I recently stumbled upon this plot after a long time. Despite being a devoted fan of the Janhoo pairing, I was inspired by someone to create this plot. The plot was actually penned by one of my favorite authors, 'Tugaieyo,' who graciously wrote this chapter for me. I also made some edits to it and hope you like it.
The night was alive with a soft hum of elegance, wrapping around Geum Jan Di like a delicate veil as she stepped out of the sleek black car, her six-year-old son, David Junior Emmanuel, holding tightly to her hand. The grand hall before them shimmered with a myriad of lights, each one twinkling like stars in the night sky, the lavishness of the masquerade charity ball set against the breathtaking backdrop of the sprawling city skyline. She could feel the weight of the night pressing down on her, heavy with the significance of this event and the secrets she had been carrying for far too long.
It had been over two months since she returned to Korea with her son, a return that had been filled with mixed emotions and memories. Despite the joy of reuniting with the F4 and their partners, who were now affectionately known as the F8, there was still so much left unsaid between them. The F4 had embraced David as if he were one of their own, showering him with the same warmth and affection they had always shown Jan Di, but none of them were aware of the truth surrounding his parentage. Not even Gu Jun Pyo, who remained blissfully ignorant of the fact that David was his own flesh and blood, a truth that weighed heavily on Jan Di's heart.
And then there was David Emmanuel—the Emperor. He was the powerful, enigmatic businessman who had swept Jan Di into his world with the allure of a contract marriage, only to reveal a deeper, unexpected love that had blossomed in the years she had spent away from Korea. Every time she heard his name, it sent shivers down her spine, not because of who he was in the business world, but because of the danger that still lingered in the shadows, the unspoken threat tied to his immense power and influence. She had been extremely careful to avoid any mention of him in conversations, even as whispers of "the Emperor" echoed around her friends like a haunting melody. Tonight, as she stepped into the ballroom, she had no idea she was walking directly into his world once again, a world that was both intoxicating and perilous.
As she took in the grandeur of the ballroom, her eyes wandered over the sea of glittering masks and flowing gowns that filled the space with an air of mystery and charm. The atmosphere was thick with elegance, yet her mind couldn't shake the growing unease that had settled in the pit of her stomach, a feeling that something significant was about to unfold. The music played softly in the background, a melodic reminder of the festivities, but all Jan Di could focus on was the knot of anxiety twisting within her.
Ji Hoo, ever the thoughtful and considerate friend, had taken it upon himself to personally choose her dress for the evening. Her outfit was nothing short of breathtaking, a modern blend of style and timeless beauty that made her feel like a queen. The white dress she wore hugged her form elegantly, its fitted silhouette flowing into a short hemline that rested mid-thigh, accentuating her long legs in a way that was both tasteful and alluring. Long, sheer bishop sleeves cinched at her wrists, adding a touch of drama to the delicate embroidery that traced across her bodice and sleeves. The intricate gold floral designs shimmered under the ballroom's warm light, providing a luxurious contrast to the softness of the white fabric that enveloped her. The modest, rounded neckline was adorned with a delicate choker-style necklace, its diamonds catching the light with every step she took, creating a sparkling trail behind her.
Her fingers brushed against the embroidered fingerless gloves that extended past her wrists, almost reaching her elbows, the gold thread on them mirroring the embellishments on her dress perfectly. Her white high heels added height and elegance, the ankle straps snug around her legs, giving her an air of grace and confidence as she walked. But despite her outward poise and the compliments she received from those around her, inside, Jan Di felt as though she was standing on the edge of a cliff, with the past looming large behind her, casting a long shadow over her heart.
As they walked toward the entrance, Jan Di glanced back at David, her heart swelling with affection. He was bouncing with excitement, his small face illuminated with wonder and joy as he took in the grandeur of the event that surrounded them. His own tiny tuxedo seemed to make him feel like a little prince, his eyes wide and eager beneath the small black mask that concealed part of his face, adding to his charm. The sight of him filled her with a sense of pride and love that was immeasurable.
