Nathan: "Take your friend home first. I need to talk to you."

 Me: "I don't think we have anything to talk about. If that's all, I'll go."

 I didn't understand why just meeting Nathan's dark gaze could unsettle me so much. I grabbed Liliana by the arm to leave. I had drunk way too much that night. I had let myself go, and so had Nathan. But now I was sober, and I no longer had the courage to talk to him.

 Liliana: "Well... I'll leave you two. I just remembered I still have some errands to run. Irene, I'm going now," she said.

 I had no idea what she was up to. She let go of my arm and slipped away immediately, leaving me alone. Just as I was about to leave, Nathan grabbed my wrist. He pulled me toward a corner near the stairs and pinned me against the wall. We were so close I could almost feel his scent, his masculine aura. I had been completely drunk that night. Aside from the fact that we slept together, I remembered nothing. And now my heart was racing wildly.

 Me: "Na... Nathan, what are you doing?"

 His gaze on me completely destabilized me. I wanted to run away, but my legs felt paralyzed.

 Nathan: "What's your relationship with Perry?" he finally asked, his eyes full of questions.

 Just hearing that name made my chest tighten. The breakup had been a nightmare. Even if I was still broken, I had become very good at hiding my pain.

 Me: "Nothing. He's a stranger."

 Before, Perry had been the most important person in my life, the man I wanted to spend my life with. Now, at best, we were two strangers.

 Nathan: "Do you really think I'm going to buy that, Irene?"

 His eyes hardened, and there was a hint of anger in his voice.

 I froze. How did he know my name? I didn't remember ever saying it in front of him!

 Me: "How do you know my name?" I looked up at him, my voice weak.

 Nathan: "It's not hard for me to investigate someone. And the woman next to Perry just called you."

 He frowned, and the depth of his voice made me feel almost stupid.

 Me: "I... I'm leaving. Running into you today was just a coincidence. And... thank you for what you did earlier."

 I turned to walk away after saying that. But once again, he trapped me against the wall. He placed his arms on either side of me, closing the distance. At that moment, I could clearly feel my heart pounding uncontrollably. His handsome face was so close to mine. Anyone would react in front of a man that stunning. I wasn't used to being so close to men. During the seven years I had been with Perry, I had gotten used to keeping my distance from others, so being face-to-face with the man I had given my virginity to last night made me incredibly uneasy.

 Nathan: "You're leaving just like that?"

 He leaned in slowly, his deep, seductive voice sending shivers down my spine. His words stirred something in me, and my heartbeat went wild.

 Me: "What do you want?"

 I held my breath as he approached me.

 Nathan: "Come on... are you trying to play hard to get with me now?"

 Suddenly, his eyes darkened as if questioning me. At first, I was still a little flustered, but when I heard what he said, anger rose inside me. What did he mean by that? Was he implying that I was playing hard to get?

 Me: "I don't know what you're talking about. Sorry, I have to go."

 I pushed his arms away roughly, wanting to leave. He must have been insane. Since when had I ever played hard to get with him? I had no idea what he was talking about! At first, I thought he wouldn't let me go so easily. But surprisingly, he didn't try to stop me again.

 I had never felt so shaken while walking alone through the streets. The scene at the shopping mall replayed in my mind. I didn't know how to forget Perry or how to end my heartbreak.

 When I returned to Liliana's place, she bombarded me with questions about Nathan.

 Liliana: "Come on, tell me. What's your deal with that guy? Is he the man... the man you slept with that night?"

 Liliana was a very smart person. Honestly, she would have figured it out even if I hadn't said anything.

 Under her endless questions, I eventually admitted that the man I had slept with was Nathan.

 Liliana: "Irene, seriously, Nathan is not bad at all. If he became your boyfriend, he'd be a thousand times better than Perry."

 Liliana obviously wanted me to get over my breakup, so she started putting "dangerous ideas" in my head.

 I weakly shook my head and sighed. She had it all wrong. Other than that one night, there was nothing between me and Nathan-and there never would be. We came from two different worlds.

 What kind of man was Nathan Spence? With a flick of his wrist, he could shake the entire Milshire. He owned properties and businesses all over the country. He kept a low profile, but everyone knew he was a billionaire.

 Me: "There's no way anything could happen between Nathan and me. Stop imagining things."

 With that, I went back to the room to rest.

 Liliana: "You know he's Perry's boss, right? Didn't you see how respectful he suddenly was when he saw Nathan? If he found out you were actually his boss's girlfriend, it would hurt him even more."

