The next morning the girls were woken early. They slept almost at midnight. Alia was first up and was showering while you were organizing your breakfast outfit. This morning the Legacy Club's activities will start with breakfast.

You couldn't sleep because you quickly practiced your speech for the youth section of the legacy club and as the current Miss India. You are so glad Suja reminded your mom about your crown and sash. You'll place it on at the evening buffet when you're doing your speech.

You noticed Alia in the bathroom door; her expression seemed troubled.

You look up concerned. "You look troubled, Ali. Something wrong?" She looks a bit guilty, and you wonder what she did again.

Ali bit her lip, her dark brown furrowed in a calculated manner as if she was weighing what to reveal to you. "Er...no. I didn't do anything wrong."

She looked really nervous, as you already know something really concerning was happening. "Ali, spill the beans...you look nervous about something. What is it?"

You left your dress on the bed, and you stood there with folded arms.

Alia sighed, "But I hope you won't flip.Did you speak to Seokjin last night?"

You nodded and smiled. "Yes...we spoke until late. What about him?"

Alia inhaled deeply. "Do you know about his room arrangement?" She hoped Seokjin told her.

Your eyes widen as you grimace. "Yeah...he told me his dad forced him and his fiancé into a suite but is not very thrilled about it. Why?"

You noticed her guilty expression and pressed her until she confessed.

Alia grabbed her phone from the side table's charger and opened up her chats. "Promise you won't panic or flip."

You're getting a little worried at her serious tone. "Is something wrong?"

Alia bit her lip and inhaled deeply. "Last night, you were already in bed after you went through your notes. I got a very interesting text... Noodle?"

Your eyes widen shocked. "Oh my word! Did she harass you again?"

"No, but look...it seemed she was so desperate—" she handed you the phone.

When you saw the picture, your heart sank. Noodle was in the bathroom, and in the background was Seokjin in the steam-covered shower. You know his outline and those wide shoulders. She stood with a towel and smirked smugly.

What the hell!

Another pic with her lying sexily on the bed stretched out, with Seokjin's luggage nearby. You could see his name tag and the pink plushie heart keyring you got him.

Your eyes looked haunted. But you trust your soulmate.

Alia smiled softly. "I don't think he knew about Noodle. She looked too smug. Don't believe anything you hear from her. She's a desperate monkey. Seokjin is not a cheat."

Your eyes looked misty. "I know...but Ali...his dad is adamant about going through with the engagement. Seokjin will have no choice."

Alia rubbed your tense shoulder. "Well, get to the bottom of this. Seokjin will never leave his soulmate. Gosh, that wh is whipped for you. He loves you with all his heart... Maybe he sent you a text. Quickly text."

You nodded. "I love him too, Alia...but I'm also aware of the pressure he faces right now. We had to send love emotions constantly to each other due to this added legacy stress."

You quickly run to your bedside and retrieve your phone. It was on mute. So you saw numerous text messages that came after 12 pm.

So when you checked your messages, you found Seokjin’s texts from the night before explaining everything.

Seokjin: “Baby, whatever Alia shows you. Don't believe it, okay? Noodle and my family are up to something. They’re trying to trap me, love. But I only want you. Don’t believe anything you see.”

Seokjin: Please, Mia.

Seokjin: Noodle tried to seduce me last night, but I'm sleeping in the lounge. Here's the proof.

Attached were a few photos of their suite, with his made bed on the sofa. His luggage was next to the window, and his jacket was over a chair. His phone chargers and earphones, with a glass of water and an empty box of chocolate almonds, were on the side table.

Seokjin: No one can take your place in my heart. My body and soul belong to you, Mia. They can do whatever they want, but I'll never let them rig the system to erase you in my heart.

You smile relieved, and deep love fills your being at those sincere words. Gosh, that ex of his is so desperate! You felt deep anger toward that girl. She's no longer the innocent girl whom Seokjin tried to shield against her family. She became the primary antagonist in your story.

Alia smiled relieved when she saw you type with a smile on your face.

You: Morning, baby. I believe you. She's so desperate for your attention. I love you too.

