“I want us to break up!” Jack, a handsome man standing before Cleo, declared. His words struck like lightning on a dark night for Cleo, a young 21-year-old woman seated by the window. Few words were spoken, yet they were enough to shatter her heart.

Cleo sat silently, her mind processing the statement Jack had just made. She forced a smile, but it was a feeble attempt—an artificial facade that failed to mask her pain. “Break up?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“Yes, we’re done!” Jack reiterated firmly, leaving no room for argument.

Just a few words, but they felt like the ground crumbling beneath Cleo’s feet. Tears threatened to spill, but she held them back, determined to appear strong.

“I’ve had enough of you, Cleo. I’m tired of this!” Jack continued, his tone flat as if the words carried no weight to him.

Cleo stared blankly at him. “Tired?” she repeated, her gaze slowly drifting to a woman sitting in the corner of the room, her head bowed. That woman had taken Cleo’s place in Jack’s life.

“Yes,” Jack replied curtly, showing no sign of remorse.

Cleo’s eyes lingered on the woman before her face turned somber. Without hesitation, she stood and approached her, gripping the woman’s wrist as she sat frozen. “What’s so special about this woman, Jack?” she demanded, her voice trembling.

“Stop it! Don’t drag her into this, Cleo!” Jack barked angrily, brushing Cleo’s hand away. “It’s better if you leave and never bother us again. Got it?”

Cleo froze, stunned that Jack would speak so harshly to her, humiliating her in front of the other woman.

“So, everything between us meant nothing?” she asked, her voice cracking. “Why didn’t you tell me from the start, Jack?” The words erupted from her, anger and heartbreak overpowering her restraint.

But Jack remained silent. He seemed entirely satisfied with his decision.

Cleo’s eyes turned red, her cheeks burned, and her entire body trembled with rage and despair. Clenching her fists tightly, she struggled to contain the storm inside her. Before she could think, her hand moved, delivering a sharp slap to Jack’s face, making his head snap to the side.

“Bastard! I thought you were different!” she shouted, her voice thick with emotion. She laughed bitterly and shook her head, her strength faltering. “You’re just like every other guy out there, Jack. No different at all!”

“Jack, are you okay?” the other woman asked worriedly, reaching for Jack’s arm. Cleo scoffed softly, disgusted by the sight of the woman’s concern for Jack.

The slap didn’t faze Jack. Instead, he smirked cynically, unfazed by the sting on his cheek. “I’m fine,” he said, touching his reddened skin.

Jack glared at Cleo. “You’re pathetic, Cleo. You should’ve realized I was done with you a long time ago. If you care about yourself, leave now and don’t come back.”

Cleo clenched her jaw, her gaze shifting to the woman sitting silently nearby. Disgust welled up within her as she wondered how someone could be so shameless.

Her hands remained fists, but she held herself back. Though she wanted to lash out at the woman too, she refrained. Instead, she shot a piercing glare at Jack, as if her eyes alone could hurt him.

“You’ll regret this, Jack!” Cleo yelled, her voice thick with fury before storming out.

Cleo never imagined Jack would betray her like this, ending their relationship in front of the woman who replaced her. It felt as though her world was crumbling around her.

She hurried out of the room, wiping away the tears streaming down her face. Reaching her car, she climbed in, started the engine, and sped away, desperate to escape the tormenting reality.

“Why are all men the same?” she screamed, pounding the steering wheel. Tears flowed freely, and her disheveled hair mirrored the chaos inside her.

“How could you be so cruel, Jack? I never thought you could be this heartless,” she muttered, biting her lip to suppress her rage.

Not long after, Cleo pulled up outside a nightclub. Without a second thought, she stepped out of the car and entered, seeking solace or distraction in the bustling atmosphere. Though the night was late and the place unfamiliar, Cleo didn’t care.

