From Supermarket Clerk to Fake Fiancee Mafia (Published on Kindle, GPBook)

1

Mina Park stood behind the register at the supermarket in a bustling town in the USA, scanning customers' groceries with automatic motions. As she checked the prices, she reflected on how her life seemed the same every day. The only thing that brought her comfort was the American dramas she watched during her breaks and her daydreams of a more glamorous life.

"That'll be sixty dollars," Mina said, staring at the register screen. "Would you like to pay with cash or card?"

The customer in front of her, an elderly woman who looked confused, anxiously rummaged through her wallet. "I think I only have fifty dollars here. Can I pay less?"

Mina smiled patiently. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but we can't accept anything less than the total due. Perhaps you could go back to your car and look for the rest of the money?"

The woman sighed deeply and dug back into her wallet, finally finding the missing cash. "Oh, thank goodness. Thank you, dear."

As the elderly woman finally left, Mina glanced at the wall clock and frowned. "Just a few more hours until my shift ends," she murmured to herself.

Suddenly, her cellphone vibrated in her pocket. Mina pulled it out to see Ji-eun's name on the screen. She answered with enthusiasm. "Hello, Ji-eun! What's up?"

"Hey, Mina! I need your help," Ji-eun's voice came through the line. "There's an important event tonight, and I need you to deliver food to a restaurant. Please?"

Mina felt her heart skip a beat. "A restaurant? I've never been to a fancy restaurant before. What do I need to do?"

"It's nothing complicated," Ji-eun replied. "Just deliver the food. I know you might be busy, but I really need your help. I promise I'll treat you to dinner afterward!"

Mina laughed softly. "Okay, then. I'll come. Don't forget to treat me!"

A few hours later, Mina exited the supermarket, carrying a bag of prepared food. She headed to the upscale restaurant located downtown.

Mina Park was living her familiar routine at the supermarket. Her days were filled with answering questions about prices and dealing with customers who forgot how much money they had. This daily grind had become incredibly monotonous, and Mina often daydreamed about a more glamorous life—perhaps becoming a movie star or simply getting a big discount at an expensive restaurant.

So, when Ji-eun, her friend who worked at the fancy restaurant, asked Mina to deliver food tonight, she felt like she had received an invitation to join a VIP celebration.

Even though she had to step out of her comfort zone, Mina was excited to imagine what it would be like to sneak into a world filled with luxury and glamorous fashion.

"Don't forget, Mina!" Ji-eun reminded her over the phone. "I need this food for the party tonight. Don't be late!"

"Don't worry, Ji-eun, I'm all set!" Mina replied, checking her bag to make sure the food containers were secure.

She nodded to herself with determination and ended the call, thinking about how spectacular tonight would be. With the bag of food in hand, Mina stepped out toward the restaurant. However, as soon as she walked through the door, the glamorous atmosphere she had envisioned seemed to transform into a battlefield.

Tables surrounded by patrons in evening gowns and expensive suits created a serene ambiance that suddenly erupted into chaos as Mina looked around.

"Yikes," she thought, "did I walk into a fashion gala or a mafia meeting?"

As she arrived, the restaurant's atmosphere was a stark contrast to her everyday life. The waitstaff dressed in all black and the luxurious-looking guests made Mina feel as if she had stepped into an entirely different world.