Seokjin Oh my gosh! Morning, sweetheart. I'm so sorry for worrying you about some vindictive plot. But after she stoops so low, I have a plan. We are booked into the main tower of the hotel, and you?

You: We're at the Executive Tower. But I'll see you at the breakfast. Did you see my brother and Vidhan?

Seokjin: Yes. But I didn't get a chance to meet him. The guy with him was too cocky and overly smooth with the girls last night.

You: Yup, that is the arrogant fool my parents think of setting me up with, a beautiful marriage of pain and distress. He's not even my type with or without the soul bond.

Seokjin: 🤣🤣 Do you need a knight in shining armor?

You smirk as you type, "Oh gosh yes, any ideas?

Seokjin: Well, is Alia available now? I want to ask her first. I'll tell you soon.

You: Yes, we're getting ready for breakfast. But I'll tell her to expect a text.

You notice as Alia stares at you with amusement. She was almost done dressing.

Alia grinned. "Hmm, seems you and loverboy are on good loving terms again. Everything sorted. "

You laugh. "Yes, he explained it to me. Noodle is so sick. But Seokjin is going to text you about a plan. So check your text message. I'm going to shower now. "

A notification lit up Alias's phone as her eyes sparkled with mischief. You just shook your head at the devoted ARMY.

🕌🕌🕌🕌

A few moments later you and Alia were heading to the elevators, and you were surprised that Suja and Vidhan were waiting for you. You already felt the irritation in your bones just seeing Vidhan. His smug pot face wants you to go throw yourself off the tower. Fate must really intervene, because you're not made for prison.

Suja hugged you and gave you and Alia compliments for looking so well. You and Alia looked highly fashionable with mini dresses that look preppy and elegant, fit for the brunch high tea event. This will be a semi-formal cocktail breakfast.

Vidhans' eyes roamed shamelessly over your fit posture. From head to toe. You and Alia looked dashing in your elegant pretty dresses. You were decked out preppy sophisticated in baby blue, and Alia was in pastel pink.

Your dress was a light blue Chanel tweed mini dress outfit with a flowy white underlayer shirt, with white and gold YSL high heels and with a prized Cartier watch and round Chanel earrings as accessories.

Round off with a Jaquemus purse; your makeupwas natural with a matte purple gloss, and your hair was in a curly side-do.

Alia had the same style but a pink mini dress with white puffy sleeves, with Miu Miu pink high-heeled shoes and a pink Hermès bag. Her makeupwas dramatic, with her hair glossy and sleek over her shoulders. You look highly fashionable and expensive.

You look at him with unmasked irritation. "Do I look like a bull on auction? Please stop looking at me like I'm a prized object." You scrunched up your nose.

Vidhan gave you a slow, lazy smile. "But baby, you're more than that. You're my prize. You definitely deserve the crown as India's Sweetheart. You look delectable right now." He licks his lips and waggles his eyebrows.

You make a gagging sound, "Ew...gross. Why are you so insufferable?"

Alia's eyes widen. "Seriously, Vidhan!"

Vidhan laughs out loud as he steers you inside the elevator, his hand possessive on your back. You cringe at his touch. Alia just shook her head and nudged his shoulder.

Alia furrowed her brow. "Stop aggravating my friend so early. Please behave, Vid."

Suja nodded. "I really don't know if you're just teasing my sister or actually trying to upset her, Vidhan?Your brother retorted," he said.

You just snort and stand in the far corner away from Vidhan, whose eyes glimmer with something you can't name. He gives you the shivers.

Vishan tried to get closer to you, and you just moved next to your brother, who gave Vidhan a bombastic side-eye.

Vishan sighs exaggeratedly,“Mia, we’re getting married soon. I’ve waited long enough. You had two months to make up your mind. The priest already determined that we are a great match. We need to set a date. I'm primarily here to make sure you and Alia behave yourselves."

You look at him coolly,“Then you’ll be waiting forever. I don’t marry cheaters. Why don't you just go marry your secret girlfriend? I'm nobody's placeholder, and I'll only marry my soulmate. So stop pushing for a future with me." You said with a severe tone.

