Dylan loosened his tie, looking like he had just returned from a formal event. The elegant silver-white suit on him exuded an air of cold nobility, bordering on perfection.
Dylan approached Flora, leaning against the front of his car with his hands resting on either side. She met his deep, unwavering gaze but didn’t let it intimidate her. Since he was blocking her path, she decided to give way.
Unexpectedly, Dylan grabbed her wrist and gently pulled her off balance, causing her to fall between his legs. Dylan reached out to get her, and his hands grabbed her waist.
From a distance, they looked like a couple in love, flirting with each other.
“Let go of me!” Flora looked at the man’s dark, piercing eyes and resolute nose.
“How many days has it been?” Dylan asked softly, his breath carrying the scent of fine wine. The aroma burned between them as they locked eyes.
“What?” Flora half-closed her eyes, feigning ignorance. She was sure this was merely another boring game of some rich guy.
“You want to force my hand? I’m not a patient man.” He didn’t buy her act and didn’t even bother to repeat himself.
“What do you mean?” Flora was impressed by her calmness, even when being held in such a position.
“You better not regret it.” Dylan smirked wickedly, looking even more suffocating and flustering than when he didn’t smile. The glimmer in his eyes suddenly brightened.
Flora felt the hands on her waist seem to spread, and the skin beneath them burned hot like fire, scorching her entire body.
“Regret? I don’t think I’ve done anything to offend you,” Flora tried to keep her voice steady, but couldn’t help adding a hint of inquiry.
Dylan raised an eyebrow and shook his head. “No, I just like games like this.”
Flora took a deep breath. She argued, “A game? Why do I have to be part of this stupid game?”
“SO you’re not playing? Fine, then choose to be at a dead end,” Dylan said casually, “I really want to see how a pet cat, after bumping into walls everywhere, comes to beg me.”
“A pet cat?” Flora repeated in disbelief. She spread her hands apart, using force to pull the Dylan’s hands away while saying, “Just go play by yourself.”
She quickly turned away without looking back. Her figure appeared a bit desolate, and somewhat hasty to escape.
A game began on this cold autumn night, whether she wanted it or not.
Dylan had the highest level of luxury, the finest women, and the ultimate control. However, It was precisely because everything came so easily that his life was filled with boredom.
Flora hurried to the entrance of Desire, just about to enter when she saw a familiar figure.
“Josh?” She approached him uncertainly.
Josh turned around, his face lighting up with joy when he saw her. “Flora, you really work here?”
Flora awkwardly nodded, feeling somewhat at a loss, like she had been caught red-handed.
“How did you end up here? You really need to get out of this place.” Josh’s tone was urgent, aware of the type of place this was. He grabbed Flora’s wrist without a second thought.
“Josh, I’m about to be late for work.” Flora gently pulled her hand away, looking around for the person she had been expecting.
After confirming the person wasn’t around, she turned and headed towards Desire.
Josh quickly followed, blocking her path. “Flora… Justin wouldn’t want to see you like this.”
This long-lost name, one she had deliberately buried, was so recklessly exposed.
Flora felt a chill in her heart. She felt like walking on ice, lonely and helpless.
Her heart tightened with pain, wave after wave, each more intense than the last.
“Flora, please get outta here,” Josh urged, seeing the change in her expression.
“Josh.” It took Flora a while to find her voice, sounding weak and trembling. “I have to work.”
“Flora! If Justin were here, he wouldn’t allow…”
“Right!” Her heartbreak erupted in that moment, her beautiful eyes moistened with tears. It had been so long since she last cried, “You said it too, if Justin were here… Yes, if he were here, he wouldn’t let me… he wouldn’t let me end up like this! But… where is he? Where?!”
Her final question was practically a roar, although she had never intended to lash out or vent at anyone.
But today, when his name was brought up again, she couldn’t help herself.
She’s so frustrated.
“Flora…” Josh opened his mouth, but couldn’t say anything. He saw her tears, the sadness spreading too quickly.
“Josh…” Flora’s fragile voice sounded even more hollow in the dazzling night. She tried to calm herself, speaking as steadily as possible, “You and I both know, he… he’s gone…”
The last note carried the sorrow that had seeped deep into her heart.
Josh’s eyes dimmed as well.
After gathering her emotions, Flora steeled herself and stepped into the abyss of desire.
Throughout the evening, Flora felt suffocated. When she finally emerged, it was midnight, and she was still alone on the streets.
Flora didn’t take Dylan’s words to heart. She didn’t think he could persist in this so-called game for long.
Things at work seemed to be going more smoothly, and the number of projects she was handling increased.
“Flora, thanks to you.” Natalie happily placed a document on her desk. “Look, our company is finally getting on track.”
“It’s everyone’s hard work.” Flora’s fingers skillfully tapped the keyboard, trying to finish before leaving work. “Just wait a moment, and I’ll be done soon.”
Flora managed to finish her work and glanced at the time, fearing she was running late.
Flora hurried along the way.
“Flora—” Josh called her.
Turning around, she saw Josh standing beside her. Flora didn’t have time to talk, so she let him walk her to Desire’s entrance.
“Thank you.” Upon reaching their destination, she quickly expressed her gratitude.
Before she could turn around, a silver sports car roared into view, leaving streaks of light in the night.
The car door opened, and upon seeing Dylan’s face, Flora’s initial hint of a smile instantly vanished.
Dylan was dressed casually yet looked sophisticated. Flora was actually a bit surprised that the man could wear different clothes and looked like a whole different person.
He always seemed to combine pride and cold elegance, showing off to the extreme.
Flora looked away, even feeling a bit inexplicably guilty.
Dylan strode forward, seemingly ignoring their presence.
Just as Flora breathed a sigh of relief, Dylan stopped for a moment as he passed them.
“Who is he?” Dylan’s voice was soft, but it sounded like a hammer blow to Flora’s heart, causing her to panic.
Dylan, with his usual dominance, managed to fill even a simple question with an undeniable aura.
Josh looked at Dylan, noticing Flora’s solemn expression and the man’s hostile intentions. He protectively placed both hands on Flora and moved her behind him, sounding somewhat unconfident. “I’m her boyfriend.”
“Boyfriend?” Dylan’s cool lips parted again, and he turned his body to face them squarely.
His narrow eyes settled on Flora, and he gave a slight smile. “Is that mole on her chest still there? It must be quite bothersome when you touch it.”
