His Hidden Legacy~ Vhope

Whispers Under the Spotlight.

Authors pov

The sleek, expensive car came to a smooth halt in front of the glimmering red carpet. The paparazzi swarmed like bees, cameras flashing incessantly as the valet opened the car door. Taehyung stepped out first, exuding elegance in his perfectly tailored suit. Hoseok followed closely behind, his steps hesitant and his gaze cast downward as nerves prickled through his body.

If he had a choice, he wouldn’t have come. Hoseok despised parties, especially after what had happened the last time he’d attended one. The memory of that unknown man still haunted him, and he had vowed never to step into such settings again. Yet here he was, forced to attend as Taehyung’s personal assistant.

Taehyung noticed the anxiety radiating from Hoseok and leaned in close. Hoseok’s eyes widened as he instinctively leaned back, startled by the proximity. “Be confident,” Taehyung muttered, his voice calm but firm.

Hoseok blinked, feeling his pulse quicken, but before he could reply, Taehyung straightened and walked forward, greeting the paparazzi with a dazzling smile and a graceful wave. Hoseok huffed, muttering under his breath, “Be confident, my ass.”

Quickening his pace, he trailed after Taehyung, clutching the edges of his suit jacket nervously. Inside the grand hall, Hoseok’s mouth fell open slightly in awe. The place was breathtaking—lavish chandeliers, gilded walls, and an air of sophistication that seemed almost surreal. Beautiful people mingled effortlessly, their laughter and chatter filling the room.

“Wow,” Hoseok murmured, his eyes darting around as he took in the scene.

“Quite the spectacle, isn’t it?” Taehyung said, glancing at him briefly before resuming his poised demeanor.

As they moved further into the crowd, a tall African man with radiant ebony skin approached them, his smile warm and inviting. “Taehyung,” the man greeted, extending his hand for a firm handshake.

Taehyung returned the smile, bowing slightly out of respect before clasping the man’s hand. “Mr. Kamau, it’s an honor.”

The two launched into a conversation about market strategies, investment portfolios, and future collaborations in tech industries. Hoseok stood to the side, lost in their jargon.

Finally, Mr. Kamau turned his attention to Hoseok, his expression friendly. “Hello there. And you are?”

Taehyung smiled proudly. “This is Jung Hoseok, my personal assistant.”

“Ah,” Mr. Kamau said, his grin widening. “It’s nice to meet you, Hoseok. Take good care of your boss here, alright?”

Hoseok nodded politely, smiling. “I will.”

With a final handshake, Mr. Kamau excused himself and disappeared into the crowd. Hoseok watched him go, muttering, “He’s nice.”

“Very,” Taehyung agreed, already scanning the room for familiar faces.

They moved through the crowd, stopping occasionally for brief introductions. Hoseok kept up as best he could, listening intently as Taehyung networked with ease. Finally, they approached an older man, possibly in his sixties, whose presence exuded wealth and power.

Taehyung leaned toward Hoseok, whispering, “That’s Mr. Leonard Kline, CEO of Kline Enterprises. He specializes in global real estate and renewable energy investments. He’s my idol in the business world.”

“Wow,” Hoseok said, his gaze lingering on the man.

Taehyung nodded, his voice almost reverent. “I’ve always wanted to impress him. If he sees potential in me, he could elevate my business to unimaginable heights.”

Hoseok smiled faintly. “I’m sure you’ll impress him. You’ve got the charm and ambition.”

Taehyung chuckled softly, glancing at him. “Thanks, Hoseok. That means a lot.”

But then his tone shifted, more somber. “My parents would’ve been so proud to see me here.”

Hoseok hesitated before asking, “Where are your parents?”

Taehyung’s expression softened, his smile tinged with sadness. “They passed away in a fire when I was young. I’m an orphan.”

Hoseok’s eyes widened. “Oh… I’m so sorry to hear that. But I’m sure they’d be incredibly proud of you.”

Taehyung’s smile grew, warm and genuine. “I know they would be.”

Hoseok smiled back, his admiration for Taehyung growing despite himself.

Their moment was interrupted by a sudden presence in front of them. It was Mr. Kline.

Taehyung’s eyes widened slightly, but he quickly composed himself, bowing deeply. “Mr. Kline, it’s an honor to meet you,” he said, extending his hand.

Mr. Kline shook Taehyung’s hand, holding it a fraction too long and with a grip that seemed deliberately firm. Taehyung’s discomfort was subtle but noticeable to Hoseok.

Without hesitation, Hoseok stepped forward, gently separating their hands with a polite smile. He bowed slightly. “A pleasure to meet you, sir.”

Mr. Kline’s eyes roved over Hoseok, his gaze lingering uncomfortably long. “And who is this?” he asked.

“This is my personal assistant, Jung Hoseok,” Taehyung said, his voice steady, though there was an edge to it.

“How old are you, Hoseok?” Mr. Kline asked, his tone suddenly too interested.

“Nineteen,” Taehyung answered before Hoseok could speak.

Mr. Kline’s eyes lit up, his interest obvious. Before he could say anything further, a loud clinking of glass drew everyone’s attention. They turned to see the host of the evening standing on stage with a glass of wine in hand.

Taehyung and Hoseok quickly grabbed glasses from a passing waiter as the host began his toast. But neither of them was paying attention. Their focus not on the man standing a few feet behind them, his eyes smoldering as he directed a sultry look their way.