On Friday morning very early, Sunju called; he sounded very excited.

"Morning, Sujah," your voice echoed in the empty kitchen as you prepared breakfast for you and Alia. Alia told you about the previous day. She resubmitted all her required forms again. They found out that her forms just vanished from her file. It was in the registrar's office, and no one from the staff knew about it. But you knew that Noodle has her ways to make things go away.

You felt elated when you heard your only brother's voice.

Sujah: “Morning, Sami. Meet me and Vidhan at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul. I've booked our rooms in the host hotel for the Legacy event this weekend. No excuses...okay. All the keynote speakers got first privilege in the hotel.”

You just groaned because you hoped you and Alia wouldn't be subjected to seeing Vidhan in the same hotel. Everything you think about that loser, you lose more brain cells and mental peace.

You even wonder if you can come clean to your parents about Seokjin, but then again the media will have a field day if they get wind of a Korean star that grabbed the soulmate string with their Indian sweetheart. You love your soulmate, your peace, your privacy, and your family. And unfortunately you are not as rebellious as Alia for openly defying and speaking against her family's wishes.

In this system, unmarried children are still under their parents' control. You have to obey your parents' wishes when it comes to your welfare. But with soulmates it's tricky. Arranged marriages are the norm, especially in the Billionaires Legacy club. The system can be rigged, and soulmates are separated by force due to entitlement, force, and economy.

You just hope the system will not be swayed with control from the billionaires who control the country and the system for their own gain. Redgold string cannot be controlled, and the serum is not yet perfected. Blue and yellow string soulmates could easily be integrated into the rigging.

You thought about Seokjin's family. How hotheaded his father was, forcing him to dishonor his contract and marry his associate's daughter for business gain?

Alia entered the kitchen yawning, her hair disheveled and her feet bare; her black wings sleep shirt looked adorable on her.

"Morning, Sami, gosh, I slept so well. I could even hear the swallow in my dreams," she quipped; another yawn escaped her mouth as she focused on your amused face.

"Morning, Ali, I made breakfast...do you want some cinnamon coffee or green tea with your toast?" You smile as Ali takes a seat at the breakfast table. You stood up energized this morning.

A little blush appears on your face as you reminisce about the previous day when you and Seokjin were alone after the inverso procedure. You and your soulmate had an intense session to make sure you're invigorated and energized for a few weeks. This is especially important if he will be resuming his tour schedule soon.

Ali smiled as she looked at your joyful face. "Hm...green tea, please. You look so pleased. You and Seokjin are such a cute couple. I just wish you could be open and dating publicly. But these stupid dating bans kill romance faster than cancer." She took an open toast, which you filled with a tuna and gherkin filling. She moaned as she took a crispy bite.

She clicked her tongue. You pour her some green tea from the floral teapot.

"I'm happy...yes. Seokjin paid for my inverso binding. He had a friend working at the science department. He did it at a minimal cost. He is discreet, so he came out as a favor for Seokjin and did it for me yesterday. Oh yes, Sunju called; they have arrived in Seoul. They want us to meet them at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul for lunch."

Alis eyes widen. "So Sujah and my idiot cousin already arrived in Seoul. I had numerous notifications, but I was too lazy to answer them. Oh yeah...my application was resubmitted, and the registrar told me not to worry. With good recommendations from Ms. Kim, our lecturer, I got an extension. Noodle can go jump in a pot of lava. Whatever she thought would ruin me only encouraged me to go higher."

You nodded, your eyes dimmed. "Alia...thanks again for protecting my bond with Jin. I don't know what I would have done if she targeted me... I would have to leave Korea and go back home. However, leaving my soulmate would be devastating for me."

Alia smiled, "You're my best friend and sister, Sami. And I saw the look in Seokjin's eyes; he loves you unconditionally. I just hope he had the courage to inform Bang PD. It will not be a problem. Army would support him; he isn't our 'World Wide Handsome' for no reason. He's our sassy king, and ARMY loves him. He must know that we'll support his bond."

You smile gratefully. "I love you, Alia. I hope fate gives you a late whisperer mark so that you do not have to marry Ranveer."

Alia snorts, "If he thinks I'll be an obedient, overlooked, love-starved Indian wife. He's got another thing coming. If he wants a child. I'm all for surrogacy. I don't want him to touch me, not even my pinky."

You snort, "He will have a tough life. But I don't want Vidhan. I know he is still involved with the Tarnished model. I wonder if she knew he is betrothed?"

