Kim Taeyeon's POV

"Well, well, well…" the dry comment came from the Duke of Caprielle as soon as I entered his office. "Look who turn up in my office."

"I'm happy that I can provide your amusement, amico." I told him with the equally bored tone he used as I closed the door of his office behind me.

Sooyoung's grey eyes danced with laughter while I took the leather chair in front of his glass table. "You seemed so busy these past few day. I haven't see you even once."

"Yes. I have been busy." I reflected making myself comfortable in the chair.

"So what's the catch?" my good friend asked as he played with his fountain pen. "What makes you so busy these past weeks?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing?" the Duke repeated in disbelief. "Come on, spill the bean. Know you've taken a holiday in Sardinia."

I scowled at him darkly. "How did you know that?"

Sooyoung smirked playing with the pen in his hand. I could see the rich satisfaction in his eyes. "Yuri called last week he told me with great hilarity that you— the great Kim Taeyeon asked him a favour to lend his seaside villa in Sardinia. He told me that he just wished he recorded your conversation so he has a proof that you asked him a favour. He is inquiring who might the lady with you."

I grimaced. One of these days I will have a word with Kwon Yuri. "I see the Greek bastard couldn't keep his big mouth shut."

"Our friend is just curious, that's all." Sooyoung laughed heartily. "So who is the lad with you?"

"How do you know that I've been with a woman?" I asked a little irritably. "Can't I take a vacation on my own?"

"No."

I scowled at the man who almost everyone feared. "That's harsh, Sooyoung."

"It's the truth." Sooyoung said without hint of remorse. "Yuri and I believed that there's a woman with you in Sardinia."

"I see that my friends turned to be gossipmongers now." I commented dryly, trying to prick his damn ego. "When you two retire from your CEO's position you guys should join the matron ladies of the society for the latest rumours in town."

The Duke laughed loudly. "I'll tell Yuri. Don't worry, Tae."

"I will have a word with that Greek bastard one of these days" I muttered rubbing my jaw. The last thing I want when I asked him to lend me his damn house to keep a secret even from our friend Choi Sooyoung."

"Do that." He said too cheerfully for his own good. "You will always find him in one of the tallest skyscraper in New York where he ruled like a king."

My lips twitched with a smile. "The conceited Greek probably knows I arrive in New York as soon as my plane touchdown in the tarmac of the airport."

"No doubt." Sooyoung said ruefully. His attention was snapped through his mobile phone when he get text message. I saw a quite smile on his face when he looked at the message. It's probably his wife.

"Does Jessica want to keep track on you, Your Excellency?"

"Funny, Taeyeon." He replied, while typing back text message to his wife. "She just reminded me to come early because we need to buy gift for Tiffany's upcoming birthday two days from now."

My attention was instantly held by that information. I didn't know that. I have no idea that she's going to celebrate her birthday next week. That woman she didn't even say anything about it.

"Is she going to celebrate her birthday?" I inquired nonchalantly, trying to sound not so eager for the information.

"Not that I am aware of." Sooyoung answered, his grey eyes were unreadable. "Jessica said she will probably not celebrate her birthday due to her mountain of work. In fact, today she has an interview with the charming magazine reporter for being highest sold bachelorette at the auction—thanks toy you."

I swore silently as my eyes narrowed like slits. What the hell Sooyung's talking about?

"Has she?" I asked brightly. Taming the bubbling fury raging inside me. "Where's the interview is going to be held?"

"I think it's in the restaurant in Rostov Hotel."

Rostov hotel.

"Oh, just look at the time." I glanced at my wristwatch. "As much as I want to chat to you more I need to go, Sooyoung. I'll keep in touch."

"Where the hell are you going?" Sooyoung shouted after me as I went out to his office.

...

Tiffany Hwang's POV

I am quite enjoying interview. The journalist of an Italian well-known magazine interviewed me about being highest sold bachelorette at the Jung Rostov Foundation, Jessica created. This is my first ever interview the first I am reluctant to do this but Jessica reassured me that everything will be fine. And as it turns out the reporter was quite charming man it's like we were just old friends talking than conducting business.

"So how does it feel to be the auctioned for one million Euros?"

I laughed softly. "Actually, I didn't expect that. I only help my good friend, the Duchess of Caprielle to her charity in memory of her late father, I quite happy to be auction as the lowest."

"Some of the bachelorette at the action envied you because the Italian billionaire Kim Taeyeon was the one who bought with the enormous money for a single dinner date." He supplied with a twinkle in his blue eyes. "Almost everyone wished to be in your position that night."