 Her words annoyed me. Yes, I had wanted revenge. Yes, I had been furious when I saw Perry with Courtney. But it had just been a moment of anger. Nathan and I... we were nothing. Just two strangers.

 I didn't even know why he had been in that bar that night. Maybe he had his own problems-even billionaires do. But that had nothing to do with me.

 What mattered was healing from the breakup and finding a job to support myself. I had left my previous job because it was too far from Perry's place. I wanted something closer to his office once we were married. In the end, not only was the wedding canceled, but I also lost my job. Who could be more unlucky than me? Losing everything for a man...

 Two days passed. Thanks to Liliana's support, I slowly pulled myself together. I realized it wasn't worth suffering over an unfaithful man who betrayed me. I returned to a normal life. I thought I was finally ready to start anew.

I got up early, determined to prepare myself. I slipped into a professional outfit, knowing I had an important interview ahead. A touch of makeup was all I allowed, just enough to look polished. I worked in advertising design, and today, I was stepping into a chance to join a bigger agency.

 Standing in front of Milshire's largest advertising agency, I felt a twinge of intimidation. The building loomed over me, far grander than anything I'd ever experienced. I had spent my career in small agencies; my results had always been excellent, but the rewards had been modest. To truly advance, I needed to be part of a larger company. That was why I was here. The only catch? Perry worked here. Initially, the thought of applying filled me with dread. But for my career, I forced myself to take the risk. I had to swallow the unpleasant reality: working in the same place as him.

 I also knew that Nathan had founded this company, though it was just a side venture for him. Running into him seemed almost impossible-he had so many businesses that crossing paths with him was highly unlikely.

 All I wanted was to grow professionally, to finally move forward instead of stagnating. In any other company, I would have been confident I'd get the position. With my degrees and experience, I was usually unstoppable. But this was Hayseed Inc. Here, employees were paid handsomely, and admission was fiercely competitive. Doubt crept in.

 I walked out of the interview feeling a little dazed. Hayseed Inc was even more massive than I had imagined-thousands of employees bustling through its halls.

 Of course, I couldn't stop thinking about Nathan. He was barely in his thirties, yet owned properties and businesses everywhere. Even if Hayseed Inc was just another advertising agency, it employed thousands. His wealth was beyond anything I could fathom. He was, without a doubt, the youngest and richest man I had ever met. But it didn't matter. My goal was clear: I had to get into Hayseed Inc.

 As I walked alone along the sidewalk, silently praying that the interview had gone well, a car horn blared behind me. I frowned in irritation.

 "Irène!"

 That voice-too familiar-made my heart tighten. I pretended not to hear and quickened my pace. I never wanted to see him again, not even for a second.

 "Irène, wait!"

 He ran to catch up, blocking my path.

 "Perry, what are you doing? You're in my way!" I said coldly.

 "I have questions for you," he said, ignoring my tone.

 "I have nothing to say, and no reason to answer your questions," I snapped. I tried to step around him. I had nothing left for him-why should I justify myself?

 "What's your relationship with Nathan? Why were you clinging to him at the mall the other day? And what about those things you said-'too rough' and 'be careful next time'? Did you sleep with him?!"

 His hand grabbed my arm, fury radiating from every pore.

 I looked at him with sheer contempt. "How does my relationship with Nathan concern you? Whether I slept with him or not is none of your business. Perry, don't you think you've crossed every line imaginable?"

 The day he betrayed me, everything had ended. How dare he question me now? What right did he have? Was it his problem if I slept with someone?

 "Did you sleep with him? Irène Fletcher, when did you become such a-" he paused, the words sharp and accusing. "-slut, sleeping with anyone? Were you pretending to be innocent with me?"

 His anger made my blood boil. He turned toward me, eyes blazing with fury and reproach.

 "Perry Bart! How dare you call me a slut!" I shouted, my voice trembling with rage. "You are far worse than me. You're not just a fool, you're a disgrace! Don't forget that you slept with my cousin behind my back. How dare you scold me now? Who do you think you are? If you can sleep with other women, why can't I do the same?"

 I didn't care if people around us were watching. I saw the shock in his expression.

 "I know what happened with Courtney hurt you deeply," he said, his tone softening slightly, though still reproachful. "But you can't just sleep with other men randomly. Do you even know who Nathan is?"

 "You don't need to tell me who Nathan is, Perry. It's over between us. My choices no longer concern you. From now on, we're strangers. I hope you marry Courtney soon, so you'll finally leave me alone."

 I forced down the anger swelling inside me and walked past him. He didn't follow. I had made my decision: if he questioned me again, I wouldn't hesitate to slap him-he deserved it. He was lucky he didn't push it.

