Blood Ties: Beyond The Night

Different colors of beautiful light flashed in the environment as loud K-pop music kept banging from the five speakers arranged on the stage. Thousands of people filled the concert, and the touch of light from their phones gave the scene a vibrant aura.

Five beautiful ladies who were dressed as security agents kept shaking their bodies on stage as their main vocalist, a man in his late twenties, sang the chorus of the K-pop the pianists were playing.

While many people supported this glorious beat, a few kept booing the song, yelling they were bored with K-pop and wanted to listen to something else.

.....

Annabella's Point of View:

I'd just finished my performance on stage a few minutes ago and felt exhausted and spent. My back ached from hours of dancing and singing, and all I craved was a soothing massage and a cup of cold soda.

I ran to my dressing room, hoping to have a quiet moment. However, I couldn't escape the shouting of my adoring fans, who were waiting for me in large numbers, calling out my name.

They were supposed to be listening to the K-pop music a popular artist was playing, but they decided to skip it and torture me with their loud screaming instead.

"I love you, slay queen! Will you marry me?

"Give me your autograph!"

"Sign my clothes!"

"Kiss my lips!"

"Are you dating the Korean idol, Lee Eul? Or the Thai sugar boy, P'Nuttarat?"

Hundreds of fans kept shouting and asking me questions at once, eager to get closer to me.

"I will answer your questions later; I'm exhausted now! Thank you for your love and dedication. I love you guys, I love you so much!" I screamed at them happily, waving my little fingers, hoping they would back down in their pursuit, but they didn't stop shouting my name, and this bothered me because I was desperate for fresh air.

"Hey, babe, don't faint here, or else I will feed your flesh to the vultures," Eden, my song director, whispered into my ears, and I quickly rested on his broad body.

With a silent plea, I signaled to my manager to handle my fans and secretly slipped out through the back door, thanks to one of my good friends' distraction.

The heels I wore were torture, causing me to wobble awkwardly as I tried to find my way to my car. I searched the parking lot but couldn't find my car. I quickly called my driver, who informed me that he parked it in the VIP section. I was frustrated, but quickly headed to the VIP section.

Unfortunately, on getting there, I hit my foot against a stone, causing me to lose my balance. Just when I thought I would stumble, a strong hand gently held my waist. I looked up in surprise, my breath catching as I met the gaze of my savior. His smile was gentle, and his striking features left me in awe.

His hair was raven-black, and his eyes were as red as red wine. His nose was straight, and his lips, oh my, those lips were like temptation incarnate. I couldn't help but notice his well-defined chest, visible through his partially unbuttoned shirt; he had eight-pack abs, and I drooled at his chest.

My initial embarrassment melted into something else as I found myself caught in his gaze. 'Is this man the devil's eldest son? Is he the Prince of darkness?' I wondered, my mind racing with numerous questions.

"Hello! Are you alright?" His gentle voice, tinged with concern, quickly snapped me back to reality.

"Hum," I blinked my long eyelashes at him, and my eyes found their way to his tempting red lips.

Unable to control my lustful desires, I leaned in, pushing my lips forward. "Kiss me handsome, and do it now." I thought I was imagining it in my head, but I said it out with a seductive voice, practically throwing myself at him.

He was shocked by my words and raised his brows as he regarded me with disdain.

"Are you alright, ma'am?" His sudden, stern voice brought me back to reality, and I hastily removed myself from his grasp.

"That was weird," he commented as he took a step closer, his eyes lingering on my heels.

I instinctively stepped back and folded my arms.

"Are you alright?" He repeated with a calm voice, and he attempted to touch my shoulder.

"What's your problem? I never said I was unwell! Why are you being so offensive?" I yelled at him, irritation obvious in my voice. I felt ashamed of drooling at him, and I needed someone to vent my frustration to.

"That's not a friendly way to speak to your savior," he scolded me, a deep frown settling on his handsome face.

"Okay. Thank you, Mr. Savior," I replied curtly, my face red due to embarrassment.

The man smiled broadly at me, and a thousand butterflies filled my belly. I quickly turned to leave out of fear that I might do something stupid.

"Hey, Miss Kiss me." He began with a seductive, low voice. I paused and clutched onto my short gown, thinking he meant I should kiss him.

"...you forgot your phone!" He teased me, holding up my expensive phone.

