Chapter 1 A Crazy Night

Allison Roberts had gotten thoroughly drunk at a bar the night she ended things with Ethan Hopkins. Seated in a shadowy corner, she was locked in a tight embrace, passionately kissing a striking man without pause.

As the man gazed at Allison's flushed cheeks and intoxicating eyes, the effects of the alcohol, he whispered huskily, "Should we find somewhere else to continue?"

Allison's haze of intoxication lifted slightly, allowing her to recognize the man at last. It was Dominic Clark.

Allison intended to withdraw her hand but changed her mind the next second. She reached out and wrapped her arms firmly around Dominic's neck, pressing herself against him.

This moment of recklessness was driven not just by a desire to spite her unfaithful ex-boyfriend, Ethan. She also saw an opportunity in Dominic, whose influential status in Zenvale could secure better medical treatment for her father, Charlie Robert. Furthermore, he could shield her from Ethan's persistent annoyances.

Feeling Dominic's gaze traveling over her, Allison snapped back from her reverie.

She curved her lips into a seductive smile and leaned in, her scent bewitching as she drew near to his lips again. Her hand trailed down his shoulder, teasing the transparent buttons on his shirt as she looked at him with a silent yearning.

Dominic's Adam's apple moved noticeably. Surprised by her forwardness, his body tensed and then he tightened his grip around her waist, pressing her back against the sofa. His kiss deepened, becoming more fervent this time.

Allison nestled against Dominic like a contented cat, her passion palpable in every move.

Later, they checked into a hotel.

In the suite, they clumsily made their way to the bed amidst fervent kisses, culminating in a night of untamed passion.

Morning light spilled into the room when Allison awoke, finding the suite empty without Dominic.

A long, soothing bath helped ease her aches, refreshing her spirits.

As she emerged from the bathroom, there was a knock at the door.

Upon answering, Allison found a hotel waitress holding a large bag. "Good morning, Miss Roberts. Mr. Clark has arranged these clothes for you," the waitress informed Allison with a polite nod.

Allison accepted the bag with thanks and shut the door behind her.

Atop the pile of clothes lay Dominic's business card, a discreet nod to the private nature of their arrangement. Allison understood the implication instantly.

A wave of relief washed over Allison. Dominic's gesture hinted that he was still interested in being intimate with her in the future.

Digging through the bag, she found a set of lingerie, a blue dress, and a box of ointment.

Just then, her phone rang. Swiping to answer, Allison was greeted by the familiar voice of Madeline Miller, her best friend.

"Hello, Allison. How did it go? Did you make it?"

Allison's gaze shifted between the business card, the dress, and the ointment on her bed. "Sort of, I suppose."

Madeline replied, "That's good to hear. I had a feeling Dominic would be drawn to you."

"Madeline, you know I'm not interested in that stuff. I just want Ethan to get what he deserves," Allison said, her voice trembling, eyes burning with hatred.

Ethan, that despicable cheat, hadn't merely cheated on Allison. If that were all, she wouldn't have risked everything to deliberately entangle Dominic. Ethan had crossed a line.

When painful memories flashed back to her mind, Allison's hands balled into fists so tight that her knuckles turned white.

After the call ended, Allison tried on the clothes Dominic had instructed the waitress to send over. Surprisingly, they fit perfectly. She wondered how many women he had been with to perfect such a skill. Then, it hit her. She was one of them.

Even though Allison had applied the ointment, a lingering soreness persisted between her legs. Dragging her aching body, she managed to leave the hotel.

Allison had booked a taxi online, and it was waiting right at the hotel's entrance as she emerged.

Once settled in the taxi, she called her workplace to request the day off, quoting her need to visit the hospital. Going to work in such a condition seemed unthinkable.

Allison reached the hospital and headed straight for the inpatient building.

She first sought out her father's primary doctor, who let out a heavy sigh upon seeing her.

The doctor suggested, "Your father's condition has deteriorated further since last month. Have you considered transferring him to a specialized facility? There's an advanced sanatorium in Zenvale that collaborates with international experts. They could significantly aid in his recovery. The only downside is the cost, but you wouldn't need to worry about other aspects."

The mention of expenses made Allison clench her hands. "Dr. Chase, what would the transfer cost?"

"For someone in your father's condition, it requires specialized care and expert intervention. It would be around 100 thousand dollars a month."

The color drained from Allison's face as she echoed. "One hundred thousand dollars a month..."

"Though this hospital isn't equipped with advanced devices, we doctors have done everything within our power to stabilize your father's condition. If you're looking for further recovery, there's only one place to consider. The sanatorium in Zenvale offers the finest medical care available."

Clamping her jaw, Allison responded, "Thank you, Dr. Chase. I'll arrange to move my father there as soon as I can."

She left the office, only for her phone to ring the moment she stepped out. Checking the caller ID, she saw an unknown number. She figured it had to be Ethan, using a friend's phone after she had blocked his number.

Deep down, Allison felt a need to confront Ethan, aiming to ask what she should do in return for him letting her go. With a swipe, she answered the call, her voice cold and sharp. "Ethan, we're over. Why keep calling? What do you want now?"

Ethan's snort came through the phone. "Isn't your father your top priority? How does it feel, watching him suffer in bed, helpless?"

A flicker of anger crossed Allison's face. "Mr. Hopkins, please don't bother. I'm capable of managing his care on my own."

Ethan's voice was taunting. "Really? Manage on your own? You don't even have contacts outside the country. How will you get the specialists to treat your father? Listen, Allison, I have a proposition. Come back to me, and I'll ensure your father gets the best doctor immediately."