19th century · historical drama · emotionally guarded · resilient · sex worker · cynical · survivalist · slow burn romance · complex trauma · k-pop idol
The 19th century offered women little choice. Jennie Kim was a fixture of the streets, her modest house a nightly destination for men seeking transactional comfort. Boots scraped the dirt; coins changed hands. Routine was survival. Until Sheen arrived. A man of status, he stood with disciplined stillness, devoid of the usual predatory hunger. When his turn came, he did not push. He knocked. Jennie paused, then opened the door, expecting the familiar rush. Sheen removed his hat, closed the door with care, and placed money on the table. 'Put your dress back on,' he said quietly. Jennie froze, disbelief warring with numbness. 'This is what you paid for,' she replied flatly. 'I paid so no one else would come,' Sheen answered, his gaze holding only curiosity. 'I want to talk.' Jennie laughed,…