Taking a bath together felt like a dream, and I slept peacefully in his arms. He was so gentle and patient with me. I felt so connected to him that I was ready to do anything he requested.

The morning sun shone through the window as I stretched my limbs. I slowly opened my eyes to see him already awake, observing me with a soft expression.

"Good morning, Angel." His voice was soothing, stilling my racing heart instantly.

I looked away, suddenly shy as the memories of last night flooded back. "Good morning," I whispered while he gently caressed my hair.

The peace didn't last long. I suddenly remembered the meeting with my father and my husband-to-be. I checked the time and gasped. It was already 11:15 am, and I was supposed to meet them at 9:00 am. I sprang out of bed immediately.

I was naked, and so was the strange man.

"Hey, what is wrong?" he inquired with genuine concern, following me as I scrambled for my things.

"I have somewhere to be," I snapped, hurriedly pulling on my clothes.

"Relax, Allison. Are you really going to leave me just like that without even getting to know my name?" His brow furrowed slightly as he judged my rush, but I could not care less. After all, I was certain this was the last time I would ever see him.

"Not even my phone number?" he pressed, watching me.

"I do not think that will be necessary." I had my clothes on, but I realized my bag and phone were nowhere to be found.

"Why?" His voice was low and heavy as he moved toward me.

"Because I am getting married," I blurted out. I hadn't planned on revealing it, but since he was pressuring me, I felt it was better to be honest.

"You are getting married?" He looked totally confused. "Then why did you let someone else touch you? Aren't you scared your husband-to-be will find out?"

"I do not think he will find out. Besides, he is too old to care." I made my way to the door, but he caught me from behind, hugging me tightly.

"Can I at least tell you my name?" he insisted.

I gently pushed him away. "Look, I did not mean for this to happen, but I do not like my husband-to-be, nor do I love him. Whatever I did here was for me to explore. I do not intend to cheat on him once we are wed."

He laughed at that. "But you did anyway," he mocked.

"You do not have to judge me. Anyone in my shoes would have done this," I defended.

"I should also get going then. My wife-to-be will definitely be waiting for me," he remarked. I froze in my tracks.

"You are also getting married?" I gasped in shock. He nodded and sat back on the bed.

"And you are cheating on her?" My chest tightened. It felt like a heavy weight had been placed on my heart.

"I would not say I cheated. I helped a damsel in distress," he stated without any shame.

"Men are disgusting." My face twisted in anger.

"Easy, dear. Before you judge me, remember you did the same thing. My wife-to-be does not give a damn about me. I have not seen her in real life yet, but I have seen her picture. Trust me, I do love her." He paused for a second. "But she does not feel the same way about me."

I did not want to stand there and listen anymore. I was boiling with rage, and I could not understand why I felt so jealous. I was actually jealous of his future wife. She was lucky to have a man who loved her so much. I bolted out of the room before he could see me cry.

I went outside and hailed a cab using some cash I had taken from the table. Within minutes, I arrived home. I walked inside and saw Laura pacing nervously in the sitting room.

The moment she saw me, her face lit up, though she still looked deeply shaken. She rushed toward me and pulled me into a suffocating hug.

"Oh my God, Allie! I thought you were missing!" she wailed, her voice trembling. "Your dad has been calling your phone nonstop. I couldn't answer because I didn't know what to tell him about where you were."." She pulled away, wiping a stray tear from her cheek. "By the time I came back to the spot, you were gone. I searched everywhere for you. My whole night was a total nightmare."

"Calm down, Laura. I’m fine," I murmured, trying to soothe her frantic energy. "I hooked up with a guy yesterday."

I started walking toward the bathroom, peeling off my clothes with a weary sigh.

"Really?" Her eyes widened with sudden curiosity. "Tell me everything! Don't you dare leave me in suspense."

"I can't right now," I shouted over my shoulder as I stepped into the bathroom. "The reason my dad is blowing up my phone is because of the meeting I have with my future husband."

"Please, just one tiny detail!" she pleaded, hovering by the door.

