I didn't think I'd hear back. Honestly, I never really believed in luck, especially when it came to things like this. People like me didn't get opportunities like this. But I guess the world had a way of surprising you when you least expected it.
Three days after I sent in my application, the call came.
"Hello, is this Hana Kim?" A crisp, professional voice greeted me from the other end of the line. It was the voice of someone who dealt with important people on a daily basis.
"Yes, this is Hana," I replied, my voice cracking with nerves. My stomach twisted into a knot, and I gripped the edge of the kitchen counter like it was the only thing holding me steady.
"This is Ms. Ji-young from Park Entertainment. We received your application for the maid position at Ji-Hoon Park's residence. We'd like to schedule an interview with you."
I stared at the phone, unable to comprehend what I was hearing. My heart pounded in my chest, and for a moment, I didn't know if I was still dreaming.
"An interview?" I croaked.
"Yes, an interview," Ms. Ji-young repeated, her tone warm but efficient. "Can you make it tomorrow at 11 AM?"
I took a deep breath. "Yes. I'll be there."
When I hung up, I almost collapsed. I had no idea what to expect, what to wear, or even what to say when I got there. But one thing was certain: I was one step closer to him.
****
The next morning, I stood in front of my mirror, staring at the reflection of someone I barely recognized. I had never been the type to stand out in a crowd. I wasn't particularly tall or short, my hair was unremarkable brown, and my clothes were simple, yet, today, I found myself scrutinizing every little detail. Was I too plain? Too ordinary?
I had no idea what kind of person they were looking for. Someone with experience? Someone who could blend in and stay unnoticed? I had to guess, but all I could do was pull myself together the best I could.
I ended up wearing a simple black dress that came just above my knees. It was nothing special, but it was neat and clean. I pulled my hair back into a sleek ponytail, trying to look as polished as possible. My hands trembled as I applied a bit of makeup, a touch of mascara, a dab of blush, just enough to look presentable.
When I arrived at the Park Entertainment building, I could hardly breathe. The building was taller than anything I'd ever seen, glass windows reflecting the sunlight, the sheer size of it making me feel like a tiny speck in a vast, glittering world.
The receptionist greeted me with a smile that was more professional than warm, but I didn't mind. I was already in shock just from being in the building. She led me to an elevator, which took me to a floor that felt like it belonged to another world. It wasn't just an office space. It felt like the heart of an empire.
"Please wait here," the receptionist instructed, gesturing toward a plush seating area. "Someone will be with you shortly."
I nodded, trying to steady my racing heartbeat. The walls were lined with sleek modern art, the furniture polished and pristine. Everything about this place screamed wealth and status, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I didn't belong here.
I tried to push the nerves away, telling myself that this was just another step toward something greater. After all, it wasn't about me. It was about him...Ji-Hoon.
And, if I were being honest, it was also about the revenge that I couldn't let go of.
I fidgeted in my seat, watching the clock tick closer to my interview time. The seconds felt like minutes, stretching longer than I ever thought possible. My mind raced, replaying everything I knew about Ji-Hoon, his father and so many others.
I had to get close to him. I had to.
The door to the office opened, and a tall woman stepped out. She was in her early thirties, impeccably dressed in a tailored black suit, her hair pulled back in a tight bun. She looked every bit the professional I imagined someone from Park Entertainment would be.
"Hana Kim?" she asked, her voice clipped but polite.
"Yes," I replied, standing quickly and smoothing the wrinkles out of my dress.
"Please, come in," she said, stepping aside to allow me to enter.
The office was everything I expected and more. It was spacious, with large windows overlooking the city, and a sleek desk that looked like it belonged in a corporate boardroom rather than a personal office. But what struck me the most were the personal touches: framed photos of Ji-Hoon in various moments of his life, his achievements, his performances, all neatly displayed in glass cases and on the shelves.
I tried not to let my nerves show, but it was hard not to feel like a small fish in an ocean of stars.
The woman gestured for me to sit across from her. "I'm Ms. Ji-young. I'll be conducting your interview today. Please, make yourself comfortable."
I nodded, my hands folded tightly in my lap.
"Tell me about yourself, Hana," she said, her eyes studying me carefully. "Why are you interested in this position?"
I cleared my throat. This was it. The moment I had been preparing for, even if I didn't know how to prepare. "I....uh, I'm a hardworking person," I began, my voice quieter than I intended. "I've always been someone who takes pride in my work. I'm very detail oriented, and I'm used to managing multiple tasks at once. I'm looking for a position where I can support someone in a meaningful way, and this job feels like an opportunity to do that. I also admire Ji-Hoon's work very much. His music has been a part of my life for a long time."
