Michael stood in the expansive lobby of the event center, his phone pressed to his ear as he spoke with one of the event planners. Around him, people bustled about, setting up decorations and adjusting lighting fixtures, it was a hive of activity."Yes, I understand the requirements. Please ensure everything is in place by tomorrow morning," Michael instructed.As he ended the call, he glanced at his watch, noting the time. The preparations were progressing well, thanks to the meticulous planning of the event team. Just then, he spotted Vince striding towards him through the bustling crowd."Michael!" Vince greeted. "How are the preparations going?" He inquired.Michael turned to face his friend, a brief smile touching his lips. "Everything is on track. The event planners are making good progress."Vince nodded, suddenly his expression became serious. "That's good to hear. I also wanted to talk to you about something else."Michael raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"Vince hesitated for
The day for the remembrance ceremony finally came, guests mingled quietly. At the front of the room, a large photograph of Layla smiled down on them, capturing her vibrant spirit.Imani stood at the podium with her protruding belly, her eyes glistening with tears as she looked out over the assembled guests. She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before speaking."Thank you all for coming to remember Layla with us.” Imani began. "She was a bright light in our lives, and though she's no longer with us, her memory lives on in our hearts."Imani paused, glancing at the photograph of Layla. “I remember this one time during a camping trip in middle school, Layla decided she wanted to bake cookies for everyone. But instead of sugar, she accidentally used salt. The look on her face when we all took a bite was priceless! She was so embarrassed, but we all ended up laughing about it for days.” Imani said and the guests chuckled softly.One of Layla's friends, Sarah, stepped forward to s
Michael boarded a plane that took himself, Carol, his company's manager, Sun Mi, Jerry, Vince, Imani and all other business partners to Korea for the preparation of the grand opening of his new branch.Michael, Jerry, Sun Mi, Carol, and a few others boarded business class. While Mrs. Brown, Imani, Vince and other well wishers boarded the first class.IN THE FIRST CLASS:Imani and Vince sat opposite each other, while Mrs Brown sat together with a friend of hers who was around the same age as her.“Have you received any valuable updates on Layla's mother's whereabouts?” Imani asked Vince, while nibbling on a cupcake.“Not yet, he is quite a busy man. He should find something by tonight.” Vince replied, letting out a deep breath. “How are you feeling? You know the doctor advised you not to travel in your condition but you insisted.”“I feel fine Vince, I am perfectly fine. I just desperately wish to lay my eyes on Mrs Johnson, it's been such a long time.” Imani replied, still munching
“I just got a call from my friend.” Vince announced as Imani stepped into their hotel room with a towel draped over her chest.Using a face towel Imani wiped off the water from her face and hands before she stared deeply at Vince. “What friend?” She inquired, making her way to the wardrobe to pick out pajamas for the night.“The one with the information about Layla's mother.” Vince responded and Imani paused in her tracks.“What did he say?” She asked, turning to face him.“He said that he bumped into her again, this time around in a supermarket. He claimed that he overheard her in a heated conversation with someone but he couldn't understand what she said as she spoke fluently in Mandarin. But the last words she said before the call ended were spoken in English.” Vince began.“What did she say?” Imani asked.“I don't want to lose my daughter again.” Vince replied. His words caused Imani to drop her face towel in shock.“Are you sure about this?” Imani asked, her eyes wide open in sho
Jerry walked up to Michael. “It would be nice if you took Sun Mi to the dance floor.” Jerry suggested.“And why would that be?” Michael asked.“It would be nice for both brands, rumors are the best advertisement. If a relationship rumor springs, attending events together and fooling the general public. Would not only widen Sun Mi's opportunities but Browns Inc as well.” Imani explained on Jerry's behalf.“Yeah what she said.” Jerry chimned in.“I don't think I want that to be the way to expand Browns Inc.” Michael responded.“Just dance with the girl, it's not such a big deal. Besides, celebrities do it all the time.” Vince added.“And they never fall in love?” Michael asked.“The question should be, will you fall in love?” Vince asked, sipping champagne from a glass.Michael glared at Vince then turned to face Jerry. “Where is she?” “Over there.” Jerry replied, pointing at a table not too far from them.Sun Mi was seated with other models on a table they were engaging in a basic c
“You did not tell me about any crazy speech, don't say anything insane out there.” Michael warned Vince with a death glare.Before Vince could retort Carol interrupted. “Good Evening Sir.” She greeted Michael with her head bowed low. “I know that this might be a wrong time to ask for this, but I am currently feeling extremely weak. And I would really love to go back to the hotel. I know that I should be here supervising the hired staff, but I won't be able to hold on for much longer.” Carol said, with her head bowed low while sniffing back her obviously fake tears.“It's time for my speech.” Vince announced with a mischievous smile then he got up and made his way to the center of the hall.“You can go back to the hotel, the event is almost over. You don't have much to contribute here anyways.” Michael dismissed her coldly.Carol looked up and stared at Michael for a short while before she turned around and made her way out of the hall.“She likes you.” Imani revealed, causing Michael