 My mood shattered, I decided to let go completely that night. I bought beer and a huge pack of snacks at the supermarket. By the time I reached the riverbank, it was already evening.

 I called Liliana to join me for a drink, but she was stuck working overtime and could only come later. I had no choice but to drink alone. The cool breeze brushed my face as I sipped, the alcohol hitting me faster than usual.

 Nearby, a couple argued. The man looked like Nathan, the woman strikingly like the popular celebrity Alana Gills. Why was he here? And with a famous celebrity, no less? Nathan truly knew everyone, even celebrities.

Why was he here? And with a super–famous celebrity on top of that! Nathan really did know everyone-even the most popular stars.

 While I was busy wondering what was going on between them, Nathan suddenly glanced in my direction. Panic shot through me, and I quickly turned away so he wouldn't see my face. But of course, I kept listening. Who doesn't love a little gossip?

 Alana: "Nathan, I know I messed up. Can't you just forgive me?"

 Nathan: "I've already made myself clear. We're done. Stop bothering me."

 I heard Nathan's voice-he sounded impatient, almost annoyed.

 Alana: "Nathan, don't talk to me like that! If there's anything I can change, I will. I'll change for you, okay? As long as you don't leave me."

 From the corner of my eye, I stole a peek at them. Since his back was turned, I grew bolder.

 Honestly, I didn't think any man could turn her down. A woman like her lowering herself like that? And Alana wasn't just anyone-she was gorgeous, famous, adored by the public. Men would literally line up for someone like her, so I was sure Nathan would give in to her charm.

 But to my surprise, Nathan shoved her away coldly, without mercy.

 Nathan: "I told you already-we're done. Don't make me repeat it a third time."

 He looked at her with icy indifference, not a hint of softness in his eyes.

 Wow... this man was really heartless. He rejected women without blinking. He even had the nerve to be arrogant about it... what a brute. I muttered the insult silently to myself.

 Alana: "Nathan Spence, how can you be so cruel?! I've been with you for so long... You can't just dump me like this! At least give me a reason!"

 She burst into tears. And as a woman, seeing her cry actually made my heart ache a little.

 Nathan: "Do you really want to know why? Alana, I'm only trying to save your reputation."

 His cold gaze swept over her.

 Alana: "What are you trying to say? I don't understand."

 She frowned, confused.

 Nathan didn't answer. Instead, he pulled some photos from his pocket and threw them at her. I couldn't see what was on them from where I stood, but his next words made it obvious.

 Nathan: "I have proof. These pictures-YOU and another man at a hotel. What did you think would happen? Alana Gills, I told you from the start: if you're my girlfriend, you belong to me alone. I don't tolerate cheating."

 Only then did I understand the whole story. Alana was the one who cheated. So the innocent public sweetheart had a scandalous private life. I guess the entertainment industry was even worse than I imagined.

 I could see panic spreading across Alana's face as she grabbed Nathan's hand, desperate.

 Alana: "Nathan, I admit it-I was wrong. I must've lost my mind. Please forgive me. I swear it'll never happen again."

 Nathan shook her off again, merciless as ever.

 Nathan: "Stop. It's over. You're not my girlfriend anymore. If you don't leave me alone, I won't hesitate to send these photos to the press."

 He was determined to end things. Clearly, a wealthy, powerful man like him would never tolerate betrayal.

 And honestly, I understood him. Just like me-I dumped Perry the moment he cheated on me.

 Alana: "Nathan... you really won't forgive me?"

 She kept crying, looking pitiful enough to move anyone. But after hearing everything, I had zero sympathy left. This was her fault.

 Nathan: "Get lost. Before I change my mind, b*tch."

 He was furious-his voice boomed so loudly that Alana flinched.

 Her face twisted with frustration. She wanted to argue but didn't dare. After a long silence, she finally turned around and left, sobbing. Their conversation ended the moment she walked away.

 I turned back to my drink, pretending I hadn't seen anything. I thought Nathan would leave too, but clearly, I had overestimated my hiding skills.

 Nathan: "You know it's rude to spy on people and listen to things that aren't your business, right?"

 The deep, velvety tone of his voice sent a shiver through me. I quickly looked around. And when I realized we were completely alone, it hit me-he was talking to me.

 I thought I was pretty good at blending into the background. I didn't expect him to notice me so soon. I had definitely underestimated him. When our eyes met, his gaze pinned me in place-intense and unreadable.

 Me: "Are you... talking to me?"