The party had just begun when Alex, Ha Rin, and Linda stepped into the hall. The celebration was held on the upper floor of Celebrate Mountain Resort, where glass walls opened to a breathtaking night view of the city below. Soft lights hung from the ceiling like floating stars, and music pulsed gently through the air
The moment they walked in, the energy of the room shifted. Conversations dipped, glances slowly turned their way, and before long almost every eye had settled on Linda.
Her red gown caught the light with every step, making her look effortlessly elegant. People leaned toward each other, murmuring quietly, admiring her in a way that felt both flattering and overwhelming. Even those who didn't know her found themselves staring, drawn in by the calm confidence she carried.
Whispers rose almost immediately as people stared at her tiny figure wrapped perfectly in the red gown.
"Who is she?" someone murmured.
"She's gorgeous…" another whispered.
"Oh my God, look at her skin, so smooth."
"That dress is amazing on her."
"She looks like a model."
Linda felt every gaze. Her steps faltered for a moment, her fingers tightening around her small purse, but Ha Rin gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and smiled proudly, as if showing off a rare treasure.
Alex noticed the stares too and smirked with a little pride of his own. "Relax," he whispered to Linda. "They're staring because you're stealing the show."
Her cheeks warmed at the comment.
"Come on," Alex said, gently guiding them forward. He scanned the room, spotting an empty circular table near the balcony. "Let's sit over there before someone grabs it."
He led the girls through the crowd, with people stepping aside as if making way for royalty. Linda kept her eyes low, trying not to trip.
When they reached the table, Alex pulled out a chair for her.
"Sit, princess," he said jokingly.
Linda managed a shy smile as she sat down, still feeling the weight of curious eyes on her, but somehow, with Ha Rin's warm excitement and Alex's confident presence, she didn't feel as out of place as before.
The party lights shimmered around her, music swelled, laughter filled the room…and the night was just beginning.
---
A few minutes later, the music lowered, and the lights shifted toward the small stage at the front of the hall. Conversations quieted as Alex's cousin...Jin, stepped forward with a bright grin. He wore a crisp white shirt under a sleek black blazer, looking every bit the charming host.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" Jin's voice rang out through the hall, warm and energetic. "Thank you all for coming tonight!"
The crowd clapped, cheering lightly. Linda joined in softly, watching him with curiosity.
Jin continued with an easy confidence, "I just returned to Korea after five long years, and honestly… seeing all these familiar faces, and some new ones, means more to me than I can say."
People laughed and clapped again.
Alex leaned toward Linda and whispered, "That's my cousin. Don't let his face fool you, he's trouble."
Ha Rin elbowed him lightly.
Jin raised his glass. "To everyone who came out tonight, thank you for the warm welcome. I'm grateful, I'm happy, and I promise I'll make this night unforgettable."
Cheers filled the hall as guests lifted their drinks.
Jin bowed lightly, his smile widening. "Now, let the party really begin!"
The music rose again, louder and livelier, and the crowd broke into excited chatter.
Lights danced across the room, and Linda felt herself relax just a little.
The energy was bright, full of life, and for the first time since she arrived, she felt like maybe… just maybe… the night wouldn't be so scary after all.
A few minutes later, a man who had been staring at Ha Rin finally walked over to their table.
"May I have this dance?" he asked politely.
Ha Rin smiled, shy but flattered. "Sure," she said, placing her hand in his. He led her toward the dance floor, and she disappeared into the crowd.
Alex turned to Linda with a playful grin. "Can you have a dance with me?"
"No…" Linda whispered quickly. "I don't know how to dance."
"Come on, baby," Alex teased, wiggling his brows. "There's a first time for everything. Besides, if you say no, some hot girl might come and pick me up for a dance, and then you'll be here all alone."
The thought of sitting by herself while everyone danced made Linda panic a little.
"Fine…" she muttered. "Just… don't make me look stupid."
"That's my girl," Alex said proudly as he took her hand and led her to the dance floor.
The music was soft at first, and Linda tried to follow his steps, trying not to step on his feet. Slowly, she relaxed, even managing a small smile.
But then, her eyes froze.
Someone had just walked through the entrance.
A tall, well-built figure. Sharp jawline. Familiar eyes.
Her heart dropped.
"What?" she gasped under her breath, stopping mid-step.
He stood at the entrance, scanning the crowd with calm confidence, dressed in simple black but looking like he owned the entire room with a beautiful girl besides him.
Linda panicked and quickly turned her face away, almost burying it in Alex's shoulder.
"Oh no…" she whispered. "Why is he here?"
Immediately he stepped inside, whispers spread through the party hall. People quickly recognized him, Adam Williams, the heir to Adam Corporation.
Girls shifted in their seats, trying to draw his attention, brushing their hair back or adjusting their dresses. Some even moved closer to his side of the hall.
At the same time, a few businessmen tried to approach him, eager to start a conversation, each hoping to get just a few seconds of his interest.
Jin stepped forward and extended his hand. "Welcome home, Mr. Jin. I was beginning to think you'd never return to the country," Williams said warmly.
Jin chuckled. "Home is always home," he replied, lowering his voice slightly. "But… who is this girl? She's not the one I saw you with two weeks ago."
"Oh, that Veronica, this is Lily, at that moment, he eyes caught a figure that looked so familiar, and it seemed as if she is purposely hiding her face.
"That colour," Williams murmured stepping towards the girl.