Chapter 1. The Collab

Chapter 1. The Collab

17 years later.

Shanghai, China

"It's a great honor to have you, ladies and gentlemen, grace this occasion with your splendid presence. Royale has gained a new height through her collaboration and journey with with the EssDee Corp. I believe that this would bring a magnificent change in the lives of every Royale family. Lani's..."

"Royale!", everyone chorused followed by the series of applauses.

Leilani Zhang was the successful, young and beautiful CEO of Royale, a fashion designing company that has surpassed all others since it's arrival. It was her hard-earned company, all thanks to the support from her family and friends, especially, Mia Qing who was also the closest one of all.

Royale had stepped into another dimension of popularity due to its collab with the EssDee Corp, the top company in the world. The number one on Forbes Rich list. This was all thanks to the exquisite and intricate designs that Leilani could come up with. As she scanned the auditorium, filled with honorable guests, joy filled her pretty eyes. However, behind those joy-filled eyes, were bottles of overwhelming emotions that was brewing within. The thought of what lay ahead nerved her, making her stance unstable. She grasped the edges of the podium tightly her as fear engulfed her.

"Hey, Lani", that was Mia's voice calling her. She turned to her right and looked at best friend. A forced smile graced her lips.

Mia assured her with a slight nod and she continued the celebration. She made a toast, to the new advance of her company and the occasion went on.

That evening, after the party, she sat down to a sumptuous dinner with her family.

"You're such a graceful one my dear child", Mrs Zhang praised, her eyes filled with adoration for the young lady.

"It's all thanks to your effort mom", Leilani appreciated.

"You should take care of yourself properly when you leave for the states. Don't wander off", her father, Mr Zhang said. Leilani chuckled at his words.

"Dad, you still treat me like I'm so little", Leilani said in a coquettish manner.

"That's because you're precious to me my dear", he said with a doting smile on her face.

"Also", he added, "don't forget to take your meds when you get there".

"Yes Dad". Right. Those meds. She gave a wearied smile that was unseen by her parents at the thought of those meds. Those meds have become her sleeping companion. They have been ever since she was young. The crave for it intensified during Royale's first launch event due to the edginess it made her feel. She had almost been found out if not for that person...

Mrs Zhang placed her motherly hand on her daughter's own her eyes shining with unshed tears. Though she was not her own, she didn't worth less than her own child. In fact, from the day that she was brought into the Zhang home, she swore to love and dote on her.

"Mom, your food will get cold. You know it's not good for your health", Leilani reminded. She didn't want to see her mom cry.

"Oh dear", Mrs Zhang said with a chuckle and faced her food.