"The sun's rays pierced through the light, disturbing the peaceful slumber of two individuals, especially the woman, who slowly opened her eyes. It was the first time she had opened her eyes, revealing Griffin's serene face, still closed in sleep. Zaylee held her breath as she woke up, quickly putting on her clothes and leaving Griffin's room.
Fortunately, it was still early enough for her friends to be awake. Zaylee immediately cleansed herself, crying her heart out beneath the shower's cascading water. She scrubbed herself roughly, unable to believe this was happening and not just a dream. Zaylee yanked at her hair in frustration.
"Stupid!" "Stupid!" "Stupid!"
Zaylee's shouts echoed in the bathroom as tears continued to flow. She scolded herself for being so foolish as to listen to Dicky and accompany Griffin, who had been influenced by alcohol.
Zaylee felt weak, sitting helplessly under the unrelenting shower. She cried, regretting the mess she had made of her life. She couldn't undo what had been destroyed. Zaylee truly felt disgusted with herself for failing to protect her purity. Her memories returned to the events of last night, and now, they came flooding back wholly.
That night, they had been the climax of the project they had completed. Everyone who embarked on the business trip had finished their tasks ahead of the deadline. It had been a precious moment, and they had decided to celebrate their success by ordering a high-alcohol content beer. They all drank, except for Zaylee, who chose to take in the fresh air on the balcony of their accommodation. She gazed at the city lights, lost in her thoughts, with her mind sinking deep into her heart.
Griffin, who was already half-drunk, laughed and dismissed his friends when he noticed the figure of the girl who used to be his girlfriend. Unlike his other friends enjoying the party, he didn't seem normal.
"What are you doing? Is something bothering you?" Dicky asked, noticing that Griffin had not touched his last glass of alcohol and was instead focused on something, blinking several times. It was only natural that his vision started to blur as he felt more intoxicated.
"You're busy staring at your ex!" Dicky teased, knowing precisely who had caught his friend's attention.
"I can help you!" Dicky whispered, teasing Griffin, who had been unresponsive to his comments.
"Zaylee!" Dicky called out, making Griffin angrily turn to his friend, wondering why he was calling the girl who made him sick just by looking at her.
Dicky's voice startled Zaylee from her reverie, and she approached him. Griffin turned away, disgusted by the girl standing before him.
"Can you help me? I need to take Sam and the others to their rooms. So, please help me take Griffin to his room," Dicky playfully instructed Zaylee to escort Griffin to his room.
"Isn't there another way?" Zaylee asked indifferently. After all, many coworkers were here, so why did it have to be her? She looked at Dicky with a probing gaze, clearly understanding that he was playing a trick on her.
"Who else? Everyone is already unconscious. It has to be you. Look, they're all passed out," Dicky replied. His words made sense, and Zaylee finally agreed to escort Griffin to his room. However, she waited to carry Griffin. Instead, she approached Salsa.
"Rose! You can go back to the hotel room. I have to take Griffin to his room. I'll join you later!" Zaylee said, feeling uncomfortable around Salsa.
"Alright! I'll go first!" Salsa said with a smile, immediately tidying up everything and heading to her room.
Salsa and everyone else also returned to their rooms, leaving the common area in disarray, as everyone had been affected by alcohol. Griffin, the weakest regarding alcohol, was now wholly incapacitated on the sofa.
"What are you going to do?" Griffin asked in a half-conscious state as he saw Zaylee still standing beside him.
Zaylee stared at Griffin, who seemed to reject her good intentions vehemently. She didn't leave; instead, she waited for Griffin to get up.
Griffin looked sharply at Dicky, who had entered his room, and immediately got up, stumbling along the wall. Zaylee followed him from behind. Griffin didn't pay attention to Zaylee and ignored her small steps as she walked alongside him. Griffin pushed her away when Zaylee reached for his arm to guide him, his posture unsteady.
"Zaylee Caroline, I hate you so much! My life is a mess because of you!" Griffin rambled, his words incoherent. Zaylee ignored the man in front of her.
Zaylee opened the door and guided him to lie down on the bed. She removed his shoes and pulled up the blanket, all while Griffin stared at her silently. Zaylee suddenly felt a tense atmosphere around her and quickly left. Unfortunately, Griffin's hand moved faster than she did.
With one swift motion, the girl was trapped beneath Griffin. Zaylee began to feel fear as Griffin's hand locked above her head. Even in his drunken state, Griffin's strength was considerable. Zaylee looked at the helpless and anxious man who was almost losing consciousness.
"Griffin! You're insane! Let go of me!" Zaylee pleaded as Griffin continued to kiss her roughly, taking her by surprise. Zaylee tried to push him away with all her might, but Griffin kept kissing her passionately.
Griffin closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath, and then slowly opened them. His gaze was intense, staring at Zaylee, who now looked vulnerable, her face flushed and tearful. Griffin missed her; he wasn't lying when he said that Zaylee's departure had shattered him into pieces.
Zaylee struggled again, but Griffin's grip was unyielding. He didn't give Zaylee any room to escape, whether he was regaining consciousness or just acting on impulse under the influence of alcohol.
