A month later, she had seen him again. Till then, she had no idea who he was.

In the high-class club, which was exclusive for the Elite, Damian Blackwell, the important man of the century, was sitting in the VVIP section. Being surrounded by groups of influential men who had waited for months just to win a minute of audience with him justified his sovereignty. His eyes lingered momentarily at that beautiful woman on the bottom floor who was drinking nonstop without any regard for tomorrow. He silently took a sip of some expensive brand of French wine. No one could penetrate his thoughts.

Not long after, his eyes shifted back to the person who was desperately fawning over him. It was noteworthy to say that the people who surrounded him included not only the President of some big, renowned international corporations but also several embassy members from foreign states. Yet, the nonchalance in Damian's demeanour did no justice to their status. Despite their important posts and flattering smiles, he was sitting there with a calm look on his face and a refined ambience in his air. 

Looking ever so unapproachable and aloof. From that, one could infer that this man was several levels above any of those who surrounded him that night.

That night, on the down floor, Luna had chugged down a great number of drinks. In her struggles to dissolve her pain, she had long surpassed the pre-decided safe threshold.

"Lulu, you said it would be the last one. This is not what you said when you asked me to tag along."

"Now what? You are determined to get totally wasted?"

"Luna Hart, we have classes tomorrow!"

"How about this: let me take you back?"

"Lulu, stop! This is the fifth one!" Sierra Lane's voice of complaints came at regular intervals. However, Luna paid no heed.

"Stop nagging," she gave a dismissive gesture and asked the mixer for another glass of some high alcohol high-alcohol-content beverage.

"..."

"I-I'mm not ggoing home tonight." Her speech had only begun to slur now. Yet, the determination in her eyes was crystal clear.

"Lulu!" 

Luna Hart giggled lightly. 

"This is it! I am going to call your brother!"

Luna paused. Playfully, she placed a finger under her chin as if she were thinking about something. Laughing lightly, she met Sierra Lane's eyes once again.

"I wonder how surprised your brother would be once I tell him about the things you did with your boyfriend in the backseat of his new car."

"..."

"And how beautiful his expressions would be once he realises the stains on those seats weren't ice cream but actually-"

"For f*ck sake, shut up!" Sierra Lane's eyes were furious. Yet a deep crimson crept up her face. It was a mixture of anger and embarrassment.

"See? It is wise if we don't involve our family in this. You are going to cover up for my absence, and that's how it's gonna be."

"This is bullying. Lulu, you! You have no shame."

Luna smiled at Sierra. After chugging down the remnant contents of the glass, she looked back at her. Propping her chin over her hand, her drunken eyes looked directly at Sierra's reddening face.

"How come? I wasn't the one who did those things."

"I shouldn't have told you."

"That was a mistake you made! Now suffer!"

Luna was naturally so provocative. After numbing her caution with alcohol, her provocations had reached entirely new heights. That night, Sierra had already suffered a lot at her hands. Sierra didn't know what to do with her. She just didn't know. Other than throwing her head over the counter in desperation, she couldn't do anything anyway. She could already hear her brother's scolding for not completing her assignments.

"What was I thinking when I agreed to accompany you?"

"Lulu, my dear Lulu, you are going to regret it tomorrow."

"Have you ever drunk this much before? Think of the terrible hangover awaiting you!"

Yet no matter what Sierra said, it had no effect on Luna. Gritting her teeth, Sierra finally said,

"You are like this because of Ethan? Let me tell you, that bastard is totally not even worth a hangover!"

Something flicked in Luna's eyes.

"Who says I am here because of him? This is my life, and I want to get drunk today."

Sierra Lane was about to retort, but stopped. She had just caught the subtle change of expression on Luna's face. She froze for a second.

'Lulu, with your attitude, you almost had me believe that you really didn't care. But guess I was wrong. You still care for that bastard?'

Sierra Lane didn't bring that matter up again. With a sigh, she resigned.

"Being me one too!"

"That's my girl!" Luna's eyes gleamed in happiness; she clapped happily and kissed Sierra's cheek.

"Just remember that I am doing it this once. There won't be any other time."

Sierra eyed Luna with a glare.

"Of course!"

No matter how playful and provocative Luna was, when it came to relationships, she had her heart settled on only one man, Ethan Monroe. For him, she had forsaken everything. Now that she had caught him with another woman in the middle of the act, Luna's state of mind had been chaotic for a week. Although Luna did her best not to make it obvious and continuously told everyone that she was over him, this time Sierra had seen right past her.

"There won't be any next time. Come on, you need to lose yourself sometimes, too."

