Episode 2
“Please check if the item is correct.”
“We don’t deal with this just once, you know. If it’s something you brought, I’m sure it’s fine. That’s why I only use your center.”
“I’ll transfer the rest of the money to your account.”
“Just kidding, since you’ve worked hard, this is a tip.”
After graduating from university, I landed a job right away. However, many companies, struggling with financial difficulties, went bankrupt one by one, and on top of that, debt collectors chased me out of every workplace. After quitting my job, I found myself working part-time in an agency for over a year.
The phone in Lee Seo’s bag rang loudly.
[Lee Seo, I told the boss, but something came up, and I might not be able to make it to the wedding this weekend. It’s an important matter, and if I mess it up, it’s a big deal. You’re the only one I trust. Can you possibly stand in for me?]
“What time is the wedding again?”
[S Hotel at 10 AM.]
“At 10? I’m free then, so I’ll handle it.”
[Really? Thank you so much. I’ve been stressing so much, my head’s about to burst.]
“It’s not a big deal.”
[One of the guests texted me asking if we could meet earlier, and I’m going to send you the address. Can you make it?]
“Sure, I’ll go.”
After confirming the address with my colleague, I hurried to the meeting location.
“I’m from the agency.”
At one of the biggest law firms in Gangnam.
There were two women sitting on a long sofa, one looking like a mother and the other like a daughter.
The moment I walked in, the two women across from me quickly scanned me from head to toe.
“Your looks seem alright.”
“Did you apply to be a guest?”
“Yes, it’s my daughter’s wedding, but we’ve been abroad for a long time, so she doesn’t have many friends in Korea.”
“Is there anything I need to pay special attention to?”
“I don’t know if you’ve heard, but our family is not like most families.”
The woman emphasized her family with a slightly narrowed gaze.
“We’re expecting important figures from business, politics, and the judiciary, so this wedding is on a different level compared to regular ones.”
“Mom, just get to the point. You’re not making any sense.”
The daughter, arms crossed and frowning, glared at her mom.
“I knew you’d say that, so I’ve already prepared everything.”
With those words, the woman thrust a large shopping bag toward me.
“What’s this?”
“Clothes, shoes, accessories, and everything you’ll need to wear.”
“Excuse me?”
“I’ve prepared everything in basic sizes, so it should fit you.”
“According to our policy, we can’t accept these items.”
“What are you talking about? Who said this was a gift? It’s the outfit you’re wearing tomorrow.”
“We’ll take care of the basic outfit for the wedding, so you don’t need to worry about that.”
“Didn’t you hear me? I’m telling you this is the outfit you need to wear. You’re not planning on showing up at the wedding in something that ridiculous, are you?”
Her voice, sharp as a knife, made my expression harden immediately.
“Don’t you know the basic etiquette as an agency worker? This isn’t some regular birthday party we’re talking about.”
Her relentless words continued to lash at me.
“I think you’ve forgotten, but I didn’t hire you as a wedding helper. I hired you as a guest. The closest friend of my daughter, who’s been with her since childhood.”
“I know.”
I was getting more irritated, but I spoke coldly.
“You know? Ever heard the saying ‘people stick to their own kind’? There’s a level and class in the people you associate with. Even though you’re an agency worker, would it make sense for my daughter to hang out with anyone? I reluctantly hired your agency, but don’t think you can treat us however you want just because we did.”
Level and class.
In modern society, they say class is money.
After hearing the reason for the clothes and accessories, I let out a short, heated breath.
“You know the wedding is being covered by journalists, and there will be many important people attending. Can you imagine showing up in such cheap-looking clothes and making a mockery of my daughter’s wedding?”
“Exactly, I was just about to say that.”
The daughter added with a sarcastic tone:
“If I had real friends, I wouldn’t even be doing this, but here I am, spending money and still worried about it.”
Their snide comments were starting to get under my skin.
Since the contract had already been made, I couldn’t back out now. I tried to suppress my anger, but my face was slowly turning red.
“I don’t need to hear any more. We’ll prepare your outfit and accessories to match our level. I already discussed this with the director when we signed the contract.”
Had I left half my tongue at home?
One could tell what kind of person the daughter was based on her behavior. No wonder she had no friends.
‘I’m just here to work. That woman is just my client.’
I forced a smile, telling myself the same phrase over and over again in my head to keep my cool.
“Just so you know, don’t show up in a sloppy outfit like you did today. Return the clothes properly, and when the wedding ends and the couple leaves for their honeymoon, leave the items with my secretary, Kim Doo-sik, who will be waiting at the hotel lobby.”
“I understand.”
“Especially the necklace. It’s a new piece that just arrived from overseas, so be careful with it.”
“Is there anything else?”
“My daughter graduated from NYU, worked as a fashion designer for three years, and is marrying a prosecutor introduced by her father. Just so you know, I won’t answer any questions that aren’t necessary. Just wear what we gave you and smile politely.”
At this point, I felt like she might throw the clothes in my face, so I quickly stood up to leave.
“I’ll go now.”
“You need to arrive at least an hour early for photos.”
“See you tomorrow.”
I walked out, leaving the two women behind, and a cool spring breeze brushed against my face.
“Finally, a bit of relief.”
I looked up at the road. Cherry blossoms, white as popcorn, were lined up along the street, and as the wind blew, petals fluttered like snowflakes, touching my skin.
‘Choi Lee Seo, just hang in there a little longer. Once I pay off the debt, this job will be over.’
Carrying the shopping bag, I made my way home. My steps were heavy, but for some reason, my heart felt lighter.
The next day.
I wore the tweed jacket and dress set from yesterday, along with the diamond necklace, completing my look.
“Crazy, how much did all of this cost? I’m not even the bride, I’m just a friend. Do we really need to go this far?”
Wearing the dress with waves in my hair, I looked stunning.
My mom, Sun-Young, always said that the only thing the Choi family inherited was good looks.
“People stick to their own kind? Well, I only hang out with high-class people who live in luxury, not those who have trashy personalities.”
As I remembered the woman’s words, I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself as I looked in the mirror.
After finishing my preparations, I rushed to the hotel.
The wedding was still an hour away, but outside the hotel, luxury cars were already lined up.
I stood in front of the bride’s waiting room and took a deep breath, raising my smile.
“Ju-Hee.”
“Oh, you’re here!”
Her bright voice made everyone in the waiting room turn their gaze toward me.
“Congratulations on your wedding.”
“Thank you for coming.”
The woman, now a perfect bride in a dress adorned with thousands of diamonds, looked stunning but wore an awkward smile.
“Of course I’m here. You look beautiful today.”
“I couldn’t sleep properly, so my skin is a mess.”
“That’s not true. You’re the prettiest bride I’ve seen this year.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
The bride’s smile lingered, but her lips quivered slightly as she looked at me.
“Let’s take a photo together.”
The photographer spoke, and with a hesitant expression, the bride turned to me.
“Shall we take a photo together?”
“Sure.”
I sat next to her naturally, and we started the shoot.
“The bride is beautiful, but your friend is also very gorgeous.”
As the photographer said this while capturing us, I smiled softly, while the bride’s frown deepened.
This was supposed to be her moment, but the constant attention on me, the guest, seemed to be upsetting her.
“Live happily.”
“Thanks.”
With that, the photoshoot ended, and I slowly walked out.
‘It hasn’t even started yet, and this is already uncomfortable. No matter how expensive this outfit is, it’s not worth it. Comfortable clothes are always the best.’
Just then, the phone inside my bag vibrated persistently.
Hesitant, I took it out and checked the unfamiliar number…
