"Aileen, is there anything else I need to do today? I mean, aside from these papers." I asked and she shook her head.

"None ma'am. But we received an invitation. I'll just see it in my email and it was addressed with the name of our business. It also has your name on it."

My eyebrows met, "All right, just forward it to my email." I said and she nodded then left.

Invitation? For what? Aileen immediately forwarded to me the invitation she said so I immediately looked at it.

``We're pleased to invite you to our conference that will be held in the Azitech Hotel. Many business owners and professionals will be gathered for a mini celebration and a seminar. Hoping for your cooperation!’

It's said that it will happen this coming Sunday. The paperworks isn't heavy right now so I think I can also attend there. But I'm not required to go there, am I? It's just a gathering, nothing special. I'll just see if I can go there. If I'm lazy, I won't go.

I stretched my body when I stood up. I left the office first and decided to have a coffee at a nearby restaurant. My employees are busy with their tasks, so I can’t bother them at all. I will just give myself a time to rest even if only for a few minutes because I have also finished my paperworks assigned yesterday.

"One macchiato, please." I said and in just a few minutes, my order was given to me immediately.

I sat down near the glass wall and looked outside. My eyes roamed and stopped when I saw someone. A boy seemed like… homeless, passed in front of me, he approached the people who passed by but they ignored him. But I wonder, why is he still smiling even when they don’t give him attention?

My eyes widened when I saw him, looked at me and waved his hands. I gulped and smiled. I gestured for him to come over. He even pointed to himself to confirm if he was really the one I was talking to. I nodded so his face lit up. He immediately went to the entrance but the guard stopped him there. I stood up and approached the guard.

"You're not allowed here, kid." I heard the guard say so I spoke.

"I'm letting him in. I'll treat him, is it still forbidden even if I have money to pay?" I asked the guard and he looked embarrassed because of what I said.

The kid approached me and I could see the joy in his eyes. People kept on looking at us but I just ignored them till we got to the counter.

"What do you want to eat?" I asked and he looked thoughtful.

"The one with eggs, chicken, and rice. That's delicious, isn't it?" he asked and I just laughed.

I ordered the ones he wanted and also ordered water and juice. It's already afternoon but his orders are for breakfast and lunch. I'm worried that he might not have eaten yet. I just watched him eat because he was good at eating, it was just fun to watch him.

"Just eat. Looks like you haven't eaten since earlier." I just said and he smiled widely.

"I ate earlier, miss." he said to my surprise.

"Ah, it's good then---"

"I ate grass." he said smiling and ate again.

Grass? Is that even edible? Maybe some insects may still be attached to the grass he ate. It's not safe. But maybe that was his only choice because they had nothing to eat. Such a thing is still not good.

I just drank my coffee while watching him eat. The fun of this. Actually, I also help charities, as well as orphanages. All excess funds from our target sales were donated to all charities. Well, it should always be that way. What are we going to do with so much money? Where will all that go, right?

"Thanks for the food, miss." I was surprised when he stood up immediately so I almost panicked.

"Wait, I'll buy you more food. Take it to your family." I said and he shook his head.

"I don't have a family anymore." he was still smiling as he spoke.

I insisted that we leave the restaurant together. I really don't want to leave him but I still have a job in the office.

"Can I ask for a favor?" I asked him and he nodded immediately. "Can you please meet me here later around six o'clock?" I asked and I saw that he was surprised.

"Why?" he asked and I just smiled.

"It's a secret. So, can you?"

I saw him think of it then looked at me sincerely. "Okay, miss. I'll wait. Thank you for the meal again!" he said happily and I said goodbye to him.

I returned to the office with a smile on my face. It feels so rewarding. And I'm excited about what's going to happen tonight at six o'clock. I was inspired to work so I’m almost done with everything. My employees also noticed me so they couldn’t stop teasing me because of that.

"Ma'am, just slow down and you might have nothing to do tomorrow!" Aileen teased that I just laughed.

Until the time I have been waiting for has come. I fixed myself and my things up right away.

"Ma'am, we'll go ahead!" said Aileen and I just nodded. They bid goodbye to me and I went to my car and got in it.

I drove over to the front of the restaurant and was shocked to see that the kid I talked with was not there.

"Awful! They didn't stop kicking the boy! It's pathetic!"

"Yes, they always get money from children. They don't feel sorry for them anymore."