Alia chuckled, "Probably not; she would have left him long ago. I know my cousin, and he's not a one-woman man; faithfulness was never part of his DNA. He's got his dad's genes. My uncle is a well-known producer and director and publicly known as a flirt. I wondered why he even married my aunt...blue-stringed couples are not obligated to stay."

You looked saddened by that fact. "She probably loved him, and as you said, she was pregnant with Vidhan's sister, and this arranged marriage placed her in a peculiar situation. Now she has to witness her husband's subtle infidelity with his actresses."

Alia shook her head. "Sami, if we don't stand up now. That will be our fate. If you marry Vidhan, you'll be stuck for life. He will never divorce you, and you'll be three people in one marriage for life. I won't let myself be a pawn for political fame. That is why I came to Korea to be independent and work out my own pathway. We're different, Sami. Let's arise and do our own thing. We have our own money. You're going to start your online boutique, and I'll do the rest in the company."

You chuckle, "I don't know what I'll do without you, Alia. I wish you so much happiness. Rest assured that Vidhan's wedding shackle will not find a place on my ring finger. I just need more courage. But Sunju is on my side."

Alia nodded as she wiped her mouth with a serviette. "My mom texted me and told me that we need to come home during November. She misses me."

You just roll your eyes. "Mine also...but I think they have ulterior motives for me to be home. It had Vidhan written all over it. But I need to be home for the crowning of Miss India, and my agent confirmed our participation in that reality program. Did you get an email from your agency?"

Alia smiled. "I'm all for that. Shooting starts late November. We'll have so much fun."

You smirk. "I wonder who will participate in the program this season?"

Alia shrugged. "I heard there are a variety host, a pop star, a Bollywood actress and actor, a cricketer, and a news anchor. You and I. It was in a newspaper."

You shook your head. "This soulmate business and uni work had me all twisted up. I haven't even read any news from home."

Alia laughed. "Good for you. Too much negative news anyway. One newspaper had a brief article about us in South Korea, out of the spotlight, doing our uni courses and experiencing some Korean culture. So the people at home know we're here and we're happy."

You ate your last piece of toast and stood up. "We need to finish packing for the weekend. It will be a formal event starting on Saturday and ending with a Sunday luncheon. So, let's get to work."

Alia suddenly looks excited. "Awesome. Let's clean the house first and then pack. I have a lovely cocktail dress for you for the formal breakfast event. The color scheme is gold and ivory. You'll like it. I think it will look wonderful on you.'

You giggle, "I put on a little weight. I hope I'll still look lovely in my sponsored designer outfit for the Miss India event."

Alia grinned as you both cleared the table, placed the dishes in the dishwasher, and swept and mopped the floors. After an hour of making sure your apartment looked sterile clean, you both went up to complete your packing.

Sreemukhi also called just to find out how you were. Her pregnancy was a little difficult. Amaira and Priya were also very excited when they learned you'll be home for November. You can't wait to see your sisters and niece again after almost two full months.

You and Alia packed your weekend bags. You made sure you and Alia were dressed in high cocktail fashion to meet. Your hair looked beautiful in its glossy, curly mane. You felt elated and energized. The only downside is Noodles' presence at the event. She hopes they'll pick a different hotel for the weekend. Her heart will be too emotional to see her together with her soulmate.

Alia hired an Uber to Seoul. Luckily the whole ride will take up less than 30 minutes. Alia already booked and paid by app. You are both well dressed. The Uber driver's eyes widened at such beauty when he got out to place your luggage in the boot.

You were decked out in an ivory cream designer creation from Chanel, a cream purse, gold sandals, and long gold earrings. Alia had a dark caramel-colored dress on with all gold accessories, diamond earrings, diamon encrusted purse and a gold necklace.  Your makeup was flawlessly done.

Inside the Uber you were chatting and sending text messages to your friends, telling them to enjoy their day at uni while you'll be gone for the legacy weekend.

Alia suddenly looked at you. “Do you think the hotel will have a BTS playlist in the lobby?”

You gave her a deadpan look. “Seriously, Alia. If they do, you’re banned from dancing. You're not allowed to wiggle your hips in public."

Alia giggled, her glossy brown lips wide. "No promises...but if they dare to play 'I need you'...I'll be gone. That is a total vibe; I'm so glad they won five awards for 'I Need U at music shows. Our boys are getting recognized now. Just watch, they'll get global recognition soon."

