Chapter 1

I can't get him out of my mind. The feel of his lips on mine, the gentle touch of his caress - it all still lingers. His presence haunts my thoughts, and the mystery of his identity intrigues me.

"Elizabeth, what's on your mind?" Stella asked, sounding surprised. "I've been talking for a while now, but it seems like you're lost in your own world."

"Well, why don't you enlighten me, Stella?" I replied, shaking my head sarcastically.

"Are you thinking about your cheating ex-boyfriend again, Elizabeth? I've told you, he's not worth it."

"I know, Stella. But it's not him I'm thinking about. It's the stranger I almost gave my virginity to. Luckily, I was able to resist," I admitted, taking a sip of my wine.

"What the...?!"

"Yes, you heard right. That's all there is to it, Stella."

"So you disappeared because of some stranger?"

"Do I have to keep repeating myself?"

I couldn't help but feel irritated. Stella had a knack for bringing me down and stirring up negative emotions.

I saw her eyes widen in disbelief, as if she couldn't believe what I had just said.

"But it's not safe to go out with a stranger. As your friend, I'm worried about you," she said.

I looked at her, appreciating her concern. "Let's not argue about this, Stella. Let's just enjoy the night. But thank you for caring."

I lifted my glass of wine for a toast. "Cheers to us!" Finally, Stella smiled. I excused myself to go to the restroom.

"Alright," I heard Stella reply.

As I walked away, I bumped into a man, almost losing my balance. He caught me, his strong arms steadying me. I looked up into his eyes and gasped. It was him, the stranger from before.

"You?!" he exclaimed in surprise.

I gently pulled away from him. "Please, let me go," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

I turned away from him and hurried to the restroom, my knees shaking.

Once inside, I sat down and took a moment to collect my thoughts. After a few minutes, I decided it was time to leave.

I returned to the table where Stella was sitting, only to feel a stab of pain when I saw Rey - the man who had broken my heart - with his new girlfriend, a woman I had never met. I clenched my fists in frustration and heartache.

Stella was talking to him, her face a picture of annoyance. Tears welled up in my eyes, and the familiar pain in my chest returned.

I looked away and walked out, hoping the fresh air would help, and found myself alone on the balcony. The tears wouldn't stop, and the pain was unbearable. Damn it all!

I was about to remove my mask when I heard a deep voice nearby. I decided to keep my mask on.

"Here, it's clean," the voice said.

It took me a moment to take the handkerchief he was offering.

I turned to face the stranger, feeling a sense of intimidation just from his presence.

"Thank you," I said, accepting the handkerchief.

"What happened?" he asked.

"My ex-boyfriend cheated on me," I admitted, dabbing at my tears with the handkerchief. I was heartbroken and numb. The pain was unbearable.

I noticed that he was holding a bottle of wine and a glass.

He poured a glass of wine for me, and even though I hesitated at first, I eventually took it.

We started talking about various topics, our laughter ringing out and momentarily easing the pain caused by my cheating ex-boyfriend.

"May I see your face?" he asked.

"I'm sorry, but I'd rather not reveal my face," I said.

I looked into his dark eyes and gave him a seductive smile, my hand lightly touching his face. The wine had loosened my inhibitions.

"Could you take me somewhere where I can forget about the pain of today? Let's continue what we started. I don't care about my feelings anymore. What's important is how I feel right now," I said.

There was a mysterious glint in his eyes. He gave me a strange smile that revealed his shiny, white teeth. Again, my eyes were drawn to the necklace around his neck.

Could I trust him? Maybe.

Suddenly, he pulled me close and kissed me. I responded eagerly, losing myself in the intoxicating kiss.

I wrapped my arms around his neck as we shared our first intimate moment, stoking a burning desire within me.

We stepped into a dimly lit room, still wearing our masks. I was adamant about keeping mine on.

We undressed slowly, each piece of clothing removed with care. But we kept our masks on.

"I'll turn off the light. Can we take off our masks?" he asked, his lips brushing against my neck.

"Alright, but don't turn on the lights," I told him firmly.

I ran my fingers through his hair, my body responding to his touch.

I closed my eyes, savoring the feel of his caresses and the soft kisses he planted on my body.

"Your wish is my command," he said.

His lips brushed against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine.

I bit my lip as his kisses trailed down my body, from my stomach to my thighs.

I was drenched in sweat, the heat overwhelming. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest.

The room was filled with an intoxicating mix of anticipation and desire. His touch was electric, sending waves of pleasure through my body. I found myself responding to him in ways I never thought possible.

"Relax," he whispered in my ear, his voice sending shivers down my spine.

His hands moved with a gentle assurance, exploring every inch of my body. His lips followed, leaving a trail of soft kisses that left me breathless. The sensation was overwhelming, pushing me to the edge of ecstasy.

Suddenly, he pulled away, leaving me panting and wanting more. He looked at me, his eyes filled with a desire that matched my own.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

I nodded, unable to voice my consent. I wanted him, more than I had ever wanted anyone before.

He smiled at me, his eyes softening. "Then let's make this a night to remember," he said.

He pulled me close again, his lips meeting mine in a passionate kiss. I lost myself in the moment, the rest of the world fading away as we succumbed to our desires.

That night, I experienced a level of intimacy and passion I had never known before. Despite the uncertainty of what the future held, in that moment, I was content. And for the first time in a long time, I felt truly alive.