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"Dave, let go—we're at a party ."
He only smirked. "Relax, baby. No one's going to see us."
"I don't know…" Mirabel's voice wavered, her smile forced. "I feel like someone is watching."
"There's no one here." He leaned closer.
"Bu—" Her protest was swallowed by his kiss. For a second she froze, torn—should she kiss him back? Pretend nothing was wrong? Or admit the truth she didn't even want to face herself?
Dave pulled back, studying her expression. "You're too tense." His voice lowered, prideful. "I'm a star ⭐. Trained for this life. We celebrities—we know when we're being stalked. We're sensitive to it. And I can tell… there's no one here."
He kissed her again.
But this time, disgust churned in her chest. Her hands trembled before she shoved him away—hard enough that he stumbled to the floor.
"I… I'm sorry," she whispered, panicked, before rushing off.
From the shadows, Xavier's lips curved into a slow grin, his camera still recording. Perfect. The first phase of the plan is complete. He slipped away silently, satisfied.
Dave remained on the ground, shock giving way to anger. "She pushed me? Me? That's not like her at all…" He got up, jaw tight, and stormed off.
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Mirabel's POV
Her steps quickened, her mind in chaos. Why did I push him? Even if paparazzi or stalkers followed us, I'd usually handle it. But this time… I felt disgusted.
Her chest tightened. I've kissed Dave so many times before—I liked it. But tonight… I couldn't stand it. Why?
And then the thought came. When Lucian touches me, I feel warmth. But when Dave kissed me… it felt wrong. Could it be…
She gasped. "No, no—I'm overthinking this," she muttered, shaking her head.
Before she could calm down, a strong arm yanked her into a side room.
"Let go!" she struggled.
The warmth of his grip stopped her cold. She turned—and her breath caught. "Lucian…?"
He smirked. "Congratulations on becoming the new CEO in town."
Her heartbeat raced. "That's why you pulled me away? You could've just congratulated me at the party."
"No," he murmured, stepping closer. "I had… other reasons."
She froze, body betraying her as his breath ghosted over her skin. Weakness spread through her limbs, her pulse roaring in her ears. She couldn't push him away—even though she knew she should.
Lucian leaned in, eyes gleaming as he studied her. Then, with a sly smile, he reached out and plucked something small from her hair. "There was something on your head."
Mirabel blinked, disappointment flashing across her face before she could hide it. She had been waiting—for something else.
She quickly masked the feeling, straightening. "Is that all? I'm busy. I'll be leaving now."
She reached for the door—only for Lucian to catch her wrist, stopping her cold.
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