"Miss Lu?"
The voice pulled her back like a thread yanking her out of the past.
Liyana blinked, the warmth of the sunlit office coming into focus as she exhaled quietly. The weight of her past—those memories of Damien, her first love, and the pain of never being seen—still lingered like a shadow behind her eyes.
But she was no longer that girl.
Now, she was Liyana Lu, a force to be reckoned with.
Her secretary, Mira, stood by her desk, her brows slightly furrowed with concern. "Are you alright, Miss Lu?"
Liyana straightened in her chair, slipping effortlessly back into her composed demeanor. "I'm fine," she said smoothly. "What is it?"
Mira hesitated for a fraction of a second before placing a sleek tablet on the desk. "The Paris division has sent over the finalized collection previews. Also, the CEO of Lavigne Enterprises is requesting a partnership meeting."
Liyana glanced at the reports, her mind shifting back into work mode. "Lavigne?" she mused, her voice laced with amusement. "Didn't they just announce a collaboration with Devon & Co. last month?"
"They did," Mira confirmed. "But apparently, their stockholders are unhappy with the lack of exclusivity in the deal."
Ah. So now they come crawling back.
A slow smirk tugged at Liyana's lips. It was always the same. People made their choices, only to regret them when they realized they had underestimated her.
"Schedule the meeting," she said coolly. "But make them wait a week. Let them know Celestia doesn't entertain indecisiveness."
"Yes, Miss Lu." Mira nodded, admiration flashing in her eyes.
Liyana exhaled as she picked up her coffee, savoring the silence for just a moment before her phone buzzed on the desk.
Mom.
A part of her already knew what the call was about. With a flick, she answered.
"Liyana, sweetheart," her mother's warm voice filled the receiver. "Are you still at the office?"
"I just wrapped up a few things," Liyana replied, glancing at the time.
"Well, good. You're coming home for dinner tonight."
She paused. Dinner at home? That usually meant something more than just a casual meal.
"Is there a special occasion?"
Her mother chuckled. "Not at all. Just a small family gathering. Damien's back, and your grandfather insisted we all get together."
The moment his name was spoken, something flickered inside her.
Damien.
The boy she had loved, the man who had become her greatest competition, the one who had left without ever realizing the depth of her feelings.
He was back.
Her mother continued, oblivious to the way Liyana's pulse had quickened.
"It's been years since you two sat at the same table. It'll be good for you both to catch up."
Liyana exhaled slowly, her grip tightening around the phone.
A family dinner with Damien back in the picture.
For the first time in years, it wasn't just business at stake—it was something far more personal.
"I'll be there," she said at last.
"Good," her mother said softly. "And Liyana?"
"Yes?"
"Don't be late."
The call ended, leaving Liyana staring at her reflection in the office window.
Tonight would be just another dinner.
At least, that's what she told herself.
At Lu Family House:
The Lu family estate was bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun, its vast gardens stretching endlessly, as if untouched by time.
Inside, in the warmth of the grand sitting room, two old friends sat across from each other.
Damien's grandfather, a man whose sharp eyes had seen the rise of an empire, set his tea cup down with deliberate precision. "She's remarkable."
Liyana's grandfather chuckled as he swirled his tea. "You always said so."
"I saw it in her from the beginning," Damien's grandfather mused. "She wasn't just another business heir. She had fire. And now? She's built an empire of her own."
Liyana's grandfather leaned back, his gaze thoughtful. "But that isn't why you're bringing this up, is it?"
A slow, knowing smile curved on Damien's grandfather's lips.
"You were the first to suggest it," he said simply.
The older man chuckled. "And I still stand by it."
A marriage between Liyana and Damien.
The conversation had been spoken before, years ago, when they were just children. It had been a passing thought back then—two powerful families, two bright heirs.
But now?
Now, it was no longer a simple thought. It was a possibility.