"Pumpkin," Jan Di asked gently, smoothing down his hair with a tender touch, "are you excited about tonight?"
David's eyes sparkled with delight as he grinned up at her, his enthusiasm infectious. "This is amazing, Mom! It's like a storybook ball!" His innocent joy made her heart ache with happiness, reminding her of the magical moments they could create together, even amidst the complexities of their lives.
Jan Di smiled softly, but her attention was already shifting, scanning the masked faces around her. Her pulse quickened as she wondered who was hosting this extravagant event. No one had told her, and despite the invitations that had been sent to her and the rest of the F4, she hadn't thought much of it—until now.
"I wonder who is hosting this ball and what it's for," Jan Di muttered aloud, her unease growing with each passing moment. It was almost impossible to see past the anonymity of the guests, their faces hidden behind ornate masks. Yet, something about the atmosphere felt familiar, as though a presence she knew well was lurking just beyond her sight.
Eun-gi, Ji Hoo's girlfriend, stepped up beside her, a smile playing on her lips as she adjusted her own mask. "It's for cancer patients," she informed Jan Di. "A fundraising event. Quite a high-profile one too. Apparently, the host is very powerful—someone with a lot of influence in the business world."
Jan Di's breath caught in her throat at the mention of a powerful businessman. Her heart began to race as her worst fears began to take shape. The Emperor—the very man she had been avoiding, the man she hadn't mentioned to anyone, not even to the F4 or Jun Pyo—was he behind this?
Before she could fully process the thought, the F8 gathered around her, each of them radiating excitement and charm in their own way. Jun Pyo, as always, was bold and confident, his hand never far from hers, though tonight he seemed particularly attentive to David, ruffling his hair and joking with the boy as though they had known each other forever. If only he knew the truth, Jan Di thought, watching them with a bittersweet ache in her chest.
Ji Hoo, dressed in a sharp black suit, his mask sleek and understated, stood beside her as a silent pillar of support. He had always been there for her, always understanding, and tonight was no different. His gentle smile told her that, no matter what happened, she wasn't alone.
But even with her friends surrounding her, the weight of the night grew heavier as they made their way into the ballroom. The chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a warm, golden glow over the sea of people swaying to the soft music. The masked guests moved with ease, their laughter and conversation creating a lively hum that filled the air.
Jan Di's eyes scanned the room again, her anxiety building as she searched for a familiar face—his face. But all she saw were strangers in elaborate masks. Perhaps she was overthinking. Perhaps the Emperor was elsewhere, far away from her life and this event.
Just as she allowed herself a small breath of relief, savoring the momentary escape from her worries, the atmosphere in the room shifted dramatically. An unexpected silence enveloped the space, causing the distant sounds of laughter and conversation to fade away. The music, which had provided a cheerful backdrop to the festivities, stopped abruptly as if someone had pulled the plug on the joy that filled the ballroom. In that tense moment, a collective awareness gripped the guests, and all eyes instinctively turned toward the grand staircase that descended into the heart of the gathering.
From the shadows at the top of the stairs, a figure emerged, commanding immediate attention. It was a tall and striking presence that seemed to pull every gaze in the room like a magnet. The very air was charged with anticipation.
Jan Di felt her heart seize within her chest, momentarily stopping as recognition washed over her like a cold wave. She knew that silhouette all too well; it was burned into her memory.
The man who now occupied the center of attention wore an immaculate black suit, perfectly tailored to accentuate his imposing figure. His mask sparkled with delicate gold accents that adorned the upper half of his face, yet despite the disguise, there was absolutely no mistaking the identity of this enigmatic individual. It was the Emperor. David Emmanuel. The man who had crossed oceans and countless boundaries to become her husband in a distant world that felt far removed from her life in Korea. He was the man she had been avoiding with all of her might, trying to escape the inevitable confrontation.
