The World Above

Chapted 12 : Mx Group

Haven's POV

As soon as I stepped inside the house, I hurried upstairs, hoping Felix didn't notice how flustered I was. My heart was racing, and I took a deep breath to calm down.

Trying to be as quiet as possible, I slipped into my room, threw off my shoes, and snuggled into the warmth of my blanket.

***

"Wake up, Sis! You're going to be late!" Mira's voice jolted me from my sleep. I glanced at the alarm clock—15 minutes until 8! Panic set in. I scrambled out of bed, brushing my teeth and hair in record time.

I didn't even bother changing out of yesterday's dress. Rushing down the stairs, I grabbed a piece of toast and stuffed it in my mouth.

"Look at you, rushing around! What were you doing last night that you couldn't get up this morning?" Mom scolded as I kissed her and Dad before dashing out the door.

At the entrance, my friends were waiting. "Gosh, girl! You almost didn't make it!" Alex remarked as I caught my breath. "Let's go in. The bell's about to ring," Brandon said, taking my hand and leading us into the building.

Brandon's grip was firm but gentle, and I couldn't help but glance at him. His calm demeanor always made my heart flutter. We walked to the first class of the day, Mathematics. "Alright, students! Settle down!" Mr. Aslan's voice echoed as he struck the desk.

***

"Monday is the worst day of the week!" Mike exclaimed as we headed out of school. "I want to rest, but I have to take my sister to a Dior photoshoot. Xiao Jun will be there!" Nora gushed, causing the boys to roll their eyes.

"Tough luck! We're all going to Brandon's. His mom invited us," Arielle said. Brandon groaned, "Did she message you?" Arielle nodded, "Yeah, and she also said there's no point in having a phone if you keep leaving it at home."

We all laughed. Brandon always forgot his phone, and Mrs. Kim was always scolding him for it.

Suddenly, I bumped into someone. "Oops! Sorry!" I apologized, looking up to see a student with her back to me. "What's going on?" Ayesha asked, looking around at the crowd gathered at the entrance. We maneuvered through the crowd.

"OMG! Who is that?!" Nora exclaimed. I looked up to see a familiar face standing next to a sleek black Bugatti La Voiture Noire. The owner of one of the most expensive cars on Earth waved at me.

"What are you doing here?" I smiled, jogging up to him, much to everyone's surprise. "We have the same destination, so I thought I'd pick you up," Prince Valor explained. I was taken aback by his thoughtfulness. "That's really thoughtful of you!" I said, grateful.

He smiled and opened the door for me. "After you," he said with a chuckle. I climbed in, and he winked at the onlookers before getting in himself.

Felix's POV

"What do you mean, sir?!" Lixin looked at me, stunned. "Exactly what I said. Contact the Min group and inform them I'd like to break off the engagement with Haishi," I repeated.

"For what reason? The Min group is one of the most influential in Korea, and their daughters are considered worthy of marrying you!"

"Lixin, the girl I marry doesn't need to be rich or famous. A girl's worth isn't determined by money but by her heart and actions," I explained, trying to calm my agitated secretary. "Also, our families know the engagement is purely for business. Just tell them I love someone else."

"Is it the high schooler? The one who came for dinner yesterday?" Lixin asked. I didn't answer. He sighed, "Well, at least she's pretty." I chuckled. Lixin left, and I slumped back in my chair.

I barely slept last night, and the only reason I came to the office was to drop this bombshell on Lixin. I rubbed my eyes and glanced at the clock—2:30, half an hour until my guests arrived. I heaved myself up and trudged out the door, signaling Lixin to join me in the car.

We arrived at the mansion quickly. I headed to the kitchen to check on Ms. Chiara and the food preparations. As soon as I entered, the aroma was overwhelming.

"Wow, Ms. Chiara!" I said, picking up a fried chili and taking a bite. She wagged her spatula at me, and I hurried out.

Outside, I met Ms. Layla, who was arranging the lounge. "My, look at you, sir! You look like a walking ghost!" she exclaimed. "Is it that bad?" I asked. "Mhmm. You won't impress that girl of yours looking like this," she replied. My cheeks reddened, but I strangely liked the idea of Haven being called mine.

"I'll get some rest, then. Please make sure everything is in top shape. And ensure the dress is ready," I instructed before flopping onto the sofa and falling asleep.

**(

The doorbell rang, jolting me awake. I checked the cameras and saw Haven and Valor at the door. "Lixin, invite them in!" I shouted, bolting upstairs to freshen up.

I washed my face, changed my tie, and brushed my hair, then hurried downstairs. Ms. Chiara was serving them beverages. "Welcome!" I greeted them, sitting next to Haven and across from Valor. After a moment of silence, I looked at Valor.

"So, Your Highness," I began, but he interrupted, "Please, forget the formalities. Valor will do just fine."

"Okay, Valor, why don't you introduce yourself?" I asked expectantly. "Well, as you know, I'm the son of Empress Angelica. I'm a hundred years old," he said.

"What?!" Haven and I exclaimed, shocked. Valor laughed, "Is it that unbelievable?" We both nodded, speechless.

"I'll continue. I look young because that's how we celestials age. You'll learn about it soon. My spirit animal is a phoenix named Smoke. I was next in line to the throne before you two came along. Also, I'm the heir to the Mx Group."

"Wait! THE Mx Group? The king of all companies? The top fashion company in the world? You're the heir to the Mx Group?!" Haven asked, her eyes wide with admiration.

"Yes, and I guess the rumors are true. Mx Group is owned by celestials," Valor confirmed.

Haven's POV

I couldn't believe I was sitting in front of the heir to the Mx Group and the Crown Prince of Magix. Mira was right—how did I find myself in such situations?

Suddenly, a black bird flew in through the window and perched on Valor's shoulder. Valor patted the bird and introduced it, "This is Smoke. Smoke, these are the future Emperor and Empress of Magix. Greet them."

The dark phoenix looked at us for a moment before raising its wings and bowing deeply. I chuckled at its behavior. The bird started chittering in Valor's ear as if trying to convey something important.

"Looks like my mother needs me. I'll tell you more about myself later. I'll see you two tonight!" Valor shook hands with Felix, bowed to me, and then, with a flick of his fingers, teleported away.

I sat down abruptly, startling Felix. "I can't believe Angelica owns Mx Group!" Felix sat down in front of me. "I know, right?! They're the most respected and influential company on Earth."

"Master, tea is served," Ms. Layla announced. Felix looked at me, "Why don't you join me? I know you came here straight from school." I nodded, and we moved to the dining hall. "How could you possibly know that?" I asked. He put a finger to his lips, "It's a secret!"

I ate until I couldn't move. "Gosh! Your chef is amazing!" I licked my fingers clean. "I'm glad," Felix smiled.

Lixin entered the room and whispered something to Felix, who nodded in response. "Haven, I'm so sorry, but I need to go somewhere," he said, looking genuinely apologetic. I shook my head, "No worries!"

"Wait, before you go, I have something for you!" Felix said. For me? What could it be? Felix beckoned to Ms. Layla, who brought out a gorgeous dress. "This is yours," Felix handed me the dress. "Mine! Are you sure?!" It was so beautiful. I couldn't imagine how much it cost.

"Yes, I thought I'd give you an early Seollal present," he explained. "I love it, thank you so much!" I was touched.

"I'm happy that you like it. Shall I drop you off?"

"Yes, please!" I smiled.