By the expansive poolside within the grounds of a luxurious hotel, a young, beautiful girl clad in a red bikini from the latest summer collection confidently flaunted her sultry curves, capturing every gaze. She was Sara Roberts
Sara was a girl of strong character, or in other words, headstrong and impulsive, and to her stern father, she was indeed "a wild horse that couldn't be tamed." Having lost her mother at a young age, she always believed her father to be the cause. As a result, a gap had always existed between them, one that seemed impossible to bridge.
After four years of living abroad and having fun, she returned home as per an agreement made years before and marked by the welcome-back party today.
Extravagant parties like this were nothing new to Sara, for she was the daughter of a leading businessman in the cosmetics industry in this city. The cost of such parties could equal what an average worker might earn in ten years, but such amounts were of no concern for those born at the finish line. Her circle of close friends was also composed of wealthy heirs and heiresses, so money was never an issue.
Sara emerged from the pool, her fair, glistening skin adding to her allure. She walked over to Henry, placing her hand on his muscular shoulder, her gaze affectionate as she whispered.
"Turn the music up; let's feel the vibe."
Henry flashed a bright smile, revealing his charming dimple, and cranked the music to its maximum. The crowd immediately responded, and the atmosphere surged with excitement.
Sara swayed to the rhythm; each dance moves gracefully and fluidly, attracting the eyes of the young men. Her return this time had undoubtedly not disappointed them.
Sara possessed round, sparkling black eyes that shone like the depths of the Son River, clear enough to see to the bottom, and her long, dyed golden hair was so stunning it compelled onlookers to exclaim its beauty.
Her tiny bikini accentuated her fair skin, showcasing her physical attributes to their full advantage.
Sara always had confidence in her natural beauty, though her childhood's lack of maternal love occasionally led her to self-deprecation with her pessimistic thoughts.
Amidst the pulsating music and the raucous cheers, boys and girls flirted and frolicked without restraint, enjoying a freedom devoid of boundaries.
A server brought her a glass of red wine, her favorite. Sara inhaled the distinctive, delicate aroma of the aged grapes before taking a deep breath, the sensation thrilling her senses.
A nearby young man stepped forward with a smile, offering her a drink, but Sara declined as he wasn't her type, although, in truth, no one knew what her kind was like. Everyone felt Sara was a girl full of secrets, an enigma with many layers. The rejected young man awkwardly moved away, his discomfort evident in his twisted face and forced smile.
As the party continued and Sara became more engrossed in the lively music, the server brought her another drink. She accepted it with a smile, unaware of any potential problem. The party went on with no end in sight.
After the alcohol took effect, Sara began to feel dizzy. The scene blurred, the lights dimmed, and everything seemed to spin. She needed help, but everyone was too engrossed in their merriment to hear her cries for help. Henry was not far away, but his image grew indistinct in her mind.
Sara hurriedly put on a thin jacket and returned to her room. As she walked through the hallway, she felt someone following her. She quickened her pace to shake them off, but the more she walked, the more she felt lost, trapped in an undefined maze.
As her steps slowed, Sara suddenly saw a room ahead where someone had just entered without closing the door completely; she grabbed the door, looking for help.
"Let me in for a moment, just a moment; someone is chasing me."
Observing the scantily clad girl, the man appeared skeptical, wondering if she truly meant no harm, yet her pleading made it impossible for him to ignore her. He responded with a chilliness that could not be colder.
"Just for a moment then."
No sooner had Sara stepped inside than she heard footsteps halt outside the door, likely belonging to her pursuer. Sara planned to wait for him to leave before making her exit. Unexpectedly, a large towel was draped over her, followed by a cold voice.
"Use this for now, careful not to catch a cold."
When Sara turned around, the man had left, acting as if he had never seen her. Sara began to feel an uncomfortable heat spreading throughout her body, causing her cheeks to flush and an unbearable restlessness. She patiently waited for the man outside to leave so she could exit. However, her legs began to falter, and she collapsed onto the floor.
Despite having tasted various wines, she had never felt as uncomfortable as now.
Sara tried to grasp the door handle, curling up to control the overwhelming sensation dominating her. She told herself, "Just a bit longer, everything will be alright," but the longer she stayed, the more she felt like she was about to explode.
