chapter 8

Ara Jeon sighed deeply as she sank into her bed, her muscles aching from exhaustion. The dim glow of the bedside lamp cast soft shadows on the walls, creating a sense of calm that she hadn't felt all day. Her mind replayed the events of the day—Arianna's sharp words, the humiliation, and then that strange encounter with the well-dressed man who had handed her his business card. His words echoed in her mind.

"You will need it later."

She scoffed softly. Need it? No. I don't need it. I don't want it. She had already left that world behind. That dream was shattered long ago. All she wanted was a fresh start, away from the industry that had once defined her.

Suddenly, her phone rang, pulling her from her thoughts.

She glanced at the screen. Mom.

With a tired groan, she answered.

"Hello?"

"Ara, sweetheart! Are you coming home tomorrow? It's the weekend!" Her mother's warm voice filled the silence of her lonely apartment.

Ara rubbed her eyes and sighed. "Yeah, Mom. I'll come."

"Good! You barely visit these days! You need to eat properly—you're getting too thin! And don't forget to bring that favorite cake of mine on the way!"

Ara smiled faintly as her mother continued her usual nagging, listing all the things she needed to do. She simply replied, "Yes, yes, I know, I know..." letting her mother's words wash over her.

After a few more minutes, the call ended, and for the first time in days, Ara felt a little warmth in her heart.

After a long and exhausting week, Ara finally returned home for the weekend. The moment she stepped inside, the comforting scent of home-cooked food and freshly cleaned laundry hit her. Her mother, standing by the stove, turned around with a bright smile.

"Oh, look who finally decided to visit her poor old mother," her mother teased, wiping her hands on her apron.

Ara rolled her eyes but smiled. "Mom, you're not old."

"Not with this stress you give me!" her mother huffed, placing a hand on her hip. "You barely call, you never visit, and don't even get me started on your eating habits!"

Ara chuckled and kicked off her shoes. "I eat just fine."

Her mother gave her a pointed look. "Oh really? What did you eat yesterday?"

"Um…" Ara scratched her head. "Rice?"

"With what?"

"...Rice?"

Her mother gasped dramatically. "I knew it! You don't eat properly! Do you want to shrivel up like a dried leaf?"

Ara laughed as she walked to the dining table. "Mom, I promise I'm eating well."

Her mother wasn't convinced. "I don't believe you. You're still as skinny as a chopstick!" She then pulled out a chair. "Now sit down. Lunch is almost ready."

Ara obeyed, resting her chin on her hand as she watched her mother move around the kitchen.

"So," her mother said, stirring a pot. "How's university life? Making new friends?"

Ara hesitated, staring at the table. "It's… fine."

Her mother immediately turned around and narrowed her eyes. "Ara Jeon, don't lie to your own mother. You think I can't hear the hesitation in your voice?"

Ara sighed, knowing there was no escaping. "Okay, okay. It's just… I ran into someone from my past."

Her mother frowned. "Who?"

"Arianna Park."

The moment the name left her lips, she noticed something—her mother's hand stiffened on the spoon. It was only for a second, but Ara caught it.

Her mother quickly composed herself and turned back to the stove. "I see," she said casually. "So, you two met again."

"Yeah," Ara replied, watching her mother's reaction. "She's in her final year now. We bumped into each other after class."

Her mother stirred the soup a little too hard. "And?"

"And… nothing. She's still the same. Acting all high and mighty."

Her mother set the spoon down and walked over to the table, sitting across from her daughter. She folded her arms, her expression softer yet serious.

"Ara," she said gently, "I don't want you getting too close to Arianna Park."

Ara raised an eyebrow. "Mom, it's not like I want to be around her. She's just… there."

Her mother let out a long sigh. "I just don't trust her, sweetheart. She's never been a good influence on you."

Ara frowned. "You sound like you know something I don't."

Her mother hesitated, then reached over to hold Ara's hand. "I just… I remember how much you used to compete with her. You always wanted to prove yourself. And I saw how much it affected you. I don't want you going through that again, especially not after everything you've been through."

Ara looked down at their hands. "I can handle her, Mom."

Her mother shook her head. "I know you're strong. But I also know you, Ara. You carry everything on your own shoulders, and you never ask for help."

Ara pursed her lips, not wanting to admit her mother was right.

Her mother squeezed her hand. "I just don't want you to get hurt again. You're my precious daughter, and I will do everything to protect you."

Ara swallowed hard, feeling an unexpected lump in her throat. After everything that had happened the day before—Arianna's cruel words, the strangers' mocking, and that strange encounter with the businessman—she suddenly felt so tired.

Without thinking, she moved forward and wrapped her arms around her mother, burying her face in her shoulder.

Her mother froze for a second, surprised by the rare show of affection. Then she softened and hugged Ara tightly, rubbing her back like she used to when Ara was little.

"There, there," her mother murmured. "My poor baby. You've been holding too much inside, haven't you?"

Ara didn't respond. She just clung to her mother a little tighter, letting herself feel safe, even if just for a moment.

Her mother kissed the top of her head. "Everything will be okay, sweetheart. Just don't forget, you're not alone."