"You look agitated, Ms. Lee."

Huh?

I looked up to see a faceless man, his face and body fully covered in white, glowing light describes him better. After being in a car accident and finding out I would be paralyzed for life gave me chills. It would even be better for me to die now rather than live a life of regret and pain. After I worked so hard to get to the spotlight as aspiring model, this just had to happen.

Someone had to be behind this, I am sure of it.

But how?

Looking at the man, tears streaming down my face, "Sure. After my life has been ruined by an accident!"

"I won't be able to walk again," I continued, as the man sat next to me. He had human abilities but also didn't feel human. I couldn't care to point out but appreciated someone listening to me. "Do you know how frustrating, upsetting it is after I just signed a contract with the biggest modelling agencies in the country?!"

"I know."

I paused, turning to the man, puzzled I asked, "You do?"

"Yes, I do," he replied, "And I have two options for you."

"Two options?" I snickered. "As if anything will make my legs move again."

"Oh, it's an offer you can't refuse Ms. Lee, that I assure you."

"Continue."

"Option 1: Accept your new life and let go of your dreams of being a model."

He said there are two. Option 1is already a fact I can never live by.

"And the second option?" I asked, "You said there are two."

"The second option," he spoke, "Is...

You get to live a lie. Free from your misery, you will live in fame and luxury, exactly as you planned it."

I leaned close, "But at what expense? Surely that doesn't come for free, no?"

"You are very right Ms. Lee. It never does."

He too leaned close, whispering into my ear, as he replied, "At the expense of your very own life, you enter into this life."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning that if you enter into another accident again – any accident – you will not only die in your new life, but also lose your life as Lee Surim."

Life comes with risk. One risks their life to save another in a burning building as a firefighter. One risks their mental health for the benefit of their patients as a doctor. Nothing in life comes without pain. It's interconnected.

"What will you choose?"

"I choose option 2."

"Mm? Are you sure? Like I said, this action will have consequences. Are you ready to bear them?"

I nodded, "Yes. I am ready to bear it all."

A second chance to escape my almost-miserable life.

"Good then. Your new life will be..."

.

.

.

.

"Kim Hia!"

"Kim Hia! I love you!"

"I love you more!" I exclaimed as I blew kisses to my fans who waited outside after my photoshoot ended.

"Can I have your autograph please?"

I turned to one of the fans, who was a young girl. With a smile, I replied, "Sure honey. Do you want a photo as well?"

She lit up, nodding her head, "Yes please!"

Signing her notebook, and taking a couple of pictures, my manager, Ms. Choi, called me, constantly telling me we are running out of time... but not for my fans. They are my everything.

And I am their jewel.

"Thank you!" the young girl said, a big smile on her face.

"You are welcome," I replied, "May I ask, what's your name?"

"Hia!" Ms. Choi called me again, "Time!"

"Coming!" I replied, turning back to her, "I love to know my fans, especially the young ones."

She immediately flushed, fidgeting with her fingers as she told me. "My name is Yira. Jeon Yira."

"My, what a beautiful name, just like you."

"Thank you, Ms. Kim!"

"Oh, Hia will be good," I replied with a smile, giving her a pat on the shoulder. "Bye."

"Bye!"

Walking back to the black Rolls Royce, I stepped in, with one of the guards closing the door.

"Finally," Ms. Choi spoke, irritation in her voice as she told the driver to head to the next destination. She then turned to me, her sharp gaze at me. "And you? We wasted 5 minutes being outside! We are going to be late for the Northern Sky Summer photoshoot! No model has ever received an invitation!"

I had entered into a new life – living a lie of being the disappeared-now-reappeared famous model, Kim Hia. She had everything I wanted – would soon accomplish, until that car accident ruined everything.

"I had to take care of my fans," I replied, giving her a pat on the shoulder. "Besides, we are not going to be that late, No one can deny my charm, right?"

"Are you really going to use pretty privilege to get past your lack of punctuality?"

"It always works, no?"

"You sure you are okay?" she asked, her eyes looking at me suspiciously, "You would never have time to face your fans."

I kept my composure, though my heart pounding frantically. Would she be the first to figure out I am not Kim Hia?

"You worry too much Ms. Choi, I am good. I just... decided to start afresh, and give my fans more time. That's all," I replied with a smile.

She nodded, relief all over her face as well, "Well good thing you turned the wheel around, I like the new you."

"Thank you," I replied, turning my attention to the window. No one should find out I am impersonating as Kim Hia as my lie. I would be banned for life in the modelling industry.

Arriving at the offices of the Northern Sky, I stepped out and walked in, Ms. Choi ahead of me as she spoke to the receptionist, who gave us access to go in. 10 floors later, we were at their studios, and they looked eager to see us. I turned to Ms. Choi, giving her a wink, "You see? They are happy to see us."

"Kim Hia, good day!" the owner came, embracing me in a tight hug my body couldn't take but deeply appreciated. "I am so happy you accepted our invitation. You are the talk of the town."

Pushing a strand of hair over my ear in embarrassment, I replied, "Well, I hope good things."

"The best things! Which is why you are here today. We can't wait for the Summer outfits to be bought, which you will absolutely love by the way. Shall we begin?"

"Absolutely!"

My first outfit was peach-colored camisole with a white long skirt. I too could see myself wearing it when by the beach too. I couldn't wait to take my leave days to head there.

"Loving your poses Hia! Now, pretend like you are blocking yourself from the sunlight."

3 HOURS LATER

"Thank you very much!" I thanked them as Ms. Choi and I walked out.

"The pleasure is all ours! Looking forward to our next collab!"

Arriving back at the lobby, we walked out of the building and got into the car again. My legs were tired and sore from all the posing and changing of outfits, my body didn't feel used to this. Perhaps she was in the industry longer than me, it makes the job harder.

"You made it! You are officially done for the day in terms of photoshoots."

"What do I need to prepare for?"

"The gala event taking place tonight. Dress code is black and white, and I have the perfect choice for you."

Arriving at the Estate, we walked in, and Ms. Choi went upstairs to begin the preparations. I took the time to look around, absorbing the luxury and results of fame. That genie man was right. This is exactly the life I wanted before the accident... and the one I am currently living.

Taking a seat on the couch, I closed my eyes, hoping to get a few minutes to sleep but being famous meant being on your feet day and night. Ms. Choi, before I could even settle in, was done and called me upstairs.

"This looks stunning actually. I love this!"

"My style never goes wrong. You can use the accessories Kang Jun-seok gave you-"

I interrupted, "Sorry Ms. Choi, but who was Kang Jun-seok to me?"

She paused, then nodded a few seconds later. "I forgot, you have been away for a long time."

"Kang Jun-seok is your fiancé."