with , Secretary Kim?”
And of course, I was the one at the center of all those changes. Every small action I took, every word I said, twisted the story further off its rails. Maybe, from the mont I entered Baek Sieon’s body, the story was always ant to stray from the version I knew.
“Th-that couldn’t possibly be true, CEO...”
Even this Sotheby’s auction was a deviation. In the original version, Yoon Taeo was supposed to attend with Han Yejun. Because he brought such a high-profile partner, they drew the attention of customs officers, and Taeo even rescued him from so half-baked ordeal. That’s when their love deepened—or sothing like that. But now? Han Yejun’s whereabouts were unknown, and I was the one standing in as his plus-one.
“So how exactly am I supposed to accept this pathetic display?”
“What’s... wrong with it...?”
Let’s not even bring up the fact that I had to prepare for a party on a golden weekend afternoon. Toxic work conditions weren’t exactly new to . What made this unbearable was that now I was even being criticized for wearing perfectly decent clothes.
“I an, co on. You’re attending as my partner—don’t you think that’s a bit... sigh... cheap-looking?”
...He chose those words deliberately, didn’t he? Now I’m curious what he originally ant to say.
“...This is actually the nicest suit I own.”
“Oh? Is this your roundabout way of saying you don’t get paid enough?”
The salary was generous. The problem was that I never had the chance to use any of it.
“Shut your mouth.”
I bit my lip at his retort. Now that my mouth’s learned not to get killed, the rest of my facial muscles seem to be doing all the betraying.
“...Sigh. Follow .”
Fine, I didn’t exactly dress to impress. But I’d done a damn good job dressing him. Unlike his usual workwear, today he wore a more formal suit—borderline tuxedo style. Since Taeo hated bowties, I’d accented the collar with a platinum pin tipped with diamond edges. It was a look that really suited him... not that I’d admit it out loud.
He had his bangs slicked back today, which made his face more visible than usual—though right now that just made his scowl more intense. I followed behind as he stalked out of the house, radiating agitation.
“What are you doing?”
I’d been about to slide into the passenger seat of the waiting sedan when Taeo’s sharp voice cut through the air.
“...Getting in the car?”
“Today, you’re not my secretary. I’d appreciate it if you rembered that you’re my partner.”
“Ah... right...”
Partner. God, it sounds awkward as hell. Not that I hadn’t tried to rebel a little. I suggested digging up soone halfway presentable from so non-existent list to attend in my place. He shot it down instantly. Guy’s needlessly stubborn.
“Head to La Fizeo.”
“Yes, sir.”
I slid in next to him, and the car began to move. Up front, Kang Seokho looked like he was trying not to laugh. He was probably mocking my situation in his head. And honestly, next to Taeo, our outfits... yeah, the difference was stark.
But what could I do? All of Baek Sieon’s clothes were either second-rate suits or hand--downs. I was never big on fashion either—I just cycled through the sa plain black suits. Like I was heading to a funeral every damn day.
“Um, CEO... La Fizeo?”
“Don’t stress about it. If you show up looking like shit, it reflects badly on too.”
“That’s not what I ant... I just thought maybe we could go to Grid instead of La Fizeo...?”
It’s a little pricier. Which obviously ans it looks better too.
“...Tch. Fine. Grid it is.”
I pretended not to notice his irritation.
❖ ❖ ❖
“Damn, clothes really do make the man.”
“Shut up.”
“You’ve got it good, Team Leader Baek. CEO buys you fancy clothes and takes you to parties most people can’t even dream of.”
One of these days, I will rip Kang Seokho’s loudmouth open from ear to ear.
Shopping was quick. My opinion wasn’t asked. Taeo picked a ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) single outfit to match his taste, I tried it on, and that was that. Technically, the secretarial team usually handled Taeo’s styling, but the guy had expensive taste and decent judgnt—his pick wasn’t half bad. While Taeo was out of sight, Kang Seokho finally unleashed all the snide comnts he’d been holding in.
