"Please check if it's the item you requested."
"Come on, we've done business many times before. If Miss Seo brought it, then it's good. That's why I only use her center."
"Please transfer the rest of the money to the account."
"Just because I feel like it. Here's a tip for your hard work."
Although I got a job right after graduating from college, one company after another started shutting down due to financial problems.
On top of that, debt collectors began chasing companies, and I ended up leaving my job.
That was a year ago. Since then, I've been doing freelance work.
As I was slinging my bag over my shoulder, my phone rang loudly.
$Miss Seo, I told the manager already, but something came up, so I can't go to the wedding gig this weekend. It's an important one, and any mistake could be serious. I can only trust you. Could you please go instead?$
"What time is the wedding?"
$10 a.m. at S Hotel.$
"10 a.m., huh… I'm free then, so I'll do it."
$Really? Thank you so much. I've been so stressed about it my head hurts.$
"It's not a big deal."
$They asked if they could meet you tonight. I'll send the address—can you go?$
"Sure, I'll head there."
Soon after receiving the address, I rushed out.
It was a luxury apartment in Gangnam.
"I'm from the agency."
Inside, two women—likely a mother and daughter—were sitting on a long sofa.
As soon as I walked in, their eyes scanned me from head to toe.
"Looks decent enough."
"You requested a guest appearance, right?"
"Yes. My daughter's getting married. She was abroad for a long time, so she doesn't have many friends in Korea."
"Please let me know if there's anything specific I should know."
"You might've heard—our family isn't like ordinary ones."
The mother's eyes narrowed as she emphasized her words.
"Important figures from the business world, politics, and legal circles will all be attending. It's not just any wedding—it's on another level."
"Mom, just get to the point. She won't understand even if you talk forever."
The daughter frowned deeply with her arms crossed.
"I knew this might happen, so I prepared in advance."
The woman shoved a large shopping bag toward me.
"What's this?"
"Your outfit, bag, shoes, accessories—everything."
"Excuse me?"
"We prepared the basic size. It should fit you."
"Sorry, but we're not supposed to accept items like this."
"What are you talking about? Who said it's a gift? You *have* to wear this tomorrow."
"Our agency provides basic formal attire, so there's no need to worry about—"
"Are you kidding? You think you can show up dressed like *that* to this kind of wedding?"
Her sharp voice and judging eyes made my expression freeze for a moment.
"Do you even know basic etiquette as a staff member? This isn't a child's birthday party."
Her words kept coming, sharp and endless.
"Did you forget? I didn't hire a wedding assistant—I hired a guest. My daughter's dearest childhood friend."
"I understand."
Watching the woman fume, I replied in a calm tone.
"You *understand*? Haven't you heard the phrase, 'Birds of a feather flock together'? People should fit their class. You're playing her closest friend, and you expect us to believe she'd hang out with someone like you?"
Class and standards.
They say money defines class in modern society.
When I heard the reason they gave me all the accessories, I let out a short, hot breath.
"There'll be reporters at the wedding and a lot of eyes on us. You want to show up in some tacky outfit and embarrass my daughter?"
"Exactly," the daughter chimed in with a smirk.
"Honestly, if I had real friends, I wouldn't even need to do this. Paying someone like you is just making me nervous."
Their annoyed tone started to grate on my nerves.
But I couldn't back out now. The contract was already signed. My face started turning red as I tried to hold in my anger.
"No need to argue. Just wear what we gave you. We already discussed this with your manager. Understood?"
Do they leave their common sense at home?
You can tell what someone's like from how they treat people. No wonder the daughter had no friends.
'I'm just doing a job. That woman is just a client.'
I forced a smile and repeated the same thought over and over in my head.
"Don't forget—dress exactly as instructed. My secretary, Mr. Kim Doo-shik, will be in the hotel lobby. After the ceremony and honeymoon departure, return the items to him."
"Understood."
"Especially the necklace—it's a brand-new import. Take care of it."
"Anything else I should know?"
"My daughter graduated from NYU, worked as a fashion designer for three years, and is now marrying a prosecutor introduced by her father. Just remember that. You don't need to answer unasked questions—just smile and be pleasant."
I felt like I'd throw the clothes at them if I stayed any longer. I stood up.
"I'll get going now."
"Arrive at least an hour early for the photo shoot."
"I'll see you tomorrow."
I stepped outside. A cool spring breeze brushed across my face.
"Finally, I can breathe."
Looking up, the road was lined with cherry blossoms in full bloom, fluttering like snow in the wind.
*Choi Iseo, just hang in there. Once the debt is gone, this will all be over.*
With the shopping bag in hand, my steps were heavy, but my heart felt a little lighter.
---
**The Next Day**
I wore the tweed jacket and matching dress the women had given me. I even put on the diamond necklace. I was ready.
"This is insane. How much money did they spend? She's not even the bride—just a *friend.*"
With wavy hair and a stylish dress, I looked absolutely stunning.
My mom always said the only thing I inherited from the Choi family was my looks.
"Birds of a feather? I wouldn't be caught dead hanging out with people who treat others like trash, no matter how rich they are."
Smiling wryly at the mirror, I finished getting ready and headed to the hotel.
The wedding was still an hour away, but luxury cars were already lined up at the entrance.
I took a deep breath and raised my lips into a smile outside the bride's waiting room.
"Juhee."
"Oh, you're here."
Everyone in the room turned to look at me.
"Congratulations on your wedding."
"Thanks for coming."
Dressed in a dazzling gown covered in jewels, the woman smiled awkwardly, a perfect bride for the occasion.
"Of course I came. You look beautiful today."
"I couldn't sleep from the nerves. My skin's a mess."
"What do you mean? You're the most beautiful bride I've seen this year."
"Really?"
"Really."
The bride smiled faintly at my compliment.
"Let's get a photo with your friend," the photographer said.
The bride gave a reluctant nod.
"Shall we take one together?"
"Sure."
I sat beside her and posed for the camera.
"You're both stunning—the bride and her friend," the photographer said.
I smiled politely, but the bride's brows twitched slightly.
This was her big day. But everyone's attention seemed to drift toward me. Her hand gripped the bouquet tighter.
"Wishing you a happy marriage."
"Thanks."
After finishing the photos, I slowly walked away.
*It hasn't even started, and I already feel uncomfortable. Expensive doesn't mean comfortable. Simple clothes are the best.*
As I pulled at the tight outfit, my phone began to vibrate inside my bag.
It didn't stop.
I hesitated, then pulled it out. An unfamiliar number was calling.
My heart began to race.
---