Hye-su stood before the mirror, adjusting the fabric of her dress as she looked at her reflection. The material was smooth and exquisite, the colour a deep emerald that complimented her fair skin. It was such a stark contrast to the business suits she wore day in and day out—a drastic change from the professional armour she was so accustomed to putting on. Wearing something so elegant, even glamorous, felt strange, almost foreign. She had to admit, it wasn't something she was used to, and yet, she couldn't deny that the dress fit her perfectly, highlighting her figure in a flattering way.
"Hold still, Hye-su," Hae-won said with a small smile, her voice both playful and gentle.
She stood behind Hye-su, carefully running her fingers through Hye-su's long, dark hair. Hae-won had taken it upon herself to help with her hair, knowing that Hye-su wasn't exactly thrilled about getting ready for a party like this. Hae-won herself had gotten ready first, her dress shimmering softly as she moved. It was a beautiful sight, and there was a certain ease in the way she carried herself like she had been made for events like these.
Hye-su's hair, typically tied up in a neat ponytail or a practical bun, now flowed down her back like a silky waterfall. Hae-won had insisted it be worn loose for the night, giving her a softer, more sophisticated look. Hye-su wasn't entirely convinced, but she let Hae-won do her thing.
"I really think you should wear your hair down," Hae-won had said, her voice full of quiet persuasion. "It'll make you look... more mature."
Hye-su caught the slight hesitation in Hae-won's voice but understood what she meant.
"Mature," she repeated, her brow arching slightly as she stared at herself in the mirror.
It felt strange to see herself looking this way—more like a figure in a glamorous drama than the executive who spent hours in boardrooms or behind her desk.
"There," Hae-won said, stepping back with a satisfied nod, "I think you're ready."
She smiled warmly, admiring the sight of her friend, now transformed. Hye-su looked stunning, her long hair flowing around her shoulders, her elegant dress highlighting her natural beauty. Hae-won knew better than to say the word 'sexy'—she'd chosen her words carefully, using terms like 'sophisticated' and 'mature,' knowing those would be the only way Hye-su might feel comfortable.
Hye-su took a deep breath, letting her gaze linger on her reflection. Despite her discomfort, she knew she had to look the part. Tonight wasn't just a celebration—it was an opportunity to show the strength and grace that came with her role. Still, she couldn't help but feel a small knot of nervousness forming in the pit of her stomach. She shifted slightly, her fingers brushing against the fabric of her dress.
Hae-won noticed the subtle change, her friend's fingers fidgeting restlessly. She smiled knowingly and asked.
"Are you nervous?" Her tone was light, but there was genuine concern behind it. "I can tell you're not quite yourself tonight. Is it because of the speech?"
Hye-su sighed, her shoulders dropping slightly as she nodded.
"I think I am," she admitted, her voice soft, almost hesitant. "Taking the lead for the three of us, and now giving the opening speech for everyone—it's a lot. I know I've handled pressure before, but tonight... I don't know."
She paused, her gaze shifting away from the mirror as she stared down at her hands.
"It just feels different."
Hae-won smiled warmly, giving her a gentle nudge.
"You're going to do great, Hye-su. You always do." Her voice was full of conviction, her belief in her friend unwavering. "Everyone here knows what you've done for NexaCorp, how much effort and passion you put into this. It's why you're the one giving the speech in the first place."
Hye-su nodded, managing a small smile in response, but deep inside, she felt something else. A different kind of suspense, something she couldn't quite put into words, not even for Hae-won. Maybe it was about Jin-ho. Maybe it was the small, unspoken tension that had lingered ever since the meeting, ever since she had cast her vote.
She knew her decision was logical, but she also understood why Jin-ho had opposed it, why it meant so much to him. That tiny voice, somewhere deep in her mind, wondered if she was truly making the right choices—not just for the company, but for the people around her, the ones who mattered most.
But that was something she kept to herself. There was no need to burden Hae-won with her uncertainties, not tonight.
She turned to Hae-won, her expression softening.
"Thank you, Hae-won," she said, her voice sincere. "For everything. I don't think I could handle tonight without you."
Hae-won grinned, waving a hand dismissively.
"That's what I'm here for," she said, her tone teasing, trying to lighten the mood. "Besides, I can't have you walking around looking all stiff and awkward. Tonight's a celebration, remember? Just try to enjoy yourself a little, okay?"
Hye-su smiled a real, genuine smile this time.
"I'll try," she said, taking another deep breath. "I'll really try."
With that, she straightened her posture, giving herself one last look in the mirror before turning away. There was no running away from tonight, no avoiding the responsibilities that came with her role. All she could do was face them head-on, as she always had. And maybe, just maybe, she could allow herself to enjoy the night, even if only a little.
"Shall we go then?" Hae-won asked, her eyes bright, filled with excitement for what the evening had in store.
Hye-su nodded, her heart still pounding but her resolve firm.
"Let's do this."