Inside the club, she sat at the bar, watching others revel as if their problems didn’t exist. Her gaze was vacant, longing to join their carefree world and forget her heartache. “Maybe they’re like me—nursing a broken heart or dealing with other issues,” she murmured bitterly, trying to soothe her inner turmoil.

Cleo let out a bitter laugh and picked up a glass of alcohol poured in front of her.

“Put that drink down,” a voice suddenly said.

Startled, Cleo turned to find a man seated beside her. He was dressed in a sharp tuxedo, his face vaguely familiar. “Who... are you? This is none of your business,” she replied softly.

The man met her gaze with a calm yet firm expression. “That drink won’t solve your problems,” he said plainly.

Cleo rolled her eyes, irritated by the stranger’s intrusion. “Why do you care? I don’t need a lecture from someone I don’t even know,” she retorted, lifting her glass.

But the man quickly stopped her hand, surprising her. “Don’t do this,” he said again. His voice wasn’t judgmental but filled with genuine empathy. “You’re hurt and angry. This won’t help—it’ll only make things worse.”

Cleo stared at him, her eyes brimming with tears. “You don’t understand what I’m going through,” she whispered, her voice raw with pain.

“You’re right; I don’t know the details,” he admitted. “But I do know what it feels like to be broken by someone you trusted. Like your world has stopped, and there’s no reason to keep going.”

His words made Cleo pause. There was something familiar in his tone—as if he had walked this road before.

“Why do you care?” she asked, trying to hide her curiosity.

The man offered a faint smile, tinged with sadness. “I can’t change what’s happened to you, but I can make sure you don’t hurt yourself any further. That drink isn’t the answer, Cleo.”

Cleo blinked. “How do you know my name?”

“You’d better go home and sleep instead of wasting your time at this club.”

“Who even are you?” Cleo snapped, glaring at the man with frustration.

The man remained silent, not uttering a single word. Feeling disrespected, Cleo moved to another spot, intending to drink the wine she had just ordered. But once again, the man moved swiftly, knocking the glass from her hand, causing it to shatter on the floor. The commotion caught the attention of many in the club.

“Are you insane?” Cleo shouted, embarrassed by the scene.

“You’re the one acting insane,” the man replied calmly, as if nothing had happened.

Cleo was growing increasingly confused by this stranger. “What do you want? Stay out of my business!”

The man said nothing, then sat beside her without a word.

Cleo exhaled sharply. “Why are you sitting here? Trying to get my attention? Don’t bother! I’m not interested in men anymore, especially not guys like you.”

“Quite confident, aren’t you?” he said, smirking faintly.

Cleo scoffed and chose not to respond. She ordered another bottle of wine, trying to drown her sorrows in more drinks.

“Got a problem?” the man asked. “Why else would you order that?”

Cleo glanced at him sideways, her eyes half-closed. “You’d be better off leaving and letting me be.”

“Not until you leave this place,” he answered firmly.

Cleo stared at him, trying to decipher the meaning behind his words. When the bottle and glass were placed on the table, Cleo poured herself another drink without a second thought. “Why are you here, anyway?” she asked, her voice hoarse.

“Just needed some fresh air,” he replied casually.

Cleo scoffed quietly. “Just admit you’re here for the pretty girls.”

“Could be,” he said with a small smile.

“Typical sleazy guy,” Cleo muttered before taking a slow sip. The wine burned, just like the pain in her heart.

“I’m not drinking like you,” he remarked in a flat tone. “I’m just here to let go of some burdens without needing alcohol.”

Cleo looked at him, puzzled. “Without drinking? That’s pointless,” she replied, her face turning red as the alcohol took effect.

The man simply cleared his throat and watched as Cleo slowly finished her drink. For a moment, she felt as though the world had stopped, lost in her loneliness and confusion. Just as she reached for another drink, the man quickly held her hand, stopping her.

“That’s enough. Don’t overdo it,” he said gently but firmly.

“What’s your problem? Let go!” Cleo pushed his hand away and poured herself another glass, downing it quickly in an attempt to quiet her chaotic thoughts.