I looked at the women talking when I heard that so I immediately got out of the car and approached them. "Miss, where's the boy you're talking about?"

"There, in the back of that convenience store!" The woman pointed out where that was and I got it right away. I thanked her and went there right away.

Lots of people gather and talk around that area. I looked where they were looking and I was surprised to see that was the kid I treated earlier! He has bruises and was bent because it seems like his stomach hurts a lot!

I immediately called the doctor I knew to send an ambulance. My annoyance, anger, and sadness mixed because no one wanted to help. There were many of them around this child but they did nothing but talk about it and just look.

This is maybe the discrimination in this world.

The ambulance came and I can’t help but to feel pity on the kid’s situation. We have no relation in the first place but I’m definitely worried sick and about to cry. The trip went short as we reached the nearest hospital. They took him to the emergency room and I was very thankful for that. After several minutes of waiting for someone to come out, the doctor I’ve contacted appeared in front of me.

“You’re really going to adopt one because you realized that you’re not going to marry someone anymore?” he asked me which made me roll my eyes.

“How is he? Is he okay now?” I asked and I saw him laugh. This man!

"Don't worry. He fell asleep because he was given medicine. He has wounds and bruises that we have treated to prevent infection." he said and I took a deep breath. "We're going to move him to a confinement room. He can be released in two to three days. Sera, you're really going to take care of him?"

"Ivo, can't I adopt him? He said he has no parents at all and maybe those who beated him will come back. He will continue to suffer." I said and he smiled at me then messed up my hair.

"Instant mother? No worries, I'll be right here for you if you need an instant husband too." he said so I stepped on his foot which made him groan. He bowed in great pain because my shoes had heels.

Ivo Frontreras, we've known each other for a long time since Grade 11. Actually, I met him as an annoying guy during a sports competition. He was from CK University and he snatched the last piece of hotdog that was being sold there at a stall. I badly wanted a hotdog sandwich so I could have something to eat while Kira and I watched Patry's competition back then. We didn't meet after that but he was really stuck in my brain as one of the annoying men I met. And timing happened, we became schoolmates in college and here…. Until now.

"Anyway, thank you for responding quickly." I told him while he was still groaning about his sore foot.

"You witch!”

Of course, I can be bad sometimes especially for someone like you.

But, a good woman for someone like this kid. I will adopt him.

As it happened, I chose to adopt the child I met. He was very thankful to me and of course, he also started to trust me by telling his life story. I was amazed at how strong he was. For a ten year old like him, I can't imagine how much he has gone through. I also reported to the police station about what happened so that such incidents where goons take money from such weak children will not happen again. This child is not the only one who will suffer if such an incident continues. They don't have anything to eat and then those goons will take money from them which is also coming from alms?

He also named himself but he told me that I was even supposed to give him a name again because I adopted him. We were watching television that time because I just came home from work while he was left at home. I bought him clothes right away and I’m glad that he’s way comfortable.

"What's your name first?" I asked him.

"I named myself Lip. Because some of my playmates said that my smile makes them smile too."

I smiled at what he said. Indeed, it is really contagious when he smiles. "Then I'll call you Lip. It's cool to hear your name so that's all I'll call you. No need to change it. Anyway, do you also want to study?"

When I asked that, his eyes seemed to twinkle but he also immediately bowed. "Isn't it too much? The amount you've done for me and you're going to send me to school?"

I just thought it would be a waste of the opportunity if he couldn’t study. He's smart and a bright kid. When I took him to my house, I asked him what toys he wanted or maybe he wanted a ball to play with while I was at work. I also don't want him to be bored and just watch TV all the time. But none of what I said was what he asked for. He wanted so many books, it wasn't comics or anything that I expected for a kid like him. He wanted me to buy him some educational books.

"Don't think about something like that. I'm doing all this to help you. If only all the children, your playmates, could be adopted so that they wouldn't be in trouble. I want the best for children like you. Life is short so if we have a hard time with life's challenges, we should also enjoy it somehow. " I said and he smiled at me which meant approval.

I took care of everything he needed so that he could start studying right away. We immediately approached the director of Arkinstein University and were told to take a test first to assess his knowledge about certain subjects. And thankfully, he was immediately accelerated to the right grade level appropriate for his age. I was correct, he's so smart so it's better if his skills and brightness won’t go into waste. Though, he will still take additional classes to cope up with the units taken by past grade level students.

