24K Magic for a Perfect Illusion

October 31, 1981 At the South Mansion of the Nevaeh Residences … “Miss, Sir Hearthof has arrived.” Sharon, one of the eight attendants of the youngest Nevaeh on the 3rd generation, announced after she made her way to the fanciest pink bedroom that any posh girl can wish for. “Thanks, Sharon. I’ll be down in 10.” Hestia glanced at Sharon through the mirror while Mrs. Seo, the oldest among the eight, is putting the finishing touch on Hestia’s neck. The 37-year-ld woman gasped in astonishment as she stares at her mistress reflection on the mirror. “Beautiful as always, Miss.” “This is the second time I’m wearing this necklace … which also reminds me that I’m no longer a young miss.” Hestia sighed as she caressed the 24-karat pink diamond pendant on the necklace. “As much as we all still want to call you Young Miss, we can’t defy the Queen’s order to remind you that you’re in a marriageable age thus calling you Miss and removing the young on the title as it belongs to the fourth generation now.” Mrs. Joo, a year younger than Mrs. Seo spoke with helplessness on her tone as she puts the 3-inches customized heels on Hestia’s feet. “The very reason us three married women should act your fairy godmothers until you find the prince that will give you the happy ever after, just like how Master makes Madam the happiest woman on earth.” Mrs. Hyun, the youngest of the three, added as she sprays the perfume on Hestia’s clothes instead of the skin. “If I set the standard according to Papa’s qualities, I don’t think I’ll be able to get married at this lifetime as I really need a magic to make another him.” Hestia stood up from her vanity chair. “I only want a guy who can understand from the opposite point of view, and someone who I can always interact with a smile.” “Sir Ves!” The three older women said in unison. “Hmph! I haven’t heard anything from that guy since last week!” “Just say the word and I’ll bring him to you, Miss.” Baby, winked at Roro who’s standing at the right side of the door. “You don’t need to wait for him, Miss, Baby and I will drag him out wherever he’s hiding.” Roro interjected as she exchanges glances with Baby on the left side like they’re making plans in their heads. “You two are way into action.” Hestia shook her head at the two as she stepped out from her bedroom. “Let him come to me on his own volition. Also, who says that I’m waiting for him?!” Baby and Roro shrugged their shoulders as they didn’t dare to refute Hestia’s denial even though she’s too conspicuous. When Hestia came down along with her two lady guards, she went to the living room where she heard her mother’s heartily laughter. “Papa, you’re not jealous that other man makes Mama happy?” Hestia walked towards her father who’s sitting on the sofa beside her mother. “You know Papa is quite possessive with Mama, right?” “Why are you stirring up a trouble for me??” Hearthof pretending to be anxious. “Sir, if I have any intention towards Madam Rhea that would be her approval and as well as yours to be with your …” daughter, but he couldn’t continue with his sentence. Hestia covered Hearthof’s mouth before he finished his sentence and said to her parents, “He lived in the US for almost 13 years so he thinks he can just say anything.” she glared at him, warning with her eyes before she took her hand away from his mouth. “But I really mean it.” Hearthof muttered. “Don’t push it.” Hestia replied with gritted teeth as she taps Hearthof shoulders. “If you don’t want to be the one needing blood for real, heed my warning Count Dracula.” “You really changed. Where’s the Hestia that I know from childhood who can’t even kill a cockroach?” Hearthof mumbled. “She grew up to be stronger when you left her.” Hestia replied with bitterness as she kissed goodbye with her parents. “I’ll be home before midnight, I can’t let the magic run out on me while I’m on the party.” “You’re not Cinderella sweetheart.” Rhea, Hestia’s mother said, with a sneer. “How I wish you stay out late at night with Hearthof here or with the psychologist.” she hinted with the other guy. “Mama, are you really my mother? Why would you want your daughter to stay out late at night with a guy?? Papa, you’ve heard what Mama said, right?” Hestia seeking support from her father. “I don’t mind if it’s Hearthof or … the psychologist.” Cronus shrugged. “They’re both gentlemen and I know they’re good lads.” “Traitor! I can’t believe that you also want to get rid of me like Mama. I thought you’ll be on my side until the end.” Hestia pretended to be angry with her father. “Princess, we both know that marriage is inevitable, but I can promise you that it’s up to you to choose who you want to marry.” “Hmph! I’m not having this conversation right now. Hearthof, let’s go!” Hestia harrumphed as she walked out from the living room away from her parents and avoid the topic that has been bothering her since she turned 25 a few months ago. Hearthof followed Hestia out after apologizing to her parents before he trailed off. “You know I can be the solution to your problem. I’m not the poor Kim Sunggyu anymore but Hearthof Goddesseth now. I can proudly stand beside you without feeling a less of a man as I got everything. I’m no longer a nobody.” Hestia looked back at him as if she’s looking at an i***t. “Since when did I care whether you’re poor or rich?” she turned around to face him and crossed her arms over her chest. “The reason I’m hanging out with you is because you’re Kim Sunggyu. The chubby boy that looked like a rice cake whom I thought a beggar at first when I first saw him eating lunch with his friends under the small jungle gym in the playground. He looks naïve but actually smart, looks arrogant but he’s modest, and he’s so funny that he was the first person who made me laugh after I migrated here in Korea.” “I’m still that boy that you knew only better.” Hearthof replied. “And I’m still that girl you knew only worse as I’ve become rotten now because I’ve been spoiled too much.” Hestia gets in at the driver seat of her Fuchsia Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe. “You want a ride? Don’t worry I’m a careful driver.” “I actually brought a limo for our ride to the hotel.” Hearthof pointed at the limousine