Letting You Go

PROLOGUE “Ash, let’s go! We’re going to be late!” Grace yelled. I rushed out of my room in a hurry. “Don’t rush! You might slip or something!” I called out, seeing how flustered she looked. “Stupid! Who wouldn’t be rushing? We’re about to miss the event!” I rolled my eyes at her. “So what? We’re not the special guests anyway. It’s fine if we don’t arrive exactly on time.” She shook her head at me. “That’s exactly the point! We’re not special guests, which makes it even more embarrassing if we show up late. Besides, I’m looking for someone there.” I squinted at her. Ah, now I get it. “Who? Tell me his name so I can help you find him.” “No need. I can find him myself.” “Do you have a crush on him?” I teased. She just rolled her eyes at me, though the excitement was obvious on her face. “Tsk. As if your crush would even notice you. You’re cursed in love, remember?” Her giddy expression instantly faded. I smirked. “Tch! You’re such bad vibes! Can you stop talking? You’re ruining my night!” she snapped. I burst out laughing. “Come on, just tell me his name! I promise I’ll help you!” She simply shook her head like the stubborn witch she is. “No need. He’s not that hard to find.” I paused to think. Grace has only ever liked one guy—and that was the guy she chased all the way to America. “Are you really interested in him? Is it that guy from the States?” Her eyes widened in shock. I grinned. “Aha! It is, isn’t it?” “N-No!” she denied quickly. “I don’t believe you.” “Then don’t! Did I ask you to?” she snapped. I laughed again. She’s ridiculous. “You’re just too obvious, that’s all.” I frowned when I noticed that familiar glint in her eyes—she was clearly up to something again. “At least I’m not still hung up on an ex. At least I’m not stalking his i********: post-breakup. At least I’ve moved on. At least I’m not in denial and waiting for some imaginary comeback. At least I’m not still secretly in l—” “GRACIA AMOR!” I shouted, annoyed. A minute ago I was the one teasing, now I’m the one getting roasted. Grace is something else. She laughed and looked at me with amusement. And when she saw I was blushing, she couldn’t resist poking fun again. “Oooh, someone’s blushing!” she teased. “b***h. Hurry up! We’re really going to be late!” I said, pretending to be irritated. She threw her arms around me. “Sorry, Abo! I love you!” she said with a laugh. She’s saying sorry but laughing like a maniac—what kind of apology is that? “Ugh, stop, b***h! You’re disgusting,” I said, pretending to be grossed out. She just laughed harder. “Yuck, she says, but look—she’s smiling! You’re in love with me, admit it!” she teased again, slapping my shoulder. Hey! My dress! “Let’s just go! I can’t deal with your nonsense right now,” I said, sighing. “Let’s go then—ex of Gray,” she said, slapping my shoulder again. That’s foul No. 1 and foul No. 2! “GRACIA AMOR!” I shouted in frustration. She just laughed and ran to the car. May you trip! WHEN we arrived at the venue, Grace dragged me around like a child. From the fountain to the garden, to the dining hall, and to every single table, she introduced me to so many people I didn’t know. I hate socializing. I really do. But since this is part of my job, I have no choice.I’m a fashion designer, so I have to mingle and talk to people to expand my network, resources, and opportunities. Is this what it means to be an introvert? Unlike Grace, I’m not the talkative type. I don’t have many friends, and I actually prefer being alone. I hate noise. Sometimes I wonder how we even became friends. She’s so loud—but still, she’s one of the few people I truly trust. We’re best friends, actually. We’re the perfect duo: chaotic and composed. We only stopped walking around when the emcee began to speak on stage. Grace and I quickly returned to our assigned seats. I was slightly annoyed because earlier she didn’t want to come with me—she kept glancing toward the table of the famous bachelors. Something’s definitely up with this girl. “Good evening, everyone. I’m so glad to see you here at this very special event. Thank you to all the ladies and gentlemen joining us tonight. This event is especially important because we’ll be featuring some of the country’s most sought-after CEOs in the fashion industry. We’re also honored to have one of the most admired bachelors deliver a special speech to explain why he started his own clothing line,” the emcee announced. The event officially began. Several CEOs and aspiring entrepreneurs participated, sharing their unique designs. Many also gave speeches and tips on how to grow a fashion business. I carefully took note of all the useful advice I heard. As a designer, it’s important for me to consider every detail when creating dresses and gowns. I’m still learning the ropes. After introducing a few CEOs and fashion line owners, the emcee finally announced one of the most awaited segments of the night—the reveal of the guest speaker. “Alright, everyone! Since our guest is already here, we can proceed to the main part of tonight’s event—the introduction of the CEO of ABO Clothing Line!” the emcee said excitedly. Hmm. Who could it be? The CEO’s success is impressive—if I’m not mistaken, the brand is just over two years old and already making waves. It’s gained even more buzz lately due to the mystery surrounding the owner. It’s thrilling to finally know who the mind behind that brand is. Rumor has it the CEO is a self-made millionaire from a wealthy and prominent family, who chose to build a name on his own. While it’s not quite a massive brand yet, it’s clearly heading there. A year or two from now, it might even go international. This event seems to be the perfect time for the CEO to reveal himself. Imagine being in a room with thousands of businessmen, billionaires, and millionaires! A single handshake and you can already feel how broke you are. “Now, ladies and gentlemen, let’s give a round of applause to the owner and CEO of ABO Clothing Line, Mr. Grayford Bether!” the emcee exclaimed, practically squealing. My whole body froze when I saw a familiar figure walking toward the stage. My throat went dry as I watched the man I hadn’t seen in over five years take the spotlight. While the crowd clapped and whispered among themselves, I just sat there, staring at him like a statue. Even my feet were numb. Why does he still affect me like this? It’s been five years. “You okay?” Grace asked, carefully studying me. Maybe she was just as shocked. I mean, who wouldn‘t be? He‘s here. The man I chose to let go is here. He‘s just near but he felt so far. My “almost” is so far.