I was shocked and quickly checked my small pocket, only to realize my phone was gone. Panicking, I whirled back to him, my leg shaking funnily as I moved.

"Give that back! It belongs to me!" I yelled with a loud, shrill voice and tried to drag my phone from him, but my legs missed, and I ended up hugging him out of fear I would fall.

My strange savior, who was taller than me, bent his head to look at me and scowled.

"I see what you are doing... You are using style to get closer to me, aren't you?" He asked with a cunning smirk on his lip, and I quickly shifted from his side.

"In your dreams, thief! Now, give me back my phone!" I demanded as a deep frown settled on my face.

"Why should I?" He asked with arched brows and raised his long hands up, so I wouldn't be able to collect the phone from him.

"Well, because it belongs to me! It's not yours. Act like a real gentleman, and return it." I replied, angrily stomping my foot on the floor.

The frustration I felt was out of this world. To me, my day was going badly; I was tired and hungry, yet a total stranger decided to tease me!

"Oh, that's right, it's not mine. But what will I get in return? I mean, I found the phone, didn't I?" He asked, his lips curling into a cunning smile as his eyes roamed over me.

A few girls passed, giggling when they saw us.

"Hey, don't look at me like that; I'm not interested in guys like you," I boasted and scowled, hiding my true lustful feelings.

"What do you mean by 'guys like me?" He asked with an angry voice. "I don't sleep with just anyone." He continued, downplaying my worth with his gaze.

I cleared my throat, embarrassed, as his words hit my vulnerable side. 'Just anyone? Did he just call me anyone?' I thought, and I pouted my lips.

No man had ever talked to me like that. In fact, they would do just about anything to have me in their bed.

"You can't talk to a woman like that; it's rude and uncultured!" I gnawed at him, trying to preserve my last shred of pride.

"I didn't mean to be rude, but I strictly follow my words! I don't sleep with just any girl." He continued with a stubborn voice and raised his brows, scanning my slay queen outfit.

"Just any girl?" I hissed loudly and shook my head. "Do you even know who I am?" I asked, my anger bubbling.

"Who are you, young lady?" He raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance.

"I am Annabella Kashin, also known as the Queen of the entertainment industry! I've received tons of awards, including Best Model, Most Beautiful Woman, People's Choice, Voice of the Nation, and a lot more. I'm also a popular musician, and the entertainment industry respects and loves me," I boasted proudly, a hint of arrogance in my voice.

He rolled his eyes at my self-absorbed introduction and hissed, "I have heard of you. But your kind of 'respect' is questionable, to say the least. Do you think you are imparting positivity to your fans?

What are you teaching the younger generations? Are you teaching them this slaying lifestyle of yours?" He scrutinized my outfit and shook his head pitifully.

My gown was very short, and the top was revealing some parts of my chest. "Are you judging me?" I snapped at him, my ego wounded.

"Of course not," he replied with false remorse. "I would never do that to a young lady... at night."

"You are judging me, right? Is it because I am alone at night? Or because my guards aren't here? What gives you the right to do that?" I shouted at him, irritated by the way he was addressing me.

"Pretty girl, I'm not judging you. I'm just sharing my thoughts on your influence," he tried to clarify, attempting to ease the tension. "By the way, I think you're cool and fun to be with." He said with a fake smile, which I easily read.

Suddenly, a cunning idea came to my mind. I smirked, raised my short legs, wrapped my arms around his neck, and kissed him roughly.

'If he wants to act like a saint, then I will prove to him that no one can resist me!' I was determined on my mission and I poured my soul into the kiss.

Funny enough, my strange savior didn't hold back; he kissed me passionately.

The last thing I remembered before passing out was kissing his lips, and the rest of the night was history.

.......

THE NEXT MORNING.

I slowly awoke, my body was weak and my thighs sore. As my eyelids reluctantly parted, the harsh morning light passed through the curtains, piercing my sensitive eyes like a thousand sharp knives. The room seemed to spin around me as I failed at my second attempt to turn my head to the other side.

My mouth was parched, and the taste of alcohol clung to my tongue. Something else was tasting in my mouth, but I just couldn't figure out what it was.

Confusion clouded my mind as I wondered where I was. 'Where am I? How did I end up here? Why is my beneath sore?' Those questions kept echoing in my head.

I couldn't remember what happened the previous night, and it was quite difficult to place together the events that had led to this unfamiliar room.