At Liyana's Office:
Liyana glanced at the clock on her sleek office wall. The morning had been filled with back-to-back meetings, but now, it was time for something she genuinely looked forward to—lunch with her employees.
Seated across from her desk, Mira straightened the tablet in her hands. "President Liyana, it's almost time for the company lunch. The employees have already gathered at Celeste Dining Hall."
Liyana leaned back in her chair, a small, rare smile gracing her lips. "Good. Let's not keep them waiting."
Celeste Dining Hall was an exclusive space reserved for high-profile company events. The elegant chandeliers cast a golden hue over the polished marble floors, and long tables were adorned with delicate floral centerpieces. It wasn't just an ordinary workplace gathering—it was an experience that Liyana had cultivated over the years.
As she stepped in, conversations quieted momentarily, and all eyes turned toward her. Some employees straightened their postures out of sheer respect, while others murmured in admiration. Dressed in an understated yet sophisticated outfit, Liyana carried an effortless grace that commanded attention without demanding it.
She walked through the hall, acknowledging greetings with slight nods and polite smiles, before taking her seat at the center table, where several department heads were already waiting.
Mira sat beside her, subtly scanning the room. "The team has been looking forward to this lunch all week," she commented.
Liyana picked up her glass of water and swirled it slightly. "And why is that?"
One of the senior designers, Rachel, chuckled. "Because you're finally eating with us, President Liyana. We hardly get to see you outside of work mode."
Liyana raised an eyebrow. "I wasn't aware I had a 'work mode.'"
"Oh, you do," another employee piped in, leaning forward with a teasing grin. "You're all business, all the time. But moments like these remind us that you're human too."
Liyana smirked. "I suppose that's a compliment."
Laughter rippled through the table, and just like that, the atmosphere shifted into something warmer, more relaxed. The conversation flowed effortlessly, touching on everything from the latest fashion trends to harmless office gossip. Liyana listened, occasionally adding her own remarks, letting herself blend into the rhythm of camaraderie rather than standing apart from it.
At one point, an intern hesitantly spoke up. "President Liyana, I just wanted to say... thank you for organizing this. It really means a lot to us."
Liyana studied the young woman for a moment before nodding. "A company is built on its people. It's only natural to appreciate the ones who make it thrive."
The employees exchanged knowing glances. She rarely offered praise, but when she did, it was genuine.
Just as the desserts were being served, Liyana's phone vibrated on the table. She glanced at the screen. Lu Meilin.
She picked up the call, pressing the phone to her ear. "Meilin?"
A bright, playful voice greeted her. "Liyana jie! Are you busy?"
Liyana leaned slightly back in her chair. "I'm in the middle of lunch. Why?"
"Because Yuhan and I have an important question," Meilin said dramatically. "Tell her, Yuhan."
A quieter, more composed voice replaced hers. "Jie, come spend the weekend with us."
Liyana blinked. "This weekend?"
"Yes!" Meilin chirped. "You know you want to."
Liyana sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Don't you two have schoolwork?"
"That's what Friday is for," Yuhan responded smoothly.
Mira, who had been quietly observing, smirked at Liyana's rare moment of defeat.
"I'll think about it," Liyana finally said.
"No, no, no. You always say that and then disappear into your empire of work," Meilin complained. "Give us a real answer."
Liyana chuckled. "I'll text you later."
"That's still not a real answer!"
Before Meilin could protest further, Yuhan's voice came back on the line, calm and persuasive. "Just one weekend, Jie."
Liyana exhaled, knowing she was cornered. "Fine. I'll see."
"Yay! Okay, we won't bother you anymore. Enjoy your lunch, Liyana jie~"
The call ended, and Liyana set her phone down, shaking her head. Mira raised an eyebrow. "So, what's the verdict?"
Liyana took a slow sip of her drink before replying, "I have no choice."
Mira laughed. "They really know how to get their way."
Liyana simply smirked before returning to her meal, the warmth of the interaction lingering in her chest.