As we entered Vilacorp, the massive space of their hall—where the event was being held—welcomed us.
Beside the lobby inside Vilacorp was the grand hall meant for events like this one.
I could feel the stares from people. Probably at Zion. I turned to look at him.
He wore a black tuxedo and black tie, and his hair was slicked back, giving off the image of a cold boss—which, to be fair, he really is. He looked so handsome—
"Done daydreaming about me?" I heard his familiar voice say, making me cough slightly.
That's when I realized I'd been staring at him for too long.
What was I thinking!? So embarrassing!
"They're staring at you," he whispered.
I scoffed. At me? Probably at you!
"We'll stay on the side for now. I'm sure that man is hiding not far away from us," he said as he pulled me toward a less crowded part of the hall.
I frowned at his action. He was acting strange.
"Why are we here at the side? We should be at the center of this hall since the businessmen are there," I whispered.
I heard him scoff and looked at him—he was already looking at me.
"I don't like to face those fake ugly geezers. They irritate me."
Yep. That's exactly what he said in the online story when he talked to Lily, the female lead, about businessmen. Though back then it wasn't during an event. My eyes widened as I looked around the hall.
If Carlo Ville, the male lead, is here... then is Lily, the female lead, here too?
"Can you remember his face?" Zion suddenly asked, so I looked at him with one eyebrow raised.
"If I remembered his face, I would've already told you," I replied, annoyed.
Zion really knows how to piss me off sometimes. Why did this guy have to be my husband?
Zion stared into my eyes, and then suddenly his gaze dropped… to my lips?
"Why are you staring at my lips? Are they sexy?" I teased with a mischievous grin.
He sneered and looked away.
"There's way better than those so-called sexy lips of yours," he replied.
Zion and his rude mouth.
"Whatever," I muttered. There's more to him than meets the eye. I wonder what that is.
When people started clapping and their attention turned to the stage, mine followed too.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our company's anniversary celebration. Today isn't just about celebrating our achievements, but also unveiling a significant announcement. I'm delighted to introduce the new director of Vilacorp," said the CEO onstage.
Someone climbed the stage, and the CEO introduced him to everyone.
"He is the new director of Vilacorp, Carlo Ville," he added.
My eyes widened in shock. Carlo Ville! The male lead! This isn't part of the story! The book My Lily never mentioned him becoming Vilacorp's director! What's going on!?
"This appointment signifies our dedication to excellence, with the new director—which is me—contributing valuable experience to our team," said Carlo, and I turned to look at Zion beside me, who still had no expression, like he already knew about this.
"As we enter another year of innovation, I'm confident that under my leadership, Vilacorp will prosper," Carlo added, and people around us clapped.
I turned back to the stage where Carlo and the Vilacorp CEO were now holding wine glasses.
"Thank you for joining us on this journey," said the smiling CEO as he raised his glass, prompting the others around us to do the same.
Just in time, a waiter passed by with a tray. There was only one glass left, so I smiled and reached for it—but Zion beat me to it.
I frowned and turned to glare at him. What's his problem!?
"Wine is not for you," he said firmly.
I let out a frustrated sigh. I suddenly wanted to punch him. He's being too much! I used to drink wine and beer before I came here, and it took a lot to get me drunk!
"I can handle it!" I insisted.
"You can't," he said curtly and turned his attention back to the front, so I followed.
"Cheers to a future of prosperity and continued success!" the Vilacorp CEO said.
"Cheers!"
The event officially began. Zion and I stood by the side, and my eyes remained on the stage. The CEO and new director, Carlo Ville, stepped down and were greeted by a woman.
The woman had her back turned to us, so I couldn't see her face. I was about to ask Zion who she was—Carlo was speaking to her so intimately—when someone suddenly called out to Zion.
"Mr. Cartridge!"
Zion and I turned at the same time to see a man walking toward us.
He was staring—probably at me—while smirking, and it sent shivers down my spine.
"What's with this strange man?" I whispered to Zion.
I heard Zion cough lightly, so I sweetly wrapped my arm around his. He didn't say anything, but I could feel in my bones that this man approaching us wasn't good news.
"Mr. Ville," Zion said.
I gripped Zion's arm tightly. Ville? How is this man related to the male lead!?
He chirped, "The new director of Vilacorp is my cousin."
Ah, that explains why he had the guts to approach Zion. But I remember the male lead only had one cousin—Jake Ville. The playboy.
"And who is this lovely lady beside you, Mr. Cartridge?" Jake Ville asked, making me cringe.
This guy has some nerve! Let's see what Zion says.
"Why do you ask?" Zion responded coldly while sipping his wine.
I couldn't help but glance at his Adam's apple as it moved down. He looked so—
"Snap out of it," Zion muttered quietly as he stared at me with his usual emotionless face.
My heart skipped a beat, and I could feel my cheeks burning.
"Ohh, Mr. Cartridge," a familiar voice suddenly said. It was Carlo.
Zion and I turned at the same time to see the male lead, Carlo Ville, holding a woman's hand as they walked toward us.
"Lovely to see you," Carlo said as they stopped not far from us.
Carlo turned his attention to me and looked at my face as if trying to analyze it.
"…and your wife, Mr. Cartridge," he added.