At that moment, I removed the blindfold from her eyes as well as the earplugs. When she opened her eyes, she saw the bustling train station and the world moving around it.
"Ehito, where did you take me?"
"To the capital, to eat at a restaurant I really like. What, you don't like surprises?"
"It's not that… It's just that I would have changed and… well, you know, I would have dressed up."
"Well, if you want, I can take you to a clothing store. It's only 7 p.m., you can take as much time as you need."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, take your time, don't worry."
"Oh no! I don't have any money..."
"Don't worry, it's on me."
"I can't accept that," she said, determined.
"Well then, we'll go to the restaurant dressed like this, if you prefer."
"No, it's fine," she replied, slightly annoyed, realizing she had fallen into a trap.
I then took her to one of the most expensive boutiques in the city. She tried on many outfits: some I found ordinary, others cute, a few that made me blush, and one that was truly elegant. In the end, she chose that one, and I added two more that I found pretty. As we were about to leave, she said:
"Ehito, what are you doing? Why aren't you buying any clothes? Are you planning to accompany someone as beautiful as me while wearing a silly outfit?"
After some thought, she wasn't wrong. She wore a long burgundy dress with a slit that revealed her legs. Already stunning on its own, the fitted dress accentuated her curves, and the neckline enhanced her generous chest. Meanwhile, I was wearing sweatpants and a hoodie…
"Alright, you're right. I'll change."
"Conrad," I said into the empty space.
Lia gave me a strange look, and suddenly, a man about forty years old appeared and said:
"Yes, sir, to what do I owe the honor of being called by you?"
"I already told you to call me by my name and to drop the formalities."
"Sorry, sir, but I don't think I can do that."
"Uh… Ehito, who is he?" Lia asked, surprised.
"He's Conrad, the company's stylist, and also the best in the country, if not more."
"I see… He's an important man."
"Indeed," I said.
"Sir, there is no need to compliment me so much."
"Why does he call you that?" she asked, giving me a weird look.
"Well, he's my employee, what kind of question is that?"
"What?!" she exclaimed, shocked.
"An employee is someone I pay to do a job."
"I know what an employee is! But why does he work for you?"
"Because the company belongs to me. I built it from scratch. So, I hired him and the others. I also hired my father to manage the company, along with trustworthy people to handle the other branches and my other businesses."
"But… we're 15! How could you do that?"
"Since middle school, I've been mentally ahead of people my age by several years, so I didn't spend much time in school," I said, slightly embarrassed.
"I see… So, you own multinational companies at 15?"
"Yes. Well, Conrad, I have a request for you."
"Yes, sir?"
"Do you see the magnificent creation she's wearing right now?"
"That's too much praise, sir, but yes, you mean the burgundy dress?"
"Yes. Find me a suit that matches it for a dinner at the restaurant in the square."
"Right away, sir."
We then went to the back, leaving Lia to process everything. A few girls from the store joined her, making her sit down and pampering her. Ten minutes later, I stepped out, impeccably dressed, receiving compliments from all around. A car was waiting for us outside the store. I wore a three-piece suit: a very dark burgundy jacket, close to black, and a dark burgundy shirt that stood out beautifully.
"You look very handsome," she said, blushing with embarrassment.
"Thank you. You too, you look stunning in that dress—it hugs your body perfectly. You look like a real woman."
"Huh? What are you saying now?!" she exclaimed, hiding her face in her hands.
"It's fine, I'm just teasing. Come on, we've arrived. By the way, I hadn't noticed, but those heels really suit you. I think the color matches ours as well."
"I love them too! They're so pretty," she said, smiling. Truly beautiful, I thought.
We got out of the car, and once we arrived at the restaurant, she was in awe. A waiter spotted us and quickly apologized for the wait. When he saw my face, he stammered:
"Sir… Sir… Sir!"
"Hey Heitan, how are you?"
"Yes, thank you for asking, sir. It means a lot that you care about me."
"It's nothing."
Then, suddenly, he shouted:
"The Master has arrived!"
That had the effect of turning all heads toward us. The customers were confused, while all the employees were excited and surprised.
"Heitan, why?"
"Master, it's the protocol to follow."
"I… Well, it's not a big deal. Prepare the banquet hall and a buffet, and invite everyone, telling them that I'm here."
"Right away, Master!"
Once everyone arrived, they all greeted me. Lia, who hadn't spoken for a while, asked:
"Ehito, who are you really?"
"You just said it yourself."
"But why are you so important and so good at everything you do?"
"It's just that I want to succeed, so I give it my all. By the way, you look even prettier when your cheeks match your dress."
"Huh?! What?! Ehito!" she cried, flustered.
"I'm just joking," I said to calm her down. "Now, would you grant me this dance?
"But I don't know how to dance..."
"Just step on my foot, and your other foot will follow on its own."
"I don't know... I wouldn't want to embarrass you."
"In front of whom? I have the power to have them all killed if I want."
"Don't say that so easily!" she said, her voice tinged with anger.
"Okay, I'll be careful. But come dance with me, quickly."
"Fine... I can't refuse you," she said, exasperated.
Then, after that, I shouted:
"Heitan, it's time!"
The atmosphere shifted. Everyone was expecting something extraordinary. The regulars took their wives' hands, while Ehito took Lia's. The music started, and Ehito moved his legs gracefully, which Lia instinctively followed. Their bodies drew closer, then apart, then closer again, moving in sync with the rhythm.
Then came the part where their movements turned more sensual. Many couples gave up, overwhelmed by the intensity of the dance. But our two heroes continued, their bodies pressed against each other in a way that was both sensual and elegant. Rather than vulgar, their dance was seen as something truly beautiful by those watching.
What they didn't know, however, was that they were being filmed.
As the music ended, a wave of applause filled the air. They bowed and left the venue, as it was getting late.
But just as they had taken a few steps outside the hotel, a voice rang out in the night:
"You don't love me! How can you stay with that bitch?!"
Hearing those words, Ehito's blood ran cold. He turned sharply and saw a giant of a man rushing toward him with a knife in hand. He dodged swiftly, leaving Lia alone for a brief moment.
Then, the female voice spoke again, filled with resentment:
"Brother... She... She's stealing everyone's love from me!"
Immediately, the man obeyed the unspoken command and charged at Lia, blade raised.
"Lia!" Ehito shouted as he dashed forward at an incredible speed to stop him.
"AHHHHHHHRG!