Suddenly, someone called out to the man. “Kevin?”

Kevin—the name the man responded to—turned toward the voice, looking slightly surprised. Another man in a tuxedo approached them. Kevin hesitated briefly before giving a faint smile.

“You can head back first. I’ll follow soon,” Kevin said to the newcomer.

“Alright. I’ll leave the car for you and take a cab,” the other man replied before walking away.

Kevin nodded slightly, watching the man disappear into the crowd.

Cleo, now feeling dizzy, tried to stand but staggered. “You should’ve gone with him. Stop meddling in my business!” she said, her voice slurred.

Kevin remained silent, his calm gaze fixed on her. He watched as Cleo continued drinking relentlessly. Eventually, he stood up and gently took the glass from her hand, which was nearly empty.

“Cleo, let’s go. Don’t hurt yourself any more than you already have,” he said softly but with resolve.

Cleo, feeling as though the world was spinning around her, struggled to stand on her own. “Ugh! Let go of me! I can manage on my own!” she yelled, trying to push Kevin away.

But her legs gave out, and she nearly collapsed. Thankfully, Kevin was quick to catch her, holding her up from behind.

“Cleo?” Kevin called her name, concern etched on his face. His expression grew serious as he noticed her worsening condition.

Cleo, her face flushed and body trembling, tried to pull away from Kevin’s support. “I don’t need your help!” she shouted angrily, stumbling as she attempted to walk on her own.

Kevin clenched his jaw, his worry mounting. He could see how much Cleo was hurting, and though her stubbornness frustrated him, he couldn’t abandon her. “Cleo, don’t push yourself,” he said firmly, holding her shoulders to steady her.

Cleo turned, trying to break free from Kevin’s gentle hold. “Let me go!” she yelled, her anger clear on her flushed face. “I don’t need anyone! Especially not you!”

But as she tried to walk again, her legs weakened further, and she stumbled once more. Kevin caught her just in time, preventing her from falling.

Cleo clutched her chest, feeling a tightness that stemmed more from her emotions than her physical exhaustion. “Why does everything have to be this way?” she whispered. “Why did Jack have to be so cruel? I never thought he’d do this. And now… now you show up out of nowhere, meddling in my problems.”

Kevin didn’t respond immediately, his eyes filled with quiet understanding as he looked at her. “I’m just trying to help. But if you don’t want that, I won’t force you. Just know you’re not alone, Cleo.”

Cleo fell silent, her tear-filled eyes meeting his. There was a sincerity in Kevin’s expression that she couldn’t ignore. Despite her pain, she could sense that this man wasn’t like Jack. Kevin wasn’t here to break her further; he was offering a semblance of peace in her chaotic world.

She looked up at him, her weakened body leaning against his steady frame. Her voice broke as she let out a bitter laugh. “You know my name?” she asked, her tone a mix of disbelief and anguish.

Kevin sighed deeply, gazing at the woman who could barely stand. Without another word, he bent down, lifted her into his arms, and carried her out of the noisy club.

Cleo felt heavy in Kevin’s arms, whether from the alcohol or the emotional weight she carried. Yet one thing was clear to her: this man was different. There was something about him that made it impossible for her to reject his help.

As they stepped outside, the cool night air greeted them, offering a brief reprieve. Kevin gently helped Cleo into a car, handling her with care.

“I don’t know what to do anymore, Kevin. I hate this feeling. I hate everything,” Cleo muttered, her voice trembling with barely suppressed sobs.

Kevin looked at her intently, his eyes soft but serious. “You’re not alone, Cleo. Take your time. I’ll be here. But don’t let yourself stay trapped in this pain for too long. You’re stronger than you think.”

Her gaze locked onto his, her eyes clouded with despair but tinged with a glimmer of hope. She didn’t fully understand what was happening, but for the first time that night, she felt a faint sense of relief, a sliver of calm amid her turmoil. Was this the beginning of healing? Or just a fleeting illusion that would vanish with the night?

