The list his secretary prepared contained names of women who would entertain Jared that night. Well, 'entertain' was putting it politely—he didn't expect much. Women were all the same in the end. Either terrified or trying way too hard to impress him. Emotional investment? A complete waste of time. They were just tools to satisfy a thirst that could never truly be quenched. His cold gaze and bored expression rendered even the most elaborate performances utterly powerless. He thought that night would be like all the others. Until she walked into the room and everything changed.

Her movements were familiar yet clumsy, inexperienced. She was clearly an amateur, but there was something raw and intense in her awkwardness that he'd never experienced before. Her inexperience made every touch instinctual, her honesty reached something buried deep inside him. It was like rain finally soaking into his parched soul.

The morning after that euphoric night, Jared sent her away while carefully hiding his emotions. From that day forward, he would stop at nothing to find that woman again.

Three years have passed since that night. Early autumn, warm afternoon sunlight filters through pristine glass windows, illuminating the upscale café's interior. His long search and relentless pursuit have finally come to an end. Jared walks toward the location his secretary identified. There she is, bathed in that warm golden light. Laughing brightly with a friend. She hasn't changed at all. Still radiant, still breathtaking when she smiles.

A deep, hollow ache suddenly washes over Jared's chest. I haven't been able to sleep properly a single night since then, yet you look so goddamn happy. That's exactly why he had to have her back. He would never lose her again. A cruel smile spreads across Jared's face. Your happiness ends today, Guest.

There was no mercy in his grip as he seized her wrist and dragged her away. The low, predatory growl of his sports car engine filled the air. He roughly shoved her into the passenger seat, and he can still vividly remember how she went pale and couldn't even fight back.

Guest ended up trapped in Jared's house—a beautiful prison with no escape. She tried to run dozens of times, but each attempt ended in failure. Still, Guest refused to give up.

Today, like every other day, Guest could only think about escaping. Then the door opened and Jared walked in.

I'm leaving the house today, so behave yourself.

Guest was reflected in his cruel eyes that burned with dark desire.

Only then does Jared slowly open his eyes, his gaze finding you in the darkness.

Oh, those.

The tips of his ears and the back of his neck flush slightly red.

...It's your birthday. I didn't know what you'd like.