Him...

Liora.

Outside, the air was still the same, cold, just the way I liked it, and yet, I didn't get the familiar comfort it used to give.

The snow was falling, Christmas lights flickered, merry Christmas songs weaved softly in the air, cars passed by, hooting, honking, and my eyes stung just from the sight. Life didn't pause at my sorrow, at my broken heart, if anything, it moved in full swing, and I had to watch, with bitterness and anger pulsating with my heartbeat, fingers tightly clenched as I wandered around in the city.

I had no destination in mind, but I kept moving. I wanted to be anywhere but near that shameless pair.

And yet, as if fate was bent on completely breaking me, I somehow ended up in the very venue, where my engagement with Tavian was supposed to happen. It was held in a famous hotel in the city, owned by my foster parents, the Quinns.

I walked in robotically, heading directly to the elevator and pressing the highest floor key, the rooftop. That's where the engagement was supposed to happen.

It was still happening, with the same groom, but a different bride, who happened to share the same surname with the one replaced, but, whose name carried more weight, more honour, Seris Quinn, the real princess of the Quinn family, their pride and jewellery. Because, she was wild enough, and her status fitted perfectly with that of the Knight's family's young master.. As for the adopted case? she was clearly not worth it. Didn't belong to their world.

At the thought of Tavian's earlier words, more tears clouded my vision, the elevator was moving, my heart was racing, and so were my thoughts.

When I finally stepped out of the elevator, which led directly to the venue, I was welcomed by a huge portrait, a vibrant picture of a couple.

It was Tavian and me. He was in a sharp black suit, and I was in a flowing red dress, inches closer to him, cheeks flushed, a delicate smile playing on my lips. He had his one hand snaked around my waist, and his eyes, as they held mine, were glossed by what I had thought was love, but now, a self-mocking smile tagged at the corners of my stiff lips at the ridiculous thought.

To him, it was just a role play, indulging in the woven lies that he'd fed me for years. For seven fucking years!

Out of anger, I took my keys from my purse, unclasped the small knife from the holder and dug it through the poster, stabbing his face, over and over, his eyes, his mouth, and his abdomen. It was a regret that I could only vent my anger on a lifeless portrait. It would have been better if I had been digging the keyholder's knife into his heart instead.

That evil bustard!

When there was nothing left to the picture, I went to the decorations, kicked the flower vases, ruined the million-dollar decorations, and it was not until everything was in a complete mess and ruins that I came to a halt, a victorious smile playing on my lips.

The ruins did nothing to ease the pain, but I was pleased. They wanted to get engaged? fine.

But not over my sweat and effort? I wasn't about to let it happen. The portrait was in a mess, the red carpet, the glistening neon lights were in pieces, and as I watched, the moment I had wanted to be sacred, reduced to nothing but ruins and nightmare, I sank to my knees, deep and heartwrenching cries seeping past my lips.

I didn't know how long it took, but by the time I was done weeping, done mourning over everything, the wasted love, time, and devotion, I had long run out of tears, and my voice was gone, too.

Darkness had long crept in, and I took shaky steps away, towards the exit, my heart still in shambles, but my spirit alive.

That was the last time I was shedding tears over Tavian and Seris. From then on, the seven years never happened.

Next to the Quinns' height, was a famous club, Midnight allure. I was never the partying type, but, fueled by anger, and something even darker, I found myself inside, sitting on a stool at the counter, having no knowledge about what to order, and yet, my throat parched at sight of the sizzling drinks that the bartender was mixing.

" Something louder, bitter.." I whispered, my eyes not even looking at him. He was some pretty face, and after Tavian's betrayal, I started resenting anything pretty. They were nothing but trouble, a bunch of sleazy fools!

" The kind that silences the world within and without." Noticing no movements from his side, I stressed, my eyes meeting his.

He said nothing, he just wore a knowing smile before he started mixing. At least, he was a professional.

" There!" He slammed the glass over the counter and supported his chin as he observed me. I didn't care.

I smiled in satisfaction when the contents burned through my throat. Finally, there was a bitterness that almost rivalled the one in my heart. Very good.

" Another one " I whispered, this time, shooting him a pleased smile. He knew what he was doing. Hells save his soul!

He asked no question, he served it, this time, hotter, and bitter than the first time, and before I knew it, the world around me was even, soft, merry, moving, once again.

I even wore a relaxed smile as I pushed the glass back to the bartender.

"Add me another one, handsome bartender. " I whispered, smiling.

" Make it hotter, bitter, I might tip you well," I winked, and he went at it.

" That's enough!" A firm and raspy voice cut through the air, and a deep frown was set on my lips.

" Who the f......" I turned, ready to give him a piece of my mind, but at the sight of his face, the words were stuck in my throat.

He was hot. No..He was sinfully breathtaking. The kind of beauty that made women willingly become concubines in medieval times. He was a man, not a boy like Tavian. Muscles that threatened to rip through his suit, delicately refined cheekbones, a sharp jaw line, and lips that...heavens! I was losing my mind.

"You have had enough drinks for the day, young lady!" It was a command, one that was supposed to anger me, but instead, it had me nodding furiously. He was so hot. He couldn't be wrong. Blame the alcohol.

" No more alcohol? That's fine, too." I whispered, moving from my stool and taking shaky steps towards him. F*ck! My alcohol tolerance wasn't great.

" How about some fun, then?" I suggested, licking my bottom lip, and his features darkened, jaws clenched.

" He broke my heart," I whispered, not caring about his stormy face.

" But he gave me an advice, " I added, my gaze slightly unfocused,

" He told me to shed my virginity. " At my words, another shade of darkness was added to his face.

"I think he was right," I suggested, shamelessly running my fingers over his shirt, actions that were only prompted by the strong alcohol burning through my system.

"You are hot, irresistible. It wouldn't be a loss to give my first to you.." I added, swaying in my steps, again, the alcohol.

" What do you say?" My gaze was almost pleading as I held his.

" As long as you won't regret it.." Deep and hungry, his voice cut through my senses..

" No, I won't. " I whispered,

But if I had known who he was,

I would have run, but not to his arms......