Chapter 2

I barely slept a wink last night.

I tossed and turned in bed, my mind completely consumed by that mysterious man's image. Those perfect muscle lines, and that phrase "I'll find you"... just thinking about it made my heart race.

This morning I changed outfits three times. The first was too conservative, the second too casual, and finally I settled on this black bodycon dress—sexy but not over the top.

The reflection in the mirror was indeed captivating. I deliberately applied exquisite makeup and even sprayed on James's favorite perfume.

When he finds out I'm with such a god-like man, he'll regret it to death!

2 PM, downtown Starbucks.

I arrived ten minutes early and chose a corner booth. My heart was beating fast—nervous yet excited.

"This figure should be worth extra money." I smugly adjusted my dress hem, anticipating the upcoming "special service."

Footsteps echoed from the entrance as a tall figure walked in.

My eyes instantly lit up.

Oh my God!

The photos didn't capture this man's true charm at all. Six-foot-three height, broad shoulders, chest muscles subtly visible under his tight t-shirt, and those amber eyes—he was absolutely my ideal type!

He looked around, his gaze landing on me. I quickly waved, flashing my most charming smile.

"Are you... the professional?" He approached, his voice deep and magnetic.

"That's right!" I stood up excitedly, deliberately pushing out my chest, "You look even better than in the photos. Really great physique."

His gaze quickly swept over my body, then he frowned. "You look... very healthy."

Healthy? What kind of strange compliment was that?

"Of course I'm healthy," I patted my waist proudly, "I take great care of myself. So... shall we discuss the price directly?"

"Price..." He sat down, his expression turning serious, "Are you really sure about this? This kind of thing can't be undone."

My heartbeat accelerated. God, the way this man spoke was so sexy, that deep voice was making me melt.

"I'm very clear about it," I licked my lips, "Last night you said anything was possible, right?"

His expression grew more grave: "Yes, but I need to confirm your motivation. Why would you have this kind of... idea?"

"Motivation?" I blinked, "What other motivation could there be? I just want to... enjoy myself. Life's short, why can't I try something exciting?"

His expression became pained: "Is it because of relationship problems?"

Huh? How did he know? Were these professionals all so observant?

"Sort of," I sighed, "My boyfriend is a bastard, with my stepmother... forget it, I won't mention them. Anyway, I really need to... release some tension right now."

"Release..." He repeated the word, something flashing in his eyes, "Are you sure this is the best way?"

"Of course!" My eyes brightened, "And seeing your physique, I think it'll definitely be worth every penny. When do we start?"

He fell silent for a long time, reaching out as if to cover my hand.

"Listen to me," his voice became very gentle, "You're so young, so beautiful, with countless possibilities ahead. Wanting to... do this because of heartbreak just isn't worth it."

My face grew a bit warm. Being praised by such a man really did improve my mood.

Just then, the café door was pushed open again.

"Becky!"

My blood instantly turned cold.

Damn it! How could James be here?

James wore a designer suit, followed by a gaudily dressed woman—Victoria. They were arm in arm, looking like a loving couple.

Seeing this scene made me nauseous.

"Come back when you've had enough fun, you know you can't live without me." James walked up to me, wearing that smug smile I hated most, "Yesterday was just a misunderstanding, we can talk it through."

"That's right, we're still family after all." Victoria smiled sickeningly sweet, that face making me want to vomit, "Becky, you won't be that petty, will you?"

I trembled with rage. These two shameless bastards dared to come find me!

"Get lost!" I stood up, my voice shaking, "Don't let me see you again!"

"Don't get so worked up." James reached out to grab me, "Look, you've found yourself a new man too, haven't you? We all have new lives, why can't we be honest about it?"

What did he mean by being honest? You two were cheating behind my back and now you're being righteous about it?

"I said get lost!" I stepped back, but James grabbed my wrist.

His fingers left painful marks on my skin. I tried to break free but couldn't.

In the next second, a large hand forcefully gripped James's wrist.

"She told you to get lost."

I felt a powerful aura from behind me as the mysterious man stood up. His height completely dominated James, those amber eyes glowing dangerously in the dim light.

God, he was so handsome!

"Who are you?" James tried to struggle but found he couldn't move, "This is our family business, what's it to you?"

"She's mine."

He wrapped one arm around my waist, pulling me behind him. In that moment, I caught his scent—very pleasant, somewhat like a forest, wild yet full of security.

"Try getting near her again."

His voice was as low as a beast's growl, and I felt him emanating an aura that made people instinctively want to submit. This feeling was strange, but... I liked it.

James was obviously scared, I could see the smugness on his face instantly turn to fear.

"You... you're hurting me!" James tried to struggle, but it was useless.

"Hurt?" The man chuckled coldly, "This is nothing. If I see you harassing her again, I'll show you what real pain feels like."

With that, he directly pressed James against the wall, lifting him a full foot off the ground!

My God! How did he do that?

"Ah!" James let out a scream, "Let me go! Let me go!"

Watching James in such a pathetic state, a surge of vengeful satisfaction rose in my heart. Serves him right!

"Let him go quickly! We'll call the police!" Victoria, seeing her "little lover" being subdued, immediately panicked.

"Call the police?" The man turned to look at her, and I felt his aura become even more dangerous, "For you harassing her?"

Victoria immediately didn't dare to speak.

He released his grip, and James immediately collapsed to the ground, clutching his wrist and groaning.

"Listen carefully," he looked down at them from above, "If I see you appear in front of her again, face the consequences."

James looked into the man's eyes, and I noticed those eyes seemed to flash with golden light in the shadows. James's face grew even paler, as if he'd seen something terrifying.

"We... we're leaving!" James scrambled to his feet, dragging Victoria toward the door.

"Wait!" Victoria looked back at me, "Becky, you'll regret this!"

"Get out!" The man let out a low growl that even made my spine tingle.

The two immediately ran even faster, as if being chased by some monster.

The café returned to quiet, but I could feel that dangerous aura still lingering in the air.

I leaned against this man's broad chest, feeling his rapid heartbeat. This man had just been like a wild beast protecting its young, and I... felt incredibly safe.

This feeling of being protected was something I'd never experienced before.