Chapter Ten
534 Words
Days passed, and Ji-eun settled into her routine again. The stares were fewer now. The cruel words whispered behind her back quieted, as if an invisible shield protected her.
But peace, she learned, was fleeting.
---
The Unexpected Invitation
It was late afternoon when Ji-eun received the call.
A woman’s voice — smooth, polished, and polite — requested her presence at a quiet café just a few blocks from the company.
> “I believe it would be... beneficial for us to talk, Miss Ji-eun.”
The name on the caller ID was unfamiliar. But the tone left no room for refusal.
Curiosity — and a hint of unease — drew her to the meeting.
---
The Encounter
The café was nearly empty.
At a secluded corner table sat a woman Ji-eun had only seen in photographs — at company events, in glossy magazines.
Beautiful, elegant, with sharp eyes that glinted beneath soft lashes.
Mrs. Han. Joon-ho’s stepmother.
“Miss Ji-eun,” she said, rising gracefully, her smile like ice under sunlight.
Ji-eun bowed politely, heart pounding.
“Please, sit.”
---
The Offer
Tea was poured. Pleasant words were exchanged — at first.
And then the true reason for the meeting emerged, as smooth as silk but as poisonous as venom.
> “I hear you’re a hardworking girl, Miss Ji-eun. Surely, you must find it difficult — working under such... pressure. A young man like Joon-ho — so cold, so demanding.”
Ji-eun said nothing, wary.
Mrs. Han leaned forward slightly, voice low.
> “I’m simply asking for updates. Little things. His schedule. His plans. Things that might help the family guide him better.”
Her eyes gleamed, watching for weakness.
> “You would, of course, be compensated generously.”
---
The Choice
For a breath, Ji-eun was tempted.
Money. Enough to help her grandmother. Enough to ease their struggles.
But then she saw again the image of Joon-ho — pale, struggling for breath on that terrible night — and remembered the rare kindness in his eyes when he praised her work, when he shielded her from cruelty.
Ji-eun set down her tea, hands steady.
> “I’m sorry, Mrs. Han. I’m here to do my job, not betray my employer.”
---
A Smile Turns Sharp
Mrs. Han’s smile faltered, just for a second.
The mask slipped — and Ji-eun glimpsed the fury beneath.
> “How noble,” Mrs. Han said, voice still sweet but eyes hard. “How very disappointing.”
She rose, smoothing her coat, elegance intact.
> “Let’s hope you don’t come to regret that choice, dear.”
---
Dark Schemes
That night, Mrs. Han stood in her grand, cold home, staring out over the city lights.
> “First he defies me. Now she dares?”
She turned, calling her most trusted manservant.
> “Make the arrangements. I want them both gone. Quietly — no mistakes.”
The plan was set in motion.
---
Ji-eun Walks Home
Oblivious to the shadow now cast over her life, Ji-eun walked home that evening, the wind tugging at her coat.
She had made her choice.
And soon, the cost of that choice would come calling.
- Writer