The event had long ended and every guest had gone to their respective homes or hotel rooms. Michael stepped out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist, while he made use of a smaller towel to wipe out the beads of water on his body.When he was done he sat down at the edge of the bed and began to think about everything that went down today during the grand opening. From being rude to Senator Bong Won Yun, because he had belittled Sun Mi. To actually listening to Imani and asking Sun Mi for a dance and finally finding it hard to say that he doesn't care about her.He couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt that had been weighing on him since Imani's words. He couldn't believe he was developing feelings for Sun Mi, especially after being responsible for Layla's death. He started questioning his own morality and wondered why he was capable of loving anyone else.“Michael, you need to forget about the past and move on.” Imani had said, but it was easier said than done.~~
As the plane soared through the skies, Michael, Sun Mi, Carol, Jerry, Imani, Vince, Mrs Brown and other business partners settled into their seats, exhausted from the events of the past few days.In business class, Jerry and Sun Mi chatted quietly, their conversation carrying over to where Michael sat."So, what was it like dancing with Michael?" Jerry asked, his eyes sparkled with curiosity.Sun Mi shrugged. "It was nothing special. Just a dance.”She said with a nonchalant expression.“Are you sure? Your heart did not flutter or skip a beat when he placed his hands on your waist?” He inquired.“Was it meant to?” She clapped back.Michael felt a pang of hurt listening to her words.“Why do I feel this way? I should be happy, this is what I wanted after all.” Michael said, trying so hard to convince himself.He decided to push his emotions aside, trying to focus on preparing for the conference call he would have in a few hours time.IN THE FIRST CLASS:Vince was on a mission, he neede
He shut the door and dipped his hands into his pocket, admiring our cozy home. I felt a chill run down my spine."I don't understand what's going on. What is he doing here?" I whispered to my friend, trying to make sense of the situation."Let's just hear him out." She replied calmly.I glared at him, who was still grinning at me. "So, this is what you do? Go around saving girls to get into their pants?"He didn't seem surprised by my words, for reasons best known to him."Layla, it's not like that." My friend said, touching my arm, trying to calm me down, but I was having none of it.“You're never going to stop, are you?" He shook his head, turning around to admire our home further."Imani, he has to leave.” I whispered urgently."What? It's raining heavily outside. Where do you want him to go?" She replied, defending him.I was shocked. "No... he can't stay here! I don't want him in this house, and that's final!"Her expression changed, and she lashed out at me. "And what makes you
Vince stepped into his apartment, greeted by the savory aroma of pizza.Imani sat on the kitchen counter, devouring a family-sized pie."Hey, babe! How was your meeting with Michael?" Imani asked, mouth full of pizza.Vince sighed, taking a seat next to her. "It was a disaster. He refused to listen to me, and now he's in denial."“What happened?" Imani asked, concerned.Vince recounted the entire ordeal, from him informing Michael about Sun Mi's true identity, that her parents were trying so hard to hide to Michael's refusal to believe him."...and then Michael told me to drop it, that I was being paranoid.” Vince concluded.Imani shook her head. "He's just scared, Vince. He'll come around once he realizes the truth."Vince nodded. "I know, but time is running out. Sun Mi's life is at stake and his as well. He might die from depression at this rate. It's been four years already, yet Michael is still grieving this hard.” He explained.Imani placed a hand on Vince's arm. "We'll figure i
Vince stepped into Michael's office, with a warm smile."What's good, my man?" Michael asked, flashing a bright smile."Not much, just trying to stay out of trouble," Vince replied, chuckling."Trouble? You? Nah, you're a straight shooter, Vince." Michael said, laughing out loud."Hey, watch it, I can get into some trouble if I want to." Vince jokes."Oh, I'm shakin' in my boots." Michael teased.Vince playfully rolled his eyes. "Anyway, enough about that. I got some serious business to discuss."Michael's expression suddenly became serious. "Okay, what's up?" He asked.Vince took a deep breath and began to narrate the whole story, starting from when he paused his speech to run after Jerry, only to bump into Mrs. Johnson."So, while I was about to give my speech during your grand opening in Seoul. I had seen you run out of the building, obviously annoyed, so I decided to run after you but I got lost in the hallways and I saw someone I never expected.I saw Jerry talking to a strange
