Taking in my reflection in the mirror, I smile confidently, admiring how good I look. I'm wearing a white T-shirt tucked neatly into blue denim trousers. My black hair falls freely around my shoulders instead of being pulled back into the ponytail that has almost become my signature look.
I reach for a red lipstick on the dressing table, hesitating for a moment as I wonder if it might be a little too bold. I shrug off the doubt, shaking my head dramatically as I close my eyes.
"It's just lipstick. Besides, it's my birthday."
I open my eyes slowly, my lashes brushing against my cheeks as I lean closer to the mirror and carefully apply the color. The red instantly brightens my face, making me feel braver somehow—like today truly belongs to me.
Cheers erupt the moment I step into the living room. I freeze, eyes widening at the sight of balloons and party hats perched on Hye Ri and Ha Eun's heads.
"Happy birthday!" they chorus in unison.
A grin spreads across my face as I cover my mouth with both hands, overwhelmed. Tears of joy gather in my eyes. "You two..." I croak, struggling to steady my voice.
"Thank you, my Sweet Cheeks." I say softly, kneeling to wrap Ha Eun in a warm hug.
"Happy birthday, Aunt Kitten! I love you. Thank you for coming into our lives." she says sweetly.
That does it. The tears spill over as I pull back to look at her, gently wiping my cheeks. "Thank you for loving me, Ha Eun. I promise to remain the coolest aunt in the world. This is my best birthday ever."
She beams and plants a kiss on my cheek.
"Aww... don't I get a hug? A kiss?" Hye Ri pouts.
I tilt my head playfully, squinting at her before bursting into laughter. "Come here, Bubbles!"
We share a group hug, laughter filling the room.
I step into Lee Hye's mansion later, my earlier joy still lingering, as I hum while setting breakfast on the table. But the smile fades from my face the instant I hear raised voices coming from upstairs. I pause at the bottom of the staircase, unsure whether to proceed.
I recognize the woman's voice immediately. She's the one who rushed into his house last week, breathless, talking about the leaked photos of Lee Ye and Kara that were spreading all over social media.
"She is Kara, for Pete's sake! Just follow the script, Lee Ye Jun!" a man shouts angrily.
Uh-oh.
"If you keep trying to interfere in my personal business, I will not renew my contract with you, Uncle." Lee Ye replies, his tone unyielding.
The man curses loudly, and I hear footsteps pounding down the stairs. Panicking, I tiptoe into my assigned room and leave the door slightly ajar so I can see what's happening.
"Mr. Lee, please calm down." the woman pleads as she rushes after him.
He stops at the foot of the stairs, dragging a hand through his hair in frustration. "Talk some sense into him. This is good PR! He hasn't written a single song in a year. Fame fades fast. Before we know it, the world will forget him."
She rolls her eyes. "Come on... he's Lee Ye. The nation's heartthrob. The world isn't forgetting him anytime soon."
A sudden, sharp clap echoes through the hall, making me flinch. I press a hand to my racing heart.
"And that's exactly the problem," the man snaps. "You're not helping him by saying that. Sure, he's got plenty of commercial deals, and things look fine now. But this—this is a golden opportunity. That Kara girl? She doesn't mind the scandal because she's smart. The more people talk about her, the more relevant she becomes."
"Mr. Lee, I—" she tries to respond.
"Lee Ye Jun may be the top artist in my agency, and my cousin, but should his fame fade? Even I won't hesitate to drop him."
He storms out. "But what about his fan meet-and-greet this evening?" the woman calls after him, but the front door slams shut. She sighs and hurries out after him.
I begin pacing inside my room, anxiety creeping in. I did make breakfast and set it on the dining table, but till now, I haven't seen him. The earlier scene keeps replaying in my mind, and I keep wondering if he really is okay...
The door suddenly swings open, startling me.
He stands there, looking effortlessly handsome as always. My gaze betrays me, traveling over his features—his full lips, straight nose, sharp jawline, and those captivating eyes that seem to pull me in without effort. He's dressed entirely in black, a fitted T-shirt beneath a leather jacket, paired with sleek black pants. The look suits him far too well.
He snaps his fingers in front of my face, and I flinch, realizing my mouth had been hanging open.
His eyes sweep over me, slow and assessing, and I suddenly feel very aware of myself.
"Follow me," he says simply. "We are heading out."
At the clothing store, I change outfits for what feels like forever. Who knew picking an outfit could feel like preparing for battle?
Lee Ye had driven us here and instructed the sales attendants to bring out their newest collections as if he owned the place. As their brand ambassador, he moves through the store with ease, flipping through a fashion magazine while lounging on the couch as if he belongs on a runway himself.
I clear my throat loudly.
He looks up, his expression bored—until he sees me.
The shift in his eyes is immediate. Something sharp and electric flickers there. He leans forward, elbows resting on his knees, fingers loosely clasped. His posture is relaxed, but there's an intensity in his gaze that sets my pulse racing.
A stray strand of hair falls over his eyebrow, and I nearly lose my composure. Is he even real?
"We will take this." he says coolly to the attendant, all traces of emotion wiped clean from his face.
A faint smirk lingers as he stands.
"Wait!" I squeak before I can stop myself, my eyes closing automatically.
When I open my eyes, he's standing directly in front of me—far closer than I expected. I stumble back slightly, but he catches my hand before I can embarrass myself further.
The sudden proximity sends my heart racing. I can feel the warmth of him, and the subtle scent of his cologne wrapping around me. It's distracting... and oh, dangerously so.
He leans in slowly, his lips hovering just beside my ear. The warmth of his breath brushes against my skin, and my own breath falters.
"Today," he murmurs, his voice low and deliberate, "you will be my manager."
My eyes widen, and in the mirror, I catch the reflection of his amused smirk.
Before I can even process his words, he straightens, adjusting his jacket as though he hasn't just thrown my whole life into disarray.
"You have exactly ten minutes to get yourself together," he adds coolly. "the press will be there."
The press?
My heart drops straight to my stomach.
He starts walking toward the door, not bothering to look back. "And try not to faint," he says casually. "I don't carry people."
The door shuts behind him.
I stare at my reflection. Flushed cheeks, wide eyes, lips still parted in shock.
What exactly has he just dragged me into...