Vidhan looked at you through narrowed eyes. You could see how he clenched his jaws as if you care. You're so sick of all this stupid agenda to get you married to a guy you don't like.

Suja with a severe tone: “Back off, Vishan. Respect my sister. The negotiations aren't yet finalized. She can still make her own decisions. She is almost 23 years old. "

Alia groaned, "Can we just enjoy this weekend with all this teasing atmosphere? I'm done with exams, and I didn't sign up for extra stress."

Suja smirk, "You're right, Ali; come,breakfast will be in the hotel's conference venue. I heard it's a special buffet with dishes from all over Asia. I hope there's garlic naan bread."

You nudge his shoulder, link your arm with his, and walk out first, followed by a giggling Alia whose arm is linked to her sulky cousin. His eyes only followed your movement, your wide smile, and the bright eyes on your brother as you talked about your family.

Your parents were on business again in Belarus and Malaysia. They'll be back late October. Apparently they can't wait for you to return, as they're planning a huge family celebration with extended families and cousins.

When you enter the magnificently decorated ballroom, your eyes widen. There was a round table with seating for ten. A waiter or host leads you to table 3, right in front of the podium and near the buffet setup. You and Alia grinned happily when you took your seats.

A new billionaire family sat at your table with a young son of eighteen. They were from Osaka, Japan. His eyes sparkle when he saw you and Alia. Alia is the new wimsuit model he might recognize. You just smirk.

There were two other guys, owners of a billionaire tech company in Vietnam. They sat with a beautiful young girl between them. She was one of their soulmates. Suja introduced you to your relaxed-looking tablemates.

Suddenly you felt that familiar tug in your heart. You sense your soulmate near; your heart races as your eyes search for him. You found their table five tables from yours. You saw his entourage. A beautiful woman with an elegant chignon-styled hair and a light grey and black Chanel tweed two-piece suit, with expensive pearls, was talking with an impassive-looking Seokjin.

Who looked amazing in a burgundy red suit jacket with a white silk shirt. He looked extremely hot, and your heart raced erratically as you noticed a well-dressed Noodle next to him and another joyful expression on two other people, her parents, it seemed. They were joined by a couple with two twin teen daughters who were starstruck at Seokjin's presence. They couldn't believe Seokjin sat across from them.

The atmosphere was filled with soft chatter, egos, and palpable pride—the crème de la crème of Asian society. The room was filled with almost 500 people. The guests were all decked out in the most fashionable, expensive dresses and suits that cost an apartment.

The recently appointed chairman of the Legacy Club for two regions of Asia. A few countries of East Asia and South Asia were attending together this term.

Alia was sitting next to you, making sure your seat was between Suja and her. Vidhan was seated next to Suja and the young teen, who was openly ogling Alia, who just rolled her eyes amusedly.

She leaned into you and whispered, "I see our friends arrived a few tables away."

You grinned. "Yes, he looks bored."

Alia smiles and waggles her eyes. "I'm sending you our game plan. Just check your text discreetly."

A ping was heard on your phone a few moments later. Alia told you that Seokjin wants to spend time with you, but she will lead the plan. You just need to follow. A few minutes before the plan will be executed.

You nodded as you read her text under the table on your lap. "Okay..."

The proceeding started as the Legacy Chairman from Taiwan addressed the legacy crowd. The formal breakfast began with the chairman welcoming everyone first. At least thirty new billionaire families were introduced from across Asia, with their duties stipulated, membership fees, and obligations. He spoke about networking around your guest that is seated at your table.

Behind all the polite conversation, powerful families were quietly watching, clapping elegantly.

Then the vice chairman took the podium; he was from Magnolia and had short grey hair. He was in the science field. Owning the largest pharmaceutical company in East Asia.

He spoke about the Celestial System of Soulmates. Their Earthbound office represented Asia at the largest Soul System Corporation, which was located in Macau. You and Alia were entranced by the newest development.

He spoke about the few billion dollars of scientific research on the much-anticipated serum.

