But now, the opponent's Top Solo believed S was the true genius, while players like them were merely ordinary players compared to him.Leon Batton could sense how disappointed he felt at the loss.“Keep it up,” he encouraged softly while holding his opponent's hand.The guy instantly felt his heart expanding with warmth at his words although he couldn't stop feeling depressed.After both teams shook hands, Leon led his teammates to the center of the stage, and then they bowed to the audience.Right then, the pretty emcee walked onto the stage.“S, please stay. I’d like to interview you today,” she addressed Leon with a smile.The rest of the team exchanged knowing glances and grinned upon hearing that, backing away immediately to leave the stage.Their fans were all screaming excitedly below the stage—“S! You’re amazing!”“S is so handsome. I’m going crazy! I thought his teammates were already pretty good-looking, but I didn’t expect him to be even more so.”“Everyone on Te
“Yes,” Leon Batton answered while looking straight at the camera without further explanations.His seemingly unintentional response instantly elicited a commotion from the audience.Many female fans lost control of their emotions as screams erupted across the stadium—“Oh my god! He has feelings for someone already! I’m truly envious of that girl!”“I wonder who she is. How lucky is she to be liked by someone like him?”“Ahh! I’m so jealous! S, I worship you! How could you like another girl?”Leon knew exactly what his female fans were reacting to, but he could care less.The pretty emcee next to him also seemed noticeably disappointed at his answer despite her unwavering smile. “How old is she? What does she do?”“We’re the same age. I can’t give you any further details,” he said firmly while glancing casually at the camera.He wondered if Hannah Roland was watching and if she was paying attention to him.“Have you confessed your feelings to her?” she asked in curiosity.“
Hannah Roland was envious of that girl.She knew nothing could ever happen between her and Leon Batton, and they might not even talk to each other again, but it still felt awful.That girl had what she constantly thought about and wanted.Hannah calmed herself down by taking a deep breath before steeling herself to be strong and gazing at Leon through the screen. “Leon, I wish you nothing but happiness. I hope you can always be with the girl you like,” she murmured and then proceeded to lock her phone.Knock, knock, knock—Three rapid knocks came upon her door a second before her mother stormed in with a stern look on her face.“What’s the matter, Mommy?” Hannah asked, noticing that her mother didn't seem too well. Her mother quickly stepped forward. “Hannah, I’ve been diagnosed with brain cancer. I need surgery.”Her admission stunned Hannah, who felt as if the entire world was collapsing before her.Brain cancer? That was serious.The failure rate of the surgery was high,
Hannah Roland’s heart ached upon hearing what her mother said.She felt as if the sky was crashing down on her.Her mother’s illness was much more severe than her father’s. It was very likely she would end up dying if she didn’t get the treatment as soon as possible.She might not survive even if she did receive treatment.To Hannah, her parents were the most important people in the world. She couldn’t watch her mother die without doing something.“Mom, can’t you take the money out in advance for your treatment? Can’t you negotiate with them?” she asked.Her mother shook her head. “I’ve tried, but they won’t allow it. There are rules in the contract we signed back then.”“Let me think of something," she insisted, hastily wiping her tears away. "Leave it to me. I’ll make sure you get treated. You’ll recover. You’ll survive. I won’t let you die.”Her mother shook her head after hearing this. “No, we’ve already spent our savings on your father’s treatment. There is nothing left.”
Some of them wouldn’t even give Hannah Roland an answer before hanging up rudely.She still hadn’t borrowed a single cent after calling all the classmates she was relatively close with.She couldn’t count on any of them, nor did she want to contact her relatives, who had stayed away from her family ever since they went bankrupt. The relatives acted as if being associated with them would result in significant losses.Those same relatives would show up at their house with various gifts to get close to them back when her family business was doing well. They would travel a fair distance to visit even when her house was far away in the suburbs.But now?None of them had shown up ever since her family had gone into financial trouble. None bothered to ask how they were doing.Hannah had seen how realistic this society could be.With her phone in hand, Hannah became lost in thought.Who could she look for now since she couldn’t count on any of her classmates or relatives?Right the
Hannah Roland sucked in a deep breath, her eyes landing on a handsome young man when she looked up.He appeared to be in his early twenties, exuding an aura of success and elegance.“You’re here,” he said softly.Hannah nodded slowly, her heart racing.“Come in,” he said before walking back into the room.She followed him inside, feeling extremely heavy on her feet. A few steps felt like a thousand miles to her.She hesitated and halted in her tracks as soon as she walked through the door.Sensing that Hannah was no longer following him, the man turned around and walked up to her.Closing the door with his foot, he leaned against the wall next to her as he lit up a cigarette. “I’m guessing you came to me today because you were going to agree to my suggestion, but you’re having second thoughts, aren’t you?”His family had a close relationship with Hannah’s family, and he had liked her ever since they were children.He always treated her like his future wife, but she never reci
