Chapter 234 - Masquerade (1): The Three Couples

Song Tamlin's party was taking place at his private villa in Hunnam. It was one of the most expensive buildings in Seoul, accessible only to the top guns of the country. Stretched across ten acres of land, it was a three storey building with a large swimming pool in front of it. Inside, it was like a grand palace decorated with gold plated walls. 

The whole villa was illuminated with colorful laser lights which reached till the sky. A long red carpet lay from the entrance to the front door. Servers dressed in sleek suits, carrying trays of quiche, crepes and drinks for the guests. 

The whole country's top level business executives and celebrities graced the event. It was a star studded night as all famous people came under one roof. From idols to famous actors, almost all the important people of the country were there. 

When KJ and Mirae entered the party, flashes from the cameras almost blinded them. The media were already there, snapping away at the Nation's Couple. Mirae had her hand on KJ's arm while the latter looked dapper in his fully formal suit. They looked like a couple who stepped out of a fairy tale book. The elegant princess with her handsome prince. There were several other celebrities but the media was focused on them. 

They were swarmed by reporters. 

"How is married life suiting you, KJ?" one reporter asked. 

"Aren't you guys going on your honeymoon?" another one hammered. 

KJ held on to Mirae's shoulder, gently guiding her through. Their bodyguards were pushing the reporters backwards to clear the way. Mirae leaned close to KJ as he aided her through the crowd. 

Once they were inside, the reporters could not follow them. 

"Are you alright?" he asked. 

"I'm fine," she reassured him. "They are really persistent." 

"Yeah…" 

"Mirae!" a voice called out. They glanced around to see Somi and Hyun Jung approaching them. She was wearing a light pink, long sleeved gown while Hyun Jung wore a silver suit. Both of them looked very good together and they caught the attention of all passerby around them. 

"You two alright?" Hyun Jung asked. 

"Yeah," KJ nodded. "Just the paparazzi." 

"Ugh yes, they were hoarding us with questions," Somi said warily. She mimicked one of the reporters. "Who is this handsome dude? Your boyfriend?" 

"What did you say?" Mirae laughed. 

"I said, 'Hell no!'" Somi replied. "This is my dear fiance." 

She happily put her hands around Hyun Jung's arm who shook his head helplessly. 

"Isn't that gonna cause a scandal?" KJ frowned. "Nation's True Love being engaged?" 

"We'll just turn it into a reality like you two did," Somi said, sticking out her tongue. 

"Who said, I'll marry you?" Hyun Jung joked. Somi pouted in anger. 

"It's too late to back out, mister!" she threatened. Hyun Jung shrugged and earned a light punch from his girlfriend. 

They were bickering when another pair came their way. 

"Dasom!" KJ called, giving his friend a hug. He was with Eli, who was wearing a saffron colored dress. 

"Eli!" Somi waved while Mirae smiled. Eli smiled back and hugged both of them. 

"You look great!" Mirae complimented. "You're here as Dasom's date?" 

"I'm just escorting him," she said sheepishly. 

The three couples were attracting heavy amounts of scrutiny. Not only was the Nation's Idol married and making his first public appearance with his wife after marriage, but his ex-member and the Nation's True Love were also there with their respective partners. Almost everyone was whispering about them, some even openly pointing at them. 

The three pairs ignored the gossips even though Eli felt a little self aware. But the other five around her seemed unbothered. 

"It's so boring here," Somi scoffed. "Come let me show you guys around." 

She grabbed Mirae and Eli's wrists, taking them away from their dates. The three men were left, stranded. 

"They sure are enjoying this," Dasom snickered. 

"They are," KJ sighed as his eyes followed Mirae. "Anyways." 

He turned towards Dasom and Hyun Jung. "Ash is coming tonight," he stated. "We can't do anything here but he might. Keep an eye out for him." 

"My officers are patrolling the area," Hyun Jung said. "They're keeping an eye on all the vehicles here." 

"He's an invited guest," Dasom pointed out. "Security won't be able to stop him." 

"Our best bet is to let him come to the party," KJ said. But he was worried. 

He glanced at Mirae, who was chatting with Somi and Eli. He did not tell her that Ash would be arriving at the party. She had just recovered from a heartbreak and seeing him again may trigger her emotionally. 

I have to protect her, he vowed. 

…. 

Ash was in the limo, observing the crowd outside. No doubt the reporters will go crazy seeing him at the party. He could just step out publicly without a care. 

But that would alert KJ and Mirae to his presence. If he had to execute his plans, he would have to do it in secret. 

"Mr. Song has made arrangements for you to enter through the back door," the chauffeur informed him. "There won't be any reporters there." 

Ash did not reply but merely nodded as the limo drove around the villa. The backdoor was open. Ash got out of the car and headed inside the house. 

He stealthily made his way towards the large hall, picking up a mask on the way. Upon reaching the hall, his eyes fell on KJ. He was standing with Dasom and Hyun Jung around the entrance. His eyes darted towards the main hall every now and then. Ash followed his gaze. 

It was Mirae. She was smiling widely as she chattered away with Somi and another girl in a saffron dress. She did not notice him staring at her and was oblivious to his presence. 

He slowly mixed with the crowd, hiding his existence. No one looked his way because a lot of them were wearing masks. One of the servers handed masks to KJ and his friends. Mirae, too, chose a red mask. Her green eyes were very much visible underneath it. 

Just at that moment, Song Tamlin came on stage. 

"Ladies and gentlemen!" he roared into the mic. "Welcome to my annual gala!" 

Mirae clapped slowly as she observed the stout man on the stage. She must talk to him somehow. It was time for him to pay back the dues he had promised her.