“I an, really, if you wore that watch from before, it would’ve matched perfectly. You rember, right? The one with the blue sapphire that I brought you from that bar where we caught Kim Daehyun.”
“Hey! Why are you bringing up the watch all of a sudden?!”
Yeah. Maybe shut the hell up now?
“One more word and that watch—”
“What watch are you talking about?”
“...Welco back, CEO.”
My heart dropped. Even Kang Seokho’s posture stiffened as he subtly gripped the steering wheel tighter. Sure, I threatened him about the watch, but it’s not like I wanted Taeo finding out about it either.
“Team Leader Kang said he gave it to soone he likes as a gift.”
“Really? What a coincidence—I got one too.”
With a flick, sothing landed on my lap—a black velvet box, tossed like it was junk. I opened it to find a high-end tal watch that looked very expensive.
“...You want to wear this?”
“It’s about maintaining the dignity befitting my partner. Don’t get the wrong idea.”
Wow. It was so light on my wrist I could barely tell it was there. The brand and build scread luxury. If I sold this one and the old one from before, I might actually be able to afford defecting overseas.
“First ti seeing a watch, Secretary Kim?”
“No, it’s just...”
“Or is it the first ti you’ve gotten a gift? You look way too happy.”
There was amusent in Taeo’s voice. He reached out, grabbed my wrist, and twisted it this way and that to admire the watch. ...What’s that look for? Are you mocking for never having been in a relationship?
“Looks good. Your wrists are pretty slender.”
He kept holding my hand, gently brushing his thumb over the exposed skin not covered by the watch. His eyes locked on mine, like he was waiting for to say sothing. And... why the hell did he look so soft?
“...It’s just... your taste is excellent, CEO...”
“And?”
...What the hell else does he want to hear? Shit. Code red. If I don’t give the right answer, my wrist might not survive.
“It’s hard to find a watch that suits soone perfectly... You must’ve picked it out really carefully...”
“More.”
His grip tightened. His gaze got heavier.
“...Thank you...?”
“Glad to hear you like it.”
Phew. Nailed it before he broke my damn wrist. Taeo finally let go, his lips curling into a mocking smile. Guess he really just wanted a “thank you.” The guy must be the type who likes to flaunt generosity. My wrist, now free, still felt hot from the tension.
“We’ve arrived.”
While I’d been distracted by the watch, we’d pulled up to a well-known gallery. It had a sprawling garden and a private building, secure enough to block any unauthorized entry. Even at the entrance, security guards were stationed to check nas and invitations—a strict screening process.
"Wow... they really went all in with the money."
The party was pretty extravagant. It was the kind of place where you could imdiately tell how desperate they were to sell everything at the highest possible price. The hall looked like sothing out of an old European social ball, with a wide range of attendees milling around. Plenty of familiar celebrity faces too.
“Hello, CEO. It’s been a while.”
As we made our way toward the center, two younger-looking n approached us. I recognized them.
“The tall one is the chairman’s son from Huyeong Construction. His title’s Director. The other one’s that Beta who tried to hit on you before.”
I leaned in and whispered it low, just in case Yoon Taeo made another mistake. The Huyeong Construction heir had crossed paths with us a few tis over the resort project. The Beta beside him, though... he was strange. Hard to read. Given that he once made a pass at Taeo, he was probably not quite right in the head. At least, that’s what Baek Sieon’s mories suggest.
And knowing Taeo, he probably didn’t rember either of them.
“Oh, right. Hello.”
“You rember our Huysu, right?”
“I don’t know. Have we t before?”
Taeo turned and asked , like he genuinely couldn’t recall. And I... got a little irritated by their phrasing. The heir clearly knew the Beta had so history with Taeo. Maybe Taeo was just returning the favor by playing dumb. He’s not the kind of guy who misses subtle cues, after all.
“Hmm. I think this is my first ti seeing them too. Maybe it’s just their generic faces... Can’t say they left an impression.”
