Night – 11:30 PM, New York City
The waves of the Hudson River softly collided with the rocky shore. The moon hung low, casting a faint, melancholic glow over the city that never slept. Amidst the bustling skyline, a man stood alone at the riverfront. Tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in a tailored black suit. His sharp jawline and piercing hazel eyes held a haunting emptiness. He was Adrian Knight – the ruthless CEO of Knight Enterprises, feared in the business world for his cutthroat decisions.
But tonight, his eyes were devoid of power – only hollow silence remained.
He glanced at his watch – 11:35 PM. A faint smirk tugged at his lips.
"Time… you never wait for anyone, do you?" he murmured to himself.
His phone vibrated in his coat pocket.
Call from Victor...
Adrian exhaled sharply before answering.
"Yeah?" his voice was cold and clipped.
"Where the hell are you, man? Everyone's waiting!" Victor's tone was firm yet concerned.
"I'm on my way," Adrian replied, his voice flat, and hung up.
He slid into his sleek black car and merged with the city's chaotic rhythm. The mask of indifference was back on his face.
---
Meanwhile…
In a cozy café across town, a woman sat alone. Her fingers absently traced the rim of her coffee mug, her eyes clouded with uncertainty. Her long, chestnut hair cascaded over her face, partially hiding her pensive expression. She glanced at the door repeatedly, as if waiting for someone who would never come.
Her name was Liana Carter .
"Liana?" A familiar voice called out.
She looked up to see her friend Ava, smiling warmly.
"How long have you been waiting?" Ava asked, sitting down.
Liana forced a smile. "Not long."
Ava observed her carefully. "You were thinking about him again, weren't you?"
Liana's smile faltered. Her grip on the coffee mug tightened slightly.
"Let it go, Ava," she muttered.
Ava sighed, clearly used to Liana's deflection. "Fine. But you're coming to the party tomorrow, right?"
Liana hesitated, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I don't know..."
Ava leaned forward, placing her hand over Liana's. "Li, you need this. You need to live again."
Liana met her friend's gaze. Her eyes glistened for a fleeting moment before she quickly blinked the emotion away.
---
Next Evening – 8:00 PM, Victor's Party
The grand Knight estate was buzzing with music and laughter. Models, executives, and socialites graced the lavish party, their designer outfits shimmering under the crystal chandeliers.
Adrian stood at the far end of the hall, leaning against the bar, nursing a glass of whiskey. His posture was composed, but his eyes were devoid of warmth.
Victor strolled over, flashing his signature grin.
"Adrian, lighten up! This party is for you, after all."
Adrian's lips curved into a barely-there smile.
Then, suddenly, the room stirred slightly. His eyes instinctively moved toward the entrance.
There she was,,,Liana.
She stepped into the room, wearing a sleek, midnight-blue satin dress. The fabric draped her slender figure perfectly, and her hair was styled in loose waves. She seemed hesitant, almost unsure of whether she should be there.
Adrian's eyes narrowed. For a brief second, the mask on his face slipped.
Liana's eyes scanned the room. And then – they met his.
Her breath caught. Her eyes widened in disbelief,,Adrian...
Her lips parted slightly, but no words came out.
Victor, oblivious to the tension, walked over and casually introduced them.
"Liana, meet my brother, Adrian Knight."
Liana's face paled. Her knuckles tightened around her clutch.
Her voice was barely a whisper. "We've... met before."
Adrian's eyes remained impassive, but there was a flicker of something darker in them.
"Have we?" His voice was low, detached.
Her heart sank.
Her chest tightened, but she quickly masked her emotions and turned away.
"I... I need some air," she muttered to Ava and hurried outside.
---
Outside – The Garden
Liana's hands trembled slightly as she clutched the cold railing. She exhaled sharply, trying to steady herself.
"Why… why is he here?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Then, she felt a presence behind her.
"Running away again?"
Her eyes widened. She turned around slowly – and there he was. Adrian, standing mere inches away, his gaze locked onto hers.
Her throat tightened. "What do you want?" her voice was barely steady.
Adrian's eyes glimmered with something unreadable – a dangerous calm. He took a slow step closer.
"You look scared, Liana," he whispered, his voice laced with mockery.
Her breath hitched. She wanted to move away, but her feet remained rooted.
"Why are you here?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Adrian leaned slightly closer, his lips near her ear.
"You really thought you could just walk away, didn't you?" His voice was low and menacing, sending a shiver down her spine.
Her eyes widened in fear. She stared into his eyes, searching for the man she once knew – but all she saw was an unsettling darkness.
---
Adrian's lips curved into a cold smile as he whispered,
"Did you really think I'd forget you... Liana?"
Her breath caught in her throat. Her eyes filled with dread. Whatever had happened between them in the past was not over – not by a long shot.
See you in next chapte....