A/N: This might be a slightly bit heavier than my other story so beware. You have been warned.

Hee Jin followed the hostess down the hall towards the room on the far right. She felt awful under the scrutiny she faced when she first arrived. It wasn't difficult to understand why. She had tried to make her hair as tidy as possible, trying to hide the fact that it needed a wash. Her jeans were washed away and her grey shirt was too loose on her. Any other day, she would be grateful for these clothes. However, today was not one of them. She tried to remove all the dirt underneath her nails and hoped the smell of cleaning detergents wouldn't be too potent. She wanted to be put together the best she could. And she was, in her own right. But these people didn't know that.

She wouldn't call herself the kind of customer they hoped to attract. Far from it. The only reason she could come to a place like this would be for work. She didn't have the poise or grace of a waitress or a hostess like the pretty woman guiding her. Instead, people like her came in the middle of the night. When none of the guests could see them. People like her came to make the restaurant spotless. Precious people didn't have to sully their hands. Places like this become shining overnight. Where the unwanted clean and scrub until their backs scream in pain. Who would want to see cracks forming on the hands of cleaners from all the chemicals they worked with to make a dainty spoon luminous? Certainly not the guests. Especially if they were rich enough to come to a restaurant like this.

The hostess slid the door open and bowed immediately to the people inside. Hee Jin took a deep breath as she stepped inside, not daring to look up.

The sound of an old man clearing his voice made her jerk her head up immediately. A reflex action that she hated. These days were past her, and yet both obedience and rebellion coarse through her veins.

Both men looked at her, inspecting. They looked as shocked as she was, although it was a different kind of shock for each. The older man looked astounded as if she was the last thing he expected. He was the one who insisted on this dinner. For weeks now he had bothered her. Not him exactly, but his men. Still, a man like him must've run hundreds of background checks on her. He must know something.

He managed to gather himself quickly, but she couldn't say the same for the younger man. He was surprised alright. Surprised and disgusted. The latter Hee Jin could deal with. It wasn't the first nor the last time someone looked upon her like that. It was the surprise element that left her unnerved. What exactly would happen throughout this dinner?

"Come sit, dear." The older man said, his voice rough. She knew this man was no stranger to nicotine. Probably cigars. She sat down opposite them, fighting the tremor in her legs, folding her legs.

She would be alright, she promised herself. The door was right next to her. She could easily make a way out of it. She knew how to run. She was the best at it, that's what Da Eun used to say.

The cushion on which she sat could probably be the softest thing she ever laid on. Everything in this room reeked of wealth while she sat in her smell of detergents.

"How are you doing?" The man said, attempting to seem kind, but Hee Jin knew better. This man was dangerous. Too dangerous, that her skin crawled. She knew well these types of people. He wanted something from her, she was as sure as the blood pumping in her brain. But what could a man like him need? If he wanted information, an old slaved-away maid wouldn't be the source.

Men like him know about taking. They don't need to lure prey. They took forcefully until nothing would be left but skewed bones. No, something's amiss, she thought. This man couldn't need her. Why would he? He's a much more dangerous force than what she used to deal with. Her old employers would be like flies to him.

Her throat got dry, and she took a sip of water before answering, "As fine as I could be, sir."

She recounted the rules in her head.

No eye contact unless asked for.

Reply as short as possible.

Always show submission. Even if you want to smash their head.

"Relax, miss. You aren't under interrogation here." He chuckled. She wanted to slap him. Of course, he would take amusement in her fear. The bastard.

"Do you know who I am?" He asked, curious.

"No, sir."

"Do you wish to know?"

"Yes."

"My my, I asked you to relax, miss. No need for your answers to be so short."

"I wish to know who you are and why you have called upon me so many times." She replied, mentally exhausted.

"I'd like to formally introduce myself. My name is Song Ji Hyun. We might've never been acquainted, but our families have been affiliated with each other for years before."

"I don't know who my parents are, so they're hardly family to me. You wouldn't have called upon me to rekindle old friendships. Please be direct with me." She cut to the chase.

"Shall we order first?" He gingerly asked.

Hee Jin could've shot him dead in the eyes for playing with her, but instead, she softly nodded her head.

In the time it took to order and wait for the food, Hee Jin had all the time to stare at the two men. Although he stayed silent the whole time, Hee Jin knew the young guy, whom she assumed was the son, wasn't happy about this situation. He threw her glances of despise from time to time.

