Chapter 1

At his birthday party, Kieran Brock pulled me into an empty private room next door. Scorching breath swept in together with a searing kiss.

I could hear the faint murmur of strangers passing by behind the door.

Blushing furiously, I tried to push Kieran back. But he caught my wrists and pinned them above my head until I couldn't move.

"Esty, don't say no to me, please."

His usually steady voice had a pleading edge to it that instantly melted my resolve. I wrapped my arms around his neck.

It wasn't until Kieran's hand slid under the hem of my dress, sending a shiver through me, that I finally snapped back to my senses.

Breathless, I caught his hand before he could go any further. "N-Not here."

Kieran's voice was low and hypnotic. "No one's coming in."

I looked away, afraid that if I caught his gaze, I'd lose myself and agree to anything. "I can't. Mom is waiting for me to get home."

Kieran stiffened for a moment, then thoughtfully buttoned up each undone button for me.

"I won't be done here for a while. Let the driver take you home first. Text me when you're back safe."

I could see the disappointment in his eyes. I bit my lip and whispered, "I-I'll wait up for you tonight. I came out in a rush today and left your gift in my room."

Kieran paused, a playful glint returning to his eyes. "Let me guess. Is the gift… you?"

Even after five years together, his bluntness still made my heart race.

I smoothed out my dress and replied, "You'll find out when you get back."

With that, I bolted for the door. Kieran's soft chuckle came from behind me.

I hurried down the hall.

The early spring air was crisp. As soon as I stepped outside the club, the cold wind helped settle the frantic drumming in my chest.

The thought of the gift brought a smile to my face. I couldn't wait to see his reaction tonight.

Once I was in the car, I reached into my bag to text Kieran, only to realize I'd left my phone on the couch when he'd pulled me into that room.

I had no choice but to head back.

Just as I reached the door, I heard a mocking voice from inside. "Kieran, you took your stepsister's virginity at 21 years old, and you've been with her for five years now. Aren't you going to give her a title?"

My hand froze on the handle. My chest tightened, and my breath hitched.

Throughout the five years of my secret relationship with Kieran, I was constantly longing for the day we could be out in the open together.

The room went quiet as everyone turned toward the corner.

Kieran gave a dry chuckle. As he flicked his lighter, the orange flame danced across his sharp features.

"As you said, she's my stepsister. She was never meant to be seen as my partner. I've already proposed to Vivian. She's the only one fit to be my wife. When Esther's mother played the mistress and drove mine to her death, she never could have imagined her daughter would be moaning in my bed."

The blood in my veins turned to ice. That hopeful rhythm in my heart simply stopped.

Someone teased, "Guess 'love grows over time' doesn't apply to you, Kieran. Five years and still not a drop of feelings?"

Kieran exhaled a cloud of smoke and sneered. "If it weren't for wanting to get back at her mother, how could I have put up with the disgust of being with her?

"I can't wait to see the look on that woman's face when she finds out her precious daughter is my side piece. It's going to be priceless."

The man who had been whispering sweet nothings to me just minutes ago now seemed utterly unfamiliar amid the swirling smoke.

There was no love in his gaze. Only endless coldness and the anticipation of a long-awaited revenge.

The room erupted into whistles and cheers.

"Classic Kieran. That's one genius idea. But hey, it isn't all bad. Esther's a dancer. That body… Damn, just looking at her is enough to make anyone drool!"

"We saw how eager you were. Don't think we don't know what you did once you got her alone in that room. Why are you back so soon? Don't tell me all those late nights have wrecked your stamina. Ms. Fowler's going to be disappointed."

Those cruel words stabbed at me.

I clenched my palm desperately and fled from that suffocating place.