s

g, but my mind wasn't on the task. After encountering "Mr. Handsome", I found myself distracted

d the clingy woman adding something suspicious to one of the glasses

. I was certain they'd witnessed it, yet no one reacted. I stru

arn him. He was a stranger, but I couldn't shake the urge to protect hi

artygoers. We stood inches apart, his warm breath caressing my face. The inten

es locked onto mine, demanding an explanation fo

stepped back, creating s

the silence. "Uh, did the money

t he remembered me. "I

eal concern: "But I saw the woman who was

clumsily, not at al

but his expression spoke volumes

for me," he finally sa

of relief, and swiftly tur

," I whispered to mys

his friends head to the dance floor, leaving h

my belongings and headed to the manager's office, adhering to the esta

t feel a hint of dread. After a long day, facing

oor. "Come in," the manag

, Isla. You can go home,

arry's sudden entrance and whispered conv

" the manager called out,

e one more drink to the VIP table by

now? - but I knew better than to refuse, e

more," I nodded, fati

fically requested me

e

ierced the air. I rejected it and pow

ace?" I growled, frustrat

d wasn't my choice; my mother, Pamela Norman, had orchestrated

or commitment; the

man's vast billionaire empire. My life is a pictu

e, a stunning and talented actress from a respected family,

vances with surprising eagern

ersisted, highlighting the strategic benefits of marrying Nicole Kensington. They stre

y proposed to Nicole. She accepted, a

her. Our engagement is a calculat

ire turning heads. Everyone noticed our arrival, and we sett

my worries about Nicole and my demanding parent

arms, planting kisses on my face, and offering seductive lap dances.

for the night. Amidst the sea of stunning women, on

urves mesmerized me. I signaled the ne

asked, nodding

esitated, "I

she's the one to serve my next drink," I

de

Stephanie really have spiked my drink?

no longer felt safe. I pushed

ed?" I muttered, annoyed

into my seat. "Too

ed mine. "What

ng off the stain," I re

okay now?"

good," I a

lass of scotch. "

elief, but I refused to give i

anie pressed, bu

wn, visibly frustrated.

an eyebro

ust so... forget it." She stormed off to the dance floor. "

accusatory glances bef

't faze me. I had no i

hought, eager to

s more important. I grabbed my

wdy group was splurging cash recklessly. Spoiled

to the rowdy group. One of them, the apparent leader, caught my attenti

ut he persisted. No one inter

eryone con

he offender. "Get your ha

locked on me. The man hesit

s the waitress from earlier. Her bright blue eyes sparkled with relief

his tone dripping with disdain. "Y

wn this place. Keep your hands to yourself. It's

ck to where you came from," he gro

iness," I counter

e were evenly matched in height, our gazes bur

think you're tough?" he sna

ground,

," he declared, his voice dripping with

ink he was? His quirky

be wiped off. I craved c

sponsible, and incapable of achieving anything worthwhile. Pretty

sudden, crushing blow struck my fa

ith rage. I felt a sharp pain on my lip. As

straw. My fury unle

t his arrogant expression. Everyone's attention shif

rming out of the club, heaving heavily. Ev

led eyes. I ignored them, feeling vindicated. Yes, I wa

concern shifted to the wait

and perplexed, her