rebuilding hearts

Ruona and Mihan began warming up to each other, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. They spent so many hours talking, laughing, and being supportive of each other. However, there were certain moments when they couldn't help but realize a certain spark between them—an unsaid attraction that lingered in the air.

Ruona's heart pounded with nervousness.

excitement as she stood outside the dilapidated nursery school. She couldn't believe that Mihan, the wealthy CEO of a renowned company, had agreed to help her rebuild the school despite their families' long-standing feud. It was a ray of hope for the children who had lost their cherished learning space.

Mihan stepped out of his sleek black car, his confident demeanor contrasting with his humble surroundings. He approached Ruona, a warm smile playing on his lips. "Ruona, I believe together we can make a difference here. Let's show our families that love can conquer all obstacles."

Ruona's eyes sparkled with gratitude and determination. "You're right, Mihan. We'll prove them wrong and give these children a brighter future."

As they walked into the rundown nursery school, the weather was perfect, with a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves and the warm sun casting a golden glow over everything. As they walked side by side, they found themselves lost in the beauty of the surroundings. Memories of their childhood rivalry flooded their minds. Their families had been locked in a bitter feud for years, but Ruona and Mihan refused to let it define them. They were determined to break free from the chains of animosity and create something beautiful.

They began clearing the debris, their shared goal uniting them. Amid the dust and rubble, they discovered an old wooden box. Curiosity sparked within them, and they opened it together. Inside were faded photographs of their families, captured in happier times.

Ruona chuckled, holding up a picture of her and Mihan as toddlers, their arms wrapped around each other. "Look at us, Mihan. We were friends once.

Mihan smiled, his eyes twinkling with nostalgia. "Yes, we were. And I believe we can be friends again, Ruona." Their eyes met for a brief moment, and in that instant, time seemed to stand still. They shared a silent understanding, an unspoken connection that left them slightly breathless. However, they quickly averted their gaze, their hearts suddenly racing.

Pictures weren't the only things they saw in this mysterious box; they also saw different pieces of art, and although they had little or no idea who these pieces belonged to, they marveled at every bit. While Ruona stared in awe at the beautiful pieces, Mihan marveled at the way her eyes sparkled with excitement and the gentle curve of her lips as she absorbed the artwork. It was in that situation that he realized how much he always enjoyed seeing Ruona's happiness and how her quest for life brought joy to his own heart.

Their laughter echoed through the empty halls, breaking the tension that had lingered for years. They worked tirelessly, their shared laughter and genuine companionship bringing new life to the nursery school. With each passing day, their bond grew stronger, and their hearts opened to the possibility of something more. The fear of jeopardizing their friendship and the uncertainty of reciprocation kept them from acknowledging the budding attraction.

However, fate had a different plan in store. Enter Gaius, a cunning and conniving man who had his eyes set on the nursery school's prime location. Gaius was a rival businessman who saw an opportunity to expand his empire by acquiring the land. He would stop at nothing to see Ruona and Mihan fail.

On a sunny afternoon, as Ruona and Mihan were finishing up their plans for the renovation of the school, Gaius barged into the room. His presence sent a chilly feeling down their spines, but they managed to stand their ground, refusing to let his Anura intimidate them.

Gaius looked at them, his voice dripping with so much arrogance. "So, you think you will be able to save this place, huh? Well, I have some news for you. There's no way I will let that happen." Gaius noticed a masculine figure beside Ruona but paid no attention to him. He finally did, and he tried his very best to recognize Mihan, for he knew he had seen him somewhere but couldn't.

Mihan then stepped forward and introduced himself properly to Gauis. "Mihan Reynolds, CEO, Reynolds Industries,", bringing his hand forward for a handshake. Gauis, who was shocked to his feet at the fact that a multi-millionaire as influential as Mihan would be in a dilapidated nursery school, didn't realize how long Mihan's hand had been out for a shake and immediately shook him when he realized. He had quite an idea of why Mr. Reynolds was there, but to clear his doubts, he went on to ask his purpose for being there. Mihan smirked and said, "You should be the one answering that question". Gaius went ahead, telling him the plans he had for the school, which involved removing the school from existence and replacing it with a brewery.

Mihan, stifling his laughter, let Gauis know his purpose and goal for the nursery, and that was the point at which Gauis knew the struggle for the nursery was more than what meets the eye.

Ruona's eyes blazed with determination. "We won't let you destroy the dreams of these children, Gaius. This place means everything to them."

Mihan stepped forward, his voice firm but calm. "We're not scared of you, Gaius. We'll fight for what's right and what is meant to be, no matter what it costs. Gaius knew that with Mihan involved in this project, which he hated so much, it was going to be difficult to go on with his plan because he had enough information about his background, his financial status, and his position in society paired with the kind of influence he commands, but he showed no sign of fear or relent.

Gaius chuckled wickedly, his eyes filled with so much malice. "We'll see about that, won't we? Prepare for the battle of your lives."