Unable to endure any longer, Sara staggered into the bathroom, hoping the cold water would bring some relief. She moved quickly inside and opened the door without noticing someone was already there.
Sara shed all her clothes, exposing her youthful body to a strange man she did not know. She turned the water on full blast and closed her eyes, letting the water pour over her. She inadvertently pressed against the man's robust physique in her agitated state.
The torment grew, driving her body to extreme arousal; Sara clung to the man, unable to let go.
"What are you doing? I don't want to be a criminal," he protested, trying to push her away with his strength.
Sara, uncontrollable of her actions and not intending to stop, groped his firm chest, her passion inflamed.
"Are you insane? I told you to stop," he reacted more vehemently, prying her off him and pushing her against the wall, yelling in anger.
The physical contact only intensified Sara's wild desires, deaf to anything but her cravings.
Sara boldly captured the man's moist lips, biting down, which aroused him. In the struggle, their lower bodies inadvertently touched, sending a hot electric current through him, making him shiver uncontrollably.
Her wandering hands continued to explore sensitive areas of his body, challenging his self-control.
Faced with such a case, a successful man inexperienced in romantic affairs found it challenging to resist the attraction of a beautiful and seductive woman.
He didn't know how to make her stop her bizarre actions; he was only aware that she was testing his patience.
Suddenly, he paused to look at her carefully made-up beautiful face, her eyes conveying indescribable thoughts.
"If you continue, don't blame me."
The girl continued, and under the reflective light, their exquisite bodies intertwined ceaselessly like a masterpiece born from the depths of passion.
The alarm clock rang incessantly, and Sara woke up in a daze, puzzled as to why, for she never set an alarm before going to sleep. A life of reckless abandon, unconcerned with the money thing, surely didn't need worrying about time. Her eyelids fluttered open, and she inhaled deeply, appreciating the subtle scent of high-quality silk emanating from the familiar sheets, blankets, and pillows, prompting her to remark.
"High-end hotel, so everything is upscale."
"Boom." The door closing startled Sara, wondering who had just left her room. She was alone, so why was someone here this early morning?
"Ah...ah...ah!" Looking at the naked body wrapped in a thick cotton blanket and a few drops of dark red blood, she silently remembered everything. The previous night, she sought refuge in a man's room to escape danger, ultimately...
"Ah...ah...ah!" Sara couldn't contain her scream, echoing off the walls and reverberating throughout the vicinity. Though she lived a liberated life, indulging in revelry solely to provoke her father, she had never ventured into intimate relationships. The events of the night were truly beyond her control.
Burying her head in the pillow, Sara noticed a set of women's clothes prepared by someone next to a stack of money. She thought scornfully, "Does he think I'm a prostitute?" sneering, "That guy must be laughing at me now. If one day we meet again, I will definitely make his life worse than death."
Sara changed into their clothes and returned to her room, checking her phone to find fifteen missed calls from her father. The phone rang again, startling her-it was her authoritative father. Sara answered but felt far from pleased.
"Hello..."
"Where have you been since last night? Why didn't you answer my calls?" His reproachful words only deepened her disappointment. It was always the same between them, like fire and water. While abroad, her father insisted on bodyguards or accompanying her; he would have someone secretly watch over her, a notion she deeply resented. Her escapade last night was an act of defiance, leading to unforeseen events...
"I was just about to call when you did. Is there something you need, or if not..." Sara was irritated, feeling her father didn't respect her privacy.
"Planning to turn off your phone, were you? Come home immediately; don't even think about running away." Mr. Roberts knew his stubborn daughter all too well, always ready to argue with him. Yet, there was one thing he couldn't comprehend: Why did so many people wish to live like her but couldn't, and she didn't know how to settle down and enjoy happiness?
Stepping out of the hotel, Henry was already waiting for her, honking the car horn to signal upon seeing Sara. She grumbled, "Fine, I'll go home; what's there to be scared of?"
Henry couldn't help but smile at Sara's sulky face as the car started moving.
"What's wrong? Who upset you this early in the morning?" Henry was still unaware of last night's events.