Zaylee began to lose her strength, unable to breathe at all. She forcefully slapped Griffin's broad chest to make him release his grip so she could live. Griffin stopped kissing but didn't move his face away from hers. He could maintain a firm hold on Zaylee's hand with just one hand, rendering her rebellion futile.
Griffin unbuttoned Zaylee's shirt with a single swift move, causing all the buttons to come undone. Zaylee was terrified, and Griffin continued his advances, with Zaylee helpless and unable to stop him. His hands roamed freely, daring to explore the forbidden parts of Zaylee's body that he should not touch. But he didn't care; he followed his instincts under the influence of alcohol.
"Griffin! I beg you! Stop!" Zaylee pleaded hoarsely, tears streaming down her face as her strength dwindled. She couldn't overpower Griffin's strength.
It was a shocking ending to the night for Zaylee. She never expected her night.
Unfortunately, Griffin isn't as fortunate as others when it comes to romantic relationships. His parents control his life, and even his love life isn't left to chance by others. Moreover, his past relationship has left scars that have yet to heal and that he struggles to overcome. The sun has risen, and the mask of maturity is once again worn by many. Griffin is no exception, as he's dressed and ready to go to the office to lead the monthly meeting. Griffin stands in front of a large mirror in his room. He gazes at his reflection, takes a deep breath, preparing for breakfast with his family. Griffin soon sits down at the dining table, alternatingly smiling at his father and mother, pretending that the routine he has been performing for years is so beautiful. "Fin, when are you willing to marry Robinson's son? Your father is tired of avoiding Robinson's questions demanding clarity," Alex asks innocently, as if unaware that his question might hurt his son's feelings. "Patience, Dad!
Someone's footsteps from behind caught the attention of the girl enjoying the city atmosphere in the morning, seeking peace. Little did she know, Griffin was following her. The man appeared to be walking towards Zaylee with a cold gaze, both hands hidden in the front pockets of his pants, adding to his arrogant demeanour. Griffin and Zaylee no longer exchanged greetings, trying to calm themselves. More precisely, they forced themselves to forget the unwanted events in Batam. They were engulfed in silence, although occasionally, Griffin would glance at Zaylee, who kept her head down, doing her best not to respond to Griffin's gaze. Her heart was in turmoil, but her mind urged her to let go of the image of Griffin; her feelings remained intact, but her ego concealed them. Zaylee assured herself that Dicky was to blame for sending her here. Meanwhile, according to Griffin, everything was indirectly his fault. Griffin took a deep breath. The incident in Batam that night marked the end o
Every pair of eyes turned to a girl strutting arrogantly towards the CEO's office. Her red dress perfectly matched the lipstick on her thin lips, and her sharp gaze was concealed behind black sunglasses—Anna Margaret, the youngest daughter of Robinson, the owner of the digital marketplace app company. The girl moved freely and unashamedly in and out of the Griffin Company, as her name had become the talk of the local employees. After news of their arranged marriage, it had become a headline on various private television stations and newspapers. "Where's Griffin?" Anna asked, taking off her sunglasses and addressing Dicky, who was Griffin's manager. "In his office," Dicky replied curtly, seemingly unwilling to engage with Anna. Since their first meeting, Dicky had no desire to get to know her better. Anna, like many rich girls, was arrogant and haughty. She wanted to be respected but seemed to belittle everyone she met. The girl opened the door to the CEO's office, and Zaylee, who
"Hoaaahhmmm..." It was too early for Zaylee on her day off, yet she was already seated in a restaurant with a coffee latte. Sleepiness clung to her despite her efforts to ward it off with caffeine.Before long, a man walked towards her. He was dressed casually, wearing shorts and a polo shirt, not matching in color but still quite elegant, with an expensive watch on his left hand. Zaylee glanced at the large clock in the restaurant; it seemed the man had arrived on time."You didn't order for me!" Griffin exclaimed, seeing that there was only a cup of coffee for the girl."Why would I? We only need to talk, and you have to leave!" Zaylee retorted, met with a smirk from Griffin. The girl in front of her seemed to have a dual personality. At times, she could act as if she was hopeful, but she could also behave as if she were throwing Griffin away, just as Zaylee had done to him years ago."Quickly, tell me! What do you want to talk to me about?" Zaylee impatiently demanded."How about
The dining room felt so quiet; only the sounds of utensils clinking against plates could be heard. Griffin seemed to be enjoying his meal, unlike his parents, who were exchanging glances as if about to ask something."What's up, Dad! I know you've been wanting to ask me something since earlier?" Griffin asked without taking his eyes off his food, his expression flat, making Alex uneasy."Why didn't you accompany Anna yesterday to try on dresses for your engagement party? Anna said you went with Zaylee," Alex said candidly, placing his utensils next to his plate."Zaylee? That girl, are you still in contact with her? You must remember your promise to Mom, Griffin! And remember how she treated you before!" Vion raised his voice, his emotions overflowing upon hearing a name that angered him.Griffin just smiled faintly. He was tired of his parents' drama, as if they didn't know what happened between him and Zaylee. He was not oblivious to the facts; he kept