You smile; pride is in your eyes for what your soulmate and his group have accomplished thus far. "They will get there soon. We'll watch the awards season, and maybe they'll win daesangs."

Alia nodded as she applied more gloss to her lips. "Oh, and you know what? We can get tickets to awards shows; I'll find out from Sona. That girl has inside info about the weirdest BTS-related things."

You just murmur, "Hmm, sasaeng tendencies... Sona worries me these days. She's so quiet. I thought she was getting married to her Ghanian soulmate in December?"

Alia sighed, "I'm concerned too... I don't understand why she's so distant lately. I do miss our eccentric neighbor."

"Well, it seems we won't be able to go for that fan meet now that Sona is mentally detached from us. Did we do something to offend her somehow?" You looked a bit worried. Even if Sona was a bit too much of an obsessed fan, you miss her presence.

'Maybe we must give her a call or just encourage her for whatever she is going through. She looks a bit lost for me." Alia was tapping on her phone. You don't have Sona's contact details.

Alia was calling, but no answer. She tried again, and no answer again. She texted...her text messages were left unseen. Alia looked at you with wide eyes. Something is definitely wrong.

You furrowed your brows. "We should've gone to her apartment. I haven't seen her this week. But her car was in the parking lot already repaired. Her silence is a bit concerning, don't you think?"

Sona's behavior was uncharacteristic, but maybe she's going through a phase, or she has family issues.

The ride was quiet, as you were both in your own thoughts. You had blocked Vishan’s number after his recent behavior, sending disgusting flirty text messages andanticipating your mutual bonding during marriage, and you weren't ready for his foul temper.

Sujah had booked them on the 36th floor—executive royal suites. You refused to sleep alone in a hotel room on the same floor as Vidhan, so you and Alia will share an executive suite.

🕌🕌🕌🕌

When they finally arrived at the five-star Lotte hotel in Seoul, both of them turned heads in designer cocktail dresses. When they got out of the vehicle, the hotel's porters were swift to take their bags. You and Alia look dashing in your designer sunglasses.

The hotel was packed this early from the legacy club across Asia; all three presidential suites were already reserved in the main and the executive buildings of the hotel. You were reserved in the Executive wing of the hotel. All 1,120 rooms are booked out for the Billionaires Luncheon. It was a very exclusive, highly sought-out event. Nobody was allowed entry from outside. This whole weekend the Legacy Club owned the Lotte Hotel.

In the exquisite palatial, marbled tiled foyer, you looked around, and then you saw your brother and Vidhan seated, looking commanding in their designer casual wear. You inwardly grimace as your eyes lock on the sly smirk of your 'fiancé.'

Sujah saw you, and the wide smile on his face made everything seem secondary. You broke out in a joyful smile and ran up to your brother, who opened his arms to welcome you. Alia smiled softly as she greeted her cousin, who enveloped her in his arms. But his eyes are only on you; his gaze on you is filled with desire and admiration. Your beauty blew him away, and now more than ever he wants you to be his.

"Sujah gosh, I missed you so much." You breathed in his musky and vanilla scent. You could feel his chest rumble at your breathless confession.

"Samiya Dholakia...my beautiful sister. How are you? You look stunning, Miss India." He laughs at your adorableness. He missed his sister so much and he could sense the inner conflict in her.

You giggled lightly and then turned your gaze, unreadable, to Vidhan, who looked at you with a raised eyebrow. He knows he was handsome because the ladies in the foyer were checking him and Sujah out underneath their lashes.

You smile a little forced but still politely. "Vidhan, hello," you greet him casually, without warmth.

Vidhan chuckles, "Why are you greeting me like a stranger? We're fiancés," and before you could retort back, he grabbed your arm and pulled you into an awkward hug. You stood stiff in his arms, not appreciating his close proximity. His cologne was overpowering in your nostrils. It almost made you gag.

He let you go after a few seconds, laughing at your subtle disgust. Alia just slapped him on his arm as she greeted Sujah with a huge smile. Alia always said your big bro was too hot to handle. It was a pity he wasn't Tarnished, and he is now happily married.

Sujah smiles. "Come, here are your keycards. Let your porter take your luggage to your room, then meet us at the hotel bar. We'll have a brunch reservation at 12 pm there. Go and check out your rooms; if you're happy with them, check out the amenities, refresh, and then come down. It's on the 36th level. My room is 3605, Vidhan's is 3609, and you girl are in 3602. It's a corner room. Near the elevators."

