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MIRABEL & LUCIAN
He almost didn't recognize her—her hair was different, shorter, dyed. Before, it had fallen down her back like a river.
"Hi," she greeted softly.
Lucian nodded, his gaze locked on her. She's even more beautiful now… he thought, before following her to a quieter corner.
"Lucian." Mirabel opened her purse, pulled out a check, and held it out.
"This is one hundred and fifty million dollars. My father's debt—take it. And let's part ways, as if we never knew each other. You won't see me here again. I'm going back to Las Vegas." She smiled faintly, almost proudly. "I forgive you, but I have to go back."
Lucian's chest tightened. "Mirabel, I don't want you to go, because I… I love you."
Her eyes widened.
"I know I've been a monster," he confessed, voice breaking. "I forced myself on you, never gave you a choice, hurt you in more ways than I can count. And I'm sorry—truly sorry. But I love you. I'm in love with you."
Mirabel stood frozen, her lips parted, speechless. Then she whispered:
"I'm sorry, Lucian. But I don't love you. I forgive you, but my heart belongs to someone else."
Lucian staggered back, his hand clutching his chest as if he'd been stabbed. "Just… give me one chance."
She shook her head. "I can't." Then she turned and walked away, leaving him in the silence of his breaking heart.
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TRACY & DANIEL
Meanwhile, Tracy was roaming the party, searching for something to eat when Daniel spotted her. For a moment he froze—her hair wasn't red anymore, but brown. Could it really be her?
He approached and tapped her shoulder.
"Tracy?"
She turned. "Daniel. What are you doing here?"
"I should be asking you that."
"I'm here for the party," she replied sarcastically.
"Why'd you dye your hair?"
"I hated the old color, so I changed it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm starving."
"The food's not ready yet," Daniel said, watching her. Then the music shifted into a slow rhythm. He hesitated, then extended his hand. "Dance with me."
Tracy looked at his hand, annoyed. If I refuse, he'll just keep pestering me. Maybe one dance will get rid of him. She placed her hand in his reluctantly.
On the dance floor, his palm settled on her waist as they moved slowly.
"You're so fucking beautiful," he murmured.
"Will you stop being a pervert for once?"
"No," he smirked, pulling her closer.
Before she could react, he kissed her. She shoved him back, but his grip tightened, keeping her in place as they continued swaying.
"Big baddie, how can you do that in front of everyone?" she hissed, biting her lip nervously.
He chuckled, leaned in, and whispered against her ear:
"Sooner or later, you'll let me do more. When that day comes and you're mine, I'll make you moan my name like it's your favorite song. I'll crush your lips, suck them until you can't speak, and I'll fuck your tight little virgin body until you can't take it anymore. I'll take you in every corner of every room, in every way I want."
Tracy's cheeks flushed crimson. She pushed him away hard this time.
"Y-you—!" she stammered, then spun around and hurried off, her heart racing.
Daniel exhaled, watching her go. What's wrong with me? Am I just sexually attracted to her… or is it something deeper?
Tracy stalked down the hallway, muttering to herself. "That big baddie is such a pervert." She grabbed a snack from a passing waiter and shoved it into her mouth. "Passport. I need my passport."
But when she turned a corner, she froze. Daniel was there—kissing another woman.
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