The Red String Between Us Part II: Frayed Threads

第14章 Ojigi

      The evening continued in a blur of champagne glasses and polite chatter. I was still adjusting to the delicate balance of having Harum by my side while Kenji's presence lingered across the table when a staff announcement drew our attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we would like to call all employees celebrating five- and ten-year anniversaries with the company to the stage," the announcer said.

As the names were called, Mia and several other colleagues walked gracefully to the podium. Each employee received a tenure pin from a member of the board, accompanied by a few words of appreciation and admiration. They smiled and embraced, the applause echoing warmly through the hall.

Mia stepped forward with poise, her colleagues cheering as she accepted her pin and the board member offered heartfelt congratulations. I smiled genuinely for her, proud of how far she had come—before catching sight of my own name and employee photo flashing on the screen.

"Now, we invite Eden Hayes to the stage to receive the 2025–2026 Employee Excellence Award."

My heart skipped. Harum gave me an encouraging nod as I stepped forward, the soft lighting catching the embellishments on my dress. The room seemed to hold its breath as I approached the podium. Kenji's gaze found me from across the room, calm and steady, and I drew in a deep breath to center myself.

I stepped toward the stage, the applause washing over me in a warm, dizzying wave. The microphone felt steady beneath my hands as I looked out at the audience—colleagues, executives, and the people who had shaped my journey.

"Thank you," I began, my voice clear but full of warmth. "First, I want to recognize my incredible team and all the contractors who support us every day. my eyes glanced at Kenji. Your dedication, creativity, and hard work make everything possible, and I am truly grateful for each of you."

I let my gaze shift toward my parents, seated near the front. "To my parents—thank you for raising me with love, resilience, and the values that guide me every day. Coming from an African-American and Asian heritage, I never imagined I would stand here, recognized in this way. But because of your guidance and support, I am exactly where I'm meant to be."

The applause encouraged me, but I kept going, my voice steady and heartfelt. "To Aoki Global, thank you for fostering a culture where excellence, teamwork, and dedication are celebrated. And to everyone who has contributed to my journey, I send my love, my appreciation, and my deepest gratitude."

I took a bow, as sign of respect to my parents. The audience responded with warm applause, some rising to their feet, and I stepped down from the podium feeling a mixture of pride, humility, and the quiet thrill of sharing this moment with the people who mattered most.

Harum offered his hand as I stepped off the stage, a gentleman like escort back to our table, while I couldn't help but notice Kenji sitting at the end of the table along with his family. 

The night continued, elegant and charged, a dance of attention, admiration, and unspoken words. And in the midst of it, I realized just how complicated—and exhilarating—this gala would be.