Alia's eyes met yours, and she whispered, "The freaking serum that will force Redgold to sever ties."

Your eyes widen; you have heard about the serum in development since 2010. It went through different failed stages with immense side effects on blue and red-gold strings. After two months of trial testing on a red-gold couple, one partner died of heart failure, and the other went berserk and later died without their soulmate's energy.

The cost was too high, and the Global Legacy club executives couldn't convince the Celestial System to adopt that kind of rigging. The blue string passed the test, but the serum was developed primarily to get red gold into the rigging. If they succeed, then red-gold couples can be tamed without dying. But the activist  are  againts the serum that will overthrow the soulmate system. You will lose Seokjin. He could marry, and the expensive serum will help billionaire soulmates to maintain health. The serum will strengthen the hearts after the invigorating period expires. No deadly effects, but it was far from perfecting.

Your heart races as you hear that the serum might be perfected in three years. It will be presented or released to the exclusive market in 2018. The system couldn’t finalize any “legacy pairing” unless the soulmate bond was clear—can Redgold live without each other after three months?—and since Mia’s was already settled with Seokjin, Vishan’s plan was falling apart.

Seokjin found your table, and you discreetly texted your soulmate. Giving each other love affirmations. Noodle looked as if she ate a stick; that is how rigid she appeared. Her lips were pursed, and she looked at you and Alia with narrowed eyes. Her pure jealous eyes on Alia were something to behold.

Alia just smiled and lifted her champagne glass mockingly. You just smirk. Seokjin had the most serene smile on his face as your eyes met. Alia finger-waved at him, to Noodles' dismay.

You whispered, "You're putting on too much of a show, Alia. She might combust."

Alia grinned. "Hopefully out of our lives."

Before the next speaker, who's going to be your brother Saju, the guests could go to one of the four buffet stations near their seating. You and Alia jumped up quickly and got in line and got to taste the breakfast spread from East and South Asia. A beautiful woman next to you suggests you try the food from Bhutan.

She smiled up at you. "Are you Samiya...the current Miss India?"

You looked surprised. "Yes...it's me. Samiya Dholakia from New Delhi, India."

She bowed her head and gestured to the food. "Oh, mine is Princess Subashree Wangchuck, from Bhutan—"

You and Alia almost spit out your saliva and quickly bow again. Alia looked mesmerized. "Oh my word...apologies, your highness. I didn't recognize you..." You nodded too.

Her light brown eyes looked amused. "No worries, girls. I'm the youngest daughter of the third queen. I'm here representing the culture and youth of our region."

You smile friendly. "We are delighted to make your acquaintance, your highness."

She giggles a little as she quickly explains to you about the dishes. Gold and silver dishes were open, and the aroma wanted to blow you away. She told you about the dishes, Saju, and butter tea. And the typical Bhubaneswar breakfast menu.

Alia grinned and turned to Suja, who spoke with another CEO of Hong Kong. "Hi Suja...it seems your mom named you after Bhutan butter tea." He just smirked and shook his head while the two of you giggled.

You took samples of gondo dashing, a Bhubaneswar scrambled egg made from lots of butter, cheese, and chillies. You also took a small piece of fried Hoentay buckwheat dumpling filled with turnip leaves and/orspinach. You and Alia decided to try a small cup of Saju butter tea.

Subashree asks for your numbers to hang out later. She only came with her security detail. Subashree was 24 years old. A Tarnished in an arranged marriage with another Tarnished Asian prince. You nodded as she smirked and left after she took some of her homeland food. You and Alia moved on and tried some food from Macau and Hong Kong.

Vidhan was flirting with a honey-blond Filipino girl, whose eyes were glowing with sheer excitement at the attention of this handsome and extremely sexy Indian model. He smirked as he saw you and Alias's disgusted looks.

You almost got a heart attack when your plate was taken from your hand. When you looked up, your heart raced; it was Seokjin, smiling down at you and Alia.

"Seokjin, what are you doing?" You whispered at the assorted breads and muffins.

His affectionate eyes didn't leave yours. Alia was standing in such a way that no one would see you conversing. It just looks like young people meeting. Seokjin just took a plate and added a single mini poppyseed muffin on it.

