POV: Jade
My heart is broken.
Yesterday I was so happy to have spoken to Min-ho, even if it was just over chat. Today I've sunk into the deepest depression.
I was expecting the final blow of bad luck, but I never imagined I'd find myself in this situation.
Since the day before my birthday, I've had a bad feeling, a dark thought swirling around me, but I thought it was because of being away from home.
My first birthday, the most important one, without any of my family.
Let's be clear: my dad, Sherry, and the kids showered me with love, even if it was over chat, and the gift was sensational. Like the gifts from fans, unexpected.
And like the most important one, which I'm holding in my hand.
Ari also organized a small surprise reception, and I have to admit that, for a few hours, the contestants were exceptional companions, celebrating me, taking selfies, toasting, and eating the cake.
It was a small oasis in the media storm we're facing, and I think it's done everyone some good.
But this morning's visit shocked me.
The man who approached me, at the request of production, Mr. Park, showed me his business card, and I thought he was an external selector.
I was embarrassed; I didn't know what to say at this stage of the competition, but when I sat down at the table and he gave me a thoughtful look, I knew something wasn't right.
And his words confirmed it.
"I'm the Lee family's lawyer."
He said it like that, without any cadence, as if he were handing me a coffee.
I didn't immediately realize, I just thought: a lawyer? What do I need?
And in fact, I don't need one.
They don't.
The Lee family.Supposedly, my family.
The super-powerful Lee Technologies company is my family.
Or rather, it was.And there my heart sank to the bottom of my feet.
I hardened my gaze, I stiffened, and I asked:
"What do you want?"
"Ms. Lee asks you not to assert any rights against her or her family, and not to make any connections to them during interviews, even if she wins the contest or reaches the finals. It's publicity that doesn't interest them."
So that's it.
They recognized me and are afraid I'm trying to reach them through the program. In fact, that's what I wanted... before meeting Min-ho.
Meeting him made me realize that I can find a 'home' anywhere, not necessarily with the people who brought me into the world.
He, a complete stranger, understood me much more than people who've known me for 18 years should have.
"Don't you think it's a bit arrogant of the Lee family to think they're important to my career? Until proven otherwise, I got here because of my talent, not because of their name." The lawyer hesitated for a moment, then smiled and bowed."I admit she's very good," he said.
"Who exactly sent you to me, Mr. Park?"
He lowered his eyes, but said nothing.
And that struck a blow to my heart.
My mother. It was her.
She hates me so much she sent a lawyer to threaten me.I took a breath and grimaced.
"Tell Mrs. Lee that I contacted her out of courtesy to the woman who gave birth to me, but from now on there will be no further attempts to meet her."
I stood up to leave, but her voice stopped me.
"It's about her son. She wants to protect him from scandal."
A son.
She had another son, which is why she's no longer interested in me.
She threw me away like old rags to buy new ones.
I swallow my disappointment and, in a faint voice, ask:
"How old is he?"
"Ten."
He also stood up and joined me.
"Do you want to see the photo?"
I whirled around, eyes blazing.
"Tell that woman and her precious heir to go to hell."
Backtracking, I ran back to my room, only to let out a desperate cry.
I sobbed myself senseless, and now I'm truly out of energy.
I didn't know she'd remarried, or that she'd had another child.
And my father never told me either.Is it possible he doesn't know?
I'd like to call him and ask, but I'm too hurt to ask.
It's the group chat that brings me back to reality, and I'm forced, despite myself, to pull myself together so I can join the others for tomorrow's show.
I have a routine with Ji-ho, a surprise challenge, and a solo routine with a musical instrument.
I wouldn't have thought the pace would be so hectic: we're drained of energy, we're getting practically no sleep, and many are complaining of fatigue and physical problems.
But this is Korean showbiz, and only those with a dark soul and legs of steel will make it through.
There are 22 of us left, a couple of guys were disqualified for dishonest behavior (they leaked inside info on social media), but otherwise, things are going great.
Ari is also quite stressed, struggling to find her rhythm now that the Koreans have become more aggressive, and, not being familiar with the language, she's a bit left out.
I sigh and go wash my face.
There are three episodes left, and I can do it.I have to.
Especially now that the reason I came is gone.
I sigh and take off my clothes, jumping into the shower.