Past

**"Mom! Please don't do this!"**

"Shut up! Get out and don't show me your face again. You're nothing but a disappointment."

"Dad! Dad! Please say something. Give me one more chance, and I promise I'll do better this time. Please, Dad!"

I still remember that day vividly—begging for one more chance, screaming and crying, only to be thrown out into the heavy rain with my luggage. That day, I realized that I meant nothing to my parents. My father, who was everything to me after my mother's death, had abandoned me for his new wife and daughter. I spent the entire night outside my home. The next morning, I found a part-time job. Fortunately, my boss was kind enough to let me stay with her.

That day marked a turning point. I vowed that one day I would take revenge on my cruel family. I worked tirelessly, and now, look at me—I'm a billionaire. But my revenge isn't complete yet. It's ironic: I was the girl they never wanted, and now I'm the one they can't have.

"Aww, Jennie, I'm so sorry to hear about your past. It's heart-wrenching. But I have to ask, why didn't you reach out to your friends for help?"

"Who said I didn't? I begged them for help, but they all betrayed me. I had always helped them, but when I needed them most, they abandoned me. They used my kindness for their own gain. That's why I have trust issues now and keep my circle small."

"You're incredibly strong. I feel so fortunate to have you as my best friend."

"Anyway, let's not dwell on the past. It's getting late—let's go to dinner."

"Okay, Sophia! I have an offer for you. I heard your contract with your company is expiring tomorrow. You can sign a new contract with my company. I've seen your acting, and you're truly talented, but you deserve more opportunities. You have six hours to think it over. I'm not pressuring you to leave your company."

"That's a great offer. I've been considering it myself. I'll sign the new contract with your company tomorrow."

"Perfect! My assistant will be joining us for dinner, too."

"Really? Wow! By the way, how do I look? Is my makeup and dress okay?"

"Yes, you look great. But why are you so excited?"

"Oh, nothing. Just asking. After all, I'm a famous actress; I need to look good in public."

"Come on, you don't have to hide anything from me. I know you have feelings for my assistant."

"Ahhh! Do you have superpowers? It's insane how you always know what I'm feeling."

"I'm a witch, ha ha! Now, let's have dinner. See who's here."

*Sophia whispered,* "He is so handsome."

"I can hear you."

"I didn't say anything."

"Really?"

"Shhh! Jennie."

"Good evening, ma'am."

"Good evening, J."

"You haven't sent me the data of transactions yet."

"I'm sorry, ma'am. I can't send it this week. I'm dealing with some family problems."

"Oh, is it serious?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

"It's okay. You can send me the data next week. If you need any help, feel free to ask."

"Okay, ma'am. Thank you so much."

"Hello! My name is Sophia, and I'm joining you for dinner, so please stop ignoring me and talk to me. J, what would you like to eat?"

"Um, fried chicken."

"Hey! Hey! Jennie, how could you do this to me? Did you forget me, or am I already dead? Please, God, tell me this isn't true! Please say you're alive, Sophia. You're alive. Please, God."

"Can you stop the drama now?"

"Oh, so you can see me? It means I'm alive. Thank God!"

"Sigh! You're so childish and senseless."

"You're just jealous of my cuteness, that's why you're saying this. Anyway, you!"

"...Me?"

"Yes, you! Your name is J, right?"

"Um, yes."

"Do you have any idea how handsome you are? You should be an actor. Do you have a girlfriend?"

"..."

"Come on, Sophia, stop flirting and focus on your food. J, ignore her, okay?"

"Okay, ma'am."

*POV Sophia:* "Hey! Hey! Don't you dare ignore me. You're mine."

"Yes, Sophia, I'm yours."

"I love you, J."

"I love you too, Sophia."

"Sophia! Sophia! Come back to reality and eat. It's getting late."

"Oh, okay! Okay!"

"J, can you drop me off? I'm feeling dizzy. Jennie, please let him."

"Alright, J, drop her off."

"Good night, bestie! I love you."

"Good night! And don't annoy him. J, if she irritates you, feel free to kick her out of the car."

"AAAAH! Jennie..."

*Giggle* "Okay, ma'am."

"J, can I ask you about your family problem?"

"It's okay if you don't want to share."

"Actually, my mom is in the hospital, and I don't have enough money to cover the expenses and bills."

"Oh, don't worry. I'll help you. I lost my mom a few years ago and couldn't afford her medicine. I still feel guilty. Please let me help."

"I'm so sorry for your loss. Okay, I'll accept the help, but I'll return the money within a year."

"Hmm, you don't need to return it."

"I don't want to live under debt."

*Sophia laughed.* "Anyway, my apartment is here. Thank you so much for the ride. Good night."

"It's okay. It's my duty. Good night."

"Don't call me 'ma'am.' Call me Sophia."

"Ha ha! Okay."