1 Prologue

Rori sat inside her car, gripping the steering wheel with her hands as she watched Kenji outside the entrance of the airport. There he was, all gorgeous with his three-piece Armani suit, turning the eyes of whoever comes in his vicinity. He was so beautiful that it hurts.

But that isn't the reason why she's stuck staring at him at the moment. No, it was the man beside her beloved. The one who was holding his hand in a firm grip, as if fearing that someone else might steal Kenji away. She felt the bitterness on the tip of her tongue, her chest hurting when she saw how lovingly they stared at each other.

Why did he even call for her when he already has that guy with him?

A foolish question. One she found herself asking more times than once. Of course, no matter the answer, she will always come running when he calls. The sudden ringing of her phone snapped her out of her trance. Her father was calling.

"Aurora, you insolent child! What were you thinking, leaving in the middle of the party like that?! I want you here this instance!" She winced at the loudness of his voice, her eyes still traveling back to the unsuspecting pair she was eyeing earlier. She sighed. They were laughing together.

"Daddy, Kenji called. He said he needed me."

"For Pete's sake, young lady. It's your mother's birthday!" Rori bit her lip in guilt.

"I know, it's just that... I can't say no to him. I'm sorry." You can. You just don't want to.

"Where are you?" She can already picture her father rubbing his temples in distress.

"At the airport, I'm picking him up." She's already wincing with the expected reaction of her father.

"What?! Did you leave just for that? Kenji's not a child anymore, he can go home by himself!" She knows. She knows he can live without her, but she just couldn't help but want to be needed by him. Even if it is only with these small things. She saw Kenji holding his phone to his left ear, his brows furrowed. He's probably trying to call her, wondering why she was late.

"I know. I just want to be here to welcome him back. Dad, please." She heard him sigh in defeat on the other line. He knew that when it comes to Ken, there's no stopping his daughter. She would drop the world with a single word from him.

"Get back here after you drop him off. Drive safely." He hung up with those words.

Rori took a deep breath and glanced at where Kenji was. He was talking with the other guy, fixing the bow of his tie with a soft expression. She clenched her fists.

Plastering a sweet, fake smile, she opened her car door. Her Jimmy Choos heels clicked on the asphalt, her golden long gown flowing on her curves gently. She was still dressed for the party, so the crowd couldn't help but steal a glance at her flashy display.

"Ken!" Their heads turned in her direction, and Kenji immediately gave her a smile.

"Rori, you're here! What took you so long? And why are you dressed like that?" He gave her a hug before holding her face to look at her. She felt her heart flutter.

"My dad wanted to talk to me first." She said as she held his hands. She's already content with these small gestures. Even if they probably meant nothing to him.

"Oh, okay. By the way," He let her hands go and pulled the other guy to his side--his arm wrapped around his waist.

"This is Severo Leroy, a friend I met in France." A friend, huh? She held out her hand to shake Severo's and gave him a friendly smile.

"Aurora Forbes, you can call me Rori." He smiled at her and she stared at his face. In all fairness, he was extremely good-looking. As expected of Kenji's tastes. Tall, good posture, and an air of confidence around him.

"Call me Seo."

"Shall we go? Where should I drop you off?" Rori looked at Kenji who gave her his sweetest smile.

"Ah, about that," Kenji moved and she suddenly felt arms wrap around her waist from behind. "Rori, baby," He whispered in her ear as he put his chin on her shoulder and hugged her tighter. "Can we stay in your condo? Please? You know how much my brother hates it when I bring guests to our house. Please? Just for a week?" She can almost hear him pouting, but she didn't dare turn her head. She was stoned. Kenji was hugging her, and she didn't know what to do.

Her mind struggled to process his request. "U-Uhm," She didn't know what to say. Stay in her condo? Him and his friend?

"S-Sure." Kenji squealed in happiness and freed her from his arms. He went to Seo and pecked his cheek. She looked away.

"See? I told you she'd say yes. Rori can never say no to me!" He was practically jumping in elation as he pulled Seo to her car.

"Let's go, Rori! We have so much to catch up on." She saw how they held hands. Seo opened the door for Kenji and kissed his cheek before closing it. After putting their luggage inside the back of the car, Seo proceeded to enter the other side of the backseat where Kenji sat.

She looked more like their driver. After entering the driver's seat, Rori looked at the two in her rearview mirror. Kenji had his eyes closed, his head resting on Seo's shoulder while their hands were intertwined. She saw Seo's eyes met hers so she immediately looked away.

Why does she always willingly drink poison?

Oh, wait. It's not always. It's only when it's from Kenji. She willingly gobbles everything he gives. Even if it kills her.

How tragic.