Luna's eyes fell on a couple dancing happily in the club. Gradually, her smile dropped. Inevitably, she succumbed to the memories of Ethan. She closed her eyes for a second and thought. 

Where did she go wrong? 

She just didn't agree to be physical with him until she was eighteen. To compensate, she had done her best to become a woman in his ideals. Despite her naturally wild personality, she had been restraining herself all those years. Just for his sake. Just to be a wife material for him.

Luna felt a dull ache in her heart.

'Sierra is right. He is not worth it.'

What pained her wasn't his betrayal. What pained her more was her naivety. She was so naive to think that he was sincere with her.

'Guess this is how men are. A man who can love a woman without having her physically must be a myth.'

She had reached a conclusion that night. A conclusion she would holf firmly till a tragedy proved her wrong.

And that conclwas going to make her do something that she would regret for the rest of her life.

Sierra didn't intercede as Luna drank again. After all, the Luna she knew, once she had decided to do something, there was no way to stop her. And today, Luna had decided to waste herself completely.

'It must be because Ethan had never allowed her into clubs before. In defiance, she is behaving this way today.'

Sierra hadn't missed the pained expressions on Luna Hart's face when she was looking at the happy couple dancing.

Sierra didn't care much. Today, she was not here to be a drinking partner but a babysitter to watch over Luna. She just waited for Hart to either drop dead drunk or get tired and agree to leave.

As Luna took another sip from the glass, she heard Sierra's voice.

"Lulu, I'm going to use the restroom." After saying that, Sierra glared at Luna. "So don't you dare leave this spot, or I'm going to ditch you. Have fun finding a lift back home this late at night."

"Why the glare? Don't you even trust me?" Luna pouted.

"Not even a bit!"

"You hurt me, Sisi." Luna clutched her chest as if heartbroken, being dramatic.

Sierra rolled her eyes. "How many shots have you had again?"

"Seven. Not eight. I-I think I lost count." Luna gave a giddy smile. Sierra almost wanted to punch that smile off her face.

"Lulu, this is not a joke. You must not leave while I am away!" Sierra was growing impatient.

First, she had to use the restroom. Second, she had to endure a useless bicker with her. How unfortunate!

Luna innocently smiled at Sierra . "Fine. Go away. I wouldn't leave." She waved with her hand and took another small sip.

Sierra looked at Luna suspiciously. Something about Luna's 'innocent' smile looked not so very innocent.

Feeling the suspicious gaze, Luna whined in a sweet voice. "I promise!" She even put two fingers up.

"You!" Sierra raised her finger, but the need for the restroom made her swallow all the curses she had originally wanted to throw at Luna. In the end, she could only shout while rushing away in a hurry. "You'd better keep your word!"

"Haha. Sisi, did you really believe my promise? How stupid of you."

Luna laughed evilly. Getting up, she stretched. It was very stuffy on the bottom floor; she climbed up to the second floor. It was more refreshing and clearer in there.

She was engaged in her own fun. She had lost track of time when, suddenly, gasps and a slap were heard from the side. Luna frowned and glanced in that direction.

.

.

.

Sitting over a black couch, with his elbow resting on the armrest of the couch and his head propped on his hand, nonchalance was everything that appeared on the man's face. His other hand held a wine glass as he took small sips at intervals. All the people in the club had stepped several steps away from the spot, creating a circle with the couch in the centre.

As if he were some king and everyone else in there was a peasant.

Only his subordinate kept standing by his side with a solemn face. He quietly handed a tissue to Damian. Damian silently wiped his hands clean; his actions held elegance and smoothness.

His eyes shifted down towards the woman who was grovelling at his feet. Coldness was the only thing that emerged from the bottom of his heart and poured into his eyes. Within the chilliness, one could detect slight disgust for the creature at his feet.

"F-Forgive me!" The woman was terrified of being looked at like this. Her appearance was totally ruined. One could tell that originally, she could have been looking quite seductive and classy with her tasteful jewellery and short dress.

But after being slapped and crying, her makeup was totally ruined. Blood trickled down her nose. Her hair was messy and tangled. Now, she looked more appalling and pitiful.

Looking at this, something snapped within Luna.

"I didn't mean to. I only approached Mr Blackwell because I admired you-"

The woman was slapped again by one of his subordinates. She was shut just like that. Her cries echoed on the second floor. The atmosphere grew serious. Even the background music had been shut down long ago. Everyone was holding their breath as if waiting for a great volcano to erupt.

Yet the man in the centre was silent and still like a cool moon on a winter night, giving a gentle glow.

The woman's pitiful eyes looked around as if searching for someone who would volunteer to help her out of her imminent death. Yet, no one stepped forward. Even if there were a few who pitied her, no one would dare to offend the man on the couch.

