"Are you trying to say that your bodyguard simply gave you a hickey and nothing else happened?" Agatha asked cautiously, not wanting to frighten Kia.
Kia looked at her with a hint of puzzlement. "Of course," she replied loudly, before swallowing. That was right; nothing else had happened between her and Daniel. She was determined to show him where he belonged.
With that thought, Kia's mood lightened. She decided to take a day off from school, as there weren't any serious lectures anyway. When she arrived home, she found her mother in the living room, engaged in conversation with a few elite ladies.
As soon as her mother saw her, she called Kia over. "Kia, come here and let me introduce you to my friends." Kia obediently walked over with a smile and greeted the ladies politely, as a well-mannered young elite lady would. "Greetings to you," she said.
Her mother then invited Kia to join them, and as a dutiful daughter, Kia couldn't refuse. She decided to entertain the ladies until she was excused to go to her room.
She swiftly departed and, upon reaching her room, indulged in a relaxing bath. Afterwards, she lounged on her balcony, basking in the serene atmosphere. It seemed as though she had nothing pressing to attend to. Whenever Kia was at home, she often found herself idle, and today was no exception, with no plans to venture out.
As the days passed, Kia's life seamlessly transitioned back to its usual rhythm. She resumed her routine, frequenting clubs, attending school, and exploring various destinations, all without any sightings of Daniel who always controlled her actons and followed her everywhere. This newfound freedom filled her with joy and an overwhelming sense of liberation.
Today marked a special occasion – her dear sister's birthday. The celebration was being held at the prestigious Green Zavus Hotel, renowned for its exquisite cuisine and opulent ambiance. Kia was meticulously prepared for the event.
She donned a stunning black dress, expertly adorned with intricate rhinestones that sparkled under the light. The dress featured a daring mid-thigh slit, adding a touch of sophistication and glamour to her overall appearance. With her best friend by her side, Kia attended the party, opting to forego the company of her parents or brother.
As soon as Tana spotted Kia, a fleeting scowl crossed her face, only to be swiftly replaced by a bright smile. Tana approached Kia, who was mingling with the other guests.
"Oh, look who's here! My dear little sister Kia, I didn't think you'd bother attending my birthday party, especially after Zack left you for me," Tana said with a sarcastic tone, loud enough for the surrounding ladies to begin whispering and casting doubting glances at Kia.
Kia let out a sigh and, with her arms folded across her chest, walked towards Tana. She grasped Tana's hand and said, "Big sis, why would I care about that? We're sisters, after all. And I promised you a gift, didn't I? When we're alone, I'll show you the present." Kia's smile turned to a smirk that Tana did not realize.
Tana scoffed, "Ha! Why give it to me in private? Are you afraid it will embarrass you, or is your gift just very cheap?" Tana's smirk was unmistakable.
Kia's response was laced with a hint of timidity, "Of course not, sis. I just think that it's only meant for you to see; it's a special gift, after all." The whispers from the surrounding ladies shifted, now directed at Tana.
Just then, the party's host announced the start of the celebration, and everyone's attention turned to the festivities. Kia seized the opportunity to slip away, escaping to the balcony. Kia noticed someone's gaze on her which made her smile evilly. He soon sneaked away from the party following her. This was what she wanted, yes follow her.
As Kia gazed up at the star-filled sky, her mind began to wander back to childhood memories. She recalled the week she had run away from home and experienced life without luxury. It was a sweet, albeit brief, taste of freedom. Every night during that week, she would stare at the breathtaking night sky, and the place had even had auroras. It was a beautiful location, and she longed to return there once again.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a gentle touch on her shoulders and a warmth that enveloped her arms, which she hadn't realized she had been rubbing. A low voice followed, "Why are you out here smiling all by yourself?" Kia recognized the voice and smiled triumphantly. "Didn't expect you to come here, Mr. Li," she said, turning to face him.
Zack's smile faltered, and he asked, "Mr. Li? What's with the formal address?"
Kia struggled to maintain a serious expression, but her eyes sparkled with amusement. She gazed at Zack, her voice laced with a hint of sadness. "Mr. Li, now that you're my sister's boyfriend, I must address you formally. If I don't, my sister will become jealous and blame me."
Zack's face contorted in a helpless expression as he attempted to move closer and comfort Kia. However, Kia took a step back, causing Zack's shoulders to slump in defeat. "But it's just a name, and you know I don't mind you calling me whatever you like – except that stiff, formal title," Zack explained, his voice tinged with longing.
Kia's heart ached with suppressed laughter as she beheld Zack's expression, but she forced herself to maintain a somber demeanor. "Alright then... I won't call you Mr. Li," Kia said, her tone neutral.
Zack's face lit up with excitement. "Really?" he asked, his voice filled with hope.
Kia smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Really," she replied.
Zack's eyes narrowed, his expression thoughtful. "Then... what should you call me?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.
Kia's smile turned mischievous. "Brother-in-law, of course," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Zack's earlier excitement deflated, replaced by a look of disappointment. "Kia..." he began, but Kia interrupted him.
"You're my brother-in-law; I suppose it's only fitting that I address you as such," Kia said, her tone matter-of-fact.
As she turned to face the city skyline, Zack sighed, and Kia's lips curled into a subtle smirk. "Don't you love me anymore?" Zack asked, his voice tinged with sadness.
Kia rolled her eyes and really wanted to turn and slap the stupid idiot, but she forced herself not to. After all, she had promised her sister a gift, and she would give it to her. She blinked her eyes several times, then turned to Zack with an almost crying face, which she noticed made Zack frown.
"I still love you. I love you a lot, Zack, but what can I do? You love my sister," Kia said, her voice full of hurt that made Zack's frown deepen as he felt guilty.
He wanted to hold her as he moved to with stretched hands, but she squatted down, burying her face between her legs. "You love her, not me," she cried out.
Zack felt a sharp pain in his heart, and he couldn't help but kneel down and hug her.
"Do you know how much it hurt me when I got you? Do you know how much it hurt? If it wasn't for Daniel, I would have really hurt myself," Kia said, her sobbing making anyone who would see her feel sorry and guilty.
Zack couldn't help but curse himself. The truth was, he liked Kia, but he had only wanted to get benefits from Tana, which she couldn't give. The only person he wanted to marry was Kia, but how could he explain to her that everything he did was for his business?
He caressed her hair, his voice filled with emotion. "Kia... you're the only one I love, and you're the only one I want to marry. I promise."
Hearing what he said, Kia shook her head. "You don't believe me," Zack asked, and she nodded like an obedient child.
He wanted to explain, but she spoke first, "If you love me, then why are you dating my sister?" she yelled, wanting to move away from him, but he held her back, hugging her tightly.
"The thing is, I don't want to use you. I only want to have a sweet love relationship with you. Nothing else. I promise," Zack said, his voice filled with nervousness.
"Really?" Kia suddenly sat up, excited, knocking Zack's nose. "Ouch!" he cried out.
"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to," Kia stammered, looking guilty and miserable, making Zack's heart hurt.
"I know," he caressed her cheek. "I love you, Kia."
He noticed her look down, blushing. She was always a a shy girl, easy to mianipulate and he loved her for that. He looked at her and smiled, now all he needed to do was ask if she had forgiven him and if so he would make her accept him back. But before he could do that, a sudden angry yell stopped him.
"Zack?"the farmiliar voice yelled making Kia push Zack away and at that moment she hit her head at the balcony rail, " ouch...." she cried out.