The pair walked through the dimly lit basement after the car was parked, heading toward the elevator that led to the apartment's main lobby.

​"Hey, Mister. Your place is nice," Elaina giggled as they crossed the expansive, marble-clad lobby.

​"It's just a loan," the man replied smoothly.

​"But I like it." Elaina spread her arms wide, swaying unsteadily in front of him. She didn't care where she was or where he was taking her. Her brain was a blur; she was struggling enough just to keep her feet moving in a straight line.

​The man smiled. "You like it?"

​Elaina nodded vigorously. "I love it!"

​A security guard greeted the man with a nod, stealing a quick, curious glance at Elaina before letting them through to the residents' elevator. Elaina managed to snatch the last can of beer, successfully cracking it open and draining the contents in one go.

​"Aah... so good."

​They were alone in the elevator. The man let out a soft, amused chuckle, watching her drunkenly hum a tune. When the doors opened on the 20th floor, he guided her out and toward unit 205. As the door swung open, Elaina let out a small shriek of delight.

​"Wow, what a gorgeous apartment!" She laughed, spinning around the living room. She stumbled back, accidentally bumping into him.

​"You're cool."

​"I'm cool?"

​"Very. Your house is cool."

​"A borrowed house," he reminded her.

​"Hehehe. What's your name?"

​"Alister."

​"What a cool name."

​Elaina began to mumble incoherent sentences, slipping out of Alister's hold. She started to sing with a voice that was-thankfully-not off-key. It was a heartbreak song. She screamed, she cried, and she cursed Fidell. She was the textbook definition of a woman with a shattered heart.

​Alister left her in the living room, heading to his bedroom to remove his glasses and change into something more comfortable. When he stepped back out, he was stunned. Elaina had stripped down, standing there in nothing but her lace bra and panties.

​"Am I not pretty enough?" Elaina moved toward him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her body against his.

​Alister took a deep, stabilizing breath. "You are very beautiful."

​"Am I not sexy enough?" she whimpered, her voice half-whining.

​"No, you're incredibly sexy."

​"Then... I'm not rich enough."

​Elaina pulled him down by his neck, her lips brushing against his as she stood on her tiptoes. "Mmm, your lips taste good." She pressed a soft, tentative kiss to his.

​She didn't know where this sudden surge of boldness came from-kissing a man she barely knew. All she wanted was to drown out the bitterness and the hollow ache inside her. She kept kissing him, urging Alister's lips to part until she could taste him fully.

​Alister slowly rested his hands on her waist, allowing her to explore his mouth. Though his desire was surging, he fought to restrain himself. The woman in his arms wasn't sober; he couldn't let himself lose control. But Elaina was becoming bolder by the second.

​"Kiss me," she whispered against his lips.

​"You want me to kiss you?" his voice was a low rasp.

​"Yes. Kiss me until I forget everything."

​Alister smirked. "Forgetting your problems with a kiss? Not a bad idea."

​Elaina didn't protest when Alister gripped her waist firmly. She stood on her toes, hungrily meeting his lips. She gasped when he suddenly swept her off her feet, carrying her to the sofa. The kiss deepened, turning intense as she lay draped over him. She didn't care where his hands wandered; in that moment, she was ready to give him everything.

​"You're so warm," Elaina whispered, her fingers tracing the contours of his chest. "Your chest is so firm, your shoulders so broad... I like it." Without hesitation, she nipped at his shoulder, making him gasp.

​"It would be better if we did this while you were conscious, Elaina," Alister managed to say.

​Elaina shook her head stubbornly. "I feel good right now. Come on, kiss me again."

​Alister cupped her chin and kissed her softly. When he heard her moan, he couldn't help but deepen the kiss, met by her desperate response. He let his tongue tangle with hers, savoring the taste of her. He winced slightly as she ground her hips against his, his own body reacting violently to her proximity. He cursed inwardly, praying he wouldn't lose his resolve. The sight of her was intoxicating.

​Wrapped in her white bra, her skin glistening with a fine sheen of sweat, Alister could see her body trembling with anticipation. He imagined what it would feel like to touch her fully. As if reading his mind, Elaina reached behind her back and unclipped her bra. In an instant, the fabric slid to the floor. She smiled, returning her lips to his.

​"Sir... touch me," she whispered, her voice husky.

​"Touch you where?" Alister asked.

​"Everywhere. Please."

