1 The Man at the Center of Attention

"We're here, Young Master."

The driver opened the door to the backseat of a white luxurious sedan. Within seconds, the deafening screams of the crowd waiting outside filled the street.

With hair as lush as honey and golden eyes resembling the sun, there stood Kai Soleste, the supermodel son of the multibillionaire head of Soleste Enterprises.

Tonight's fashion show was certain to become a hit with his presence alone, even more so once he presented himself as the main face of the newest collection. At the young age of twenty, he was able to top the front of massive fashion campaigns that earned him his current fame.

"Kai, you're so handsome!"

"Our prince! Our sunshine!"

"I love you, Kai!

"Marry me, please!"

"Step on me! I beg you!"

"I'll die for you, Kai!"

With a luscious smile on his face, the man simply waved at the mob of fans and photographers while he strode down the red carpet.

He glanced to his sides and found that four other male brand ambassadors were making their way into the venue alongside him. Upon reaching the entrance, all five models turned back around and made ready to strike out their poses.

"KYAAAAA!!!"

The audience roared as Kai assumed position at the center.

His outfit included a set of designer leather black boots, a pair of immaculate white pants that had purposely been styled to hang below his waist at the front but cling to his behind, and a button-down grey dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up just below his elbow. Its first three buttons were popped open, exposing his tanned chest and toned six-pack. His hair was groomed into a sheeny mess, and his lips had been coated with a little bit of lipstick.

'Just why do I always get the overly seductive pose again?' Kai grimaced.

He brought up an elegant index finger to his mouth, slipped it slightly between his teeth, and then bit down, plastering a mischievous, sultry look to his face all the while. His other hand drifted down to the bottom of his dress shirt before hoisting it a bit high up, revealing his deep V-line and more of his godly figure.

The spectators went wild, and so did the camera lights.

It didn't take long before the harsh flashes dimmed down. All five men strode inside the building together, heading straight to their respective dressing rooms without exchanging a single word. It'd always been like this no matter the occasion.

The other models knew that, although no one could deny they were all good-looking, they could never be as perfect as Kai was, and they sort of disliked him for it.

---

By the time the fashion show ended and the party function began, it's already late in the evening.

The first thing that hit Kai was the silence. Everyone's strangely quiet when he entered the ballroom. It was a curious sight that Kai didn't often encounter. All these socialites glittering in their finery seemed to be struck awed by some unseen force.

People said that money talked and wealth whispered, but at that moment, no matter their affluence, it was complete, utter silence that reigned.

He sidled up to Essie, who's peering at the curtained stage intently. She's his cousin and colleague who worked at another side of the entertainment world – a gorgeous blonde-haired, blue-eyed rookie actress. Their parents got along with each other well, but Kai wasn't as close with her.

"What did I miss, Ms. Essie?" he asked at the same time all the lights went out.

She glared into the dimness before she turned to look back at him, opening her mouth to answer his question. But then, a spotlight so arrestingly bright flicked on the stage all of the sudden, followed by the curtains sweeping open to reveal a woman.

"Who's that?" Kai asked in a low, quiet whisper.

"You don't know her?" Essie asked back in disbelief.

"Never saw her before."

"She's a famous singer, Sir Kai, hailed as the continent's singing goddess."

The lady on the stage exuded grace and confidence befitting her title.

Draped in a dress as red as wine, she assumed her place beneath the spotlight and brought the mic to her mouth. Then, she flashed everyone a beautiful smile, white teeth peeking against scarlet lips as she greeted, "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen."

Kai frowned with uncertainty. "The continent's singing goddess, huh?"

Music was not really his thing. This sort of stuff rarely impressed him.

But when the song started playing and the woman began to sing her heart out, he found himself reacting like never before – he was mind-blown.

"Every time you're there, I feel anxious and happy~" the songstress crooned.

He heard the song before, but from her lips, it's quite something else. It's as though he's hearing something entirely different. Her voice, divine and saccharine, strung an unfamiliar note.

Through the corners of his eyes, he could see that even Essie appeared to be fanning herself discreetly. He could even see spots of red on her cheeks. Kai chuckled quietly to himself, but in all honesty, he understood since he was flustered too.

As the woman serenaded the night away, she swayed ever so slightly, cradling the mic like a lover with both of her eyes closed. The crowd seemed to sway with her, held captive by her seraphic voice.

'Like she's an angel,' Kai mused.

He supposed she wasn't called a goddess for nothing. She had all of them helpless under her spell. He couldn't help but shiver at the thought alone.

"Are you cold?" Essie asked.

"No." Kai answered. "I'm fine."

"You sure? You look-"

"Shhh. I want to listen."

Essie might have rolled her eyes then. It's hard to tell in the dark. Kai focused on the voice again.

The song approached the bridge, but the crowd was too astounded to even notice.

"She's… wow," Essie whispered with a look of awe.

Somewhat out of breath, Kai intoned, "Yeah, I know."

"Is this your first time hearing her sing?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

Essie glanced at him and was slightly taken aback to find an odd, rare smile gracing his flushed face. "I've been waiting for so long to be offered a love that's true and unfading~" the songstress went on before belting a crazy high note, and at that moment, her voice, so powerful and intoxicating, struck Kai a bit lightheaded.

No one dared to speak nor move as she finished off. It was as if the place itself held its breath.

"I dream of loving of you~"

She was stunning. But her voice, not exactly. Stunning won't do it justice.

Kai didn't even know how to describe it.

She's the perfect definition of immaculate. He never heard someone sing like that before. He never had someone make him feel like this before. She's the first to ever leave such an impact.

The lady curtseyed before the speechless audience, and with an elegant wave, proceeded to retreat into the backstage, at which point the spell broke and the crowd applauded.

"Woah," Essie breathed, looking as astonished as Kai. "She's amazing."

He ran an unsteady hand through his hair. Despite the smirk that was coolly plastered on his face, he's greatly moved by the performance. He expelled a breath he was not aware he was holding.

"Yeah. She sure is."