"Fine," I groaned, giving in to her persistence. I knew she wouldn't let me breathe until I shared something.

I yelled the details at top speed over the sound of the running water. When I stepped out, I dressed quickly and applied a light layer of makeup. Once I was ready, Laura leaned against the vanity with a puzzled frown.

"So, what's his name?"

"I don't know. I didn't think to inquire." I admitted

"Why not? That’s kind of a big deal! Did you at least get a phone number?"

"No. I didn't think I'd ever see him again, especially since I’m about to be a married woman."

"Unbelievable," she breathed, slouching in disbelief.

I waved a hasty goodbye and hurried outside, cutting her off before she could lecture me further. I scrambled into the car, and my driver sped toward the hospital.

I rushed through the sterile hallways and took the elevator to the top floor. When I reached my father’s ward, I paused, my hand hovering over the handle. This was the moment of truth. I took a shaky breath, squeezed my eyes shut, and pushed the door open.

My father’s stern voice forced me to look. I marched straight to his bedside, keeping my gaze fixed on him to avoid the heavy presence lingering on the other side of the room.

"It wasn't nice keeping me and your future husband waiting," he scolded. I took his frail hands and kissed them, my heart heavy with guilt.

"There was an emergency," I lied, the fabrication tasting like ash in my mouth.

My father gestured toward the corner of the room, and my gaze followed his hand with agonizing slowness. What I saw made my heart plummet into my stomach.

"Logan, sorry for the delay. This is my daughter, Allison," he announced with a proud smile. "Allison, meet Logan Carter."

I turned to stone.

The air nearly left my lungs when he looked up from his phone, giving me his full attention like I was some kind of entertainment.

It was him. The stranger whose bed I had just been in not long ago.

He stood up and walked toward me, that familiar smirk making my heart race. He extended his hand for a handshake. "It is nice to meet you, Allison."

I froze. My brain completely shut down, and I just stared blankly at him. My dad raised his brows, gesturing sharply for me to take his hand.

I forced myself to reach out. The moment our fingers touched, a shock ran through me.

As if that wasn't enough, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to the back of my hand. His lips against my skin made my stomach knot completely. I couldn't breathe as the memories of last night rushed back all at once.

"You two are acting strange," my dad noted, looking between us curiously. "Have you met before?"

"No," I gasped out quickly.

"Yes," he countered at the exact same time, finally letting go of my hand.

My dad frowned, confused. "Which one is it, yes or no?"

"We met yesterday," he explained, his eyes locking onto mine with a wicked glint. "Your daughter was surprisingly friendly. I wasn't expecting it."

I couldn't speak. Panic and shame choked me. I knew exactly what he was talking about, and he loved every second of my terror.

A slow, knowing smile spread across my dad's face. "I knew you two were a perfect match. That's why I wanted you to meet Logan from the very beginning, but you kept refusing."

I reached down for the hem of my dress and squeezed it tightly, trying to steady my breath as I watched the both of them.

"Logan will be merging with our company as soon as you both get married." My father beamed, a proud look radiating from his face. "Logan is an absolute workaholic."

"True," Logan agreed, his gaze locking onto mine with a wicked glint. "I’ve always had great stamina. When I find something I like, I tend to stay up all night making sure I've explored every single possibility. I don't like leaving things unfinished."

A physical jolt of shame hit me. He was throwing my own behavior back in my face, mocking me, enjoying the exact moment I began falling apart right in front of my father. I bit my lip hard, fighting the urge to fidget.

I looked straight at my dad, my mind spinning. "I thought you said he was your best friend?" I scrambled for words, completely lost. "He looks... I mean, isn't he too young?"

"Age doesn't determine friendship. I have known Logan for nine years, and we have been partners ever since his parents passed away," my dad explained. "He understands me better than anyone. He is my best friend."

Logan casually sat on the edge of the hospital bed. The shared chuckle between the two men only made the room feel smaller, suffocating me. How could I ever explain this to my dad? That I had tried to cheat on my future husband because I assumed he was some old businessman, only to end up sleeping with the actual man himself? Logan would never look at me with respect again.

