Six monthster…


    The rich aroma of the food wafted through the air as Nina stirred the curry with one hand, attentively listening to the news on her phone. Just then, her phone began to ring. Switching her phone to speaker mode, Nina answered the call. “Hey!”


    “I hope you don’t have any ns tonight. We’re going to the Fantasy nightclub.” Nora’s voice came through the line.


    “Again? It’s the third time this month.” It seemed like the nightclub had be their go-to destination recently.


    “Don’t tell me you’ve set a limit on how many times you can visit a club?” Nora asked in disbelief.


    Nina chuckled. “No, not at all. I just don’t want to be addicted to the nightlife.”


    “Better than getting addicted to love. Anyway, be ready by ten. I’ll pick up Krystal first and then head to your ce.”


    “That’s fine. I need to buy some clothing materials, so I’ll meet you guys directly at the club.”


    “Alright.”


    Nina hung up the call and hummed a song as she continued her cooking.


    Six months had passed in the blink of an eye.


    After leaving the Meadow Residence, she moved into an apartment she had purchased a year ago.


    During her time with Jayden, he had transferred many properties under her name. However, she had never truly felt they belonged to her, especially after learning the truth about their rtionship.


    As a modern-day independent woman, she had always wanted to have her own property, one that she purchased with her hard-earned money.


    At first, she had been uncertain about this sudden change and whether she could move forward from their past.


    But, time was the best medicine to heal in itself.


    She had thrown herself into her work, even taking on a side hustle to keep her mind upied and prevent herself from dwelling on him. Her friends had been a source of great support, and she was truly grateful for their presence in her life.


    It was only when she returned to her quiet apartment, that the emptiness would creep in, reminding her of what she had lost.


    Habits were a scary thing.


    Each night, when shey in her bed, she longed for the presence of that person who had once been her source of warmth. He used to hold her close as they slept, and the absence of his embrace made it difficult for her to drift off to sleep.


    However, she knew she would ovee this too.


    —


    Night fell.


    Music sted in full swing, reverberating through every corner of the space. Dancers moved to the beat, swaying in perfect harmony with the music. The air was thick with the scent of perfumes, colognes, and the asional waft of fruity cocktails. People chatted, danced, and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere.


    However, a certain person caused almost all heads to turn the moment they walked into the club.


    Walking in her ck high-heels, Nina made her way to the elevator and headed straight for the VIP area on the top floor.


    This exclusive level of the club consisted of private lounges for its VIP members.


    As the elevator door opened, Nina was momentarily frozen in her spot, as she unexpectedly came face-to-face with someone she hadn’t anticipated seeing there.


    “Hey!” Nina greeted the person in front, her eyes meeting Stefan’s.


    “Long time no see, Miss Santiago. Are we not even considered friends just because you broke up with that guy?” Stefan replied teasingly.


    Nina smiled, embarrassed. “You know that’s not true, right?”


    While it was indeed a fact that she hadn’t seen Stefan in a long time, the reason for it was, of course, his best friend.


    In these six months, she had intentionally avoided all the ces where she might run into Jayden. And since Stefan and Jayden had always hung out together, naturally she hadn’t seen him either.


    And tonight’s encounter was just a coincidence.


    “I know. Just kidding,” Stefan said,ughing.


    “Wait, are you here with the others too? I thought… this was an only girl’s night?” Her voice grew softer toward the end of her words.


    “No no! I came over with my friends. We’re in the room just across the opposite corridor.”


    Nina let out a sigh of relief. She had been worried that a certain someone person might join their evening, and knowing he wasn’t, put her at ease.


    However, Stefan’s next words caused her to instantly crack up.


    An intriguing smile yed on Stefan’s lips as he nced past Nina. “Why don’t you say hello to my friend?”


    Nina’s heart skipped a beat as she followed Stefan’s gaze. Her amorous amber eyes fell upon the tall, slender figure who had been the source of her nightmares for the past six months, and she clenched her fist.


    Initially, she had thought that she wouldn’t react upon seeing him again, but it was at this moment, she realised how wrong she had been. Nothing had changed. Even after not seeing him for a long time, her heart still raced rapidly.


    Jayden hade over to call Stefan but was surprised when he saw the woman next to him. However, the surprise on his face was brief, and he regained his usual aloof demeanour.


    Nina casually nced past Jayden’s handsome face, acting as if they had never known each other, and remarked, “I’m sorry. I’m not familiar with CEO Luxton.”


