A Friend in need.

Hayoon smiled at her reflection in the window, adjusting her shirt one last time. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, and she was ready. When she received the letter from her boss informing her of a job opportunity in Seoul, excitement had surged through her. Finally, she could fulfill her daughter Lara's dream of living in the bustling city.

Entering the towering office building, Hayoon made her way to the receptionist's desk. "Good morning, it's my first day," she said with a polite smile.

The receptionist, a warm woman who appeared to be in her early 30s, returned her smile and stood up. "Welcome! I'll take you to the boss's office," she offered, leading the way.

Hayoon's nerves fluttered as she followed the receptionist through the maze of hallways. Finally, they arrived at a large door. Taking a deep breath, Hayoon knocked. A firm voice responded from within, "Come in."

As Hayoon stepped into the office, she saw her boss seated in a large chair, facing the window with her back turned. "Good morning," Hayoon greeted, trying to keep her voice steady.

There was no immediate reply. The chair slowly swiveled around, revealing a face that sent a chill down Hayoon's spine—a face she never wanted to see again. Her heart sank as she recognized the smirking figure before her.

"W-what are you doing here?" Hayoon stammered, disbelief and dread tightening her throat.

The woman stood up, her smirk widening. "It's nice to meet you, Hayoon," she said, extending her hand.

Hayoon stared at the hand but made no move to shake it. "You haven't answered my question," she said, her voice firmer now.

The woman, Ye Jin, withdrew her hand, her smile never faltering. "I felt like helping a friend in need."

Hayoon recoiled at the word 'friend.' The last thing she remembered about Ye Jin was her intense dislike for her.

"I was never in need," Hayoon retorted, her tone icy.

Ye Jin raised an eyebrow, her gaze raking over Hayoon. "Well, your situation suggested otherwise. After all that fuss you made fighting for Soomin, I thought you'd have landed a stable job by now. But... here you are." She paused, letting her words sink in. "So I decided to help."

Hayoon clenched her fists, suppressing the urge to lash out. "And to think I was excited about this job," she said with a bitter smile.

"You should still be excited. After all, you'll be seeing a lot more of me," Ye Jin taunted, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "I'm just your boss—not the CEO."

She turned and dialed a number on the phone at her desk. "Please escort Ms. Hayoon to the CEO's office," she said sweetly.

Within moments, a smartly dressed woman arrived to lead Hayoon out of the office. As they walked away, Hayoon exhaled, relieved to be free of Ye Jin's suffocating presence.

When they reached the CEO's office, the conversation took a somber turn. The CEO explained why they needed her and, to her dismay, informed her that she would be working under Ye Jin's team. The job paid well—too well to refuse. For Lara's sake, Hayoon knew she had no choice but to accept it.

Later that evening, Hayoon rang the doorbell at Soomin's house. Since arriving in Seoul, she had spent most of her free time with her best friend, seeking comfort and solace in their shared history.

The door swung open, and Soomin's face lit up with joy. "Hayoon!" she exclaimed, pulling her friend into a warm hug.

"Where's Joon?" Hayoon asked, glancing around the cozy home for Soomin's husband.

"He's on a business trip. He's been busy lately," Soomin said, leading Hayoon to the couch.

As they settled in, Hayoon wasted no time. "I'm working for Ye Jin," she blurted out.

Soomin's expression instantly shifted to shock. "What?!"

"Yep, you heard me," Hayoon replied, her voice laced with irony.

"How? Where? When?" Soomin bombarded her with questions, her concern palpable.

"She was the one who recommended me for the job. Apparently, she thinks my situation 'proved' that I needed her help."

"I can't stand her," Soomin said, her voice dripping with disdain.

"Neither can I," Hayoon agreed.

"Can't you quit?" Soomin asked, concern etched on her face.

"Are you going to pay me a million dollars to walk away?" Hayoon retorted with a wry smile.

"No," Soomin admitted quietly, her shoulders slumping.

"Then I guess I'll just have to endure it," Hayoon said, her voice softening. "For Lara's sake."