Chapter 1
Melina Harper had never stepped into such opulence before. The venue was the epitome of exclusivity in M City, a prestigious club with a membership fee reaching into the hundreds of thousands.
Only the elite, the immensely wealthy and influential, could afford the luxury of belonging to this haven, and their families reaped the benefits of this privilege.
She was here on account of Lillian Turner’s birthday celebration, a gathering she could attend only because of her friend's gracious invitation. Despite the grandeur surrounding her, Melina felt like a fish out of water, acutely aware of the disparity between her world and this realm of splendor.
Yet, she came with a dual purpose: to honor Lillian's special day and to catch a glimpse of someone who had captivated her interest.
Melina possessed a figure that was the very embodiment of allure, coupled with a face of angelic beauty that exuded an uncommon purity. This striking dichotomy made her irresistible to men and sparked a twinge of envy among her female peers.
Despite her natural allure, Melina shied away from the spotlight, choosing instead to dress modestly and fade into the background. While the party buzzed with energy and laughter, she found solace in a quiet corner, her eyes discreetly following Adrian Chambers.
Amidst the cadre of affluent heirs, Adrian was a standout. His chiseled, handsome features, towering, muscular frame, and especially his deep, penetrating black eyes that seemed to pierce through façades, made him undeniably magnetic.
As Lillian approached him, Melina watched intently. Adrian listened to Lillian with polite attentiveness, his captivating gaze adding to his undeniable charm.
Unbeknownst to the revelers, today was also Melina’s birthday. She harbored no expectations of birthday wishes from anyone, resolving instead to gift herself a moment of boldness. She would confess her feelings to Adrian. All she needed was a dash of courage, something elusive in moments of vulnerability.
Her gaze fell upon the array of drinks lined up on the table.
Perhaps liquid courage was the answer.
She began to drink, each glass intended to bolster her resolve, but instead, she found herself slipping into intoxication. The party became a blur. She had no recollection of its end, who escorted her to the club’s villa room, or how she managed to freshen up and collapse into bed.
Sleep claimed her swiftly.
Hours or minutes later, she couldn't tell, Melina awoke to a suffocating heaviness pressing down on her, her body ignited by a searing heat. An unfamiliar, masculine scent mingled with the faint aroma of alcohol enveloped her senses.
Who was disturbing her slumber? As she stirred to protest, a pair of lips claimed hers in a kiss. The sensation was novel, strange yet oddly enticing. In her drunken haze, she failed to grasp the significance of what was happening——she had surrendered her first kiss.
“You taste sweet…”
Adrian’s voice. Melina giggled softly, convinced she was dreaming. She reached out, wrapping her arms around him, their bodies melding together.
His kisses grew wild and fervent, igniting a fire within her. His ardent breath and forceful kisses sent fireworks exploding in her mind, brilliant and mesmerizing, drawing her deeper into the whirlwind of sensations.
His hands roamed her body with urgency, discarding her flimsy nightdress and underwear. Her body responded, heat coursing through her veins. She was lost, unaware of what she sought but certain of her desire to remain entwined with him, never wanting the moment to end.
He devoured her, claiming her beauty with a wild, unrestrained passion.
She felt a blend of pain and ecstasy, sinking into a blissful abyss.
The room became a sanctuary of enchantment.
Morning came, and Lillian rose early, intending to find Melina. As she entered Melina's room, she was met with a chaotic scene of discarded clothing and the sight of Melina and Adrian intertwined in bed.
Melina lay peacefully on Adrian's arm, lost in slumber.
A wave of shock and anger washed over Lillian. Her fists clenched, nails digging into her palms. Rage and betrayal twisted her features as she contemplated the sight before her. How could Melina betray her by sleeping with Adrian?
But as she gazed at Melina's innocent, serene face, a new thought dawned on her. Her fury ebbed away, her hands relaxing. She moved quietly to the bed, gently shaking Melina awake, careful not to disturb Adrian.
