The exhibition was already over when Leonel came to inspect. Everyone greeted with him with a bow.
"Is it over already?" he asked.
"Yes, chairman" director Wang replied.
Leonel took his seat, and crossed his legs "So what are our gains and losses?"
"Successfully, this time there are no losses. We made big sales, chairman" he replied, grinning from ear to ear.
Leonel grinned "Impressive. We should hold a big party, don't you think?"
"I was about to say the same thing"
"Yes, I know" Leonel said and director Wang's brows furrowed. He knew? "Anything else?"
"No, sir"
"About the party, let's hold it this weekend. Friday night. All arrangements should be made before then. No delays" he ordered.
"Yes, sir"
"You may leave" director Wang bowed and then left.
*...*....*.....*.....*.....*....*
Layana arrived home that evening. She dropped down from the car and walked into the house with a few guards behind her. Once she reached the comfort of their room, she took a deep breath.
"What a terrible day today has been" she said "Is the Prince back yet?"
"Yes, your highness" the maid replied.
"Could you inform him that his sister returned home burning with fever and she needs her brother by her side right now?"
"Yes, your highness" she left immediately to relay the message. Once Zayden received the message, he smiled. What a baby Layana could be. But the thing is he can't do all this. Ryan is the best for the job. But, if he wants to care for his gem, he has to begin from caring for his sister. So he stood up, walking to het Manor.
"Prince Zayden is here, princess" Layana heard and she turned.
"Brother!" she exclaimed excitingly.
"Is this the person who's burning with fever?" Zayden asked "I was expecting to see you covered on your bed, shivering to your bones. What happened?"
"I got better" she replied and dragged him to sit on the couch. "Would you like a drink?"
"Nevermind. I'm full" he said. His eyes scanned her up and down. "Oooh..... You dressed exquisite for a man you don't like?" he blurted.
"What?!"
"He must have been blown away by your mesmerizing beauty"
"Hey!"
"I bet he poured wine on his suit"
"Stop teasing me" Layana frowned "I shouldn't have worn this dress. I should have worn something petty"
"It's not about the dress. It's about what his after" Zayden said, his face serious for a moment and then they disappeared.
"Whatever" Layana shrugged it off.
"So... I heard the traitor came by?"
"Yes"
"I'm quite surprised. She left with her heart. How did you cope?" he asked in anticipation.
"I succeeded in taming my anger. It's not an easy thing, I telling you" she replied.
He stood up and took steps to the window, he gazed out "what did she tell you?"
"She said... Ryan's in danger. Kang Jimyeong sent his men to have him killed. Brother, I'm quite scared"
Zayden turned and looked at her. "About what?"
"About him dying." She said. "What if they succeed and Ryan dies? He won't come back to us and we would never see him again."
"There a three things that can't happen" he began "One, them getting to Ryan. Two, Ryan dying, and three, Ryan coming back to us. So do not worry, little sister"
Layana's brows creased as she stared at him. It was obvious she was still worried.
"I'll tell you something. I ran into Ryan today and his perfectly fine. Without a scratch" Zayden said to ease her mood.
Layana looked at the floor, she thought for a while. "You ran into Ryan" she uttered and he nodded. "And he's fine " he nodded again. "And what's that thing you said about him not coming back to us? What do you mean?"
"Uh... What I mean is, Ryan isn't coming back anytime soon." he half lied. He didn't want to hurt her feelings.
"Why so? I thought you you said he found his bride?"
"I did say that. And I also said he doesn't know." he replied "Also, he's so cold and mean towards her. Poor human girl" he shook his head.
Layana sighed "Why does he act that way?"
"He doesn't like women, remember?"
"Then why did he bring her to his home?"
"Don't worry, Yana. They'll fall in love soon. Very, very soon" a smile crept to his face, as he stared into empty space.
*....*.....*.....*.....*.....*
Ryan and Arianna were on the ferris wheel, watching the sunset. The sky got tinted in orange hue, and a lone star appeared.
"It's so beautiful to watch the sunset" Arianna spoke.
"It feels romantic." Ryan blurted with a serious expression "especially now that you're sitting with me" her eyes had been on him since he started speaking. But he kept his gaze steady on the setting sun.
"You're becoming shameless, Ryan" Arianna said and he finally turned his face to her.
"I don't mind being shameless towards you" a mischievous smile found his way to his face, their eyes locked. "Should I show you how romantic and shameless I can be?" She couldn't speak, she only gazed.... in anticipation. His face drew closer, slowly, and her heart started racing. Her breathing paused, and just then his lips pressed against hers. Her eyes were a bit wide, and his warm hands cupped her face, bringing her closer. He kissed her softly and her eyes closed, she kissed him back. His kiss grew deep and hot, she could not longer feel her legs. Her mind was numb, her body tingled. She wanted more, but just then Ryan pulled away, leaving her hanging. Her eyes fluttered open and she looked at him. His eyes... their trapping her again. Her already flushed face grew red than it has already been, a playful smirk crept to his face. She could feel her cheeks burning, and her lips pressed into a thin line.
"You are so cute" Ryan said and pinched her cheeks, grinning. She turned her face away from him, and touched her face. She tried calming her racing heart. Ryan chuckled, amused. Everything she does is just so cute.
The sun had set already, so Ryan took her hand and they left the wheel. They arrived home and was welcomed by Zariel.
"How was your date?" she blurted, and leaned forward.
"Perfect" he said and left with a million smiles. Arianna watched his retreating back, remembering the kiss again, her cheeks grew red.
Zariel ignoring what she just saw, she was really fighting the urge to laugh. "Go freshen up and come down for dinner"
"Okay" Arianna walked up the stairs, following Ryan behind. He opened the door of his room and they got in. Hurriedly, she rushed to the tank on the bedside table.
"Yun Shin!" Arianna exclaimed "Did you miss me?" Ryan's heart skipped a beat when he heard that name. Whatever he was doing stopped halfway. His breathing seemed to slow down and he turned around slowly "I'm sorry. I won't leave you again. I missed you. Do you like your new name, Yun Shin?"
Yun Shin.... That name....
"W-what name did I... hear you say?" Ryan asked.
"Yun Shin" she replied. Ryan's lips parted, but no words came out. He could only close it back again. "This name came to me when we were watching the sunset. I like it so much" Actually, it was when he kissed her that the name came. Her eyes gleamed, but Ryan just stood there, fazed. "What happened?" she asked as she noticed his expressions.
"It's nothing. The name is nice" he turned away.
Yun Shin. A name given to Ryan by his mother. His human name. That's what his father said. But all his life no one ever called him that because he so wanted to hear it from his mother first. He believes a mother is always the first to say her child's name.
But here's someone who gave that name to a fish he got for her as a gift, with so much love. Truth be told, there are things about her that he doesn't understand. Things unexplainable. Now she has her name in his mouth. Just who on earth is she? What do connection do they have?