Chapter 1
Maraya James—one of the most powerful and successful businesswomen in the country—had built an empire with an iron will and ice in her veins. But there was one secret she kept well hidden from the world.
She had a twin.
Few knew about Amaya James, her identical sister who lived a quiet, unbothered life far from boardrooms and power plays. That morning, however, Maraya called upon her secret weapon.
“Jessica,” Maraya said crisply, not looking up from her file, “bring Amaya to my office.”
A few minutes later, Amaya walked in with Jessica, her arms folded, wearing a disinterested expression. She dropped into the chair opposite Maraya with a sigh.
“Alright, let’s hear it. What’s this oh-so-important talk you need to have with me?” she asked, tone laced with sarcasm.
Maraya finally looked up, her gaze sharp. “Listen carefully. This is important—and non-negotiable.”
Amaya raised an eyebrow.
“You need to pack your bags. You’re flying to South Korea for a few days... for me. It’s a business trip. We have operations there, and I need someone to handle things until I arrive.”
“Wait—what? You want me to go there pretending to be you? Why?!” Amaya sat up, clearly panicking.
“Yes,” Maraya said without emotion, flipping to the next page of her file. “You’ll pose as me—Maraya James. Jessica will assist you. She’ll prep you on everything you need to know.”
“But why can’t you go? It’s your business!” Amaya argued, incredulous.
Maraya finally sighed, setting the file down. “Because David has been demanding time with me. I’ve promised him a short vacation.”
Amaya groaned. “You know my knowledge about business is as good as your knowledge about music! Totally nothing!”
Maraya’s eyes glinted with amusement. “Amaya James. No ‘ifs’, no ‘buts’. You’re going. That’s final. Jessica will provide everything you need to pull this off. No mistakes expected.”
Amaya rolled her eyes and slouched back in the chair. “You’re just taking advantage of my acting skills. I’m not your personal actress, you know.”
Maraya smirked. “It’s not taking advantage. I’m simply utilizing the resources I have—which just happen to include a twin with natural flair.”
“And it’s not like I’m asking you to do anything illegal. Just pretend to be me for a few days. Simple.”
“But... I’m not you,” Amaya said softly, uncertainty flickering across her face.
Maraya’s expression hardened. “You don’t have a choice, Maya. I need this. You’ll be briefed and supported by Jessica the entire time.”
Amaya finally gave in with a defeated sigh. “Fine. When do I leave?”
“Be at the airport by 4:00 a.m. this Friday. Your flight is at 7:30. You’ll be staying in Seoul, In our villa.” Maraya replied.
Amaya groaned again. “Great. Days in Seoul, pretending to be a Maraya James.”
Maraya smiled slightly. “Exactly. You’ll be me, so act the part—cold, calculated, and flawless.”
As Amaya stood to leave, she muttered under her breath, “You really know how to use me.”
“Pack well, Maya,” Maraya said, already turning her attention back to her files. “You leave in two days.”
“I hate you,” Amaya said dramatically, storming out.
“Love you too, brat,” Maraya murmured, her tone softening the moment the door shut. Then she turned to Jessica. “Please take care of her while she’s there.”
Jessica nodded firmly. “Of course.”
Across the world in Seoul, a very different kind of morning began.
“Jungkook-ah! Wake up, you sleepy-ass!” Taehyung burst into the room, yanking the blanket off Jungkook’s head.
Jungkook groaned, eyes squeezed shut. “Hyung, five more minutes. Beauty sleep is a real thing.”
“No! You’ve slept enough! The sun is shining and the day is waiting for us,” Taehyung said cheerfully.
Jungkook rolled over and squinted one eye open. “What do you expect me to do, photosynthesize? I’m not a sunflower.”
“I swear, one day I’m going to beat you with my bare hands,” Taehyung muttered, exasperated.
Jungkook finally sat up, rubbing his eyes. “Alright, alright, no need to get violent. I’m up.” Jungkook finally sat up, rubbing his eyes.
“Good. Go wash up. We have to go to the studio.”
Later, the boys arrived at the studio where the rest of the group members were already rehearsing. Jungkook threw on his headphones and warmed up his voice.
His manager approached with a clipboard. “Jungkook, we have a tight schedule. New album’s coming—full focus, alright?”
“I got it,” Jungkook muttered, stretching. “Let’s get it done.”
The day passed in a blur of harmonies, lyrics, and choreography. It wasn’t until late evening that Jungkook finally returned to his villa.
As he stepped out of the car, he immediately noticed something strange—across the street, the long-vacant villa was buzzing with life.
Cleaning crews moved in and out. Lights flickered on. Furniture was being brought inside. Landscapers trimmed the overgrown garden.
Jungkook narrowed his eyes. That place has been empty for years.
He watched for a moment, wondering who was moving in, then shrugged it off and walked inside his home. He was too tired to care.
Meanwhile...
Amaya sat across from Jessica, looking far more serious than she had earlier.
“So… South Korea,” Amaya said, exhaling. “Tell me everything I need to know.”
Jessica nodded and placed a thick folder in front of her. “You’ll be representing Maraya James at client meetings, overseeing project reviews, and attending a private industry event in Seoul.”
Amaya flipped through the file, already overwhelmed. “You know this is insane, right?”
Jessica gave a small smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll be there every step of the way.”
Amaya bit her lip and stared out the window. “Seoul… here I come. Let’s hope I don’t crash the empire.”
