Ryan's heart skipped a beat as panic began to settle in. The invitation card, his golden ticket to the evening's event, was missing. The realization hit him like a cold wave as he frantically searched his pockets once more, hoping against hope that he might have missed it somehow. "I'm telling the truth. Please, there must be some mistake," Ryan pleaded, his voice edged with desperation. The dim lighting of the entrance did little to hide the distress on his face.The bouncer, unimpressed and unmoved by Ryan's plea, crossed his arms. "No card, no entry. Those are the rules," he stated flatly, his gaze stern and unyielding.Ryan took a deep breath, trying to collect his thoughts. He knew he had to act quickly or risk missing the event entirely. "Listen, I understand the situation, but I'm expected inside. Could you please check the list? My name is Ryan Smith, and I assure you, I am a VIP guest."Then the bouncer raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical The bouncer frowned at him, "Sorry

He hadn't asked for her name that day and he thought he was never going to see her again but here she was steadily approaching him with a smile on her face.Ryan didn't have to look around to feel the eyes boring into him. 'Was she that popular?'"Hello," She smiled sheepishly as she stretched her hand towards him. Ryan gulped hard, "Nice to meet you again," He replied taking her outstretched hands, they were little and slender. A silence ensued between them with her hands still locked in his. "See you later," Ryan nodded his head and disengaged from the awkward hold. Umm…you didn't tell me your name the last time we met." She said as he made ro leave. Ryan noticed the man in black suit that was standing with her earlier, he was in a hearing distance and when he heard that they had only met once his eyebrows he raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Ryan." He replied looking directly at her eyes. "I'm Avery, Thank you for that night, I wasn't able to thank you." She gently bowed her

Ryan's heart skipped a beat when he locked eyes with Emily, radiant as ever in the glow of the supermarket's fluorescent lights. She was a vision, albeit a bittersweet one, dressed in attire that hinted at a life more luxurious than the one they had shared. The man towering behind her, with his broad chest and commanding presence, only accentuated this new world she inhabited—a world seemingly beyond Ryan's reach.As Ryan's grip tightened on the shopping cart, a silent testament to his rising discomfort, he mustered the strength to turn away. The familiar aisles suddenly felt alien, a stark contrast to the warmth of memories flooding his mind. But before he could disappear into the crowd, Emily's voice pierced the hum of shoppers and background music."Ryan," she called, her voice a melody he hadn't realized he missed. The tall man beside her turned, his gaze drifting to Ryan, scrutinizing the man who had momentarily captured Emily's attention. Ryan could feel the weight of that gaze,

Mr. Ryan, is she a friend of yours?”Natasha sized Dahlia up. According to her female intuition, she could detect a hint of hostility from this woman standing before them.“She’s my ex-wife,” Ryan replied.“Really?” Natasha raised her eyebrows and gave Dahlia a charming smile. “Hi, I’m Natasha Harmon. Nice to meet you.”She stretched out her hand to shake Emily's. Although her actions seemed friendly enough, the atmosphere around her was slightly intimidating.“Nice to meet you, Ms. Harmon,” Dahlia answered politely.Although she was usually very self-assured, she had to admit that the woman before her was stunning. Natasha was on par with her in looks, height, and conduct. Furthermore, Natasha’s figure was much more voluptuous than hers. Any man would be enamored by her!“Ryan, when did you befriend Ms. Harmon? You’ve never introduced me!” Dahlia couldn’t help but ask.“Were you ever interested in my friends?” Ryan replied sarcastically.His sharp words rendered Dahlia speechless. Sh

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to.” Ryan instantly came to his senses and rushed to push Sonya away. His face was etched with awkwardness. Everything happened so quickly that he hadn’t had time to think.“It’s okay. It was my fault. The drug might have been too strong, as I really couldn’t control myself,” Sonya replied coyly. While speaking, she cast a glare at Annie, silently cursing her sister for ruining the rare opportunity for her to get a man.“Annie could’ve just left. Why did she have to scream? I’m cutting her allowance this month!” thought Sonya.“Annie, help your sister to lie on the bed,” instructed Ryan.“Hmph! Of course, I will. Did you think you could take advantage of her again?” With a roll of her eyes, Annie went to hold the grumpy Sonya and walked her to the bed.“Ms. Sonya, please remove your shirt and lie on your front,” Ryan added.“What? You pervert, what are you trying to do!” Annie’s anger immediately flared.“Don’t get me wrong. I have to use a needling method to ext