The Quiet Contract

JenLisa

Sitting in my office, I scanned the stack of papers in front of me, willing the day to pass without the reminder of what waited for me. The pen felt heavier than usual in my hand, my focus slipping as I considered the looming "meeting" I had no choice but to attend.

Why does it have to be her?

Just as I was slipping into frustration, the door opened, and in strolled Jisoo, her grin already teasing.

"Big day, Miss Kim," she smirked, settling herself across from me like she owned the place. "Ready for the date with your... charming fiancée?"

I glared at her, leaning back in my chair. "It's not a date. It's a forced formality, and trust me, I'm not looking forward to it."

"Oh, come on," she teased, tilting her head. "Don't you want to see if the 'quiet Manoban' has some hidden charm? For all you know, she could be your type."

"Please," I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "If I wanted some socially awkward recluse with... issues, I'd just stay in my office and wait for the interns."

Jisoo tried to stifle a laugh. "Alright, alright, but for all the complaining, you might find yourself charmed, Jen. People say she's not bad-looking, and if you gave her a chance—"

"She's a weirdo," I cut in, my tone sharper than I intended. "She doesn't even socialize with anyone. Just... brooding in her corner and keeping to herself. Probably thinks she's too good for everyone."

Jisoo gave me a look, amused yet disapproving. "Harsh, aren't we? Look, you don't have to marry her today. Just meet the girl."

I scoffed, looking back down at the papers. "I'd rather cancel and deal with it alone."

"Just relax, Jennie," Jisoo said, rolling her eyes dramatically. "She's just another person, not the end of the world. Who knows? Maybe she'll surprise you."

"Doubt it," I muttered, signing the last paper and pushing it away with a frustrated sigh.

Jisoo leaned back in her chair, a knowing smirk spreading across her face. "You know," she began, crossing her arms, "almost everyone on my team who's met Lisa said she's... well, kind of amazing. Attractive and really smart too, actually."

I shot her a glare. "Yeah? Guess I must be the only one immune to her so-called 'charms.' I don't see what's so amazing about some shut-in who barely talks to anyone. That doesn't exactly scream 'CEO material' to me."

Jisoo shrugged, feigning innocence. "All I'm saying is she's made an impression on other people. Maybe if you looked past your own assumptions—"

"Please," I interrupted, rolling my eyes. "You know what this is, right? She's probably just putting on some quiet, mysterious act to seem interesting, like one of those moody types. Probably can't even hold a conversation without hiding behind her awkwardness."

Jisoo raised an eyebrow. "You sound like you've already decided she's the worst thing to walk the planet."

"Well, if I'm being forced into some ridiculous agreement with a stranger," I snapped, "then, yeah, I'm allowed to be annoyed. Especially if that stranger is Lisa Manoban, who thinks she can just swoop into my life like this."

Jisoo just laughed, amused by my irritation. "Who knew you'd have such strong feelings for someone you haven't even met?"

I shot her a warning look. "Watch it, Jisoo."

She shrugged, still grinning. "Fine, fine. Just saying—you might end up eating your words later."

I folded my arms, my irritation simmering as Jisoo kept that smug grin on her face.