Hannah Roland had to think of another way.What could earn her a lot of money in a short amount of time?She sat on the stairs in front of the hotel entrance while weighing her options.In the end, she considered singing at a bar.She could do that.In an exclusive bar, she’d be able to earn a few thousand dollars for a single show.She could ask the manager to pay her half a year’s salary in advance by committing to work three shifts daily for the duration without fail.Perhaps that could be a way to resolve her family's financial woes if that was the case.With this in mind, Hannah hastily searched for a nearby bar, noticing one right across from the hotel named Hilton Bar.This bar was among the highest-ranked bars in Atlantis for the past few years.If this place was hiring, she was positive she could get the job.She hurried into the crowded and lively bar.People were dancing and drinking merrily as lights flashed around them while music blasted from speakers.The am
Rihanna Jensen gave Hannah Roland a searching look after her confession. Sighing under her breath, she stood up to circle Hannah before coming to stand in front of her.“You look decent, and you’re in good shape, too. Sing me a song then,” Rihanna urged.Singing was Hannah’s forte, a talent her parents had cultivated since she was a kid. They had spent a lot of money on their daughter to enhance her artistic skills.Hannah quickly thought of a song, 'The Brightest Star'. She kept her gaze on the manager and started singing—“Can the brightest star in the night sky hear the one who’s looking up and sighing with loneliness?“Oh, can the brightest star in the night sky remember the person who used to be by my side?“I pray for a vulnerable heart and eyes that are capable of tears.“Give me the courage to believe and embrace you through the lies."She sang every line and word with genuine passion.Her voice was beautiful and powerful, like the voice of an angel.Rihanna was mesme
Xyla quickly reached for Hannah’s hand. “Is that right? Hannah, you’re amazing…! You’re practically on par with Leon!”Hannah laughed, slightly embarrassed. “Not at all.”“Oh, cut it out. If you hadn’t helped me, how could I have improved so quickly?” Leon chuckled.“I guess I’ve lived up to my promise.” Hannah giggled along.Back then, she had promised Leon that she would become someone deserving of him.She claimed that she would grow with Leon.Without a doubt, she had done it.Now, Hannah had become a successful woman many would often speak of. She earned her rightful seat next to Leon as the CEO of Dragon Group.Stanley also turned to look at Hannah. “Yes, Hannah’s very capable. She’s our family pride.”Hannah laughed. “I was lucky to be accepted by your family.”In fact, Hannah genuinely felt grateful toward the Batton family over the years she had spent with them.They had helped her through all the hardship she encountered when she was poor and down on her luck.Aft
“Hannah, I’ve taken the first step for you. Are you willing to walk by my side for the rest of our lives?” Leon asked, serious.“Yes, I am…” Hannah answered without missing a beat.“I’ll protect you. From now on, you don’t have to worry about a single thing.” With that, Leon placed both hands on Hannah’s face and kissed her on the lips.The moment their lips touched, everything felt surreal…Hannah could feel pink, light bubbles floating all around her. It felt as if all the flowers in the world were blossoming at once.In Hannah’s dark, depressing life, Leon was her only salvation.He was a ray of hope that led her out of hell, so she could see light once more.Hannah thought she would never have anything to do with Leon after she quit school.Even until now, she still remembered how sorrowful she was on her last day of school.But now… Not only did she get the opportunity to interact with him once more, but they also became a couple.Their driver sighed to himself while
Over time, Leon’s feelings for Hannah grew deeper, stronger, and more intense.He had grown used to having her with him all the time.Thus, he hoped she would stay by his side for the rest of his life.Upon hearing his words, Hannah’s mind went blank.What did her dream guy just say?Was she dreaming?Hannah quickly pinched her palm at the thought in an attempt to discern between dream and reality.Her palm hurt. That meant this wasn’t a dream. It was real!Hannah felt even more dumbfounded…This meant Leon actually liked her! He was confessing to her, wasn’t he?Did her dream guy actually reciprocate her feelings?Never in her wildest dreams did Hannah imagine she would go through such an experience.Excitement jammed her mind, so much that she was rendered speechless. There were many things she wanted to say, and yet, she couldn’t utter a single word.Her heartbeat increased rapidly, and her entire body began to shake. Sensing her trembling body, Leon tightened his e