Taking a deep breath, I turned my body to the other side of the bed and froze. A handsome man lay asleep beside me; his eyes were shut, and his lips were swollen.

I winced as the memories of the night before suddenly became clearer, his blurred face and the shameful events that had transpired between us.

"Oh no!" I whispered under my breath and quickly removed the blanket, covering my body. I was naked, and the truth became painfully clear as last night's event fully replayed in my head.

I closed my eyes in shame. Yesterday, I kept spouting nonsense. I kissed the strange man with the intention of proving that no man could resist me, but things got out of hand.

The man wanted to drop me off at my place, but I forced him to take me to a hotel. I got drunk, and I forced him to have intimacy with me.

'Ahhhh!' I growled, irritated by my action. A sharp pain passed through my private area, and I whined. My mother will be so disappointed, and my father will be embarrassed of me! I've made a mockery of my family's name.

'I've made a fool of myself; I've proved the world right that indeed I'm a lowlife model.' I cried out, ashamed of myself.

All my life, my dream was to get accepted by my family. I just wanted them to realize that I was capable of making my own decisions. I wanted to prove to my fans that they could trust me, but every time I keep ruining things!

My goal was to become an idol who wasn't mocked and intimidated by others, but I just didn't know how to go about it.

"I have failed them once again. They will surely seize all the benefits assigned to me," I whispered under my breath.

"What if cameras are installed in this room?" I thought, and I quickly looked around the room, looking for CCTV cameras that didn't exist. I had to do something fast, but the more I thought of a way out, the slower I became.

As I was looking around the room, my eyes landed on the business card beside the bed, and I saw the name General Adriel Lupa printed on it.

The man in the photo on the card was identical to the one sleeping beside me.

Suddenly, it drew on me: the man I had a one-night stand with was General Adriel Lupa, the most powerful, influential, and feared soldier in our country and beyond.

Annabella's Point of View:

"I had a one-night stand with the most powerful man in the country!" I shuddered in fear. "Oh no! This will ruin my reputation and bring more stigma upon me! What if it's a planned scandal?" I thought to myself.

'Why did I leave the concert without my driver? I should have endured my fans' adorable screams." I cried out like a baby and bit my fingers in regret. Fear loomed in my heart. It wasn't just because of the man in the room, but the fear of what my family, fans, sisters, and manager would say.

"The consequences of my reckless night will be too much for me to bear if it gets out!" I thought to myself. 'Who will want to be part of a fandom where the superstar sleeps with every man she meets at night? My reputation will be ruined, and my career will suffer.'

As I tried to think, it was as though thousands of people were drumming on my head because it hurt badly. My mouth was also tasting bitter. At that moment, I needed to taste something sweet to regain my sanity. I looked around the room, but I couldn't find a glass of water or wine.

"He is a very popular and powerful man, and considering the fact that I was involved in a huge scandal a few months ago, I can't be seen with anyone who can ruin my reputation." I thought, biting my fingers nervously.

"I have to leave! I really have to leave now," I said to myself, and I gently stood up from the bed, making sure I didn't wake the man. The bed made a low squeal when I got up, and I quickly looked at the man to make sure he was still asleep. Satisfied by what I saw, I continued my escape plan. I looked around, hoping I would find my underwear and shoes, but I couldn't find them in the room. It was as if it had disappeared into thin air. I shrugged my shoulders, wore my short gown, and tiptoed to the door, but it was locked, and the keys were missing.

"Are you looking for something?" A hoarse yet commanding voice broke the silence, and I froze in place. I slowly turned to face the bed, and my eyes came into contact with his red eyes. He wasn't asleep all along, but he was pretending. He sat down on the bed, a cunning smirk on his lips. My heart nearly dropped, and I looked at him with widened eyes.

"Where do you think you are going, my little pest?" His tone was laced with authority, and he raised his hands. He was holding the keys in his left hand, while my underwear was in his right hand!

'Oh my goodness!' I gasped, wondering how shameless he was.

"I knew you were going to try something tricky; that's why I decided to keep your pants and bras safe for you!" He said mischievously, making sure that he stressed the 'pants and bras' part.

I didn't reply to him; I just kept quiet. My mind was in turmoil, and I was trying to think of a way forward. The man stood up and slowly moved closer to me. I was frightened by this new development, and since the door wasn't available, I ran to the window as quickly as I could.

