Chapter 1. The Night We Crossed Paths
"Sometimes, destiny doesn't knock on your door... it silently walks into the same room."
The city of New York glittered beneath thousands of lights, but inside the luxurious Grand Imperial Hotel, the atmosphere was even brighter.
Crystal chandeliers sparkled above hundreds of wealthy guests dressed in designer gowns and expensive tuxedos. Business tycoons, politicians, celebrities, and influential families gathered for one of the biggest charity galas of the year.
For Alessia Romano, however, it wasn't just another glamorous party.
It was an opportunity.
As a 20-year-old journalism student, she had been selected by her professor to cover the event for the university magazine. Her camera hung around her neck while her notebook rested in her hand.
"This could be your first real story," she whispered to herself with a smile.
"Talking to yourself again?"
Alessia turned and laughed.
Standing behind her was her boyfriend, Adrian Knight, looking effortlessly handsome in a black suit.
"You look nervous," he teased.
"I'm not nervous."
"You've adjusted your dress five times in the last two minutes."
She rolled her eyes.
"I just want everything to be perfect."
Adrian smiled and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"It already is."
Alessia smiled softly.
For a moment, the noise around them disappeared.
Until...
Every conversation inside the ballroom suddenly stopped.
The massive entrance doors slowly opened.
A tall man walked inside.
Black tailored suit.
Cold expression.
Sharp jawline.
Dark eyes that carried no emotion.
The bodyguards surrounding him were enough to tell everyone exactly who he was.
No one dared to say his name loudly.
Yet everyone knew it.
Rafael Moretti.
One of the most feared businessmen in the country...
Or so the newspapers claimed.
Rumors called him something else.
A king.
A monster.
A devil in a tailored suit.
Alessia frowned.
"Who's that?"
Adrian's smile disappeared.
"You don't want to know."
"But—"
"Trust me."
Before she could ask another question, Rafael's gaze slowly moved across the ballroom.
Then...
It stopped.
On her.
For a brief second, the entire room disappeared from his mind.
Her.
The same girl.
The same eyes.
The same face he had seen once before.
Impossible...
Or maybe fate had finally brought her back.
Alessia felt an unfamiliar chill run down her spine.
It felt as if someone was reading every thought hidden inside her.
She looked away first.
"Let's go interview someone," she said, trying to ignore the strange feeling.
Adrian nodded.
Neither of them noticed...
Rafael was still watching.
Without saying a single word, he turned to one of his men.
"Find out everything about her."
The bodyguard lowered his head.
"Yes, Boss."
Rafael took one last glance at Alessia before disappearing into the crowd.
He had no idea...
That one decision...
Would change all three of their lives forever.
As Alessia and Adrian stepped out of the ballroom, her phone suddenly vibrated.
Unknown Number
She frowned and unlocked her phone.
A single message flashed across the screen.
"You shouldn't have come tonight."
Before she could process the words, another message appeared.
"Now it's too late."
Alessia's heartbeat quickened.
"Who... sent this?"
She slowly looked around.
Hundreds of people.
Hundreds of faces.
But it felt as if someone was already watching her.
To Be Continued...
