The Alchemists

When the stage was darkened and music began to play, everyone became very enthusiastic. Some stood up and some came forward to the stage to see Billie up close. The girl appeared and sang her first song while strumming an acoustic guitar.

"Thank you for inviting me here, to share your happiness with me... This first song is a song from my first album that I released 12 years ago. I would like to attribute this song to Mrs. Schneider, who really likes this song... This is... 'You Are Enough'."

Finland unconsciously stood up from her seat and walked toward the stage when she heard that Billie would sing her favorite song. Caspar immediately followed and accompanied her to watch Billie's performance.

During the performance, Caspar admitted that Billie's song was very beautiful. 'You Are Enough' told the story of a girl who lived a lonely life – she was only by herself in the world. She looked into the mirror and told herself that she would be fine, because she could survive, and she was strong enough to live alone.

Caspar imagined the moment when Finland heard that song for the first time when she was 15 years old. He could understand how that song spoke to her, because the teenage girl was feeling an excruciating loneliness and a sense of helplessness for not having anyone but herself.

Feeling touched, Caspar hugged Finland's waist from behind, then turned the girl's body to face him. He then buried his head in Finland's hair, and kissed the top of her head several times. "You are not alone anymore, My Love... I won't ever let you experience sadness anymore..."

Finland raised her face and looked at Caspar with a smiling face, she then nodded.

"Thank you," she whispered.

The two then slow-danced to Billie's song and hugged each other warmly, without realizing that the people around them were watching in silence.

None of the employees in the company had ever seen Caspar with any woman he was dating, let alone show such abundant affection in public. Now they realized that their big boss was indeed in love.

Not long after, couple after couple joined them in front of the stage and danced to the songs. The atmosphere became solemn and very romantic. After the first song was played, Billie's band came onstage to accompany her and performed her three most famous songs.

The atmosphere was really lively, and everything felt very special. Many people posted the excitement on social media and there was an uproar immediately because Billie Yves was known as a very exclusive singer who couldn't be booked for private parties or corporate events, no matter how much money was offered.

People could only conclude that Billie wanted to perform that day because she had a good relationship with the host.

"I'm very happy..." Finland whispered to Caspar, "This is the best year of my life..."

"Hey... it's still nothing," Caspar replied, "I have forever to show you my love."

He touched Finland's chin and brought his lips closer to kiss her lips gently and for a moment both of them drifted in intimacy, ignoring those who watched with envy.

At her table, Ruth had joined Susan and Priyanka to talk about Mr. Schneider's date who looked so charming. They admitted that the girl looked very beautiful, even though her eyes were covered with a simple mask.

"She must be someone famous..." Ruth said enthusiastically, "I feel like I have seen her somewhere before..."

"Just wait, who knows later at the end of the event Mr. Schneider will officially introduce her," Priyanka said. She was also curious, just like Ruth and the dozens of other girls in the party. "Ohhh... I'm so jealous, they look so intimate..."

"They seem to really love each other. Well... it is fitting that Mr. Schneider changed like this... he is ready to get married and have a family. We are splashed in luck because he made policies in favor of workers with families..." Susan added.

After the second song, Finland and Caspar returned to their table and enjoyed the show from there. While the people around them drank champagne and cocktails, they were only sipping tea. This certainly did not escape Ruth's observations.

"Did you notice that they aren't drinking champagne...? They are only drinking juice or tea..." She said to her two friends, "What do you think? Doesn't Mr. Schneider usually drink at social events?"

"Hmm... maybe they drank something before coming to this event, so now they are just drinking tea so as to not get drunk," Priyanka said, "It would be embarrassing for the boss to get drunk in front of his employees."

"Hmm... you're right. That could be the reason..." Ruth finally agreed.