​Alister tried to resist when she guided his hand to her breast. But the moment his fingers brushed against her silken skin and her hardened peak, his self-control vanished. He kneaded her softly, and Elaina bit her lip. He traced the tip with his thumb before leaning down. His tongue swept over her, and he heard her let out a long, broken moan.

​"Why do you want this?" he whispered hoarsely against her skin.

​Elaina shook her head. "I just do."

​There was no perfect reason. She just needed to prove that she was still desirable. Her self-worth had been trampled by Fidell. She felt unwanted, discarded. Being with this handsome stranger was her way of proving she was still a woman worth wanting.

​Alister lowered his head, doing exactly what had been on his mind since they arrived. Elaina's breathing grew ragged. Her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, burying his face against her. Groans, sighs, and the heavy sound of desire filled the room.

​Elaina felt like she was burning up, pressing herself against him. She closed her eyes, biting her lip as Alister brought her a pleasure she had never known. It was strange, but electric. She reached for his shirt, fumbling to pull it off. When the fabric was finally gone, she gasped.

​"Wow... so much hair," she sighed breathlessly.

​She brushed her fingers through the light trail of hair on his chest that led down toward his stomach. She loved the sensation against her fingertips. Finding his own peaks, she teased them, watching him grow more tense. Gathering her courage, she leaned down, mirroring the attention he had given her.

​"Elaina, what are you doing?" Alister asked, his voice strained.

​"The same thing you did," she murmured.

​She kissed and teased his skin before sat up to reclaim his lips.

​Alister cursed under his breath, unable to fight the fire in his veins any longer. He was only human, and a half-naked woman was devouring him. He lifted her off his lap, laying her back against the sofa, and quickly disposed of her remaining lace. Elaina didn't resist. She lay there, her eyes clouded with lust and haze. Reflexively, one hand moved to cover herself.

​"Sir... what are you doing?" she asked.

​Alister smiled darkly. "What do you want me to do, Elaina?"

​Elaina bit her lip and shook her head. "I... I don't know."

​Alister moved her hand away, his index finger slowly tracing her. "How about this? Do you like this?"

​Elaina's eyes widened, but she nodded. "Yes, Sir."

​"And this?" He leaned in closer, his touch becoming more deliberate. Again, she nodded.

​Alister suppressed a smile, his own breath coming in short bursts. He traced her gently, his movements rhythmic and teasing.

​"Open your legs for me," he commanded.

​She obeyed, spreading herself for him. When she realized what he was about to do, her eyes went wide.

​"Get ready. You can scream if you want to. You're free here, Elaina."

​At first, she didn't understand why she would need to scream. But when Alister positioned himself and leaned down to offer a different kind of pleasure, she stiffened. A soft kiss turned into a lingering caress, and then his tongue swept over her. Elaina gasped, her back arching. She had never felt anything like this-she never knew a touch could be so devastatingly powerful.

​"Aah!"

​Her voice was heavy. She tried to pull him closer, but his hands held her thighs firmly apart. A storm of emotions hit her-pure desire mixed with a desperate need to be seen. She didn't care about anything else anymore; she was ready to give Alister every part of her.

​She sighed and moaned, her body slick with sweat and the evidence of her own rising passion. When Alister finally lifted his head, she was breathless. Her vision was swimming, her body limp from the sheer intensity of the climax.

​"You're so warm," Alister whispered, wiping his lips with the back of his hand.

​Elaina smiled weakly, reaching up to stroke his face. "You're... you're very good at that. My heart won't stop racing."

​"Did you enjoy it?"

​"Very much. But now... I'm so sleepy."

​"Did you enjoy it?"

​"Very much. But now... I'm so sleepy."

​After sending Elaina to the stars, Alister was left hanging. Still under the heavy influence of her Vodka Martini, Elaina ended their heated session as casually as if they had just finished a game of poker.

​She let her hands slide from Alister's face, curled into a ball on the sofa, and was soon snoring softly-completely naked. Alister let out a long breath of relief, watching the girl who was now dead to the world. His desire evaporated instantly, replaced by a strange sense of protectiveness. He carefully lifted her limp body and carried her to the bed, tucking her under the sheets before switching off the lights.

​Alister checked his watch and frowned; it was nearly midnight. He reached for his phone on the nightstand, noting a barrage of messages and missed calls. He ignored them all until the phone buzzed again. This time, he answered.

​"Yes."

​"The party is over, Sir."

​"Have they left?"

​"Yes. Only the drunken guests and the cleaning crew remain."

