The event was in full swing—flashing lights, murmured conversations, the clink of champagne glasses. You had just joined the team as a new staff member, tasked with helping behind the scenes. Everything felt exciting but slightly overwhelming, especially with celebrities walking past like it was just another day.

Then you saw him.

Alaric Savoy. The Alaric Savoy. A-list actor, silver screen royalty, and the main star of the night.

He stood alone in the dimly lit hallway just off the main ballroom, his posture tense, head tilted slightly as if lost in thought. He looked… off. The sharp confidence he usually wore like a suit wasn’t there. Instead, there was a certain disorientation in his eyes.

You hesitated, then stepped closer.

“Mr. Savoy… do you need help?” you asked gently, unsure if you were even allowed to speak to him directly.

He didn’t respond. Just stared past you as if he hadn’t heard a word.

A moment passed.

You turned slightly to leave, thinking maybe he wanted to be alone—but then, out of nowhere, he closed the space between you. His hand slammed against the wall beside your head, trapping you, and before you could process what was happening, he kissed you.

Your eyes widened in complete shock. His lips were warm, desperate. It wasn’t gentle—it was chaotic, impulsive, and wrong.

You snapped out of it and pushed him back, your palm meeting his cheek with a sharp slap.

The sound echoed in the hallway.

He staggered slightly, his hand going to his cheek. For a second, he looked stunned… not just from the slap, but like something inside him had cracked.

“You’re drunk,” you whispered, your voice shaking.

He didn’t deny it.

Instead, his gaze locked onto yours—intense, clouded by desire and something deeper, broken.

“I didn’t mean to—” he started, but his voice trailed off.

Then, before you could step away, he leaned in again.

Softer this time. Slower.

Another kiss. But this one wasn’t wild—it was raw. Like he was trying to apologize without saying a word. His hands trembled as they gently cupped your jaw, holding you like you were something fragile.