A SLAP IN THE FACE

As Ye Lyra entered, she spotted Mo Shira engaged in conversation with some businessmen. Nearby, Mo Lin stood with a girl who seemed familiar, possibly a family friend or Mo Shira's childhood friend. Ye Lyra approached Mo Lin, attempting a warm greeting.

"Hi Lin, it's been ages! How are you?"

Mo Lin's smile faltered, her expression turning icy. Ye Lyra had once been a friend, but after using their friendship to get close to Mo Shira, she had become arrogant and distant. Mo Lin had helped Ye Lyra's modeling career, but after Ye Lyra's second award, she had abandoned their friendship and begun an affair with Mo Shira, further straining their relationship.

Ye Lyra tried to feign innocence. "What's with that look, Lin Lin? We're still friends, right?"

Mo Lin's response was curt. "I know exactly who my friends are. You don't need to remind me."

Ye Lyra attempted an apology. "It's okay, Lin. I'm sorry for everything I did. Please forgive me."

Her gaze shifted to Yue Ling, and she asked, "And who's this?"

Mo Lin introduced them. "Meet Yue Ling, Mo Shira's fiancée and future Miss Mo. Yue Ling, this is Ye Lyra, a super model."

Yue Ling greeted Ye Lyra politely before excusing herself to greet Mo Shira's parents, leaving Ye Lyra seething. Ye Lyra felt belittled and decided to humiliate Yue Ling, determined to show her that Mo Shira still cared for her despite the family's disapproval.

Ye Lyra pretended to lose her balance and fell into Mo Shira's arms, trying to provoke Yue Ling's jealousy. Mo Shira, caught off guard, instinctively held her, unaware of Ye Lyra's schemes.

Mo Shira caught Ye Lyra as she pretended to lose her balance. "Miss Ye, you shouldn't be careless with your steps. You're a model; you might hurt your legs."

Ye Lyra smiled widely, adjusting herself in his arms. "Thanks for saving me, Shira..." she said in a lovely tone.

Mo Shira excused himself from the gentlemen and turned to Ye Lyra. "Why are you here?"

"I'm here for you, of course. You know I love you. You can't just leave me for another girl like that," Ye Lyra replied.

Mo Shira raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

"Yes," Ye Lyra affirmed.

Mo Shira's expression turned serious. "Ye Lyra, think very well. Don't you think you're forgetting something?"

"What do you mean?" Ye Lyra asked, her face paling.

"The contract!!" Mo Shira reminded her.

Ye Lyra's eyes widened, but before she could respond, Mo Shen took the microphone and began a speech. Mo Shira left her side, joining his grandfather on stage.

Yue Ling felt uncomfortable witnessing the intimate exchange between Ye Lyra and Mo Shira. She was relieved when Mo Shira left Ye Lyra's side but still angry with him for catching Ye Lyra.

Mo Jihnu approached her, smiling. "Are you feeling jealous?"

Yue Ling denied it. "Jealous of what exactly?"

Mo Jihnu teased, "Of course, you're jealous of Mo Shira and Ye Lyra together."

Yue Ling insisted, "Why would I be? I trust Mo Shira."

Mo Jihnu warned, "It's okay, dear, but you should get used to it. That's my brother for you; he loves women a lot."

Yue Ling remained confident. "I know that, and I still trust him. I know he loves me and won't hurt my feelings."

Mo Jihnu thought to himself, "You can trust him as much as you like, Xiao Ling, but you are mine and will only be mine. Just wait and see the engagement gift I have for you. I know you'll be very happy."

Once Grandpa Mo finished his speech, the room erupted in applause as he called upon Mo Shira, the CEO, to take the stage. Mo Shira hugged his grandfather before beginning his speech.

"Thank you all for joining us to celebrate another successful year of the Mo Corporation. I'd like to extend my gratitude to everyone under the Mo Corporate umbrella for their hard work and efficiency. I'm pleased to announce that we'll be establishing a main branch in Country H." The audience applauded enthusiastically.

Mo Shira paused, a hint of vulnerability in his voice. "Since I was born, I've been an emotionless person, never understanding the meaning of feelings. I never knew there was something beautiful beyond money, success, and fame. You all know me well; I never thought I'd fall in love. I didn't believe in the concept of a 'better half,' thinking I had everything: family, wealth, success, and fame. But the day I met her, despite the tense circumstances, I knew I'd found my perfect match. I now understand what 'better half' means to me."

Mo Shira dropped the microphone and walked through the crowd, his eyes fixed on Yue Ling, who stood near Ye Lyra. He knelt down before them, and the room fell silent, with all eyes on him.

Mo Shira's voice was filled with emotion as he spoke. "I've said many hurtful things to you, caused you trouble, and put you through things that are hard to forgive. But now, I want to make it right. I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy. Will you give me the honor of being my life partner?"

He opened the ring box, revealing a stunning diamond ring. Ye Lyra's eyes sparkled with excitement, thinking he was proposing to her. But Mo Shira's gaze was fixed on Yue Ling, waiting for her response.

Yue Ling's emotions swirled as she looked at Mo Shira. She knew he planned to propose, but she didn't expect it to be so special. She saw the sincerity in his eyes and knew he meant every word. A tear escaped her eye as she bent down to kiss him. She slid her finger into the ring, and Mo Shira's face lit up with joy.

The room erupted in applause as Mo Shira stood up and hugged Yue Ling tightly. Mo Lin congratulated them with a hug, throwing a sarcastic glance at Ye Lyra. "Yue Ling, you're officially engaged to Mo Shira now. Congrats! Unlike some people who would rather humiliate themselves even after seeing everything."

Mo Jihnu took the stage, shouting, "What are we waiting for? Let's dance! Everyone, go on! D.J, music, please!"

The crowd began dancing, and Mo Shira asked Yue Ling for a dance. She gave him her hand, and they swayed to the music, lost in their own world. Yue Ling rested her head on Mo Shira's chest, feeling his heartbeat, and let the music guide their movements.

Ye Lyra seethed with anger and humiliation as she watched Mo Shira and Yue Ling's romantic moment. The crowd's gaze seemed to mock her, and she couldn't take it anymore. With a furious huff, she stormed out of the party, her eyes blazing with resentment. She vowed to make Yue Ling pay for the pain and humiliation she had endured. Ye Lyra's anger simmered, fueling a desire for revenge against the woman who had stolen Mo Shira's heart.

next chapter: "she's been kidnapped