Chapter 3 The GALA II

NORTH POV

They returned to their conversation with a shared smile, taking refuge in the sincerity of their communication amidst the bustle of personalities at the gathering.

Their talk glided with warmth, neither noticing that their words might indicate a hidden truth.

"Anyway, not to intrude or anything, what keeps you occupied in the business world?" Kinsley asked curiously.

"No worries." She answered her playfully, saying, "Our family business has been focusing on luxury goods for generations." And then she sipped her wine.

"That sounds fascinating," Kinsley's interest piqued. "Could you tell me more about what your company specializes in?" she added.

"Our company has a strong focus on fine jewelry and high-end accessories," She further explained, a glint of pride in her eyes. "We believe in merging exquisite craftsmanship with timeless design."

Kinsley nodded appreciatively. "That is simply remarkable. I'm sure your products are a homage to your family's legacy."

I can sense a subtle change in Kinsley's demeanor. She was quiet for a few seconds as if contemplating something heavy.

"By any chance, are you related to Mr. & Mrs. Lexington of Lexington Conglomerate?" Kinsley asked with an urgency in her tone.

I am an only child, and even my parents are under the constant limelight; they sheltered me as much as they could from the world, thus minimizing my appearance. It's only been a year since they slowly introduced me to the industry despite my involvement in the company.

"I am their daughter," I answered hesitantly, as I don't go around telling people that fact, but it seemed like she had already unwoven me.

"My family's business is in the same industry." Kinsley looked me in the eye.

"Which one?" sometimes, I feel so awkward with my question, but it is too late to take it back.

"The Patterson," Kinsley answered while sipping her wine.

"Wait, you mean... you're from that company?" I wondered why we didn't know each other when we were in the same industry.

Kinsley nodded, "Guilty as charged. Our families' businesses have quite the history." She said flatly.

"This is unexpected. I mean, I had no idea. We're supposed to be competitors, aren't we?" I paused, looking conflicted. Is it something I'm supposed to be saying?

"In the boardroom, perhaps." Kinsley looked at me again, but now with a subtle smile.

We were silent for quite a while until I broke the silence.

"It's interesting how our families have built such successful empires. It's almost like we're both part of this legacy that's larger than ourselves." I said while looking around as if divulging every detail of the party.

"You're right. The weight of our families' histories and businesses is something we both carry." Kinsley agreed.

"It's quite a world we live in, isn't it?" my eyes fixated on the decor before me.

"Indeed. The expectations, the responsibilities-it can feel overwhelming at times." Kinsley nods, now looking at me.

I felt so awkward that I wanted to crawl back into the cocoon that had been cradling me for years. Despite rising through the ranks of society and meeting notable people, I always wanted to retreat to my comfort zone.

"Congratulations on your partnership with Nike." She tossed a glass which I gladly received. News travels fast indeed, but she gladly took pride in that.

"I wanted to stay longer but had some work to finish." Kinsley looked at her watch and then grabbed her belongings, preparing to stand up.

Did I offend her somehow? Why would she want to leave suddenly? Dismissing her thoughts, she answered, "It's all right. I'll go home shortly as well."

"Hmm, if it's okay, can I have your phone number?" Kinsley inquired, a gleam of hope in her eyes and a hint of hesitance in her voice.

Usually, she would hand people her business card or assistant's phone number, but it felt wrong this time. So, she eagerly gives her phone number, and Kinsley calls her phone, so she has her phone number.

Once again, the two parted with uncertainty, bearing the warmth of their shared memories. But you know how life has a funny way of mixing people, don't you?

KINSLEY POV

Her heart tightened with what she discovered. The connection she felt, the admiration she nurtured, was now linked to the dynamic growth of their family's businesses.

Their conversation took on a bittersweet turn, a mixture of genuine connection and the burden of responsibility. I tried to balance my feelings with the reality of the situation. Yet I found the road to a potential relationship littered with obstacles and unexpected challenges.

Despite the unexpected revelation, the connection they formed cannot be denied. Their shared interests, aspirations, and undeniable chemistry that drew them together were still very much there. But then, their relationship was built on competition and rivalry, adding complexity to what could have been a simple romance.

As the evening progressed, I heir became overwhelmed with emotion. I am torn between the desires of my heart and the practical considerations accompanying their situation. Her encounters with her had given her a mixture of conflicting emotions – the excitement of finally meeting someone with the same wavelength as hers and the weight of a competition that threatened to tear them apart.

But on top of all this, is North the same as me regarding my preferences, or am I just putting a different meaning on North's generosity?

As she was heading outside the ballroom, her phone rang. She answered it without looking at the caller ID.

"Where the hell are you?" Her dad's voice surprised her. Oh crap, I should've looked at the caller ID first.

"I'm in the party Dad." She answered him flatly.

"Party? You still have time to party when the other company just closed a deal with Nike?!" He sounded so mad.

"Dad, remember, you asked me to attend this party for our company's exposure?!" she raised her voice in frustration. How could he forget?

"Yes, but you still gotta do your job properly, lady!" he's madder now, just great.

"I am doing my best, Dad." she already has too much.

"Really? I don't think so." And with that, her dad ended the call.

How could he just manage to ruin my night! What a great life! Haist!