The Accidental Monarch

Conflicting

While reviewing the shots the photographer had taken for her magazine cover, Seri finds herself being summoned to the side by her new manager, Hong Chang-sik, who sports a flushed face and trembling hands. "Ms. Yoon, I currently have CEO Han on the line," he says in a hushed but panicked tone. "She says that she needs to speak with you and that it is urgent."

Dread washes over her upon hearing his words. The first thing she assumed is that her boss is about to reprimand her because of her reluctance to publish an official response to the scandal. Admittedly, it comes off a bit selfish since it has the potential to tarnish the image of her agency. Nonetheless, she stands by her belief that saying nothing is a statement all on its own.

Once inside the privacy of her dressing room, she takes a deep breath before picking up the phone. "CEO Han," she greets in a cheerful tone. "Hi. It has been a while. How are you?"

"Hi, Seri. I'm doing well, thank you," Han Jeong-yeon replies. The tone of her voice makes the actress relax, remembering what they say about her boss harboring a soft spot for her. "I apologize for the disturbance, but I'm afraid this matter cannot wait. You can even say that it is of national importance."

The older woman laughs at the punchline that she does not understand. "I'm sorry," the actress says with an awkward chuckle. "I am not quite sure if I follow."

"It appears that the prince's secretary has been calling the office nonstop all morning," Jeong-yeon tells her, making her heart sink. "They have been redirecting the calls to you, but Chang-sik keeps giving them excuses. Is something the matter? One would think that it'd be wise for you to take the call given the current circumstances. It might help sort things out."

With guilt and embarrassment, she struggles to find a reasonable response other than the truth. "It is actually more complicated than that. The thing is," she pauses, wondering if being brutally honest has ever helped anyone. "I have been told by someone who holds a higher position than the prince that it would be best if I keep my distance from him. This is my way of doing that."

That stuns her into silence. "Oh, I see," the CEO murmurs. "I am so sorry to hear that."

Her sympathetic tone brings back the traumatic conversation she had with the Queen Dowager. "Yes, well, that's what happened," the actress clears her throat. "I am really sorry for the trouble, but would it be all right if the agency handles the call? I am sure that he is calling to talk about the scandal, anyway. We will just go with whatever statement they demand to be followed."

"That's what I told them, but the man is rather insistent that it is you he wants to talk to," her boss replies, making her sigh in response. "Seri, I know that it might not be my place to interfere with your personal affairs, but would it be all right if I tell you something, woman-to-woman?"

"Of course."

"It's not your fault."

Her words were so simple, but they were enough to bring out the emotions the actress was trying to suppress. "None of it is," her boss adds. "Sexual harassment is a crime. Sharing content online without consent is a crime. It is as simple as that, but people try to make it appear complicated. And, unfortunately, more often than not, it is the victim who shoulders all the blame."

"So," the older woman pauses at the sound of her sniffles. "I am here to tell you that you should stop believing the lies you are hearing. You did nothing wrong. Whoever tells you otherwise should start living in the twenty-first century."

Jeong-yeon pauses at the sound of her chuckle before adding, "Whatever you decide to do, I hope you know that you have my full support. Maintain your silence. File a lawsuit. Marry the prince. I don't care. Just do what makes you comfortable. Unhappy actors do nothing for me."