"Calm down, pest; there is no way out, so just relax!" He said with a seductive voice, shining his teeth at me.

I looked out of the window, and he was right. There was no way. I was on the fourth floor; if I jumped down, I might lose my two little legs, but if I remained there, I would have to endure his painful and embarrassing torture. Who knows, he might even decide to touch me. No, I preferred to lose my legs than to face humiliation from the man who took my virginity.

'No, there is always a way!' I shook my head and took a deep breath before I jumped out of the window, forgetting that I was a multi-millionaire, award-winning celebrity. There was a look of shock and mischief on the man's face, and I knew that was not our last meeting.

When I finally landed on the hard floor, I looked around. Unfortunately, I was still in the hotel building. The surrounding area was beautifully decorated with flowers, and the walls were made from strong glass. Different well-dressed people wandered about; none of them bothered to pay attention to me. Maybe it was because they were wealthy or because I was shamelessly dressed.

I incurred a deep cut due to my jump, and I could swear I thought I was paralyzed when my legs refused to move. I tried to stand up, but my legs betrayed me, and I collapsed on the floor. I looked around and noticed that some men in black suits were looking around. I need not be told that those men were searching for me. Mustering all the courage I could gather, I forced myself to stand up from the floor, hiding whenever I saw the men.

I looked around the car park, but I couldn't spot my car. If I had seen it, I would have been able to drive out of the hotel.

"Oh no! I am doomed." I cried out as more regret washed over my face. My brain began to think fast, and I thought of a thousand methods to escape from this horrible fortune. I could hear the bodyguards communicating through the earbuds they had on, and it scared the hell out of me.

My heart raced as I laid on the cold floor, my mind occupied with thoughts of escape. I knew I had to get out of there before the bodyguards found me, so I slowly got up once again, my legs shaking beneath me. I spotted a nearby restroom and quickly made a dash for it, hoping to find a temporary hiding place. I locked myself in a stall, and I took a deep breath, trying to calm down. I couldn't believe what had happened. One night of recklessness had led me to this mess.

I heard the sound of footsteps outside, the bodyguards were getting closer. My heart skipped a beat as I realized I was trapped. But I refused to give up. I thought about the windows. Could I make another jump? No, it was too risky, and the window was very small.

Suddenly, an idea popped into my head when I looked outside the window. I saw the signboard of the hotel; it was familiar because I filmed a blockbuster movie in that same hotel a few weeks ago. I remember the side exit that we used when acting in the movie. It was a risk, but it was my only hope. I took a deep breath, opened the stall door, and made a run for the exit. I can't remember for how long I kept running, but I knew I stopped when a gentleman, one of my fans, parked and offered to drive me to my studio.

Throughout my time in the gentleman's car, my mind was not at ease, and I kept thinking of how to save myself if a scandal happened again. The gentleman tried to engage in a lustful conversation with me, but I was beyond listening.

I reached my studio, gasping for breath because of the long conversation the gentleman tried to have with me. I came down hurriedly and thanked the man. Although he asked for my phone number, I played dumb and left his presence.

It wasn't like I was rude or anything, but my mind was filled with pressing matters, and I didn't want to get distracted by a man looking for a celebrity to warm his bed.

My studio was a cozy space, reflecting my artistic personality. It wasn't big, but beautiful. The walls were painted with a warm, creamy color and adorned with vibrant artwork and photographs. The floor was made of dark hardwood, and the furniture was made of modern pieces.

There were three big ring lights in the corner, and the light radiating from them made the room astonishing. Shelves lined the walls, filled with books, art supplies, and various musical instruments.

It was the perfect atmosphere, welcoming everyone to a world of possibilities and a chance to be whatever they want to be. I felt better at once because I was in a place where I could express myself freely, and pursue my passions without judgment.

Rachel, my manager, looked up from her desk; she looked really worried, and it was obvious on her face.

"Annabella, what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost!" She exclaimed and quickly ran to my side. "Don't tell me your fans were stalking you again, because that's the only reason why you'll be breathing heavily like this," she continued, carefully leading me to the couch.

She looked at my outfit and furrowed her brows, wondering why I was still wearing the previous day's gown. Thankfully, she decided to ignore it.

I collapsed onto the couch, trying to gather my thoughts. "It's a long story, Rachel. But......argh!" I exclaimed after a moment of silence. I wanted to tell her what happened between me and the powerful Adriel, but I was nervous because she had warned me times without numbers to stay away from things that could implicate and ruin my career.

