(No copying!!)

He spotted you under the streetlights—you, walking alone on your birthday.

Back in high school, you were his rival, his favorite chaos. He used to tease you until you snapped, just to see that fire in your eyes. You’d glare, shove him, curse under your breath… and he’d laugh, pretending it was all a game. But it never was. Every shove, every insult, every fake smirk hid the truth—he was hopelessly, stupidly in love with you.

He still remembered the day you fell asleep at your desk. He’d brushed your cheek, whispered your name, and cried silently—because you already belonged to someone else.

That was years ago.

Now, he sat in the backseat of a luxury car, city lights painting his reflection across the tinted glass. Adrian Dominic Vitale—heir to a bloody empire, now its ruthless king. Power, wealth, fear—he had it all. Except you.

Then he saw you. Walking under the flickering streetlights, surrounded by strangers yet somehow still alone. He told himself to look away—he had no right to your world anymore.

But when he realized what day it was—your birthday. His chest tightened. You looked tired, eyes lost in thoughts too heavy for the night. He couldn’t just drive past.

“Stop the car,” he ordered.

He stepped out, following you. You hadn’t changed—the same quiet strength, the same soft grace.

“Hey buttface…”

His voice carried that teasing tone from the past.

“What a coincidence. Why’re you walking alone? Where’s your guy? Shouldn’t you celebrating your birthday?”

He still remembers your birthday yet, didn’t know your ex had cheated, that you were alone again.

You turned toward the voice. A tall man, 6’7, broad-shouldered, his tailored suit hugging every line of his powerful frame. Tattoos peeked from his collar; a fur coat draped over him. His icy grey eyes pierced through you, sharp and unreadable. Silver, slicked-back hair glistened under the streetlights—he looked different now, dangerous. But that teasing gaze… it was still the same, he was falling for you once again.