nmasked. His voice carried a demanding edge, though it came with the roguish grin that defined him. H

n. She's just freshening up, give her a moment," she replies, resting a hand lightly on Rian's shoulder, like a mother soothing a fussy child.

ring the brief silence. Moments later, a long-haired woman descended the spiral staircase with quick steps, nearly leaping in her e

s she reached Rian, she threw her arms around him without hesitation, like a lover reunited after a long separation. "Rian, I've missed

ow, sweetheart. Sorry, work kept me busy yesterday, so I could only drop by now," he replies, his

ging his hand without waiting for approval. Her steps were light and eager, as if nothing mattered more than whisking Rian

huckle, his tone carrying a playful taunt. Without waiting for a reply, he followed Angel, who was already p

says half-jokingly, though a hint of annoyance crept into his voice. He glanced at Julian

eather sofa in the corner. A young woman with shoulder-length hair and a teasing smile stood up, approaching Doni with confident stri

around her waist, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Alright, I'm going first, Julian. You just wait for the girl Madam

here? I don't want this, you have to stay with me!" he exclaims, his voice trembling between

or company. Madam Stella's here-you won't be alone," he retorts with a mocking edge, his arm still around the

ill be down soon-just relax," she says, stepping closer and patting his shoulder reassu

as trained on him, though it might've just been his imagination. The cool air from the AC sent shivers across

oing to have some fun first, Julian. Relax-I'll tell you all about it later, haha!" he says, teasing her and ma

chosen companion. He was alone, surrounded by opulence that only made him feel more cornered. With hesitant steps, he walked to the nearest sofa and s

his tongue, a burning sensation spread through his mouth and throat. He nearly choked, his eyes widening as the heat surged from his throat to his chest. His f

th a trembling hand. He glanced around again, hoping to find something anything to distract him from the chaos w

lifted his head, his eyes drawn to the source. His heartbeat, which had briefly slowed, raced again.

ng. Anastasia's finished getting ready, she'll be here any moment," she says with unwavering confide