As he began to descend the stairs, the elegance of his movement was apparent, embodying the grace of someone who was fully aware of his power and influence over the gathering. Each step he took was deliberate and measured, radiating an undeniable aura of authority and dominance. It was as if the room itself yielded to his presence, shifting the very dynamics of the evening. A ripple of whispers erupted among the guests as they recognized the figure, murmuring in awe and admiration about the formidable business mogul who had expertly crafted an empire that spanned across continents, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew of his achievements. The air grew thick with curiosity and speculation about what this unexpected arrival would mean for the rest of the night.
Jan Di's legs felt like they might give out beneath her, trembling as if they could no longer support her weight. Panic crept into her mind, and she tried desperately to steady her breathing, but the atmosphere around her seemed to grow thinner and more oppressive with each passing second. An overwhelming realization washed over her: He's here. He knows I'm here, and there's no escaping this moment.
David's gaze swept across the room with a deliberate intensity, searching for something—or someone. When his eyes finally landed on her, despite the mask obscuring her face, she felt the weight of his attention settle on her like a heavy cloak draped over her shoulders. It was suffocating and inescapable. He hadn't uttered a single word yet, but she could already sense the inevitable confrontation inching closer with every second that passed, the tension thickening in the air.
Beside her, Ji Hoo couldn't help but notice the drastic change in her demeanor. His keen eyes caught the way her skin had drained of color, and he leaned in closer, his voice low and filled with concern. "Jan Di, are you okay? You look pale and a bit unsteady," he murmured in an attempt to gauge her state of mind.
"I—" She stammered, desperate to find the right words to express what she was feeling, but her throat tightened as if it had closed up completely. "I didn't know... I didn't know he would be here..."
"Didn't know what?" Ji Hoo pressed gently, his eyes narrowing in worry as he watched her struggle to formulate her thoughts. The concern etched on his face made it clear he wanted to help, but he needed to understand what she was facing.
But before Jan Di could respond, David Emmanuel's deep, commanding voice filled the room, cutting through the silence like a blade.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his eyes unwaveringly fixed on Jan Di's, "It is my great pleasure to welcome each and every one of you to this truly special evening, a night that is dedicated to giving back to our community and supporting those who are in need of our help. This gathering is not just about charity; it is about coming together as a family to uplift one another. But tonight, amidst all this joy and camaraderie, there is someone very special whom I have been eagerly waiting to see. I can't help but wonder if she has made her way here tonight?"
The crowd stirred with murmurs of excitement and curiosity, their eyes darting around the room, but Jan Di felt her stomach drop as David began to navigate through the sea of people, his path taking him directly toward her. Every step he took sent a wave of anxiety and anticipation through her.
He finally stopped just a few feet away from her, his gaze locked onto hers with an intensity that made her breath hitch in her throat. It felt as if the entire room had faded away, leaving just the two of them in a bubble of electrifying tension.
"Sweetheart," he said softly, his voice carrying a warmth that seemed to reach only her ears, despite the bustling crowd surrounding them. "It's been a long time," he added, a hint of nostalgia in his tone, without revealing her name, as if the mere mention of it would shatter the moment they were sharing.
The room felt unbearably suffocating, despite the elegant atmosphere that enveloped her from every direction. Geum Jan Di stood frozen in place, her heart racing so thunderously in her chest that she couldn't help but feel everyone around her could hear each frantic beat. Just a few feet away, David Emmanuel—the Emperor, her husband—ostensibly commanded the room, his unyielding gaze fixed solely upon her. His presence was as authoritative as ever, a force strong enough to seem to consume the entire space around him. Dressed in a sharp black suit that gleamed elegantly under the soft, inviting glow of the chandeliers, the gold accents of his mask shimmered like molten fire against his stern visage. It was undeniable—he had located her amidst the throng.
