Without Me

A long line of exclusive and expensive cars stretched across the street, which was closed to outsiders this evening. All of them were heading in the same direction, for the most stylish and awaited party of the year. Even the distribution of prestigious awards in the world of show business has never attracted such crowds.

Colorful neon lights illuminated the Black Swan hotel, and thousands of lights reflected off the shiny limousine bodies, from which guests invited to the party disembarked.

Security meticulously checked every incoming person. Only those with a special personal invitation could come inside. Today's banquet was very important, a crowd of reporters surrounded the hotel, which is why the management hired additional guards to keep order. Nobody could slip without invitation. Even hotel guests renting apartments there were forced to use another entrance for this one evening, so that nothing could disturb the birthday party of the only heiress of the Ruo Yan family.

The birthday party of the heiress of the third largest influence and property of the family was a national event. Many of the invited guests held important functions in the parliament, even the left-wing prime minister was present, who was only second only to the president of the country.

Such important personalities caused a shock in the media every year. Every newspaper and television station outdo each other to get invitations and the best possible places to get the best material.

The Ruo family has conducted business in many industries. From cosmetics, through gastronomy and construction, and recently even invested in the entertainment industry.

Rumors says that parents celebrating the birthday of their only daughter bought up shares in Empire Entertainment, the largest talent company in the whole country, which belonged to none other than Li Ye Han himself. And in the future, the shares (that some newspaper had valued at several hundred million dollars) were to be donated to Li Ye Han as a dowry. Soon Li Ye Han and Ruo Yan were to get married.

And many guessed it was not just rumors. Ruo Yan and Li Ye Han have been repeatedly seen together on various - formal and private occasions. And even today, it was only said that Li Ye Han was supposed to give his beloved childhood a newly built residential complex by his company, which also included tennis courts, golf courses, exclusive night clubs and swimming pools. It was a town where there was literally everything.

This is the most profitable investment that Li Ye Han has started since he took over the function of Li Entertainment's CEO, and the value of this project is estimated at several hundred billion dollars. It was the most exclusive housing estate in the whole country, maybe even on the continent. If anyone could do it, it's only Li Entertainment, chaired by Li Ye Han. Only his would be able to afford such a gift.

The atmosphere inside was very lively. The main banquet hall of the Black Swan hotel was brightly lit, and there was the sound of champagne glasses clattering in the air and merry laughs of amused guests.

Everyone was waiting for the star to appear this evening, and the expectation was in a pleasant atmosphere.

In one of the hotel apartments rented specially for this evening, Ruo Yan tried on more dresses. None that she has established so far did not meet her expectations.

The well-known stylist Hao Wei, whom she employed, already had black lines on her forehead when another of his creations was rejected by this woman. If it were not for a large number of zeros on the check for this order, he would have left her to go n.a.k.e.d, if she did not like it. But he could only grit his teeth and present another, the last dress he had prepared today, hoping that it would be appropriate.

"Miss Ruo, don't worry, I've prepared the best for the end" Hao Wei announced, hiding his impatience with a professional smile. "It's a pearl in the crown of my last collection. Not every woman could wear this dress. Only someone with proportions like yours, can be lucky to look so stunning. Please try on."

The man handed Ruo Yan from behind the curtain a hanger on which the scarlet dress hung.

Ruo Yan grimaced in disgust. She did not like the flashy colors, but she didn't reject that at once. She was beginning to lose patience. She had already tried a dozen creations, and she didn't like any. Ruo Yan slowly began to regret that she had employed such an incompetent designer. She wondered where his fame came from when he designed such garbage.

"It would be better for you, if this time that would be something that I like, otherwise you can say goodbye to your career. I will destroy you and you will never sell anything again, "she threatened, tearing the hanger from his hands.

After a few minutes, she was already dressed and came out from behind the curtain.

The first thing that was striking was the overly exposed bust. A blood-red dress with b.a.r.e shoulders and a deep cleavage, it was as tight as if it were a second skin.

Ruo Yan wriggled around in front of the huge mirror, admiring from every side.

The longer she looked, the deeper was the wrinkle between her perfectly depilated eyebrows. Style was not her favorite. She usually wore more modestly, considering her background. She couldn't afford such a look. She wrinkled her nose dubiously. The dress was good for a party to the club, not for a sumptuous banquet where the elite would be present.