​"Fine. You're dismissed." Alister paused as something crossed his mind. "Wait. Can you help me find a gold-colored shoe?"

​"A shoe, Sir?"

​"Yes, the right one. Search around the altar; it might be there."

​"Understood, Sir."

​After hanging up, Alister headed to the bathroom. He turned on the shower, letting the cold spray hit his skin. An involuntary smirk played on his lips as he recalled their intimacy. For Alister, this wasn't normal. He wasn't a man who let women get close, let alone engaged in such raw passion with a stranger. But Elaina was different.

​Alister was known as a cold figure, a man who kept a fortress around his heart. He only opened the gates for those he truly desired. Elaina had bypassed his defenses from the moment they met. Now that they were intertwined, he had no intention of letting the opportunity slip away.

​He wanted her to realize their meeting wasn't an accident. He wanted her to understand that they were destined to be together. The conviction grew stronger with every heartbeat.

​Yet, a seed of worry lingered. He knew his true identity would likely shock her. His only hope was that she wouldn't run when she discovered who he really was. But he was determined to face that risk; for him, Elaina was the only woman worth the fight.

​After his shower, Alister ordered food from the apartment's restaurant. He glanced at Elaina, who was still lost in a deep sleep. Judging by her soft snores, she wouldn't be waking up anytime soon. He predicted a morning of confusion and hangovers, so he ordered a late dinner for himself and a hearty breakfast for two, including a specialized hangover soup. He couldn't help but wonder just how many martinis she had downed to sleep this soundly.

​In the living room, Alister's gaze fell on her yellow gown crumpled on the floor. He picked it up, noting the fabric. It wasn't a limited-edition designer piece, but it certainly wasn't cheap. He wondered if she had chosen it specifically for the wedding-a question that remained unanswered.

​He gathered her bra and panties from the floor and brought them into the bedroom. He knew that when she woke up and realized she was bare, these would be the first things she would look for.

​After finishing his meal, Alister moved to his study. He cleared several tasks until the clock ticked well past midnight. Exhaustion finally claimed him. He returned to the bedroom and reclined beside Elaina, watching her face partially obscured by the duvet. His fingers gently brushed her cheek and lips, a soft smile forming before he closed his eyes.

​"You shouldn't let alcohol take over and lower your guard like this, Elaina. Why so foolish? Did heartbreak make you lose your mind? Make sure this is the last time you drink yourself into a stupor over a broken heart. Hopefully, I'm the only one you'll ever be like this with."

​With his hand resting protectively near her head, he fell into a deep sleep.

​Elaina groaned, her body feeling like it had been through a meat grinder. She had no idea what she had done last night to cause this much ache. Maybe I just worked too long, she thought, still eyes closed. She pulled the blanket tighter, inhaling the scent of the linen, and finally opened her eyes.

​This wasn't her perfume.

​She stared at the ceiling, then the window, slowly realizing she wasn't in her own room.

​Then, she saw him. A man stood by the window, his bare back turned to her. He didn't seem to notice she was awake. Who is he? Why am I in his room?

​She tried to sit up, but a jagged pain shot through her skull and her stomach did a somersault. Memories of a bottle and several beers flickered through her mind like broken film. The last thing she clearly remembered was her burning rage toward Fidell, the man who had betrayed her.

​She covered her mouth, fighting back a wave of nausea. The martinis were still claiming their toll. As she shifted, she realized with a jolt of panic that she was completely naked. She scanned the room frantically, looking for her clothes.

​The man turned around, a smile gracing his face. "Good morning, Elaina. Did you sleep well?"

​Elaina swallowed hard, sitting up abruptly, and let out a shriek as the duvet slipped, exposing her chest. She scrambled to pull the fabric back up, though the realization that she was naked meant the damage was likely already done.

​"Wh-where is this? Who are you?" she stammered, her voice trembling with fear.

​"Tsk, tsk. How could you forget so easily, Elaina? Especially after we shared such a... passionate night."

​Alister suppressed a grin at her stunned expression. She was adorable, whether she was drunk or sober. He approached the bed, ignoring her recoil as he reached out to stroke her shoulder and chin.

​"Why? Are you afraid?"

​Elaina nodded, biting her lip hard. The shirtless man leaned in closer, his smile widening.

​"Don't be cruel, Elaina. Don't forget me after you've already had your way with my body."

​Elaina turned pale. "Wh-what?"

​"And here I thought we were quite wild together."

​"Liar!"

