Apollo’s Heart - Chapter 41

Chapter 41 – Tension at Lunch (1)

Tae-jun pretended as if it was his first-time meeting Yuri, and she decided to go along with it. Yuri pulled out her business card, flashing him a faux smile.

“Yuri Han.”

As if Yuri’s entire resume was written down on it, Tae-jun took a close look at the card in his hand: Her name and phone number were the only things printed on it.

Si-yeon cut in.

“Seoin Hotel also intends to change up their exhibits, and they are interested in Roy Jean’s pieces as well. He came along to check our new pieces by Roy. What do you think? Do you like them Tae-jun?” she asked eagerly, and Tae-jun nodded.

Another lie.

He claimed to be interested in purchasing art pieces, but not once did he even turn to look upon the Heart of Apollo when he entered the gallery. The only thing, or person, that Tae-jun had ever laid his eyes on was Yuri.

As if she was the sole reason for his visit. He did not even pay attention to any other of Roy’s pieces.

Like a finely sharpened knife, his keen eyes penetrated deep into Yuri’s soul. Cold sweat ran down Yuri’s spine. Everywhere Tae-jun laid his eyes on, Yuri felt the burning sensation of cuts all over her skin.

“Miss Han. Is Yuri Han your real name?” Tae-jun asked.

“Excuse me?”

Yuri was confused. She could not understand what he was getting to. Staring at Yuri, Tae-jun continued.

“I think I saw someone once, greatly resembling you. Well, not even that. Who looks identical to you, but I think I remember them having a different name.” He feigned forgetfulness, as Yuri’s eyes narrowed at him.

What kind of answer does he want from her? Turning her face away, Yuri hands fisted at her skirt.

“That’s interesting, but it is my first time meeting you,” she stated determinedly, and Tae-jun nodded in mock understanding.

“Alright, if you say so.” As if he heard something funny, Tae-jun raised his brows. Yuri was uncomfortable because she felt like Tae-jun was toying with her. With a final glance, Tae-jun finally faced Si-yeon.

“If you have some spare time today, we should have lunch together. With Yuri as well.” he casually suggested.

“That sounds like a plan.” Si-yeon agreed excitedly, “Yuri, are you free?”

“I appreciate it, but…”

“I would like to discuss purchase plans over the table.”

As Roy’s assistant, discussing sales with a possible client on a lunch table was a suggestion Yuri could not easily reject. Reluctantly, Yuri answered.

“Ok… Thank you.”

At that moment, a ghost of a smile appeared on Tae-jun’s face.

“Seems like lunch works for Yuri as well.”

Si-yeon’s secretary pulled out her cell phone. “I will make a reservation immediately. Director Seo, what would you like?”

“I don’t care. You can decide.”

Secretary Kim reserved a table at the most popular French restaurant in the department store.

The chef had a reputation he gained from his exceptional record at a two-star Michelin restaurant in France and a hotel as well. Usually a reservation would be required to at least be notified a day in advance, but such trivialities did not apply if it was Si-yeon calling.

On the way to the restaurant, Yuri’s mind delved into her possible relationship with Tae-jun in the past.

What was their relationship? How did they know each other?

Associating her dreams to what was in front of her, she presumed it to be something very private and close to the heart. Close enough to warrant sexual and physical intimacy with one another.

But that was her assumption so far, until the moment she realized he was an executive director of Seoin Group.

His identity and social position threw Si-yeon into the crossfire.

Even though she could not recall what happened in her past, in general, it was difficult to draw a connection between an art student with an unimpressive and underprivileged background and a person in such a position.

Even when they sat down on the table and opened a menu, Yuri’s mind was preoccupied with a snaggle of confusion. Sitting next to Tae-jun, who sat across Yuri, Si-yeon stared into Yuri’s face.

“Are you okay, Yuri? You don’t look well.” she remarked.

“Oh.” Yuri raised her head and blanched, as she caught Tae-Jun’s eyes. Was he staring at her the whole time? “I am alright. I am just a bit dizzy, but that’s not new. It happens sometimes. Thank you for asking.” She laughed sheepishly.

Yuri turned her mouth up slightly to be polite. Even then, like a ferocious beast preparing to hunt its prey, Tae-jun still did not take his eyes off of her. Enduring his piercing gaze, Yuri reached to the water glass to ease her dry mouth.

As if waiting for an opportune moment, Tae-jun finally spoke once more.

“Yuri, how long have you been working as an assistant to Mr. Jean?”

“It’s been three years already.”

“Three years.” Tae-jun tapped his long fingers on the table.

A big strong hand – the hand that opened and caused Yuri’s body to shake in her memories. She knew that hand too well. It is the hand that she saw in her dreams, leaving burning sensations on her skin.