[SOPHIE]
Sophie paced back and forth in her room, her fists clenched in frustration.
Her phone was pressed tightly against her ear as she snapped, "Mom, you
have
to set a meeting with Hyun. I can't wait any longer!"
On the other end, Sophia's voice was strained. "I've been trying, Sophie, but you know how long it takes to book a session with Hyun. He's not just any designer; he's the
Hyun
now apparently. Even I can't just demand an audience on a whim."
Sophia sneered on the other end of the line, unable to fathom how a mere commoner could hold more status than even royalty, simply because he was gifted with a talent that made women swoon at his feet.
Sophie's eyes narrowed as she spun around to face her reflection in the mirror, her expression hard. "Use your position, mother," she insisted. "I need those dresses secured, no matter what it takes. I can't afford to show up empty-handed, not after everything I promised."
Sophia sighed, her voice dropping to a weary murmur. "What did you get yourself into this time, Sophie?"
Sophie's lips tightened as she let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, nothing
too
dramatic. Just the usual—trying to fit in. Do you have any idea what it's like being treated like an outsider by your own peers? No matter what I do, they still see me as the girl who was once a
maid
in this family, not a true Rosette."
She felt a lump in her throat as she continued, the words spilling out faster now, driven by years of pent-up resentment. "It's because of you and Dad that everyone doubts my place here! It's your fault I'm stuck proving myself over and over again. If you want to make it up to me, if you truly feel guilty for everything I've been through, then do this one thing for me. Secure the dresses. Make it happen."
There was a pause on the line. Sophie knew she had struck a nerve, as she always did when she brought up the past. Her mother's silence spoke volumes.
Sophia was haunted by the decision they made years ago—to hide Sophie's true identity and raise her as a maid to protect her from the family's enemies.
Finally, Sophia spoke, her voice softer now, almost pleading. "Alright, Sophie. I'll do everything I can to expedite the meeting. I won't let you down."
"I want it set for this week," Sophie cut in sharply. "Christmas is around the corner, and I can't afford to look like a fool in front of everyone. I've already promised my friends dresses from Hyun. If you embarrass me again . . ." Her voice trailed off, laden with unspoken threats and bitterness.
Sophia sighed heavily. "I understand. I'll take care of it. Just . . . don't worry."
With a terse nod, Sophie ended the call, exhaling slowly. She tossed her phone onto her bed, staring into the mirror once more.
Her reflection gazed back at her—a vision of beauty with flawless skin and a delicate, petite frame. She smiled, a cold, calculating expression creeping across her face.
One day, she thought,
I'll have everything I deserve and more
.
And when that time comes, no one will dare look down on me ever again
.
A knock on the door broke her reverie, and she turned to see Lily peeking in. "Sophie? The hot spring is ready! Come on, everyone's waiting."
Sophie forced a bright smile, banishing the lingering anger from her face.
"Coming!" she called out, taking one last look at herself in the mirror. She smoothed down her hair, admiring the way it framed her face, soft and alluring.
She couldn't help but imagine Cole Fay's reaction if he were here to see her like this. He was everything she wanted—powerful, rich, and aloof.
Sophie's smile grew a little wider as she envisioned winning him over, imagining the look in his eyes when he finally saw her for who she truly was—a perfect match for him.
With a final check of her appearance, she turned on her heel and headed out the door, her resolve hardening. This was only the beginning. She would make sure everyone knew her place—not as a maid, not as a pretender, but as the real Rosette she was meant to be.
=== ===
[EVE]
I glanced at the mirror and let out a deep sigh. It wasn't that I disliked what I saw—I'd lived with these scars my whole life. They were a part of me, etched into my skin like reminders of battles fought and survived.
Standing there in nothing but my underwear beneath the loose robe, I prepared myself for the supposed hot spring event that I hadn't even known about until it was practically time to go.
I was certain this was Sophie's scheme, a calculated move to put me on display, to let the others catch a glimpse of the scars scattered across my body.
Most of the marks were faint now, barely visible unless you looked closely. Some had healed over time, fading into the background like old memories.
But others, the deeper ones, refused to disappear completely—constant, stubborn reminders of my past. The gunshot wound from not too long ago still left a fresh scar, a jagged line just beside my stomach. It was a raw testament to the danger I'd faced and overcome.
I crossed my arms over my chest, weighing my options. I could stay in my room and avoid the whole ordeal, but I knew what would happen if I did.
Sophie would jump at the opportunity to spread rumors, to paint me as weak or insecure just when I was starting to rebuild my reputation and forge new connections.
A bitter smile crept onto my lips. Why should I hide? These scars weren't something to be ashamed of—they were proof of my strength, of the battles I'd fought and survived. Continue your journey on empire
They told a story of resilience, of fighting tooth and nail to make it to this moment. If Sophie thought she could use my past to humiliate me, she was in for a surprise.
With a final glance at the mirror, I straightened my robe and headed for the door. I had no intention of letting anyone, least of all Sophie, dictate how I felt about the marks that had shaped who I was.
If they wanted to see, I'd let them see. This was my story, and I wasn't about to hide it.