Chapter Text
“Oh, really? Lobster thermidor, huh? I can make them for you.”
“Lukkun you’re going to make me fat! Mommy, Lily, and Jenny made so much food during Christmas I can’t just not eat! And not to mention that cake you made, I fought with Ari for the last slice you know?”
“Haha, really? Who won in the end?”
“I DID!!” Arius yelled from beside her, and Athanasia pouts. Geez, way to ruin her phone call with her boyfriend.
Why on a phone call? Because currently, Athanasia and Arius, along with the Obelian Main Family (which is, Anastasius and Claude’s families) are being dressed up by professional makeup artists and designers. They’ve finished their turn, and now waiting for the Gala to start.
Christmas Gala, hosted every year by prominent figures in various industries inside the nation. Entertainment, Business, Politics, even the Police Commissioner and famous detectives attend this gala. When someone is invited to this party, it means you’ve taken the interest of the bigwigs, and your success is just around the corner. The Obelians are one of such ‘bigwigs’, having attended the gala ever since its founding year.
“Are you sure you have time to call me? Aren’t you busy over there being dolled up and everything?”
“We’re fine, I’m waiting for the Gala to start. I don’t want to mingle with other people on the lounge, they’re just going to gossip afterall…”
“Well, if you say so. I’m just helping Aunt setting up the barbecue now. Apparently, uncle and Kyuhyun said what we had yesterday for Christmas Eve isn’t enough…”
Lucas is busily moving around the plates and barbecue grills. They eat very well yesterday, and now they got to stay over and eat more than what Lucas can afford in a month. Wolfram is thrilled, and who is Lucas to deny his uncle’s family goodwill?
He’s hesitant to let them inside his heart, Wolfram is enough, Athanasia is enough. But with how warm they’re being to him, someone who was rejected by the world before, he too, wants to bask in their kind embrace.
It’s okay to accept kindness from other people. Athanasia taught him that. This change brings smiles to his aunt’s and uncle’s faces, even Caraks also seems pleased. If not for the little lady, Lucas might’ve spent Christmas only with Wolfram, beating himself up for not being able to give his brother a nice, toasty dinner.
Wolfram is now happily doing his job as a taste tester!
“Barbecue!! How I wish I can fly there and eat right now. I’m starving! I can’t eat too much and get bloated now, can I? Not to mention this dress is pretty and I need to look pretty!”
“Don’t think too much and just eat what you want. You’re always beautiful.”
Athanasia is red in the face, and Arius whistles, wooo way to go Hyung. He’s so smooth. Maybe Arius should learn his ways to become a great man just like how Lucas-hyung is.
Hearing no answer, Lucas grins, that little lady is probably red to her ears now, isn’t she? Well. After saying such an embarrassing line, Lucas is red in the neck too.
Or maybe he’s just cold.
“Anyway, thanks for the Christmas gifts. I didn’t know this type of TWS has a red color, I thought Sennheiser only has white and black? And Wolfram loves his complete set of Sylveon plushies.”
Athanasia can’t say she custom ordered that Seannheiser TWS for a matching pair of red and baby blue… Lucas will freak out if he knows how much she spent on his Christmas gift. What he doesn’t know, won’t hurt him, she thought warily. And Wolfram’s set of eeveelutions? Let’s just say she abused her connections for those. Nothing is too expensive for my baby boys!
Only the best for Hwang brothers!
What is money if she doesn’t use it to spoil her loved ones? Claude always said that. Especially when Daddy Claude himself got Mommy Diana a customized couple watch adorned with pink diamonds and coated in gold from a high-end brand, Athanasia and Arius choked on their milk when they saw the price tag.
Daddy said nothing is too pricey for Mommy. Also, Uncle Anastasius got Jenny a Ferrari… And as promised, Daddy gave Arius a Ninja H2 SX SE , and yes, Daddy also learned how to ride a big motorbike. Me? I nearly got an apartment under my name but Daddy was worried I’ll do naughty things with Lukkun there so he handed me a blank check… Daddy, why must you do that. Arius wanted to get Wolfie a switch, but Lukkun beats him to it. So, Ari bought a crapton of games for Wolfie…
She swears Obelians are simps with boatloads of money. Not that she’s complaining.
“Your welcome! This way you can always call me without looking for your wired earphones~ Ahh, I want barbecue…”
“I’ll make some for you, just remind me. Anyway, I’m going to cook now, send pictures ok? Be careful of rich people.”
And Lucas cuts the phone call. Athy sighs, dreamy and in love. Arius huffs. His sister looks so silly with a goofy grin like that. But oh well, whatever makes her happy.
A knock comes to their door, and the grin is wiped off her face immediately.
“Lady and Young Master, you’re expected in the hallway soon.”
“We’ll be there.”
Athanasia and Arius nod, they’re here to socialize and do their part as Obelian now. The gargantuan business corporation The Obelian Empire. Or as people call them..,
The mighty suns.
