Four years later…
Ring! Ring!
The shrill sound of my phone dragged me from a nightmare.
"Andy, you can't be serious! Should I remind you what time to wake up?" Mira muttered. "We have an important deal to close today."
"Mira, have Mike replace me. I don't think I'll make it to work today," I mumbled, still half-asleep. "It's not like we're on the losing end—just have Mike handle it."
"Fine… Miss President," she sighed. "I'll drop by later to check that you've eaten properly."
"I got it, stop nagging," I said, hanging up.
Being the president of a large conglomerate had helped me move on from the past that once haunted me—the past of a girl who thought seeking everyone's love could fill the void inside her.
It took me four years of failures, heartbreaks, and disappointments to become who I am today: the president of one of the leading companies in the country, with a reputation built from sheer grit and resilience after inheriting the company four years ago.
After finishing my daily workout, I dressed up and drove to my grandfather's house on the outskirts of the city.
As usual, the butler, Mr. Luis, greeted me warmly. He had been my grandfather's most trusted man for decades.
"Young miss, Master has been expecting you. This way, please."
I was escorted directly to the dining room, where my grandfather sat enjoying his breakfast.
A grin spread across his aging face as he saw me. "Andy, come and have breakfast with your grandpa. It's been far too long since we've shared a meal together. Aunt lissa has prepared your favorites."
"So sweet of her," I mused, taking a seat beside him as Aunt Lissa served the breakfast.
"How are you doing?" he asked between bites.
"I'm doing great, Grandpa," I replied, continuing with my meal.
"I heard you're finalizing the deal with Sky Mall Construction. How's it going?" he asked.
"Don't worry about it. I'm handling it well," I said, flashing him my sweetest smile. "Just take your medicine on time and trust your capable granddaughter."
After breakfast, I told Grandpa I wanted to see my mom.
We walked together to the cemetery. Standing in front of her grave, I studied the image of the sweet, smiling woman in the photo. She had once ruled China's entertainment industry as the country's top model, adored overseas, a goddess in everyone's eyes. But she had fallen for the wrong prince charming—my father.
From what I could remember, we were the happiest family anyone could wish for, though my dad never truly acknowledged my grandfather, who had been her manager. Despite that, I had been the happiest child in the world… until everything changed.
I whispered, "I hope you're proud of me, Mom. I've tried… I've really tried."
A soft breeze rustled the flowers on her grave, almost as if she had heard me. And for the first time in years, I felt a strange mix of comfort and anticipation—a feeling that something was about to change.
Little did I know, my life was about to be turned upside down once again…