The low murmur of the crowd intensified, voices rising in an anxious chatter as people exchanged whispers, speculating on who had captured the Emperor's exclusive attention. Jan Di felt herself collapsing inward beneath the weight of his intense stare, a flood of memories surging through her mind like a powerful tidal wave. How had it come to this unsettling moment? How had she ended up in this very place, trapped between two worlds that were inherently incompatible and at odds with one another?
Next to her, Ji Hoo's voice emerged as a gentle anchor amidst the emotional storm swirling around her. "Jan Di," he murmured softly, his hand lightly brushing against her arm in a reassuring gesture. "Are you okay?" His presence provided a momentary reprieve from her internal chaos, a distraction from the tumult she felt brewing within.
She managed to tear her eyes away from David's piercing, unyielding gaze if only for a brief moment, to glance at Ji Hoo. His face radiated concern, his ever-vigilant nature was acutely attuned to the turmoil that lay just beneath the surface of her façade. But what could she possibly articulate in response? How could she begin to explain that the man who was now walking toward them—the gracious host of this grand charity ball—was none other than her husband? The very father of the young boy whom everyone presumed to be her adopted son? Even more daunting, how could she reveal the grave danger that loomed behind David's enormous wealth and unrivaled power, the very reasons that had driven her to flee Korea all those years ago in search of safety and solace?
"I didn't know…" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper, struggling to form the words clearly as panic threatened to engulf her. "I didn't know he was hosting this event." The adrenaline coursing through her veins made it hard to focus, her mind racing through a myriad of emotions and fears, each one more overwhelming than the last.
Ji Hoo's brow furrowed, and his eyes flicked toward David, who was now only a few steps away from them. "He? You mean…"
But before Ji Hoo could finish his sentence, David Emmanuel closed the distance between them. His tall, imposing figure was impossible to ignore, and as he stepped into their small circle, the crowd parted like the sea, giving him room. Women in their glittering gowns and men in their tailored suits all turned to watch this moment unfold, unaware of the tension simmering beneath the surface.
David's eyes never left Jan Di's face, though the mask obscured most of his expression. She could still feel the intensity in his gaze, the unspoken questions, the challenge hidden behind his calm exterior. His voice, when he spoke again, was smooth and low, but it carried through the room with ease.
"Sweetheart," he said, his tone deceptively gentle, "it's been a long time."
The words sent a shiver down Jan Di's spine. The use of the word "sweetheart" was subtle—just enough to hint at familiarity without giving away their relationship to the onlookers. The crowd, of course, didn't know who he was referring to. To them, it was a playful term, perhaps directed at a favored guest. But to Jan Di, it was a reminder of everything she had tried to escape.
She swallowed hard, her throat dry. Her mind raced, searching for something to say, but every word felt inadequate, every response tinged with the weight of the secrets she carried. Her hand instinctively tightened around her son's small fingers, and she could feel David Junior Emmanuel shift beside her, his innocent eyes darting curiously between the adults.
"Mom," David whispered, tugging gently on her hand, his voice cutting through the fog in her mind. "Who is he? Why is everyone staring?"
Jan Di's heart clenched. How can I explain this to him? She couldn't let the truth slip here, not in front of so many people. Not when Gu Jun Pyo and the F8 were all within earshot. If the truth about David's real father—the truth about the Emperor—came out now, it would shatter everything. And Jun Pyo… he had no idea.
"I'll explain later, pumpkin," Jan Di whispered back, her voice trembling slightly as she leaned down to meet her son's wide eyes.
David's gaze briefly flickered to the boy, his son, and something in his expression changed, though only Jan Di could catch it. There was a softness in his eyes, a flicker of warmth that betrayed the stoic, powerful image he projected to the world. He knew, of course. He had always known that David Junior wasn't biologically his, but he had loved him just the same. Yet, here they were, in the presence of the boy's real father, and the complexity of it all weighed heavily in the air.
David's attention returned to Jan Di, his voice dropping low so that only she could hear. "You've been avoiding me for far too long, Jan Di. We need to talk."
