Chapter 1

On a chilly December night, the wind howled outside, yet inside, the atmosphere was as cozy as a spring day. Guests, attired in tailored suits and elegant dresses, mingled, clinking glasses and exchanging pleasantries.

Tonight was a charity gala, hosted by a family of high social standing, attracting many from the upper echelons of society.

Bella Obelon stood alone at the sink, the sensor-activated faucet releasing warm water over her delicate fingers. She washed her hands slowly, her hair falling forward to reveal her bare, graceful back.

A large, masculine hand touched her back. Bella was startled by its sudden warmth and roughness and was about to turn around and call for help when another hand covered her mouth. She was forced to tilt her head back, her eyes reddening slightly.

The man's breath lingered on her neck, teasing her ear. He nibbled on her earlobe, the gesture filled with intimate familiarity.

"You stood me up, yet you show up here for another man?" The man's voice ended with a mocking laugh.

Bella recognized the voice belonged to Edward Mellon immediately.

Her wet hand reached for his suit, staining it with a small, unpleasant handprint.

She pushed Edward away and grabbed a tissue to dry her hands. Through the mirror, her eyes, with their seductive tilt, glanced at him.

"I'm not getting any younger, and my family is pressuring me to get married. If I don't bring home good news soon, they'll probably drag me to blind dates."

Edward responded nonchalantly, "What's so great about blind dates? Just to be picked over by others?"

Bella lowered her gaze, her long lashes hiding her gaze. Her tone carried a hint of melancholy. "If I don't go on dates, will you marry me?"

Edward moved closer, lifting her chin with his hand. His eyes darkened with desire as he felt her soft and smooth skin; he could never get enough of it.

He was deeply attracted to Bella's beauty, which could captivate anyone.

Edward casually said, "You know me. I'll never get married."

Bella let out a laugh. "If you won't marry me, why do you care who I date?"

She was feeling a bit upset, so she threw a few sarcastic remarks at Edward.

Edward looked up and asked, "Should I move out of your place now?"

Bella felt a pang of discomfort but didn't want to show weakness. She used the excuse of touching up her makeup to hide her emotions. "Suit yourself. I'm not packing for you."

Having refreshed her makeup, she appeared even more radiantly captivating. She turned back toward Edward, her high heels producing a crisp, resonant sound as they clicked on the polished marble floor.

She grabbed his tie, her eyes full of challenge. "If you move out, don't come back."

The crystal chandelier above sparkled, reflecting in Bella's expressive eyes and beautiful lips.

Edward couldn't resist the temptation and leaned in to kiss her.

This part of the restroom was secluded, rarely visited. In the quiet space, the only sounds that could be heard were the ardent breaths as they kissed fervently.

Edward's hands roamed, sliding from Bella's bare back to her sensitive spots, then moving down to cover her perfect breasts.

He was also feeling upset. Bella had been with him for three years, and he was used to their intimacy. The thought of Bella being close to another man made his hands more aggressive.

Why could she not be his exclusive possession?

Why did she have to get married?

Edward lifted her into a stall, pressing her against the door and kissing her roughly. His nimble fingers slipped under her dress, moving up her smooth thigh.

Both of them were familiar with each other and unwilling to let go at this moment.

Bella bit her lip, moaning, her vision blurring. She had drunk a bit tonight, or she wouldn't have let Edward mess around in such a place.

"Ms. Obelon, are you here?" A voice suddenly called from outside. It was Dallas Evans looking for her.

Bella's mind cleared instantly. "It's Dallas. Be gentle. He's looking for me."

Edward didn't back off; instead, he got even more intense. His voice, thick with desire, was low and hoarse. "Your blind date? Your taste is truly abysmal."

Bella turned her head to avoid Edward's kiss, pushing him away with her hand, breathing heavily. "He has a house, a car, and a decent job. I find him rather impressive."

Edward's eyes turned cold as he slowly let her down. Looking at the flushed, incredibly alluring Bella, he asked in a deep voice, "Do you really have to get married?"

He didn't understand what was so great about marriage. Wasn't their current relationship good enough?

Bella's face also turned serious. "Yes. Since you won't marry me, I'll find someone else to be my husband."

Edward smirked. "Fine, you've got guts."

Dallas, waiting outside, was startled when Edward emerged. He was about to call Bella's name again but was silenced by Edward's icy glare, feeling a bit uneasy.

Had he offended this man?

Everyone at the gala was either wealthy or influential, and the man before him, despite his slightly wrinkled high-end suit, exuded an intimidating aura.

Dallas didn't dare to cause trouble. He had only gotten an invitation through connections and couldn't afford to clash with the distinguished guests here.

Edward, however, didn't let him off easily, giving him a cold warning. "This is a public place. Keep it down."

After reprimanding him, Edward left with a grim expression.

...

Dallas saw Bella appear and approached with two glasses of champagne. "The host spared no expense. Even the champagne is Penfolds. Try it; it's really good."

Bella stood facing the ballroom.

She saw Edward with a young woman by his side, their arms linked, their demeanor intimate.

As a fellow woman, she could see the deep affection in the woman's eyes. She must love Edward.

Bella's grip on her glass tightened instinctively. No wonder he agreed so quickly. He had a new interest.

He really meant what he said. When he decided to break up, he did it decisively, without any entanglement, allowing both to move on.

Bella felt a pang of sadness but didn't rush over to question him. What right did she have? Her relationship with Edward was nothing more than a fling.

They had agreed from the start that it was just about sex, not love.

Now, she was the one suffering the consequences. Bella couldn't blame anyone but herself.

Out of the three years she had been with Edward, she was the only one emotionally invested.

Edward's gaze locked onto Bella through the crowd, cold and aloof.

Bella tilted her head back and downed her drink.

She had no standing, not even to say goodbye.

Edward's attitude had never changed. Only Bella had been unwilling to accept it, trying to test the waters. Now she knew he didn't care about her at all.

Bella wasn't a heavy drinker, and the alcohol hit her quickly, making her cheeks flush and her green eyes hazy.

Dallas was mesmerized.

"Bella, are you feeling okay?"

He grabbed her arm, trying to pull her into his embrace, but Bella pushed him away.

She was a bit drunk but not out of her senses.

"Sorry, I'm not good with alcohol. I don't want to trouble you. I'm leaving."

Bella's words were gentle, but her actions were swift. She rushed to walk out.

The gala had just begun. Dallas glanced at the mingling wealthy guests in the ballroom, then at Bella's retreating figure. He gritted his teeth and decided to follow her.

Not far away, Edward watched Bella and Dallas's interaction, his face grim, but he didn't move.

Emily Watson, standing beside him, asked softly, "Edward? What are you looking at?"

Edward smirked and asked an unrelated question, "What will you do If a cat throws a tantrum?"

Emily blinked. "When did you get a cat?"

She didn't understand, and Edward didn't bother to explain.

He pulled Emily's hand off his arm. "I'm not in the mood. I'm leaving."

With that, he left Emily behind, his retreating back radiating displeasure.