Kevin gently closed the car door and slid into the driver’s seat. Without another word, he started the engine. The car drove off, leaving behind the shimmering city night, a keeper of unforgettable memories—bittersweet, beautiful, and enigmatic.

On the way, Kevin glanced several times at the girl who was now sleeping in the passenger seat. Her face appeared peaceful, but traces of sadness were unmistakable. The car drove steadily toward a hotel in the city center.

"Why are you so stubborn? You shouldn't have been there," Kevin muttered, turning the steering wheel while occasionally glancing at her. But, of course, there was no answer.

A few minutes later, Kevin arrived at his apartment. He got out and picked up Cleo again. Her body was so light, as if she hadn't eaten properly in a long time. With long strides, he made his way to the elevator that led to the apartment on the upper floor.

Once inside the room, Kevin gently laid Cleo down on the bed. He sat on the edge, rubbed his tired face, and let out a heavy sigh.

His eyes returned to Cleo. She looked calm, though it was clear she was hiding deep pain. Kevin's hand slowly reached out, brushing Cleo's hair gently. Suddenly, she mumbled in her sleep.

"Jack... why are you so cruel to me..."

Kevin was taken aback, his eyes widening. Her voice was full of sadness, making his chest ache. "Because of a man?" he murmured, his voice bitter. "I suspected as much," he hissed, shaking his head.

He looked at Cleo again, an unfamiliar feeling rising within him. "Who is the man who hurt you, Cleo?" he thought.

After making sure Cleo was comfortable, Kevin tucked her in so she wouldn't get cold. He stood up to move to the sofa in the corner of the room when suddenly his hand was stopped by something.

He turned around and found Cleo, still fast asleep, holding his wrist tightly.

"Don't leave me... stay with me here. I'm scared..." Cleo whispered, her voice filled with desperation.

Kevin was silent, guilt washing over him. He took a deep breath and sat back down on the edge of the bed. After a moment, he took out his phone and called his assistant.

"Get the report I need for this afternoon ready. I won't be going to the office tonight," Kevin said briefly before hanging up.

His eyes returned to Cleo, who was now sleeping more peacefully. "I'm here. Sleep," he whispered, as if to reassure her.

Soon after, drowsiness began to creep up on Kevin. In an uncomfortable sitting position, he finally dozed off.

Cleo opened her eyes slowly. Her head felt heavy, as if weighed down by an invisible burden. "Ouch, why is my head so heavy?" she muttered, rubbing her temples.

She sat up on the bed, looking around the unfamiliar room. The ceiling was different, the smell of the room unfamiliar. "Where am I?" she asked quietly.

Memories of the night before started to surface. She remembered the blinding lights of the club, the loud music, and... a man. Cleo's face suddenly turned pale.

"The guy from last night," she whispered in panic. She quickly checked the clothes she was wearing. Everything was still intact, nothing had changed. But the worry wouldn't go away.

"Did he bring me here? He didn't... do anything to me, did he?" she thought fiercely.

Cleo got out of bed, her steps a bit unsteady. She peeked at the door, ready to sneak out when a voice from the direction of the pantry stopped her.

"Where are you going? I made you a drink to help with your headache."

The voice made Cleo freeze in place. She turned slowly and looked at the man standing in the small hotel kitchen.

Cleo furrowed her brows, squinting at him. "Who are you really?" she asked suspiciously.

The man turned slightly, looking at her with a small smile. "Just call me Kevin," he replied, placing a glass of drink and a plate of food on the dining table.

Cleo walked closer, her steps hesitant. She glanced at the food briefly and then back at Kevin. "You're... not a bad guy, are you?" she asked cautiously.

Kevin chuckled lightly, then sat down at the table. "Bad? Do I look like a bad guy to you?"

Cleo paused for a moment, then shook her head slowly. She sat in front of him, though her gaze remained wary. "You're the same guy from last night, aren't you?"

