Mia's POV
I stared at the tablet again.
Two hours from the city.
Mountain terrain. Natural elevation. Underground water source nearby. Minimal nearby population.
"This one," I said decisively. "Two-hour drive is far enough. Close enough for transport. Remote enough for safety."
Luis studied the coordinates and nodded.
"Good choice. Stable soil composition. No major fault lines recorded within a ten-kilometer radius."
I looked up at him. "I want to see it."
"I'll go with you," he replied immediately.
I blinked. "You're busy."
"I'll make time."
I hesitated. "Luis, you have a corporation to run. I can inspect it myself."
His expression didn't change.
"If I'm not busy tomorrow," he said calmly, "we'll go tomorrow."
I narrowed my eyes slightly. "And if you are busy?"
"I won't be."
I almost laughed.
He was serious.
"Fine," I said. "Tomorrow."
A small victory flashed across his eyes.
"I'll select trusted workers," I continued. "Engineers, excavation experts, structural designers. People loyal to my family."
"You should," he agreed. "And I'll do the same."
He leaned back slightly, thoughtful.
"We build two bunkers," he added.
"Two?"
"In different areas," he clarified. "If one attracts suspicion, the other remains safe."
He was thinking ahead.
Always.
"We'll register the construction under a joint development project between our companies," Luis continued. "Aetherion Land & Holdings and Alps Builders collaborating on a sustainable eco-housing prototype."
That made perfect sense.
Aetherion specialized in large-scale land acquisition and environmentally integrated developments. Alps Builders, on the other hand, was known for innovative structural design, luxury hotels, and disaster-resilient housing systems under my father's leadership.
A collaboration between the two corporations would never raise suspicion.
In fact, the industry would celebrate it.
And since our families had known each other for years, no one would question why the heirs were personally overseeing the project.
This time.
It wouldn't just be a business partnership.
It would be survival..
It felt like partnership.
I picked up another piece of shrimp tempura and took a bite.
Still crispy.
Still warm.
"You're really not eating?" I asked, noticing he'd barely touched his food.
"I am," he replied calmly.
But he was looking at me.
Not the food.
"Luis."
"Yes?"
"Stop staring."
A faint curve appeared on his lips. "You're enjoying it."
"Of course I am. You prepared my childhood favorites."
"You used to finish the ramen broth first," he said.
"I still do."
He pushed the bowl slightly closer to me.
I laughed softly.
I haven't felt this light in… years.
Maybe because my plan is finally moving.
Maybe because I'm not alone in it anymore.
Maybe because he believes me.
The clock on the wall read 1:17 p.m.
Tomorrow, I'll see the land.
Tomorrow, it begins.
A knock interrupted us.
Pablo entered carefully.
"Sir, your external meeting in thirty minutes. The investors from Singapore have arrived earlier than scheduled."
Luis' jaw tightened slightly.
Of course.
Reality returns.
I stood.
"I should go too," I said. "You're busy."
He looked like he wanted to argue.
But he didn't.
"Text me later," he said instead. "What time tomorrow?"
"I'll confirm tonight."
He walked me to the door.
For a brief second, we stood too close again.
"Thank you," I told him quietly.
"For what?"
"For believing me."
His voice softened.
"You don't look like someone who lies about the end of the world."
I smiled faintly.
"See you tomorrow, Luis."
"See you."
I walked out, heart lighter than when I entered.
Back across the street.
Back to my office.
But this time.
I had land.
I had a plan.
And I had him.
Luis' POV
I watched the door close behind her.
Then slowly turned toward Pablo.
"For future reference," I said calmly, "don't interrupt lunch unless the building is on fire."
Pablo blinked nervously. "Yes, sir."
I exhaled.
Annoyed?
Yes.
But not enough to ruin my mood.
Because tomorrow,
I'm spending the day with Mia.
On purpose.
Not as children dragged by our parents.
Not as strangers at formal events.
But as partners.
She chose the land decisively.
Confident.
Focused.
Different from the playful girl who once dragged me into mud just to "test survival skills."
I smiled faintly at the memory.
Back then, I was too shy.
Too quiet.
I let Kevin step into the spotlight.
Not this time.
If the world truly ends.
I won't let another man stand beside her.
Tomorrow, I'll make sure she sees me.
Not as a childhood friend.
Not as a business ally.
But as someone who chooses her.
I straightened my tie and picked up the investor documents.
Singapore can wait a few minutes.
Because for the first time in years.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow.