CHAPTER 13: Unexpected Encounters

"Why am I even at this party full of high-class citizens? It's not like we had… sex more than once," I murmured to myself, leaning against a pillar in the corner of the grand ballroom. The words felt bitter on my tongue. I was just a student from a café, a temporary distraction in a world of silk and secrets.

"What did you say?" a voice interrupted sharply from behind me.

"Ugh! Sorry for disturbing you," I blurted out, spinning around and bowing instinctively. I started to walk away, my face burning with embarrassment, but a hand reached out and grabbed my wrist.

"Seems you don’t remember me again… and after I sent you that text."

I blinked, looking up into a pair of familiar, playful eyes. "Ohhh, it’s you… Mike! Finally, I can talk to someone I actually understand," I said, a genuine smile breaking through my anxiety.

"Yeah, of course it’s me. How have you been, Aiden? And tell me, are you related to the Smiths? I saw you arrive with them earlier," he asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

I wasn’t sure how to explain that I was basically a high-end hostage, so I just gave a vague nod. "Not really related, though," I smiled weakly.

After a few seconds of small talk, he led me to a small, secluded table away from the prying eyes of the socialites. We started talking, catching up on the time lost since our brief encounter in Monaco.

"Are you enjoying Japan? To be honest, you still look like a student who wandered into the wrong movie set," he teased.

"Hmmm," I nodded, taking a large, brave sip of my drink. "You're not wrong."

"Really? What are you studying?"

"I’m a third-year student. And honestly, don’t ask why I’m here… because I don’t really know either," I chuckled. We both laughed, and for the first time all night, the knot in my stomach loosened.

The laughter was cut short when a voice boomed over the speakers, addressing the crowd.

"And now, we invite the host of today’s event… Mr. Charles Smith!"

The ballroom erupted in polite, rhythmic applause. Charles walked confidently onto the stage, looking every bit the polished businessman.

"Good evening, everyone. Thank you for coming. I’m humbled to see you all here. As you know, this party is being held for my brother, who is finally returning to lead us, and to celebrate the success of our newest project. Please welcome my brother… Damien!"

The moment I heard his name, I kept my eyes fixed on my glass. My stomach churned with a sudden, inexplicable disgust. I didn't want to see him standing there, looking perfect and untouchable.

"Who is she? She must be incredibly close to him to be held like that," a woman whispered at the next table.

I wasn't paying attention until I heard that name again: "Jessica." I finally looked up at the stage. Standing next to Damien was a woman who looked like she had stepped off a Vogue cover. She was stunning, draped in a gown that shimmered like moonlight, her arm linked tightly through Damien’s.

"Who is she?" I asked, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

"That’s Jessica, Damien’s fiancée," Mike answered calmly, his voice slicing through the noise.

"Fiancée?" I repeated. The word felt like a physical blow to my chest.

"Yeah. I heard she flew in just for the party. Apparently, they’ve been together for years," Mike explained, watching my reaction closely.

"Ohhh… but I thought he was… I mean, I heard rumors," I stammered, my mind spinning.

"Well, yeah… the rumors about his preferences are everywhere, but that part of his life? I don’t quite understand it either," Mike said with a small, knowing smile.

Hearing that, my thoughts went foggy. The room felt too hot, the lights too bright, and my head felt dangerously heavy.

"Are you okay, Aiden?" Mike asked, tapping my shoulder.

"Yeah… I’m fine, nothing’s wrong… but please excuse me. I need some fresh air," I muttered, stumbling away from the table before he could see my expression.

I walked out of the suffocating hall and onto the balcony. Inside, I could see Damien through the glass, still smiling and welcoming guests with Jessica at his side. I leaned heavily on the marble railing, staring out at the dark Tokyo skyline.

"Why am I worrying about something so meaningless? Why does this even bother me?" I muttered to myself, clutching my cup. "It’s not like I’m into him. Yuck! I could never be into someone that cold." I reached for a sip, only to find my glass empty.

Just then, a stranger approached and tried to hand me a glass of deep red wine. I felt a surge of unease and instinctively pushed it back. But before the stranger could insist, Mike appeared beside me.

"Here, take this one instead," Mike said, offering me a fresh drink from his own tray. I accepted it gratefully.

"Where have you been? I’ve been looking everywhere for you," Mike asked, his voice gentle.

"I was just… out here. Thinking," I replied.

"Do you know that man who just approached you?" Mike inquired, glancing at the stranger who was quickly disappearing back into the crowd.

"No, of course not," I said.

"Okay then. Let’s leave this balcony and stroll down to the garden," Mike suggested, gesturing toward the stairs. "The moon is out so bright tonight, and the air is much better down there."

It sounded like exactly what I needed—a chance to clear the image of Damien and Jessica from my head. "Okay," I agreed. "Let's go."