Kevin nodded slightly. He pushed a glass of drink toward Cleo. "Drink this. It'll help with your headache."

Cleo eyed the glass suspiciously. "There's no poison in this, is there?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Kevin smiled faintly, his voice casual. "I'm not that bad, Cleo. I just want to help a sweet girl like you."

Hearing that, Cleo felt a pang of irony. She hissed softly but eventually took a sip of the drink. The cool sensation refreshed her throat, easing the dizziness in her head.

After that, Kevin offered her a plate of food. "Eat this. I prepared it for you."

Cleo stared at the food for a moment, then looked back at Kevin. To be honest, she felt guilty. But her stomach was growling, and the food looked too tempting to refuse.

"Thank you," Cleo said softly, picking up a fork.

Kevin nodded, then took a portion for himself. The room fell silent, only the clinking of cutlery against plates could be heard.

However, during the meal, Cleo occasionally stole glances at Kevin. The man looked so calm, as if he wasn't bothered by her sharp gaze.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" Kevin suddenly asked, making Cleo jump.

"I'm not staring at you," Cleo replied quickly, averting her eyes. "Perverts like you are not even interesting."

Kevin chuckled at her words. "Pervert? You're funny."

Cleo huffed in irritation but didn't respond further.

After a while, Kevin finally spoke. "Did you have a broken heart last night? That you had to drink alcohol?"

The question left Cleo speechless. She stared at her plate, absentmindedly stirring the food. "Yeah," she finally replied, her voice small.

"Hmm, because of a man?" Kevin asked again, his tone understanding.

Cleo nodded slowly. "Yes. He—he cheated. And I don't know why I still care."

Kevin listened intently but didn't respond right away. After a moment, he said, "That drink won't erase your pain. You'll only regret it later."

Cleo looked up, her eyes glistening with tears. "Then what should I do?" she asked desperately.

Kevin sighed deeply. "Let it go. Focus on yourself. Don't let that pain destroy you."

Cleo didn't answer, but Kevin's words slowly seeped into her thoughts. She knew he was right, even if it was hard to accept.

After a moment, Cleo asked again. "Why do you care? We only met last night."

Kevin shrugged slightly. "I just don't like seeing someone destroy themselves. Especially a girl like you. The world is already tough enough without you adding to the burden in that way."

Cleo tilted her head, studying the man in front of her. There was something strange about Kevin. His gaze was warm, yet his eyes hid an unspoken pain. "You speak as if you know what it feels like," Cleo finally said.

Kevin laughed softly, his tone bitter. "Maybe I do," he replied, looking away.

The words piqued Cleo's curiosity even more. "So, you’ve been heartbroken too?" she asked cautiously.

Kevin didn't answer right away. He seemed to be thinking, deciding whether he wanted to share his story or not. After a moment, he said, "Once. But it wasn't just about love. Sometimes, heartbreak comes from many things—losing someone you love, dreams that don't come true, or even betrayal from someone you trust."

Cleo was silent. She hadn't expected this man to have such a deep story. "So, how did you move on?" she finally asked.

Kevin smiled faintly. "I chose not to stop. Life won't wait for you. If you stop, you'll be left behind. So, I kept going, even when my steps were unsteady."

Those words stunned Cleo. She looked down, trying to process what she had just heard. All this time, she had felt that the world was unfair. But maybe, she had been drowning in her own pain for too long.

After a moment, Cleo raised her head. "Thank you, Kevin," she said sincerely.

Kevin just smiled slightly. "No need to thank me. I just wanted to make sure you're okay."

After finishing their meal, Kevin stood up, collected the empty plates, and took them to the sink. Cleo, feeling guilty, stood up to help. But Kevin quickly stopped her hand.

"Let me do it," he said firmly.

The touch made Cleo freeze. Their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. There was something in Kevin's gaze that made Cleo feel at ease, even though she had just met him.

"Why does his face look familiar?" Cleo thought suddenly, not blinking at all. The same went for Kevin.