A New Life

A-ri stood at the threshold of the mansion, her gaze lingering on the retreating taillights of Eun-tae's car. His final words, "Call me by my given name," echoed in her mind, and a soft, involuntary smile tugged at her lips. She couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement at the thought.

What did he mean by that? Was it an invitation to bridge the gap between them? Or perhaps a subtle way of claiming her attention amidst the chaos of their situation? A-ri's heart raced as she pondered the possibilities, her fingertips brushing against her lips as if to preserve the warmth of their fleeting connection.

"What was that about?" A-ri murmured to herself, her cheeks flushed with a mix of curiosity and a touch of bashfulness. The cryptic message left her heartbeats dancing to a new rhythm, a melody of uncertainty and intrigue. She had ventured into uncharted territory, and Eun-tae's enigmatic words were like a map guiding her through its twists and turns.

With a determined shake of her head, A-ri redirected her focus to the task ahead – moving her belongings into the mansion. Each step she took felt purposeful, a physical embodiment of her resolve to embrace this new phase of her life. She retrieved bags and boxes, her movements a blend of determination and exhaustion, and transported them into the spacious foyer.

The mansion's interior unfolded before her like a grand tapestry, woven with opulence and elegance. A-ri's eyes widened as she took in the expanse of the living room, a harmonious fusion of luxury and comfort. Soft, plush carpets cradled her footsteps, muffling their sound, and she marvelled at the intricate details that adorned the space.

Her exploration led her to a kitchen that gleamed with modernity. The pristine surfaces and gleaming appliances felt like a far cry from the modest corner where she had cooked her meals before. A-ri's fingers traced over the countertops, her touch gentle as if to confirm the reality of this new environment.

As she moved through the mansion, A-ri discovered two bedrooms – the master bedroom exuding an air of intimacy that made her hesitate, and a guest bedroom that welcomed her with open arms. She opted for the latter, feeling a sense of comfort in its simplicity. The bed beckoned invitingly, its soft embrace promising a respite from the whirlwind of emotions.

The morning sun painted a soft glow across the room, coaxing A-ri from her slumber. Her eyes fluttered open, and for a brief moment, she forgot where she was. Reality settled in, and a smile of wonder graced her features. She had slept in Eun-tae's mansion, a notion that still felt surreal in the light of day.

A-ri stretched languidly, her body awakening from its restful reprieve. The events of the past day flooded her thoughts, but she pushed aside the swirling emotions, focusing on the practicalities of the present. She made her way to the guest bathroom, her steps light with anticipation.

The sight that greeted her was a revelation – a bathtub that beckoned like a haven of relaxation. A-ri's eyes widened in awe; this was a luxury she had only dreamt of. Her heart raced with a mix of excitement and gratitude as she shed her towel and eased into the warm embrace of the water. The sensation was pure bliss, a tranquil interlude amid the upheaval.

Emerging from the bath, A-ri felt renewed, both in body and spirit. Wrapped in a cocoon of soft fabric, she stepped out, ready to embrace whatever the day had in store. The mansion's opulence and the enigmatic allure of Eun-tae's words had woven a tapestry of intrigue around her, and A-ri was determined to navigate its threads with a sense of curiosity and resilience.

A soft rumble of hunger reverberated through the stillness of the mansion, drawing A-ri's attention to her empty stomach. It was a gentle reminder that amidst all the confusion and uncertainty, basic needs still required attention. A-ri stepped into the kitchen, her curiosity piqued by the sight that greeted her.

Two bowls sat on the kitchen counter, each one meticulously prepared and covered with plastic wrap. The warm aroma wafting from them tantalized her senses. The rice cooker sat nearby, its warm setting indicating that the meal was thoughtfully timed. A-ri's eyebrows knitted in bewilderment as she opened the refrigerator, revealing its emptiness.

A sense of intrigue mixed with puzzlement enveloped her. Who could have prepared this meal? A-ri's eyes scanned the kitchen, searching for any clues. The absence of visible culinary activity puzzled her further; it was as though the dishes had materialized out of thin air.

"Eun-tae?" A-ri whispered to herself, her voice carrying a blend of amazement and scepticism. The notion that Eun-tae might have been in the mansion while she slept brushed against her mind, sending a faint shiver down her spine. Yet, A-ri quickly dismissed the thought. Eun-tae was a gentleman, and the idea of him intruding on her privacy felt implausible.

A fleeting pang of something akin to disappointment flickered within her. She scolded herself for even entertaining such an unlikely possibility. With a determined shake of her head, A-ri focused on the immediate matter at hand – her hunger.

As she savoured the meal before her, each bite seemed to ease the knots of uncertainty that had been gnawing at her. The taste was familiar and comforting, grounding her amidst the whirlwind of emotions and events. Her mind felt clearer, and A-ri realized that she needed to reach out to Eun-tae.