"You don't understand, I and that person is truly destined. If I could choose, I'd choose a different father," Sara said, shaking her head and complaining about her authoritative and strict father. They had never had a pleasant conversation since that man entered her life.
"Why think like that? After all, he is your father, who loves you the most. Just go home; maybe he's waiting for you to have breakfast together." Henry was always optimistic, and Sara often confided in him when she was unhappy. Unfortunately, she had left suddenly that year, leaving no chance for him, but now that she was back, everything could start anew.
"Really? You make it sound like you're narrating a romance novel," Sara shook her head, unable to believe what her close friend had just said. She knew her father all too well; returning this time felt like entering a prison, with him likely forcing her to stay indoors without stepping out.
The luxury car stopped before a magnificent, majestic villa as imposing as an ancient European castle. Her father was very interested in European culture, so the West heavily influenced the villa's architectural style and interior decor.
Mr. Roberts was having breakfast when he saw his daughter enter, immediately signaling the butler to bring additional food and utensils. The elderly butler, who had been with the family since Sara's mother first joined as a bride, was well acquainted with the household preferences.
Knowing Sara disliked fried food in the morning but enjoyed broth-based dishes to warm her stomach, he served her pork noodle soup with plenty of chili sauce. Sara hadn't eaten anything since early, plus last night had wasted a lot of energy, his stomach was rumbling uncomfortably. She ate without paying attention to anyone.
"Why eat as if you've been starved? Eat slowly so you don't choke, girl, don't you think anything of it?" her father, sitting beside her, complained.
"In this house, I am the rightful owner; why should I care about the attitudes of others? On the contrary, they should be concerned with mine," Sara immediately objected. She never gave in to her father, not even a word.
"I'm reminding you to change. How can an inconsiderate girl ever get married?" Mr. Roberts also stood his ground, determined to argue his point.
"I have money; if I can't get married, I'll buy a husband."
"Even if something like that is conceivable, whoever is willing to sell his body to me must be because he has no other choice."
"Father..."
"Come now, young mistress, please don't argue with your father anymore. You've been abroad for so long and have just returned; everyone is happy. The master was only joking; don't take it to heart." Mrs. Laly, the housekeeper, now over fifty, had witnessed countless such arguments between father and daughter. In truth, if each could condescend a little, the home would be much cozy, but no one seemed able to do so.
When Sara finished her breakfast silently and was about to go to her room, Mr. Roberts stopped her.
"You've had your fun; starting tomorrow, come work at my company. Sooner or later, you'll be the heir, which won't happen if you know nothing about the business." Mr. Roberts had long been planning for his daughter's future, but Sara was still angry with him over her mother's death and refused all his arrangements.
"Why must I inherit the company?" Sara had never wanted to do anything related to her father. If possible, she wished they had never known each other.
"If you agree to this suggestion of mine, I won't interfere with your love life. In the future, you'll be free to love and marry whoever you wish." Mr. Roberts, feeling powerless, conceded a step to his stubborn daughter.
"You must keep your word if you say it." They shook hands in agreement; Sara was very determined because she believed if fate meant for two people to be together, they would surely meet again.
9 am ...
"Who's that? Why knock at this hour? So noisy!" Mrs. Laly, the housekeeper, was knocking on the door, waking Sara, who over lazily, her voice still heavy with sleep. Sara had never been one to rise early, constantly waking when the sun was already high in the sky. The lives of those who need not worry about money were enviable.
"The sun is already high, Ms. Sara, the master left for work early today. Before leaving, he instructed you to come to the company today, too; he has matters to instruct you on." Mrs. Laly reminded Sara, not wanting another dispute between father and daughter.
"Tell him I'll come next week. I've just returned and haven't rested enough; how can I go to work? What's the point of having money if you don't spend it? I'll work when I've spent all my money." Sara mumbled, her eyes squinting, not fully awake yet.
"Young mistress, the master was pleased when you agreed to help at the company, so please don't let his expectations down. I'm begging you," Mrs. Laly pleaded gently while pulling back the blanket, looking rather pitiful.
"Fine, I'll get up, but only for today," Sara grumbled as she got out of bed and went into the bathroom for her morning routine.
Mrs. Laly thought, "Should I just go to work today and not go tomorrow?" then she clicked her tongue, wondering when the young mistress would change her ways.
