Kiad's black luxury sedan came to a smooth stop just outside the Dreamland site, the estate glowing in the evening light. The air was thick with the scents of blooming flowers and freshly trimmed grass, but Kiad barely noticed. His thoughts were already elsewhere, spinning as he prepared to confront Luna. He had no interest in the pleasantries of the evening, no patience for the games these high society gatherings demanded. He was here to make her comply. Selena was insisting him to let her come along but he knew his lover, Selena would be rude when possessive of him and that might ruin their wholesome plans.
As the car door opened, Kiad stepped out, dressed impeccably in a dark, tailored suit, his cold demeanor as striking as ever. Grace was already waiting, clipboard in hand and the same composed expression she always wore. As Kiad approached, her eyes darted to his, then to the secretary trailing behind him.
"Mr. Kiad," Grace greeted him with a nod, her tone professional but a bit too brisk for his liking. "I trust your flight was comfortable."
"It was fine," Kiad responded curtly, brushing past the pleasantries. His sharp gaze shifted toward the sprawling estate, looking for any sign of Luna. "Where is she?"
Grace's expression didn't change, though there was a brief pause before she answered. "Miss Luna has already left to prepare for the evening. The party begins in a few hours. Would you like me to show you to your quarters?"
Kiad's lips pressed into a thin line. He wasn't interested in waiting around. "No. Take me to her."
Grace hesitated for a fraction of a second, her fingers tightening around the clipboard. She knew better than to outright refuse him, but there were certain boundaries even Kiad Ross couldn't overstep without consequences.
"I'm afraid that won't be possible," Grace said, her tone neutral but firm. "Miss Luna is currently unavailable. She has instructed me to handle your arrangements, and you can meet her at the party later this evening."
Kiad's jaw clenched slightly, his patience wearing thin. He wasn't used to being told 'no,' especially not when it came to business. But despite the flicker of irritation in his eyes, he let it go, knowing that pushing Grace now wouldn't get him what he wanted. He'd see Luna soon enough.
"Fine," he said coolly. "But make sure I meet her as soon as the party begins."
Grace nodded once, relief flickering across her face as she made a mental note. "Of course. Your secretary will be informed of your accommodations."
Turning slightly, Kiad glanced over at his secretary, who had remained silent but watchful the entire time. The man, always protective of Kiad, glared at Grace, silently disapproving of how she had handled the situation. In his eyes, she hadn't shown his boss the respect he deserved. But Grace, ever unbothered, smirked back, her confidence unshaken.
Without another word, she turned and began instructing the staff about the evening's arrangements, leaving Kiad and his secretary alone. Kiad let out a quiet sigh, adjusting his cufflinks with meticulous care. There were more important things to focus on than small slights. Luna, for one.
Soon after, Kiad headed toward his assigned suite to prepare for the evening, though his mind never strayed far from the woman who was hosting this grand affair.
As the hours passed, the estate transformed into a vision of beauty and harmony. The sun dipped lower, casting a soft glow over the rolling hills and the carefully curated decor. Luna had spared no expense in making this event something memorable yet uniquely hers. The theme was clear from the moment guests arrived: a celebration of nature intertwined with modern technology. The lawn was dotted with sleek, eco-friendly decorations, from solar-powered lanterns to intricately designed, biodegradable centerpieces that blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
Luna had wanted her investors to experience the vision she had for Dreamland, a place where modernity could live in harmony with the environment. She had taken every detail into account, ensuring that her message was conveyed not just through words but through every single element of the evening.
Soft chatter filled the air as guests milled about, admiring the setup. Investors and important figures from across the region had come to show their support or, at the very least, their curiosity. Unlike the typical glamorous parties the Ross family was known for, Luna's event had a different tone. It was understated but elegant, focused more on ideas and innovation than sheer opulence. Still, there was no shortage of important people, and soon, the lawn was buzzing with conversations.
But as the evening grew darker and the soft lights of the estate flickered to life, the mood shifted.
A hush fell over the crowd as Kiad made his entrance.