Her stomach churned. Of course, this moment had been inevitable. She had known that when she returned to Korea, it would only be a matter of time before David found her. He had connections everywhere, his influence reaching across continents. Still, she had hoped for more time—time to figure out how to navigate this impossible situation without destroying everything.
"David, please," she whispered, glancing around nervously at the F8, who stood just a few feet away, their curiosity clearly piqued. Ji Hoo, especially, was watching the interaction with keen eyes, his protective nature on full alert. "Not now."
But David was not a man easily swayed. He leaned in slightly, his voice a quiet command. "You can't hide from me forever, Jan Di. Not here. Not anywhere. My heart and yours are connected, I will always find you."
The tension crackled in the air, wrapping around Jan Di like an invisible shroud. She could feel the gravity of his words bearing down on her. Part of her wanted to resist, to push him away, but deep down she knew he was speaking the truth. There was no escaping him now, not with the past threatening to unravel the carefully constructed fabric of her life.
Before Jan Di could gather her thoughts to respond, a familiar voice sliced through the charged atmosphere. "Jan Di, is everything okay?"
It was Gu Jun Pyo. He stepped forward, his imposing figure standing protectively beside her, unaware of the charged undercurrents swirling between her and David. Concern etched his partially concealed face, though his trademark confidence still shone through. His gaze briefly shifted to David Emmanuel, his brow furrowing in a subtle attempt to place the man who had captured Jan Di's attention so completely.
Jan Di's heart raced. This was the moment she had dreaded the most. The two men flanking her—her husband and the father of her child—were oblivious to the truth that bound them. And now, here they stood, mere inches apart, their worlds on a collision course.
David Emmanuel's eyes flicked towards Jun Pyo, a polite yet guarded smile playing on his lips. "Ah, you must be Gu Jun Pyo. I've heard so much about you."
Jun Pyo's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing an underlying tension but unable to pinpoint its source. "And you are?"
David paused for a moment, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes before he replied, "David," he added. "David Andrews Emmanuel."
Recognition dawned on Jun Pyo as he registered the name. The Emperor. A man whose influence spanned continents, whose wealth and power knew no bounds. What Jun Pyo didn't know—what no one knew—was that this man had been married to the woman standing beside him for years. And that the boy at their feet, innocently laughing in his tiny tuxedo, carried the blood of both men.
A heavy silence enveloped them, the weight of unspoken truths hanging in the air like a looming specter.
Jan Di's chest tightened as she glanced between the two men, knowing that sooner or later, the truth would unfurl. And when it did, everything would irrevocably change.
...
David Emmanuel's face remained calm, a polished mask of elegance and charm, as he extended his hand toward Jan Di. His sharp eyes flickered with amusement behind his mask, though his voice was smooth and composed, masking the tumult beneath the surface. He knew how to play this game. He had done it countless times in boardrooms and high-society events across the globe. Tonight, he would play it here, in front of Jan Di and her old friends.
"May I have the honor to dance with this beautiful young woman?" David asked, his tone silky and polite, as though he were just another guest at the ball. The tension in the air thickened instantly, but his expression remained unreadable, betraying nothing of the relationship he had with both Jan Di and David Junior.
Beside her, Ji Hoo stiffened immediately. He could feel something was off, and his protective instincts kicked in. He stepped forward, positioning himself directly between Jan Di and David, his eyes narrowing behind his mask. Though Ji Hoo's nature was always calm and gentle, there was a possessiveness in his voice that surprised even Jan Di.
"She isn't feeling well," Ji Hoo said flatly, his tone making it clear that he would not allow David to get closer. The words hung in the air, heavy with tension, as if Ji Hoo was speaking not just as a friend but as someone who felt something more.
Gu Jun Pyo, Woo Bin, and Yi Jeong quickly moved in, flanking Ji Hoo with a united front. Their collective stance was protective, almost territorial as if they were standing guard over a precious treasure. Each of them, in their way, had a special bond with Jan Di, and they weren't about to let some stranger—or so they thought—intrude upon that.