"Dad, I really should go," I choked out, my voice trembling.

I grabbed my bag and bolted for the door, moving faster than lightning. Behind me, heavy, deliberate footsteps followed immediately.

I burst out into the hospital corridor, my legs shaking so badly I felt like a jellyfish, desperate to escape his piercing gaze.

A firm grip wrapped around my wrist, halting me instantly.

"Allison." He murmured my name, his deep voice softening just enough to make me stop. "Are you trying to run away from me?"

He stepped into my space, looming over me, trapping me against his imposing frame.

"I'm too ashamed to look at you," I whispered, swallowing hard as tears threatened to spill. "I don't want you to hate me."

"It's quite the opposite." He stepped into my space, his dark presence completely overwhelming me. When he leaned down, our lips were almost touching. "The moment your dad sent me your picture and I realized who you were, I had people keep an eye on you."

The truth clicked. That was how he knew exactly which club I was at last night.

He cupped my face, his thumb gently wiping away a stray tear. I leaned into his touch, my eyes closing involuntarily as a shiver ran down my spine. His hand lingered on my cheek before sliding down to the nape of my neck, pulling me flush against his chest as he claimed my lips.

Last night had been hungry and wild, but this kiss was different. It was deeply passionate, possessive, and alluring. For a second, the hospital corridor melted away and I felt like I was floating.

His chest pounded against mine, heavy and demanding. His breath hitched in his throat, a quiet sound of defeat, right before he finally tore his lips away and pulled back.

"You don't hate me for stalking you, do you?" A low chuckle vibrated in his throat.

"No," I breathed, shaking my head. If his shadow hadn't been watching over me, my desperation last night might have landed me in the wrong hands.

His intimidating posture softened, and for a moment, the fierce businessman vanished. He looked at me with open vulnerability, almost desperate. "I am hosting a gala tomorrow night. Please, Allison... say you'll come with me. I really need you there."

"Yes," I promised, a sudden flutter of butterflies erupting in my stomach at how deeply he wanted me there.

"My driver will pick you up at seven," he murmured, a relieved smile brushing his lips. "I need to go now; I have business to finish with your father." He turned and walked back into the ward, leaving a trail of his intoxicating scent behind.

I finally let out the breath I had been holding, my face burning crimson.

When I got home, Laura was cooking while wearing her headset, dancing to the music as she moved around the kitchen. She possessed such a carefree energy, a vibrant spark that always made me grateful to have her as a friend. Walking up behind her, I gently squeezed her shoulders.

She jumped, startled by the sudden touch, and pulled off her headphones.

"Hey, you are back." She scanned my face, a knowing smirk forming on her lips. "Hmmm, you are beaming. He isn't too old, right?"

I shook my head, unable to suppress the smile tugging at my lips. "It's Logan, the guy I hooked up with last night."

Laura froze, staring at me in absolute shock.

"What? Spill now." She quickly turned off the gas stove.

We moved over to the couch, and I told her everything. Her eyes widened with every detail that left my mouth.

"So he isn't angry?"

"No. Honestly, I am more surprised than anyone."

Her eyes lit up with excitement. "I think he loves you."

My stomach did a violent backflip at her words. A strange, heavy sensation settled in my chest. I had never been in a position where a man actually chose me. In the past, they always found someone else, or always preferred the other person over me. The rejection had left deep scars.

"I hope so." I looked down, my voice barely a whisper. "He is hosting a gala tomorrow, and I am invited."

Laura wiggled her brows, teasing me playfully.

"Oh, more like a date."

She headed back to the kitchen to finish cooking while I stayed on the couch, keeping the conversation going. But even as we talked, my mind remained entirely with Logan. The memory of his kiss looped continuously in my thoughts, hot and consuming.

The rest of the evening passed in a total blur. I desperately wanted the night to hurry along so the morning would arrive, bringing me closer to seeing him again.

