The music started, and people began dancing. "Can you dance with me?" James asked, already next to me. Just as I was about to take his hand, Mu Liam held mine. "What is it?" James inquired. "Mu Liam," Hana called out from behind. Our eyes met, and I noticed that he was still holding my hand. "We need to talk," Mu Liam finally spoke up. I felt a rush of warmth and nerves. Damn it. 

He firmly took my hand and led me outside, away from the crowded party. My heart raced as we walked, my mind racing with thoughts of Rose's secret. In the cool night air, he finally stopped and turned to face me. I stood still, waiting for him to speak. His intense gaze never left my face as he spoke, his grip on my hand tightening slightly.

"Mu. Liam, what can I do for you?" I asked nervously, feeling a mix of fear and curiosity.

His cold and angry expression softened for a moment before returning, and I couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked in the moonlight.

"I feel like we've met before," he said, his eyes narrowing as they focused on our joined hands.

My heart skipped a beat as I quickly pulled my hand away from his, suddenly feeling exposed and vulnerable under his piercing gaze.

"No, we haven't," I replied, avoiding his gaze and focusing on my trembling hands.

I received a notification on my phone from Roses, begging me to answer her calls. I felt overwhelmed, trying to forget about Mu liam and focus on the present.

"Excuse me," I said to him, desperately needing to pick up the call. I walked away, intentionally turning in a direction that would hide me from his view. I answered the call with a strained voice, "Hi Rose." She immediately launched into an urgent message, "Emily, mom and dad are here and they need to meet you after work."

I couldn't help but feel frustrated, "Rose, why didn't you just tell me this in a message?" She responded playfully, "Because I missed your voice!" But I couldn't bring myself to laugh at her joke. "Tell Uncle and Aunt that I'll be there after work," I said curtly. "Sure, I will," she replied cheerfully.

"See you later," I said before hanging up abruptly.

"She's still like a child," I muttered to myself, feeling torn between my family and my complicated relationship with Mu Liam.

A deep, male voice called out angrily from behind me. My heart skipped a beat as I slowly turned to see Mu liam striding towards me, his expression dark and cold. "Tell me, who are you?" he demanded, his anger palpable.

I felt my confusion and fear growing as I met his intense gaze. Memories of my conversation with Rose flooded back and I couldn't help but shiver. I knew I was in trouble - surely I would be fired for calling out her name not once, but three times.

"I heard you call out to Rose," Mu liam stated, confirming my worst fears. Did he already know? I couldn't keep up the charade any longer.

"Sorry, Mr. Mu liam. Rose asked for my help," I stuttered, trying to explain myself. But he only seemed to grow angrier at my words.

"How much did she pay you to deceive me?" he spat out, his anger nearing boiling point. "5000," I admitted, feeling small and scared in front of him.

But I continued on, desperate to make him understand. "Please, I didn't mean any harm. I just wanted to help Rose. And I swear, I had no idea it was you." He simply walked away from me without a word, leaving me trembling and alone.

Tears began to stream down my face as I hurried inside the party, grabbing a glass of alcohol in an attempt to calm my nerves. But it was no use - the weight of what had just happened weighed heavily on me and all I could do was cry.

The room spun around me, my head swirling with the effects of alcohol. Maria's concerned face came into focus as she approached me, her voice cutting through the fog in my mind. "Emily, are you okay?" she asked, worry etched on her features. I slurred out a response, my words muddled and barely coherent. "I'm dead," I muttered, feeling the weight of my actions weighing heavily on my conscience.

Maria's eyes widened in concern as she helped me steady myself. "What do you mean, Emily? What happened?" she urged, her voice filled with genuine worry. I hiccuped as I tried to gather my thoughts, the alcohol making it hard to focus. "I messed up, Maria. I messed up real bad," I mumbled, feeling the weight of guilt pressing down on me like a ton of bricks.

 Maria's grip on my arm tightened, her expression one of empathy and support. "Whatever it is, we'll figure it out together. You're not alone, Emily," she reassured me, guiding me to a quieter corner of the room where we could talk privately. With a deep breath, I began to recount everything that had transpired with Mu liam and Rose, the words tumbling out in a jumble of emotion and regret. Maria listened intently, her presence a balm to my troubled mind. 

When I finished speaking, there was a moment of silence between us as the weight of my confession hung in the air. "Emily, I had no idea you were going through all of this," Maria said softly, her eyes full of compassion. I looked up at her, grateful for her understanding in a sea of chaos.

