Yuna:
The car slowly stopped in front of a grand mansion.
Yuna stepped out and looked up.
Her breath almost caught.
The place was breathtaking—tall pillars, golden lights glowing along the walls, a wide entrance decorated with elegant white flowers and soft curtains flowing with the evening breeze.
"This is… beautiful," she whispered.
Ethan stepped beside her.
"It's her style."
Yuna glanced at him, then slowly placed her hand in his as he offered it.
Together, they walked inside.
---
The moment they entered, the atmosphere changed completely.
Soft music filled the air.
Crystal chandeliers sparkled above.
People dressed in expensive outfits moved around, laughing, talking, holding drinks—every corner looked like a scene from a luxury event.
Yuna instinctively moved a little closer to Ethan.
His presence felt… grounding.
Just then—
A woman approached them.
She was stunning.
Tall, confident, dressed in a sleek silver gown that shimmered under the lights. Her aura was sharp, elegant, and powerful.
"Ethan," she said with a slight smile.
Ethan nodded.
"Valentina."
Yuna noticed the familiarity in their tone.
So this was her.
Her future… boss.
Ethan turned slightly toward Yuna.
"She's the one I told you about."
Then to Valentina, he added,
"This is Yuna."
Valentina's sharp eyes moved to Yuna, observing her from head to toe.
For a second, it felt like she was being evaluated without a single word.
Then Valentina smiled lightly and extended her hand.
"Nice to meet you."
Yuna quickly shook her hand.
"Nice to meet you too."
Valentina nodded slightly, then gestured to a waiter nearby.
"Drinks."
Within seconds, glasses were brought.
Ethan picked up a glass of champagne.
Yuna took a glass of wine.
She held it carefully, still adjusting to the environment.
Soon, Ethan and Valentina started talking.
Business.
Their tone changed—calm, sharp, precise.
"Did the Milan deal go through?" Valentina asked.
"It did," Ethan replied. "But there were delays."
"I expected that," she said. "The suppliers are unreliable."
"We'll replace them."
Their conversation continued like that—quick, confident, full of things Yuna didn't fully understand.
She stood beside Ethan quietly.
Listening.
Watching.
But not included.
For the first time that night—
She felt… a little out of place.
The music, the people, the conversation—
Everything felt distant.
She took a small sip of her wine.
Trying to stay composed.
Trying not to look awkward.
Then Valentina suddenly looked at Ethan.
"Let's go. We need to discuss the numbers."
Ethan nodded.
Then he turned to Yuna.
"I'll be back in a few minutes."
She looked at him.
"Okay."
"Don't go anywhere."
A small pause.
Then she nodded.
"I won't."
Ethan and Valentina walked away together, disappearing into a quieter corridor.
Yuna stood there for a moment.
Alone.
The noise of the party suddenly felt louder.
She looked around.
Everyone seemed busy.
Everyone seemed like they belonged.
Except her.
She let out a small breath and walked toward a nearby chair.
Sitting down, she crossed her legs and took another sip of her wine.
Her fingers lightly traced the edge of the glass.
"This is your first step…" Ethan's words echoed in her mind.
She looked around again.
Determined.
But still…
A little lonely.