***
The Grand Hall of Alpheus Hotel. Elegant and pristine, shining marble floors and crystal chandeliers atop of exquisitely dressed people. The gathering of the wealthy and distinguished. It is said if you can make your way to this gala, it almost set your success in stone.
It’s a gathering to scout new talents and discuss the flow of business and the political world for the year. It is said the money this Gala makes will be donated to charity, and usually, the Alpheus and the Ernsts will take care of the distribution.
For Athanasia and Arius, it’s just a party for the rich. They planned to use Diana Hotel in this gathering at first, but Roger Alpheus mentioned how he and the Ernsts have arranged everything neatly… Damn snake, wanting to attract attention to himself.
When they entered, people looked at them with respect and awe. The richest tycoons, in the flesh! With numerous inventions that always make a breakthrough in the field.
“As expected for the Obelians, your latest invention of the ‘JENN’ AI app is a tremendous hit for the AI world. Sir Anastasius, what was your inspiration for this app?”
“Well, it’s simple really. My daughter sometimes wonders about the latest trends, the fashionable shops in the area, where to eat out with me. And I’m just a dad, you know? And I can’t always answer my dear Jennette’s questions and I’m busy, so why not make something that can help her and the masses? So we gathered the best programmers and AI designers, and with a little tip from two acquaintances who are specialized in the area… JENN can be completed successfully. I got to thank my niece, Athanasia for him.”
And as always, the Obelian Brothers will always be the center of attention. Anastasius, the CEO of Obelian Empire, and Claude, award-winning most successful lawyer in the nation. Has won over a thousand cases with no loss record. Sometimes I feel like it’s a dream, me being born in this super famous, super-wealthy family. Athanasia mused, with Jennette on her side. And uncle must be talking about Lukkun and Sir Caraks… Aw, my Lukkun is truly the best.
Her mother, Diana is with Lilian and Felix. Lily maybe her nanny and helper around the mansion sometimes. But her true role is Diana’s manager. Mom got a lot of fans too huh…
“Miss Athanasia?”
“Ah, pardon me. What is it?”
Seeing her line of sight, her parents, the male before her smiled politely. If I remember right, his name is Michael Choi, an up-and-coming actor? I’ve been busy with Lukkun and my dance practices, I barely have time to do anything else. He always commented on my TickTocks though… “It must be delightful to have such distinguished parents. Of course, Lady Athanasia is also an esteemed person. Millions of followers, your blog reaches worldwide, and you often play as the moderator and source person in mental health or writing talks.”
Flattery will get you places, it’s nice to hear but sometimes the attention is overwhelming, even for Athanasia.
“You’re surely exaggerating, I’m just doing my hobby. Sir too, being an actor so young.”
Helena talked about him some, his father is a well-known actor too right?
“I’ve been your loyal follower even before I became an actor. Your tips helped me a lot to maintain my appearances, ever thought of being a beautician or make your own brand, Miss Obelia?”
Uncle did mention he wants to make a skincare brand with me as the brand ambassador and owner, but it’s still a plan. “We’ll see, I’m busy with college and I’d love some alone time with my loved ones. Probably in the future.” She smiles, although her face is covered by her fan.
“Loved ones… Right, I’ve heard recently Miss Obelia has a lover.”
The crowd hushes and whispers. Even Jennette took notice of how the atmosphere changed. Giving Athanasia a pat on the back, the slightly older girl laughs in reassurance. “Yes, her boyfriend is a very capable man and my father also likes talking with him. He’s a coworker of Kiel too, right, Kiel?”
“Ah yes, he’s on the quiet side but he’s capable and nice. Cabel is also a friend of his.”
“Cabel, as in Cabel Ernst? CEO Substitute of Ernst Group?”
“The one and only. It was a huge coincidence for all of us to know each other, right Athy?”
Athanasia has her fan covering her face. Yes, everything seems like a huge coincidence and fate is connecting all of them together. Her meeting with Lucas at La Memoria, Lucas working as an intern Technician for her father’s law firm, and Cabel’s as a barista too with Lucas while also being a CEO Substitute… Not to mention that Sir Caraks was Uncle Anastasius’s college bestie, until now! Lady Luck seems to love hanging around us… all this is too much to be a coincidence, but now that Athanasia remembers right… Her mom is good friends with Lucas’s aunt!
Lucas is surrounded by rich kids, as her uncle once said.
“True, our families know each other quite well even. Hopefully, things will continue to be smooth even in the future.”
Michael Choi bit his lips, hoping what he heard wasn’t true. As an actor, Michael has no trouble in getting a woman to his arms. But he wants her… Lustrous golden hair, beautiful diamond eyes, and perfect, little body. She looks like a fairy straight out from storybooks. Taking out his name card, he kisses her hand as he slipped his card on her palm. “If one day you’re interested, Miss Athanasia. I’m always one call away.”
Athanasia looks down at her hands, still gently held by the actor.
“Your hands are so soft, Mr. Choi.”
Michael nods upon the compliment. Her expression is unreadable, but that sure sounds like a compliment! “I take very good care of them, Miss.”