"I miss you, Mia..." He smiled and looked at an amused Alia. He playfully pulls on her long strands. Alia looked shocked.

"Hey ARMY...did you sleep well after the sexy pic?"

Alia grinned. "Oh, very well... I was just surprised at so much desperation." She laughs breathily.

You laugh softly while your soulmate teases Alia. Unbeknownst to them, Noodle was watching with furrowed brows, whispering something to her mom.

Alia grinned. "Don't worry, everything is set." He stood between you and Alia. But his body was in closer proximity to yours; your hands touched briefly, and you felt the surge of refreshing energy. A soft smile graced your mouth.

Alia said with a sing-song voice, "Your lovely fiancé is on her way with an older woman."

You subtly look at the annoyance of Seokjin as he murmurs, "Do I have an invisible leech on me? She's becoming so clingy. Quickly go back to your seats."

Alia shook her head. So ready for a fight.

You saw them across the ballroom floor coming in your direction. She looked adamant to confront you (Alia) or come to rescue her fiancé from the Indian claws.

Seokjin nudges your shoulder. "Mia...quickly go back to your seat."

You looked concerned at him and a smirking Alia. "Will you be okay?"

Alia nodded. "Yes, I'm doing my ARMY job. Protecting my Bangtan. Go."

You nodded and quickly went back to your seat, with a racing heart. Just as you took your seat next to your smiling brother, Noodke and the woman intercepted Seokjin and Alia just as they were about to turn.

Alia was placing another chocolate muffin on Seokjin's small plate. When they heard a clearing of a throat.

Noodle looks at an amused Alia with unmasked hatred. "You couldn't wait to ruin my weekend, Alia?"

Seokjin looked at Noodle with inner annoyance, but he was polite to her mother. "Oh, Noodle, did you have to walk so far to this buffet table...Mrs. Bae?"

Ms. Bae's eyes were on the beautiful Alia, who stood a step behind Seokjin. The situation was becoming too interesting. The jilted lover claiming her stake,

Noodle with a soft sneer, "Why are you humiliating me like this, Seokjin? Openly flirting with your 'girlfriend' in front of our families?"
She looked at Alia with open disdain, "And you...you are so shameless."

Alia inhaled deeply and whispered softly through her teeth, "I beg to differ. Why must I be shameless when I'm his girlfriend? The one he actually loves...not one that is bought by the system..."

Ms. Bae looked upset. "Young lady. You do realize that he is about to be engaged to my daughter. Can you just respect their union this weekend? Stay away from Seokjin, please."

Alias's eyes widen, and Seokjin wanted to intervene, but Alia stopped him. "It's okay, sweetie, I can deal with this. Look, Madam. Your daughter is playing in the wrong fire. As you can see, we are also part of this powerful club. My family are politicians. She sabotaged my academics, and I know she just thinks she can walk up to me, Alia Bhatt, and come and dictate to me...no, order me to stay away from MY boyfriend for an insecure, uncultured, ill-mannered, and clingy dream-to-be fiancé of my boyfriend. She can just go sleep with a llama. Excuse me...before I throw up a breakfast that hasn't even touched my stomach." She looked at the openly flabbergasted Seokjin, who stood speechless. Alia was a top ally. She single-handedly put both the entitled women in their place. Ms. Bae and her daughter watch speechless as Alia gives them a forced smile and caresses Seokjin's cheek.

"See you soon...sweetie." She purred, and with a sarcastic wink, she turned on her pink heels and strutted like a Victoria's Secret model towards her table, where Saju and Sami watched with concerned eyes.

Seokjin pursed his lips as he saw how Noodke and her mom watched Alia's retreating figure. He could just laugh inwardly because Alia must have annihilated her rivals in style. A kill shot and the sassiest clapbackhe ever heard. This girl will have Yoongi swooning. She was swaying her hips seductively, which turned numerous male eyes to her. When she sat down with an exaggerated sigh and picked up her chopsticks, she smirked.

