Chapter 1: Introduction
As Karina stepped through the glass revolving doors at the entrance of the stylish hotel nightclub, she was hit by a wave of vibrant colors. Electric blue lights shimmered across the bar and reflected blindingly off silver cocktail shakers. Loud, rhythmic music filled her ears and caused her heart to beat in sync with its bass line. A soft hum of after-work chatter mixed with the chinking of ice cubes in drinks made her feel as if she had just plunged into the very essence of big-city life.
Karina shifted her weight nervously as she glanced around the bustling space. Scanning for any sign of Seungmin, she spotted the hostesses, dressed in sleek black dresses. She made her way over to them and nervously asked for her friend. With a nod, one of the women gestured toward a dimly lit booth in the corner of the room where Seungmin sat, waving excitedly. Karina weaved through the packed dance floor, sipping on her martini.
She noticed a few men glance her way, but none intrigued her until she made it to Seungmin's booth. Just as she sat down, a warm gust of air swept in from behind, causing her hair to billow like a cape.
"Seungmin-ah, you didn't tell me we were meeting a supermodel," Jongho said with a grin.
Karina spun around, a retort on her lips, but her breath caught when she met Jongho's eyes.
They were warm, dark, and playful, reflecting the neon light around them. A slow, seductive smile played upon his lips, as if he knew he had already won. A magnetic pull was drawing her in, and she felt her heart hammering, struggling to regain its rhythm. She drew a breath, parting her lips to speak before catching herself. No man had ever managed to leave her speechless in an instant—but here she was, rendered mute in just a few moments.
Jongho had an allure that was impossible to resist, and yet Karina felt a strange sense of intrigue and rebellion. In a world where men often made the first move, here was someone who appeared to neither fear nor cater to society's expectations.
"I'm Karina," she finally managed to utter, extending a trembling hand.
"Jongho," he replied, capturing her slender wrist in a firm yet gentle grip. His eyes glinted with amusement as he gave her hand a quick squeeze. "Thank you for agreeing to the setup, Seungmin.
I've been meaning to meet Karina for quite some time now," Jongho said, as he gently released Karina's hand and turned his attention back to Seungmin.
Seungmin giggled as he raised his glass to toast them. "I had a feeling this was bound to happen. Look for yourself, Jongho. She's mesmerizing."
As Seungmin's eyes danced between them, Karina couldn't help but feel as if she was on display; a beautiful exotic bird that had been caught and placed in a gilded cage.
I've been meaning to meet Karina for quite some time now," Jongho said, as he gently released Karina's hand and turned his attention back to Seungmin.
Seungmin giggled as he raised his glass to toast them. "I had a feeling this was bound to happen. Look for yourself, Jongho. She's mesmerizing."
As Seungmin's eyes danced between them, Karina couldn't help but feel as if she was on display; a beautiful exotic bird that had been caught and placed in a gilded cage.