I felt obnoxiously sad inside. Not because of the pitiful glances I received after Reiss stepped on the dance floor with Aracelli by his side, oh no.
I already knew they thought of me as a gold digger, a pretty face who charmed her way into the innocent Reiss Sukuna's heart. To them, I took the rightful place of Aracelli when they were going through whatever separately.
Because my father isn't known as a billionaire and I'm not a recognised self-made woman in the eyes of the public, they have chosen to stick by her side and accept this charade Aracelli has put in front of them.
But I didn't care.
What troubled me was this feeling I couldn't totally understand. Why did I feel so awful when Reiss said those words to me? It was like my heart got tugged, and not in a gentle manner, I swear.
I was supposed to be non-caring and unfazed by this, but somehow that's not the case.
This intense jealousy I feel towards Aracelli. I hate to admit it, but it shouldn't be so. I shouldn't care about them because, all along, I knew what I was getting myself into.
I knew Reiss didn't love me and never would. So there's no need for me to try and claim ownership over him when he isn't even mine.
I don't need him or his stupid love and attention. I came here to fulfil my dreams of making it big.
I don't need to like these people to get their money; I just need to show them how trustworthy and efficient I am. I will work with honest people, and certainly with eyes that don't look down on me.
I will show them all, I will make them eat their words, and I will make sure my face and pearls are on every fucking billboard in this city.
And I will do it on my own, without a single cent from Reiss, I swear!
"Mrs. Reiss," an old but familiar voice said as I lifted my eyes to see who would pay attention to someone like me.
"Oh, Mr. Jung." I smiled at the man who sat with us at our table.
"May I have the honour," he said, giving me a weary smile as he pulled out his right hand, waiting to receive mine.
"It would be my pleasure." I placed my hand on his as he led me to the dance floor.
Within minutes, we were able to get used to the rhythm and tempo of the music.
Still… I couldn't help being tense. Why would he do such a thing? Bringing me out in the spotlight like that? I was not even afraid if I would ruin his image with my awful dancing.
Thankfully, Yota thought of me well, so I could keep up with his movements just fine. Even though I wasn't a pro like him, his movements were all natural, like he had reinvented his body and mind from a young age to master this complex ritual and eventually make it look so simple.
I'm truly amazed.
"Your moves are so supple, like those of a swan, my dear," he said, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"Oh, thank you. But I can't possibly be compared to you. Your moves are so graceful, it's hard to even imagine you're old," I chuckled.
"For someone who got dragged into the spotlight so quickly, let's agree you won this one."
"I honestly disagree, but I wouldn't want to go against your wise decision, Mr. Jung, so I will agree with you this time around." I smiled
"A wise woman with calculated words, Reiss must be lucky." He nodded, mumbling to himself, but he made my face flush unknowingly.
As one song ended and we advanced to another slow dance, we had gotten accustomed to each other, and my tension had eased away during our little chat.
But the silence and swaying couldn't last any longer as my burning curiosity got the better of me.
"Mr. Jung I'm so sorry to intrude on your peace and
"Oh no, go ahead, ask me whatever you want," he encouraged.
"Why did you offer to dance with me? Was it out of pity, or because you couldn't find a partner? Or…"
But my question earned horrendous laughter from him. I was a bit confused, but I just didn't say a word.
"Forgive me," he said after calming down.
"It's just that such a beautiful woman like you shouldn't be at the tables watching from afar; you were simply meant to shine in the spotlight, and I just happened to realise that and help put that confident smile back on your face.
Besides, I wanted to know for myself why Reiss hadn't chosen to dance with you, and now I know you're a very good dancer, so I'm quite happy. His loss is my gain." He chuckled, and it just made me laugh.
I like how his eyes twinkle when he talks, and his smile always makes those eyes crinkle at the corners from time to time. And his dimple was still sharp and evident across his pale skin.
He makes me think growing old wouldn't be so bad at all.
"Was it that obvious?" I muttered. To think I let two mere people try to diminish my confidence...
"In this part of the world, you must never drop your head down for anyone, lest you make others look down on you."
"I'll take that advice to heart, sir. You know I've got a business of my own," I said.
"Oh really? Come tell me more about it," he said as the song came to an end and he led me back to our seats.
20 minutes later
In the course of our discussion, I excused myself and went to the restroom.
Mr. Jung was not much of a talker, but he was a great listener. I didn't even know he had some shares in Papa Sukuna's Stock Import and Export Company.
He would be a great asset to me if I built a good relationship with him. If this night went well, at least I could later book a date and convince him to invest in my business.
I looked at myself in the mirror; some strands of my hair were already threatening to break free, my face looked a bit pale, and my lips needed a little lip gloss too.
Damn, when are these guys going to serve us some food?
"I could literally die of hunger right now." I groaned
Uh! Being a celebrity is hard work! I should've eaten before I got here.
Just then I heard the door open, and I quickly shut my freaking mouth and started to dress my hair.
"Well, if it isn't Mrs. Red," I heard her say, and my mood instantly dropped.
Aracelli walked towards me and stood right in front of me.
Her gaze was laser-sharp, like one that could easily kill if it had the opportunity to. The air between us grew thick and suffocating, and I couldn't stand that perfume of hers. It made me sick to the core to see how she still had the nerve to look down on me with those cold eyes.
I also stared her down, as I wasn't in the mood to be civil. Reiss isn't here, so there's nothing holding me back from going head-to-head with her.
No one was present.
No one except us...