In a forced marriage arranged by Jennie's father, Jennie and Lisa enter into an agreement with a time limit - they will be free after a year. Despite their initial agreement, as time goes by, an unexpected bond forms between them. Jennie a fragile...
It's been a few days since I last saw Lisa, since she gave me this diamond ring and the night that I don't even want to remember. I've been doing nothing here since she has not yet given me any orders. All her people don't even want to speak with me, aside from Min who is constantly checking up on me.
I used to get up before five in the morning to do my morning routine, a little bit of exercise, cook for my father, clean everything, and do laundry. I am not used to doing nothing, all I ever do here was just eating, watching, or sleeping. Basically I'm a freeloader, and I am not sure how long this will last. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, I still don't even know how to face Lisa after that...
I was just rolling myself in bed when I heard a soft knock on my door, I immediately got up and was greeted by Min and a woman beside her.
"Miss Kim, we have prepared something for you to wear for dinner later."
"Dinner? I-Is she coming home?" There was hesitation and fear in my voice.
"I'm afraid she has a prior work commitment, but you are going to have dinner with the family."
"Oh.." I bit my lower lip, meeting the Lalisa Manoban is more than enough for me to handle, what more if it's the whole family.
"This is Cho Miyeon, she will be assisting you to prepare and the service will be here by seven to pick you up." She excused herself and left me with the woman. She entered the room and behind her were a set of different dresses.
"I'll be in your care." I bowed my head but she tapped my shoulder.
"Drop the formalities, call me Miyeon." She smiled and offered her hand.
"And I am Jennie Kim." I accepted her hand and smiled back at her.
"It was nice meeting you, Jennie." Then she pushes me lightly until I am seated in front of the mirror.
She examined my face before putting something on and as she applied the final touches to my makeup, my hands trembled slightly. Miyeon sensed my unease. "Are you alright?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "Miyeon, do you know Lisa?" I questioned tentatively, dreading the answer. Miyeon paused, her brow furrowing in thought.
"I've known Lisa for over five years now. She's... complicated, but she's not a bad person," she replied carefully.
I nodded, absorbing her words, if she's not a bad person then why did she do that, even the taste of her lips haunted me from that night. The memory of her demanding gaze made my skin crawl.
As I pondered over Miyeon's words, the thought of meeting her family sent shivers down my spine. But despite Lisa's intimidating demeanor, there was a flicker of something in her eyes that I noticed that night, was it vulnerability? Hesitantly? It felt like she was longing for someone, or something.
====
"You are such a beauty Jennie Kim, where did she find you?" She said while looking at my reflection. She looked satisfied with her work. "And try these dresses on." Miyeon gently assists me get up and pushes me inside the walk-in closet before closing the curtain behind me. "I'll be right here if you need me." I stand, awestruck before the many-coloured dresses.
I reach out to caress the fabrics with my fingertips. Each has a soft touch, even the silk ones. After admiring the clothes, I selected a wine red dress and stand before the mirror, I hold it against myself and gasp in horror.
"Oh gosh," I say aloud, the plunging neckline will not even conceal my chest properly, and it will leave the entire length of my legs bare. With the slightest movement, my panties will be on display. I can't possibly wear this. I slam back the dress and join its associate in the rejection section of the rack.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"Is everything all right?" asks Miyoen.
"Not exactly." She yanks the curtain open, causing me to abandon my dismay on the clothing and focus it upon her. "I can't wear any of this, it's too revealing," She held my shoulder and gently faced me in front of the mirror again. She retrieves the same dress and holds it against me.
"There's nothing wrong with this Jennie, have some confidence. You are an amazing gorgeous lady, what more when you're wearing this. I bet she will drop on one knee begging you to marry her right away." She chuckled on her statement. I shook my head, I doubt Lisa will even do that. I blew a heavy sigh and held the dress up and stared at my own reflection, I can't imagine myself wearing this.
===
"Ohmo! Girl! I told you! You looked amazing Jennie Kim! My goodness, I can never be wrong!" She exclaimed. I felt my face is burning with her compliment. "Come here and look at yourself." She held my hand and guided me in front of the mirror, and almost immediately couldn't believe what I was seeing on the reflection.
I didn't have the courage to look at my reflection earlier after putting this on, and now I can't even believe that I can be this woman. After Miyeon was done doing things on my face, Min knock on the door and lead me to the car.
"You looked perfect Miss Kim, enjoy the night." Min smiled at me before closing the passenger's door.
I have mixed emotions swirling inside me. I just wanted this night to end real quick. I'm not sure how long this ride last, the car stops at one of the most expensive restaurants in the city, the passenger seat opened and Lisa's bodyguard guides me outside the car. I've read about this restaurant before, and I never imagined I'll be experiencing this first hand. And in every step, I could hear my own heartbeat, even my nervous breaths.
I enter an exquisite room welcomed by a benevolent host. I glance around and see a dining table strategically set in the center as if the queen were to be expected. White flowers with silver sparkles adorn the table to add a final touch. The lights and classical music plays in the background to create a peaceful atmosphere. A savory aroma fills the room making me crave the fine platter.
My eyes roamed the room and saw the unexpected guess, the first Manoban I saw sitting on that table was Lisa.