 "I don't know what to do, Maria. I've messed everything up," I admitted, feeling the tears threatening to spill over again. Maria reached out and took my hand, her touch warm and comforting. "We'll figure it out together. But first, let's get you home and sobered up," she said firmly, leading me towards the exit of the party. As we stepped outside into the cool night air, a sense of clarity began to seep through the fog of alcohol in my mind. I realized that even though I had made mistakes, I had someone like Maria by my side who was willing to stand with me through it all. And in that moment, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, I wouldn't have to face them alone. With Maria's unwavering support, I felt a glimmer of hope flicker to life within me, a beacon in the darkness of my own making.

 As we made our way towards her apartment, I couldn't help but feel grateful for her presence and the strength she offered me in my moment of weakness. The night air seemed to clear my mind, washing away the haze of alcohol and regret that had clouded my judgment earlier. And as we walked side by side, I knew that no matter what awaited me on the other side of this mess, I would face it head-on with Maria by my side. 

Tomorrow was a new day, a chance for redemption and forgiveness. And with Maria's support, I was ready to confront whatever challenges came my way. The path ahead might be uncertain and daunting, but I took comfort in knowing that I didn't have to walk it alone.

I awoke the next morning with a throbbing headache, the events of the previous night coming back to me in bits and pieces. Maria's apartment was quiet as I stumbled into the kitchen, searching for a glass of water to ease my parched throat. She appeared beside me, offering a sympathetic smile as she handed me a mug of steaming tea. "How are you feeling?" she asked gently, her eyes full of concern. I took a sip of the tea, its warmth soothing my frazzled nerves. 

"Better, thank you," I replied, grateful for her calming presence. After a moment of silence, Maria broached the topic that had been weighing heavily on both of our minds. "What are you going to do about Mu Liam?" she inquired softly, her gaze searching mine for any sign of resolution. I sighed heavily, knowing that I couldn't avoid the inevitable conversation any longer.

My resolve was set as I spoke, "I have to confront him and explain everything," my voice steady and unwavering. I took a deep breath before continuing, "If I don't, I'll surely be fired." The thought sent shivers down my spine, but I knew I had no choice but to face the consequences of my actions. The weight of the situation weighed heavily on me as I prepared myself for the difficult conversation ahead.

I made my way to the office, my heart pounding in my chest with each step I took. The familiar surroundings felt alien to me now, tainted by the events of the previous night. As I approached Mu Liam's office, I could hear the muffled sounds of voices coming from inside. Steeling myself, I knocked on the door and entered without waiting for a response.

Mu Liam looked up from his desk, his expression unreadable. "Emily, what are you doing here?" he asked, his tone cold and distant. I took a deep breath before speaking, trying to steady my nerves. "I need to talk to you, Mr. Mu Liam," I said, my voice surprisingly firm despite the turmoil churning inside me.

He motioned for me to take a seat, his gaze unwavering. I sat down, feeling the weight of his scrutiny bearing down on me. "I know about Rose," he began, his voice cutting through the silence like a sharp blade. "And I know about your involvement in her deception." I felt a lump form in my throat, the gravity of the situation sinking in. "I'm sorry, Mr. Mu Liam. I never meant to deceive you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. His gaze softened slightly, a hint of understanding flickering in his eyes. 

"Explain," he demanded, his tone less accusatory than before.

And so, I told him everything - from Rose's desperate plea for help to the money she offered me and my misguided attempt to assist her. As I spoke, I could see a multitude of emotions flit across Mu Liam's face - disbelief, anger, and perhaps a glimmer of sympathy. When I finished recounting the events that led to this moment, there was a heavy silence between us.

Mu Liam leaned back in his plush leather chair, his fingers steepled in front of him as he contemplated my words. His sharp gaze pierced through me, making me feel small and insignificant. 

Finally, after what felt like hours, he spoke , "Go out," he said with a dismissive wave of his hand. 

His assistant, who had been standing by the door, watched the drama unfold with wide eyes. But I couldn't let it go that easily. "But I said-" I began to protest, but Mu Liam cut me off. "I said go out!" he shouted, his face turning red with rage. Swallowing down my fear and humiliation, I grabbed my bag and quickly made my way out of his luxurious office. 

My tears came freely as I rushed towards the company's entrance. Maria, a sympathetic Friend of mine, was waiting for me there. "Are you okay?" she asked with concern etched on her face. "He said go out...he said he doesn't want to see me..." I sobbed, the weight of Mu Liam's harsh words crushing my spirit.

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