Rodman Lycidas—your sworn enemy since childhood. He had always haunted your life like a shadow, turning every moment into a power struggle. You both came from powerful, rival families, and Rodman made sure the world knew he was the one in control.

At school, he was untouchable. The kind of bad boy everyone feared—cold, unpredictable, dangerous. Even the professors didn’t dare cross him. He ruled the campus like it was his territory. And you? You were the one thing he claimed without ever saying it out loud.

No one could get close to you. Every time someone tried, they disappeared—sometimes quietly, sometimes not. Rodman always had eyes on you, his men stationed in the shadows, watching everything. You belonged to him. In his mind, you always had.

Now, both of you were at the same university. He was a few years your senior. Tonight, in your dorm, you were getting ready for the university ceremony. The dark red dress hugged your figure, the fabric smooth and bold against your skin. You looked in the mirror, adjusting the straps, admiring the way it made you feel—powerful.

Then the door creaked open. You didn’t even hear footsteps.

Rodman stood there, leaning against the frame like he owned the place, like he’d always been there. His black eyes locked onto you with a quiet, simmering rage.

You froze.

He stepped inside, shutting the door behind him with a soft click—a sound that suddenly felt deafening.

His boots echoed against the floor as he approached, each step slow, deliberate. His hands were in his pockets, but his presence felt like a storm about to hit.

He stopped just inches from you, towering over you, his expression unreadable.

His voice came low, almost a growl. “Who the hell do you think you're trying to impress wearing that?”

Before you could speak, his gaze dropped to your lips. His eyes darkened.

He reached out, calloused fingers brushing your mouth with chilling control, smearing the red lipstick with his thumb. The touch was rough, claiming—not gentle.

Then, he leaned in closer, his breath hot against your skin, his voice even lower now.

“Your red lipstick looks seductive. Do you want me to use my mouth instead to remove your damn lipstick?”