"I will write to the media now, and if possible, to the police department! We really have to keep the fans in check. It's fine if they like their idol, but what is the use of stalking?" Rachel replied with a grimace on her face. She moved to her desk and picked up her phone, a deep frown settling on her face.

"Don't bother! It wasn't the fans; in fact, I didn't bump into any of them," I stuttered, unsure of what to lie about. I didn't want her to call the police, because once they start their investigation, I might be asked some stupid question that would reveal my last night's secret.

"Covering up your fans, are you?" Rachel asked with raised brows.

"Nope, it's actually the truth," I mumbled weakly. I had a rough time last night; my body was weak and sweaty.

"What have you gotten yourself into this time around, Annabella?" Rachel's eyes narrowed as she looked at my neck.

"Yeah, what have you gotten into?" Lee Eul's voice jerked me back to earth. He was seated behind the curtains, sipping from a bottle of red wine, his face bearing a relaxed expression.

I hadn't noticed him before, and my body immediately weakened.

.......

Adriel's Point of View:

I licked my lips seductively upon hearing my security head's report. I smiled to myself, intrigued by her bold escape attempt.

"Sir, we tried our best, but she knows this place better than any of us and used it to her benefit," John apologized, his eyes fixed on the floor. "But I will send my men after her. What would you like us to do next?"

I leaned back in bed, and joined my fingers together. I released my fingers, took the pillow she had slept on, and inhaled the fragrance. "So heavenly......" I muttered dreamily as the events of the night flashed before me.

"She forgot her house card," I replied curtly, taking a quick glance at the card on the table beside the bed. "Let her think she's escaped. I want to play, so give her a head start. But, John?"

"Yes, sir?" He replied like a diligent soldier and looked me in the eyes.

"Make sure she knows I'm always one step ahead," I answered, trying to figure out something as an image of last night flashed into my head. John nodded and exited, leaving me to my thoughts.

"She's a fascinating creature, full of fire and spirit." I thought to myself, picturing the image of my late lover. "But why does she remind me so much of...?"

I couldn't finish my sentence because of the guilt. "It can't be her; she's dead, and her soul is at peace," I assured myself, but the doubt lingered.

As I was thinking of a way out of this distraction, my phone rang, breaking the spell. I swiftly stood up, picked up her card, and put it in my pocket. I answered the call, and a deep frown settled on my face as my little cousin's irritating words irked me.

'I'd love to watch her squirm, but for now, I have more pressing matters to attend to.'

Annabella's Point of View:

"Hey Lee, nice to see you," I said with a formal voice, trying to hide my discomfort.

Lee Eul stood up and walked towards me menacingly. "Baby, I have told you several times to address me informally," he cried out, pouting his lips. He sat down beside me and held my hand.

I looked at him with an irritated expression and shook my head pitifully. Just looking at him acting cute disgusted me, but there was nothing I could do because I was stuck with him.

"Why were you calling me yesterday?" I inquired, as I remembered the numerous times my phone kept ringing during my shameful act.

"Well, I was scared you might get hurt," he replied with a baby voice, pecking my cheeks. I stylishly shifted away from his side and cleaned his peck away from my cheeks.

"Scared my foot! If you were really scared, you wouldn't have told your fans we were dating without my consent. Also, you had no right to compare me to your baby mamas." I replied angrily as I remembered the way my fans kept bombarding me with questions.

"Well, we're actually dating, and I thought it would be nice if I told them since you're shy about us, and about the baby mama stuff, I'm sorry." He replied and twisted his lips, giving me a guiltless expression.

"Dating," I scoffed and shook my head hysterically. "We are........"

"You guys should slow down with your lovely couple's fight." Rachel interrupted my sentence with her words. A mischievous grin was on her face as those words left her lips, and she winked at me. I knew she was trying to tease me, and I sighed in defeat.

"Sorry, Rachel, we will," Lee Eul replied, grinning like a fool, and it irked me.

"Oh, come on! We are not a couple. It's all fake, and you guys know." I yelled at the top of my voice. I hated to be called his lover because he had numerous girlfriends and baby mamas.

"But you agreed to it," Rachel quickly chipped in, looking at me with arched brows.

"Yes, I did! And I'm not saying no. All I'm trying to say is that we are both saving our reputation from being damaged, so stop acting like Lee and I are a real couple," I explained curtly, giving it my best shot.

