Nicole — POV
Nicole stood at the bus stop, staring ahead in a daze.
The bus screeched to a halt, the sharp sound snapping her out of her thoughts. She climbed on, swiped her card, and dropped into an empty seat with a frustrated huff. As the bus lurched forward, she leaned her forehead against the cool window, watching the city blur past.
Why me?
Why did I have to bump into Gu Sean of all people?
She groaned softly and dragged a hand through her hair.
And Ash… oh my God, what am I even going to tell Ash?
She straightened suddenly.
I need girl talk. Immediately.
Pulling out her phone, Nicole typed with fierce determination.
Nicole:
Girl. 911.
Almost instantly—
Ash:
WHAT HAPPENED?!
Nicole:
Meet at the house. I'll order chicken and grab some beers on the way.
Ash:
Say less. 10 minutes.
Nicole locked her phone with a triumphant smile. She reached up and pulled the bell, hopping off the bus near the corner store by Ash's place.
By the time she left the store, plastic bags digging into her fingers, a storm was brewing in her head. Questions piled on top of each other—about Gu Sean, about lunch tomorrow, about how quickly her life had unraveled since landing back in Korea.
She was so lost in thought that she didn't realize she'd already reached the house.
"Nicole!"
Ash's voice cut through the fog.
Nicole looked up just in time to see Ash leaping out of a cab, shoving money at the driver before slamming the door shut. Ash hurried over, slightly out of breath, eyes wide with concern.
Nicole blinked—then stared.
Ash's hair was a complete mess, long wavy strands tumbling around her shoulders. Her lavender shirt had slipped off one shoulder, exposing a purple bra strap. She wore a black mini skirt with white floral details along the hem, and her white heels—lavender soles and all—were dangling from her fingers. She was barefoot.
Ash was petite with a warm golden-brown complexion, her curves soft but confident. The lavender fabric hugged her frame perfectly, complementing her skin tone like it had been chosen on purpose.
"I ran straight here when I saw your text," Ash puffed.
"Thank God a cab was nearby."
Nicole stared at her in disbelief, then laughed despite herself.
"Why do you look like you escaped from a rom-com disaster?"
Ash waved a hand.
"No time for dignity. You said 911."
Nicole shook her head, amusement softening the tight knot in her chest.
"Let's go inside," she said. "We'll order the chicken, change into comfortable clothes, and then I'll explain."
⸻
Later, sprawled on the couch in oversized sweats, Nicole recounted the morning—from the café to the shock of Gu Sean's proposal.
Ash stared at her, mouth slightly open.
"Wait," Ash said slowly. "So your director—your boss—asked you to repay him… with marriage?"
Her lips twitched.
"And not only is he your boss," she continued, barely holding back laughter, "but he's been researching your background, wants you as his wife, and you agreed to have lunch with him tomorrow."
She tilted her head.
"Do I have that right?"
Nicole groaned and grabbed the nearest throw pillow, tossing it at Ash.
"Stop!"
She buried her face briefly.
"I messed up so bad. I should never have agreed to lunch."
She flopped back dramatically, staring at the ceiling.
"I felt obligated," she admitted quietly. "He's my boss. I didn't want him to make my life hell."
Ash's laughter faded. She scooted closer and wrapped Nicole in a tight hug.
"I know," she said softly.
"You've been through a lot. Especially since the accident."
Nicole's chest tightened.
"You just got back," Ash continued. "And now your director pulls something this insane."
She pulled back, meeting Nicole's eyes.
"But he says it's a contract marriage, right? Business."
"And let's not forget—your brother kicked you out of your own house, your dad sided with him, and none of them even checked on you."
Ash's voice hardened slightly.
"On your birthday."
Nicole swallowed.
Ash shrugged lightly.
"Honestly? This sounds a lot like fate."
Nicole rolled her eyes, unconvinced.
Ash smiled anyway.
"Hear Gu Sean out," she said. "Maybe he can offer you something. Stability. A place to live."
Her grin turned mischievous.
"And imagine showing up to a family dinner with a new husband—watching your dad and brother choke on their pride."
She leaned back.
"Especially since your so-called 'golden son' got handed a house he couldn't even afford."
Nicole was quiet for a moment.
"Just hear him out," Ash finished gently. "Then decide."
Nicole nodded slowly. For the first time all day, her chest felt lighter.
She stared up at the ceiling as Ash launched into an excited rant about outfits, colors, and accessories—Ash had always been the fashionista between them.
Nicole smiled faintly.
I just hope this lunch goes half as well as Ash thinks it will.