Broken Guitar Strings

Chapter 29

(CHANYEOL'S POV)

Lay loved my guitar. He accepted it with kind words and an open heart. I finally know why Allie is drawn to him so much. I should be more like him.

                                                                                          ♪♪♪

So apparently my family is hosting a "party" to celebrate the New Year. It's going to be one of those rich and wealthy family gatherings in a really nice and big room so people can make business connections. Even though there would always be people serving carefully crafted delicacies with glass utensils under a huge, bright chandelier, I never looked forward to these. Too many intimidating business men in suits with their wives who compare dresses and children who are either super mature or don't know what they're doing.

Hopefully I'll have a better time this year because Allie's family is going. Besides us, the Thompsons will be the only other family that owns a major conglomerate business. Everyone else are either politicians, fairly well-known people who do plays and/or movies, or own smaller businesses or restaurants (something of the sort). I know a lot of attention will be on me and Allie. A few articles have been published already about our engagement photoshoot. Though I admit that we look powerfully amazing and attractive together, I'm nervous. And I know she's nervous.

                                                                                             ♪♪♪

It's six and the party starts at seven. Mind me, the "party." I always think of frat parties when I think of the word "party," and I know that I shouldn't (especially as the heir of Samsung), but bite me. Or bite Baekhyun and Chen. They do go to frat parties a lot.

Anyway, my mom came in to make sure that my hair was gelled nicely and my suit was on point. Normally she lets me sport a bowtie, but not today. Not for these types of "parties." Parties. Gahhh.

We hired a bunch of waiters and waitresses to walk around and hold up dishes of food as well as to give out drinks. My parents gave me the "what it means to be an heir" talk, as if I didn't know the drill already. However, I was warned that people would be watching how I act toward Allie. And how she acts toward me. They said that Allie's parents are probably doing the same thing with her, and she'll also know that people will be watching us. "Basically," my mother said, "Just be polite to the other families and act like a behaved young man. Around Allie, don't get too romantic, but don't act like you two are just strangers, either." I raise my eyebrows tiredly and nod. "Will Miriam be there?" The edges of her lips curl into a tiny, sympathetic smile. "Yes, dear, I'm sorry about that. I know that you don't like her but the Gradys are going to be there. I believe their flight arrived just this morning." I groan. I haven't seen her in a few years because she moved away to Florida, but most of the memories I have with her are either terrifyingly creepy or involve lime green scarves with pink polka dots. And now, my blond-haired female Oompa Loompa will enter my life again.