No one but a certain someone.

"M-Mr. Blackwell, I-I really..." The woman could see her situation clearly. Even if this man killed her right here and right now in front of everyone, no one would even shed a tear for her sake out of fear of him.

In desperation, she lunged forward and grabbed his leg.

Everyone was shocked. His subordinates were even more speechless.

People who knew who Damian was were aware of his mysophobia.

They silently thought: If this woman had any chance to survive before, now she has lost it too.

Yet the woman didn't know it.

"Step away." A cold voice resonated on the second floor. People's hearts jolted into their throats. Some of them wanted to secretly escape, yet none dared to move. As if they were terrified of attracting any sort of attention toward them.

The woman was terrified to the point where her sanity was ruined. She didn't listen.

"I said step away." His voice grew colder than the coldest winter. His hands tightened slightly.

The woman still didn't listen.

It happened so quickly that none of his subordinates could interfere.

Suddenly, Damian raised his hand. It appeared as if he were going to hit the woman. She shrank back on the floor. However, before his hand could strike down, another slender and delicate hand grabbed his wrist and blocked his attack.

Damian's nonchalant expression faltered for a second. A look of surprise flashed across his face. But in the next moment, the surprise faded. His gaze followed that slender hand up to its owner's face. Once his eyes landed on those fierce, rosy cheeks and dazed eyes, his calm pupils shrank slightly.

Her sharp eyes were like a pair of mystical jade that could capture one's soul. Her jawline was sharp and well-defined. Her thin, plump lips were painted red. Despite wearing minimal makeup, she was undeniably the most beautiful woman in the club that night.

"I think that's enough." Luna's voice was resolute. It resonated in the pin-drop silence. It was funny how not a single person made a sound. It was as if there were only Luna and Damian in that place. The rest didn't matter.

"Y-You insolent-" His subordinate rushed forward. But with a slight wave of his other hand-the one not held by Luna-Damian shut him up. The subordinate knew not to interfere. Stepping back, he stood silently, cautious in case his boss wanted him to teach that girl a lesson.

Damian tilted his head slightly. A corner of his lips curled up. His eyes were still cold, yet there was a hint of amusement in them. "What reason could you possibly have to suddenly come forward and hold my hand like this, little girl?"

Luna blinked. Only then did she realise she was still holding his hand. She quickly let go and stepped back.

Little girl?

He didn't look older than 25. Calling her little, was he devaluing her?

So what if she was younger? She knew what self-respect and a woman's honour meant!

Everyone was stunned by this development.

Until now, no one had ever stepped forward to intercede. People had assumed no one would either. Any sane person who knew what kind of man Damian was would stay fifty steps away from him. Even someone unaware of his identity would be kept away by his dangerous aura.

People thought: Either the girl is insane, or she's deliberately doing this to attract his attention.

"You do not have the right to abuse anyone just because you have power," Luna said firmly. Her fierce gaze held his without wavering.

That was new. No one had ever maintained eye contact with him for more than twenty seconds. Yet this girl not only didn't shy away from his cold eyes-her gaze was fierce.

With his slight smile becoming more pronounced, Damian slowly rose from his spot.

People knew that since this man-who had been calmly seated from the beginning-finally stood up, something big was about to happen.

Just after a few steps, he stopped in front of Luna.

"Little girl, this matter has nothing to do with you. If you insist on stepping into it rashly, I'm afraid you won't be stepping out of it so easily." His voice and words could freeze someone's blood. There was a clearly hidden threat in his tone.

Although she felt a heavy gloom loom over her as he approached, Luna stood her ground firmly. She didn't step back or cower.

"You assume your threat would scare me?" Luna still had alcohol in her system, numbing her caution. She spoke whatever came to mind. "Guess what? I don't want to step out of this matter either."

He could have expected the girl to tremble in fear at his warning. He could have expected her to retreat while apologising. But he couldn't have expected her stance to become even more unwavering.

"I wonder," Damian leaned closer, "do you actually feel bad for that woman..."

"What do you mean-"

"Or are you this bold because you're interested in warming my bed in her place?"

Luna was shocked speechless. She couldn't believe he would say something like this, especially in front of a hall full of people. A wave of whispers spread instantly. Damian kept his calm gaze fixed on her face, silently observing her.

"You!" Luna's hands trembled with anger. In a spur of the moment, she raised her hand-making the gravest mistake of her life.

She slapped the man in front of her. Slapped the man who had never been spoken to in a raised voice before. Slapped the man known for making those who offended him suffer in the worst ways. Slapped the man whose very name could make the hearts of seven continents shake.

That was the sort of man her drunk self offended one year ago.