In situations like this, indifference is the best tactic. I didn’t know what the Beta had said, but it definitely wasn’t ant kindly. And I rembered, too—this sa Beta picked a fight with Han Yejun in the original story. I was just drawing the line early. Call it a preemptive strike.
“Oh right, wasn’t Huyeong Construction part of our resort developnt?”
“Yeah. They’re in charge of the section that’s two weeks behind schedule.”
“That’s a problem. Co to the office next week for a progress review. Now then, if you’ll excuse us.”
The mont Taeo finished with that casually arrogant remark, I flinched. Not because the Huyeong heir and the Beta were flushing red with embarrassnt—but because Taeo pulled my hand and rested it on his arm. Completely unexpected.
“...What are you doing...?”
“We’re partners. This is the bare minimum.”
He said it like he was escorting . It felt so unnatural to be on the other side of the dynamic after spending all this ti as his assistant.
“So what did I do with that Beta again? I seriously don’t rember anything.”
“No, CEO. He tried to hit on you and failed.”
More accurately, he sidled up to Taeo drinking alone at a hotel lounge and tried to slide a hand up his thigh, nearly getting punched for it. He also tried a few “accidental run-ins” in the past. Seeing him now with the Huyeong heir, his goal was pretty obvious. Money, probably.
“They looked good together. A real match made in hell.”
“Right? But that one’s giving bad vibes. You’re better off not being associated with him.”
“Stop worrying. I’m just gonna go grab the bidding number. Wait here a minute.”
Even though I offered to go instead, Taeo handed a glass of champagne and disappeared into the crowd. This bastard—why does he like auctions so damn much? He’s the sa guy who smashed a 2.4 billion won teacup.
“Oh, is it him this ti?”
And of course, it wouldn’t be a proper scene without a cliché entrance. The Beta and the Huyeong heir showed up again, this ti bringing a couple more with them. They loitered nearby, talking just loud enough to make sure I heard every word.
“How much you wanna bet he’s just clinging to Yoon Taeo for his money?”
“Not like it’s gonna last. He’ll either get dumped or run off.”
Funny. I can’t be dumped, and I’m in no position to run.
“...God, what a pain.”
I lifted the champagne glass with my left hand, subtly flicking my sleeve to reveal the watch Taeo had given earlier. Brought it to my lips like I was just taking a casual sip.
You see it? This watch?
Ah, yeah. He saw it. Judging by the way that Beta’s face contorted, he definitely recognized its worth. I approached them before things could escalate.
“If you’re gonna settle for a chicken instead of a pheasant, try not to get your feathers plucked, huh?”
“...What the fuck are you talking about?”
Unfortunately, I don’t rember this guy’s na. The Beta who tried to get with Taeo twisted his face in irritation, clearly not getting the ssage. No wonder he had the nerve to hit on Taeo—he’s got zero self-awareness.
“If you don’t want your boyfriend’s business to go up in flas, I suggest you fuck off. What, should I whisper sweet nothings to Taeo and tell him Huyeong Construction’s doing such a shit job we’d be better off suing and pulling out?”
Of course, I had no intention of doing that. And even if I did say sothing, it wouldn’t change anything—Taeo had his reasons for involving Huyeong in the project. I also wasn’t in any position to “whisper sweet nothings.” But they didn’t know that, so who cared? Judging by their shifting expressions, they got the ssage.
In the original story, Han Yejun got humiliated in this exact situation. But ? I wasn’t going to let that happen. That’s what you get for picking the wrong person to provoke. You should’ve just enjoyed the party quietly.
Wait... where are they looking?
Sothing about their gaze felt off. Not at my face...?
“...So I’ve heard.”
I turned in the direction of their eyes—and all I saw was a black-clad chest filling my view. Before I could even process what I was looking at, sothing wrapped tightly around my waist.
“Looks like soone’s already whispered their sweet nothings to .”
His arm yanked in, tight around the waist, and all I could hear next was Yoon Taeo’s low, amused voice right by my ear.
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