​Elaina's eyes bulged. She screamed, trying to deny the reality crashing down on her, but her stomach wouldn't wait. She shoved him aside and bolted for the bathroom, completely oblivious to her own nakedness. She collapsed over the toilet, retching until her throat burned with bile.

​When she finally stood, trembling, she caught sight of herself in the mirror. Her neck and shoulders were marked with faint red blushes. Her hand flew to her skin, and suddenly, fragments of the previous night flooded back. The kisses. The touches. The sofa.

​A muffled cry escaped her lips as the shame hit her. She remembered wanting him. She remembered asking a stranger to make her forget. No wonder she had woken up like this. This was far worse than she had imagined.

​Trying to steady herself, she stepped into the shower, desperately needing to wash the night away before facing him again. Once finished, she realized she had no clothes. She stood by the door, frozen, until she spotted a stack of towels. She wrapped one around herself-it barely covered her from chest to mid-thigh, but it was enough.

​Taking a deep breath, she cracked the door open. Alister was standing by the bed. As soon as she stepped out, he was there, a knowing smile on his face. Elaina stiffened, her heart hammering against her ribs.

​"Elaina, you look so refreshed after your shower."

​Before she could utter a single word of protest, Alister pulled her into his arms and captured her lips in a searing kiss. Elaina was stunned into silence, the world spinning all over again.

The sudden assault sent Elaina’s eyes wide. Her body reacted instinctively, as if she had forgotten how to breathe. Her heart hammered against her ribs, the sound so thunderous it echoed in her own ears.

​The searing kiss claimed her lips, deepening into a hunger that left her breathless. Her body stiffened, and she frantically pressed her hands against his chest. With every ounce of strength she had left, Elaina shoved Alister away. The force finally created a distance between them, though her limbs continued to tremble.

​Elaina wiped her mouth, the lingering sensation of his lips only heightening her unrest. When she spoke, her voice was a fragile, jagged thing. Her gaze locked onto Alister’s, demanding an explanation for the line he had just crossed.

​“Sir... what on earth was that?” she stammered.

​Alister simply smirked. “A morning kiss. And you called me 'Sir.' Does that mean you remember what we did last night?”

​His smile and the predatory glint in his eyes seemed to paralyze her. Elaina stood frozen, her face flushing a deep crimson as she clutched the edges of her towel, terrified it might slip. She couldn't help but notice how handsome he was—the light dusting of hair on his chest, and the intricate tattoo that started on his arm and snaked down toward his waist. She didn't understand the meaning of the ink, but a flash of memory hit her: last night, she had traced that very chest with desperate passion.

​“Sir... do we even know each other?”

​Alister nodded. “Since last night. Do you remember my name?” His slight smile deepened, revealing a faint dimple partially hidden by his stubble.

​Elaina searched her clouded memory before nodding slowly. “Alister.”

​“And do you remember what you did at the hotel?”

​Elaina nodded again, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Yes. I went to Fidell’s wedding.”

​“And who is he?”

​“My... my ex-fiancé.”

​Alister suppressed a grin. “You crashed your ex-fiancé’s wedding. You caused a scene while completely wasted. If I hadn't carried you out of there, security would have tossed you onto the pavement like trash. Do you remember that?”

​Elaina bit her lip and closed her eyes as the fragments of the night before crashed back into her mind. She let out a soft, defeated sigh. She regretted everything. The alcohol she had used for liquid courage had stripped her of all control. Her plan was to unleash her rage on Fidell, but a bottle of Vodka Martini had rewritten the script.

​She realized how reckless she had been. The alcohol had blurred her judgment and made her body betray her. Shame washed over her; she never imagined she would end up in a situation like this.

​Yet, beneath the regret, she had to admit one thing: if it weren't for Alister, she would be stranded on the streets. The thought of what could have happened without him made her shudder. He was right—he had saved her from a much darker night.

​Elaina looked down, her voice barely audible as she whispered a thank you. The words were so soft they seemed meant only for her. She knew a simple "thank you" wasn't enough to repay him, but it was an admission that she was now in his debt.

​Alister tilted her chin up, studying her suddenly somber expression. “Did Fidell hurt you?”

​Elaina nodded, then her eyes went wide. “Sir, do you know Fidell?”

​“Ah, I work at Cakrawala Group.”

​“Oh, I see. So you were invited to the wedding too?”

​“Of course. That’s how I found you.”

​Elaina sighed, running a hand through her damp hair. “I must have been an embarrassment last night.”

