The sound of revving engines echoed through the night as convoy after convoy of sleek, black cars sped up the driveway of the Hong mansion. The headlights cut through the darkness like a stream of light, signaling the arrival of the most important guests of the evening—the president and his two sons.
Amelia sat at the top of the grand staircase, her posture straight, her gaze as poised as ever. She had practiced this moment countless times in her mind. She wasn't nervous. She wasn't even excited. She was simply prepared—prepared to play her part and leave an impression that would be remembered.
Down below, Elara stood near the towering golden doors, watching as the luxurious vehicles came to a halt. Her heart raced a little faster, and she adjusted the front of her uniform, ready to perform her duties. As the doors opened, she inhaled deeply and forced her nerves to settle. She stepped forward, preparing to open the doors with the utmost precision.
The first to step out of the car was none other than the president himself. He was a tall man, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the vicinity. Behind him, his sons followed suit—tall, broad-shouldered, and undeniably striking.
Elara nearly stumbled as she caught sight of them. Her eyes lingered for a moment too long on the two men. The first son had fluffy, dark hair that framed his face like an untamed lion's mane. His jaw was sharp, and his features were intense, giving him an almost rebellious air. The second son wore a tapered fade, he look more polished, but still exuding confidence and undeniable charm. Both of them were 6 feet tall, and they carried themselves with an effortless grace.
Amelia's gaze never wavered as she watched them approach. Elara could feel the tension in the air, the energy that shifted with the arrival of the president and his sons. The guests had already begun to murmur in excitement, but Elara couldn't shake the feeling that her attention was misplaced. They weren't looking at her; they weren't looking at anyone else.
Their eyes were on Amelia. The sons of the president didn't seem to notice anything but Amelia. Their gazes locked onto her with a curiosity that spoke volumes. A part of Elara, who had spent years observing and serving, felt a pang of something unfamiliar—a feeling she couldn't quite place. It was as though she was invisible, just a shadow on the walls of the mansion.
The two sons smiled politely at Amelia, their eyes scanning her up and down as they exchanged glances between each other. Amelia returned their gaze with a smile that was both practiced and sincere, though a small part of her couldn't ignore the fleeting sense of competition.
Her father had always wanted her to stand out, to become a fixture in the world of business and politics. But tonight, it seemed, it wasn't just business. It was personal, too. And Amelia was no fool. She knew exactly what her father wanted—he wanted her to secure their ties with the president's family. He wanted her to play her part, to attract the attention of these powerful men.
But Amelia wasn't interested in that game anymore. She would play, of course. She always did.
She stood with poise as the two sons moved toward her, their gazes lingering, each one sizing her up. They greeted her warmly, but there was something in the way they spoke—something that made Elara feel even more insignificant in their presence.
As the guests entered the mansion, all eyes on Amelia, Elara stepped back, closing the door with a soft click. The air felt thicker now, charged with unspoken tension.
It was clear that tonight wasn't going to be just another party. It was going to be something much more complicated.
The grand parlour was a testament to the Hong family's wealth, adorned with gilded mirrors, plush velvet seating, and a chandelier that sparkled like a thousand diamonds. As everyone settled in, Mr. Hong clapped his hands, sending the remaining maids scurrying out of the room. Only the key players remained—Amelia, the president, his two sons, and Mr. Hong himself.
The tension in the room was palpable as Mr. Hong broke the silence. "President Yang, your visit is an honour, as always," he began, his voice smooth, but there was a calculated edge to it. "And of course, it's a pleasure to welcome your sons, Jae and Kaid. Fine young men, both of them." He gestured at them with a broad smile, as though he were presenting a rare prize.
Amelia caught the subtle flicker of pride in her father's eyes, the same look he always had when showcasing his achievements to the world. This wasn't a family meeting; it was a power play, and she was the pawn on the board.
The president nodded in acknowledgment, his posture as commanding as ever. "Thank you, Mr. Hong. I believe our families share a vision of unity and strength, which brings us to the heart of tonight's discussion." His gaze shifted to Amelia, sharp and appraising. "Miss Amelia, I've heard much about you—your intelligence, your grace, and your... ambition. Truly, a rare combination."
