Chapter 3: The Unexpected Contact.

Chapter 3: The Unexpected Contact.

Riley's POV:

Few hours later, I was staring at my reflection, barely recognizing the woman staring back at me.

Smoky eyes, hair falling in soft waves, the red dress clinging to my figure like second skin, as if it was made for this exact night.

“Damn,” I whispered.

Aria appeared behind me, lipstick in hand. Dressed to nine as well.

“Now say it like you mean it.”

“I look hot.”

“Way hotter than Celeste could ever be, even with all that surgery,” she winked, offering a high five. “Let’s go.”

We laughed out loudly as we strolled out from my apartment.

****

At the Club:

Velvet Room was not just a name, it was a fantasy. Dark floors, chandeliers dripping with crystals, and music that crawled under your skin in the best way.

We walked in like we belonged, Aria’s heels clicking loudly behind me, my heart thudding like it hadn’t in… forever.

The waiter led us to a booth tucked at the edge of the main lounge, private enough to breathe, but close enough to the music to feel it vibrate through the floor.

“What’s your poison tonight?” Aria asked, scanning the cocktail list.

“Anything strong,” I replied. “Anything that will makes me forget Eric and Celeste ever existed.”

“Coming right up,” she said, flagging the bartender. “Two Velvet Reds. Extra shots.”

We clinked glasses as the bass dropped, and for a fleeting moment, the pain blurred with the lights, music, and Aria’s laughter.

“You are glowing again girl,” she said, leaning in with a droopy eyes.

I smiled faintly, but something in my stomach churned.

I let out a slight grimace, but as usual nothing passes the inquisitive eyes of my bestfriend.

“Hey, you good?” Aria asked.

“Yeah,” I nodded slowly. “I think the drink is stronger than I thought.”

She squinted at me. “Want water? We can step out...

“No, I just need to freshen up. Restroom?”

She pointed toward the hallway to the left.

I slid out of the booth gently, legs a bit heavier than they should be, the club lights starting to swirl a little too smoothly.

I did not even finish half of the glass…

🌷🌷🌷

In the Restroom, I splashed cold water on my face, and gripped the sink as if the marble was the only thing tethering me to reality.

My vision swam, my heart raced, and a strange heat curled in my chest, spreading fast.

What is wrong with me right now?

I stumbled out of the restroom, panic clawing through the fog.

The lights blurred, the music thundered, and I couldn’t find Aria.

I turned and collided with something solid.

No… someone.

Strong arms caught me, and my hands clutched his body, afraid to let go.

I looked up and saw a man, tall, with a well sculpted face and cold grey eyes staring straight into my soul.

My body betrayed me, leaning into his warmth as though he is the only cure to whatever I'm feeling right now.

I caught his scent, the kind you could never forget, even in a rush.

It wrapped around me gently, like a warm embrace.

“Are you okay,” his deep, low voice stirred something inside me.

“I… I don’t know what’s happening,” I whispered, my voice trembling

His arms tightened just slightly, steadying me. “Come with me.”

And for a terrifying moment, I moved with him, without thinking.

********

Michael’s POV

The room buzzed with laughter and clink of glasses.

A soft jazz track floated in the background while the waitstaff moved between tables, topping off glasses of aged whiskey and flattering egos that didn’t need it.

I sat at the head of the long private table in the VIP lounge of the Velvet Room, legs crossed.

I steepled my fingers, staring at everyone with open disinterest, especially those trying far too hard to get my attention.

Across from me, Richard Langford leaned slightly forward, a long-time business associate with a chronic habit of subtle manipulation.

Beside him, his daughter Clarisse smiled at me, a hopeful glint in her eyes that did nothing to impress me.

I was already irritated by her revealing dress, which felt wildly inappropriate for this kind of meeting.

“I believe the synergy between our families can become stronger,” Richard said, pushing a glass of Macallan toward me. “We don’t just want a merger, Michael. We want unity, loyalty, and shared… values.”

Clarisse batted her lashes in agreement.

I wasn’t naïve enough to miss the effort poured into this meeting, or the nonstop flirty glances.

This wasn’t just about business. It was matchmaking.

And I had no interest in being anyone’s groom.

I offered a polite nod, lifted the glass, and took a slow sip.

My heartbeat sped up, and my gut twisted for no clear reason.

“Excuse me,” I said, already standing. “I need to step away.”

Without waiting for a response, I slipped into the dimly lit hallway and headed for the restroom.

My heart thumped harder, and I felt something slide down my back beneath my shirt.

I reached the restroom, and the door clicked shut behind me.

I leaned over the sink, splashing cold water on my face and gripping the counter for support.

My vision blurred, and heat raced through my body.

Something about it felt… wrong.

What the hell did they put in that drink?

The door creaked open behind me.

I turned and stiffened, taking in the woman before me.

She looked lost, eyes wide, chest rising quickly with uneven breaths.

Her long legs faltered as she reached out, trying to grab anything to steady herself.

I stepped forward just as she stumbled.

We collided, and her softness pressed against me, a wave of heat rushing through me.

She clutched me, leaning closer, her scent drifting into my nose.

When she whispered that she didn’t feel right, an instinctive urge to protect her surged through me.

“I need to go,” she muttered.

“I will take you" and she nodded.

I was a bit shaken by my response.

I had no idea who she was.

Just the sudden urge to get her out of here, and she went with me.

🌷Meanwhile…🌷🌷🌷

Back at the table, Richard Langford checked his watch and leaned toward his daughter, Clarisse, whispering.

She rolled her eyes and snapped, “He’s been gone for nearly fifteen minutes.”

“Maybe he needed some air,” Richard said. “Let’s go check.”

They both made their way toward the restroom corridor.

“Michael?” Richard called, knocking on the door before pushing it open.

The restroom was empty, not even a trace of water on the sink.

Confused, they turned around and caught a waiter passing by.

“Excuse me, did you see the man who was at our table? Michael Gray?” Richard asked.

“Yes, sir. He left about ten minutes ago… with a lady.”

Clarisse’s face changed into a scowl.

Richard’s brows lifted just enough to hide the flicker of frustration beneath his calm facade.

“Well, that was… unexpected,” he said, straightening his tie.

Clarisse narrowed her eyes toward the exit.

And just like that, the night suddenly got interesting.