Chapter 1: A desperate Escape

The night was dark, the heavy rain pouring relentlessly, drenching everything in sight. Esme ran through the empty streets, her hair plastered to her face, her clothes soaked through. Her breathing was ragged, and her heart pounded violently against her ribs. She was being chased.

Frantically, she looked around. There were no open shops, nowhere to hide. Frustration painted her face as she muttered, "Dear Lord, help me," scanning her surroundings for any possible refuge.

Then, her eyes landed on a lit building in the distance. It stood out against the rain-soaked night, its glowing lights promising shelter. Without hesitation, she made a run for it.

"Hey!!!" A man's voice rang out behind her.

Her stomach dropped. They were close. "Stop right there!" one of them barked.

But Esme didn't dare turn back. She ran even faster, her legs burning with effort. The rain made the pavement slippery, but she didn't care—she had to make it.

Just as the men gained on her, she reached the entrance and threw herself inside.

A Club Like No Other

The moment Esme stepped in, she was hit by the booming bass of the music.

Disco lights flickered in shades of red, blue, and green, casting wild patterns across the crowd. People danced, drinks sloshed in their hands, and laughter rang out through the smoke-filled air.

For a brief moment, Esme forgot why she was there.

Then—she saw them.

The men who had been chasing her had entered the club.

Panic surged through her veins. She needed to hide.

Carefully, she maneuvered through the crowd, pushing past people discreetly, not wanting to attract too much attention. If she ran, they'd spot her instantly.

That was when she noticed a red curtain ahead.

"Maybe I can hide in there."

Without thinking twice, she pulled the curtain aside and slipped inside.

A Wrong Turn

Esme barely had time to process what she was seeing before disgust twisted her stomach.

The room was dimly lit, and women were stripping in front of seated men. The air was thick with the scent of alcohol and perfume. Lap dances were being given as deep voices murmured in conversation.

She had stepped into the wrong place.

Before she could turn back, a deep, authoritative voice startled her.

"Who are you?"

Esme spun around, her pulse skyrocketing. Two huge guards stood at the entrance, towering over her like immovable statues.

She swallowed hard, her throat dry.

"I… I…" she stammered.

"Speak!!" one of the guards barked, making her flinch.

Every head in the room turned toward her. She was exposed.

"Speak, you whore!" the second guard snapped.

Esme's mind raced. If she told the truth, they'd throw her out, and those men would catch her.

So, before she could stop herself, the words slipped out.

"Exactly! Hehe… I'm a stripper!"

Silence.

The guards frowned. "What?"

Esme forced a nervous smile, nodding rapidly. "Yes! I'm… I'm new here!"

The guards exchanged looks before one of them scoffed. "Then stop wandering and go put on your uniform!"

Esme nodded aggressively. "Yes, yes, of course!"

Keeping her head low, she quickly scanned the room.

Then, she spotted a white door.

Without hesitation, she rushed toward it and slipped inside.

A Desperate Plan

Esme found herself in a backstage dressing room, lined with multiple doors and filled with racks of costumes.

She let out a shaky breath. "What have I gotten myself into?"

She moved through the racks, searching desperately for something decent to wear. Everything was skimpy, covered in glitter and lace.

"I don't expect less from strippers," she muttered.

She was about to give up when a short red bodycon dress caught her eye.

"This will have to do."

She peeled off her soaked clothes and slipped into the dress. It clung to her body, but it was the best option she had.

Now, she had to escape.

Her eyes landed on a large window.

It was movable. Big enough for her to squeeze through. A wild idea formed in her mind.

"This is my only way out."

Grabbing a chair, she started climbing.

An Angel or the Devil?

The sound of the white door opening froze Esme in place.

A tall man walked in, his presence commanding the room instantly.

Kael White. One of the sons of the White family—one of the most powerful and influential families in Country X.

He exuded authority. Everything about him screamed perfection. Sharp jawline. Mesmerizing black eyes. Raven-black hair. His plump lips parted slightly as he exhaled, his long lashes casting shadows over his piercing gaze.

He was breathtaking.

Kael shut the door behind him, pulling out a cigarette.

Then—he noticed the slightly open door near him.

His gaze shifted to Esme, still halfway out the window.

"What are you doing?"

His voice sent a shiver down Esme's spine.

Startled, she lost her balance and fell backward, hitting the floor hard.

"Ahh…" she winced, opening her eyes.

The first thing she saw was him. For a moment, she couldn't breathe.

His black eyes locked onto hers, and she froze.

"Am I dreaming?" she thought. "Oh my God, what manner of beauty is this? Am I dead?"

Then—she panicked.

"Am I dead??!!!" she blurted, scrambling to her feet.

Kael raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed.

Now that she saw him standing at full height, her heart skipped a beat. Tall. Strong. Perfectly built.

He exhaled slowly, blowing out smoke.

"Want me to call the guards?" he asked flatly.

Esme's eyes widened in horror.

"What?! Guards? No, please don't!" she pleaded.

Kael stared at her, completely uninterested. "Were you trying to escape? Were you forced into this?"

Esme followed the movement of his hand as he took another drag of his cigarette before responding.

"Forced into what?"

Kael simply looked at her like she was an idiot.

Then, without answering, he turned slightly.

"Guards!!."

Panic surged through Esme's veins.

Before he could finish, she slapped her palm over his mouth.

Kael's black eyes widened.

"Shhhhhh!" she hissed desperately. "Please, don't call them! I promise I'll explain!"

At that moment, the sound of footsteps approached.

Esme's stomach dropped. The guards were coming.

Before Kael could react, Esme threw herself into the room and slammed the door shut, locking herself inside. Kael exhaled, clearly annoyed.

The guards arrived. "Yes, sir?"

Kael sighed. "Leave. You're not needed anymore." The guards bowed and walked away.

Kael turned back to the door. He pushed it open—

Esme was gone. The window was open.

She had escaped.

****. ****. ****.