You looked at her with wide eyes. "Oh my goodness, Ali, what did you say to them? They look spooked."

Alia looked down on her food. "Don't fret. Everything is under wraps. I just gave them food for thought."

Seokjin walked past the two women with nonchalance back to his table, where his dad looked at him with narrowed eyes and his mom just sat there sighing deeply. This weekend seems right out of a full K-drama plot.

You shook your head. "They looked murderous at our table," you whispered while eating your food. You lost your appetite and just pick at your chili scrambled eggs. Vidhan's eyes looked amused at his cousin just as the MC called Suja to the podium amid thunderous applause.

Suja gave a speech representing India, listing the new billionaire members from India and their net worths and claim to the Legacy Club. He kept it short and simple. Eight billionaire families from India were added, six from Korea, two from Pakistan, four from the Maldives, one from Myanmar, three from China, and five from Japan, one of which was a notorious new Mafia family.

The patriarch and his wife (soulmate) of each family stood in front of the podium and received a shiny mahogany case with two platinum signet ring sets embedded with rubies with the Global Legacy members logo. They also received huge golden frames with an official certificate of exclusive membership.

You smile at Suja as he takes his place. "Great speech. Dad will be proud." He was representing it in your dad's place.

"Tonight you will shine." He smirked as he drank his cooled tea.

After the formalities, the families could return to the buffet area and enjoy the rest of the breakfast. Some move around to congratulate the families. Some families who came with their teens met others for future marital arrangements.

You just smirked when Alia grinned at her phone. Seokjin sent both of you text messages, but Vidhan kept you distracted.

Vidhan smiles sweetly at you, his eyes full of love. "Darling, can we just talk about our future? Let's meet in the hotel's executive lounge. Stop being so difficult."

You lift your brows mockingly. "Why don't you ask that blonde bimbo to meet up for a drink? Leave me alone."

Vidhan grinned, thinking, "You are so jealous." It was working. "Jealous much? She is not on your level, baby, and you know it." He said with an arrogant smirk.

You shook your head in disbelief. "You're unbelievable. You are really something. Don't you have any shame? You want me, but you already date that model Indira...don't look so shocked? It's common knowledge. Do you think it's fair to date women while expecting me to be a virtuous wife? In your dreams," you laugh mockingly.

Vidhans eyes widen. "Samiya Dholokia! Are you seeing someone?" There was a splinter of fear in his eyes, but you don't care.

You just look at him with a haughty aura: "When did you get the authority to know what's happening in my life? I don't owe you an explanation, so back off."

Your eyes flashed in his.

'Kitty paws... I love your new spunk. Our honeymoon will be explosive. I can't wait to tame you."

"Oh please...you need therapy for extreme delusion. I'm sorry I don't live in your world." You sneer.

Suja was talking to the man next to him about investing in India. You just ignore Vidhan, who stood up to go get Saju a hot tea and a chamomile tea for you. You're getting a tension headache from conversing with idiocy.

Throughout it all, Seokjin kept texting Alia. She was laughing and watching you under her eyeslashes. She is so excited to do favors for her favourite boys. Sami is so lucky to have such a handsome caring soulmate. She will do anything to protect her bestfriend/sister.

Seokjin: “Tell Mia to meet me at the jacuzzi springs in an hour. Urgent.”

Alia grinned and got up from the table, feeling Noodle’s eyes burning into her back.

Alia whispering to herself,  “Let the games begin.”

🕌🕌🕌🕌

A/N: Alia stood up for Seokjin and Mia.

Thank you so much for the votes, reads,  comments and adding through book into your readers'lists.

Just a question: 'How many chapters do you want for this book?  I'm trying to gear up updates of atleast 10 chapters per soulmate book per week. Editing takes some hours.

1, Why couldn't Mia sleep before the Legacy breakfast ?

2, Do you think Seokjins' evidence was well presented?

3. Do you think Vidhan is getting tye message from Mias attitude?

4. What do you think about the Legacy Club's rigging?

5. What do you think about the confrontation between Noodle and Alia?

6. Do you think Seokjin and Alias plan can really help Mia?