By ten in the morning, Sara arrived at the company wearing a daringly slit dress that highlighted her body, drawing the attention of all the employees there. Everyone mistook her for a model representing a new brand of theirs.
Sara took the elevator straight to the twentieth floor, where her father's office was. Upon exiting the elevator, her father's assistant, Mr. Scott, greeted her. He bowed very politely and respectfully. Sara found it odd that she hadn't announced that she had come, yet they seemed to know of her arrival.
Mr. Roberts was startled to see his daughter entering, hardly believing this was the demeanor of someone coming to work, as she looked very much like a noble lady.
"Coming to work after ten, dressed as if for a gala, it seems more like you've come to cause chaos than work," Mr. Roberts was not pleased with Sara's first-day work style but didn't fuss much as she had never done anything to his satisfaction before.
"I'm working as the boss's daughter; how can I be on the same level as others? Where's my office?" Sara demanded haughtily, insisting on a personal office decorated entirely to her liking from A to Z.
"I have this project for you. Finish it, and then you can have whatever you want," Mr. Roberts handed his daughter a thick file on a new exclusive cosmetics distribution project for anti-aging skin care using all-natural ingredients, which his company was competing for with rivals.
This project was crucial for the company's future development. Successfully signing a contract with the supplier would put them far ahead of their competitors, not just domestically; they could aim for global reach.
"I thought as much. I'm quite skilled in this area; handing this project to me shows you've found the right person," Sara briefly scanned the document and confidently asserted that everything was as easy for her as spending daily money.
"Your work ethic is unique; I wonder whom you inherited that from?" Mr. Roberts shook his head at someone who had never worried about earning or managing money but assumed making money was as easy as flipping a hand. He hoped this experience would help Sara mature.
"So, I start now?"
"With that outfit?" Mr. Roberts shook his head again, wondering if this was a workday or a fashion show.
Sara, carrying only a tiny handbag for style, couldn't fit the document file her father had given her. Moreover, her stylishly done nails from the previous day were too cumbersome, so she couldn't hold them herself. Thus, Mr. Scott had to carry it to the car for her.
"Ms. Roberts, this will be a challenging task for you. I've heard the director of the partner company is quite peculiar. We've tried contacting them several times but were rejected, and now they don't even answer our calls," Mr. Scott informed Sara of the situation, hinting at the difficulties ahead to strategize accordingly.
"To catch a scammer, one must be a master scammer. To deal with an eccentric, you need someone even more eccentric. Rest assured, he will eventually surrender to someone as unique as me; people like I'm rare in this world," Sara couldn't help but laugh out loud, perhaps having devised a flawless strategy in her mind.
"Seeing your confidence eases my worries somewhat. How have you been living abroad all these years on your own? I truly regret not being able to help you," Mr. Scott felt guilty about Sara's situation from those years but also understood his limitations. Following a stubborn man meant he had to obey orders without question.
"In reality, I've learned many valuable lessons. But the most cherished is that only I can make myself happy. Happiness brought by others can also be taken away; only what I build for myself will forever belong to me," Sara faced her current situation without evasion, knowing anyone could eventually leave or betray her. Thus, she would inevitably be discarded without the ability to survive on her own.
"So, have you made any plans for the future?"
"Of course. I wouldn't have returned otherwise," Sara smiled cryptically. Her profound thoughts were beyond Mr. Scott's comprehension, prompting him to view the young woman beside him in a new light.
Over four years, Sara remained youthful, beautiful, and impulsive to others, but to this older man, she had changed significantly. Mr. Scott watched the young woman walk beside him, his thoughts drifting to her less fortunate mother.
He wouldn't have lost his love if he had been so poor. Even more agonizing was witnessing her unhappy marriage without being able to do anything. Seeing her gloomy face day after day, looking out the door as if waiting for someone to take her away from the cold house, he blamed himself even more.
Sara was like a younger version of that woman. Every time he saw her, Mr. Scott felt a private sorrow and sympathy welling up inside him.
To Mr. Scott, Sara was like a lost fledgling, trying with all her might to spread her fragile wings in search of warmth. Her life lacked nothing materially, but it lacked the warmth of love.