MIRA'S POV:

I was standing in the hall wearing an emerald green ball gown dress and a pearl necklace. It was a gift from Andrew today. My hair was kept loose in curls, and I did a little makeup for today. After all, it's our success party. The media is also gonna be there to get a picture of Mr. Han signing the deal with NYU. Though unofficially it is all done, for the record of media, it will be today.

He is the chief guest of our party and most people are coming only to see him. This has to be successful. Nicarno as usual wanted it to be grand for the record of his image. But of course, this will help the recognition of the trust too. So, Andrew didn't say anything.

It was still 10 minutes to 7 in the evening, but Nina and I were already present over here. We have to be a little early to see the arrangements. Nina was wearing a maroon gown, complimenting her red sleek hair that was falling back. She was almost my height, wearing heels. I love how she didn't hide her freckles tonight. It really makes her pretty.

But I could see her frowns and wrinkles all over her head from the past thirty minutes. She really seemed a bit nervous. "Are you nervous?" she asked while chewing her nails in anticipation while keeping her eyes on the door. The guests are about to arrive any minute now.

I smiled looking at her and replied, "Seems like you are."

"I am indeed. How can I not be?" She exclaimed with a loud gasp. "It is the first time I have been asked to host this kind of party. It was always you. And I know how well you are at managing all this. I am just..." She replied in one breath, with a sad pout. "And... I don't want to fail today... Because I know you are working hard for me too. So, I am just trying to do things the way you like."

I sighed as I walked toward her and kept my hand on her shoulder to calm her down as I replied, "Nina, you are gonna be just fine. Okay. Just take a deep breath. Stay calm and focused, okay? Plus, I am here with you. If anything happens, I am here to save your ass." We both smiled at my words. "And a secret," I said while leaning down to her ears, "You are way better than I am."

"Come on, don't tease me." She said grumpily.

"I am not. Now fix your face, before the camera arrives. I don't think you'd like to see your wrinkled face tomorrow at the newspaper."

We both laughed, and I am happy to see her a little loosen up.

I know how nervous this all could be. The pressure of hosting a such big party is a pain in the ass. If anything goes wrong, the board members don't take that lightly. Especially Nicarno. I still remember when I was at her place 4 years ago at my first hosting party. Andrew trusted me with the responsibility, and fortunately, I didn't let him down. Of course, I have to admit he helped a lot.

I did everything to make the party successful, through his guidance and I am also thankful to Jennifer who helped me a lot on those days. I've never thought that they will come forward to help me with all sorts of things. Since then, they became a part of my family, apart from Nina. And I will never be enough grateful for that to them.

"So, how is Mr. Han? You saw him, right? How good-looking is he?" Nina exclaimed all excited.

"Uhm... He is very handsome. And don't over-exaggerate Nina, you saw him too." I said pursing my lips. "Are you having short-term memory loss in nervousness?"

She escapes a low nervous chuckle and I can't help but only smile at her cute nervousness. She reminds me of my past days.

"Don't worry Nina, you will be fine. No matter what, I am here for you okay?"

She nodded in agreement and our focus went back to the party.

Indeed, Mr. Han is very handsome with that chiselled jawline and suit, but recently I couldn't find any man more attractive than Alex. I wonder how will he look in a tux. I bet he would look handsome as well. I wonder if that shirt can hold his muscles beneath them. Although I would be very much glad to see him without clothes....

God, see what I mean... He's all I can think of now. And somewhat that is scaring me like shit.

I wonder what he's doing right now. He didn't even call me since he left. Not that I expected him to be, but still...

I guess he was occupied with something else and since he need some space, I must give him so. After all that is what the contract stands for. Or perhaps he is thinking about me the same way I am thinking about him. The possibilities are vast and I think I should keep my mind open tonight. I just cannot afford to be lost in all of him tonight. We have a party to host.

******

So far, the party has been running smoothly. Everything was settled. People were enjoying themselves. Slow jazz music filled the hall and I saw a few people dancing on the floor to the rhythm of the music.

No wonder music can do wonders.

"Hi, my dear, how are you doing?" A female voice grabbed my attention from behind. I turned around to see a familiar face. Mrs. Jennifer Harold.

"Jennifer" I gasped in delight. "It was a delight to meet you after so many days." I count control myself from hugging her. She always gave me warmth like my mother. "How have you been?"

"Likewise, Mira." She smiled as she responded to me with a soft hug. "I am doing all right, my dear." She said as she broke the hug with a soft smile on her face. I have known her since the day I came to New York. She is a wise lady with the right morals and etiquette. But she also holds the charms to grab the room's attention with her beauty and intelligence. Guess Andrew fell in love with those qualities. "Why have you not been in touch? I am so upset right now." She makes a pout face.

I agree, I haven't been there to their house for a long time now. Alex took up most of my time. Otherwise, most weekends they invite me for dinner. Well, they did try asking for me these past weeks, but I've always made excuses so that I can spend my days with Alex.

He didn't make me regret my decision though.

