The room is just as she left it, with her luggage sitting neatly on the luggage rack and her toiletries arranged on the dresser.Seul-ki crosses the room to her luggage, where she has packed her clothing for the trip.
She unzips the main compartment and retrieves her pajamas—a soft, cotton set with a floral print that she favors for its comfort.
She sets the pajamas on the bed and begins to undress, folding her day's attire and placing them in a small hamper provided by the villa.
Seul-ki slips into her pajamas, the fabric soft against her skin. She walks over to the bed, pulling back the covers and slipping beneath the sheets.
The bed is plush and inviting, a stark contrast to the hard mattresses she's accustomed to at home. She adjusts the pillows, finding a comfortable position as she settles in for the night.
With a final adjustment of the sheets, Seul-ki turns off the bedside lamp, plunging the room into a serene darkness.
The only light comes from the sliver of moonlight peeking through a gap in the curtains. The sounds of the night—a distant owl, the rustle of leaves outside her window—provide a soothing backdrop as she closes her eyes.
As Seul-ki lies in bed, the events of the day replay in her mind. The initial discomfort of being at the villa, the confrontations, and the unexpected tranquility she found in the garden with Jun-ho.
She takes a deep breath, allowing the peacefulness of her surroundings to lull her into a state of relaxation.
As Seul-ki murmurs the word "sleep," she feels her body sinking deeper into the mattress.
The soft rustle of the breeze outside her window lulls her senses, and the steady rhythm of her own breathing guides her into the embrace of sleep. The day's tensions slowly unravel, replaced by the restorative calm of the night.
Seul-ki's eyes flutter open, the first rays of dawn filtering through the curtains. She stretches, feeling the remnants of sleep dissipate as she slips out of bed.
After a quick trip to the en-suite bathroom to freshen up, she changes into her maid uniform, the fabric crisp and cool against her skin.
Seul-ki steps out of her room, her shoes muffling softly against the carpeted hallway. She makes her way downstairs, the grandeur of the villa more subdued in the early morning light.
As she enters the kitchen, she finds the maids already there, expertly chopping vegetables for the morning's meal.
A pot of rice simmers on the stove, filling the room with a comforting aroma.
Seul-ki approaches the kitchen counter, where a variety of fresh vegetables are spread out. She picks up a chef's knife, the weight of it familiar in her hand, and positions herself next to one of the other maids.
With practiced precision, she begins to chop the vegetables, her movements synchronized with the rhythm of the kitchen.
The sound of knife against cutting board adds to the symphony of cooking sounds as the villa's staff work together to prepare breakfast.
Seul-ki and the other maids continue their morning routine, expertly preparing a selection of traditional Korean breakfast dishes.
Once the food is ready, they arrange it on the dining table with care, ensuring each platter and bowl is in its proper place.
The aroma of freshly cooked food fills the room, a tantalizing invitation for the household to wake up and start the day.
Ji-hoon saunters into the dining room, rubbing his eyes sleepily. He pauses, taking in the sight of Seul-ki assisting with the breakfast preparations.
A frown creases his brow as he questions her involvement, "Why are you helping in the kitchen, Seul-ki?" His tone carries a note of confusion, mingled with a hint of the entitled disdain he often displays.
Seul-ki turns to face Ji-hoon, her expression calm yet firm. "Because, I came here as a maid to help," she states matter-of-factly, her voice steady despite the unexpected confrontation.
Ji-hoon's frown deepens momentarily before he sighs, waving a dismissive hand. "Don't do it again," he commands, his tone one of casual authority.
"Join us for breakfast," he adds, gesturing towards the dining table laden with food.
Srey-na enters the dining room, her high heels clicking against the polished wooden floor.
She pauses by the doorway, surveying the scene with a critical eye. Her gaze lands on Seul-ki, a hint of surprise flickering across her face before she composes herself.
Srey-na approaches the table, her movements graceful and deliberate. She pulls out a chair and sits down, smoothing out her skirt as she settles in.
Her eyes flicker to the empty seat beside her, then back to Seul-ki. "Come on, join us," she says, her voice carrying a note of casual command.
Seul-ki gives a small nod in response to Srey-na's invitation. "Okay," she replies simply, moving towards the dining table.
She pulls out the chair next to Ji-hoon and takes a seat, her posture straight and her hands folded neatly in her lap.