I want you to come closer

"To the woman who taught me what love truly means."

Adrian raised his crystal champagne flute, his warm smile drawing every eye in the grand ballroom.

The hall erupted into applause.

Camella's cheeks flushed pink as she looked at the man standing across from her. Tonight wasn't just their engagement party—it was the beginning of the future they had spent three years dreaming about.

"I've made many promises in my life," Adrian continued, his voice steady, "but tonight, I make the most important one. Camella, I promise to love you, protect you, and spend every tomorrow making you smile."

He extended his hand.

"To my beautiful bride."

The guests echoed, "To the beautiful bride!"

Camella lifted her glass, her eyes shimmering with tears.

"To forever."

The soft clink of crystal filled the room.

Music began to play.

Adrian bowed dramatically before offering his hand.

"May I have this dance, my future wife?"

A wave of laughter swept through the guests.

Camella placed her hand in his.

"You already have my whole life Adrian."

He pulled her gently into his arms as they glided across the polished dance floor beneath sparkling chandeliers.

For a few magical minutes, nothing else existed.

Only them.

Only love.

Only forever.

When the music ended, applause thundered through the ballroom once again.

Adrian kissed the back of her hand.

And said in a calm tone.

"I have to greet some of the business partners my father invited. I'll be back before you miss me."

Camella smiled.

"You'd better."

"I promise."

He disappeared into the crowd.

Camella settled into one of the velvet chairs, watching guests laugh and celebrate around her.

A smile lingered on her lips.

This was really happening.

She had found love.

Tomorrow she would begin planning the wedding she had imagined since she was a little girl.

Her parents would have been so proud.

"So lost in your thoughts?"

A familiar voice interrupted her.

Camella looked up.

"Serena."

Her stepsister stood beside her wearing a dazzling silver gown and a smile that seemed unusually warm.

"I figured the future bride deserved another toast don't you think?."

"it's your engagement night after all so let's celebrate."

She handed Camella a fresh glass of champagne.

"Congratulations."

Camella smiled gratefully.

"Thank you."

She didn't notice Serena's fingers tighten around the empty tray.

Or the satisfaction hidden behind her smile.

Camella took a sip.

Then another.

Within minutes, an uncomfortable warmth spread through her body.

Serena simply excused herself to watch the fun.

Camella frowned.

Why did the room suddenly feel so hot?

The laughter around her became strangely distant.

The lights blurred into glowing circles.

She pressed a hand against her temple.

"I... I don't feel well..."

No one noticed as she quietly stood from her chair.

Everyone's attention remained on the celebration.

She slowly made her way toward the exit, hoping the cool night air would help.

Instead, every step became heavier.

The hallway outside the ballroom seemed endless.

Her vision doubled.

She reached for the wall to steady herself.

"What's... happening to me?"

Her knees nearly gave out.

At that exact moment, someone rounded the corner.

She stumbled straight into a broad, solid chest.

Strong hands caught her before she hit the floor.

"Careful."

The deep masculine voice sent an odd flutter through her dizzy mind.

Camella blinked several times, trying to focus on the handsome stranger before her.

His tailored black suit, commanding presence, and sharp features made him look almost unreal.

Without thinking, she smiled.

"So... handsome."

Alexander Kingston frowned.

"You're not well."

Instead of answering, Camella laughed softly.

"I think... you're moving."

She reached up and poked his cheek.

"Nope... you're real."

For the first time in years, Alexander found himself completely speechless.

She wrapped both arms around his neck for balance.

"You smell... really nice."

Alexander gently tried to remove her hands.

"Miss, let go."

"I'll fall."

Her voice was small and unsteady.

"I'm helping."

She rested her head against his shoulder, completely unaware of what she was doing.

Alexander glanced down at the young woman clinging to him.

Her breathing was uneven.

Her face was unusually flushed.

Something wasn't right.

He had seen enough corporate scandals to recognize when someone might have been drugged.

He looked down the hallway.

No one appeared to be looking for her.

With a quiet sigh, he scooped her into his arms.

"I'll get you somewhere safe."

Camella murmured something he couldn't understand before curling closer against him.

Her eyes drifted shut.

Alexander carried her through the hotel's private elevator reserved for VIP guests and headed to the penthouse suite.

As the elevator doors closed, neither of them realized that this single decision would alter both of their lives forever.

He gently placed her on the bed and tried to leave when he realized she was holding his hand.

"Hey let go!,"

He said his voice calm but commanding.

Camella smiled and clutched onto him.

please stay with me.

Kingston wasn't a man to wrongfully have a woman in that condition but her sparkling blue eyes and curly long hair, her smooth skin and everything about her seemed to humble his overly commanding nature.

Then he found himself seating besides her on the bed.

" I'm seated now what do you want?" He said his voice calm .

"I want you to come closer". she said her voice feeled with emotions.

Kingston sensed a rush of unexplainable emotions as those words hit him. For the first time he felt weak and somewhat helpless.

he drew closer to her as though he was being remote controlled.

close enough?

no closer.

then she pulled him to herself and planted a kiss on his lips. He lost his cool and gave in. His breathing became uneven. then he deepened the kiss.

He took off her dress and she unbuttoned his shirt. they spent the entire night tangled in deep intimacy.