Chapter 4 The invitation

(Kieran’s POV)

"You make it sound like it’s no big deal, Kieran."

I heard my colleague compliment me, laughing tipsy trying to pat my back. The laughter, the noise of the glasses clinking, the sea of perfect smiling faces — it all blurred together.

“Don’t talk so high of me, it’s all the audience’s love..I just work hard.” I tried to lighten my tone, but almost couldn’t.

“And that hard work is what has led you to where you are today…the world is crazy for you Kieran.” Another one of my colleagues appreciated me while raising a drink.

“Yeah, he’s right. Honestly, it takes a lot from a person to be this far in just five years. So many sacrifices and so many sleepless nights, damn!” Arthur praised me.

“Trust me, I know how much it takes; no one else knows the price I paid to be here.” I could only think this to myself.

The rooftop of this five-star hotel was all alive tonight. My favorite place to celebrate the victories of my career, the career I ran away from my family to build ... the very career that made me dead alive. The city was flowing below us, endless roads and lights, and the elite personalities of the music industry had gathered to celebrate the launch of my latest album. They called it a victory…A masterpiece.

But I still felt numb...That’s how it had been for five years now.

I took a sip from my glass, and the champagne felt so flat on my tongue. The music — my music — was playing in the background, my favorite song I wrote for her.

"Honestly, man ... the lyrics, the tempo, the heavy emotions, and the melodic voice of yours…what an ace you are!" said Kevin Cross, one of my producers I didn't really click with.

He was grinning, all tipsy, wrapping his hand around my shoulder. "You’ve got this music industry under the control of your thumb, you know? And you look like you don’t even care."

I smiled politely at his comment. "I’m honored to have your admiration, Mr. Cross."

He laughed like an idiot, swaying from left and right, jamming to my song.

I looked away, trying to find a rather secluded corner, my eyes went to the terrace where a group of teenage models were throwing glances and seductive smiles at me. Their clothes were too fit, to make people wonder how they put them on.

I looked away. There was no point in this, if I wanted to have them, I could have done that long ago…but none of them were even close to my little flame.

A woman in a tight crimson gown approached me, wine in one hand, her smile sharp. I had met her before…But I couldn't remember her name. "Kieran, I hope you don’t mind me asking but…you look distracted tonight. This is the night of celebration. Why so down?” She asked with a fake frown.

"I’m just tired," I said with a polite, apologetic smile.

She gave a sultry smile. " I understand, you work really hard. But you know, if you need to lay the tiredness off then you—"

"Excuse me." I cut her off gently and turned away from her at a fast pace.

I finally found a rather silent corner on the edge of the rooftop, the cool breeze hitting my face like it would take all my pain away smoothly…or maybe take me to the past to where I belong.

I saw my reflection in the glass doors — my well-built body wrapped in a tailored black suit, matching black leather gloves that I never took off anymore, maroon velvet long coat that looked like it hid my secrets beneath. My dark wavy hair swept back, and my dead gray eyes gave away nothing.

I hated the man I saw. Such a perfect-looking miserable man. Because he was still deprived of life without that one person.

I came home earlier than expected, and my car stopped at the huge gates of my lonely, dark mansion. I bought this mansion a bit far from the city, to keep my life private, to avoid the liveliness and hustle of the city.

The watchman opened the black iron gates, the mansion’s stone face stark against the night. No warmth, no welcome. Just the way I like it.

Inside, it was all quiet. I took off my coat and placed it on the hook, crossing to study. The dark wood, the muted light, the heavy drapes — it suited me. It always had.

I had just entered my bedroom, taken a shower, and changed into a charcoal night suit when the door knocked.

My assistant Hoseok entered with an envelope in his hand.

“What is it Hoseok?” I asked him gently.

"This is an invitation for you sir…it arrived a few hours ago. It’s marked urgent."

I took it with a frown. “What might be urgent?” My fingers brushed over the seal. Ice sports federation. I pulled out the invitation. I was only taking invitations from charity programs outside my circle now.

VIP invitation.

International championship. Front row.

My pulse kicked up at the sudden memory.

“Swan of the Ice,” I read the name of the lead performer. “This is not her,” I whispered to myself. “Who is not who, sir?” Hoseok asked. I set the envelope down, heaving a sigh.

“Nothing Hoseok, please make arrangements for my visit. I will be going to this event.” I asked him in a low, gentle voice.

“Yes, sir.” Hoseok bowed and left.

I looked out of my window. What might she be doing now? Does she still skate? Or did she give up on this passion like always? I wondered…..