Chapter 3 Encounter

"One more, please," I put down my shot glass on the island and ordered the bartender to give me another glass of whiskey.

Instead of staying in the mansion for the night, I asked my father to let me go home to my penthouse. But I ended up going directly to an exclusive bar. It just felt like I deserved to enjoy this night from what I had gone through just in a single day.

My ex-boyfriend cheated on me with my wicked stepsister.

My father forced me into a marriage with some unknown guy.

And that Dion Montero seriously asked for me as his wife! I remembered Dad's words, "He wants to marry you." That only meant Yuan specifically asked for me, right? Why? Did he know me? Maybe he had already met me? I didn't know. I wasn't sure.

I was tired from the flight back here and I should be taking a rest already, but it felt like being alone in my room would only worsen everything. I needed distraction.

I turned to look at the dance floor. My vision was already blurry, but I could still manage. This wasn't the first time I went to a bar, but this was certainly the first time I was alone.

Without second thought, I stood up and went to the dance floor. I had bumped into people along the way, but I was too drunk to care. I just wanted to enjoy and forget everything for this night. Ever since my mother died, I had lost my freedom. It was my father who had always been deciding for me. He had never asked for my opinion. From my schools to the people I wanted to be friends with, he was always the one to decide.

It's one of the reasons why I didn't have friends.

I became friends with Freya in college, and my father didn't care for the first time. But when I dated Rey, he was extremely displeased. And that was the first time I disobeyed him, so the distance between us grew even more apart.

Now he was controlling me again. This time, I had accepted it and planned to just go along with him.

But before getting married to a stranger, I wanted to be free even just this night. I would do whatever I wanted.

"Whoaa!" The people cheered as the music changed and became louder. Everyone got wilder as they danced the night away.

Not caring to everything around them, their movements followed the music's beat and rhythm with wide smiles on their faces. I couldn't help but laugh, too, and danced with them like there's no tomorrow.

We were having fun. I was having fun.

I was enjoying myself when I suddenly felt an arm that snaked around my waist. At first, I panicked because it was always Rey who would do this move whenever we're going in a bar before, but I realized he didn't even know I was here. Besides, the perfume that entered my nose when I turned around was far different from Rey's. It wasn't strong, but manly.

A broad chest greeted me, so I looked up just to see his face, my hips still swaying as the music continued. I didn't know if it was from the effect of the alcohol, but it was like my confidence and boldness skyrocketed as I flashed him a smirk.

"Hi, there," I giggled, not feeling even a bit of embarrassment.

He only stared at me with his dark eyes. There was no hint of a smile across his handsome face. Lifting my hands up, I rested my palms against his clenched jaw and had my thumbs stretching the corner of his thin lips to form a smile.

"Come on! You're so dark!" I chuckled. I didn't even care if his other hand was already on my hip and trying to stop me from moving.

We were in the middle of the crowd in a dance floor, and he was tall and just standing there while watching me intently. I frowned at him when his expression didn't change. "You're no fun."

Shaking my head, I turned to leave him and continue dancing, but he grabbed my arm and yanked me back against him. I squealed in shock before groaning in protest when he held me tight.

"We're going home," he said against my ear. A shiver ran down my spine at the sound of his voice. It was low and commanding.

I only stared at him, my lips parted a bit to say something but words couldn't get out of my throat. My mind was turning blank as I caught his gaze landing at my lips.

My knees trembled, my hands fisted on his suit. Dipping his head, he closed our distance and pressed his lips against mine. It didn't take long for me to feel him move, tugging my lower lip between his teeth before sucking it gently. I couldn't help a moan from coming out, the sound causing him to pull me much closer as his lips traveled to my jaw.

Closing my eyes, I let his lips leave a ticklish and burning feeling on my skin as I breathed deeply. I bit my lip when he nipped at my earlobe before he whispered, "Will you come with me?"

Come with him? A stranger?

"Yes," I breathed out, not thinking straight anymore. I couldn't find my strength from all the strange feelings he was giving me.

I let him drag me out of the dance floor. My grip on him tightened as everything around me spinned. Noticing my trouble, he held me on the waist and guided me out of the bar.

A valet approached us and gave the man behind me his car keys. Soon enough, I spotted a red luxurious sports car parked near us when its headlights flashed in my peripheral view.

Swallowing hard, I squeezed his hand to get his attention even before he could open the door for me. I stood in front of him, behind me was his car, and flashed him a small smile.

"I still don't know your name..." I could feel the heat that traveled in my cheeks, especially when he only stared at me for a few minutes.

He then raised an eyebrow, tilting his head a bit as he smirked in amusement. "Ron. Call me Ron."

"I-I'm..." My eyes blinked. "Riel."

I couldn't tell him my name. This would just be for a night, after all. After this, we wouldn't see each other again. I was sure of that.

"Riel," he nodded. I held my breath when he caged me with his arms as he brought himself closer to me. "What a beautiful name."

I didn't know if I was just imagining things, but did I just hear a tone of sarcasm in his voice?

Before I could think of it more, my eyes shut closed when his lips pressed against mine again.

Maybe it was really just my imagination.