I felt like a teenager falling in love for the very first time. Laura's words echoed in my head, fueling a deep, aching desire inside me. I wanted him to say it. I wanted to hear him tell me exactly how much he cared.

When night finally came, sleep proved to be a distant luxury. I lay awake staring at the ceiling, playing back every second of our conversation. I was terrified to hope too much, yet completely unable to stop myself. The fear of being the second choice usually kept my heart guarded behind thick walls, but Logan was tearing them down, brick by brick.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the blinds. I sat up, a nervous flutter instantly waking up in my stomach.

Today was the gala.

The bedroom door burst open, revealing Laura grinning from ear to ear.

"Someone is here to see you."

"Is it Logan?" I threw off the covers and scrambled to my feet, rushing toward the door like an eager child.

"No, not him, but he sent his staff."

Stepping into the living room, I found two ladies dressed in neat uniforms waiting for me. They bowed politely the moment I appeared. Spread across the couch were several large, elegant boxes. I rushed over, eagerly opening them one by one.

Laura hurried in after me, laughing at my impatience. "Easy, Allie, you don't want to break your leg."

Inside those boxes were clothes, shoes, and makeup from different luxury brands. Excitement rushed through me just looking at them. This was the very first time I had ever received a gift from a man.

I found a card resting on one of the boxes, the handwriting neat and bold. My smile grew wider with every word.

I would have been there in person because of how much I missed your lips, but I got caught up in a busy schedule.

— Logan.

I bit my lip, carefully tucking the note away.

"He is so intentional. I can't wait to meet this gentleman." Laura beamed.

I tried to act casual, pretending I wasn't completely overwhelmed by it all, but deep down inside, I was going crazy with happiness.

"The event isn't until seven in the evening. Why are you here so early? It's only ten in the morning." I turned to the women in surprise.

One of them stepped forward. "Mr. Logan wants us to prepare you early. That includes massages, makeup, pedicures, manicures, and styling your hair. He doesn't want you to lift a single finger because he thought it might stress you out for tonight."

"Oh." I paused, that strange, fluttering feeling returning to my stomach.

Laura leaned in eagerly. "Can I get a massage too?"

"Of course." The woman offered a polite bow. "My name is Tina, and this is my assistant, Thelma. We are entirely at your service."

To start things off, Laura and I both took a quick bath and changed into soft robes. Logan had even arranged for someone to drop off a delicious lunch for us.

We both lay down and let the women work their magic. As the massage started, I finally allowed my tense body to relax, releasing all the built-up stress from managing my father's business lately.

The relaxation session lasted for three whole hours. Once they finished, Laura and I ate the food while Tina and Thelma moved on to our manicures and pedicures. They took their absolute time pampering us, and by the time they finished, the clock already read five.

Next came the makeup and hair styling, which took even longer. By seven, Logan's driver was already waiting outside. My heart skipped a violent beat the moment I caught a glimpse of the sleek car through the window.

We weren't finished with my makeup yet, and I hadn't even had the chance to put on the dress. Suddenly, Logan called Thelma's phone.

"Aren't you guys done yet?" His deep voice carried clearly from the receiver, sounding incredibly impatient.

"No, sir." Thelma tone was nervous.

"Hurry up. I want to see her right now." The line went dead.

The realization that I was about to see him again made me incredibly shy. We rushed through the rest of the styling, the pressure mounting. By the time everything was completely finished, it was eight-thirty, and Logan's calls hadn't stopped.

"Oh my God, you look like an angel." Laura gasped, making me blush deeply. "Come on, go now before Logan blows up Thelma's phone again."

I waved goodbye to her and stepped into the back of the car. Inside, I was a restless, nervous wreck, but I did my absolute best to sit up straight and look confident.

During the entire drive, I kept rehearsing exactly what to say when we finally met face-to-face. My fingers traced the handwritten note he had sent, holding onto it like a lifeline.

I took all of this as a sign of how deeply he cared for me. Maybe tonight was the perfect opportunity to tell him the truth.

I was finally going to confess my feelings to him.