Ms. Kim wants me!

CHAPTER 30

JENNIE'S POV

Lisa.

Lisa.

Lisa.

I can't believe what just happened. After four long years... I just saw her again. When she stepped into my office earlier, I froze completely.

My mind went blank, my heart stopped beating for a second. I honestly thought I was dreaming, like my imagination was playing tricks on me.

She looked so beautiful, still the same Lisa I remembered, but at the same time, so much more mature now. Her aura was different, stronger.

She had this glow about her that made it impossible to look away.

I let out a shaky sigh, trying to calm myself down, but my chest still felt heavy.

I needed air. I needed to escape.

I went down to the lobby, my heels clicking softly against the marble floor.

I was just wandering, trying to catch my breath and settle my nerves... until something caught my eyes.

Rosé.

Rosé was there, talking to Lisa.

For some reason, my heart dropped instantly. Watching them together made my stomach twist in a way I didn't like. Why did it bother me so much?

Does Lisa even still like me after all these years? Or am I just a forgotten memory to her now?

My jaw clenched tightly as I watched them leave together, walking side by side. My fists curled at my sides.

I hated the way jealousy burned in my chest, but I couldn't help it.

LISA'S POV

I was invited to this business party that Jisoo was hosting. Every year, she told me, there's this extravagant event where every CEO and top business figure in the world gathers.

Apparently, it's the most important party in the business world. Honestly, I didn't even know why I agreed to come. Jisoo said she needed me there, so I came.

I slipped into my maroon dress, fitted perfectly against my body, paired with black heels. I curled my hair just a little and added light makeup, simple but elegant.

Driving to the party, my nerves grew. When I arrived, my jaw dropped. The building wasn't just big, it was a literal castle.

The kind you only see in movies. Beautiful, humongous, and dripping with wealth and elegance.

I walked inside and was immediately overwhelmed. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, champagne glasses clinked everywhere, and men and women in designer gowns and suits mingled effortlessly.

I felt so out of place.

I didn't know anyone. Not a single person. No one even looked my way, and I stood awkwardly in the corner, unsure what to do with myself.

Shrugging it off, I made my way to the food court, grabbed a simple bottle of water, and left. Walking around, I tried to distract myself by admiring the décor and the elegance of the building.

Everyone around me looked so rich, so polished, so professional. Their clothes screamed money. Meanwhile, I felt like the odd one out.

Then the singer's voice echoed through the hall.

"Alright, everyone, grab a partner and dance," he said before starting a slow, romantic song.

Couples immediately paired up, gliding gracefully across the dance floor. I just stood there awkwardly, clutching my water bottle.

Until a woman in a masquerade mask walked toward me.

"Can I have this dance?" she asked, her voice familiar enough to make my heart skip.

"I'm bad though," I admitted shyly, biting my lip.

"Doesn't matter," she smirked, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward the dance floor before I could protest.

I looked at her face, but the mask covered most of it. I couldn't recognize her. She placed her hand gently on my neck, guiding me closer, while I rested my arms around her waist. Slowly, we began to sway to the music.

She kept her eyes on me, her gaze intense, almost burning through me.

"Can I keep you?" she whispered, her voice low and intoxicating.

I froze, my lips parting as I tried to respond. But before I could say a word, the song ended. Just like that, she let go of me and disappeared into the crowd.

I blinked, stunned. My chest felt strangely empty.

Needing air, I decided to walk around the castle-like building. Everything I saw amazed me, the art, the grand hallways, the golden staircases.

But suddenly, I bumped into someone. I stumbled back and looked up to see a man glaring at me, clearly drunk.

"HEY!! Watch out!" he shouted angrily.

"You're the one who can't walk right!" I shouted back, annoyed.

"What?!" he barked, stumbling closer. His hand raised suddenly, and I realized he was about to slap me.

I closed my eyes, bracing myself

But instead of pain, I felt warmth. Strong arms wrapped around me protectively, shielding me.

I heard the smack of the slap, but I didn't feel it.

Slowly, I opened my eyes and saw the same woman from earlier. The mysterious one with the masquerade mask.

She had stepped in front of me, taking the hit instead. Her body shielded mine completely.

She released me and turned around to face the man. Taking a single step toward him, her voice was low but deadly.

"Leave. Her. Alone."

The man's bravado instantly crumbled. He stumbled back, fear in his eyes, before turning and running away without another word.

The mysterious woman turned back to me, her expression softening.

"Are you okay?" she asked, worry lacing her voice.

I nodded quickly, my heart racing. "Thanks," I whispered, still shaken.

She was stunning, dressed in a sleek black dress that stopped just below her knees, her masquerade mask hiding half her face but only making her more intriguing.

"No problem," she said coolly before walking past me, as if nothing had happened.

But as soon as she left, I felt this sudden emptiness. Unprotected. Vulnerable.

Without thinking, I turned and followed her, my heels clicking against the floor.

She must have sensed me, because she stopped suddenly. I froze too, almost bumping into her.

Slowly, she turned around, her eyes peeking through the mask.

She smirked.

Then, without a word, she turned again and continued walking.

And of course, I followed her.