A Cinderella in the Making
The news spread through the office faster than a scandal on social media.
"Did you hear? Mr. Seo is bringing her to the gala.""Her? As in… Han Seo-jin?""No way. She's just his assistant!"
Seo-jin wanted to crawl under her desk and never come out again.
By Tuesday morning, she was already the subject of hushed whispers and pointed stares. Several female employees passed by her cubicle, their polite smiles dripping with disdain. One even muttered just loud enough for Seo-jin to hear:
"She must be really good at sucking up."
Seo-jin gritted her teeth and buried herself in paperwork. Ignore them. Survive the week. Then go back to being invisible.
Later that afternoon, she was summoned to the CEO's office once again.
"You'll need a proper dress," Jun-ho said, not looking up from his laptop.
Seo-jin blinked. "What's wrong with the one I wore last time?"
His eyes flicked up, sharp. "It looked like something borrowed from a funeral."
Her jaw dropped. "Excuse me?! I'll have you know that dress was from a very respectable clearance rack!"
He didn't flinch. "My driver will take you to a boutique tomorrow. They'll prepare something suitable."
"I don't need some fancy—"
"It's not optional, Miss Han."
Her protest died in her throat at his firm tone. She crossed her arms, sulking. "You really enjoy bossing me around, don't you?"
Jun-ho's lips curved faintly. "Immensely."
The boutique was the kind of place Seo-jin had only seen in dramas. Mannequins in glittering gowns lined the windows, and chandeliers sparkled overhead. The staff, bowing deeply at Jun-ho's arrival, whisked her into a fitting room before she could escape.
One gown after another was draped onto her: elegant silks, shimmering satins, gowns that made her feel like she'd stepped into another universe.
But when she emerged in a midnight-blue off-shoulder dress, the room fell silent.
Seo-jin tugged nervously at the hem. "This one's… too much, isn't it? I look ridiculous—"
Jun-ho's gaze lingered on her, his usual composure faltering for the briefest moment.
"You'll do," he said finally, voice lower than usual.
Seo-jin frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"
He looked away, clearing his throat. "The gala is formal. That dress will suffice."
But as he turned, his eyes betrayed him — softer, almost… captivated.
Seo-jin didn't notice. She was too busy glaring at the price tag she wasn't even allowed to see.
On the ride back, Seo-jin slumped in the car seat. "This is insane. I don't fit in that world. I'll just embarrass you."
Jun-ho's gaze slid toward her. For a moment, his expression softened — but then he looked out the window, voice steady.
"Don't worry, Miss Han. If anyone tries to make a fool of you…" His jaw tightened. "…they'll answer to me."
Seo-jin's eyes widened. Her heart thudded uncomfortably in her chest.
She turned away quickly, staring at the passing city lights, pretending she hadn't just fallen a little deeper into dangerous territory.