Money Loving CEO's Detective Lover

"Can't I just cancel?" Gayoon complained. Minho had dragged her to the shopping mall despite her protests. According to him, she must show off in front of her ex-classmates in order to make them guilty for treating her like dirt. She did not want to go through the hassle but the money lover was adamant on making those people eat their words.     

"No, you can't," he said sharply. "Why should you cancel? You're acting as if you're the guilty party here!"     

"But all those things happened in high school," she moaned. "I'm sure most people forgot about me or grew out of their attitude. People can change, you know."     

"No, they don't," Minho stated. "They simply become better in hiding their true nature. They seem to be kinder and more polite, but they hide behind a mask. Trust me, they didn't change."     

Gayoon could only shake her head in dismay. It was impossible to change his mind. Minho, on the other hand, wanted to teach those people a lesson. He was aware that Gayoon could handle herself but after hearing part of her story about how they tormented her even though she saved them on many occasions, he could not help but feel that he should step in to show the bullies what the consequences were for hurting his girlfriend.     

"We'll start with the gown," he declared. Before Gayoon could protest, he grabbed her by the arm and dragged her across the mall. He was unusually energetic as they walked around the shops.     

"How about that one?" Gayoon pointed at a simple white dress. It looked affordable and she just wanted Minho to get off her back. But he shook his head.     

"No," he said firmly. "This won't do."     

"But-"     

"No!"     

He kept on dragging her around the mall, rejecting every dress she chose. She might look good in any of those but Gayoon needed something more special for the party. Instead, he led her to an exclusive designer store.     

"I can't afford anything in there!" she protested.     

"I'm buying," Minho said coolly. Gayoon stared at him in shock.     

"I can't allow that!" she scolded him. "It's not fair! Last time, you bought that ridiculously expensive suit and now you're buying me a gown? No!"     

"You'll take it and that's final!" he argued back.     

"Why?"     

"Because I'm your boyfriend and this is what boyfriends do!"     

"Did you read this off a magazine?" she scoffed.     

"No," Minho replied. "At the party, you'll be undoubtedly the most beautiful woman in the room no matter what you wear. So why not show off your beauty to those who looked down on you? I don't see why you should be the one to run away from them. If they were bullies, then they should be the one regretting their actions!"     

Gayoon tried to think of an argument but her mind was blank. Once again, he captured her with his words.     

"Are you trying to woo me with your flirtations?" she mumbled.     

"Flirt?" Minho frowned. "I don't do all that. I'm just saying whatever is coming to my head."     

He was completely unaware of the effect he was having on Gayoon. For him, it was the simple truth. Jeon Gayoon was beautiful and he would never shy away from saying that out loud. After all, a fact was a fact and nothing could change that.     

But Gayoon felt as if her heart was about to explode. She lowered her eyes, trying to hide her undeniable feelings for him. Hwang Minho may not be aware of what she felt for him but it was getting harder to control her emotions. Even though she did not want him to waste his hard earned money on her, there was a selfish part of her which enjoyed the attention he was showering on her.     

"Let's go in," he said. Gayoon did not dare to say anything but simply looked down and nodded. She was hiding her red face from him, afraid that her expressions might give away her strong feelings for him and he would freak out.     

Several store attendees came to greet Minho.     

"Welcome sir and madame," one attendee greeted. "How may I assist you?"     

"Show us your best evening gowns," he stated. "Do you have any in her size?"     

Gayoon felt slightly self conscious as the storekeeper studied her. "I'll bring out some designs for madame," she sad before scurrying off to find gowns for her. Gayoon was still blushing hard, feeling very nervous around Minho. The latter noticed her suddenly demure attitude and frowned.     

"Are you alright?" he asked. Was he pushing her too much into going?     

"I'm fine!" she assured him. "I was just wondering how long it could take. We have to pick up Jina from school as well."     

"Driver Jang already picked her up," Minho stated. "I told you, remember? That the chauffeur can pick her up."     

"Oh."     

Gayoon was so nervous around him that she lost track of everything else. Minho peered at her and opened his mouth to say something when the storekeeper came out, holding a few dresses.     

"Madame, would you like to check if these are of your liking?" the storekeeper asked. Gayoon was not sure which gown to choose so she turned to Minho.     

"Which one should I try on?" she asked. Since he was the one buying her the clothes, it would be best if he chose it for her. She had little idea about gowns and did not want to make a fool of herself at the party.     

Minho studied the gowns and was not very impressed. "These won't do," he stated. "We need something even better."     

He scanned the store until his eyes fell on a particular gown. "That one…" he began, pointing at it.     

Gayoon followed his gaze. It was a black gunmetal lace crop top with a matching long skirt which would reach till her ankles. It was an elegant dress with handcrafted embroidery and to Gayoon's pleasant surprise, she loved it.     

"Try it on," Minho suggested. He turned to the storekeeper and said, "Bring us that one."     

The storekeeper obeyed and quickly brought the dress for Gayoon to try on. The latter took the dress and hesitantly headed for the trial room. Minho sat on one of the benches, patiently waiting for her. He tapped his fingers impatiently as he was looking forward to see what she would look like in that gown.     

Minutes passed and finally, Gayoon's voice came from behind the trial room's door.     

"Uh…can you come in here for a minute?" she requested.     

"Why don't you step out and show me how it looks on you?" he frowned.     

"No, I can't!" she insisted. "Just come in here!"     

Minho sighed and headed for the trial room. He opened the door and stepped inside.     

"Tell me, what hap-"     

He froze mid-sentence as his eye fell on Gayoon. His heart skipped several beats and knocked his breath away.