Chapter 5

The Sterling Hotel ballroom that night was filled with crystal lights and the clinking of glasses. Guests arrived in their finest attire, forming small circles of conversation filled with diplomatic smiles. The welcome event for Master Designer Vivian Wheeler became the center of attention, though not all guests yet realized who the figure in question was.

Billy Harvey stepped inside with Donna Amanda. His black suit fit perfectly, his tie neatly fastened, his expression as flat as ever.

Donna let out a long breath. “I don’t understand why we have to come to an event like this.”

Billy glanced at her briefly. “It’s an official invitation.”

“And boring,” Donna replied irritably. “It’s full of people who act important.”

Billy did not respond. His gaze swept the room briefly, then returned to neutral.

Donna moved closer, whispering softly, “Five years, Bill. Five years I’ve been by your side without a status. Do you know what it feels like to be me?”

Billy took a sip of his drink. “This is not the place to talk about that.”

Donna smiled stiffly. “Of course. Always like that.”

Her eyes moved quickly, searching for one of the servers carrying a tray of drinks. When a male server approached, Donna lightly touched his arm.

“Come here,” she said gently. “I want to ask for a favor.”

The server bowed politely. “Of course, Miss.”

Donna leaned closer, lowering her voice. “The drink for that man later,” she glanced toward Billy, “please add this.”

She slipped a small sachet into the server’s palm. “Don’t make a mistake.”

The server hesitated for a moment. “This—”

“Just a supplement,” Donna cut in quickly. “I don’t want him to be too tense.”

The server finally nodded. “Alright, Miss.”

Donna withdrew her hand, a faint smile forming on her lips.

Her eyes gleamed with calculation. “Tonight must not fail,” she murmured softly.

On the other side of the ballroom, Vivian Wheeler had just entered with Lily. The emerald-colored long gown framed her body perfectly. Simple, yet captivating.

“Just relax,” Lily whispered. “All eyes will be on you.”

Vivian smiled slightly. “I just want to get through tonight properly.”

Before they could move any farther, someone accidentally bumped into Vivian from the side. A glass of drink spilled onto the front of her gown.

“Oh my! I’m sorry, I’m so sorry!” the man exclaimed in panic.

Vivian looked down at her wet dress. “It’s alright.”

“I’m really sorry, Miss. I was careless,” the man continued.

Lily immediately stepped closer. “Excuse us for a moment.”

Vivian nodded. “I’ll go to the restroom first.”

She turned toward the hallway, drawing a soft breath. “Looks like I need to change my dress.”

“Okay,” Lily replied. “I’ll wait here.”

Vivian nodded and walked away.

Meanwhile, Billy received a new glass of drink from the same server.

“Please, Sir,” the server said.

Billy took it without suspicion and drank half of it.

A few minutes passed.

He frowned slightly. His body felt hot. His breathing grew a little heavy.

“What’s wrong?” Donna asked, pretending to be concerned. “Are you not feeling well?”

Billy rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t know.”

The server passed by again. Billy finished the rest of his drink, hoping the strange sensation would fade. Instead, it worsened. His chest began to pound faster, his thoughts growing hazy.

Donna smiled faintly and moved closer. “You look pale. I’ll take you to a room so you can rest.”

Billy brushed her hand away. “No.”

“Bill—”

“I said no,” Billy cut in firmly, though his voice sounded heavy.

He loosened his tie, then unbuttoned his suit jacket. “I just need some air.”

Billy turned and walked away, his steps beginning to stagger.

Donna was startled. “Bill! Wait!”

But Billy had already disappeared into the crowd.

Donna clenched her teeth. “Damn it.”

She tried to follow him, but lost his trail. There were too many hotel corridors.

“No way,” she muttered angrily. “This should have worked.”

Billy walked aimlessly, his breathing growing heavier. He took off his jacket and tossed it onto a nearby chair.

“What the hell is this,” he muttered.

In his hand, his phone vibrated. He didn’t care. His focus was scattered.

At the corner of the corridor, Vivian stepped out of the restroom while reading a message from Lily.

Vivian replied briefly, “I’m coming there now.”

Without looking ahead, she stepped forward—and collided with something solid.

“Ouch—”

Her body almost fell, but two strong hands immediately caught her. One hand at her back, the other gripping her waist tightly.

Vivian looked up. “I’m sorry, I—”

Her words stopped.

Billy.

Billy stared at her with dark eyes, his breathing heavy. The woman in front of him made his chest tremble violently.

“Those eyes…” he murmured softly.

Vivian was stunned. “Sir, let go of me.”

Billy did not hear her. All he saw was a pair of eyes he knew far too well.

“Thabita,” he hissed.

Vivian was shocked. “You’ve got the wrong person.”

But Billy had already lost control. His grip tightened, and without warning, his lips pressed against Vivian’s.

“Mmm—!” Vivian tried to push him away, but Billy’s body was too strong.

The kiss was deep, heated, filled with emotions suppressed for five years.

Vivian lightly struck Billy’s chest. “Stop—”

But when Billy’s lips moved to her neck, the touch made Vivian’s body weaken. Her breath caught.

“I missed you,” Billy whispered hoarsely.

Vivian closed her eyes. Her chest rose and fell. In a single second, all old memories surged back.

“Consider this as a release of longing,” Vivian murmured softly.

Her hand rose, gripping the collar of Billy’s shirt, then she returned his kiss.

Billy let out a low groan. “Come with me.”

He grabbed Vivian’s hand and pulled her into a hotel room whose door was not locked. The door closed.

Inside, Billy pressed Vivian against the wall, kissing her lips again without hesitation. Vivian responded, her hands trembling.

“Slowly,” she whispered.

Billy did not answer. Desire took over everything.

In the ballroom, Donna stood with a cold expression.

“Where did he go?” she muttered.

She searched the corridors once more, but still did not find Billy.

Donna clenched her fist. “Damn it.” Her eyes narrowed. “Tonight… failed again.”