Sol's Biggest Secret | A Lovely Runner Spin-off

The Ghost of Sol's Past

***Earlier before Sol almost got hit by a speeding truck.***

Sol was beyond exhausted. She couldn't believe the production staff had failed to provide the correct location to the drama's lead actress. The lead arrived so late that they had to reschedule everything.

Fortunately, the supporting actors were already nearby. They graciously agreed to adjust their own schedules, allowing them to shoot their scenes first while waiting for the lead to arrive.

"Excuse me, Director Im..." So Jin, her assistant, approached nervously. "The son of Mr. Baek, our drama's largest investor, will be visiting today. Mr. Baek had an urgent meeting, so his son is coming in his place to check on the production."

Sol forced a smile, though it barely masked her irritation. She let out a soft sigh, knowing she had to maintain composure. Today wasn't the day to let frustrations get to her, especially since she was finally going to see Sunjae after a long week apart.

"Okay," Sol clapped once, briskly. "Do we know when he'll arrive? And what's his name again?"

"Uh... Mr. Baek," So Jin stammered, clearly flustered. It was only her second week as a replacement for Sol's regular assistant, who was on maternity leave.

"Mr. Baek... ha-ha!" Sol clapped again, trying to stay composed. "Do we know his first name, So Jin?" She bit the inside of her cheek, feeling her patience thin.

"I..I'm sorry, Director Sol," So Jin's hands trembled, despite the heat of the day.

"It's fine. We'll manage," Sol said, more to herself than anyone else. Determination burned within her. She would get through this day like she always did. "Fighting!" she whispered under her breath.

Suddenly, a voice called out from behind her. "Hi! My dad sent me."

Sol froze. That voice—it was disturbingly familiar. Low, smooth, and playful, with a hint of arrogance that set her nerves on edge. And then, she caught a whiff of an expensive cologne, one she hadn't smelled in years.

No. It couldn't be... There's no fucking way. She repeated this to herself like a mantra, praying it wasn't him. There were plenty of Baeks in South Korea. Maybe it was just a coincidence.

She turned around, and her worst fears materialized. A tall man stood there, dressed sharply in a golf outfit, his hair slicked back. He looked clean-cut, handsome, exuding a bright aura that would have charmed anyone else.

But for her, Baek Kyung was anything but charming. He was fire, dangerous and consuming, someone capable of burning everything she had built.

"Solie?" His voice was laced with familiarity, the kind that brought with it a flood of memories she had tried so hard to bury.

The staff whispered among themselves. "Solie? How does Director Im know such rich, handsome men?"

Sol felt paralyzed. There he was—Baek Kyung. Her biggest secret. Her darkest regret. The one mistake that could unravel everything.

Her lips felt numb, and her hands grew icy. Her mind spun, racing through the possibilities. If Sunjae found out about Kyung, it would ruin everything.

"Stay... right there." Her voice cracked as the world around her began to blur. Her legs gave way, and the ground seemed to tilt beneath her.

"Please... don't tell... Sunjae," she whispered to So Jin before everything went dark. Her last memory was of someone catching her as shouts echoed around her and the world faded to black.