Enemies by Fate, Lovers by Choice [ MilkLove AU ]

Chapter 42

Five years later,

"Assistant Shen, do I have any appointments later?" Mira asked, her fingers gently tapping the edge of the signed documents as she slid them across the desk.

Assistant Shen adjusted her glasses, a slight frown creasing her forehead as she scanned her schedule. "Yes, at 3 p.m. you have a meeting with the President of Digital Edge Technology at their company."

Mira raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. "President?  Is that right?"

"Yes, it was said that Vice President Lim, who was supposed to meet with us, got a cold. But they emphasized the importance of our joint project, so their President took over the meeting."

Mira tapped her table thoughtfully, her gaze fixed on the polished surface. "Isn't getting a cold a bit... convenient?  I wonder if there's more to it."

Assistant Shen nodded subtly, a knowing glint in her eyes, but remained silent, waiting for Mira's instructions.

"But... for their President to take the lead means they're showing their sincerity and the importance of this joint project," Mira said, her voice thoughtful, her fingers idly tracing the lines of a small, intricate design on her desk. "I heard that Digital Edge Technology has a new president recently, is that true?"

"Yes."

"Give me the details about the new president quickly."

"Right away."

Assistant Shen quickly left, her footsteps barely audible on the plush carpet. After watching the door close, Mira leaned back in her chair, a sigh escaping her lips as she massaged her temples with the tips of her fingers. Five years ago, she had launched her own company in Thailand, fueled by personal savings, bank loans, investor contributions, and successful stock market trading. It took two years to launch and another two to gain a foothold in the market. Now, with operational stability after years of consistent performance, she could finally breathe.

She knew, however, that a foothold wasn't enough. The power struggles within larger companies were eye-opening. While her company wasn't big enough to compete with these giants, she was confident in its potential. A successful partnership with Digital Edge Technology would be her breakthrough in the coming years. She needed to know who the new president was and adjust her plan accordingly.

Mira walked towards the floor-to-ceiling window, her hand resting lightly on the cool glass as she gazed down at the bustling city. Since returning to Thailand and starting her company, she had been so busy that she rarely went home to her mother. Thinking of her mother, Mira picked up her phone, her thumb tracing the familiar contours of the device as she made a call.

The phone rang and was quickly answered.

"Honey?"

"Mom," Mira said softly, a hint of warmth softening her features.

"How are you doing?"

"Everything is going smoothly now. If the cooperation is confirmed later, I might be able to have time to come home later."

Maria sighed. " That's good. I know you've been really busy. After you come home later, let me come with you to your apartment. Even if you're busy with the company, I can take care of you and I won't be so worried."

Mira paused for a moment then she said, "Okay, Mom. I'm not that busy anymore anyway."

"Alright, good luck to you later. I'll cook your favorite, so come home early, okay?" Maria smiled, her voice filled with warmth.

"Okay," Mira agreed, a faint smile gracing her lips. She heard a knock on her door. "Come in," she said, her voice regaining its usual composure. Assistant Shen entered.

"Mom, I have to go first. I'll call you later."

"Alright, take care."

Mira put away her gentle smile, her expression hardening as she turned to face her assistant.

Assistant Shen was used to Mira's changes in expression. No one in their company knew their President could smile and be gentle. If anyone saw it, they would think the sun rose from the west. The first time she saw this side of Mira, she had even suspected that her President was an impostor or possessed by a ghost. But after getting to know her, she understood that only the President's mother could receive such treatment. It seemed unbelievable given Mira's cold personality, but at the same time, it was very normal. No child would be indifferent to their parents, especially if they were close.

Mira flipped through the documents. She was stunned for a moment, her eyes widening as she scanned the page. Then, she continued reading until the last page, her brow furrowed in concentration. She was shocked to discover that the new President was someone she knew.

Assistant Shen waited for Mira, noticing her President seemed to be deep in thought. She couldn't help but ask, "Ms. President, is everything alright?"

"Yes, just a bit surprised.  You can go now."

"Yes."

Mira sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly as she leaned back in her chair. She hadn't expected to meet Luna again in this way after so many years. When she was still working in the U.S., after her mother and Aunt Lilith visited, she had contacted Luna less and less until she stopped contacting her altogether. She had gotten busy and used it as a way to distance herself from Luna. Luna was very good, too good for her. As time went by, she understood Luna's feelings for her, and she herself became scared, not knowing what to do. She knew that if she took the first step to approach Luna, Luna wouldn't hesitate to show her love. She liked Luna, but at the same time, she felt she wasn't good enough and that she might hold Luna back in her growth.

Mira thought it through and decided to distance herself from Luna, thinking that Luna might change her feelings for her. After a year of doing so, as she expected she didn't receive any messages from Luna anymore, and even her mother stopped mentioning her. She felt disappointed and regretful at that time, even now, but she knew it was her own doing and that was the result she wanted. It's just that she suddenly felt empty.

Mira shook her head, her gaze returning to the bustling city outside her window. It was better to focus on the company's matters. Even if Digital Edge Technology valued this joint project, she still needed to impress them so they wouldn't change their minds and back out. DET was a large company, and many companies wanted to win their partnership. Finding a partner for a new project wasn't that difficult for them but the same thing can't be said to her own company.