Athanasia played with his hands as she sat between his legs, in one of her attempts to stop Lucas from overworking himself. Lucas lets her be, simply enjoying her in his arms.
“Lukkun, your hand is so dry and rough! You need to take better care of them!”
His hands were calloused, and some places even have dry patches on them. And little pricks and cuts from working in the kitchen and with cables. Lucas blinks, not seeing the point. “Why? I work with electronics and kitchen sets, having a slippery hand is dangerous for me.”
Athanasia pouts. Lucas held her hand with his to appease her.
“But your hands are so calloused…”
“It means I work very hard.”
They both laughed at that, but nope! Athanasia still pinched his arm. “No excuses! I want that hand cream I gave you used up by the end of the month!”
“Oh come on…”
Lucas works very hard, indeed. For himself, for his brother, for Athanasia. His hands are proof of how hard he works every day. His skin reflects how tired he is (although with her intervention, his skin is saved! mostly).
Athanasia ripped the name card into two.
“I’m sorry Mr. Choi, but that won’t happen. I’m busy enough as it is, try another woman, perhaps?”
And she left, followed by her friends and cousin. Leaving a seething and shocked actor behind. Claude and Anastasius who saw the scene smiled. That’s my daughter , Claude thought. Anastasius simply chuckled in response. How feisty.
Maybe they’ll deny any kind of connection from the Choi family, just because.
***
The party continues, with Athanasia staying close to her family this time. Several incidents occurred in this year’s Gala, and they will surely make their way to the headlines tomorrow.
A detective is found out to be dating an actress.
That rich family’s daughter is dating the minister of economy’s son?!
And of course, the one news Athanasia and Arius has been waiting with bated breath… They watched as a woman descended from the stairs, accompanied by a sophisticated gentleman. Athanasia recognizes him as the minister of tourism, sports and culture… Hwang Taenggo. So the woman next to him must be…
“Good evening, ladies and gentleman. Thank you for attending this Gala! Today I would like to introduce the new head of our family, replacing her late brother, Hyeri Hwang!”
A woman so beautiful even Athanasia stopped breathing to gaze at her. Sleek, shiny black hair just like the night sky. Porcelain skin, thin arms covered by opera gloves. Her body covered by red, silk cheongsam with spider lily patterns. Small, enigmatic smile. And of course, the signature cerise eyes of the Hwang family purebloods. Athanasia wonders if all Hwangs are fated to be beautiful. She tuned everything else to watch Hyeri Hwang make her way to the crowds… Wait a minute. Is she getting closer to her?
Athanasia watches as she’s finally face to face with Hyeri Hwang. The new leader of Hwang Family, Wolfram and Lucas’s aunt, her enemy . “Good evening, Miss Athanasia. It’s a pleasure to meet my future in-law so close.”
The crowd exploded with questions. In law? The Obelians and The Hwangs will be in-laws? Claude wants to rip her hair off. Nothing is set in stone yet! Athanasia is his daughter forever! Arius wants to beat her up, but Diana holds him back.
“What makes you think that, Miss Hwang? Also, I don’t recall allowing you to call me by my name.”
“Oh, excuse my impudence. But aren’t you in a relationship with my lovely nephew? I think your younger brother seems to favor my younger nephew as well…”
Athanasia snapped her fan shut. Her scowling face was apparent to the masses. “Nephew? No no, my boyfriend’s only family is his uncle and teacher. I don’t recall having you as his aunt. Do not overstep your boundaries.”
Hyeri giggled. Athanasia wants to slap that mouth shut. “Why not?” She purred, getting close to her ears. “I helped to make my second nephew, he was deemed as a failure, but only I know the truth. Our Wolfram is successful, but his brother … Even prototypes can be better than its successor. ”
Athanasia has no idea what she meant. But she does know one thing, and it pisses her off. The blonde took off her gloves.
And slapped Hwang Hyeri very hard on the face. Arius cheered as Diana holds him back, and their mother wonders where did her children get their violent tendencies.
“Not only you mistreated my boyfriend, you also referred to him as an object. How vile.” Athanasia threw her gloves aside to Lily’s open hands to discard them. It’s filthy now. “Know that they’re no longer a member of your family… They’re members of MY family. Under the sun’s protection, no shadow shall creep close… Know this, we won’t hold any resources to protect what is ours.”
Athanasia turns her back to the still shocked and frozen Hyeri, no one has ever slapped her in the face before. But this, this girl who had marred her face…
“Rue the day you decided to pick fight with me, Hwang Hyeri.”
Questions emerged in her mind, what Hyeri said, what Lucas had said about his upbringing, the whole Hwang family in general.
Why was he so hated by the Hwangs? Is it really because of his eyes? That can’t be.
What about Wolfram, why do Hyeri mentioned they was made? They’re not cakes. They can’t be made just like that.
One thing Athanasia is sure of is as long as she’s alive she won’t let anything happen to Lucas.
No matter what the cost.