Hot Model Series 2: Unveiling Desires

4

"HOW can I be so selfish?" was Mingyu's initial question to himself while sitting alone on the sofa in the living room.

He didn't do anything and just allowed Dana to leave the house by herself. He tried to catch up with her outside, but he couldn't reach her, and the guard informed him that she had already taken a taxi.

He scolded himself, feeling like he was being stingy, depriving someone of an opportunity. God knows how much he wanted to help her. He was just surprised by what she said earlier. He wanted to tell her that he could help her. He could easily lend her the amount she needed. Even if she didn't pay it back, he would be fine with it. That's how much he desired to help Dana.

But there is a problem. How can he help her if helping her means his downfall? Yes, the Good Reads, a famous bookstore near the State University that Dana wants to compete against, is actually owned by him. Dana even wants to establish her own bookstore right in front of it. He owns Good Reads, but no one knows about it.

Nobody is aware that he owns that secret business, except for the trusted individuals who currently run Good Reads. The store always achieves high sales, especially among students. He even kept it a secret from his parents. There's a reason why he chose that business to establish. If he helps Dana, he's sure his business will weaken.

He knows that Dana is skilled in business. It's evident from how her mother's furniture shop flourished since she started helping her mom manage it. He was delighted to hear Dana's reasons for wanting to start her own business. It's for her personal dreams in life, and he admired her for that decision. He knows her life story, which Reigan shared with him.

She didn't feel pity for Dana; instead, she admired her. Dana was a tough girl, capable of handling whatever life threw at her. That's why he could never forgive himself for hurting Dana earlier.

When he saw the pain in her eyes, he wanted to chase after her. But his body wouldn't budge to follow her. He wanted to help her and fulfill her desires. But if he did, he would surely fall. Dana was skilled and could easily capture others' attention. Would he be afraid of her becoming his competitor, or would he be more afraid because he couldn't assist her?

He didn't know what to do. If he told Dana that he owned Good Reads, she would probably abandon her plan to open a bookstore across from it. On the other hand, if he didn't reveal the truth and lent her the money she needed, she would achieve her dream. He would help her prove to herself that she could stand on her own feet.

He wiped his hand across his face. What should he choose? He couldn't bear to see Dana sad. He couldn't bear not to help her. He sighed. He would assist her, no matter what happens. Even if she becomes his adversary, it's fine with him. He is more than willing to fall if it means she will rise. The important thing is that he helped her achieve her desires. He would be happy to be a means for her dreams to come true. Whatever consequences may arise, he is prepared to face them. The most important thing is to see her happy.

Even if Nessah were to learn about his intentions, it would be enough for him to see her smiling.

A small plan suddenly crossed his mind. Maybe it's time. Perhaps fate brought him to this opportunity. Time brought him here. He wanted to show Dana that he could help her without expecting anything in return. But he wanted that one special thing. That special thing he had longed for, for many years, to be more than just a dream but a reality.

______________

"HELLO?" Dana's half-asleep voice answered on the other line with closed eyes.

Her cellphone had been ringing for a while now. Who could be calling at such an early hour? Her ears were getting annoyed, so she decided to answer the call. The caller was not registered in her cellphone.