She Was Never Mine

Preparations and Tangled Emotions

Some time had passed since the signing of the partnership agreement between Lunex, led by Ethan, and Viora, owned by the Rivers family. Ethan was not one to let matters go unnoticed; he saw this partnership as a golden opportunity—one that deserved to be celebrated publicly. It was not only about showcasing financial strength, but also about boosting confidence between the two companies and drawing market attention to this new alliance.

Thus, he began planning a formal event at Viora’s headquarters to officially announce the historic agreement.

Ethan moved swiftly through the offices, his mind preoccupied, looking for Leo. Despite Leo’s recklessness and stubbornness, he had a refined taste and vast experience in organizing public events and celebrations. Ethan wanted to involve him—not just to benefit from his expertise, but to give him a chance to feel responsible and part of something meaningful. Ethan believed Leo needed an opportunity to prove himself in a positive way.

He kept asking employees about his whereabouts until he spotted Leo at the end of the corridor, walking toward his office. However, Leo’s steps were slow, his eyes distant, as if he were trapped in another world. Ethan could tell something was troubling him, but he didn’t comment on it. Instead, he called out firmly:

— "Leo! Leo!"

Leo paused and slowly turned around, replying in a low voice:

— "Yes? What is it?"

— "Come to my office. I need you for something."

Leo didn’t seem too interested, but followed quietly. When they entered the office, Ethan gestured for him to sit and said:

— "We’re about to hold a formal event at Viora’s headquarters to announce our new partnership. I need your help with the arrangements—from decorating the hall and choosing the guest list to managing the aesthetics of the occasion."

Suddenly, Leo’s face lit up with enthusiasm, as though something inside him had awakened.

— "Of course! I’m great at these things. Leave it all to me."

Leo began muttering ideas to himself—about the lighting, decorations, food, and music. It was clear he had found something to immerse himself in. Ethan left him in the office, watching how he dove deep into the planning. In his heart, Ethan silently hoped he could one day transform this chaotic young man into someone truly dependable.

Meanwhile, Eleanor was driving alone, lost in thought. She couldn’t get the image she had seen earlier at Lunex out of her head: Leo with the secretary, Sarah. The scene left her both disgusted and concerned. Though Eleanor was strong and sharp, she possessed a delicate core that detested disorder and emotional games—especially in a professional setting.

Her phone suddenly rang, breaking her chain of thoughts. She glanced at the screen and saw the name "Miss Bella"—the woman in charge of the orphanage she had visited regularly for years.

— "Hello, Miss Bella. How are you?"

— "Better now that I’m hearing your voice, dear Eleanor. But where have you been? We haven’t seen you in so long. Everyone here misses you terribly."

A soft smile spread across Eleanor’s face, as if Bella’s voice had touched something gentle in her heart.

— "I promise I’ll visit very soon. Please wait for me."

She hung up and sighed, then turned the steering wheel toward her family’s mansion, where everyone had gathered for lunch. Silence reigned over the table—each member seemed lost in their own world, buried in their own thoughts. They ate quietly, then withdrew to their rooms without much conversation.

George, Eleanor’s father, noticed immediately that something was off with his daughter. He didn’t need her to say anything; a father’s eyes see all. But he chose not to pressure her, giving her the space she needed. He knew that when the world weighed too heavily on her shoulders, she would come to him—open up, and pour her heart out when the time was right.

And so, emotions scattered in all directions: Ethan striving to plant his feet firmly, Leo trying to drown his sorrows in the excitement of a celebration, Eleanor hiding a storm behind her composed face, and George waiting patiently for his daughter to finally let him in.

Little did any of them know that the coming days would turn their lives upside down.

To be continued...