Chapter 35 - The Party (1)

"So it's tonight, huh?" Somi asked. Mirae was behind a partition, changing her dress. They were at Astor Mall, a high end shopping complex owned by an influential member of Abyss. Upon their special request, the mall was kept closed for the day. Only Somi and Mirae were allowed access to the VIP stores to shop for dresses without the risk of prying eyes.

"Yup," Mirae replied as she stripped off her shirt and pants. "I'm pretty sure Madam Hong is gonna try to sleep with Ash tonight. After all, this is one of her private balls. She is notorious for bringing her dates there."

"Does her husband know?" Somi frowned. "It's highly unlikely that the CEO of ENT Conglomerates would not know about this."

"He does," Mirae said. "But he lacks the proof. He could not dig out any evidence against her because she hid her tracks well. So we have to hit her weak spot."

Somi frowned. "So, that video will help us in it? I've been wondering about this, Mir. Should we really use it? I mean...she was not even in it."

"I know," Mirae said bitterly. "But do we have a choice? Anyways, all of us decided that the video will be the last resort. If our plan fails tonight, then we'll go for this."

Somi sighed. The party will turn out to be one dangerous ride.

"Are you done?" she called out.

"Yes!" Mirae replied. She stepped out of the partition. Somi glanced at her friend and was stunned.

Somi catcalled. "You look magnificent, my friend," she said in awe. "That KJ will not be able to control himself."

Mirae scowled at the prospect of going to the ball with KJ. "I'd rather die."

"Just swallow the bitter pill for now," Somi said in a sympathetic tone. She knows how much her best friend dislikes that guy for his stubbornness. In a way, both KJ and Mirae were level headed and stubborn. They bickered like an old married couple, Somi snickered inwardly.

"You'll be at the party too, right?" Mirae asked.

"Nope," Somi said. "Madam Hong would never invite people out of her circle. I'm actually skeptical as to why she invited you. Plus, if the Nation's Sweetheart goes with a date to a party, it'll be scandalous."

"I really pity you celebrities," Mirae said. "Can't even date in public."

"Every job has its downsides," Somi sighed. "I'm surprised that you and Ash haven't been caught yet."

"I just happened to have journalist friends," she shrugged. "Members of Abyss who stop any reporting about Ash's dating life."

Should have known, Somi thought shaking her head. Abyss was a large network. The only way Mirae remained elusive was because of the large number of people hiding her.

"I think, I'll go with this dress," Mirae said, checking herself in the mirror.

"You should," Somi agreed. "Ash would go gaga on you ."

"If only he wasn't Madam Hong's date and this was a normal party," Mirae said miserably.

Somi patted her friend. "Everything will be fine, Mir," she consoled Mirae, hugging her.

"I don't know Somi," Mirae admitted. "I have this dreadful feeling as if something will go wrong."

Somi knew how much Mirae cared about Ash. It was hard for her to see her friend look so miserable.

"Have more faith in yourself," Somi said. "If there's anyone who can take down that damn Cartel, it's you. Don't worry, everything will be alright."

She let go of Mirae and smiled at her. "Now!" she clapped her hands. "We need to get a pair of shoes for that dress. Let's go."

Mirae laughed and let herself be dragged by her best friend around the empty stores. By the time they were done, it was already past 4 PM.

"Let's head over to your place at Insa," Mirae suggested. "That brat will pick me up from there."

"Okay! I'll leave early from there then."

They got into the car and sped off. As soon as they got to one of Somi's many apartments, they immediately got to work.

Somi helped Mirae in styling her hair and make up. She tied up Mirae's hair into an elegant bun and thoroughly blended the make up. It took a few hours before she was done.

"You look so pretty!" Somi squealed. "I feel proud of my accomplishment."

Mirae rolled her eyes. "Don't," she said. "I'm not even going there with the guy I like and instead have to take the guy I seriously dislike."

"Oh cheer up!" Somi giggled. "KJ will be too preoccupied with taking down Madam Hong. You guys are going there for a purpose. Just tolerate for tonight."

Mirae let out a sigh. Somi was right. They are going there for their own agendas. No time to enjoy parties.

The doorbell rang.

"It must be him," Mirae said. "I'll be off."

"Best of luck!" Somi held up a thumbs up.

Mirae nodded and went over to the front door. It's gonna be alright, Mirae, she told herself as she opened the door.

KJ was looking away when he heard the door open. As soon as his eyes fell on Mirae, his jaw almost dropped.

She wore a light beige, full sleeved dress which reached till her knees which perfectly complemented her curves. Her make up looked natural, giving her an enthralling appeal. Her hair was tied up in a delicate bun with a few loose strands on her face. Standing in front of him was not the usually innocent Mirae but a devilish charmer.

"Sir, here are the tickets," Mirae said, as she handed over the tickets to him. She was completely oblivious of the effect she had on him.

Her voice snapped him out of his reverie.

"Huh?" he asked stupidly.

"Here are the tickets, sir."

She held them out. KJ gulped and nodded as he took them out of her hands.

"Let's go, Miss Mirae," he said. Mirae nodded and he led her towards his car.

Somi peeked through the curtains of her window. She saw the couple get inside the car and drive away. She picked up the phone and dialed a number. "You know what to do," she ordered him.

She put the phone down and prayed. Please let everything go smoothly, she pleaded.

....

KJ pulled up in front of the private villa. They got out of the car to see that there were already other famous celebrities and influential people entering the place. The party was a private event so no journalists have been invited.

"Are you ready, Ms. Mirae?" he asked her, extending his arm. She hesitated for a second before taking it.

"Yes, sir," she said confidently. Smiling at her, they went in through the entrance.