Shadows of the Spotlight

Chapter 4

I watched as the two men disappeared down the hallway, leaving only the faint echo of their footsteps. I released a quiet breath, trying to shake off the strange encounter. With my pulse steadying, I turned back toward my own path, focusing on the reason I was here in the first place.

Straightening my shoulders, I continued down the hallway, each step taking me closer to the meeting room and the start of something I hadn't anticipated. My hand tightened around my bag, steadying my nerves. There was no turning back now.

I settled into a chair in the meeting room, my mind still racing from the unexpected encounter. I had barely composed myself when Ms. Park walked in, looking slightly frazzled as she straightened her jacket.

"Traffic was brutal," Ms. Park said with a sigh, then offered a polite smile. "Before we proceed, I'll need you to sign an NDA." She slid the document across the table. "This is standard protocol. Nothing we discuss here leaves this room, even if you decide not to take the position."

I raised an eyebrow. "Is there a particular reason for that?"

"We'll be going over specific details about the role and meeting the client," Ms. Park replied. "Some of this information is strictly confidential."

I nodded, sensing the weight of the opportunity. Without further hesitation, I signed the NDA and handed it back.

"Great. Let's review your documents," Ms. Park said, holding out her hand. I quickly gathered my certificates and passport, placing them neatly on the table. After a brief look, Ms. Park nodded approvingly and continued,"The assignment will be three months long. The first two weeks will be in America, where we'll be traveling extensively by road. After that, we'll move to South America, then Europe. I'll provide the full itinerary once you sign the contract. Throughout this time, you'll be part of the client's team, so we'll need your full commitment."

I took a deep breath, feeling a spark of excitement despite the tight schedule. "I have a three-month break, so I don't have any prior commitments."

"Fantastic," Ms. Park replied with a smile. "Now, let's meet the client."

We exited the meeting room and headed down the hallway. Outside a large suite, a group of people clustered around, looking frustrated.

"Why are you all here?" Ms. Park asked, eyeing the group.

One of them spoke up. "We have an interview scheduled and need to do makeup, but he isn't opening the door."

My curiosity piqued, this client must be high-profile—perhaps a businessman with particular tastes, I mused. Without hesitation, Ms. Park pulled out a card from her bag and swiped it at the door. She entered first and gestured for everyone else to wait outside.

After a few minutes, Ms. Park reappeared and waved them in. I walked in with the others, trying to stay out of the way as the room began to fill. Racks of clothes, makeup kits, and cases of equipment rolled in, and everyone seemed to know their part. I felt out of place, choosing to stay near the wall as people bustled around her.

Just then, the door to the bathroom opened, and a tall figure emerged, toweling his hair dry. Clad in a bathrobe, the man spoke in Korean, his voice casual.

"제시카, 10분 더 기다릴 수 있었잖아! (Jessica, you could have waited 10 more minutes!) ," he complained. "18시간 비행 후에 따뜻한 샤워가 필요했어.(After an 18-hour flight, I needed a hot shower)"

Ms. Park—apparently Jessica—crossed her arms, replied, "옷 좀 입으라고!" (Put some clothes on!)"

He shrugged. "나는 입을 것이 없다. 아직 짐도 풀지 않았는데 스타일리스트들이 어차피 옷을 갈아입으라고 하더군요. 이 방법이 더 쉽습니다. (I have nothing to wear. I haven't even unpacked yet, but the stylists are going to tell me to change my clothes anyway. It's easier this way)" He turned to the makeup team, giving them a cheeky grin. "You like me in no clothes,right?" he asked in broken English, earning giggles and whispers from the stylists.