Chapter 1

**Snow's POV**

I couldn’t help but feel a flutter of excitement as I approached Sylvestre’s mansion to meet my handsome fiancé, Marcus. It had been almost a week since we last saw each other, and I was more than ready to be wrapped up in his arms again. The past few days had been a whirlwind, with endless hours spent on the set of a movie that was scheduled to release in a couple of months. Today was the final taping day, and I could finally exhale. I’d been so caught up in the chaos that I hadn’t had time to rest, but now, I could finally take a breath even if it was just for a few short days.

Though I was still new to the world of showbiz, I didn’t regret stepping away from my budding career for a relationship. Acting was never the dream I had in mind; my heart had always belonged to writing. I longed to be a professional novelist, someone whose stories could be adapted for television. That was my true passion. But, fate had a funny way of steering me in different directions. I never planned to become an actress, but when my mom asked her director friend to give me a shot as an extra in a soap opera, I couldn’t say no. She had always dreamed of having a child in the entertainment industry, and when I agreed, she was delighted. It was a big step, but somehow, it felt right.

Of course, I had talents of my own like singing and playing some musical instruments. My mom would always remind me, "What’s the use of those talents if you're not going to share them with the world?" It was true, but even with all my dreams of becoming a writer, I couldn’t shake the idea that a simple life, with Marcus by my side, was what I truly wanted. He was everything to me. After five years together, he was still my first love, and our relationship had grown so beautifully.

Yes, I was young, but age wasn’t a concern when it came to love. Marcus was five years older than me, and I liked it that way. The age gap felt perfect. He was everything I could ask for. He is handsome, respectful, hardworking, and rich. Who could say no to a man like that, especially when he swept you off your feet with a proposal? I sure couldn’t. I couldn’t wait to be his wife.

When I rang the doorbell at the Sylvestre mansion, my heart skipped a beat. The guard opened the door and motioned for me to come in, but what I wasn’t expecting was Marcus, already standing by the door. As soon as he saw me, he broke into a wide grin and dashed to greet me outdoors. Without a second thought, he pulled me into a tight hug, lifting me off the ground.

“I missed you so much, Love...” he whispered, burying his face in my hair.

“I missed you too,” I replied, my voice soft, as we pulled away from each other.

His eyes sparkled with affection as he stared at my face.

“It's too bad you missed meeting my brother earlier. I was hoping you'd meet him today.”

I couldn’t hide my disappointment, but I smiled to reassure him.

“Maybe next time, Love. He’s not leaving for Sicily yet, right?”

“No, he’s staying here for a while. He just came to visit Dad.” He smiled, his hand brushing against mine.

“Well, by the way, the bridal gown for our wedding next month was delivered to your house last week,” he informed. I couldn’t help but smile.

Marcus’s expression shifted instantly. “You seem excited about that. Are you looking forward to the first night?” His voice was teasing, filled with that familiar spark that made my heart race. I swatted him lightly on the arm, and he slipped his arm around my waist, pulling me closer.

“To be honest, I’m more than excited,” he said, winking at me. The mischievous glint in his eyes made my heart skip.

“Well, good boy,” I teased, my voice light and full of laughter.

“Because, if you weren’t, I might have kicked you out already,” I said with a playful grin.

Marcus chuckled and leaned in closer, his breath warm against my ear.

“By the way, I’ve planned a special, romantic date for us tonight. Surely, you don’t have any other plans, do you?”

I smiled confidently, my eyes meeting his.

“Of course not. I’ll be there. Who else would I want to be with?” I said, my heart swelling with affection as we stepped into the mansion together, ready for the night ahead.

*****

MEANWHILE, ON THE OTHER SIDE...

**Demetri's POV**

After visiting my father, I headed straight to meet the woman waiting for me. No unnecessary detours. Just straight to the hotel where she was staying, the same woman I had only met yesterday on the plane.

When I pressed the doorbell, I saw the shadow of movement behind the peephole. The moment she recognized me, the door swung open, and without hesitation, she grabbed me by the collar and crashed her lips against mine.

I let her.

I matched her intensity, deepening the kiss, tasting the hunger in the way her tongue tangled with mine. By the time we reached the living room, I had already lifted her into my arms, carrying her as if she weighed nothing.

"Where do you want it?" I murmured against her ear, my voice dark with intent.

"Here in the living room… or the bedroom?" I asked, huskily.

"Anywhere," she whispered, biting her lower lip as her eyes shaded with lust.

I smirked. She was desperate. Good.

Deciding to take her to the bedroom, I dropped her onto the bed with just enough force to make her bounce. Her breath hitched as I grabbed her by the legs, pulling her closer. She was wearing a short red skirt, and as I knelt between her parted thighs, I couldn't help but grin.

No underwear.

"Instantly ready for eating?" I teased, my voice laced with amusement.