Woo Bin's eyes narrowed as he sized David up. He was always quick to read people, and something about this man's poised demeanor didn't sit well with him. "Who are you, exactly?" Woo Bin asked his voice smooth yet sharp, a hidden edge in his words.
Yi Jeong, ever the perceptive one, tilted his head slightly, his eyes calculating. "You seem awfully familiar with Jan Di." His tone was casual, but there was an underlying suspicion there as if he could sense the hidden currents that were rippling beneath the surface.
David, for his part, played the role perfectly. His smile didn't falter, and he didn't flinch under their collective scrutiny. Instead, he let out a soft chuckle, as if amused by their reaction. "Ah, no offense intended," he said smoothly, lowering his hand with a graceful nod. "I simply saw a lovely lady standing by herself and thought a dance might lighten her evening."
David Junior, who had been watching the exchange with wide eyes, tugged on Jan Di's hand, looking up at her with a puzzled expression. "Mom, who is that man?" he whispered innocently, his voice just loud enough for those standing close by to hear.
Jan Di's heart stuttered in her chest. She could feel the eyes of the F4 on her, waiting for her to explain, waiting for her to react. Panic flared within her, but she quickly masked it, pulling David Junior a little closer to her side. She couldn't let the truth slip now—not here, not like this.
"He's just a guest, pumpkin," Jan Di said softly, forcing a smile as she crouched slightly to brush a curl from her son's forehead. "Just someone from the ball."
But the subtle tension in her voice didn't go unnoticed by Jun Pyo, who stepped forward, his broad shoulders blocking David from any further interaction. His usual arrogance was tempered by a seriousness that only appeared when it came to Jan Di. Despite the years and the distance between them, his feelings for her had never truly faded.
"Look, whoever you are," Jun Pyo began, his tone firm and commanding, "Whether you are the emperor or the God, she's not available. Find someone else to dance with."
David met Jun Pyo's gaze, his smile never wavering, but there was a flicker of something darker behind his eyes—something that said he was used to getting what he wanted but Jan Di taught him differently not everything was within reach. But he remained composed, unwilling to create a scene here, not with so many eyes watching. The world might know him as the Emperor, but he wasn't about to reveal his cards so openly.
He nodded with an air of understanding, stepping back slightly. "Of course," David said, his voice still light, as though he hadn't just been shut down by one of the most powerful men in Korea. "I wouldn't want to intrude on such a protective circle of friends."
There was a sharp edge to his words, but only Jan Di could hear it. It was a reminder—a quiet, unspoken warning—that he hadn't come here by chance. He had known exactly where she would be tonight, and he had orchestrated this meeting for a reason.
As David turned slightly, his eyes briefly landed on David his son. There was a softness there, a warmth that only Jan Di could recognize. Despite everything, he had always cared deeply for the boy. But tonight, he would play his role perfectly. He wouldn't reveal their connection—not yet.
"I'll leave you to enjoy your evening," David added, his gaze flickering briefly back to Jan Di. "It was a pleasure meeting you… and your son, Pumpkin." the nickname he gave him.
Jan Di's breath caught in her throat at the emphasis he placed on the word "son." He was reminding her that, no matter what she did, no matter how she tried to distance herself from him, he would always have a claim on her life—and on David Junior's. She swallowed hard, her heart racing, as she nodded quickly, trying to mask the fear and uncertainty that churned inside her.
As David turned to leave, the tension slowly began to dissipate, but Jan Di knew it wasn't over. She knew he wouldn't simply walk away. He was a patient man, and he knew how to play the long game. This was just the beginning.
Ji Hoo watched David retreat, his brow furrowed in confusion. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to this encounter—something Jan Di wasn't telling them. He turned to her, his voice soft but filled with concern. "Jan Di… who is he really?"
