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?"

I smiled awkwardly, trying to hide my embarrassment. After all, I shouldn't be proud of listening to something that didn't concern me-it was really impolite.

 Nathan: "Is someone with you? Or did you see a ghost?"

 Nathan frowned and stepped closer to me. My heart was racing for no reason every time he took a step toward me.

 Nathan: "What are you doing here alone? Did you drink?"

 He kept getting closer. He glanced at the beer bottle next to me and frowned. He probably didn't like women who drank.

 Me: "Well, I... I ended up here by accident. I really didn't mean to overhear your conversation with Alana."

 I thought Nathan would ask me if I'd heard him talking to Alana. Since it was me who had eavesdropped, I confessed quickly, looking guilty, before he could say anything.

 Nathan: "Since you heard... don't you have anything to say?"

 He stepped forward. Since I was sitting on the ground and he was standing, I could only look up at his tall figure.

 Me: "Well... Alana is gorgeous... are you really breaking up with her? Honestly, if you still miss her, why not forgive her?"

 Even though I would never accept a partner who cheated on me, it was better not to encourage him to break up. He might think I had feelings for him. To be safe, I tried to persuade him to make peace with Alana.

 Nathan: "You think I'd forgive a woman who cheated on me?"

 My words must have irritated him. His expression darkened, and he looked at me with annoyance. I gave a nervous smile, unsure how to continue. I couldn't help silently cursing him: it was your problem for breaking up with your girlfriend... did you really have to take it out on me?

 Me: "It was just a coincidence that I heard your conversation with her."

 Nathan: "Besides, Alana and I weren't together. We were just taking what we needed from each other. She wanted luxury and money, and all I wanted was to satisfy my sexual needs."

 Me: "Uh, you don't have to explain your relationship to me. I'm not going to expose your secrets. My lips are sealed."

 I didn't know why Nathan was explaining his relationship to me. This was only our third conversation. In the end, we were just strangers who had shared a one-night stand.

 A heavy silence fell. I felt uneasy with Nathan standing there.

 Nathan: "What are you doing here alone at night?"

 He spoke again after a long pause.

 Me: "Nothing, I was bored... so I came out to drink and relax a little, and get some fresh air."

 My good mood soured the moment I remembered my conversation with Perry at noon.

 Nathan: "Let's go. I'll take you home."

 He shot me a cold look and reached his hand out to me. I took it, my heart beating fast at the physical contact.

 Me: "I'll go home by myself. It's easy to find a taxi here."

 Instinctively, I wanted to keep some distance. I wanted to leave quickly, but I fell straight into his arms. Instead of helping me up, he pulled me toward him. I ended up pressed against his chest. I could hear his heartbeat, smell his subtle scent... my heart trembled and I froze, forgetting completely to pull away.

 Nathan: "Are you really trying to avoid me, Irene? You can't leave now."

 He tightened his arms around me and pressed his lips against my ear, his voice dangerously seductive. Suddenly I snapped back to reality and realized he was holding me. I tried to break free, but he was surprisingly strong, and I was stuck.

 Me: "Nathan, what do you want? Let me go!"

 I looked at him in frustration. I hadn't intentionally eavesdropped on him. What was he trying to do? Scare me?

 Nathan: "I want you."

 I glared at him, but he didn't seem angry. On the contrary, a smile curved on his lips. He was already handsome, but with that smile... I was completely captivated.

 I wasn't a shallow woman, but he was undeniably attractive. And I was drawn to his aristocratic aura. I was charmed... until his strong hands touched my chest. Suddenly I snapped out of my daze and started pushing him away. I was usually reserved, so his behavior irritated me.

 Nathan: "We had sex and now you're pretending to be all shy? What exactly is going through your head?"

 He looked annoyed by my fierce resistance. He stared at me angrily. He must have had countless women around him, all eager to have him. But I was different. That night had been a mistake-I had been drunk.

 Me: "Nothing! Nathan, let go of me!"

 I stopped struggling, thinking that by the river he wouldn't dare try anything.

 Nathan: "Let me take you home."

 He dragged me toward his car. I needed to escape, because once inside, I wouldn't be able to get away. I tried to fight back, but it was pointless.

 Me: "What do you want, Nathan? What happened that night was my fault. I was drunk... it was impulsive. I'm sorry. Isn't my apology enough? It was my first time anyway, and you didn't suffer any loss. Just leave me alone, okay?"

 Ever since that night, I kept running into Nathan more and more often. Sometimes I wondered if he had planned everything.

 Nathan: "So you're saying sleeping with me was just a moment of impulse?"

 As soon as he heard me, his handsome face darkened. He clearly wasn't happy with what I said. No man would like to hear that.

 Nathan: "Irene, your apology is useless. If you really want me to leave you alone, then show me your sincerity with your actions."

 Me: "Then... what do you want from me?"

 I looked at him warily. His words gave me a bit of hope. If I could just do what he wanted, maybe he'd leave me alone.

 Nathan: "Since it was your mistake for being drunk that night, it's only fair if we have sex one more time-then we'll be even."

 Nathan stepped closer with a charming smile. I had to admit he was incredibly attractive, but his closeness made me uneasy.

 Me: "You... you're joking, right?"

 His words echoed in my mind, and my smile froze. He wanted us to do it again?

 Nathan: "Do you think I'm joking? Irene, you just said that night was your fault. So it's only fair if we have sex one more time. Otherwise, I'll feel like I got cheated by a woman."

 He looked serious. The more serious he looked, the more I wanted to run. I had been drunk and had slept with him only to get revenge on Perry. I regretted it the moment I sobered up. I didn't want to do it again-not a chance.

 Me: "I can do anything to make up for it... except that. Please, we can't do it again."

 Me: "I can do anything to make it up to you... except this. Please, we can't do this again."

 I said it with an awkward smile and backed away, trying to keep my distance. My gut told me he might actually try something right there and then.

 Nathan: "You think you have a choice? No woman can refuse me. Do you hear me? None. Not even you."

 He approached slowly, his tone commanding. I was annoyed. This man was so arrogant! Even if he was rich and handsome, how could he be so narcissistic? How dare he think every woman would be interested in him?

 I backed away slowly, weighing my options and devising a plan to escape.

 Nathan: "You said my thing was big enough, right? I'll give you some more pleasure tonight."

 He moved closer. His seductive tone and lecherous gaze made me feel like a lamb to the slaughter, with no chance of escape.

 Me: "Let me go, okay? I'm sorry about what happened that night. I beg your mercy, please forgive me!"

 I looked at Nathan with pleading eyes. Even though I'd ​​never been a submissive woman, I had to suppress my disgust and feign patheticness to escape tonight.