Chapter 1
Los Angeles' weather is notoriously unpredictable. The morning sun might shine brightly, only for dark clouds to cover the city by afternoon, casting a gloomy atmosphere. This fluctuation seems to reflect the turmoil within Allison.
When the person you trust the most betrays you, and your career collapses, what do you do?
Allison stood on her apartment balcony, gazing at the city consumed by wind and rain, feeling helpless and lost. Her once-bright future had become shrouded in uncertainty. She felt the chill of the wind and the sting of the rain as it mirrored her internal storm.
Her influencer career had once been spectacular. She had started as a hopeful star in the virtual world, stepping into Hollywood with dreams of stardom. She had invested her heart and soul into her work, believing that her efforts would eventually be rewarded with success. But today, those dreams were shattered. The person she had trusted most, her business partner, had betrayed her. They had conspired with competitors to flood her product line with counterfeit goods, leading to her account being hacked and her brand's reputation destroyed. Adding insult to injury, her manager, who had promised to lead her into the entertainment industry, had secretly transferred her opportunity to a wealthier and more influential newcomer.
She felt abandoned and adrift, struggling against the storm of betrayal that had engulfed her. The phone on the table buzzed incessantly with negative comments and slanders. Frustrated, she threw it to the ground and sank into the sofa, overwhelmed by a suffocating sense of despair.
Staring at her reflection in the bathroom mirror, she saw a pale, tear-streaked face staring back at her. She splashed cold water on her face, trying to shake off the feelings of betrayal and hopelessness that clung to her like a second skin. The sense of betrayal was like an invisible hand gripping her heart tightly, making it hard to breathe.
Desperate for a change, she knew she needed to escape the crushing weight of her reality. Her anger and disappointment made it difficult to face the future. She needed a place to unwind, a refuge from her burdens. Deciding to visit a bar for some temporary relief, she put on a simple black dress and high heels. Despite her pale complexion and unsteady steps, she forced herself to leave the apartment, hoping the bustling bar scene would provide a brief respite.
The bar was a cacophony of flashing lights and deafening music, the air thick with the scent of alcohol and perfume. Allison ordered a drink and tried to relax, but her mind was still clouded by her troubles. In a corner of the bar, she noticed a mysterious man. He sat on a sofa, detached from the noise, his deep gaze hiding something enigmatic.
As the effects of the alcohol began to take hold, her vision grew hazy. Her cheeks flushed, and her thoughts became sluggish. She leaned on the table, trying to stay alert, but was unconsciously drawn to the surrounding noise. Just as she was about to order another drink, a tall man entered her line of sight. Though in the shadows, his presence was undeniable, and his cold demeanor drew her attention. She found herself mesmerized by him.
Before she could gather her thoughts, another well-dressed man appeared in front of her, his oily smile and insincere concern making her feel uneasy.
"You don't look too well," he said, his tone overly concerned.
Allison looked up, finding him increasingly irritating. "Go away. Don't block my view of that man."
Unperturbed, the man leaned closer with even more enthusiasm. "It's lonely drinking alone. I can keep you company." He handed her a business card. "If you need someone to talk to, feel free to contact me."
He reached out to put a hand on her shoulder, but she pushed him away coldly. At that moment, she saw the tall man approaching her. His figure appeared more striking under the bar's dim lights. His gaze was intense, like a deep, cold lake, making her heart race.
The man walked directly to Allison, his deep voice carrying a hint of warmth. "Are you okay?"
Allison felt an immediate connection, her gaze locking onto his mysterious eyes. Her thoughts became blurred, and the alcohol made the world spin.
"You're really good-looking," she said with a hint of intoxication and helplessness.
The man's eyes softened as he smiled, revealing a charming grin. "It looks like you need some help."
In that moment, Allison's loneliness and pain seemed to dissolve. She reached out to him, seeking solace in his presence as if hoping to find a new beginning through this encounter.
The man's touch was warm and comforting. Lost in his embrace, Allison made a decision she had never made before. As he leaned in to kiss her, she felt a mix of familiar and unfamiliar sensations, her world spinning as she gave in to the moment.