Vince immediately ripped the box open, and they were met with a surprise. Inside, they found a packet of drugs, drips, syringes and a small paper containing instructions on when and how the drugs should be taken."What the hell is this?" Vince asked, puzzled.Bunker shook his head. "I don't know, but I can find the contact of a doctor or nurse, or at least a friend of mine that works in a hospital, they must know what these drugs are used for." He suggested.“Sure let's go with that.” Vince responded.Bunker made himself comfortable on his rusty cushion and picked up his laptop from the side table and turned it on.He scrolled through the laptop a few times before he announced joyfully. “I found someone's contact on the net, but she is not allowed to give out certain information except in crucial situations.” He explained.“So how do we go about this?” Vince asked.“Well, we will just have to put on a good show.” Bunker replied as dialed the number and the person picked up after the t
Sun Mi sat at the edge of her bed, sipping her coffee and staring out the window. She had been having the strangest dreams ever since she returned to America. Every night, it was the same thing - she would see herself in a different scenario, but the faces of the people around her were always blurry. Except for hers, she could see her own face clearly, but everyone else's was a blur.Jerry walked into the room, carrying a bunch of grocery bags. "Hey, good morning!" He said, setting the bags down on the counter. "I brought breakfast."Sun Mi smiled, she was grateful for the distraction. "Thanks, Jerry. You're a lifesaver."As Jerry started setting the table, he noticed that Sun Mi looked a bit off. "Hey, is everything okay?" he asked, concern marred on his face. "You look like you've lost your last marble."Sun Mi sighed, rubbing her temples. "I don't know, Jerry. I just can't shake off these weird dreams I've been having. And the weirdest part is, I can only see my own face. Everyone
Sun Mi slept peacefully in her hotel room, her facial mask placed on her face as usual . She was exhausted from the long flight and the events of the day. As she drifted off to sleep, she began to dream.In her dream, she saw two men in a car, speeding down the road. They were laughing and playing loud music, oblivious to the road ahead. Sun Mi's heart raced as she saw herself running into the road, trying to get to the other side. She tried to scream, but her voice was muffled.The car screeched to a halt just inches from her face. Sun Mi's heart skipped a beat as she saw the two men staring at her in shock. One of them looked like he had seen a ghost. The other was grinning from ear to ear."Is she alive?" The second guy whispered."We should take her to the hospital.” The first guy suggested, his eyes fixed on Sun Mi's face.Sun Mi felt a jolt of fear as the first guy approached her. He was handsome, but there was something strange about him. She tried to move away, but her body fe
Vince's mind was racing as he sat back in the airplane seat room, staring at the footage Travis had sent him. The grainy video showed Mrs. Johnson arguing with the masked Sun Mi backstage at a runway show. Vince's eyes narrowed as he watched the video again, this time paying closer attention to the body language of the two women."I think Sun Mi might be Layla.” Vince whispered to Imani, who was sleeping beside him. Imani's eyes snapped open, and she sat up straight, her eyes locking onto Vince's."What? Why do you think that?" Imani asked her with her eyes wide open in shock.Vince showed her the footage, and Imani's eyes widened as she watched."This is getting juicier by the minute," Vince said, his eyes locked onto Imani's. "I think we need to dig deeper."Imani nodded in agreement, then asked . "Are you sure about this?”Vince nodded. “I am not a hundred percent sure that Sun Mi and Layla are one and the same person. It's only a hunch and my intuition is never wrong.” He said, gr
As the plane soared through the skies, Michael, Sun Mi, Carol, Jerry, Imani, Vince, Mrs Brown and other business partners settled into their seats, exhausted from the events of the past few days.In business class, Jerry and Sun Mi chatted quietly, their conversation carrying over to where Michael sat."So, what was it like dancing with Michael?" Jerry asked, his eyes sparkled with curiosity.Sun Mi shrugged. "It was nothing special. Just a dance.”She said with a nonchalant expression.“Are you sure? Your heart did not flutter or skip a beat when he placed his hands on your waist?” He inquired.“Was it meant to?” She clapped back.Michael felt a pang of hurt listening to her words.“Why do I feel this way? I should be happy, this is what I wanted after all.” Michael said, trying so hard to convince himself.He decided to push his emotions aside, trying to focus on preparing for the conference call he would have in a few hours time.IN THE FIRST CLASS:Vince was on a mission, he neede
The event had long ended and every guest had gone to their respective homes or hotel rooms. Michael stepped out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist, while he made use of a smaller towel to wipe out the beads of water on his body.When he was done he sat down at the edge of the bed and began to think about everything that went down today during the grand opening. From being rude to Senator Bong Won Yun, because he had belittled Sun Mi. To actually listening to Imani and asking Sun Mi for a dance and finally finding it hard to say that he doesn't care about her.He couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt that had been weighing on him since Imani's words. He couldn't believe he was developing feelings for Sun Mi, especially after being responsible for Layla's death. He started questioning his own morality and wondered why he was capable of loving anyone else.“Michael, you need to forget about the past and move on.” Imani had said, but it was easier said than done.~~