She opened her mouth to respond, but the words wouldn't come. How could she explain? How could she reveal the tangled web of lies and secrets that she had kept hidden for so long?
Before she could find the right words, Jun Pyo spoke up, his voice cutting through the tension. "It doesn't matter who he is. He's gone now." before adding. "Emperor my foot!"
But even as he said it, Jan Di could see the doubt flickering in his eyes. He wasn't satisfied with her silence, and neither were the rest of the F4.
The ballroom resumed its festive atmosphere, but for Jan Di, the night had taken a sharp, dangerous turn. David was here, in her world again, and this time, there would be no escaping the truth.
As the music started up again and guests returned to their dancing, Jan Di stood in the midst of it all, her heart heavy with the weight of what was to come. She knew that David wouldn't let her walk away so easily, not this time. He would be back—and when he came, she would have to face the truth she had been running from for so long.
As the masquerade ball continued in full swing, the atmosphere lightened. Guests mingled, contributing generous donations for the cancer charity while others danced gracefully across the floor, their laughter and conversation filling the air. The F8 had gathered around the buffet table, their attention fully captured by David Junior Emmanuel—"Pumpkin," as Jan Di affectionately called him. His innocent curiosity about the wine and gourmet food had the group chuckling, doting on him as they usually did.
"Mom," David had asked earlier, his voice full of wonder as he eyed a glass of wine being poured nearby. "Do you think I could try some of that?"
Woo Bin chuckled, ruffling the boy's hair. "Maybe in about twelve years, little man."
David's pout drew even more smiles from the group, but as they continued their playful banter, Jan Di found her mind drifting elsewhere. The tension from her earlier encounter with David Emmanuel still lingered in her chest, making it hard to focus. She needed air. She needed space. The opulence of the ball, the dazzling lights, and the constant reminders of her complicated past were overwhelming.
Without drawing too much attention, Jan Di quietly slipped away from the F8, her steps aimless as she wandered toward the far end of the ballroom. The noise around her faded into the background as she found herself at the buffet table, staring blankly at the lavish spread of food. Her fingers grazed the edge of the table, her thoughts racing. David is here. He's watching me.
The sensation of being watched sent a chill down her spine. The subtle warning he had given her earlier, the quiet but unmistakable emphasis he had placed on "son," reminded her that her escape from his world was only temporary. No matter how hard she tried to run, their connection was inescapable. But it wasn't just David she was hiding from—it was her past, her truth, her fears. Gu Jun Pyo didn't know the full truth about their son. And what if he found out here, in the midst of this masquerade?
As these thoughts swirled in her mind, she didn't notice the tall figure looming just behind her until it was too late. Lost in her own thoughts, Jan Di stepped backward and collided with someone. The suddenness of the contact sent her off balance, her foot catching awkwardly on the hem of her dress.
Before she could even register what was happening, strong hands gripped her waist, steadying her. She gasped, her heart racing as she felt herself being pulled against a firm chest, her hands instinctively reaching out for support. Her fingers curled around the collar of a suit jacket, and her other hand clasped tightly around the person's neck. The world tilted slightly, but she didn't fall. The stranger had caught her.
She looked up, her breath catching in her throat as her eyes met the familiar, smoldering gaze of David Emmanuel.
"Careful, sweetheart," David said softly, his voice a low murmur. His hands were still firmly on her waist, holding her securely against him. Their faces were inches apart, so close that she could feel the warmth of his breath against her skin. His lips curved into a slow, knowing smile as he looked down at her, amusement dancing in his dark eyes.
Jan Di's heart pounded wildly in her chest, her pulse deafening in her ears. She should have pulled away. She should have distanced herself from him immediately, but her body was frozen in place, her mind blank except for the awareness of his closeness. Her hands, still wrapped around his neck, felt the familiar strength beneath his suit. The scent of him—musky, powerful, unmistakably him—flooded her senses, stirring memories she had tried to bury.
