Selira sat in her room, curled up like a little cocoon, her body wrapped in silence. Her mind wasn't ready to step out, not even to see the sun. But her mother called her softly for lunch, and Selira knew her mother wouldn't eat unless she did. Without much choice, she dragged herself from the bed, washed her face, and went to the table.
She wore a full-sleeve T-shirt with a close neck. It was summer, and normally she would have worn a light cotton shirt. Her mother raised an eyebrow.
"Why this, darling? Isn't it too hot for that?"
Selira gave a faint smile. "Just found this one in front, Mom. I was too lazy to look for another."
It was a lie. The truth? She had to hide the bite marks on her neck and shoulders raw little reminders of a night she still couldn't fully remember. Her heart ached. Her body carried bruises, and her soul carried questions.
That day seemed to move faster than her thoughts. Meanwhile, Braylon and Ira were cooking up a new plan. They decided to meet Selira the next day and take her to the financier who had helped her father. Their manipulation strategy was simple: if they could convince the financier to ask for money again, Selira would feel pressured and more desperate to accept help.
Back at Selira's home, the night refused to let her rest. When she closed her eyes, flashes of last night clawed at her heart. Warm hands, strawberry-scented kisses, her own lips trembling under someone else's... she didn't know how to tolerate it. She wept quietly, curling up in her bed, hugging her pillow like a lifeline.
On the other side of fate, Zavian tossed on his bed, his heart dancing with an unknown joy. For the first time in his life, he had touched a woman... and not just anyone. That night had felt magical. Her innocence, her softness, the way she clung to him everything about her still lingered in his skin.
"If that girl comes into my life," he murmured to himself, staring at the ceiling, "I will treat her like a queen. She's not like anyone else."
He knew how cold and distant he had been all his life. Yet this girl, whoever she was, had melted him in one night. He closed his eyes, the feeling of her body still warm in his arms. It was a huggy-buggy memory that made him smile like a child.
Meanwhile, Braylon and Ira received a call from the financier. They had tried to convince him earlier. Selira's refusal had crushed their plan, but they weren't ready to give up. They believed she wouldn't be able to raise the money in five days, and they'd still have a chance. They decided to visit her house.
But Selira and her mother had already left.
That morning, dressed simply and with hope in their hearts, they made their way to the home of Selira's father's old friend. He had called them to meet at 10 a.m., and they arrived on time.
"I don't have much to offer you, dear," the man said with kind eyes, "but I've arranged a meeting with a businessman who's doing development projects here. He's powerful and kind. He may be able to help."
Selira and her mother shared a hopeful glance. It felt like a small light in a tunnel of darkness.
"We have an appointment at 11 a.m. He's in a meeting now. Let's wait."
At the same time, Zavian had already left the city around 5 a.m. with his friend and secretary, determined to reach the village in time for his 9 a.m. meeting.
When Braylon and Ira arrived at Selira's house and found it locked, they grew worried. They called her several times, but Selira had already put their numbers on silent mode. She didn't want their names flashing in front of her mother.
As 11 a.m. approached, Selira, her mother, and the old friend walked into the office. A staff member knocked gently on the door.
"Sir, three guests are here for the appointment."
Zavian, seated on a modest sofa, turned away from the document in his hands. "Let them in."
Meanwhile, Zavian's friend had gone to the hotel, asking for information about the mysterious girl.
"Sorry, sir," the receptionist said politely. "Without a name or photo, we can't help. Many guests come and go."
Back in the office, Selira stepped in.
"Excuse me, sir..."
The voice hit Zavian like a thunderclap.
He looked up, and for a second, time stilled.
It was her.
His ooh-la-la girl.
The same eyes, the same innocent face from the night that had changed everything.
He stood up suddenly, eyes wide. His secretary stared, stunned. Zavian never behaved this way with anyone.
The elderly man began to explain their situation, but Zavian barely heard a word. His gaze remained locked on Selira.
The scent of her was faint but familiar. Even Selira paused, blinking at him. That fragrance... that gaze... why did they seem familiar?
Zavian fought hard to control himself. He nodded and motioned for his secretary to bring coffee or cool drinks. That moment, he quickly texted his friend:
"Come here. Found the girl."
Selira's mother started to speak, explaining their home situation and Selira's desire to be an actress. She also shared her late husband's dreams.
Zavian's heart softened. He saw not only the girl who had unknowingly touched his soul but also the life she was trying to save.
Then he spoke, his voice calm but firm.
"My family is currently searching for a bride for me. If you agree to let your daughter marry me, I will help you keep your home and support her acting career."
The room fell into stunned silence.
Selira's mother blinked. Her friend stared.
He looked rich, maybe in his thirties. Selira was only 21.
This man didn't even know her properly. And he wanted to marry her?
Selira froze. Her heart beat fast. Her fingers tightened around the edge of the chair. Was this real?
Zavian's secretary returned with the drinks but paused as she sensed the thick tension in the air.
Zavian's words hung like a spark waiting to catch fire.
Selira lowered her gaze. Her mind raced with questions.
What is this twist of fate?
Why did this man, who seemed so strange yet familiar, suddenly want her?
What would her answer be?
The storm was just beginning.