Hye-su and Hae-won stepped out of the room, the door clicking shut behind them as they made their way down the hallway. The atmosphere in the building was a mix of anticipation and calm—the meeting room's tensions had dissipated, and now the focus had shifted to the celebration ahead. The two women walked side by side, Hae-won's light steps matching Hye-su's slightly more deliberate pace. Though they wore different dresses, each showcased an elegance that seemed to light up the hallway.
The two walked in tandem through the corridors of NexaCorp Saudi Arabia, their dresses flowing with each step. The building was impressive—spacious, and polished, with touches of both corporate professionalism and luxury, each corner reflecting NexaCorp's rise in the world. As they approached an elevator, Hye-su cast a sideways glance at Hae-won, curiosity finally bubbling to the surface.
"Do you think Jin-ho's already there?" Hye-su asked a hint of hesitance in her voice. She tried to sound casual, but Hae-won caught the undertone immediately.
Hae-won shrugged slightly, pressing the button for the elevator.
"I haven't seen him since earlier, so it's hard to say," she replied thoughtfully. "And since we knew Jin-ho, though, I'd bet he's not there yet. Punctuality has never been his strong suit."
She chuckled softly, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
"You know how he is—always on his own time."
Hye-su nodded, a soft smile crossing her face. It was true. Jin-ho had his rhythm, a disregard for strict schedules that was both frustrating and oddly comforting in its consistency. It wouldn't surprise her if he decided to make a late appearance, letting everyone else get comfortable first. After all, he had never been one for the spotlight, preferring to linger just outside its reach. Still, something about his absence nagged at her—perhaps an echo of the tension left over from their earlier exchange.
They continued down the hall, stepping into the elevator that would take them to the floor where the party was being held. Hae-won tapped her fingers against the elevator railing, a soft metallic beat that filled the silence between them.
"Thirty minutes until the official start," she noted, glancing at her watch. "That means we're early. Don't be too surprised if the place is still empty."
Hye-su nodded, taking a deep breath.
"Yeah, I know."
It was true—their early arrival wasn't by accident. They had roles to play, duties that extended beyond the meetings and boardrooms. Tonight was about celebrating the journey and showcasing the company, and she needed to be present and lead by example. Even if it meant stepping into spaces she wasn't entirely comfortable with.
As they walked into the venue, the air was filled with the sounds of last-minute preparations—soft conversations, workers bustling about, and final touches being made to decorations and arrangements. The venue was large, a mix of modern aesthetics and traditional touches that honoured the culture of its location. It was elegant without being ostentatious, a reflection of NexaCorp's vision—a blend of respect for history and ambition for the future.
Despite the official start still being half an hour away, there were already some familiar faces present. Prince Tarif was the first to spot them, his smile brightening as he made his way over. He was dressed in his traditional attire, but with a modern twist that fit the atmosphere perfectly. Beside him stood Evie, Daniel, and Matthieu—each of them already dressed to impress, their outfits carefully chosen to reflect their respective roles within NexaCorp. It was clear that as key figures, they too understood the importance of being here early, of setting the tone for what was to come.
"Hye-su, Hae-won," Prince Tarif greeted them warmly, his eyes twinkling with a mix of pride and camaraderie. "You both look incredible tonight."
His voice held the same warmth it always did, a genuine kindness that made Hye-su relax just a little.
"Thank you, Prince Tarif," Hye-su replied, offering a polite smile. She nodded towards the others, exchanging brief greetings with Evie, Daniel, and Matthieu. There was an underlying current in the room, an energy that hinted at the anticipation of the night ahead. As important figures within NexaCorp, they all knew they had a role to play—whether that was mingling with guests, delivering speeches, or simply being present as the public faces of the company.
Matthieu offered a small nod towards Hye-su, his expression unreadable. There was still a lingering tension from the meeting earlier, an unspoken acknowledgement that they were on different sides of a line that had just been drawn. But tonight was not about arguments or decisions—it was about celebration, and both of them knew better than to let anything get in the way of that.
The group exchanged small talk, discussing the preparations and the evening's schedule. Though the venue still lacked the energy of a crowd, it was clear that it wouldn't be long before the space filled with people—executives, investors, partners, and other key figures who had come to celebrate the company's success.
Hye-su tried to focus on the present, on the smiles and light conversations, on the way Prince Tarif's laughter echoed warmly in the open room. But there was a small part of her that couldn't shake the feeling of something left undone, a thread that hadn't quite been tied up. As her eyes scanned the room once more, she couldn't help but wonder if Jin-ho would even show up, and what would happen if he did.
But there was no time to dwell on it now. The evening was just beginning, and soon, the venue would be filled, the music would start, and the night would officially be underway. With Prince Tarif, Evie, Daniel, and Matthieu by her side, Hye-su knew she had to set the tone, lead with grace, and make sure that tonight was one to remember.
The party was about to commence, and whether she felt ready or not, she would face it head-on—just as she always had.