Chapter 37 - The Party (3)

KJ was carefully observing all the guests. He knew these were members of the Cartel. Even if Madam Hong was after Ash, the Cartel had a different target: KJ.

"KJ, come in," a voice came out from the small Bluetooth device he was wearing in his ear. It was so small that he could easily hide it with his hair.

"Hyun Jung," he muttered.

"KJ, I still think you shouldn't have gone there on your own like this," Hyun Jung said in a tensed tone. "The original target of the Cartel, is you. What if they harm you?"

KJ scanned the area. People were chattering away but he could feel them keeping an eye on his every move. There were a few men in black suits, who were silently tailing him.

"I can handle myself," KJ tried to reassure him. Hyun Jung was not appeased.

"Be careful, KJ," he said before hanging up.

KJ kept a close eye on Ash and Madam Hong. They were now with a group of politicians and diplomats, who were engaged in a deep conversation with Madam Hong. His eyes met Ash's ones and they nodded to each other before KJ walked away.

The DJ's voice roared through the mic.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" he called out. "Grab your partners and get ready to groove to a romantic song. Let's spread some love throughout the evening."

Ash felt Madam Hong's hand on his shoulder.

"Shall we?" she asked. Ash merely nodded and led her to the dance floor. He put a hand on her back, but she pulled it all the way to her behind, making him wince inwardly.

Mirae watched them, dancing slowly to the music. Ed Sheeran's 'Give me love' played through the speakers.

KJ approached her. "Wanna dance?" he offered her his hand. Mirae was hesitant before taking it. It was just once dance, she shrugged.

KJ led her to the dance floor and pulled her close. They were standing very close. Mirae felt uncomfortable with their proximity but there was something oddly familiar about his scent...

They started to move with the rhythm of the music. More specifically, KJ was the one leading the dance while Mirae just followed his steps. He leaned in closer to her ears.

"Hello, Ms. CEO," he whispered in her ears. Mirae was startled.

"I'm sorry, sir?" she feigned confusion.

KJ twirled her around. Her back was now leaning on his chest. "Drop the act, Ms. Mirae," he said, breathing on her neck. "I figured out your identity. You were not exactly careful with it."

It was true. She was not very careful with her disguise but it was deliberate. She wanted to gauge out how KJ knew her name on the night they met. She decided to drop the act.

Mirae turned around and leaned in closer to his ear.

"You're right," she affirmed. "I'm the CEO. Now that the gig is up, answer my questions."

They were dancing closely now. She was leaning on him, whispering into his ear.

"Why is Psycho here?" she demanded.

"To implement the final phase of our plan," KJ said.

"Don't lie! Our plan was to use the video! It alone can destroy her."

"It can destroy her husband," KJ said. "But not her. She is way too powerful. She can get away with it. I need Psycho for the final blow. Just trust me."

"I can't," she shot back.

"Why not?"

Mirae but her lip. "Because it feels like, you're the type of person who will run away at the last minute," she admitted. KJ pulled her closer. Her words ringed in his ears.

She was right. He was the type of person who would run away. Did he not run away from her years ago? Was he still not running away?

"I will run away," he said. Mirae looked up at him in alarm. "But not before making things right," he added. He then roughly twirled her around and let go of her hand. She turned and almost tumbled when a pair of string hands held her.

She fell into Ash's arms, who then pulled her in for a dance. She turned to see, KJ was now dancing with Madam Hong.

"You okay?" Ash asked, noticing her tensed face.

"KJ figured out my identity," Mirae explained. He frowned.

"How?"

"I don't know, but it doesn't matter. I was not careful either. I needed some answers from him and hence I took up this job to keep an eye on him."

"Did you get your answers?"

"No," Mirae said. "His reply only increased my questions."

They were dancing very slowly. KJ observed them from a distance, his heart being torn to pieces. Is this my punishment, Mirae? He wondered. Deep down, he knew he deserved it. But who is he to complain when he was the one who messed up with everyone's lives?

"Your eyes hide an immense pain," Madam Hong commented. KJ turned his attention to her.

"Sorry?"

"Your eyes hide an immense pain," she repeated. "Of unrequited love."

KJ narrowed his eyes.

"You must be mistaken," he insisted in a cold tone. "I am loved by everyone in this country. I can have any girl I want."

"Yet your heart pines for someone else," Madam Hong said. "I can tell. I've pined for someone too. He is so close to me and yet so far."

Is she talking about Ash? KJ wondered. His eyes caught the Ash-Mir couple, dancing a little distance away. They tried to keep on their professional front; it was too dangerous to look intimate there. But they were staring into eahc others eyes, oblivious to KJ's pain.

After a while, Ash caught KJ's eyes who nodded. Both of them twirled their respective partners and once again, the ladies landed with their original partners.

"When are we going to catch her?" Mirae demanded.

"It's almost time," KJ smirked. "The party just started. Let us enjoy some drinks with our host. Shall we, honey?"

Mirae was surprised by his smile. He gave her his most charming smile, as he held out his arm. She took it.

"Okay," she smiled back. "Oh and by the way. Call me honey again, I will make sure you never wake up from your sleep ever again."

She said the last words in a sweet tone. KJ smiled inwardly. Seems like she still hated being called 'honey'.