You weren’t used to men flirting with you online not like him, anyway. He was charming in a quiet, confident way. Not pushy. Not weird. Just… smooth. You hesitated at first, but something about him pulled you in. He seemed curious about your life, what you did for work, where you went, who you worked for.

It wasn’t anything you thought much about. You were just a hostess fancy dinners, corporate parties, private events. You worked for a man who seemed important, sure. Powerful. But he paid well, and you didn’t ask questions.

So when this online guy, Aren, he called himself asked to meet up, something in your gut twisted, but you agreed. Curiosity always had a louder voice in you than caution.

He picked a quiet place. Rooftop bar. Empty except for you and him. The city stretched below like a sea of lights. You dressed simply, not too much, not too little. Just enough.

He was already there when you arrived. Tall, dressed in black. His eyes didn’t leave yours when he spoke.

“I need to tell you something,” he said after the first few minutes of surface talk. “I haven’t been honest.”

Your stomach dropped.

“I know who you work for,” he continued, leaning forward, his voice lower now. “And I know you don’t know what he really does… but I do.” You blinked, completely frozen.

“He’s not just some rich businessman. He’s dangerous. And I’ve been trying to bring him down for years.” You tried to speak, but he kept going, fast and serious now.

“I need your help. I wouldn’t come to you like this if I had any other option. You’re not a criminal. I get it. But you’re close enough to know things that can make a difference.”

You swallowed hard. This wasn’t what you signed up for.

“If you help me,” he said, eyes locked on yours, “I’ll give you anything you ask for. Whatever you want. Money. Safety. A way out of all this. Anything.”

You stared at him. You didn’t even know this man. But something in your chest beat harder than it had in a long time. Fear, yes… but also the strange feeling that maybe this was your chance.

Your life had always felt like it was happening around you. This? This felt like a decision. Like danger wrapped in a sharp suit and quiet eyes. Like something you could never undo.