Amelia forced a polite smile, the kind she had perfected over the years. "You're too kind, President Yang," she replied, her voice smooth as silk, betraying none of the annoyance bubbling beneath the surface.
Kaid, the younger of the two brothers, leaned forward slightly, his eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "Father's been singing your praises nonstop," he said, his tone teasing but charming. "We couldn't wait to meet you in person."
Jae, on the other hand, remained composed, his gaze steady but unreadable. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you," he said, his deep voice carrying a weight that contrasted with his brother's light-heartedness.
Amelia nodded politely, her practiced smile still firmly in place. She could feel their eyes on her, studying her every move, every expression. It was a game she knew well—the dance of appearances and hidden motives.
Mr. Hong leaned back in his seat, a satisfied gleam in his eyes. "Now that we've all been introduced, let's get to the point," he said, his tone suddenly businesslike. "President Yang and I have been discussing the future of our families. And it's clear that a union between the Hong and Yang families would be mutually beneficial."
Amelia's smile faltered for a fraction of a second, though she quickly recovered. "A union?" she echoed, feigning ignorance even as her heart sank.
The president smiled, a calculated expression that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yes, Miss Amelia. A marriage. But not just any marriage," he said, his gaze shifting to his sons. "My sons, Jae and Kaid, are both capable men, destined for greatness. However, I've decided to offer them a challenge."
Amelia's heart skipped a beat, a sinking feeling settling in her chest.
"The challenge is simple," the president continued. "Whichever of my sons wins your heart will not only marry you but will also become the heir to my empire."
The words hit her like a thunderclap, each syllable reverberating in her mind. This wasn't a proposal; it was a competition, a game where her feelings were the prize.
Amelia's fingers tightened around the armrest of her chair, her nails digging into the fabric. She felt like an object, a trophy to be claimed. But outwardly, she remained poised, her expression betraying nothing.
"Father, this is... unexpected," she said carefully, her voice measured.
Mr. Hong leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Amelia, this is an incredible opportunity—for you, for our family. The Yang family is one of the most powerful in the nation. Imagine what this alliance could mean for us."
Amelia turned her gaze to her father, the man who had always valued power and prestige above all else. She knew better than to argue with him, especially in front of the Yangs.
"I see," she said softly, her voice devoid of emotion.
Kaid chuckled, leaning back in his seat. "Well, this just got a lot more interesting," he said, casting a sideways glance at his brother. "What do you say, Jae? Ready to fight for the throne?"
Jae didn't respond immediately, his gaze fixed on Amelia. "This isn't a game, Kaid," he said quietly, his tone serious. "It's about more than just the throne."
Amelia felt a flicker of something she couldn't quite identify. Was it respect? Or was it just another calculated move? She couldn't be sure.
The president chuckled, clearly pleased with the tension between his sons. "Exactly, Jae. This is about the future of our family—and the future of yours, Miss Amelia."
Amelia forced another smile, though inside, she was seething. She had spent her life trying to carve out her own identity, to be more than just a pawn in her father's schemes. And now, here she was, caught in yet another web of power and manipulation.
But she wasn't going to let them see her break. Not tonight.
"Thank you for the... clarification," she said, her voice steady. "I'll do my best to... get to know Jae and Kaid better."
The president nodded, satisfied. "That's all we ask, Miss Amelia. Take your time, but not too much time. The future waits for no one."
As the discussion wrapped up, Amelia excused herself, retreating to her room. The moment the door closed behind her, she let out a shaky breath, her carefully constructed facade crumbling.
She sank onto her bed, her mind racing. How had her life come to this? She had always known her father would try to use her for his ambitions, but this? This was beyond anything she had imagined.
Amelia stared at the ceiling, her thoughts a whirlwind of anger, frustration, and a small, flickering ember of defiance. If they thought she was going to play their game without a fight, they were sorely mistaken.