Future Me and My Love

Back in Seoul

Seoul's skyline stretched endlessly before her, a dazzling display of lights flickering against the night sky.

Gen leaned against the railing of her hotel balcony, the cool breeze brushing against her face.

It had been years since she last stood in this city.

She had grown up here, left, and built a name for herself in New York. But no matter how much time had passed, Seoul still felt like home.

This time, she wasn't just visiting.

She had business to handle.

And maybe a little fun, too.

Reuniting with Nam's Parents

Her first stop wasn't the hotel—it was Nam's house.

Gen barely made it through the front door before Madam Park pulled her into a tight hug.

"Gennie!" she exclaimed, squeezing her tightly. "Look at you! You're a whole celebrity chef now."

Gen laughed. "Not exactly, but I've been busy."

"Busy enough to forget about your second parents?" Mr. Park chimed in, crossing his arms playfully.

"Oh, come on, Mr. Park," Gen grinned, slipping off her coat. "I bet you didn't even miss me."

"Of course, we did," Madam Park scolded, dragging her to the dining table. "Now, eat. You must be starving after your flight."

The warmth of home-cooked food and their loving banter made her feel like a kid again.

As they ate, Madam Park's curiosity got the best of her.

"You said you're working with The Future You Hotel, right?"

Gen nodded. "Yeah, I'll be handling their VIP food services for a major event next month."

Madam Park raised an eyebrow. "Do you know who owns that hotel?"

Gen shook her head. "No. I was too focused on the contract details."

Madam Park chuckled. "You'll find out soon enough."

Gen didn't think much about it.

After all, who cared about the owner? As long as they paid well, she had a job to do.

Teasing Session – Madam Park's Favorite Topic

After dinner, the conversation took a turn—as it always did whenever Madam Park was involved.

"So, Gennie…" she started, her voice sweet yet mischievous.

Gen immediately knew where this was going. She put down her teacup and sighed. "Here we go."

Mr. Park chuckled. "You walked right into this one, kid."

Madam Park leaned forward with a knowing smile. "A successful, talented, very attractive young woman like you… How is it that you're still single?"

Gen smirked. "Who says I'm single?"

Madam Park's eyes widened. "Oh? Do you have someone?"

Gen thought for a second, then grinned. "Maybe."

"Don't 'maybe' me!" Madam Park waved a hand. "Tell me, who is she?"

Gen's grin didn't fade, but she hesitated for a second too long.

Madam Park caught it immediately. "Oh my god. There is someone!" She turned to her husband. "See? I told you, our Gennie's been keeping secrets."

Mr. Park nodded sagely. "You were right, dear. She's hiding something."

Gen laughed, shaking her head. "I swear, you two are worse than reporters."

"But you didn't deny it!" Madam Park gasped dramatically. "Who is she? What's she like? Tell me everything."

Gen leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "She's… interesting."

"Interesting? That's all we get?" Madam Park scoffed. "Gennie, don't play with me."

Gen sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "She's a doctor."

"A doctor?" Mr. Park whistled. "That's impressive."

"She's smart, kind, and very dedicated to her work," Gen continued, her voice softer. "But she's also stubborn as hell."

Madam Park's face lit up. "Oh, you like her."

Gen rolled her eyes. "Yeah, no kidding."

"But…" Madam Park narrowed her eyes. "You don't look happy. Is she giving you a hard time?"

Gen smirked. "Oh, definitely."

Madam Park sighed dramatically. "This poor girl doesn't even know what she's missing."

Gen chuckled. "Tell me about it."

Mr. Park laughed. "Sounds like she's giving you a challenge. You always liked those."

"Yeah, well," Gen exhaled, "this one might be the hardest one yet."

Madam Park grinned. "Then you better not give up."

Gen raised her glass. "Not a chance."

Meeting at The Future You Hotel

The next day, Gen arrived at The Future You Hotel for her official contract signing.

The interior was breathtaking—polished marble floors, golden chandeliers, and walls lined with exclusive art. This was no ordinary hotel.

She met with the hotel's executives, finalizing the terms of her contract.

One month from now, The Skill would be in charge of catering for Seoul's elite guests.

After the business talk was over, Ms. Yoo, one of the senior hotel staff, approached her.

"Chef Gen, we have a request."

Gen tilted her head. "What kind of request?"

"The chairwoman of the hotel wishes to meet you."

Gen raised an eyebrow. "The chairwoman?"

Ms. Yoo nodded. "Yes. She personally requested an introduction."

Gen smirked. "That's interesting. Why?"

"She likes to know the people who represent her hotel. Would you be available tomorrow?"

Gen thought for a moment.

Meeting the chairwoman could be important.

"Sure," she said. "I'll be here."

As she left the hotel, she wondered, who exactly is this chairwoman?

She had no idea.

But she was about to find out.

Meanwhile, in New York…

Back in New York, Lee leaned back in her office chair, exhausted from another long shift.

Her phone buzzed.

She sighed, rubbing her temples before answering. "Hello?"

"Lee-ah." The familiar voice made her sit up straight.

"Mom?"

"I need you to come home next week," her mother's voice was firm.

Lee frowned. "Why? Did something happen?"

"We're hosting a major event at the hotel. I want you to be there for the opening of our new branch."

Lee sighed. "Mom, I—"

"This isn't up for discussion, Lee. You need to come home."

Lee sighed again, closing her eyes. "Fine. I'll be there."

As she hung up, she leaned back, staring at the ceiling.

Going back to Seoul wasn't an issue.

But she had a feeling that something unexpected was waiting for her there.

And she wasn't sure she was ready for it