"Don't worry, Leon, everything will be fine!" Finn said as he burst into the room, trying to lift his friend's spirits. He turned to James, his brows furrowing with concern. "James, are you serious? Why are you spreading such negative vibes?" He stepped closer and whispered to James, "I'll take it from here." With a nod, James stepped back, leaving the two friends to talk.
"Leon, be positive. Haven't you noticed that she is changing?" Finn brushed Leon's shoulder, always as his supportive buddy.
"Yeah… she has changed," Leon replied, his expression softening. "After Mumu's birth, things have shifted. I saw her smiling at our little one, and you know." His fading smile began to return, a glimmer of hope brightening his eyes. "She actually smiled at me yesterday and has been talking to me more often. What do you think, Finn? Is she ready to accept me and Mumu? Will she enjoy the party I've arranged for her?"
Finn slowly reassured him, "After Mumu's birth, I think she is gradually trying to accept you and start a family."
"Really? Are you sure?" A radiant smile broke across Leon's face, lighting it up like a star in the night sky.
"Hmmm..." Finn replied thoughtfully.
Leon continued, more to himself than to Finn, "When she married me, it was under duress, and she wasn't ready. But I don't think she ever hated me; there was just a wall between us that I could never break down. However, after Mumu's birth, that wall is starting to melt, and I won't let her go anymore."
James stood at a distance, his gaze fixed on Leon, deep in thought. "Hmm... Finn is the right choice..." he mused. With a final glance, he turned back to the stage, ready to oversee the final arrangements. The name of the couple shimmered in elegant calligraphy, announcing a new era: Mira Ashanmoore, the latest addition to the prestigious Deskmore family.
Around him, employees buzzed with excitement and whispered curiously about the mysterious bride. James couldn't help but chuckle at their intrigue.
"Hey James, I've never heard of this Ashanmoore family. How did they even meet?" one of them asked, eyes wide with curiosity.
"Oh, that's because she's not from Ravengrade," James replied, a playful smile dancing on his lips. "As for their meeting... well, that's a secret, and I'm not about to spill the beans."
But his coworkers weren't ready to let him off that easily. "Come on, James!" they pressed, circling around him, eager for more details. Sensing the impending interrogation, he swiftly ducked away, leaving their questions behind. The entire pavilion was alive with celebration. Flowers adorned every corner, laughter and chatter filled the air—an atmosphere bursting with joy for their president and his new bride.
Suddenly, his phone rang, piercing through the festive ambiance. It was Laya, Leon's sister. James answered, his heartbeat racing as a wave of panic took over. He rushed to find Leon, urgency driving each step. His lips felt dry, his voice barely above a whisper, and his face was ashen. He was struggling to catch his breath.
"What's wrong?" Leon and Finn asked, their faces etched in concern.
"Lady… Lady is missing…" James managed to utter, the weight of impending dread hanging heavily in the air.