behind Hestia’s Porsche. “Nah, pass. I always go out with my baby. I’ll see you at the hotel.” And with that note Hestia sped off along with escort cars on the front and back of her Porsche where her eight attendants also her lady guards make sure of her safety all the time. Hestia is the youngest granddaughter of the legendary businessman Uranus Nevaeh who owns the Nevaeh Aeronautical, that not only manufacture aircrafts but also runs airlines that is widely known in Asia, Europe, North America, and the man himself contributed in the history of aeronautical engineering. Not only that but Hestia is also the youngest daughter of Cronus Nevaeh, the third son of Uranus, who runs the Nevaeh Construction which is one of the leading companies in the country. Thus, having eight guards whenever Hestia goes is normal given her circumstances as the known princess of one of the prestigious families in the world. Arriving at the destination, Goddesseth Hotel, the first one in Asian country as it only has branches in branches in the US with the main in Las Vegas, Nevada as Hotel and Casino, not to mention the private island in Honolulu, Hawaii for the Hotel Resort that is exclusively for members only, probably one has millions in their bank account to qualify as a member. Hestia arrived before Hearthof when they were supposed to be arriving together through the limousine that Hearthof prepared but Hestia do whatever she wants to do and he’s not in control. “What’s with the long face?” Hestia teased Hearthof as she links her arm onto his. “We’re still coming in together after all.” “Yeah, but …” you’ve ruined my romantic plan. “Never mind. Don’t blame me for not telling you as I really want to tell you while we’re in the limo.” Hearthof get back at her stubbornness. “Tell me what??” Hestia raised her eyebrow at him. “Nah, I’m not telling. Just wait and see like everyone else.” “Mr. Goddesseth would you like to lose your partner before the party starts?” Hestia withdrew her hand from Hearthof’s biceps. “Fine, I’ll tell you if you give me a kiss.” Hearthof pointed at his cheek. “I’m compromising to you now.” “Uh-uh not happening. Keep that matter to yourself, it’s not like this is the only Halloween party I have on my schedule tonight. I’ll just go back home and spend the night with my nieces and nephews, Afterall, it’s more fun with the children than a man who’s acting like a child.” Hestia turned her back and about to walk out from the hotel. “Are you really leaving and missed the chance to watch ‘The Whoops’ show? It’s for one night only and you know that they can’t be booked to any event as they’re the one who contact people.” Hestia stopped on her tracks and turned around to Hearthof with stupefied expression on her pretty face. “What did you say??!” “The Whoops.” Hearthof smirked at her. “They’re here for one-night only, and as the hotel owner I’m on the front seat they don’t allow anyone on the backstage. They want to be mysterious as much as possible but of course some of my staffs specially the security team needs to work with them as I don’t compromise the safety of anyone for the sake of great show.” Hestia strode her way back to Hearthof and hug him instead. “I can’t kiss you because it’s only for my family.” “We can be family if you marry me.” Hearthof hugged her back. “Stop talking nonsense.” Hestia pulled away from him immediately. “It’s not nonsense. We both know why I came back to this country even though I’m doing perfectly in US.” Hearthof staring at her with sincerity in his eyes. “Because this is where you were born and raised until you finished middle school.” Hestia feigned innocence. “I also want to go back to the Philippines, after all I’ve spent my seven years there.” “This isn’t over, we’ll talk about us sooner or later. There’s no point talking this matter right now when you’re playing dumb.” Hearthof averted his gaze from Hestia to steam off his anger. ‘There’s nothing to talk about as I don’t want to marry you!’ Hestia screamed internally. “Sure, this isn’t the right time to talk about that matter.” Hestia pacified him to stop wasting their time outside the event hall. “Benny.” Hearthof called the attention of his personal assistant. “Yes, Sir Hearthof?” Benny replied as he stood beside his boss. “Take Ms. Nevaeh to our table first. I’ve got something to attend to before the event starts.” Hearthof commanded. “Ms. Nevaeh this way please.” Benny led the way in the event hall. “You’re not mad at me, right?” Hestia asked Hearthof cautiously. “I’m unhappy but I’m not mad. Go ahead first, I’ll be with you after a few minutes.” Hearthof watched Hestia go before he walked at the opposite way to meet the familiar face that shouldn’t be lurking around the hotel. “Stop right there!” “Me??” The man in black turned around and smiled at Hearthof sheepishly. “It’s kinda embarrassing but this hotel is so huge that I got lost. I’m actually part of the troupe so I’m not an intruder.” Hearthof’s security team surrounded the man as Hearthof himself walked towards the stranger yet familiar to him. “Lee Hoon-ssi??” “Y-Yes. How did you know my name?” Lee Hoon stared at Hearthof confusingly. “Do we know each other?” “No. But I know your father and you look exactly just like him.” “What does my old man have to do with you?” Lee Hoon seized Hearthof from head to toe. “I don’t think he had business …” Hearthof cut him off. “Kim Woojoo, that’s my biological father’s name. He was one of the traditional musicians in Korea, the man who played the drums. You may not remember him as you’re not that smart to remember most of the things you need to know but I’m sure your old man knows my father very well.” “I don’t think he still knows he has dementia now.” Lee Hoon tried to runaway but failed as he got caught by Hearthof’s men immediately as they’re all well trained security to wealthy people. “Lock him to the basement and make him talk. I’ll deal with him later.” Hearthof commanded his men while the others didn’t leave his side until he went to the stage of the event hall for his speech. Hestia walked towards their table while he’s in the middle of his speech with a puzzled face as she takes her seat, completely unaware that Hearthof is watching her every move like a hawk.