131 MIDNIGHT KISSES-E

`What is it Ace?', she noticed the gleam of desperation in his eyes and her smile faltered completely. Something seems off. Was it bad news?

Ace took a deep breath and spoke `I will be going to Korea soon. Dad opened up a new factory selling blood liquor, water, etc. New ventures, new territories, new challenges. They need me there as the CEO to make things work. Since it is relatively new for us, I will be gone for quite some time',

He saw the swirl of emotions pass through her eyes. The most profound was sadness and it broke his heart to say it. If I left quietly, it would be akin to running away from her and I do not want to do that to her. It's just the timing was not right, on her birthday nonetheless. 

Astrid's heart hammered in her chest. The devastation was an understatement. `How….how long?',