Alia smiled gratefully. "Thank you. Then it's settled. See you boys in a few minutes. I need to give my feet some rest."

Vidhan chuckled deeply; he stood with his hands in his tan slacks. "I never understood you girls suffering for beauty. Those dead traps are unhealthy for your feet."

Alia giggled as she linked her arm with you. "You won't understand the concept. So, we'll love you and leave you. See you later."

You turn to Sujah. "Bro, I'm glad you're here. We'll catch up soon. See you." You abruptly turned without another glance at your amused 'betrothed.'

He loves your cool, dismissive attitude because your apparent icy demeanor turns him on. You looked regal and untouchable, but there was a new spirit in you since you came to Korea. You're more confident, dignified, and unbothered. The new layers to your personality made Vidhan excited. This will be his wife, but the famous model, Indira, his 'current' bed buddy, will stay by his side and become his 'mistress.' She's too smitten with him to even lose him to Miss India. She never liked Samiya since she lost the Miss India 2014 crown to her. She didn't even make the top 6. Since then she wanted Samiyas life.

What made it mote devastating to her, Samiya came 2nd at the Miss World contest and even made it to the top five at Miss Universe. That was a bitterpil to swallow. And now she wants to hurt Samiya by sleeping with her fiancé and made sure she stayed Vidhans mistress after the wedding.

She is a Tarnished and doesn't want to be tied down by a man, but she wants the upper hand and the glory of being the preferred mistress. She knows he only likes her, but he has loved Samiya since she was 12 years old, and he had no plans to let such a beauty and wholesome girl slip through his fingers.

His parents and her parents know how much he adores her. Samiya knows she will be spoiled rotten by him, but she needs to understand his needs. A man needs to be pampered and respected. Indira will not be the mother to his kids, only Samiya.

He smirked as he saw the two girls walk up to the stairs withoutlooking back. Samiya looked stiff, but she'll be mellow when she melts in his intimate embrace. This weekend will be awesome, and he will make sure she knows who's boss. Her parents 'sold' her to him, and he can't wait to tame that sassy queen.

Without her knowledge, her parents already planned the wedding date ceremony (their muhurat) with the local Hindu priest and are just awaiting her arrival back home, and their official engagement (roka) has been completed.

Both families agreed to the march. They love him dearly, and he's the perfect match for Sami. The priest already notified them that their horoscopes match. So, he wonders how she'll wiggle herself out of this one. He told his family he wants a wedding date next year.

She can come home and complete her MBA in New Delhi. He won't stand in her way. He already took her family to the open land in the most exclusive neighborhood to build their mansion. He promises them that he will produce an heir very early in their marriage.

Samiya has no idea how hard and strategically he has been working behind the scenes.

He looked at his future bro-in-law and smiled widely. "Let's go and have a pre-drink while we wait for the girls. I need to discusssomething private with you."

Sujah just nodded, but he felt the undercurrent of emotions between Sami and Vidhan. He can now understand why his sister is so reluctant. Sujah hopes to meet his sister's soulmate discreetly to see how he will love his sister. He can discern someones geniune feelings. He knows Vidhan had an unhealthy fixation on Samiya maybe due to her dignified attitude, beauty, business acruemen and her celebrity. She's more celebrated than Vidhan in India.

He knows billionaires' legacy arranged marriages are hard to dissolve without proof of red strings. His sister has to take courage and fight but she was always so obedient and respectful to their parents. He and his older siste Mukhi, found their soulmates before their parents were inducted into the billionnaires club.

But his sister is so afraid to disclose her soulmate status. In their country, celebrities' statuses are released publicly, but in Korea, the rules are different due to dating bans and excessive fan culture. He can understand Sami's fear and moral dilemma. Once her status is revealed, her soulmate status will be disclosed and put his whole career and life in jeopardy.

Sujah sighed deeply as he followed a self-assured Vidhan to the upmarket bar.

...

A/n: The Legacy weekend started off on a dramatic note.

1. Do you think Samiya must tell her parents?

2. Do you think Vidhan truly loves Samiya or only wants a trophy wife?

3. Do you think Vidhan 'secret' girlfriend,  Indira is here to stay?

4. Will Seokjin and his Mia be able to hide their affection?

5. Do you think Noodle will find out Alia is a distraction for someone else?

6. Must Sunju stay quiet or confront his parents?

7. Do you have any idea what happened to Sona?