Hao Wei, noticing Ruo Yan's sour expression, quickly ran up with a full range of flattery: " Miss Ruo looks stunning! I knew the dress was made for you. No one else could carry her with such a class. As expect from such a noble woman."

The stylist didn't spare words of praise. He wanted to have it behind him. Ruo Yan was definitely his worst client he had to work with. He was able to tell her everything just to be able to leave this place. He made a mental note, to never take orders from this woman again.

"Miss, this style perfectly highlights all your strengths. Your light complexion is even the complement of this bloody red."

Ruo Yan still didn't feel confident. She thought she should keep her innocent look that she had created so long. For the world she was a modest butterfly, which looks most beautiful in its natural form, without the need to decorate it with tacky decorations.

She wanted once again to reject the offer, when there was a soft knock and a young woman came in, dressed in an elegant black ankle-length gown.

It was Ruo Yan's cousin on the father's side - Ruo Yunxi. She was the same age, and their fathers were brothers. Girls grew up together, that's why they get along very well.

"YanYan, you look gorgeous! " praised the woman, as soon as her eyes landed on the exposed body of her cousin. " I bet that Li Ye Han will not be able to take his eyes off you."

Ruo Yan's eyes widened at these words. She had to admit that she had tried everything to get his attention, but he never was tempted by her beauty. Maybe, if she changed her strategy and showed how s.e.xy her body is, then Li Ye Han would take another step in their relationship?

"Do you really think so?" She asked, looking at her reflection in the diamond-studded mirror.

" Of course, yes, " Ruo Yunxi said, stepping closer and standing behind her cousin. "I know that Li Ye Han is a man who's difficult to acquire and you two haven't even kissed yet, but it's only because you've been too passive. You must show him all your strengths. Men likes confident women. If you don't take over the initiative, he'll think you're too weak and shy. And he needs a strong and determined woman at his side to help him lead the Li family." She instructed serious tone, embracing Ruo Yan arm and not taking her eyes from the sight Ruo Yan reflection in the mirror. " Li Ye Han is just a man, and no healthy man could resist a woman like you. Remember that every guy has their needs" she said in a suggestive tone, raising her eyebrow significantly. " Do you think he would take off his l.u.s.t on this stray?"

At the mere mention of Yao Xi, blood drained from Ruo Yan's face. This woman acted on her like a red cloth for a bull. She hated her with all her nerves.

Ruo Yan spent so much time and energy to finally get close to Li Ye Han and become Madame Li, and when her dream was at hand, a cheap woman appeared and took away everything from before her nose.

She did everything to get Li Ye Han, she even went to a lie, to achieve her goal. And despite the fact that he believed that Ruo Yan was his childhood love, Li Ye Han still remained distant. He didn't even touch her. Not once.

[All because of this damned stupid stray!], She cursed in her mind, clenching her teeth. [I have to get rid of her, once and for all!]

At that moment, she decided. She had to act faster and more firmly. Yunxi was right. Li Ye Han was a man - only a man - having his needs. She was going to show him everything she had best, everything she could give him. So that he couldn't resist her!

"Choose appropriate accessories, hairstyle and makeup "- she managed the stylist, confirming her belief, that this time she will achieve her goal.

A dozen minutes later, Ruo Yan was fully ready. A crimson evening dress emphasized her feminine shapes. A diamond necklace with an icicle-like pendant hung loosely between the b.r.e.a.s.ts, and the smooth-eye makeup and loosely falling long black and wavy hair gave her a vulgar look.

[Now you are more like a call-girl, instead of a young mistress from a good, rich family.] Hao Wei thought, packing all his precious creations into the covers, which Ruo Yan insulted so brutally. He had to clench his jaws hard not to say what he had thought out loud. He calmed down only when he remembered the amount of today's pay for which he could enlarge his small studio.

" You are beautiful, " Ruo Yunxi admire, watching her cousin from every side. " I'm sure even a cold, ins.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e man like Li Ye Han will feel excitement at your sight.

With an expression of satisfaction on her face, Ruo Yan cast her last reflection in the mirror, before she left the apartment, twirling her h.i.p.s. Her heels clicked loudly against the marble floor in the hotel corridor. And her heart was running out of control quickly, waiting for Li Ye Han's reaction when he saw her. She could already imagine the l.u.s.tful gaze and touch of his warm hands in the intimate c.a.r.e.s.ses she had hoped for after the banquet.