On the other hand, Hee Jin couldn't help but be overtaken by the beauty before her. She had never seen anyone so good-looking. His face must've been carved from stone. The way his chestnut hair contrasted with his skin mesmerized her. He was regal but with a wild look to him. She knew he hid muscles underneath his leather jacket. She couldn't be fooled after all these years. Even his delicate-looking fingers looked lethal. This guy was no stranger to violence. She had learned the hard way not to underestimate a man's power. He didn't have to look like a bodybuilder for his hand to hurt like one. His beautiful appearance was nothing but a facade.

She shuddered, thinking about all the ways he could hurt her. Just who were these men, and why did life always throw her amid dangerous people?

All kinds of raw fish were presented before them. The old man encouraged her to eat. While she wasn't fond of fish, she knew beggars couldn't be choosy. She took her chopsticks and gulped down a piece of tuna. Her stomach rumbled and she hoped they didn't hear. This couldn't be real. Could food be this good? So soft and flavorful that it melts into your mouth. If that's what raw fish tasted like, what would other food be like?

"It seems to be to your liking." The man smiled.

"Yes, thank you."

She tried her best to eat with the most decorum she could muster. She forced herself to take it slow. She hadn't had a hearty meal for as long as she could remember. She didn't need to upset her stomach in front of them.

With great displeasure, she put her chopsticks down, knowing she couldn't intake any more food without throwing up. The young guy's expression changed. From disgust and disapproval to a mix of pity and amusement. She liked it when she disgusted him more.

"Not to draw your curiosity any longer, I do intend to rekindle the friendship between our families. While young people might not understand this, traditions are kept for a reason. If the friendship between our families weathered over the years then it is our job to fix it." He elaborated.

"Sir, you're talking to the wrong person. I certainly don't represent any of my family nor do I have the pleasure of connecting with any of my relatives. On either side." She added the last part with irony. If this strange unhinged man wanted to make amends for the sake of tradition, she wouldn't be the person to go to.

"I'm aware of the fact. Your parents have both passed away. You're the last standing person in your family."

"It's good to know from a stranger that my parents are dead." She slipped her tongue.

Her fear was turning into anger. She didn't want to know. Anger is a better rope to hold onto than despair. Wanting to prove to her parents that she did well in their absence was what made her survive her days in the orphanage. She needed them to be alive. She wanted to think that she had someone in this world to hold on to. Someone to hate and blame. Now, she knew that she wasn't abandoned. Death had taken them from her.

This man had to be deranged. It would've been better if he thought she had information on her late employers. It was better than dealing with a crazy man. At least she could convince a sane man that she didn't have anything on her.

"Sir, I don't understand. What do you need me for?" She insisted.

"In my perspective, it's only right to make things right for both of our families. To restore your family line from the brink of extinction. I'm offering you union with my son."

Hee Jin's jaw almost dropped from shock. This couldn't have been happening. She would've laughed if she weren't so scared.

"Sir, you must be confused. Are you sure it's me you're looking for? Even if, what could have my family done to be entitled to such an arrangement?" She huffed.

"I am sure, miss." He laughed. "Your grandfather was right, Woo Bin. She wouldn't have been shocked had this been a different age."

"I'm sorry, but I can't accept this." Hee Jin said.

All these weeks she had been robbed of sleep over some old man's nonsense. She slept by the door of her trashy apartment, in fear she would have an intruder. She thought her owners had come to collect her again. She missed a chance of a shift to go to this dinner, knowing that she needed all the extra money. She had been paranoid ever since some black suits visited her apartment two weeks ago, telling her a man needed to see her without giving her other information. They pestered her every day until she agreed. She couldn't hide any longer.

This had to be some sort of cruel joke. Had her previous owners wanted to torment her before grabbing her back to hell? She wouldn't be worth the trouble to go through this. She was insignificant. A rodent that slipped away from its trap. One of many. Why spend money on making a joke out of her? Unless this was to set an example.

"Calm down." The young guy, called Woo Bin, pushed the water to her side. She took a big gulp down.

"I don't understand any of what's happening right now, but I don't think I can be of any help. This should be apparent to you."

"I don't see any issue. You're both of the same age. I don't reckon you're in a relationship either." He replied.

"Mr. Song, you know fully well I'm incapable of fulfilling that role."

"If it's because of your current..situation, then it's something that could be easily remedied." He said.

"I don't exactly understand these traditions, but I can't be expected to believe such things from a stranger I've just met. I think it's high time for me to leave. Please don't look for me again." Hee Jin said, standing up and bowing to them.

"Think carefully about what you're about to do. You're working out on an opportunity for shelter and comfort. We know your situation and are willing to offer you a life of peace. Are you sure you have the luxury of turning your back on an offer like this?" He raised his eyebrows.

