Alex

Beauty is a mindset,

that is Alex Maradona's creed. He had built himself an empire, a kingdom of sound and art, with SoundWave at its epicenter. As he strolled through the calm streets of Seoul, Alex felt a sense of pride and satisfaction wash over him. He had worked tirelessly to build his brand, to create a world where talent and passion could thrive.

He was interrupted by the buzzed of his phone , He glanced at the screen, his eyes scanning the notification from I*******m:

"Who is the founder of SoundWave? He's simply a ghost.?

Alex's eyes crinkled at the corners as he scrolled through the comments. The speculation was sizzling. Some called him a ghost, some a billionaire, some a medieval man, and the worst? Some said he was too ugly to show his face. Alex smirked at that

he wasn't offended because he knew his looks he was so handsome that he could pass for a woman. And he is a billionaire, he can't even count his wealth. His businesses spanned across industries, schools, and more you couldn't even think of them all , his mind was always buzzing with new ideas.

SoundWave was one of his favorite investments, as he got to discover people, to build their confidence, to make them shine. More reason he focused more on it, although he was still keeping his identity as the founder of SoundWave under wraps many only knew him as a billionaire with multiple businesses.

Well, speaking of other businesses, Thomas, his trusty assistant, was always there to help him keep the empire running smoothly. Alex's thoughts were interrupted by Thomas's message:

"Boss, good evening. Just wanted to remind you that you have just two weeks to spend in Korea. You need to head down to New York we still have that business to attend to."

Alex smiled , Thomas was always on his case, but he knew he was indispensable. He typed out a quick response.

With that, Alex hailed a taxi and headed to his hotel, thinking that returning to New York meant more work.

Alex was just a few minutes away from his lodge when he heard some noise coming from his room. He didn't need a soothsayer to know who it was of course, it was Cassandra, the woman he cared for, the woman he would do anything for. They weren't related by blood,

but she was more than just a friend she was his little sister. Yes, he had promised her brother that he would be her protector, he had failed her brother once and swore never to do it again.

Alex walked into the room to see Cassandra playing with his stuff.

Cassandra, come on, I love my things arranged like this” Alex said, feigning annoyance.

Cassandra just gave him a pouting look, staring at the floor. She had been calling Alex for days, but he hadn't been replying. She had heard from one of Alex's friends that he was leaving for New York, which meant she'd be left alone in Korea again. She had begged him to take her to New York, but he had always refused.

Alex knew what she was thinking and decided to use a gentle approach. "Come on, Cassandra, next time you come with me to New York, okay?" Cassandra's face lit up, and she gave Alex a tight hug. Really, Alex? You'll take me with you?Alex smiled and nodded. Yes, I promise."

With that, Cassandra went to help Alex pack his stuff for his trip to New York. Alex smiled because it was so easy to persuade Cassandra. She was 19, but acted like 13 ,well he loved it that way.

Alex decided to use the opportunity to glance through the media and see how his other businesses were doing. That's when he saw it ..Columbia University, a popular school in New York, was starting recruitment for first year students, which meant he would be invited to give a guest lecture. Alex frowned, thinking that maybe he could send Thomas to help with that. He decided to take a shower and get ready for lunch.

***************

Back at the Philippines It was just 5am and yet Emma was unable to sleep. She has been tossing and turning in her room, sitting by the window, staring at the sky. Today was admission day, and a lot of people had received emails about their admission by 12pm, but she was yet to receive hers. She kept thinking about how she's going to face her mom, she doesn't want to disappoint her ,

Her mom had worked hard and had confidence in her, making sure she was able to get into the school and even write the exam. If she fails, what will she tell her mother? She kept rubbing her eyes, staring at the sky.

She's been doing everything for her mother, she has never had a decision to make for herself. Emma really wanted to study Visual Arts in Columbia University, but her mother insisted she study Financial Accounting, which she read for and wrote the exam.

And yet, they haven't seen her admission letter. She kept staring at her phone, hoping it will ring or buzz with the answer she's looking for.

She is happy to go to Columbia University, but for different reasons. one reason is the fact that she'll move to New York and be free from all the bullies here in the Philippines. She's a Filipina, and in her high school, she was bullied for her looks.

She's kinda fat, and though her mom calls her beautiful, she doesn't see it. She's scared to go to Columbia because it's New York, and New York is full of beautiful girls and boys.

How will they see her? She has decided to start building her self confidence, but it keeps failing. Without thinking, she became sad, dropped her phone, and decided to head to the restroom to take a shower.

She was barely done and went back to sleep when she heard a notification. She signed, thinking it must be from Clara again. Clara is her friend, the only person who stood by her in high school. But Clara keeps disturbing her with notifications and questions if she's received her email, she was tired, decided to leave the phone off, . But notifications kept coming, and she was forced to check it out.