FOREWORD - CHAPTER 9 — The Charity Event

The taxi stopped in front of the villa.

Lights were everywhere.

Along the paths, between the trees, even wrapped around the columns at the entrance.

It looked like a perfect painting.

Too perfect.

I stepped out, adjusting my dress.

There were already so many people. Women in long gowns, men in suits, polite laughter and eyes scanning the crowd like radar.

I felt out of place.

But I tried not to show it.

"Vale!"

Linda’s voice reached me before I even stepped inside.

I turned. She was there, smiling warmly in a midnight-blue dress that suited her perfectly.

"You look beautiful," she said, hugging me.

"You too. This place is… wow."

Linda nodded.

"Yeah, it is. But don’t let it intimidate you. It’s just walls and people pretending to be better than they are."

I smiled.

"Thanks for inviting me."

"You’re one of us. And honestly… I should be thanking you for all the help you give with the kids."

We walked in.

The villa was even bigger inside.

Soft lighting, classical music playing in the background, waiters moving like elegant shadows between the tables.

On stage, a girl with a microphone and a professional smile was about to begin.

"Good evening, everyone. It’s an honor to be here tonight for such an important event," she said.

"First of all, I want to thank the woman who made all of this possible: Mrs. Isobel Ashford."

Applause.

I turned and saw her in the crowd.

She was stunning.

Her elegance didn’t scream — it whispered, and everyone heard it.

She moved gracefully among the guests, thanking, smiling, listening.

Isobel nodded, offering a gentle smile.

She seemed sincere.

Or at least… I wanted to believe she was.

"And now," the presenter continued, "let’s welcome the man who funded most of tonight’s event, and who has supported various organizations for years: Mr. Richard Ashford."

Kai’s uncle.

He walked onto the stage with confident steps, a dark suit, and a calculated smile.

"Good evening, everyone," he began.

"When you have the chance to do something good, you should do it.

Not to impress, but to leave a mark.

My family has always believed in the value of community, support, and responsibility.

And today, more than ever, we want to prove it.

Because helping others… is what makes us human."

Applause.

Kai was there, among the guests.

Not clapping.

Not smiling.

His eyes were fixed on the stage, like every word was a punch to the stomach.

Then he turned to a guy.

Jairo.

He was always with him.

"We need to find out who took the shipment," Kai said quietly.

"I’ve already contacted someone. I’m working on a lead," Jairo replied.

"Make sure. We can’t wait."

"I know. I’m on it."

Kai turned.

And saw me.

At first, I didn’t notice him.

Then our eyes met.

His expression changed.

His eyes lit up.

Like something inside him had just switched on.

Richard finished his speech.

"Now I invite you all to enjoy the evening, mingle, and most of all… believe in good.

Thank you for being here."

Applause.

Music.

Movement.

Linda turned to me.

"Want something to drink?"

"Yes, thanks," I replied.

She walked away.

I stayed.

And instead of staying among the crowd, I slowly made my way to the terrace.

I needed air.

Silence.

Something that wasn’t fake smiles and empty speeches.

The terrace overlooked the garden.

I walked to the railing and leaned against it, trying to breathe slowly.

The garden below was perfect, lit up, quiet.

But I wasn’t really looking at it.

I was staring into the void.

Or maybe… trying to fill it.

Then I heard footsteps.

Slow.

Deliberate.

I turned slightly.

Kai.

He was there.

Like he’d always been there.

Like he knew exactly when to show up.

"You’re the only person here who doesn’t seem interested in impressing anyone."

I turned quickly.

He leaned against the railing too, just a few steps away.

Dark eyes, black jacket, a gaze that didn’t ask for permission.

"And you’re the only one who looks like he doesn’t want to be here," I replied.

A faint smile touched his lips.

"Maybe because I don’t."

"Then why did you come?"

"Because my mom cares."

"And you always do what people ask?"

Kai looked at me.

"No. But she’s not 'people.'"

Silence.

The wind brushed my shoulders.

My blush-pink dress swayed gently.

And I… I felt that shiver again.

He glanced at my dress, then back at me.

"Got someone to walk you out tonight? Or should I be ready to chase off someone again like the other night?"

I looked at him.

"I don’t think there are any drunk guys in suits."

"Don’t underestimate fancy people. They’re the worst."

I smiled.

"Are you always like this?"

"Like what?"

"You’ve got this quiet sarcasm."

"Only when I feel like it."

"And when’s that?"

"When there’s someone who’s not pretending."

Silence.

Kai stepped a little closer.

Not too much.

Just enough for me to feel his breath.

"You’re not like the others," he said.

"I’m not."

"I know."

My heart was pounding.

I turned back toward the garden, maybe out of embarrassment.

But I didn’t see the garden.

I saw him.

That night in the garage.

The punch that came without hesitation.

The look that followed me as I walked away.

And now… he was here again.

Different.

But the same.

I touched my wrist, as if I could calm the pulse.

It didn’t work.

"I found you! You’re here?" Linda said, holding a glass and slightly out of breath, like she’d just crossed a battlefield in tulle and sequins.

I turned quickly, almost guilty.

"Sorry… I came out for some air. Too many people."

Linda smiled.

"I get it. But come on, I want to introduce you to some girls. They want to help with the kids, volunteer. They’re really sweet."

"Ah, okay," I said, trying to sound more composed than I felt.

Kai was still there.

Leaning against the railing.

Watching me.

Not in a pushy way.

But like he was waiting for something.

I followed Linda, but before stepping back inside, I turned to him.

"I’m going then… see you," I said, a little awkwardly, in a tone I didn’t even recognize as mine.

Kai gave a half-smile.

He nodded.

"Try not to get into trouble again, okay?"

I smiled.

I’d never felt so awkward.

I probably looked like a teenager.

***

Isobel, across the room, saw everything.

Kai.

Me.

The nod.

The smile.

But she said nothing.

She kept talking to the guests, with that elegant, composed grace carved into her bones.

***

Kai walked back to the buffet, where Jairo was already busy with a plate full of finger food.

"Is it possible that every time there’s a buffet, I know exactly where to find you?"

Jairo looked up, mouth full.

"It’s a gift. Some people find love, I find smoked salmon."

Kai shook his head, amused.

"I think I’m heading out soon. You coming?"

Jairo wiped his mouth with a napkin and grinned.

"Not tonight, bro. I’ve got a date."

"Oh yeah?"

"Remember that girl I met the other night? The one with killer eyes and a siren’s voice?"

"The one who ignored you for half an hour?"

"Exactly. I got her number. And tonight… we’ll see if she ignores me again."

Kai chuckled.

"You’re hopeless."

"And you’re too serious. Have a drink, loosen up."

Kai grabbed a glass, stared at it for a second, then downed it in one go.

"Have a good night, my friend. Talk soon."

"Drive safe. And don’t punch anyone tonight," Jairo replied.

Kai smiled, then walked away.

***

I was already outside.

In front of the villa.

The wind was colder, and the silence kept me company.

I searched for my phone in my bag.

Dug through keys, lipstick, wallet.

Found it.

But it was dead.

"No…" I murmured, pressing the button.

Nothing.

Battery drained.

Perfect.

I needed to call a taxi.

And there was no one around.

I looked around, trying not to panic.

Then I heard an engine.

A car pulled up.

Kai.

He stopped.

Rolled down the window.

Looked at me.

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