Chapter 2

Grace’s POV

"Oh, how did I end up here?"

I felt really messed up and deliberately ran away from the problems. So, here I am at MC Bar, one of the nightspots known for its bustling and chaotic atmosphere. I try to catch my breath to become calmer amidst the bar's seemingly boisterous atmosphere.

"Your drink, Miss." The bartender placed my usual drink, 'Don't Want to Sleep Tonight'.

Without thinking, I downed the drink immediately and felt a burning sensation as the liquid entered my throat, raising my troubled state of mind to even more chaotic. But I liked the taste, which made me feel like I was spinning around—such a solid and intoxicating flavour.

"Ah!" I placed the empty glass on the table. And felt my face turn red from the alcoholic drink.

I fanned my hot face with both hands. The air here was so hot that it made me hot, I got off the barstool, and my body swayed slightly as my head suddenly throbbed with pain. I usually don't get drunk quickly from just one drink. But, right now, my head felt very heavy, and my body was starting to relax from the drink I had just ordered.

Several pairs of eyes began to watch my movements. I felt uncomfortable about it.

A man wearing a suit who was originally sitting not far from me began to move closer. The stranger now stood right next to me and flashed a faint smile.

"Two scotches, please." He ordered the bartender.

I was still standing with a look of confusion. I looked like a fool who had come alone to this place trying to be someone else, not pathetic Grace.

The man turned to me and asked. 

"Where's your date?"

I looked back at him. Tonight was supposed to be the happiest night of my life—it was my wedding anniversary with Jhon. Instead, I was here alone, like a lonely woman. That's how sad my life is.

"I'm not with anyone," I replied to the man's question.

The man, whose name I didn't know yet, just nodded slowly as he received his two drinks from the bartender. "Then it's my treat. Please."

He placed one of the scotch glasses towards me with a faint smile. Not wanting to care about what happened, I took the glass and downed it quickly. Being in such a hurry to finish the drink made me choke.

"Hey, are you okay?"

I could feel his big palm behind my back, trying to calm me down, but, in reality, he was just pretending because he wanted to touch me. I knew what kind of man he was. A masher who likes to fool around with just any woman, or a man who likes to have one-night stands.

I raised one hand towards him and shook my head. "No, I'm not. I'm fine."

"Do you need anything? Or, do you want to leave this place to a quieter place?" The man spoke again, and I knew what he meant.

I, who was already disgusted by this kind of man, pushed his chest roughly away from me. "You're so disgusting!"

His face looked shocked at what I had just done to him. I didn't care, and I intended to leave this damn place immediately and get away from that man. I quickly took out some money to pay for my drink. Without looking back at the man, I hurried to leave this place.

However, my steps were stopped because someone pulled my hand. When I turned my head, it was the man from earlier. He seemed to smile at me, the most disgusting smile I had ever seen.

"Let me accompany you, Miss. We can have some fun. I know you're lonely." His face grinned, and he tightened his grip on my wrist.

"Let go of my hand, you idiot!" I caught my breath and tried to pull harder to get his hand off my wrist and succeeded.

"I can gladly accompany you and satisfy you, Miss."

I ignored his ramblings and hurried to get away from him. But my steps were a little unsteady due to the drunkenness that was starting to attack me. My footsteps began to get out of balance until I accidentally bumped into someone in front of me.

"Oh!" I felt a solid, cold body on the man before me. I looked up to see his face, which exuded an aura of firmness and power.

"Chase!"

I gasped at the sound of the man's voice saying a name. When I looked back, suddenly, the man rushed away from this place with a frightened look on his face. "What's wrong with him?"

My head snapped back to look forward at the tall, well-built man still looking at me with a cold expression.

Another visitor nudged my body, so that I, who was still a bit drunk, was a bit unsteady and almost fell down. I suddenly grabbed the man's suit, bringing my body closer to him. Instantly, the fragrance of the cologne he was wearing penetrated my sense of smell, and it felt very soothing. I like it a lot. It's very comfortable.

I lifted my face to him again and gave him a warm smile. "Will you accompany me tonight, sir?"

I could see his forehead frown at my question.

"I can pay you to accompany me tonight." I fiddled with the man's tie, but he didn't respond at all.

"Hey, will you accompany me?" I asked him again, this time looking at him pleadingly. Come on, say something, and don't just stay silent. Will you accompany me tonight?"

Why is this man silent and not responding to my words at all. I put an annoyed expression on him and roughly patted his chest. This guy really pissed me off.

Then, I looked at him again and spoke in an annoyed tone. "Well, if you're not willing, I'll find another man to accompany me tonight."

I quickly left his presence, intending to find another man. However, before leaving, something caught hold of me and pulled my body into an embrace. I could feel the scent of that cologne again. He hugged me very tightly, restraining me from leaving.

We embraced in the middle of the crowded bar. I could feel his big hands wrapped around my waist. He was holding me possessively. One hand touched my chin, making our eyes meet. I could see his piercing gaze as it pierced through me. Then he kissed me. His kiss was deep and starkly contrasted with the innocent kiss I had the first time I kissed him.

However, in the next minute, his kiss was more robust and more demanding, leaving me breathless and entirely under his power. He seemed to have claimed me with both of his hands again, hugging me tightly

along with his kiss, which made me even more unable to break free from his grip.