Ms. Kim wants me!

CHAPTER 29

LISA'S POV

"Ms. Kim is ready to see you now," the lady said, and I stood up nervously, smoothing down my skirt before walking toward the heavy door.

My heart was racing as I placed my hand on the handle, took a deep breath, and pushed it open.

I looked up and saw her standing by the tall glass window, her back facing me as she gazed at the city skyline. Her posture was sharp, commanding, like someone who carried the weight of the world on her shoulders.

"Ms. Kim, you have a visitor," the lady announced politely before closing the door behind me, leaving just the two of us in the room.

I heard her sigh, low and almost tired, before she finally turned around.

The moment her eyes met mine, they widened slightly. For a brief second, her cold expression cracked, and I could see recognition in her gaze. She didn't change much, her face, her body, still the same Jennie I once knew, yet somehow different. Sharper. Colder. More guarded.

"I'm here for the presentation for Ms. Kim Jisoo," I said softly, trying to sound professional, though my voice almost betrayed me. She simply nodded, her expression unreadable.

She pulled out a chair with a firm gesture and sat down, crossing one leg over the other.

"Go ahead, you have 10 minutes," she said sternly, her voice clipped and businesslike, as if I were just another employee.

"Yes, Ms. Kim," I bowed slightly, forcing a smile.

I began my presentation, but my palms were sweaty, and I could feel my throat tightening with nerves. Throughout the presentation, Jennie didn't take her eyes off me for long.

She kept scribbling something down in her notes, her pen clicking every few minutes. I wanted so badly to peek at what she was writing, but I kept my focus on the slides.

When I finally finished, I exhaled quietly, relieved. "That's all the presentation. Any questions?" I asked, my voice steadier than before.

"Yes, I have a few questions," she said while clicking her pen again, her eyes locking onto mine.

I nodded, preparing myself for a business-related question. But instead, her words caught me completely off guard.

"This is an example," she started slowly, "let's say a man and a woman are in love or dating. The man has to move away, but the girl can't. The man doesn't want to move away, but he has to. They don't want to handle a long-distance relationship. What should the girl do?"

Her question hit me like a brick, my chest tightening. She was staring straight at me, her eyes searching, testing me.

"That's off-topic, Ms. Kim," I said with a serious face, though my voice wavered slightly.

"Just answer it," she insisted, her tone quieter but heavier. "I know it's off-topic."

I swallowed hard, my heart racing. "If they love each other, then the girl can go with him," I answered firmly.

Her pen stilled for a moment. "What happens if she can't go with him?"

The silence that followed was suffocating. I let out a soft sigh, forcing myself to meet her gaze despite the ache in my chest.

"Then she has no choice but to let him go," I said quietly, every word heavy with unspoken memories.

"Very well," Jennie murmured, jotting something down in her notes again, her face unreadable.

"Another question?" I asked cautiously, my hands fidgeting at my sides.

"Yes, I have one more," she said, and I braced myself. But instead of speaking, she just sat there, staring at me, long, intense, and unblinking.

I shifted uncomfortably. "Um... Ms. Kim?"

Finally, she spoke, her voice softer this time.

"How have you been?"

I froze for a second before answering. "I'm doing well," I said simply, trying not to let my emotions show.

"That's good," she replied with a small nod.

"Are you married?"

"No."

"Girlfriend?"

"No."

"Boyfriend?"

"No."

"That's good," she said again, this time smirking faintly. That familiar smirk that used to drive me crazy.

I gathered my courage and asked, "How have you been?"

"I'm doing good actually," she responded smoothly, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of something else.

"That's good," I said softly, smiling just a little.

The air between us was thick, heavy with things left unsaid. My heart was beating painfully in my chest, and before I could lose my composure, I closed my laptop.

"I guess I'll be going now," I said, packing up my things quickly and heading for the door.

That was so awkward.

I walked down the hallway toward the exit, my mind a storm of emotions.

But just as I was about to leave the building, I heard my name echoing through the lobby.

"Lisa!"

I turned around and my eyes widened.

"ROSÉ!" I exclaimed, running up to her and pulling her into a hug. It felt so good to see a familiar face.

"OMG, are you free right now?" she asked eagerly, her eyes sparkling.

I nodded while smiling, relief washing over me.

"Good, let's get some coffee together," she said, looping her arm through mine.

We walked out together, my heart still reeling from the encounter with Jennie, but at least for now, Rosé's presence brought me a little comfort.