"I am literally saving you from the scandal you got yourself into. What do you have against me? Why can't we date in real life?" Lee asked with raised brows and stood up from the couch.

"Firstly, you aren't saving me from any scandal; we are saving ourselves. The rumor that you seduce young fans into sleeping with you is still going around. Also, I can't date you in real life because we are very different. You are a playboy, and you have numerous mistresses, while I'm somehow a saint," I explained, wincing like a child.

"A saint?" A scowl appeared on his face. "Your news is all over the internet. You excessively edit your photos to improve your physical appearance and to seduce those at the top in order to win an award. Yet you claim to be a saint. You are no saint, Annabella, you're a sinner!" He sneered, his eyes glinting with malice.

My eyes widened in shock and indignation, and my face flushed with anger and embarrassment. "You know it's not true." I protested, my voice shaking. "Those photos were manipulated without my knowledge or consent. I'm a victim of sabotage, not some kind of deceitful seductress. I'm sure it was Pamlet; she badly wanted to win the model of the year award. When I got nominated, she was jealous; that might have driven her to sabotage me." I explained, stood up, and took a step forward, my eyes blazing with anger.

"And even if I did it, what business is it of yours? You're just a hypocrite, Lee. And we're both here to save our public image from being tarnished. So please, let's stay out of each other's personal lives and focus on faking our relationship to gain the fans' support. It's my life, and I can choose to live it however I like," I said, took a deep breath, and went back to the couch.

The bitter taste from earlier returned. And at that moment, I couldn't ignore it any longer. I looked around the room, and thankfully, I spotted a refrigerator beside the couch. I quickly rushed to open it and took out a cold bottle of Malta. After gulping it down, I felt much better.

"You don't have to be so furious; fine, I am sorry for anything I did wrong." He apologized and sat down beside me again.

Rachel sat at her desk, watching the drama unfold before her eyes.

Sniff..' Lee Eul sniffed my neck and furrowed his brows. "What were you up to last night?" He asked curiously.

Before I could yell at him to mind his business, he spotted a red hickey on my neck and stood up. He was taken aback and responded with a mischievous growl. I knew precisely what that growl meant, but I feigned innocence, regarding him with an awkward expression.

"What is it again? I'm exhausted! Yesterday's concert took a lot out of me," I remarked, sighing as I recalled the memories of my encounter with Adriel. His presence, despite his absence, continued to send shivers down my spine.

It was rumored that he came from a wealthy royal family, which had been in existence for centuries. I was genuinely frightened of him due to the disturbing rumors surrounding his actions.

At one point, a shocking rumor had spread widely, suggesting that he had killed one of the prime minister's daughters. The child in question happened to be his ex-girlfriend, and the rumor claimed he had murdered her because she had cheated on him. I hadn't paid much attention to the news, but during that period, I couldn't help but follow the story for a month. It was revealed that the ex-girlfriend's sister had confessed, explaining that she had discovered her sister's diary. A few hours after the sister spoke out, her dead body was found by a pool, and the case was closed like it never existed.

.......

Back to the present:

"You are really something else! So you had intimacy with someone last night, and here you are blaming me for your misfortune," Lee bemoaned, and clapped his hands.

"Ummm," I sighed again; my mind was in turmoil, and I needed to calm my nerves. "Rachel." I called my manager's name softly.

"What is it, baby girl?" She asked and moved closer to me, her phone in her hand.

"Do you think Adriel is a wicked man?" I questioned curiously.

"Adriel? Who's that?" Lee interjected, furrowing his brows. "Or wait. Is he your new boyfriend? Have you found another lover? Are you prepared for another round of heartbreak?" He inquired, his expression showing genuine concern.

I shook my head, understanding his worries. He feared that if I found a new lover, I might not be interested in our deal again.

"Which Adriel is that?" Rachel asked, ignoring Lee's laments. "Is he an actor, model, singer, footballer, or an ambassador?" She asked curiously.

"Of course not! I'm talking about Adriel Lupa," I scolded her and playfully shook my head, wondering why she would think so deeply.

"General Adriel?" Lee and Rachel were surprised. Lee tilted his head to face me as a deep frown settled on his face.

"Yes, General Adriel," I confirmed, and I nodded my head.

"What business do you have with him? Or are you planning to engage in a romantic relationship with him, as you do with every man you meet?" Lee asked with bitterness in his voice, breaking into laughter.

