Fake Love : K-Pop romance [ English ]

Chapter 5.4

As planned, during my break, I went to meet Innae, who was waiting for me in one of the suites. Her eyes glued to her tablet, engrossed in whatever she was watching, she didn't hear me enter the living room. I recognized the voice of a popular news anchor in the country, reporting on Mr. Baek's arrest. This case was gaining more and more momentum as the hours passed. Even in the hotel corridors, everyone was talking about it—it was the only topic of conversation.

I cleared my throat to announce my presence. She looked up at me and immediately turned off the tablet screen. Her face expressionless, she looked me up and down before pointing her chin at me.

"I saw the photos!"

I blinked. With every passing second, it became harder to suppress the growing knot of anxiety in my chest. I was going to have to lie again. That's what I had become—a giant lie on legs.

"So, you're dating one of the most desired men in South Korea. Can I ask you a question?"

You're already asking it! I nodded.

"Why take this maid job when you could be spending your days shopping in the biggest luxury stores?"

I grimaced internally at the thought. There was no way I'd ever become that kind of woman. I clasped my hands behind my back, then spoke in my most confident voice.

"It's important for me to work, to be completely independent. That's how I was raised."

Innae squinted slightly, as if trying to unravel the mystery of who I was.

"Is your relationship recent?"

"We've known each other for years, long before his fame. We were friends first."

My team leader pursed her lips, nodding slowly, her gaze still fixed on me.

"Strange, especially considering he booked a suite here two weeks ago with... Mr. Baek's daughter."

Oh crap! Crap! Crap! Blood rushed to my face instantly. This wasn't part of the plan. Was she bluffing? We stared at each other for a few moments in a heavy, oppressive silence. My pulse pounded in my temples. I had to find a way out of this embarrassing situation. Discreetly, I took a breath before replying in a firm tone.

"We broke up for a few days. I wasn't aware of that situation and... it hurts me a lot. We got back together last night. So, it's in the past. I just want to do my job properly at the Empire Queen Palace. To be Bora, not 'the girlfriend of.'"

Did I sound convincing? Innae gave nothing away. It was impossible to guess what she was thinking. Her hand rested on her hip.

"You won't receive any special treatment! I expect you to do impeccable work. Love affairs have no place here. If you create too much chaos, I will fire you. Remember, you're just a replaceable cog in this hotel's machinery."

Then, with a simple gesture, she dismissed me. As I turned away, I heard her mutter, "Something really doesn't add up..."

I left the room with an extra weight on my shoulders. That conversation had been so exhausting. Eliel and Danbi, here, in this hotel. Really?! I left the suite, fists clenched.