Even before he stepped fully into view, there was an unmistakable ripple of energy that spread through the guests. Heads turned, whispers followed, and those who had been lounging comfortably a moment ago suddenly straightened, smoothing their dresses or adjusting their suits. Kiad Ross was a figure that commanded attention, whether he wanted it or not. His very presence shifted the air, creating a silent tension wherever he went.
Walking through the crowd, Kiad was calm and composed, though there was a distinct discomfort simmering just beneath the surface. He never liked these kinds of gatherings. The idle chatter, the fake smiles, the constant need for attention it all felt trivial. Yet here he was, his presence undeniable, his role in the evening suddenly larger than he'd planned.
People approached him as he walked, nodding their greetings, some brave enough to engage him in brief conversation. Women who had arrived with their families subtly adjusted their dresses, eyeing him with a mixture of admiration and curiosity. His reputation, both as a successful businessman and as a somewhat elusive figure, made him a source of endless fascination.
One man, clearly a businessman looking to make connections, extended his hand with a beaming smile. "Mr. Kiad, what a surprise to see you here! It's been a while. How have you been?"
Kiad offered a tight smile, shaking the man's hand briefly. "Busy, as usual. I'm here for the project."
"Oh, of course, of course!" the man laughed, though there was an air of nervousness to it. "Dreamland is quite the venture. Wouldn't you say?"
Kiad's smile didn't reach his eyes as he nodded, exchanging a few more pleasantries before excusing himself.
Luna stood before the mirror, her fingers smoothing out the soft fabric of her midnight-blue gown. The dress hugged her slender frame perfectly, its shimmering material catching the light with every slight movement she made. The deep neckline was both elegant and bold, the kind of fashion statement that left people in awe without being overt. Her hair was styled in soft waves that cascaded over her shoulders, and her makeup was flawlessly applied just enough to highlight her sharp features without overshadowing her natural beauty. A pair of delicate diamond earrings sparkled against her neck, catching the soft glow of the room's light. She looked the part of the powerful, successful woman she was.
Grace, her assistant, walked a step behind her as they made their way down the corridor toward the grand ballroom. The soft click of Luna's heels against the polished floor echoed in the quiet space, each step bringing her closer to the gathering of powerful investors and high-society figures. Despite the success of the project, Luna couldn't shake the unsettled feeling she had.
Grace's phone buzzed in her hand, the screen lighting up with a message. She frowned slightly before turning to Luna. "I'll be just a moment, Luna. Something important has come up. You go ahead, and I'll catch up."
Luna nodded, her lips tightening into a small smile. "Don't take too long. You know how these things can get."
Grace gave a quick nod before stepping away to handle whatever crisis was unfolding on the other end of the phone. Meanwhile, Luna squared her shoulders and approached the doors to the ballroom. The tall, grand entrance loomed ahead of her, and as the doors swung open, the soft hum of conversation immediately halted.
All eyes turned toward Luna.
The soft lighting in the room highlighted her entrance, and for a moment, the entire crowd seemed to hold its breath. She walked with purpose, her chin lifted, her steps measured but graceful. Heads turned, and whispers followed in her wake. Women eyed her dress with admiration and perhaps a hint of envy while men straightened their ties, suddenly more aware of her presence. Luna's gaze remained calm, her expression unreadable as she made her way further into the room.
Even Kiad, standing near the far end of the room, couldn't help but look at her. His eyes lingered on her figure, the frown on his face deepening. He quickly shifted his gaze, turning to focus on something or anything else. Luna noticed his reaction out of the corner of her eye but chose not to dwell on it. Instead, she offered him a brief nod, acknowledging his presence but keeping her distance.
As she reached the small, uplifted stage, the anchor for the evening's event stepped forward, greeting her with a warm smile. "Ladies and gentlemen," the anchor began, his voice booming across the room, "it is my honor to introduce the visionary behind the Dreamland Project Miss Luna Ross."
The crowd clapped politely as Luna took the microphone. She smiled, though there was a slight tremor in her chest. Public speaking had never been her favorite part of the job, but it was necessary especially tonight. The room had the people who held the future of her project in their hands.