​“A little,” Alister admitted, stepping toward a wardrobe. He pulled out a small towel and handed it to her. “But I got you out before you did something you couldn't take back. Here, use this. Your hair is soaking.”

​Elaina took it with a shy smile. She wanted to sit down, but the awkwardness of being semi-naked in a stranger's bedroom was suffocating. Alister stepped closer, sending her pulse into another erratic rhythm.

​“Do you want me to help you?”

​Elaina looked up, confused. “Help me with what?”

​“Getting even with Fidell.”

​Confused, Elaina stared at him. Her eyes practically screamed, How could a man like you help me?

​Alister smiled, sensing her doubt. “I can. But we’ll do it my way. Like two consenting adults who need each other.” His fingers brushed against her collarbone, a light, teasing touch. “Don’t get drunk again, Elaina. You’re dangerous when you’re wasted. Last night, if I had taken advantage of you, you’d be lying in that bed right now, exhausted from making love.”

​Elaina turned beet-red, her chest tight with embarrassment.

​“It’s not that I didn't want to,” Alister said, closing the gap until their bodies nearly touched. “You’re beautiful and sexy. But I want to do it when you’re sober. That’s why we’re going to make a deal to help you get your revenge.”

​Elaina swallowed hard, biting her lower lip. Her skin felt electric under his gaze and the warmth of his breath. “Does that mean... we have to sleep together?” she asked nervously.

​Alister nodded without hesitation. “Naturally. As a couple. Even if your only reason for being with me is revenge, I don’t care. We will act like a real, mature couple. Do you understand?”

​Elaina stared at him, her mind spinning. She was furious with Fidell, but was faking a relationship with a stranger a fair trade? And Alister had emphasized a "mature" relationship—which meant more than just kisses; it meant sharing his bed. Could she actually do it?

​“You don’t have to decide now. Think about it. Anyway, your dress is ruined. I hope I have something you can wear.” Alister opened the wardrobe, revealing rows of neat clothes. “Just t-shirts and dress shirts.”

​Elaina looked at the organized closet and pointed to a short-sleeved navy blue shirt. “Can I borrow that?”

​Alister handed it to her. “Put it on. I’ll be in the dining room. Breakfast is waiting.”

​Elaina’s hands shook as she pulled on the shirt. Luckily, her lingerie was still clean. She looked sadly at her torn, dirt-stained gown—the one Fidell had bought her when they got engaged. It had been a beautiful dress, a perfect fit. Now, like his promises, it was trashed.

​The heartache returned, sharp and cold. She stood before the mirror, looking at her disheveled reflection in the oversized shirt that barely reached her mid-thigh. It wasn't proper, but it was enough. She had to face the reality: Fidell was no longer hers. He was another woman’s husband.

​So what do I do now? she wondered. Mourn a man who dumped me without a word? She felt like a fool, crying over a love that had already died.

​She grabbed her clutch from the nightstand and tentatively opened the bedroom door. She gasped at the interior. It was breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, a massive sofa anchored the living space, and floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city.

​“This looks like a penthouse, not just an apartment,” Elaina remarked as Alister appeared from a side room.

​Alister nodded. “It is.”

​“Do you live here, Sir?” she asked.

​“Temporarily. This place is a loan. Just like the car I drive—it belongs to the company.”

​“I see.”

​“Sit down. Food is on the table.”

​They sat across from each other at a heavy, elegant wooden table. Elaina opened the containers and smiled at the sight of sandwiches, fruit salad, and garlic bread. It was exactly what she liked. How did he know?

​She took a bite of the sandwich, savoring the savory mix of tuna, mayo, and a hint of chili. It was the best thing she’d tasted all morning. Alister, meanwhile, was devouring a beef burger.

​“Your friend is very kind, Sir,” she said.

​Alister looked up. “Why?”

​“Lending you a place this luxurious.”

​“Yes, he is. Finish your food; we have a lot to discuss. I don’t need you fainting from hunger.”

​They ate in silence. Elaina stole glances at him as he read something on his iPad. He was magnetic. Up close, his eyes weren't black, but a deep, warm brown. A handsome, single man... was he a manager at Cakrawala?

​“Elaina...”

​“Yes, Sir.”

​“Stop staring at me. You’re making me want to take my clothes off.”

​“Wh—what? Why?”

​“Because the view is much clearer when I’m naked.”

​Elaina immediately looked down at her plate, her face burning. She told herself to be careful with this man. It was as if Alister could read her every thought.