"Oh, really?" I asked regally, sipping my wine. I don't think I like where this interview is going.

"What is your relationship with Kim Taeyeon, Signora?" the journalist asked without preamble. This must the question he'd been dying to ask since we met here.

"Is that necessary to the article you want to write?" I retort back with an icy smile. "I believe that question quite personal, sir."

"Forgive me." He said insincerely, I could see in his eyes that he wanted so badly learn the answer behind his inquiry. "But you have to understand everyone is curious about why would the billionaire Kim Taeyeon will pay so much for a single date."

The cool smile still place in my face as I answered him regally. I want so badly to end this magazine interview. "As you said, he's a billionaire that kind of money was just only few cash for him. Besides, he is also a good friend of the Duke and Duchess of Caprielle."

"I see." He said, but I could see in his eyes that he's still not convinced with my reply. He was busy studying me.

"I suggest to remove your damn eyes on her or your head will roll on the floor."

We both looked at the man who just said those blood-curdling words. I mentally cringed when I saw the thunderous Roman god stood before our table. How on earth did he learn that I was here? I asked myself silently.

"Signore Kim." The journalist beamed at the new comer. He stood from his chair and extend his hand. "Pleasure to meet you."

Either by chance or by purpose the moment the reporter stood to introduce himself Taeyeon turned his attention to me with his dark eyes filled with rage. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"She's here for magazine interview, Signore." The man said hopefully. He probably unaware with this man's temper that vibrated through his body.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Taeyeon asked me pointedly, completely ignoring the other man. I sighed in resignation.

So rude.

"Hello, Taeyeon." I greeted warmly, ignoring the growing headache I am experiencing. "How did you know I was here?"

"It doesn't matter." He said briskly, hauling me out of my chair unceremoniously. "We're leaving."

"The interview is not done yet." The reporter called us when Taeyeon start to drag me out of the lavish restaurant.

"It's done." Taeyeon announced arrogantly. He eyed the other man like he's an insect. God, this man has an attitude problem.

"What are you doing, Taeyeon?" I asked once we were at the lobby still yanking me, people inside sumptuous lobby gave us odd stares. "You cannot just drag me whenever you want!"

"I can." He answered tautly. "And I will."

"You are impossible." I said once we were outside the hotel. I shivered at the caressed of the cold wind. Summer is almost over. We were waiting for his car to be brought around. I tried to remove his dead grip from my wrist but he just tightened his hold.

"Get in." he said, once his Bugatti brought by the valet.

"Let me—"

"Get in or I will personally put you to the passenger seat." I could see his eyes that he's truly annoyed. I don't know why.

I reluctantly slid inside his Bugatti. I could see his eyes that he wasn't bluffing that he will used his caveman stunts again if necessary.

"Good choice." He muttered as he slid to the driver's seat and makes his luxury car moved join the highway.

...

Kim Hani's POV

I am preparing for bed when my mobile phone rang. I smile when I saw at the screen the caller is my newly acquired friend, the Duchess of Caprille, Jessica Choi.

"Jessica." I said once I press the answer button.

"Bunasera, Signore." The Duchess American accented voice sounded in the other line. "Sorry to disturb you, but I can't wait to inform you about the updates."

I grinned merrily. I looked around if my Heechul had already entered our bedroom. When he's nowhere to be seen I continue. "Oh, really? How it is?"

"Everything runs smoothly." The Duchess said smugly. "I did as you told, Signora. I've make Taeyeon jealous over some guy he thinks sniffing after Tiffany."

"And then…" oh, this is good news for grandmother like me.

I heard her laughed. "I setup an interview for Tiffany with the handsome journalist I recently met in the Rostov Hotel. And as expected your adored grandson showed up and nearly rearranged the journalist's face inside the restaurant.

I chuckled inside the bedroom. I looked for the signs of my husband. Nope, still clear. "How did Taeyeon learn about it, Jessica?"

"I hinted to Sooyoung about it." The Duchess replied mischievously.

"Sly, woman." I commented smiling through my dresser mirror. "But how did you know what happened inside the restaurant?"

"I have the entire employees in Rostov Hotel spy for me, Signora." She said. "They just so much as to sneeze the employees will report it to me."

I laughed heartily. I like this woman so much. "I knew you could help me with my quest, Jessica."

"I will help you with anything I can, Signora. Especially with those two."

"All right." I said gratefully. "Thank you for your help, duchess."

"Anytime, ma'am." She said before she disconnected the call. Now I can sleep peacefully knowing we're making a progress with those stubborn people. I hummed a wedding march before I went to bed.