Chapter 2: Uncomfortable Encounters and Birthday Plans

As the evening grew darker, Rusa Soe glanced outside the car window and noticed her teammates chatting and laughing on the restaurant's lane. The traffic light turned green, prompting her to drive towards the nearest shopping mall.

Parking her car, Rusa made her way upstairs to the girls' wear shop on the third floor. As she entered, she unexpectedly spotted Kim and Sarae browsing through the dresses. She pretended not to have seen them and began searching for a comfortable dress elsewhere. However, as she approached a stylish red gown in a corner, she realized Kim was about to answer her question.

"Hello, Ma'am," Kim greeted her with his usual politeness, while Sarae also acknowledged her presence.

Feeling a sense of awkwardness, Rusa responded, "Hi. Don't mind me, enjoy your shopping!" She quickly moved to the opposite side of the store, hoping to give them some space.

Kim, empathetic towards Rusa's discomfort, felt a pang of sympathy. He knew she often appeared alone and saw this as an opportunity to alleviate her feelings of isolation. Meanwhile, Sarae tried on various dresses while Kim offered his comments.

"You always say I look pretty in every dress. I can't buy them all, you know. Help me choose the perfect ones," Sarae playfully complained.

Kim smiled and pointed out three dresses from the ones Sarae was considering, saying, "Try these on, they might be the best options."

Observing the dresses hanging on the wall, Rusa felt a mix of emotions. She finished her report, called her father, Chairman Soe, and informed him that she would be heading to the mall for some shopping before meeting him.

"I'll be down in fifteen minutes," Chairman Soe replied before ending the call.

"I'll drive there myself, Dad. I have some shopping to do," Rusa informed him, taking charge of her own plans. She started her car and stopped at a red traffic light, glancing at the bustling streets.

Meanwhile, Kim proceeded to purchase dinner from a nearby restaurant, ensuring he had enough to share. Sarae happily confirmed their purchases, revealing that she had bought five dresses and a pair of heels.

"They all look pretty on you, as always," Kim complimented her sincerely.

"You always say that!" Sarae teasingly protested, knowing Kim's fondness for her.

Just as they were enjoying their meal, Kim's mobile phone rang. It was his younger sister, Cristina, calling him.

"Hey, Cristina, wait a while. I'm bringing you dinner from a very nice restaurant," Kim assured her.

"I don't care where you bought dinner from; I'm really hungry right now," Cristina angrily complained.

Kim hung up the call, slightly flustered, and instructed the waiter to pack the same items as a single portion. They resumed their meal, with Cristina eating silently, still upset.

"Cristina, I'm sorry. I should have ordered something for you earlier. I didn't know I would be this late," Kim apologized sincerely.

Cristina remained silent, seemingly absorbed in her own thoughts.

"I was thinking about getting you a birthday present, but if you aren't speaking to me, should I change my mind?" Kim teased, trying to lighten the mood.

"What will the present be?" Cristina asked, her anger momentarily replaced by curiosity.

"I don't know yet," Kim replied, chuckling at her response.

In a playful gesture, Cristina tossed the plastic bag brought with dinner in his direction, breaking into a small smile.

After reaching her home, Soe Villa, Rusa found her father waiting for her in the living hall. He promptly instructed the maids to prepare dinner while he

engaged in conversation with his daughter. The household staff consisted of two maids and a butler.

"Go, freshen up quickly, and come down for dinner," Chairman Soe instructed Rusa.

Nodding, Rusa climbed up the stairs. After fifteen minutes, she descended and joined her father at the dining table, where the maids began serving their meal. The atmosphere grew more serious as Chairman Soe broached a sensitive topic.

"President Rayner informed me that his son, Joe, will be coming to our company for a sportswear advertisement photo shoot. We need to finalize the date for you two. Your marriage with Joe was arranged when you were kids, as you know. But if you have any objections or other preferences, let me know. I don't want to force you into a bitter relationship that could potentially harm both you and your mother," Chairman Soe explained, giving Rusa the opportunity to express herself.

For a brief moment, Rusa remained silent, pondering her father's words. Chairman Soe patiently allowed her the time to process her thoughts.

After several minutes, she finally spoke, her voice tinged with a mix of resignation and vulnerability, "Because I've always known that my hand was already given to Joe, I've never truly made an effort to connect with anyone else. Besides, I don't have many friends. I'm not particularly attractive, so it's hard to catch others' attention."

Chairman Soe laughed heartily, his laughter filling the room. "Who says you're not pretty? My daughter is truly beautiful," he reassured her, reminding her of her inherent beauty.

Both father and daughter shared a genuine moment of laughter, momentarily easing the weight of the conversation.

Later, in her room, Rusa unpacked the clothes she had bought earlier from the mall. Excitement coursed through her veins as she carefully considered what to wear the following day, anticipating her long-awaited reunion with Joe during the upcoming photo shoot.