The second day working at the Kang household felt even more nerve-wracking for Eun-bi.Every step she took felt like it was being watched; every small mistake could become a disaster. The other servants moved with discipline and precision born from years of training, while Eun-bi... was still learning how not to trip over her own hanbok.
"Eun-bi, be careful with that tray! Don't spill it!" whispered one of the maids.
"Yes, yes, I got this," Eun-bi replied confidently—right before the tray of hot soup tilted dangerously in her hands.A few drops splashed onto the table, but thankfully no one noticed.
That was close! she thought in panic. One more slip and I'll be fired before lunch.
That afternoon, the front courtyard of the Kang estate was unusually lively.Servants were arranging fresh flowers, decorators hung ribbons along the columns, and guards stood in a neat line by the gate.
"What's going on?" Eun-bi asked the maid beside her quietly.
"You don't know?" the maid whispered excitedly. "Today, Master Jun-yeol's fiancée is visiting from the capital—Lady Oh Hwa-jin. Beautiful, educated, and... very influential."
Eun-bi froze."Oh Hwa-jin...?" she murmured. "Wait—that's... that's my character! I wrote her! And I made her the villain!"
Her eyes widened in horror. She's real? She exists here too?If Hwa-jin ever found out Eun-bi was the one who created all her misfortunes in the story, she'd be dead before sunset.
Moments later, the sound of carriage wheels echoed from outside the gate.A woman stepped down gracefully. Her hair was pinned perfectly, her pastel blue hanbok embroidered with silver flowers. Her gaze was sharp but elegant—everyone bowed instinctively.
"That's Lady Oh Hwa-jin," someone whispered. "Master Jun-yeol's fiancée."
Hwa-jin smiled faintly, walking with quiet authority.When she saw Jun-yeol waiting in the courtyard, her face softened. "Jun-yeol... it's been a while."
"Welcome, Lady Oh," he replied politely.
They looked perfect together—handsome man, beautiful woman, standing under the golden afternoon sun like a painting.Eun-bi, watching from afar with a fruit tray in her hands, muttered under her breath,"Okay... I have to admit, they look cinematic. But why do I feel... annoyed?"
Hwa-jin's gaze flicked toward her.Her polite smile remained, but her eyes sharpened instantly.
"Who is that girl?" she asked coolly.
"A new servant, my lady," one maid replied quickly. "Her name is Han Eun-bi. A distant niece of the Im family."
"I see…" Hwa-jin stepped closer, her movements calm yet commanding.Eun-bi immediately bowed low, trying to make herself as invisible as possible.
"From the Im family, you say?" Hwa-jin's voice was sweet but edged like glass. "I've never seen her at any gatherings. Did you just arrive in this village?"
"Y-yes, my lady," Eun-bi stammered. "I just... moved here from somewhere far away."
"Far away?" Hwa-jin arched a brow. "How far?"
Eun-bi swallowed hard. Don't say 2025, Eun-bi! Don't say 2025!"Uh... very far, my lady. You'd need... rain and a river to get there."
A few servants bit back laughter.
Jun-yeol, overhearing, gave a brief glance. "Hwa-jin, leave her be. She's only been here a few days."
"Of course," Hwa-jin said with a polite, icy smile. "I'm simply curious about who works in my future husband's home."
Eun-bi nearly choked on air.Future husband? Right. I wrote their engagement, didn't I? Brilliant, Han Eun-bi. You literally scripted your own suffering!
Later that evening, after all the guests had gone, Eun-bi collapsed on her cot in the servants' quarters, clutching her chest."Good heavens… she's scarier than I imagined! Even I didn't write her with eyes that sharp!"
Jo-an entered, carrying a small tray of food and chuckling softly. "Rough day, big sister?"
"Amazing," Eun-bi replied dryly. "In the worst possible way. I nearly got roasted by the boss's fiancée."
Jo-an laughed, sitting beside her. "You're strange, but somehow, this house feels more alive because of you."
Eun-bi blinked, then smiled faintly. "You're too kind, Jo-an. But... I still need to find a way home. I can't stay here forever."
Jo-an looked at her thoughtfully. "Maybe... it's not time for you to leave yet."
Eun-bi gazed out the window, watching the sunset bleed across the sky.In the distance, Kang Jun-yeol walked through the garden, with Oh Hwa-jin following a few steps behind.
And for some reason, her chest tightened.
Why does it feel like I wrote a story... that's going to destroy me?