She stood her ground, the resolve she had a minute ago faltered. She hated that he was right. But she wasn't an idiot either. There was no such thing as a free meal in this world.

"I can see you're still unsure. Maybe if you two get a chance to talk, you'll find it easier to accept, so I'll be taking my leave." Mr. Song said, fixing his suit. She held his gaze as he passed her to slide the door open. Despite his polite demeanour, she could tell he didn't like her.

Men in black suits were lined up in the hall, waiting for him. As soon as he showed his face, they all bowed in unison. The hostess quickly closed the door again and she was left alone with the son.

"Well, sit down if you want us to negotiate terms." His voice was smooth, unlike his father's.

She unwillingly obliged, making herself comfortable on the cushion again.

"My father was too straightforward and it seemed to catch you off guard. You don't seem to be familiar with us, so let me start with the beginning. I'm Song Woo Bin, and you have recently become acquainted with my father. Our family runs a construction business, and I'm the heir to it. Il Shin constructions. Are you familiar with the name, Miss Hee Jin?" He asked deliberately.

Asking her if she was familiar with the name. Of course, she was. Not because of her profound interest in real estate or keeping up with wealthy people. Il Shin wasn't a name known only for their constructions. It was a name of terror back in her world. They ruled everything. Everyone. Her late employers included. If her late tormentors caused such suffering on their own, what would this guy's family be capable of doing? All the destruction, the violence and the blood that tainted his family made her squirm in her place.

This wasn't happening again. She didn't want to be taken. Why was this happening to her?

"Miss Hee Jin, please calm down." He looked sympathetic, guilty even. But she didn't care for what he felt or pretended to feel. She was going to get away this second.

"Let me leave. Please." Her voice got small. Maybe if she begged and pleaded he would take mercy on her. He could tell his psychotic father anything. That she fled or evaporated into thin air for all she cared.

"I'm not a savage nor will I be treated as such. We will have a decent conversation about where our interests lie. I'm sure you can handle it as such." He said his disgust from earlier returning.

"My grandfather has decided. His word above all else is law."

"You're telling me I don't have a choice?" She panicked.

"I didn't say that. But your options are slim and mine nonexistent. Both our hands are tied here. Old pacts and traditions are sacred to people like us. I'm sure you know what I mean." He said.

"No, I don't."

"Yes, you do. We know everything. You aren't a stranger to this part of the world, Miss Hee Jin."

"Then do something! I'm sure you have more power than I do."

"A lot is on the line. I'm not welcoming of this idea any more than you do. There is nothing to be done." He replied.

"I refuse to accept this. I won't be caged into this because of some old man's nonsensical beliefs."

"Be careful what you say here. You have been given hospitality, but don't test how far it'll be extended. Eyes and ears are everywhere."

"What am I supposed to do? Yield?" She yelled, outraged.

"No other option. You won't be left alone until you do. But in return, you would be offered protection."

"You and your family revolting."

"I'm sorry to say that you'd be stuck with this revolting man."

He was taunting her. She knew well enough about men like him. Marrying her for his gain and discarding her would be the happiest scenario. Men like him beat their women black and blue. Wives of gangsters were hidden away for a reason. She once caught glimpses of her late master's wife. That was the first time she felt someone had a more cursed fate than hers. At least Hee Jin didn't sign away her life to a contract that bound her to her abuser.

She had tasted freedom for the first time a year ago. Why did she have to give it up so soon? Blood sang in her veins for vengeance. Again, she found herself helpless. So she did the only thing she could. She grabbed the water glass in front of her, lurching it at him. It smashed against the wall behind him.

He dodged easily, infuriating her. However, she could tell she caught him by surprise. She saw in him the same anger reflected in her eyes.

Bodyguards came striding in quickly assessing the danger. The sound must've startled them.

"It's fine." The son said, raising his hand to calm them.

"You should prepare better weapons for when you meet with the rest of the family next week." He smiled cruelly.

He left her, along with the rest of his men, alone in the room to break down on her own.

She gripped the edge of the table.

Everything seemed to conspire against her.

She grabbed the door and slid it open forcefully. The hallway was empty now. They left, but they could well be watching her.

In terror, Hee Jin ran out of the restaurant. Her breathing was frantic as she looked everywhere around her, adrenaline pumping in her veins.

She was safe..for now. Still, her feet got moving on their own. She ran towards nowhere. In the streets, she roamed the places with the most people, making sure no one was following behind. She ran until her feet hurt and she rested her hands on her knees in tiredness.

No one seemed to be following her. She was okay to go home tonight.