Almost as if in response to her thoughts, her phone rang, startling her. The display showed an incoming call from Park Jin-ho, the matchmaker from Eternal Bond. A-ri hesitated for a moment before answering, her lingering annoyance warring with her curiosity.

"Hello?" A-ri's voice carried a mixture of exhaustion and resignation, a reflection of the tumultuous day she had experienced.

"Ah, Ms Han, my dear! How wonderful to hear your voice," Jin-ho's tone was jovial, as though they were old acquaintances reconnecting.

"Can we skip the pleasantries, Mr Park? What do you want?" A-ri rolled her eyes, her irritation with Jin-ho's cheerful demeanour bubbling to the surface.

"Direct as ever, I see. I simply wanted to know your decision regarding the contract. The deadline has passed, you know," Jin-ho's laughter danced through the phone, undeterred by A-ri's brusque manner.

A-ri closed her eyes, taking a deep breath to steady herself. Her mind replayed her conversations with Eun-tae, the moments of vulnerability and connection they had shared. Despite the unconventional circumstances, she couldn't deny that a part of her felt inexplicably drawn to him.

"I've made my decision," A-ri replied, her voice carrying a newfound resolve. "Whatever Eun-tae chooses, I'll choose the same."

"Ah, young love. How refreshing! I'll relay your decision to Eun-tae. Take care, Ms Han," Jin-ho's laughter tinkled through the line again.

As the call ended, A-ri leaned back in her chair, her thoughts once again drifting to Eun-tae. She had cast her lot with him, bound her fate to his in a way she hadn't anticipated. Amidst the uncertainty that lay ahead, a mix of anticipation and apprehension coursed through her veins. The events of the past day had propelled her into uncharted territory, and she was determined to navigate it with strength and dignity.

Feeling a mix of emotions, A-ri stared at her phone for a moment before deciding to call her best friend, Na-yeon. She needed someone to talk to, someone who knew her well enough to offer guidance and a listening ear. The phone rang a few times before Na-yeon's voice came through.

"Hey, A-ri! What's up?" Na-yeon's voice was cheerful and familiar, instantly easing the tension in A-ri's chest.

"Hey, Na-yeon," A-ri replied, her voice carrying a blend of uncertainty and relief. "I... I don't even know where to begin."

"What's going on? You sound a bit off," Na-yeon's tone turned concerned. "Was there something wrong with the meeting?"

"No, It's not. It's just... everything," A-ri took a deep breath, trying to put her swirling thoughts into words. "Well, you want to know what happens?"

"Of course, why would I not?" Na-yeon's voice held a note of amusement.

"Well, I'm in the guy's mansion right now," A-ri sighed.

"Wait, are you serious? You're in his mansion?" There was a brief pause on the other end before Na-yeon burst into laughter.

"Yes, I am," A-ri replied, a mix of exasperation and incredulity in her voice. "Long story short, I ended up here, and he left me alone."

"Okay, that's... unexpected. But are you okay?" Na-yeon's laughter subsided, and her tone turned sympathetic. "You said that he left you so you're still pure right?"

"Na-yeon, enough joking around," A-ri shrugged, even though Na-yeon couldn't see her. She continued explaining her worries. "The mansion is huge and a bit overwhelming, to be honest. And there's this thing he said before he left..."

"What did he say?" Na-yeon's curiosity was piqued.

"He told me to call him by his given name," A-ri confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know what it means, Na-yeon. It's like he's claiming me or something."

"Claiming you? A-ri, you have quite the imagination. Maybe he just wants to be on a first-name basis with you?" Na-yeon chuckled.

"I don't know, Na-yeon. It felt... significant," A-ri's eyebrows knitted together.

"Well, I can't read minds, but maybe he just wants to establish a more casual connection," Na-yeon suggested. "Anyway, what are you going to do now?"

"I don't know. I thought about cleaning the mansion, but it's already spotless. I even thought of calling him, but I don't have his number," A-ri sighed, her fingers playing with a strand of her hair.

"Typical A-ri, always finding something to fret about. Just relax for now. You're in his mansion, so he'll probably come back at some point," Na-yeon laughed.

"You're right. I guess I'm overthinking things again," A-ri nodded, even though Na-yeon couldn't see her.

"That's my A-ri," Na-yeon teased. "Listen, if you need anything or if you want to vent some more, just call me. I got the interview done so if you want me to drop by or anything, you know who to tell."

"Thanks, Na-yeon. I appreciate it," A-ri chuckled.

"No problem. Just remember, you're not alone in this," Na-yeon reassured her. "And hey, who knows? Maybe this whole mansion thing will turn out to be an interesting adventure."

As A-ri ended the call, a small smile tugged at her lips. Despite the uncertainty of her situation, she felt a glimmer of hope. With Na-yeon by her side and the enigmatic Eun-tae in the background, A-ri was ready to face whatever came her way, armed with determination and her best friend's unwavering support.