It must be hard for you..

"So, Miss Bae left so urgently to come here and cook for Boss?" 

Lee Hyun was in disbelief. He thought maybe it was personal issues or family problems, to think this was the reason, it was hard to digest for him.

Hearing him say that aloud, Your ear flushes red in embarrassment. 

Madam Kim spoke with regret, "I requested her. But I didn't think she went through so much trouble to do it. *Grabbing your hand* I am really sorry, Y/N. I became selfish." 

You hastily shook your head "N-No, Aunty. Even though you made a request, It was my sole decision to agree. So, everything I did was because I decided to. And, If I had disagreed, I would be churning in regret if I heard I were to be assistant chief of Chef Park-nim." 

You flash a genuine smile to soothe her worries. 

Lee Hyun: "But, What happened to your dress, Miss Bae?" 

You raise your brow, then look at the red stain on your outfit " This.." 

'It happened because I was trying to run away from certain someone.' 

Of course, you didn't say that.

"I accidentally bumped into someone who was carrying tomato paste. It was really unfortunate timing haha.." 

You end it with a chuckle so as not to sound embarrassed. Alas, it only made  it more awkward.

"How inconsiderate of me. I will prepare a change of outfit for you right away." Madam Kim then called out a maid.

You quickly refuse the offer " Please, Don't bother to. I am about to leave, so I will change at home. It will only be a hassle." 

"You are leaving?" Both Madam Kim and Lee Hyun exclaimed.

"Yeah?" You were stunned by their reaction. 

Madam Kim gazed at you with concern " If it is because of Jin and my request, Then, I am not letting you go. I will tell him I brought you. He already knows, I know you personally, so it won't matter." 

You nod your head in understanding " I am grateful for your invitation, Aunty, I really am. But, It's not about Big Boss. I just don't think it's a good idea for me to attend this party. I apologize but I have to decline." 

You purse your lips at the end of the sentence. Even though you wished to attend this one in a lifetime glamorous party, your conciseness wouldn't let you.

Imagine you, who just joined the company, attended the Great CEO's birthday celebration where the regular employees weren't invited, which was only for VIPs, executives, and important figures who contributed hugely to the forming of the company. 

Readers might be wondering Madam Kim herself invited you, what will be the problem? Well, if you show up, it will worsen the situation and stir up thousands of rumours.

"Who is Bae Y/N? What is her relationship with the CEO's mother?" 

"Do you remember Madam Kim mentioning her name during her visit? She seems pretty important to her. *Gasp* Maybe she is lover of the CEO?" 

"I ran a check on her background out of curiosity. Thought she was a big shot, it turns out she is just an average girl who just joined the company. Funny thing is, she worked at a restaurant as a waiter where Madam Kim used to visit often."

"*Gasp* Oh my, Could it be that b*tch, did a pitiful act and asked Madam Kim for a job? Isn't that so embarrassing? How can Madam Kim agree to do such a thing?" 

"And you know The CEO can't say no to his mom, no matter the request. She even dared to show up at this party. Does she not know there are thousands of people working hard just to work in the company? And she..so shameless!"

You flinch at the thought of the outcome if you decide to come to the party. 

"*Sigh* I can't force you against your will, Can I? But, Let me prepare a dress for you and ask for a little favour?" 

"Favor?" You raise your brow. 

"Let me show you around the mansion." Madam Kim requested.

"You have done so many things for me, Though it's not much, I want to show you some amazing things. Please, Don't say no." 

Since you already denied her request one time, it would be improper to decline another one. Knowing it would be a hassle for you if the CEO saw you in the mansion, you eventually agree with her request so as not to dishearten her. 

Madam Kim happily went to make the preparation leaving the two of you behind.

There was an awkward silence in the room. None of you thought that you would face such a weird situation. 

"Sir-" Before you could say anything, Lee Hyun interrupts midway.

"It's unfortunate that you can't attend the party, But I can understand why you made the decision not to do so."

You were looking down before, but hearing his words, you looked at him eye to eye, a bit stunned..not expecting such a response. 

He continues, " You don't have to apologize for something like this."

"How did you know I was about to say sorry?" You mutter.

"*Chuckle* I think I am getting to know you better. You did great work handling things. It must be hard for you. I guess you will never forget your first day of work since you got to experience a whole lot of things in a day." He says with a smile.

You nod your head in agreement "I think all the good luck is pouring in these days. I have got a great job, have Aunty Kim treating me like a daughter, met with my idol chef, and have an excellent supervisor. Wow, I feel really blessed..Hehe." 

Lee Hyun responds "Well as I said, It's all part of my job. Umm, I know it's hard to praise Boss, I want to know do you feel lucky to have him as your Boss?" 

"About Big boss, you say?" 

You begin to ponder. 'Now that I think of it. Do I feel lucky having him as a boss? He is cold but the interaction I had with him up till now isn't that bad. Plus, he is breathtakingly handsome.' 

Of course, I won't say that to Secretary Lee.

You just giggle and avoid the question "Haha..I just feel lucky nowadays. So much so that I feel something bad might happen later."

"Miss Bae-" 

He was cut off by Madam Kim's sudden arrival..

"I am sorry, It took a while. Y/N, Come on. Let's get you changed." 

"Yeah." You excuse yourself and follow Madam Kim. 

***

"I knew this would suit you the best. Oh my, you are looking so pretty." Madam Kim excitedly said as she looked at you wearing the outfit she chose.

You look at yourself in the mirror. The knee-length white dress made you look elegant. 

 'It looks expensive.' You weren't exactly focusing on how you looked but the price of it. 

You wanted to tell her to get something more simple, but once you looked at her delighted and pleased face, you gave up.

"Come with me. I want to show you something really incredible." Madam Kim grabbed your hand and took you out of the room.

You were confused. 'What might it be? Now, I am curious too.' 

While you both were walking, you began to stare at the joined hands. The hand felt warm and strangely nice. 

'Is this how it feels to grab a mother's hand?' You smile at the thought.

Suddenly, her hand slips down. You freeze. 

"Here, we are." Madam Kim exclaims with enthusiasm.

'Y/N, What were you even expecting?' You retract your hand feeling a little disappointed. 

Shaking off the thought, you look at the place where she was showing. 

Your eyes widened in shock.

"W-What is this place?"