Back home, Winter is trying to settle back into her routine, hoping for some peace after her recent adventures. However, the arrival of Karina Yoo, the beautiful VIP investor, stirs up unresolved emotions and echoes from her past. Karina's presence...
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Winter calmly took a seat next to Karina, who couldn't hide the smile that tugged at her lips. The sight of Winter brought a warmth that settled her nerves.
"Hey, girlfriend," Karina greeted her shyly, her words laced with double meaning.
"Hey, girlfriend," Winter teased back, rolling her eyes playfully.
Karina chuckled softly, her tension easing at Winter's light-hearted response. But the moment of levity was short-lived as the men across from them began the meeting in earnest.
They presented the problem, detailing how the situation had spiraled out of control, and Winter listened intently, her gaze sharp and focused. Finally, the conversation shifted to the proposed solution.
"So, we propose that you both fake date to calm down the press—" one of the men stated, his tone professional and straightforward.
"What?" Winter interrupted, blinking in surprise. "C-can you say that again?"
The room fell into an awkward silence, and all eyes turned to Winter, who was still trying to process what she had just heard. Her expression was a mix of disbelief and confusion as she looked from the men to Karina, searching for some explanation.
Karina, who had been expecting this reaction, leaned in slightly, her voice low and reassuring. "It's just a temporary measure, Winter. Something to throw the press off for a while."
Winter's mind raced, trying to wrap her head around the idea of fake dating Karina. The absurdity of it all left her momentarily speechless. The weight of the situation pressed down on her, and she could feel Karina's gaze on her, waiting for her response.
"A-are you all crazy!?!" Winter exclaimed, her voice rising with disbelief. "That will only make them more curious and nosy! It will disturb my life!" Her brows furrowed deeply, her frustration evident as she stared down the group of men.
"Well, that's what you think, Miss Kim, but—" one of the men began sheepishly, but Winter's icy glare silenced him mid-sentence.
"Wow, that's hot," Karina whispered under her breath, unable to resist a grin. But when Winter turned her sharp gaze on her, Karina quickly looked down, trying to suppress a smile.
"And you—" Winter started, before turning her attention back to the man. "But!?" she demanded, her patience wearing thin.
The man cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "But, well, large entertainment companies have used this strategy to great effect. It works quite the opposite of what you fear. Instead of increasing curiosity, it tends to satisfy the public's interest, making them move on more quickly."
Winter clenched her fists, her frustration mounting. "No, I still cannot agree to this," she insisted, running a hand through her hair in agitation. The idea of putting on a fake relationship, of living a lie even temporarily, grated on her nerves. The thought of her life being turned into a spectacle was unbearable.
