Chapter 3

Something wasn't right.

It felt like someone had slipped something into my drink.

The cold air from the ballroom's air conditioning seeped into my soaked clothes, chilling me to the bone. But no amount of cold could quench the growing heat in my chest.

Maybe this was one of Kevin's new games.

He was probably worried I'd leave in a fit of anger, so he resorted to underhanded tactics.

I steadied myself against the wall, my fingers trembling, and grabbed the arm of a passing server.

"Excuse me, have you seen Mr. Gray?" I asked, my voice shaky.

"Mr. Gray?" The server hesitated, then pointed toward a distant room. "He's in the lounge."

Behind me, I could hear the footsteps of Kevin's friends drawing closer.

Panicked, I shoved open the door to the lounge and stumbled inside, crashing into a firm, steady chest.

Strong hands caught me, steadying me. The faint scent of sandalwood filled the air.

I looked up and saw Kevin's familiar face.

Tears streamed down my cheeks instantly.

"Kevin…" I choked, my voice hoarse with desperation. "I found you. The game… it's over now, right?"

My whole body was trembling, like a lamb that had barely escaped the jaws of a predator.

Humiliated. Broken.

That was Kevin's rule. I had to find him before his friends could humiliate me further. Only then would the cruel game end.

But tonight, something about Kevin felt different.

His eyes were calm, deep, and distant—nothing like the playful arrogance I was used to.

He wrapped an arm around my waist and guided me into the quiet room, his voice soft.

"You did well," he said gently.