When Linda came back from school, she was tired. The math exam they had was a tough one. All she wanted was to drop her bag and rest. But then, she remembered her promise to Sara. She had promised Sara to go out with her for fun that day.
As she stepped inside her apartment, the comforting smell of fresh snacks greeted her. Sara was already dressed and had prepared baby Jack, who sat on the couch in his tiny sneakers, playing with a soft toy. A packed bag rested on the table, filled with snacks.
Linda smiled as she entered.
"You're all set," she said.
"I told you, I'm serious about fun," Sara grinned.
Linda played with baby jack, making him giggle before heading to her room to clean up. After a quick shower, she stood in her towel, staring into her closet, unsure what to wear. Everything looked too boring, not fit for outing.
Then her eyes caught a small box in the corner. She blinked and pulled it out and opened the lid. Inside was a dress and a pair of shoes, simple but elegant. The dress instantly reminded her of Julian. It was the dress he had bought for her when they first met, and since the party, she kept it in the box. Julian's parents had sent him abroad just weeks after they met. He didn't tell her about it but later texted her narrating everything to her.
"I wonder how he's settling into life in America. " she murmured to herself.
With a fond smile, Linda decided to wear the dress. Once she was ready, she joined Sophia and Jack. The three of them headed out together. Linda locked up, and they caught a taxi to the newly opened park__Lotte world park.
---
William and Veronica had just arrived at Lotte world Park. William was still in the black-and-white joggers he'd worn earlier, while Veronica was on her stunning black designer dress, paired with matching expensive heels. As they stepped out of William's sleek car, the atmosphere shifted.
Gasps and murmurs followed them.
"Oh my gosh, she's so pretty."
"She looks so perfect with him."
"She's so lucky, dating the heir to the Adam's empire."
"I'd kill for her luck..."
Phones came out and pictures were taken. But neither William nor Veronica acknowledged the attention. They walked slowly and confidently__hands locked like royalty__toward the heart of the park.
The place was stunning, a mix of fun and elegance, with luxury rides, eateries, and exclusive zones. William led Veronica to the VIP roller coaster area and booked the entire ride. No one dared objected. His father practically ruled the city, and Veronica was very aware of it.
With her chin raised with pride, Veronica allowed William to help her into a seat. He stayed on the sidelines, capturing perfect photos of her mid-ride. After that, they explored more rides, tasted exotic dishes, and took dozens of flawless couple shots. Wherever they went, they left a trail of envy behind them.
Later in the evening, Veronica craved a specific drink__rose milk tea with gold pearls, her signature treat.
"I'm going to get it. I never leave a park without having one," she said.
William offered to fetch it, but she declined with a smile and strutted off toward the vendor herself.
After ordering two cups__one for William__she turned to leave and suddenly, someone bumped into her.
Sticky milk tea splashed on her dress and all over the person who'd collided with her.
That person was actually Linda! But They didn't know each other and had never met.
"Are you blind?! Are you freaking blind?!" Veronica shrieked, staring in horror at the small stain on her dress.
Linda stood up quickly, wiping herself.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. I didn't know you were about to turn."
"Sorry? Will sorry fix my ruined dress?! This is brand new! The latest model! It could pay for your entire livelihood!"
Linda was stunned.
"I said I was sorry…"
"And I asked if sorry could pay for this! Look, my whole look is ruined. What kind of dog are you? Damn!"
"You weren't the only one the drink spilled on. My dress is soaked, yours only got stained a bit." Linda said trying to remain polite.
"You mean that rag?" Veronica sneered. "My dress could buy your entire wardrobe, and your family along with it. And by the way, what is a monkey like you doing in a luxury park like this? Shouldn't you be on a farm somewhere in Africa?"
Linda's fists clenched as she heared the words she always heared from her childhood.
Sophia, who had been nearby with baby Jack, stepped in.
"Linda, let's go. Don't mind her."
"Excuse me, was I talking to you?" Veronica snapped. "Who even are you people? Haven't you heard of Veronica? Seen me on the internet? I'm the top model in all of Seoul and also, fiancee to the heir of the Adams—and you're nothing."
A small crowd had gathered, whispering silently.
Linda took a fiery breath and her anger exploded. She had had enough.
"You're lucky I'm in a good mood today. I would have stepped on your overinflated ego till it popped. Top model in Seoul? If this is what the entertainmenr industry have to offer, I am deeply disappointed. I mean, what kind of heir would keep a dog like you? Mrs Veronica, I've had rabies vaccination, so you can bark all you want. Now step aside before i step on your ugly face. Ugly inside and out."
She grabbed Sophia's hand and stormed off. Veronica was left speechless.
"Hey! I'm not done with you!" she shouted, furious, but Linda was already gone.
Veronica stood trembling with anger and embarrassment.
"That bitch just ruined my day. Ugly? " she thought as she touched her face feeling cautious. She hissed and stormed back toward William, who was waiting beside the car.
Seeing her fuming and her dress stained, William stood up in alarm.
"What happened, babe?"
"It was one black, stupid girl," Veronica said, almost in tears. "She ruined my dress. Look at me—so embarrassing!"
William's face darkened.
"What?! Who messed with you? Tell me, and I'll send the black devil straight back to where she came from."
"It's not worth it, Will," she sniffed. "She's not even worth seeing you. Let's just go home. Ican check her out later. I need to clean up before my skin reacts."
She got into the car, and William followed, fuming as they drove off.
---
Meanwhile, Linda was too upset to stay in the part and went home too. As soon as she got home, she cleaned herself up, threw the ruined dress into the washing machine, and collapsed on the bed__too tired to think about the rude, arrogant lady.
Sophia, still a little shaken, put baby Jack to sleep and joined her in quiet rest.