"You know, it always amazed me how beautiful and bright your eyes are. Although you have had so much to endure lately." He lightly touched the girl's face, wiping away a tear that rolled down her cheek. "Well, well, my dear, don't be sad. You know that I will definitely find you. Even after death. And now you have to go." His eyes were full of tenderness, slightly leaning forward, he gently touched her lips.

Beep, beep, beep.

Elena opened her eyes. How long had she not seen this dream. It seems like five or six years have passed since these nightmares stopped torturing her. And now, for the third day, she could not sleep because of the repeated pictures before her eyes.

Beep, beep, beep.

"Hello."

"Elena!! Where are you??? Let's go shopping with me!!"

"Oh shoot, Corey. Did you even look at the time? Shops are opening at 10."

"Honey, you have to look at the time. It is 11 o'clock already."

Elena looked at the clock on the wall. The time was 11:15.

She seemed to have just fallen asleep, and it was almost noon already. It looks like another night was wasted.

"Hey, what's with the voice? Didn't you sleep again? Listen, you have to do something with your nightmares. Go to a psychologist or something. And even better - to the psychic medium! You know, one friend of mine is ... Although, wait. What am I talking about? Did you make up your mind about what to wear tonight?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Have you forgotten again?? Today is a great party at Jason's! His father is gathering all creme de la creme of our city in honor of his beloved son turning 25 years old. I know that you are not a fan of such events, but as the only daughter of the head of Lee Pharmaceuticals you should be there."

"Stepdaughter."

"Oh God, Elena, can you leave that subject alone?! Step daughter, real daughter - who cares! Your father will be there too. Do not forget that Jason's father is a very powerful minister. And the way you behave can affect your dad's business. And imagine how Jason will be delighted!"

"This butthead is always happy about his life, so my presence has nothing to do with it."

"Hha, that's for sure! Okay, I'll pick you up in half an hour! Get ready."

Elena hung up the phone and gazed thoughtfully out the window. She absolutely disliked these kinds of social gatherings. But Corey was right. This time she could not avoid going there.

Chen Lee was the head of Lee Pharmaceuticals, the country's leading pharmaceutical company. As the third generation of Chinese immigrants, he was well versed in the current affairs of the country and had good connections with both America's leading companies and the Eastern market. That allowed him to take a leading position in his niche.

And he was the man who took the girl from the orphanage when she was six years old, and became her adoptive father.

. . .

A black limousine drove up to the door of the hotel. An adult man with oriental face features came out of the car and a young girl, age about twenty, followed him.

"Oh my friend Chen! What a blast from the past!"

"John!! Glad to see you! Happy birthday to your son. Jason is already a full-fledged heir; it's time to find a good bride for him."

"Hha, you're right, but this dummy takes a too much relaxed approach to life. So he has not grown to a serious relationship. But your beauty has become even more beautiful!"

The host of the event looked happily at the young girl, making her feel slightly confused.

"Hello, Mr. Barton! Glad to meet you."

"Elena, you are already a real young lady! How about becoming my daughter?"

"Thank you for the offer, but I am more than happy to be just friends with your son."

Without answering, the man only laughed out loud.

"Elena, over here!"

Turning around, she saw Corey near the entrance who was actively calling her. "Father ..."

"Yes, go. Mr. Barton and I just wanted to discuss a few things a little bit. "

"If you please ..."

Slightly bowing to the men, Elena turned and headed for the hall.