"Thank you," Luna began, her voice steady despite her internal unease. "I'm honored to welcome you all here this evening. Dreamland isn't just another project for me. It's a vision of what the future can hold when we blend the best of modern technology with a respect for the environment we live in." She paused, scanning the room, making sure to meet the eyes of her key investors. "This is a place where we create without destroying, where we innovate without losing touch with nature. I'm thrilled to share this vision with all of you, and I hope you can see why this land is so important not just for us, but for the generations that will come after."
The room erupted in applause, and Luna smiled gracefully before handing the microphone back to the anchor. She descended the stage, her heart still racing but her outward appearance calm and composed.
Kiad stood nearby. The moment she stepped down, he was there, closing the distance between them with a few swift steps. His eyes, intense and unreadable, fixed on her. "We need to talk," he said, his voice low and urgent. "It's more important than anything going on here."
Before Luna could respond, a man from the investors' group approached with a wide grin and a raised glass. "Miss Ross, a moment of your time if you will," he said, raising his champagne flute toward her. "I wanted to congratulate you personally on such a bold and forward-thinking project."
Luna hesitated, glancing at Kiad briefly before offering the investor a tight smile. "Thank you, Mr. Lawson. I appreciate your kind words," she replied, clinking her glass with his in a toast. "I hope this project lives up to your expectations."
The investor grinned wider and took a long sip of his drink, engaging Luna in a brief conversation about the project's potential. It didn't take long before Luna excused herself from the investor's company, taking the opportunity to slip outside and get some air. She needed a moment to gather herself before dealing with Kiad's intensity.
The night air was cool against her skin as Luna stepped out into the garden, the soft glow of the party's lights casting a warm ambiance around the space. She closed her eyes for a moment, breathing in the fresh air and letting the calm of the outdoors wash over her. But the peace didn't last long.
A hand touched her shoulder.
Startled, Luna spun around, only to find Kiad standing there. He had followed her out, determined to finish the conversation they hadn't started. His hand fell from her shoulder as he took a step closer, his voice low but intense.
"We need to talk now," Kiad said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "You've been avoiding me all evening, and I won't stand for it anymore."
Luna swallowed, her heart pounding in her chest. She had been avoiding him. She knew that. And now, standing in the quiet night with Kiad so close, she wasn't sure if she was ready for whatever confrontation he was about to bring.
Kiad moved a little closer, his presence overwhelming the small space between them. Luna's heart raced, not just from the wine she had been sipping, but from the sheer intensity of the moment. She found herself captivated by his sharp features. His nearness made her feel both vulnerable and drawn in, her pulse quickening as she realized just how close he was.
Luna knew Kiad was her fiancé, at least in name. And fiancés kiss, don't they? The thought danced through her mind. Her lips tingled at the idea, a mixture of anticipation and inexperience flooding her senses. Despite her social standing and the life of luxury she led, Luna had never had a real relationship. No one had ever gotten close enough to truly know her. She was always shielded by her wealth, her status, and the expectations others had for her. It had been the invisible wall that separated her from the world of love and intimacy.
But now, under the night sky, with Kiad so close, she thought maybe just maybe this would be the moment. Her mind whirled with thoughts of a perfect, movie-like kiss. Her lips parted slightly, and she tilted her head upwards, her breath caught in her chest as she waited for him to make the first move.
Just as she closed her eyes, her wine-dizzied senses clouding her judgment, Kiad's deep voice sliced through the charged air.
"I have a proposal," he said.
Luna's eyes snapped open, her head suddenly clear from the haze she'd let herself drift into. A mix of embarrassment and confusion rushed through her. She quickly leaned back against the stone wall, her cheeks warming in the cool night air. "What was I thinking?" she chastised herself. How foolish had she been to believe for even a second that this was anything more than business?
She took another sip of her wine to calm herself, hoping to cover her awkwardness with the glass in her hand. The warmth of the alcohol did little to ease her discomfort, though.