I didn't find his words amusing and hissed at him. "Get out right now!" I yelled at him; I was in a bad mood, needing rest, and his presence did nothing to improve my mood.

Lee was shocked. "What do you mean? You can't send me out," he shouted back at me.

"Why can't I?" I inquired, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "It seems your ears are hurting. I asked you to get out of my studio."

Lee raised his brows, looking at me and Rachel. Unable to bear his presence, I stood up and angrily left the studio. I took one of the cars from the garage and drove off to my house, passing a quiet road. Rachel and Lee didn't bother to ask where I was going, and I preferred it that way.

My house was one of the largest on the street, situated in the heart of the busy city. When I arrived home, I realized my house card was not with me, and I had to call the security officer who opened the door for me. I rushed to my room and collapsed into my bed, still fully dressed. I didn't bother to remove my jewelry; I simply took off my shoes and closed my eyes. In no time, I drifted into a deep slumber.

The persistent ringing of my house phone jolted me awake. I lay there, groggy and hesitant to leave the warmth of my bed. But when the ringing continued, I finally dragged myself up and sluggishly made my way to answer the call.

"Oh, moon! Who is it?" I grumbled angrily. "It's so early in the morning! Don't I have the right to rest as well?" I murmured dreamily, totally stressed out.

"You mean early in the evening. Sweetie, the time is 17:00." My mother's voice fully woke me up, and I quickly sat down on my dressing chair.

"Mum, why are you calling? Has the news spread? Is everything okay?" I stammered, hoping Adriel had not posted the news. I quickly reached out to my computer and checked if there was any new update. Seeing none, I sighed softly.

"I don't know what you are talking about, dear, but everything is fine in Saga City. Believe me, daughter, Prince is getting more prepared; he is doing his best to impress you when you return," my mother informed me, giggling excitedly.

I took a deep breath as I remembered the deal I made with my parents. In exchange for following my dreams and pursuing my career, I would get married to the man of their choice, Prince. He is my childhood friend, and his parents are very close to mine. I didn't want to make the deal, but I was desperate to escape from my parents' tight grip.

"That's the perfect news to hear after waking up in a busy city," I said, my voice filled with sarcasm, but my mother squealed in excitement.

"Don't be like that, love; he's the perfect gentleman for you. Your father and I made the right choice in choosing him," my mother continued, trying to convince me to come back home like every other day.

"Did you really call me to praise your husband and yourself?" I asked with bewilderment.

"Heh, heh, heh," my mother giggled, laughing in a silly manner. "Actually, no, there have been reports of the vampires gathering together once again. Your father asked me to tell you to get prepared; your presence will be needed soon." Her voice turned serious as she informed me of the latest development.

"Hmmm..." I threw my hands up in exasperation, covering my face with my palm. "Do I really need to be involved in the family's business?" I whined, my voice dripping with reluctance.

"Not again, dear." My mother threw up her hands, her voice trembling with a mix of frustration and urgency. "You're a shadow hunter, just like your parents and grandparents before you. It's your duty to carry on our legacy! And with Prince soon to take over the organization from his father, you'll both be the leaders of the Shadow Hunters organization."

"Ummm," I sighed softly, "I'd do anything to make my family proud."

My mother nodded her head. "That's the spirit. I love you, dear. Stay safe, and listen to Rachel. Also, don't pamper your sisters too much." With that, the call was disconnected, and I dropped the phone back on the table.

I let out a deep sigh and scrubbed my hair with my hands, feeling like I was at my wit's end. I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, and my unkempt appearance only made me shake my head in dismay. My eyes looked sunken, my hair was a tangled mess, and my expression was a picture of frustration. I was a hot mess, inside and out.

'But why are vampires suddenly gathering? I thought they were extinct?' I wondered aloud and hit my cheek with my palm.

"I had a one-night stand with a stranger, and boom, vampires began to gather. I'm really in a big mess, ain't I?" I asked myself thoughtfully. Suddenly, I remembered clips from last night, and my cheeks turned red. I closed my face, blushing like a fool. I knew I should regret my actions, but deep down, I longed for the strange man's touch.

My belly growled loudly, informing me that I hadn't eaten that day, and I sluggishly stood up and headed for the kitchen. A loud shrieking noise echoed from the kitchen, and I knew my horrible day had just begun.