I saw how happy he was. It's his dream and I'm happy to be with him on his journey. I will cry more for him when the time comes for him to graduate. I can't stop myself from imagining that day that I will hang a medal on him.

"Ma'am!"

I went back to the present when I saw Aileen’s face was already close to mine. I was taken back and drank from a water bottle near my table. "Why? Are you saying something?" I asked and I saw her laugh.

"You were dozing off. I've been calling you since earlier and have been here in your office for quite a minute." she said so I fixed myself.

"Why? Is there a problem?" I asked.

She nodded. "I have received another email from the sender of the business conference invitation. They are hoping for your cooperation according to the message because you did not attend last Sunday.."

My eyebrows met. "Specifically me? It stated?" I asked and she nodded again. "Is it really required to go there? I'm busy lately because I have something new at home. It was just a business conference. Who is that sender? Is it still from the hotel staff?" I asked her in disgust and I saw that she faked a smile.

"Actually, Ma'am, the sender's name has changed ...."

"Who is it? Maybe it's just spamming or maybe it's just fake," I said complacently.

She lowered her head. "It's Rye Fujisaki. I've also verified if it's his personal email address and I saw that it's on his official Cheekbook."

Rye Fujisaki? The man I saw at the bar? He seems to really know me. He didn't even tell me how he knew my name but I think it was because I was one of the business owners and professionals on the list of that business conference. But specifically me? Is he mad at me for what I did? Why would he waste time for someone like me who is just a normal woman here? He's unbelievable!

But I felt a cold whisper of wind telling me to be scared. I knew that he’s dangerous based on his aura. It’s possible that he can just buy our business because he’s super rich. Fate, what is this again?

Aileen left while I was having a headache at the thought of what I had done wrong that night. I rejected his offered drink because I was shocked when he said my name. He knew me all along, shouldn't I just be annoyed about that? I don’t need many people to know me, especially people like him. I just want a peaceful life and I don’t want to be stressed anymore. I have an adopted kid, I have charities to help, I have a business, and nothing bad is happening to my family. I don’t want to be involved with such men or anyone rich!

Kira and Patry managed to settle for private life after their turbulent world in the gaming industry. I'm impressed with those two but please, I'm single. But I'm strong so maybe I can do it? Or maybe I'm just saying these flowery words to calm myself?

I opened my drawer and picked up my phone. It's a coincidence that suddenly someone called.

"What?" I asked quickly when I saw it was Ivo.

"No greetings, witch? You're really harsh to me."

I just rolled my eyes because of what he said. "What? I'm so stressed because an email came. I'm being forced to attend a business conference."

"Ah, so the invitation has already reached you?"

I was shocked when he said that. "You're invited too?"

"Uh-huh, I'm going." When he said that, I seemed to breathe easy.

"All right, I'll go too." I am compelled to say. It’s just like highschoolers that when one goes, everyone goes along. I have no choice.

"Great! Let's go together. I'll pick you up." he said and I just agreed.

The call ended and I just looked at my paperworks. I no longer feel like working anymore.

I'm correct that I will only regret going to this conference. I just got bored and it’s beneficial for me if I will bond with Lip at home instead. This Ivo next to me seems to be enjoying the looks of the women around. There were sexy women business owners and professionals who attended and that’s where he really focused. This is really all he came here for, really annoying. Just regarding the revised business permits, some tips in growing the business and consistency of business growth were said in the webinar. It's like we just went back to the beginning that we weren't full professionals yet because we still needed a guide. Maybe I'm just really lazy to attend seminars like this.

The conference ended a few minutes later. I immediately went to the banquet hall of the hotel because I really wanted to eat. The seminar lasted more than an hour and I was about to die of boredom and starvation.

"You didn't wait for me. Are you very hungry?" I heard Ivo's voice beside me so I looked at him.

"Yes, I should eat because I've been annoyed with you since earlier. This is free, right?" I asked, pertaining to the foods I’ve transferred to my plate and he nodded.

He also took his food and at the same table, we sat. I roamed my eyes around and looked to see if that man was here, but he wasn't.

"Who are you looking for?" I heard Ivo ask.

"The one who invited me here. The sender of the invitation is addressed in his personal email." I just answered.

"Ah, it's Rye Fujisaki."

I stopped eating and looked at him. "Why do you seem to know so much? Did he also invite you here?"

"That's my friend." His response was so short but I was so shocked about it.