Ms. Ji-young didn't react much, but I saw a flicker of something in her eyes. "I see. And you're aware of the responsibilities of this job, correct? This position requires someone who can stay discreet, maintain a professional demeanor, and handle the pressures of the industry."
I nodded quickly. "Yes. I understand the importance of confidentiality and maintaining a low profile. I'm used to working in environments where discretion is key."
She didn't smile, but I could sense a slight shift in her demeanor. "Good. The role can be demanding, but if you're committed, we'll consider you for the position."
I didn't know how to respond to that, so I just nodded, trying to keep my face neutral.
For a moment, neither of us spoke, and the silence stretched between us, thick and expectant. I knew she was evaluating me—judging whether I was cut out for this kind of life, for being part of Ji-Hoon's world.
After what felt like an eternity, Ms. Ji-young stood. "We'll let you know our decision soon, Hana. Thank you for coming in today."
I stood up, my heart racing. "Thank you for the opportunity," I managed to say.
As I left the office, my mind spun with thoughts, each one battling the other for attention. I couldn't believe I'd actually made it this far. But no matter how much I wanted to jump for joy, there was a nagging voice in the back of my mind reminding me of the bigger picture: my mother's death, Ji-Hoon's father, and the revenge I promised myself I would get.
I wasn't just looking for a job. I was looking for....
******
As I stepped out of the sleek, glass doors of Park Entertainment, the cool breeze of the early afternoon hit my face like a reality check. For a moment, I stood there, just breathing in the air. The city was bustling as usual, the hum of traffic and the chatter of pedestrians mixing in the distance. But I felt strangely detached, like I was observing it all from behind a thick glass wall.
I had done it. I had taken the first step toward getting closer to Ji-Hoon. But that didn't feel like the victory it should have.
I glanced down at my phone, where the notification about my meeting with Ms. Ji-young still sat unanswered. I didn't dare check it again. My fingers fumbled with the strap of my bag as I pulled myself together. What now?
I couldn't help but think of my mother,the woman who had sacrificed so much for me, for us. She had fought tooth and nail to raise me after my father had abandoned us. She had given everything, only to have it all taken away in an instant by a man whom am about to get a bit close to. The anger swelled up in me again. The fire that had burned inside me for so long flickered, threatening to ignite into something much darker, something dangerous that I hope I won't regret.
I shook my head. I couldn't afford to get lost in the past, not when this was finally the break I needed. My eyes lingered on the entrance of the building as I walked away, wondering if I had made a mistake even coming this far.
But there was no turning back now. The revenge that had haunted me for so long was closer than ever, and nothing, not even my own doubts, was going to stop me.
*†***
The next few days dragged by, each one longer than the last. I returned to my tiny apartment, where the walls seemed to close in on me as I awaited news. My phone, usually buzzing with messages from my old friends or the occasional bill reminder, sat still on the table, mocking me with its silence.
Was I just another hopeful who would never get a shot at anything better?
I hated that thought. I hated feeling weak, like I didn't deserve something better. But the truth was, there was no Plan B. Working as Ji-Hoon's maid was the only chance I had to get close to him, to uncover the truth, and if I was being honest with myself, there was a part of me that still wanted him.
The idea of revenge and romance tangled together in a knot that was almost impossible to untangle.
When the call finally came, I nearly dropped my phone.
"Hana Kim?" Ms. Ji-young's voice was crisp, yet somehow warmer than before.
"Yes!" I almost shouted. "Yes, this is Hana."
"We'd like to offer you the position," she said, her tone professional but unmistakably pleased. "We'll send over the contract and the details soon, but we'd like you to start as soon as possible."
My heart stopped, and for a moment, I was paralyzed. This was it. This was the moment I'd been waiting for.
"Thank you," was all I could manage to say, my voice trembling despite my best efforts to remain composed.
"Please expect an email with the next steps. We'll see you at Ji-Hoon's residence on Monday morning. Be ready for a full orientation."
"Thank you again." I hung up the phone, staring at the screen for a long time.
The feeling that had settled deep in my chest was a mixture of triumph and dread. The weight of what I was about to do pressed on me heavily, but there was no turning back now. I had to make sure I was ready. I had to make sure I didn't fail.
Monday came too quickly.
I stood in front of Ji-Hoon's residence, my mind buzzing with a thousand thoughts. The building loomed before me, tall, elegant, intimidating. I couldn't believe I was standing here, about to work in the very place where Ji-Hoon lived. His world.
The elevator ride to the top floor was torturous. My stomach churned with nerves as the city slowly shrank beneath me. The walls of the elevator were made of polished wood and brushed steel, sleek and cold, offering no comfort in the silence.
When the doors finally opened, I was greeted by a pristine hallway. Everything looked expensive, extravagant, too much for someone like me.