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MIRABEL POV
Mirabel walked away from Lucian, her heart heavy, when she bumped into someone.
"I'm sorry—" she looked up and froze. "Dave?"
He smiled softly. "I came to get you."
"Get me? Why?"
Dave guided her gently to a seat, and they sat down together. His eyes never left hers.
"My name is Dave Ian," he began slowly. "I came here at first to gather information so I could destroy Lucian's company. We've always been rivals. But… then I met you."
Her heart skipped.
"I never believed in love before. I thought it made people weak. But the moment I saw you… everything changed. I don't just want you—I need you. I can't stand seeing people bully you, or even touch you. It breaks me. I love you, Mirabel. Please… stay with me. I'll never take you for granted."
Her face warmed, her pulse racing at his confession. She blushed, struggling to hide her smile.
"There's something I want to tell you too," she whispered. "My name is Mirabel King. I'm from the King family. I came here because I wanted to live as a normal girl, not someone loved only for her family background. But knowing you love me without even realizing who I am… it makes me so happy. I love you too, Dave."
Dave's chest rose and fell as he held her gaze. He didn't blame her—anyone would want to hide from that kind of fame.
"I promise to love you as long as I live," he said firmly.
She leaned in, their lips meeting. His kiss was deep, passionate, and she melted against him.
But then—
Lucian saw. His blood boiled, fury igniting his veins. He stormed forward, grabbed Dave by the collar, and punched him hard across the jaw.
"How dare you touch her! How dare you kiss her!" he roared, his eyes blazing with rage.
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DANIEL POV
Daniel wandered the hallway, a cigarette between his fingers. I need to know if this is attraction or something deeper, he thought, exhaling smoke by the window.
He spotted Tiffany approaching.
"Sir, is something wrong? Aren't you enjoying yourself?" she asked.
"No. Just needed to smoke. What about you?"
"I was just strolling. I have nothing to do," she said lightly.
Daniel flicked away the cigarette and turned to her. "Tiffany, can I ask you a favor?"
"Yes, sir. Anything."
"Anything?"
She nodded, curious.
He hesitated, then thought: I need to know if what I feel for Tracy is real.
"Can I… kiss you? No hard feelings, just… to confirm something."
Tiffany's cheeks flushed. "K-kiss?" She glanced behind him, spotting Tracy coming down the hall. A sly smile tugged her lips. "Yes, sir."
Daniel leaned down, kissing her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed back eagerly.
But something was wrong. It's not like her. Not warm. Not sweet like Tracy's lips.
Then—
A sharp gasp.
Daniel pulled back instantly. Tracy stood there, wide-eyed.
"I can explain—" he started, but Tiffany quickly hid behind his back, pretending to be shy.
Tracy's face twisted into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Sorry to interrupt. You can continue. I just came to grab something." Her voice dripped with false cheer as she walked away.
"Tracy—!" Daniel called after her, but she didn't stop.
Her chest ached as she walked, forcing the smile to stay on her lips. Why does it hurt this much?
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