⤷MASQUERADE || Jeon Jk FF ♡

part; ⁰⁴

Y/N's POV

After the meeting concluded, I found myself standing in the grand lobby with my father. His business partners surrounded him, each one eager to make an impression. As the introductions were made, I remained poised, offering polite smiles and nodding where appropriate. One of the men, Mr. Choi, a seasoned executive with graying hair, turned his attention to me.

"I’ve heard a lot about your success abroad, Miss Shin," Mr. Choi said with a pleasant smile.

"Tell me, how did you manage to break through in such a competitive industry? I imagine it must’ve been quite the challenge."

I maintained a neutral expression, the formalities of such conversations not unfamiliar.

"It was certainly competitive," I replied smoothly. "But I found that success is less about navigating competition and more about controlling the narrative. When you understand how to present yourself, people will follow the story you create."

Mr. Choi raised an eyebrow, seemingly impressed by my answer.

"Quite insightful for someone so young," he remarked. "You’ll do well here, I’m sure."

I gave a slight nod in response, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. These men only saw the surface—the polished persona. They didn’t see the years of preparation, the strength it took to survive, or the battles I fought in silence.

Father's cold, calculating gaze turned toward me. He seemed satisfied with the brief exchange and turned to speak with another partner. After a few minutes, he glanced at me again, his voice clipped and emotionless. "I have to see someone. Stay here and wait. Namjoon will accompany you."

I nodded, offering no resistance. I knew better than to expect warmth or fatherly concern from him. Once he left with his entourage, I exhaled quietly, feeling the weight of the room’s gaze finally ease.

Namjoon, my new bodyguard, stood a short distance away, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. He was alert, professional, and intimidating. We had been introduced earlier that morning, and while he seemed reserved, there was something in his demeanor that suggested he took his job very seriously.

I pulled out my phone, scrolling through a few messages absentmindedly. Most of them were mundane updates from the modeling world—a far cry from the new reality I was stepping into. The weight of the meeting still lingered, the silent pressure of being back in this world, surrounded by sharks, ready to sink their teeth into anyone who showed weakness.

I glanced briefly at Namjoon, who was watching everything but never intrusively. Even as I checked my messages, I could feel his protective presence, quietly reassuring. Yet, the uncertainty of what lay ahead was undeniable. The game had begun, and I was right in the middle of it.

Suddenly I felt footsteps approaching me and stood infront of me. I look up at one of the hiers. If I remember clearly, Taehyung it was.

Taehyung's presence was hard to miss as he stepped closer, his aura overwhelming. He stood confidently, a smirk tugging at his lips as his gaze fixed on me. There was something about the way he carried himself that made the air feel heavier.

"Pleased to meet you again, Miss Mary," he said smoothly, his voice carrying that same mock warmth. His smile was tight, calculated. I immediately felt my expression shift from confusion to surprise.

Mary?

I blinked, processing the name before it clicked. My surprise quickly faded into something more guarded.

"Is it really you? Tatatae?" I asked, raising an eyebrow in disbelief.

His smile widened, the amusement clear in his eyes.