As Gaius stormed out of the room, Ruona gave Mihan a worried glance. Mihan, on the other hand, gave her an assuring look and nodded. They knew that their fight had just begun, and they were ready for this battle if it meant well for the kids.

Would Mihan's family be willing to back them up, knowing this project involves Ruona, the daughter of their sworn enemies?

Ruona's heart was racing as she stood at the door to her compact, basic apartment. After a long day at the nursery school, she had just arrived home, her thoughts racing with concerns about the potential threat to the institution's survival. Ruona was committed to fighting for the future of her students, despite the evil man Gauis's desire to see it fall.

Ruona was taken aback when she heard a quiet knock on her door when she was deep in meditation. She paused briefly, apprehensive of who might be dropping by at this late hour. Her eyes widened due to shock as she slowly opened the door.

The last person she expected to see at her door was Mihan, who was standing in front of her wearing a well-made suit. They had spent the past few days working together, pooling their resources and ideas, all driven to improve the standard of the nursery school, but it seemed they had bigger fish to fry. Due to the unexpected visit they got from Gauis, they were now determined to protect the nursery school from Gauis' malicious plans. But this was the first time Mihan had come to Ruona's humble abode, and the sight of him in her doorway left her momentarily speechless.

"Mihan," she finally managed to say, a mixture of surprise and delight evident in her voice. "What brings you here?"

Mihan's deep blue eyes met Ruona's, his expression a mix of concern and determination. "I couldn't stay away for too long, Ruona," he replied softly. "I've been thinking about our fight against Gauis, and I realized that we need to strengthen our bond, ideas, and plans, both as partners and as friends." He made this statement with an expectant look, hoping she was okay with that statement, as they had never spoken about being friends officially.

Ruona's heart skipped a beat at his words. She had admired Mihan's dedication and generosity from the moment they met, but she had never expected him to take such a personal interest in her cause, especially because of the generational feuds their families had inherited over time. It was as if a connection had formed between them, one that transcended their differences in social status and mindset.

"I feel the same way," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. Ruona began to think her reply was too sudden and cringeworthy, and so she thought fast to cover it up with a bit of professionalism. "Together, we can make a difference. We can protect the school and give these children a chance at a better future."

Mihan moved closer to them by taking a step forward. Once more, their eyes met, and at that instant, the unsaid bond between them grew deeper. Their mutual love of justice and compassion had brought them together despite coming from different worlds, creating a link that neither of them could ignore.

As they stood there, the weight of their responsibilities seemed to melt away. They were no longer the rich CEO and the poor nursery school teacher; they were simply two individuals united by a common purpose. Ruona felt a surge of hope, knowing that she had found an ally in Mihan, someone who believed in her and the importance of the school. Mihan quickly looked away, for he had an unbroken record in the company of being too hard to fall in love" and keeping things strictly professional. He knew that falling in love with Ruona would mean breaching his record and attracting the wrath of his family. At this point, he thought of nothing but what that would do to Ruona, and he wanted no harm to her, so he made a conscious decision to keep things on a friendly level.

"I won't let Gauis destroy what we've built," Mihan vowed, his voice filled with determination. "We'll fight him together, Ruona. And we'll win."

A smile tugged at the corners of Ruona's lips as she nodded in agreement. With Mihan by her side, she knew they had a fighting chance against their formidable adversary. Together, they would stand tall, their shared strength propelling them forward. With so many things running through Ruona's mind, she was unsure about everything but the fact that she had started developing a soft spot for Mihan. She knew very well what she felt and, just like Mihan, was not ready to take anything further. "All professional," she whispered under her breath. Mihan heard her muffle something and asked to know what it was, she said, but she brushed it off like dirt on her shoulder.

"Forgive my manners," she said, as she remembered that she hadn't offered Mihan a drink yet. "What would you like to drink?". Mihan smirked and said, Well, I wouldn't mind having a Cheval Blanc", With Ruona's cheeks turning reddish-pink, Mihan could tell she was beginning to get embarrassed, and he stopped the joke. "Well, I don't think I can afford that yet. Think you could substitute it with some apple juice?". Mihan smiled and nodded, signifying that he would take that instead, and Ruona left the room for the kitchen. While Ruona was away, Mihan saw some pictures of her family and he hung up on her walls, and he started to wonder what must have caused families that seemed so close to fight for all these years. But before he could ponder deeper, Ruona was back with apple juice and a colorful straw, which caused a wondering stare from Mihan. Mihan had never had plain apple juice, so the contents of the glass he held reminded him more or less of urine, and he gagged at this thought. "Not even a thank you? he heard from across the room, and he gave a confused stare. He suddenly realized when Ruona's gaze kept moving from him to the cup. "Oh!, this? thank you". Ruona gave a shy smirk.

The night stretched on as they discussed strategies and made plans to mobilize their resources. Their minds buzzed with ideas, their voices blending in harmony as they worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of the nursery school and its students.

As the hours slipped away, Ruona couldn't help but realize how much more the spot for Mihan softened.

Is Mihan falling in love with Ruona, or is it mere infatuation?