"David," she whispered, her voice barely audible, laden with confusion and fear. Her heart raced faster, her body betraying her as a surge of emotions hit her all at once—anger, fear, and something else she couldn't quite place. Desire? No, it couldn't be.
But David, ever the master of control, remained calm. His hands lingered at her waist for just a moment longer before he gently eased her upright, steadying her on her feet. His face hovered close, and his eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that made her breath hitch. His fingers brushed against her back lightly as he released her, leaving a trail of warmth behind that sent shivers down her spine.
"For a moment there, I thought you wanted to fall into my arms again," David said with a smirk, his voice low and teasing. "Just like old times."
Jan Di's cheeks flushed, and she quickly pulled her hands back from his neck, straightening herself and stepping out of his embrace. The sudden loss of contact left her both relieved and strangely hollow. She tried to catch her breath, her mind reeling from the closeness of him and the undeniable chemistry that still lingered between them, despite everything.
"I didn't… I wasn't…" she stammered, her words failing her as she tried to regain her composure. She glanced around, hoping no one had seen the moment, but the guests were too busy dancing, mingling, and contributing to the charity cause. The F8 were still distracted by Pumpkin, giving her a fleeting sense of relief.
But David wasn't done. He took a small step closer, closing the distance between them again, though this time he was more careful, keeping his hands to himself. His voice was soft, meant only for her ears.
"Why are you running from me, Jan Di?" He asked, his tone serious now, all traces of teasing gone. "You've been back in Korea for months, and yet, you've done everything you can to avoid me. Why?"
Jan Di's throat tightened as she met his gaze. She could see the frustration behind his composed mask, the flicker of something deeper—hurt, perhaps? But David wasn't the type of man to let his emotions show easily. He had always been a master of control, of maintaining a calm facade no matter the storm brewing inside him. It was one of the things that had drawn her to him in the first place—that quiet strength. But now, that strength was a threat, a reminder that he wasn't going to let her disappear again.
"I'm not running," Jan Di whispered, though the words felt like a lie the moment they left her lips. She was running, and they both knew it.
David tilted his head slightly, studying her with a piercing gaze that made her feel like he could see through every wall she had built around herself. "You are," he said softly, but there was no anger in his voice. Only quiet understanding. "And I think we both know why."
Her stomach twisted with guilt and fear. She wanted to tell him everything—to explain the reasons for her departure, the threats, the lies she had been forced to tell. But standing here, so close to him, she couldn't find the words. Not with the F4 nearby. Not with Jun Pyo so close, completely unaware of the secrets she carried. The weight of it all felt suffocating.
David's eyes softened slightly, as though he could sense the turmoil inside her. His voice dropped to a gentle whisper. "You don't have to do this alone, Jan Di. You never did."
The sincerity in his words sent a pang through her heart. She remembered the moments when he had been her anchor, the times when she had leaned on him without hesitation. But those days were long gone, lost in the sea of complications and secrets that had driven her to run.
"I don't have a choice," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "You are forcing me to live in your..." she cut herself off upon noticing that look
David's gaze darkened slightly, and for a moment, there was silence between them. Then, with a slow exhale, he stepped back, giving her space once more. His mask of composure slipped back into place, and the Emperor was once again the polished, untouchable figure that everyone knew.
"I'll give you your space for now," he said quietly, his voice holding a promise she couldn't ignore. "But we will talk, Jan Di. You can't hide from this love forever." he continued. "Whatever I have in my life is for you and Pumpkin." With that, he turned and walked away, his presence still looming large even as he disappeared into the crowd.
Jan Di stood frozen for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest, her mind spinning. She knew David was right. She couldn't run from him forever. But the truth she had been avoiding—about him, about her son, about everything—felt like a weight too heavy to bear.
As she turned back toward the ballroom, the music swelling around her once more, she felt the full weight of the night settling on her shoulders. The Emperor had made his move. It was only a matter of time before everything came crashing down and going back to be his "Empress."