Immediately after, the men in black pulled out guns from their pockets, which they aimed at Raymond’s head.Raymond panicked instantly, going pale.He subconsciously retreated a step back. “Who are you? Don’t you know what you’re doing is illegal?”Leon sneered. “You don’t deserve to know my name. In this city, I am the law.”Leon’s domineering words made him seem even more imposing.At this moment, Hannah felt as if he was a guardian angel sent from Heaven to protect her.Something about him seemed oddly sacred and heavenly.“Mr. Batton, do I shoot him in the head?” One of the men dressed in black asked.“Mr. Batton? Are you Stanley Batton’s son?!” Fear was beginning to spread through Raymond. For one to have Batton as his surname and act this arrogantly in Atlantis, he could be none other than a member of the renowned Batton family.“How dare you address our president by name?!” Another man in black leveled Raymond with a chilling glare.Suffice to say, Raymond was terrif
Terrible pain ached at every part of Hannah’s body as she collided with the cold, hard ground.The pain was such that all her bones felt close to breaking. Everywhere hurt badly.At that moment, Hannah felt like a fragile doll made of clay that had been forcefully slammed hard against the ground until it broke into small pieces.Her mind went blank from the stinging agony.She braced herself and looked at the cold eyes staring back at her, filled with terror. Stammering, she asked, “Mr. Gray… What is the meaning of this?” “What’s the meaning of this? Ha! Don’t you know what’s good for you? You dumb b*tch… You’re lucky that I set my sights on you!”“How dare you refuse my feelings! Not just that, but you even made up a story to deceive me!”“Even when you saw me, you tried to trick me again!”“Do you think I’m stupid? That I can’t think? Do you honestly think I’d fall for your lies again and again?” Raymond went, his tone steadily rising into a furious roar.He then got on o
Although the sun had long sunk beneath the horizons and darkness had set in, the lively city wasn’t about to be silent anytime soon. Hannah felt deeply unsettled, so much that she didn’t leave right away.Instead, she waited in front of the bar, filled with hesitance and anxiety.Should she really leave?Would Rihanna truly be able to sort things out?The man was Raymond Gray… Neither Rihanna nor the bar could afford to upset him, lest they face terrible repercussions.Hannah remained standing on the same spot, uncertain. She really didn’t know what to do.Finally, she came to a decision. She took out her phone and tapped open a ride-hailing application on her phone.Yet just as she did that, she instantly closed it. Afterwards, she began pacing back and forth in worried circles, going to and fro aimlessly. Right as she was trapped in her worried musings, a group of people exited the bar. Raymond Gray, dressed in black, sporty attire, led all of them in a flamboyant manner.
A handsome waiter quickly walked in and looked at Rihanna. “Ms. Jensen, Mr. Gray out there insists that Hannah should get on stage to sing another song. I told him that Hannah would only sing three songs today…”“He lost his temper and claimed he’d destroy our bar if Hannah refuses to sing another song…” The waiter added. He was visibly trembling by the end of the sentence.Hannah figured Mr. Gray was probably the only son of the new mayor of Atlantis there weren’t many people with Gray as their surname in Atlantis. There were even less people who were arrogant like him. He was the only one.Hannah had heard about how terrible this person could be. He was known to be a womanizer too.Due to his powerful background, he looked down on everyone else. He didn’t respect women at all… Moreover, he had a relatively cruel personality. One could almost describe him as being a pervert.There was once when an owner of a bar offended a female internet celebrity he was dating. He directly hired
Hannah Roland smiled politely at Lina Cohen. “Nice to meet you… Thank you in advance!”“No problem… Do let me know if there’s anything you don’t like about your makeup too,” Lina said.Hannah nodded. “Okay, sure…”“By the way… Do all the signers here get such good treatment? I’m surprised we’re even assigned our own makeup artists,” Hannah asked carefully as she wasn’t aware about things like these..However, Lina smiled without answering Hannah’s question directly. She held Hannah’s hand casually the next second, “Come here. I’ll start doing your makeup now…”Hannah nodded…Lina was a very professional makeup artist. She took an hour to finish Hannah’s makeup.An hour later, Hannah’s appearance transformed completely.Lina permed Hannah’s long, black hair into natural-looking curls.Hannah had intricate peach-colored makeup on her face which made her appear lively and youthful.Once Lina was done with Hannah’s makeup, she happily retrieved a long, white dress from a clothes
Hannah Roland smiled without saying anything.***Hannah arrived at the bar where she worked at seven o’clock the next evening and walked into Rihanna Jensen’s office.Rihanna was going through paperwork in her office. When she saw Hannah, she immediately stood up and smiled at her. “Hannah, you’re here…”“Here’s the contract…” Rihanna said before pushing a thick stack of paper to the center of the table.Hannah quickly stepped forward and skimmed through the document. She then picked up a pen and signed it…Rihanna smiled upon seeing this. “Okay… I’ll transfer the money into your account tonight… I’ve told our big boss about your situation. He’s fine with my decision to pay your salary in advance. In fact, he even told me I did a good job…”“He said you can sing without worrying about a single thing… If you need any help in the future, do let us know…” Rihanna added.Hannah felt glad when she heard this, and became teary-eyed. “Thank you… Please thank our big boss for me too.