A Heart Wrapped in Darkness

CHAPTER 1. --- It was a freezing January evening in Sacramento, the capital of California. The cold had settled deep into the air, sharp enough to make anyone shiver. Yet despite the chilling weather, the city was alive. Everywhere, there was movement—people rushing, lights glowing, cars passing. Everyone seemed busy in their own world, lost in their own responsibilities. But in the heart of Sacramento, there was a place untouched by the outside world. A club. Inside, the atmosphere was completely different—warm, loud, and intoxicating. Music echoed through the walls, heavy and vibrant. The dance floor was filled with people moving freely, lost in rhythm. Laughter mixed with the clinking of glasses. Every person there seemed to be enjoying their own moment—drinking wine, dancing, forgetting everything else. But among all of them… there was one man who stood out. He sat alone at a table. Dressed entirely in black—black jeans, a black shirt, and a black leather jacket. A cap covered his head, and a mask hid his face, making it impossible to recognize him. Yet even without seeing his face, one could tell— He was not ordinary. On his left wrist, a Rolex watch gleamed under the dim lights. It was enough to reveal that he belonged to a world far beyond that of common people. Wealth, power… something about him silently demanded attention. In his hand, he held a glass of wine. But he wasn’t drinking it. Instead, he gently rotated the glass, watching the liquid swirl inside, as if lost in thought. As if drinking wasn’t allowed to him. Or perhaps… he simply didn’t need it. On the right side of the club, near the wall, stood another man. Still. Unmoving. Like a robot. His gaze was fixed—not only on the man in black, but also on everyone passing around him. Dressed neatly, with AirPods in his ears, he looked calm… but alert. A bodyguard. There was no doubt about it. After a short while, he stepped forward and walked toward the man in black. When he reached him, he leaned slightly and spoke respectfully near his ear— “Sir, we should leave now… before anyone notices.” The man in black didn’t respond immediately. He placed the wine glass gently on the table. Then, without saying a word, he glanced at his bodyguard—a single look that carried authority. He pulled out some dollars and placed them on the table. And then… he stood up. Without hesitation, he walked toward the exit. The bodyguard followed closely behind. As soon as they stepped out into the cold night, the atmosphere changed again. The chill hit harder. Right in front of them, parked on the road, stood a luxurious G-Wagon. As the man approached, the driver quickly stepped out and opened the door for him. He entered the car. Within seconds, the vehicle started moving. Behind it, two more cars followed—clearly security. Inside the car, the man finally removed his mask and cap. And now— His face was visible. He was… strikingly handsome. Calling him merely handsome would be an understatement. Anyone who looked at him once… would turn back to look again. Fair complexion. Deep blue eyes. A sharp nose. And when he spoke, a slight dimple appeared on his right cheek. If someone were to call him one of the most attractive men in the world… It wouldn’t be wrong. “Sir… should we go home?” the driver asked carefully. Before he could finish— The man cut him off. “How many times have I told you…” his voice turned cold, “don’t call me sir.” The driver immediately apologized. “Sorry…” The atmosphere inside the car grew tense. The man wasn’t just powerful— He was short-tempered. If something displeased him, he didn’t care about anyone’s feelings. The driver knew this very well. So this time, he spoke carefully— “William Joseph… would you like to go home, or to the company?” At the mention of his name— William Joseph looked at him. His expression changed instantly. A hint of anger appeared in his eyes. “At this time of night…” he said slowly, “what exactly do you expect me to do at the company?” The driver realized immediately— He had asked the wrong question. “I’m sorry,” he said quickly. Without waiting for another reaction, he turned the car toward home. And the rest of the journey… Remained silent. to be continued.