Chapter 1 Love at first sight

Different body shapes swirled and danced around the club, illuminated by the bright colors that bathed the room. Laughter and conversation filled the air as people enjoyed drinks and snacks, while others indulged in more intimate activities like kissing and booking rooms for the night.

At the bar, Helen was drowning her sorrows in her fifth beer. Her spirits were low, and she felt like she could barely swallow her drink as she wallowed in her disappointment.

The day had been a tough one for Helen, as the job audition she had been preparing for had ended in failure. All the hard work and sacrifice she had put in seemed to be for nothing. She had skipped meals and abstained from alcohol in an effort to perfect her body for the role, only to be met with rejection.

If she had known that her efforts would go unrewarded, she thought bitterly, she would have skipped the gym classes, indulged in all her favorite foods, and enjoyed nights out at bars and clubs like the one she found herself in now.

"Oh no!" She moaned sadly, tears streaming down her cheeks and smudging her mascara. She reached for another glass when a strong hand stopped her.

Looking up, she scowled at the handsome and suave man before her. She didn't care that he was in a suit – all she wanted was another drink, and he was now in her way.

"Who the hell are you?" she spat, her eyes blazing. "Let go of me right now!"

"I'm sorry, but you've had enough for the night," he said calmly, taking a seat beside her.

"And who are you to tell me that?" she demanded, shoving him in the chest. "Are you my boss? My CEO? Who are you to control what I do?"

"I'm just trying to help," he replied, a small smile on his face.

"Well, the only way you can help me is by leaving me alone!" she snapped, grabbing the glass. But before she could drink, he snatched it from her and downed the contents in one swift motion.

"Hey, excuse me!" She yelled in frustration, her eyes flashing with anger. "What in the world do you think you're doing?"

"I'm just trying to help you," he replied, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he set the glass down.

Helen studied him intently, her brows furrowed as she seemed to be battling conflicting emotions. She let out a sigh and rubbed her temple as if trying to ward off a headache. "Explain to me," she muttered, shaking her head in confusion. "Why exactly are you doing this?"

"Because I fell in love with you at first sight," he answered smoothly, his deep brown eyes never leaving hers.

Helen's eyes widened in shock. "What does that even mean?" she questioned, her voice barely a whisper.

"My name is Ferdinand Moore," he introduced himself, extending a hand towards her with his business card.

"Ferdinand Moore?" Her voice softened as she took the card from him, her eyes scanning it. A sudden realization hit her when she saw 'FM company' boldly printed on the card. "Wait... Are you... the CEO, Ferdinand Moore?" she asked, her disbelief evident in her tone.

He smiled, nodding in agreement. She then took a closer look at his face and scrolled through the photos on the internet after browsing about him on her phone, and then fully recognized him as indeed the CEO of the well-known FM company. She was in disbelief as the resemblance was uncanny. Gasping, she almost dropped her phone, but he caught it just in time.

"How... how is this possible?" She stammered, shaking her head in confusion.

"Well, CEOs go to clubs too," he replied, a smile playing on his lips. "I've heard that CEOs usually only have one-night stands in clubs, but I guess my story is a bit different."

She swallowed nervously, her eyes widening as she struggled to maintain eye contact with him. Ferdinand's smile remained as he leaned in closer. She blinked, trying to figure out his intentions.

"I suppose my story is different," he said softly, brushing a strand of her hair to the side. "I believe I've fallen in love at first sight."

Before they could fully comprehend their actions, they leaned in and their lips met in a deep, passionate kiss. They kissed as if they truly meant it, losing themselves in the moment. When they finally parted, they gazed at each other, their lips slightly swollen as they tried to catch their breath.

"Let's go to a room," Helen whispered, tugging at his necktie. "I think I like you too."

Ferdinand gently placed his hand on the side of her face and shook his head with a smile. "No," he murmured softly. "Let's take things slow, okay?"

"What do you mean?" She asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

"Let's start dating," Ferdinand said, his eyes locking onto hers with sincerity, expressing the depth of his feelings.

She bit her lip, a soft smile forming on her lips, and nodded, whispering, "Yes, I will date you."

They shared another tender kiss before Ferdinand settled the bill for their drinks. As they left the club, he ordered an Uber, and they sat close in the backseat, fingers intertwined, while Helen rested her head on his shoulder, a sense of contentment enveloping them both.

After returning home, Ferdinand was delighted to see her street. He had also promised to visit her the following morning, and they bid each other farewell. Helen, in high spirits, danced her way to her flat, had a refreshing shower, and then settled into her pajamas and hair bonnet before reaching out to her younger brother, who was currently studying in Korea.

"Hey brother!" she exclaimed cheerfully.

"What's up?" he responded, his voice muffled as he was slurping something.

"Are you having ramyeon again?" she teased, to which he rolled his eyes.

"What's the matter, Helen?" he inquired, "I'm quite occupied at the moment."

"Studying?" she queried.

"The usual," he confirmed, "Anyway, what's new? Did you pass your audition?"

"No, but I have exciting news," she chirped.

"Oh? What is it?" he asked, not really surprised.

"I have a boyfriend," she squealed, "I met him tonight at the club!"

"You just met him?" he probed.

"Yes, why? Is something wrong?" she questioned.

"End things with him," he stated coldly, "I do not approve of this relationship."