    As soon as her wordsnded, the surrounding atmosphere grew colder. An awkward silence filled the air, and neither of them made any move to break it.


    Not wanting to linger anywhere near him, Nina bid Stefan goodbye. “The others are waiting for me. See you around.”


    “Alright. Call us if you need anything.”


    Nina nodded at him and left.


    Throughout their conversation, Jayden’s face remained as indifferent as ever. However, only he knew how tight his hand was clenched inside his pocket.


    In the past few months, she had intentionally avoided him. He had assumed that after leaving him, she would have a hard time moving on.


    Oh, how wrong he had been.


    Not only was she living well, but it seemed she was also relishing her newfound freedom. After not seeing each other for half a year, she had be bolder and even dared not acknowledge him now.


    And what was wrong with her choice of outfit? Who was she trying to seduce wearing so little?


    Tonight, Nina was dressed in a velvety ckce-slip short dress.


    The outfit highlighted her curves, with the padded bust enhancing her voluptuous figure. As she moved, her hips swayed seductively with every step she took. The dress revealed a hint of her cleavage, which made his throat dry just by looking at her.


    He really missed the softness under his touch. The sight of her in that dress stirred memories and desires he had locked deep inside.


    “Stop looking, she’s gone.” Stefan’s voice rang beside him, pulling him out of his thoughts.


    Jayden adjusted his clothes and cast a side nce at Stefan. “Since when did you get close to her?”


    Stefan scoffed in response. “You’re one to ask? I still can’t believe you let such an outstanding woman go. What were you even thinking?”


    In the past, whenever his sister imed that Jayden didn’t deserve Nina, Stefan regarded it as her biased opinion, since she was friends with thetter.


    Turned out his sister was right. His best friend really didn’t deserve her.


    Hearing his words, Jayden turned silent. After a while, he said. “She’s not as good as she seems,”


    If she were, she wouldn’t have resorted to such a means of threatening him with her life. However, no one could understand theplexities of their rtionship, and it was an argument he couldn’t win.


    “And you should mind your own business,” Jayden said in annoyance. “If you had been half as concerned about your own rtionship, you could have been married by now.”


    “You…”


    —


    The party was already in full swing by the time Nina reached the private room. She took a seat next to Krystal and epted a ss of champagne from a passing waiter.


    Noticing her arrival, Nora, along with another woman in tow, approached Nina.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    “You’re here. Meet Irene,” Nora introduced the honey-blonde-haired woman beside her. “She’s my brother’s personal secretary.”


    “Hello!” Nina greeted Irene with a friendly handshake, and the girls engaged in casual conversation.


    After everyone had arrived, Nora pped her hands to capture everyone’s attention. “I’ve heard that the male escorts at this club provide fantastic services. It’s my treat, so let’s have some fun tonight!”


    The girls cheered, having no objection to her arrangements.


    Seizing the opportunity, Nora made a phone call. “Room 1120. Bring the best male escorts for us and don’t worry, money is not a concern!”


    After a few minutes, the door was pushed open. The manager entered the room with a group of male escorts following behind him.


    The manager was taken aback when he saw the guests inside.


    He had expected a gathering of older, wealthy women. However, the room was filled with stunning women, many of whom looked more morous than most female celebrities. Especially the one in the ck dress.


    Krystal nced at the male escorts and instructed them, “Lift your heads.”


    The male escorts obeyed hermand, revealing their handsome appearances.


    “Alright,” Krystal continued, addressing the women, “remember to choose only two.”


    Nina cast her gaze over the male escorts but didn’t find anyone appealing. No matter how she looked, none stood out to her satisfaction.


    In the end, she was the only one in the room without apanion.


    “Didn’t you fancy anyone from them?” Krystal looked at Nina, who was beside her.


    Nina shook her head. “Average.”


    Upon hearing her response, the manager beamed. “Since you didn’t find anyone to your liking, shall I introduce you to our exclusive male escort, beautifuldy? Just to remind you, it will be costly since he’s our most prized possession.”


    Nina didn’t hesitate as she responded, “Not a problem.”


    The manager rubbed his hands excitedly and made a phone call. Soon, the door opened once more, and the exclusive male host walked in.


    The moment he entered the room, the women’s expressions immediately changed.


    For once, they were almost certain they had mistaken the person in front.