She didn’t answer. I just let out a shuddering breath as I buried my face between her legs.

Her body writhed beneath me, fingers clutching the sheets as moans spilled from her lips. I worked her relentlessly, savoring every sound she made, every gasp, every desperate plea.

"Oh, fuck! Yes, there, Demetri!" she cried out, completely unraveling.

I didn’t stop. Not until she was trembling from the intensity of it. And when I was satisfied, she wasted no time getting on her knees before me, her lips parting as she took me into her mouth.

A groan rumbled in my chest as I gripped the back of her head, guiding her movements. She was eager—too eager. The way she looked up at me with those wide, needy eyes only fueled my desire.

Our clothes were removed without care, my long sleeves were tossed somewhere on the floor. I pulled her back up, kissing her deeply, tasting myself on her tongue.

I turned her around, pressing her against the bed.

"On your knees, bítch!" I ordered.

She obeyed without question.

Positioning myself behind her, I rolled on the condom before sliding inside her inch by inch. She gasped, her body tensing before melting around me.

At first, I moved slowly, teasing her with agonizing strokes. But when she moaned, "Faster," in that breathless, needy voice, I gave her exactly what she wanted.

My thrusts became harder, deeper. The sound of flesh slapping against skin echoed in the room, mingling with her cries of pleasure. We shifted positions, now tangled in a spooning embrace, her back flush against my chest as I drove into her with relentless precision.

"A-Ahh! Fúck! Faster!" she pleaded.

I gritted my teeth, pushing her over the edge until she came undone. The moment I felt her convulse around me, my release followed.

Pulling out, I removed the condom and discarded it.

She turned to face me, brushing a soft kiss against my lips.

"Can you stay the night?" she murmured, her fingers tracing along my jaw.

"Maybe next time," I said with a smirk. But we both knew... there would be no next time.

Standing in front of the mirror, I fixed my clothes while she remained on the bed, watching me with a lazy, satisfied smile. I had places to be.

She slipped behind me, wrapping her arms around my waist, her body pressing against my back.

"You're leaving already?" she asked, voice laced with disappointment.

"I have somewhere else to go," I replied, turning to face her.

"Call me," she said, taking my hand in hers and putting her calling card.

I chuckled. "Sure. No problem."

I kissed her one last time before walking out of the room.

By the time I stepped into the hallway, she was already forgotten. I never called the women I slept with. One night was all they ever got.

Pulling the calling card I had slipped into my coat pocket, I didn’t even bother reading the name. Instead, I tore it into pieces and tossed it into the trash bin.

Outside the hotel, my driver, named Sed, was already waiting while holding an umbrella. The rain was pouring hard.

"Where to, boss?" he asked as I slid into the backseat.

"Another hotel," I answered.

He chuckled.

"Looks like it’s going to be another long night for you."

I smirked but said nothing. He’d only been working for me a few days, yet he already knew my habits, my routine of leaving the mansion only to find a woman I could fúck.

The car moved through the city streets, but soon, traffic slowed to a near standstill. A collision up ahead had caused congestion, made worse by the relentless downpour. I leaned back, resting my elbow on the car door, my gaze drifting toward the rain-streaked window.

That’s when I saw her.

A lone woman stood beneath a waiting shed, completely unaware of the world around her. She reached out, letting the rain drip through her fingers, a small, almost childlike smile flashing on her lips.

Something about her made me pause.

The way she moved. The way the rain framed her delicate features. She wasn’t just beautiful but she was mesmerizing.

"Pull over," I ordered to Sed.

The driver obeyed immediately.

I watched her closely as she played with the rain, and I was completely captivated by her. She looked almost ethereal, untouched by the chaos around her.

"She looks like Miss Snow," my driver commented.

I turned to him, intrigued.

"You know her?"

"Yes, boss. That’s Sir Marcus’ fiancée."

My eyebrows lifted slightly. So, this was the woman my brother was going to marry. I had heard Marcus mention her before, but I had never been interested enough to see her... not even in a photo.

But now, looking at her, standing there in the waiting shed, I suddenly felt the urge to know more.

"Pick her up," I ordered.

The car rolled forward, stopping right in front of the waiting shed. The driver rolled down the window and called out to her.

"Miss Snow, where are you headed?"

She lifted her head, startled by the sudden voice. And then, our eyes met.

For a moment, I felt something different.

"To Marienet Hotel, Mang Sed!" she called out, raising her voice over the sound of the rain.

"That’s where we’re going too, Miss Snow. Ride with us," my driver offered.

Sed stepped out, umbrella in hand, and approached her.

She hesitated briefly, glancing toward the car. And then, her gaze landed on me again.

I held her stare, unreadable and cold

She lightly bit her lip, uncertain, before finally stepping into the vehicle.