The anniversary gala was finally here. The halls of the luxurious hotel shimmered with white and black decorations. Soft classical music played in the background, and the lighting glowed warmly on the polished floor. The air was filled with excitement.
Chairman Kang Hyun Bin stood tall near the stage. He looked very elegant in his black tuxedo and white shirt. Beside him was his loyal secretary, Jang Do-Joon, dressed neatly in a similar black suit.
The guests had not arrived yet, but everything was ready.
A moment later, Kang Mi-na walked in with her husband Jung Jin Ho. They looked like a powerful couple from a magazine. Mi-na wore a floor-length black dress with white crystals that sparkled under the lights. Her hair was styled in soft curls. Jin Ho wore a white suit with a black shirt and bow tie. They both smiled proudly as they walked in.
Then came Ji-a.
She looked very beautiful tonight. Her white long-sleeved dress had a side slit that showed just the right amount of her leg. Her straight hair fell neatly behind her back. She wore shiny silver jewelry and a matching silver pair of heels. She walked in confidently like she was already the star of the night.
Not long after, Tae Joon entered. He wore a clean white tuxedo and walked in without showing much expression.
But Na-ri was running late. The event was to begin in five minutes. Staff members were already hurrying to welcome guests outside.
Ji-a glanced at the entrance and smiled to herself.
"She must've finally seen the photos," Ji-a whispered to her mother.
Mi-na chuckled and gave her a wicked smile.
Chairman Kang looked worried. He pulled out his phone and called Na-ri. The phone rang once. When she picked up, he asked quickly, "Where are you, Na-ri?"
But before she could say anything, she ended the call.
The chairman was confused. He lowered the phone and frowned.
Just then, a soft but confident voice echoed from behind him.
"Grandpa, no need to worry."
Everyone turned to look. There stood Na-ri and Minji, walking into the hall together.
Na-ri looked like a dream. Like a famous actress walking into a red carpet event.
She wore a stunning black gown, covered in tiny sparkling stones. The dress had one sleeveless arm and the other side was bare, showing off her collarbone and shoulder. The waist of the gown was tight, pulling her shape beautifully, with a small cut-out on one side showing a hint of her slim waist.
Her hair was styled in a neat bun. Her jewelry was all black diamond — necklace, earrings, bracelets, and rings. Her heels and purse sparkled with matching stones. Her makeup was like a magazine shoot. Her skin glowed, her eyes stood out, and her lips were painted a soft nude shade.
Minji beside her looked just as lovely. She wore the white dress Na-ri got for her. Her makeup was natural and pretty, and her long hair was styled perfectly.
Ji-a's face changed the moment she saw them. Na-ri looked like a goddess. Even the hotel staff who stood around stared in awe and whispered to one another.
Na-ri walked straight into her grandfather's arms. She smiled softly and said, "Happy anniversary, Grandpa."
He smiled, clearly touched. "You're beautiful, my sweetheart. Just like your grandmother."
Na-ri smiled.
Soon after, Chairman Kang walked up to the stage to give a short speech to the hotel staff.
"Everyone," he began, "thank you for your hard work. Let's do our best to make tonight a success."
Applause followed.
Then the gala officially began.
The grand doors were opened. Outside, Minji and a few hotel staff members stood near a welcome stand. She smiled warmly and greeted each guest as they arrived.
Inside, Na-ri and Ji-a took turns welcoming the guests personally and introducing them to the chairman. Many important people had come from all over the world — successful businesspeople, international partners, and government officials.
The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport arrived too, surrounded by aides. Other politicians, businessmen, and high-ranking party members followed.
Na-ri smiled and greeted them all kindly, but her eyes kept moving toward the entrance. She kept looking for Jin Woo.
He wasn't there.
She excused herself quietly and typed another message on her phone. Are you okay? She sent it to Jin Woo and checked again. Still no reply.
Her mind was uneasy. Was he alright?
But suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted.
"Na-ri!"
She turned quickly.
It was her great aunt, Chairwoman Choi Tae Ri, the head of CBS Daily. She had just arrived from Canada and walked in looking graceful in a classy black and white hanbok-inspired gown.
Na-ri's heart softened. She walked into her great aunt's arms and hugged her tightly. "I missed you, Auntie."
"I missed you too. And wow, you look amazing tonight," Tae Ri said with a proud smile.
Na-ri smiled warmly, but something hit her heart. In the future… her aunt had lost her. She would have cried her heart out. She would have been heartbroken and alone.
Tae Ri looked around. "Where is your boyfriend?"
Na-ri said nothing. She didn't even look in his direction.
Tae Joon, who had been nearby all night, noticed it. She hadn't spoken to him once. Not even when she should have introduced him to her aunt. It was clear—Na-ri was ignoring him on purpose.
Then came the Han family. The atmosphere shifted a bit.
Ji-a, eager to impress, rushed toward them.
"Grandpa, this is—"
But before she could finish, Jin Hee, Jin Woo's, looked at Na-ri instead.
"You must be Kang Na-ri? You're very pretty," she said simply.
Ji-a froze in shock.
Even Bae Soo Ah, Jin Woo's mother, glanced at Na-ri with admiration.
Na-ri bowed politely, hiding the awkward feeling growing in her heart.
Still… Jin Woo wasn't there.
Most of the guests were now settled. The gala had officially begun. Na-ri felt overwhelmed. She quickly made her way to the restroom to make a phone call. She held the phone tightly, her fingers shaking slightly.