We had a chat for a while after Andrew joined us. He praised how well I did in securing the deal with Mr. Han. But the fact is that he always praised me, whether I did anything good, or not. Guess that what poke Nicarno's eye the most.

In the midst of all of our conversations, I heard the media buzzing towards the door. And by that, I assume Mr. Han is here now. The media waits by the door, ready to click any pictures that are available tonight of his entrance.

Well, I must say the man knows how to enter. The car stopped for a few good minutes before he stepped down to finally show his face. The lights, the sound of the camera's shutter and the questions kind of made the door look like a celebrity crowd.

Well, the fact is that he really is. One of the strongest and biggest businessmen and investors in the world. It is also heard that he was very particular about his investments in any organization since he knew that it will affect the direct economy and the business world. And that honestly made me a little scared before I met him.

But after the meeting, my perception changed totally. He was quite an intellectual guy. Although he was a quiet kind of person, never failed to point out his object. I do like his qualities. He was mature and perfect in every sense.

He didn't hesitate to give a small interview to the media. Whereas, meanwhile, all eyes were fixed on the door as they awaited his arrival at the party.

The door swung open to reveal a dashing and handsome man dressed in an all-black suit. His jet-black hair was set as usual, and he looked very neat tonight. I could smell the costly cologne he wears tonight and I saw many women fanning over her. Those idiots. With every step, he walked inside, and an aura of authority and power spoke around him, which somehow suppressed every other person that is present at the party.

I heard some people gasp at his appearance, while others started to murmur something. My eyes were unintentionally fixed on him. I wasn't obsessed with his looks or anything, but rather it was his aura that caused me to look at him twice out of awe. Or perhaps, I do like to see men dressed that elegantly.

"Oh my gosh, he is so handsome." Nina gasped, gazing at him with wide, amused and delighted eyes. "More than what I remember of him from the last time." She squealed like a kid.

"Nina..." I looked at her with a poker face. "Do not forget you are the host of the party. Better give attention to the right thing"

"Can you blame me? He dressed like that prince charming from those K dramas. Any woman would swoon over him. I wonder how can you not be affected?" Her brows scrunch with confusion.

"Guess, I am an exception. Now, if you do remember about your responsibility, I suggest you get back to the work now" I suggested.

As he walked inside everyone started to pay attention to him. Andrew and Nicarno walked over to meet with him and the others as we waited at our place. The media started clicking pictures of them together and he poses a few for the media. However, Nicarno looked like he was happy to get a few pictures with Mr. Han.

Nina took care of all the other responsibilities over the table, where the contract was going to get signed. Mr. Han, Andrew, Nicarno and Dr. Stephan from the board members sat with him for the signing and interview. After a vivid discussion and answering questions from the media, they settle down. Finally, after some time he signed the contract and became an official investor of NYU.

"So, tell me Mr. Han, what influence you the most to become an investor in the education sector? Is this one of your business plans to expand your empire? Or there is any other prospect of this?" One of the interviewers asked.

"Well, if you know about me, I only deal with those, which can return me a good profit. But what influenced me?" Mr. Han chuckled a bit before saying, "It's a who!" His eyes suddenly stop at mine and I don't really know what he was trying to say. But whatever it was, it didn't make me feel good for some reason. "I very much liked the idea that NYU offered me. And this time not only because of my empire expansion, but I also wanted to take a close look at the education sector. After all, this is the place where we will get the future generation. So, any help I could offer, I'd be glad to" He finished with a small smile on his lips.

And probably the first time anybody saw him smiling.

I know this news is going to affect the business world with a good profit in somedays.

After the signing, the media finally thought to give him some space and Andrew took him to meet and greet a few important members. I was standing with Nina and Jennifer, talking about the party arrangements. I could see they kept talking about something that we couldn't hear from this far. Mr. Han's face was calm and still. He stood there holding a glass of wine in one hand and another one in his pocket. He looked effortlessly handsome which is unignorable. Throughout the party, everyone tried to catch his attention, but to my surprise, his eyes somehow when found mine, and he gave me a soft smile recognizing me. But there was nothing disinterested about the way his eyes held mine, that I couldn't understand.

My heart felt a little jump in excitement, and I tried hard to keep it calm. I won't lie, I wasn't escaped from his charm at all. He really looked so handsome to ignore. And when he started walking towards me—us... I could feel a little nervousness. Guess that's what happens when you meet that big person.

"Gosh, he's coming this way!" Nina gasped while keeping her hands on her mouth. "What do we do now?" Gosh, I just pray that she doesn't make us look like fools now.

He stopped before us as he smiled acknowledging us and said, "We met again Miss Mira"

I nodded as I smiled back at him.

"We did."

He extended his hand, and I gladly gave him my hand expected for a shake. But to my surprise, rather than having a handshake, he raised it and brushed his mouth across my knuckles instead. Not that again.

I could feel all the people watching us and I could almost hear Kelly's annoying screeching sound complaining about something to her dad maybe.

And though Mr. Han was extremely handsome and polite in nature, I still felt a little uncomfortable with his touch. He was indeed heart whelming and gentlemanly in nature, but still, there is something my body didn't react to the way that it should. Like what it responds with Alex's touch. He felt different.

He acknowledged Jennifer and Nina too before asking me, "Care to join me for a dance?" He was polite but it was so sudden, that it made me jump a little.

Why does he want to dance with me? Maybe because I presented the project and he really likes it? That must be the only reason, right?

I could only nod at this time as I was a little stunned by his questions.

As he guided me to the dance floor his hand on my waist felt a little comfortable. It was nothing like what I felt with Alex. As his eyes met mine, they were beautiful but not as beautiful as Alex's. When he smiled at me before starting the dance, it was nowhere near as warm as Alex's.

My mind kept thinking of him again and again. And no matter how hard I tried, I was always occupied with his thoughts for some reason.

I was confused about what was happening to me right now. It is making me lose my mind someday.

******

ALEX'S POV:

I sat on the barstool of a club in Charlotte as I gulped down the alcohol. I let it consume me tonight. It was too much for me to handle right now.

I was more than disturbed by what was happening in my life right now. The man I hated most in my life is trying to get back into my life. Mira and I are towards the end and most importantly, my grandpa, the one whom I trust the most, is no longer on my side.

I remember what happened earlier and how my grandpa took his side. Maybe he might forgive her son, maybe my mom could have forgiven her husband, but I cannot forgive him. I will never do it. He is the reason I have bad childhood memories. He is the reason I got bullied in school for not having a father on Father's Day. He is the reason why my mom cried all those nights and Grandpa almost had a heart attack when he left us, not looking back to his family.

And suddenly after all these years, he wants to reconcile? Why? I don't need him. Nobody does.

Right now, there is just one person with whom I feel close, and that is Derek. For some uncertain reason, he is my dad's helping hand and also my best friend. He is the one who came to my rescue every time. Whether on those father's days or when I got bullied. He was there. And with time, he really bonds together. He is a tall, handsome man with tan skin, a sharp jawline and a small scar on his brows. He always told me those are given by my dad when they were young. They are like buddies with fewer words. He may be in his early forties or so, but he manages his surrounding well, like a responsible man.

All these years, somehow, he managed to keep in touch with that man and us. He cared for me like a father. Regardless of what my father does for his profession, Derek is a quiet, intelligent man who keeps everything in the white. The most impressive part is that not only does he manage my father's account, but he also handles our business. He is the only one my grandpa trust with those responsibilities.

"Do you think all of this is my fault?" I asked Derek, being completely drunk.

"Alex, I think you need to come home with me now. Sr. Connor will not be happy to see you like this." He tried to make me understand and take me home.

"That old man does not need me anymore. He got his son back"

He sighed as he saw how extravagantly drunk, I was.

"He still needs you, Alex. He still does."

"No, he doesn't. I was just a substitute to him, until his son's return." Without my notice, tears began to run down my cheeks and I cannot help but let them flow.

A sad chuckle comes to my lips when I realize Mira is no different from them. One day she might not need me anymore. Some day she will throw me away when she will find my substitute. And when the day comes, I am not sure what will I do to keep my mind sane.

"He doesn't need me," I said once again in my drunken voice. "Mira doesn't need me to, Derek. Just leave me alone... You should leave me too... Just like everyone."

He frowned when he heard a girl's name in my mouth. I think he got all excited to know how pathetic my life could be. I don't even know what I am thinking right now. And by now, everything had started spinning around me unless Derek's strong arms caught me.

******

MIRA'S POV:

The party was indeed a success. Mr. Han and Dr. Stephan were quite impressed with my work too, which makes Andrew and Jennifer proud of me. I met Jennifer after a long time and we had a chat about our lives. It was refreshing.

Mr. Han had left a few minutes back and followed him, the other guest left too. He invited me to come to Korea next month, to look at the project. I'd say I was pretty nervous, but it's again about my work. And I certainly cannot consider my work as anything right now.

"The party was a resounding success, wasn't it?" Nina asked with a happy smile.

"Indeed, it is" I replied gulping down my wine. "You did well, Nina"

I was really proud of her. Aside from two people, the board members were very pleased with our work. Kelly and Nicarno Anderson. The daughter-father duo hated seeing us on top. But guess what? I didn't give a fuck about that.

I was super tired after the party so I walked back to my house after the party. As soon as my soft bed touched my back, I sank into the comfort of it.

I kept checking my phone the whole day hoping he would text me, even for once. But he didn't. I nodded understanding his point of view and tried to calm myself down. It's just one day now. I have to spend 4 more days without him.

Yet there were so many things I wanted to share with him... A whole lot of things that had happened tonight. For some reason, I want to share my day with him. Want to listen to his jokes and laughs. I want to see him. His smile once again. And before I could know, I started missing him terribly.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hello, lovelies. I really love K dramas and that is where Mr. Han's idea originated. Ha-ha. Rich, handsome CEO. But I guess Alex had already caught Mira's attention before him. I feel sad for him. (I am still here for him if needed Hehe). I love how they're missing each other now. Such a cutie.