Chapter 9 Yohan

• The romance between Yohan and Yuki spread like wildfire through Lempter.
• Melanie, once a frequent rider of the CEO's private elevator, now makes a point to arrive five minutes early each day, opting for the public elevator alongside her colleagues.
• The change was crystal clear: Yuki now shared her commute with Yohan.
• As Melanie reached the top floor this morning a little later than her usual time due to an accident, she caught sight of Yuki and Yohan exiting the elevator in each other's company.
• Yuki, with her arm entwined with Yohan's, wore a radiant smile. Upon spotting Melanie, she briefly faltered before her smile widened even further. "Good morning, Melanie."
• Melanie cast a quick glance at the intertwined hands of Yuki and Yohan, responding with a neutral "Morning."
• Yuki, suddenly aware of their gesture, playfully stuck out her tongue, releasing Yohan's hand. She then mischievously glanced at him. "She saw us."
• Yohan raised an eyebrow, stealing a look at Melanie. "And?"
• Uninterested in witnessing any affection between Yohan and Yuki, Melanie briskly walked back to her workstation, her high heels echoing on the smooth floor.
• As she distanced herself, she caught Yuki's playful call, "Yohan."
• Yet, by noon, Yuki's demeanour shifted when she emerged from Yohan's office. Standing before Melanie, she nervously nibbled her lip. "Melanie, Mr. Stewart wants to see you."
• Melanie pondered what else Mr. Stewart might need from her, given that he had delegated most of her tasks to Yuki.
• Noticing Melanie's hesitation, Yuki gently prodded, "Mr. Stewart's expecting you."
• Pausing from typing an email to a client, Melanie glanced up at Yuki's voice. "Is there something you're struggling with? I can assist, but I'm currently busy."
• That hit a sore spot.
• Yuki's expression grew even grimmer.
• Upon returning from her meeting with Yohan, Melanie grasped the reason behind Yuki's gloomy demeanour.
• Her gaze briefly flickered at the rabbit figurine on the desk before refocusing on Yohan. "Aren't you worried about stirring up jealousy with Yuki if you invite me to your family's home?"
• Yohan mentioned that his father, Chris, was nearing his birthday, and Sarah had expressed interest in meeting Yuki. She urged Yohan to bring her along.
• Yohan glanced at her. "My mom isn't someone she can easily handle."
• "So, you're suggesting I should endure the challenges on her behalf?" Melanie inquired.
• Sarah had almost impossible standards for the woman who'd marry her son. During her first visit, Melanie was shown no mercy.
• Yet Yohan did nothing to protect her back then, though he knew she would not come out in one piece.
• With a smirk, Melanie challenged, "And if I decline?"
• "Fair enough," Yohan responded coolly, twirling his pen between his fingers before placing it on the table.
• He spoke softly, "Just ensure you didn't make that decision rashly."
• Their unspoken understanding lingered in the air, exclusive to them. Melanie broke the silence with a nod. "Okay."
• On Chris's birthday, Melanie left work early, anticipating Yohan's arrival in the parking lot, as they'd planned to go together. Yet, Yohan failed to appear.
• With the birthday bash looming, Melanie's unease grew with each unanswered message. Frustrated, she headed back to the CEO's office.
• To her dismay, the office was deserted. Approaching a colleague burning the midnight oil, Melanie's tone was edged with worry. "Any idea where Yohan is?"
• The colleague looked startled. "He's gone. With Ms. Simpson."