King ► N.RK

Epilogue

Months had passed since Hera had poured her heart into writing the sequel, "King." The story had blossomed under her fingertips, transforming from the pain of loss into a narrative of hope, redemption, and the rise of a once-villain into a beloved leader. As she wove Ni-ki's journey from darkness to light, she found healing in the process, and with every page, her love for him felt like a living force guiding her words.

When "King" was published, it quickly captivated readers. Hera had expected some interest, but nothing prepared her for the overwhelming response. Sales skyrocketed, and it became a bestseller almost overnight. The world had fallen in love with Ni-ki, not as the antagonist she had originally crafted, but as a complex, multifaceted character striving for greatness and acceptance.

Book clubs buzzed with discussions about his journey, and social media erupted with fan art and heartfelt tributes. Readers connected with his struggles, his moments of vulnerability, and his unwavering desire to protect his kingdom. Hera watched in awe as people championed the very qualities she had admired in Ni-ki-the strength, the compassion, and the indomitable spirit.

One evening, as she sat at her cluttered desk, the weight of her success began to sink in. It felt surreal. She had crafted a world where Ni-ki could thrive, and now it was a part of so many lives. The warmth of pride filled her chest as she remembered the late nights spent writing, the tears shed over every word, and the promise she had made to him.

Her phone buzzed, breaking her reverie. It was an email from the CEO of the publishing company, a name that had become synonymous with her book's success. The message read:

*Dear Hera,*

*I would like to invite you to our annual gala to celebrate the success of "King." Your work has resonated with readers across the globe, and it would be an honor to have you attend. Please let me know if you can make it.*

*Best regards,*

*-Riki Nishimura*

The name struck a chord. Riki Nishimura was a name whispered in the industry-a young billionaire who had built his empire from the ground up. Yet, no one had ever seen his face. Rumors swirled around him like a mysterious fog, and there was a sense of intrigue that surrounded his persona. Hera's heart raced at the thought of attending the gala, but as excitement coursed through her veins, so did apprehension. What would it be like to meet the man behind her success?

She took a deep breath, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. After a moment's hesitation, she typed her reply, accepting the invitation with a sense of purpose.

The day of the gala arrived, and Hera felt a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. She donned a deep navy dress that hugged her figure, her hair cascading down her back in soft waves. Looking in the mirror, she hardly recognized the woman staring back at her-the one who had gone from an aspiring author to a bestselling sensation.

The venue was a luxurious hotel downtown, its grand ballroom shimmering with lights and adorned with opulent decorations. As she entered, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Authors, literary agents, and industry insiders mingled, glasses clinking as laughter filled the air.

Hera's heart raced as she scanned the crowd, searching for any sign of Riki. The thought of finally meeting him both thrilled and terrified her. She felt like an imposter in this glamorous setting, but then again, she reminded herself, she had earned her place here.

As she moved through the crowd, a familiar voice caught her attention. It was deep, resonant, and laced with a warmth that tugged at her heartstrings. She turned, and her breath hitched in her throat.

There, across the room, stood a figure that made her heart race-a young man with sharp features, tousled dark hair, and an unmistakable intensity in his gaze. His back was to her, but the way he carried himself, with an air of confidence and charisma, sent a wave of nostalgia crashing over her.