"What? Do you really have so many friends that you seem to know them all? Where did you meet him?" I asked.

He stopped eating, "Why? Do you like him? I'm telling you, he has more money than me but I'm still more handsome than him. You should just choose me."

I just winced at what he said and didn't try to ask again. I really wanted to ask him a lot but I chose not to continue because he didn't answer them properly. How did he become friends with him? Maybe they just really have the same nasty attitude? Birds with the same feather, fooling forever. I no longer really know why there are such men in the world.

"What is it? Do you like him? It's not possible, he's a playboy and has no past serious relationships. You should just die single, it's more advisable." Ivo said again so I frowned.

"Stop there. I didn't like him. He was the only one who invited me. It's a bit impossible, though scary. Maybe I offended him that night."

He was stunned. "How did you offend him? He's not quick to be offended by small things. He's a billionaire, he doesn't care about the people he meets." he said as if to say that I shouldn’t think of him.

But how? He knew my name and my appearance. He even sent an invitation stating my business. Why is he bothering my mind? I could hardly sleep last night wondering if I would continue to go here.

"Right, I shouldn't be thinking about that anymore." I said and I heard him laugh.

"Don't bother yourself anymore. You won't be noticed. Just pay attention to me and I'll give you all my attention ..." he said again so I just shook my head.

We finished eating and I told him that I’ll go to the restroom first to fix myself. But as I was walking, someone suddenly pulled my hand, there I knew I entered the janitor’s room!

Shocks! Is this kidnapping?

"You finally attended. I thought you were going to reject my invitation again. You really like to reject people like me?"

I immediately looked at the man who spoke then. What I was looking for earlier has shown up to me now. Why did he drag me here? For what intention?

"Why did you pull me here? And why in the first place did you want me to attend this conference?" I asked one question after another and I saw it even amused him more.

"Well, I just want your business to be consistent. No one knows that maybe anytime your business will just collapse. Pity on you." he said to my surprise.

In the past, he was like a sweet toxic wine that seemed so kind and playful. But now, he's like mocking me and my business? What's with this attitude?

"Does it seem like I hurt your pride because I rejected your offered wine so that's how you react? How shallow for a billionaire like you to judge the business of others. Just mind your own business." I said and was about to touch the doorknob to leave when he spoke again.

"You were nothing to me in the first place but I like you being feisty. Do you think you can be proud right away because of your status?"

I faced him and squinted my eyes.

"Why do you talk like that? Who are you, Rye Fujisaki?" I asked.

"Your nightmare." he said so I slapped him immediately he was surprised, "WHAT THE?"

"Serves you right. How you speak, you sounded like a faggot." I said and left him immediately.

I immediately went back to where Ivo was and pulled him out of the hotel. He still wanted to stay but I forced him to leave as well. I was more than enraged. I was angry, annoyed, and nervous about what had happened.

When Ivo started his car, I was relieved because we had already left that hotel.

"Why did you want so bad to leave that hotel?" I heard Ivo ask and I just sighed.

"I slapped him."

His eyebrows met. "Who? Seriously wherever you go, you sow your witchcraft."

"Rye."

I almost fell to the front when he suddenly braked! When he recovered from the shock, I immediately hit him on the arm. "Are you going to kill me? Why did you suddenly stop?"

"Are you crazy already? You told me that you want your life to be peaceful but you slapped Rye?" he asked me so I rolled my eyes.

"He judged me! He told me something earlier that’s beyond my temperament so I slapped him! He deserved it!" I said out loud.

He heaved a sigh. "Yeah, you're already at that point. But maybe tomorrow you'll be in the headlines of the newspaper! You don't know what it may bring."

I bit my lip. "Isn't he your friend? Why is he like that the way he talks? It's like he knows me and he's so mad at me. I'm not doing anything wrong. I don't like him, that's all I know."

"Let's see if what you did was okay with him. I knew him, he always doesn't care even if you're a woman. He can do everything because he has a lot of money. And you? You're a woman and you're just a normal citizen. We don’t know what he can do. He's my friend but we don't talk often anymore because he's busy with his circle of riches."

He just continued to drive me to my house and we never talked about it again. Should I be concerned about what he said? What if I'm in the headlines of the newspaper tomorrow? But if I tell the public that he told me bad things, will they believe me? No one would believe me because he was more influential. Everyone is on his side while I am, my image will be destroyed for sure.

But he still deserved that slap. I will stand for that.