Shi-Fashion Company had long been a beacon of elegance in the fashion world. Known for pushing the boundaries of textile artistry and garment design, the company stood tall, a legacy built over decades. The visionary behind it was the sharp and shrewd businessman, Vernald Lofquist—the very name synonymous with prestige. At the heart of it all was his only daughter and heiress, Shiya Lofquist—gifted, creative, stunning, yet never fully captivated by the idea of business leadership. Her heart beat for design and art, not boardrooms and contracts.
Shi-7, their clothing brand, had taken the modeling industry by storm. The blend of originality and class it offered became an aspiration. Despite her brilliance as both designer and model, Shiya never expressed interest in taking over the company. That reluctance made her father grow increasingly fond of her fiancé, Xyon, a calm and calculated businessman who, in his eyes, could secure the empire's future.
"Can you really trust Xyon, sir?" his secretary asked, her voice low but edged with concern.
Mr. Lofquist, sitting behind his mahogany desk, sipped his whiskey slowly. His eyes lowered to the golden liquid swirling in his glass.
He let out a heavy breath. "It's been two years… since I found out he's the son of my old rival," he said bitterly. "But how long can I keep punishing him for his father's name? The boy even changed his surname..."
Just then, a knock interrupted the tension.
"Hi, Dad," Shiya greeted warmly, entering with grace and radiance.
"My lovely daughter." He stood and opened his arms, pulling her into a tight embrace, kissing her cheek with affection.
"I'll be leaving now, sir," the secretary excused herself, casting one last look at them before quietly closing the door behind her.
Shiya's eyes narrowed at the glass in his hand. "Dad… again? Stop drinking so much."
"Okay, okay," he chuckled, setting it aside like a guilty child caught red-handed. "So, how's my beautiful daughter doing?"
She sat across from him, brushing a lock of hair from her face. "Busy with the new project. It's a lot, but I'm actually enjoying it. Keeps the creativity flowing."
"That's good." He sighed, heavier this time.
Shiya tilted her head. "What's that sigh for? Something wrong?"
He looked at her—his pride, his redemption, the daughter he wished to protect even from truths she didn't yet know. "Shiya… do you love Xyon?"
"Of course I do. No doubts. Why would I get engaged if I didn't? Besides," she leaned in, smiling. "I know you like him too."
He nodded, a bittersweet smile crossing his face. "He asked me for dinner. I gotta go and surprise him instead," she added, standing up to leave.
Elsewhere, Xyon stood near a large glass window in his penthouse office, eyes tracing the city lights while holding his phone. Shiya's message blinked on the screen.
"I think I'll be a little late for our dinner. Still drowning in paperwork."
He sighed, but before he could reply, familiar arms wrapped around him from behind—soft, warm, and scented like white roses. Xiao.
Eight months ago, her presence had become part of his twisted fate. The pain and resentment inside him had pushed him into doing things he hadn't originally intended. His father's death haunted him, and the revelation that Shiya's father was responsible for it consumed him.
"I'm sorry, Shiya," his thoughts whispered. "But I will avenge my father."
"What are you thinking about now?" Xiao's voice was gentle yet firm. She knew this version of Xyon—conflicted, torn, and angry.
Xyon turned around. She startled to see tears glistening in his eyes. "Wait... are you cryi—?"
He didn't say a sentence. Instead, he kissed her—hard, desperate, drowning in guilt.
Just then, the door creaked open.
"Did you lock the door?" Xyon asked, alarmed.
"Uhm… I guess?"
He marched over and shut it with a soft curse under his breath, crouching down to light a cigarette. The smoke curled around him like the tangled secrets he carried.
Xiao watched him silently. She hadn't just appeared in his life by accident. Two years ago, she was working under Shiya's father as a secretary. Her orders were clear: watch Xyon, learn his motives. But watching turned into admiring, and admiring soon spiraled into love. She knew about his thirst for vengeance… and she had begun helping him—both from within and without.
Unknown to Xyon, she had taken things further.
"You don't have to burden yourself, Xyon," she said quietly. "I've already taken action to help you avenge your family… faster than you ever planned."
He turned to look at her, confused.
She lowered her voice to a whisper. "I've been adding propofol to his medication. And today… that dessert I gave him had peanut butter."
Xyon's eyes widened in horror.
Later that evening, Xyon's phone buzzed with a single message:
"Come to my office. We need to talk."
He didn't hesitate.
When he arrived, the office was dim, quiet. Shiya's father sat behind his desk, visibly frail, his hand trembling slightly as he gestured for Xyon to come in. His voice was soft but steady.
"You can have the company, Xyon. I won't be around much longer. I wanted to right my wrongs before it's too late. I stole your father's legacy... and I don't expect forgiveness. But I've seen how you love my daughter. That, at least, is real."
Xyon's face darkened, his fists clenched. "You want me to forget that you ruined my father's life? That he died with nothing? And now, you want me to play the good son-in-law—like none of it happened?"
"Shiya had no part in what I did," the old man said weakly. "Don't punish her for my sins."
"No!" Xyon snapped, his voice sharp and bitter. "Loving her was my biggest mistake. But I won't make the mistake of forgiving you."
He turned and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
Alone, Shiya's father gasped. The pain in his chest sharpened like a blade. His confession, meant to bring peace, had only reopened old wounds. As the guilt overwhelmed him, his vision blurred. His hand gripped his chest. And then—nothing. Darkness fell.
On the rooftop, Xyon stood frozen as he heard the sirens wail below. He would learn later that the company had already been transferred to his name. Some shares were given to Shiya, in hopes that the two would find harmony.
But that harmony shattered when Shiya arrived… and saw him with Xiao.
She didn't go home that night.
She never got to say goodbye to her father.
Far away, beneath the sea's dark embrace…
"Shiya…" Sushie called gently. "What are you thinking about?"
Shiya's gaze remained distant. "Nothing. Just… thinking about everything we left behind in the mortal world."
"Hey, guys, how long are we staying in this dark water?" Jericho groaned, arms crossed.
"No need to rush," Lucky answered flatly. "Mortals are forbidden in our world. We're lucky to even be here. Stay alert. The sea's not all pretty creatures—one wrong move and a giant shark could snatch you."
"Hey, don't treat us like scaredy cats," Xyon snapped, glaring. Shiya let out a soft giggle, and even Sushie smiled.
But deep down… something was changing. The surface world had crumbled. Now, they were diving deeper—into secrets, into fate, and into truths that couldn't be buried.