I was sitting inside my car when I took out my phone. The faint hum of the engine mixed with the sound of my heartbeat as I stared at the screen. I'm pretty sure I recognize that man somewhere. I scrolled through the photo I posted earlier, and there it was...
The name that caught my attention earlier, sticking out like a sore thumb in my mind the moment I saw it.
Lucien Vale, CEO of Vale Corp.—one of the youngest and most successful billionaires in Asia.
I could still picture the memory inside my head vividly.
Damien throwing things across his office, the crash of objects echoing against the walls, and Allesha entering with a cup of tea trembling slightly in her hand.
"Honey, what happened?" Allesha asked, her voice filled with worry as she rushed toward him.
"That fucking Lucien Vale just loves getting in my way!"
His anger was so deep it made my skin crawl. But that was good for me. He was exactly what I needed for my plan to work.
The second part of my plan required allies—people they'd never expect me to reach out to.
And that's where Lucien Vale came in.
It seemed Allesha and he went back a long way—or at least that's what I thought, since I didn't have that part of Allesha's memory yet. But I'd noticed he had liked almost every post she made, even from two years ago. If he wasn't interested, then what for?
But his reaction earlier didn't look like someone with any sort of affection toward her. Did he not recognize me? It's possible, considering I hadn't worn any makeup.
Never mind. I'll think about the complicated stuff later.
First, I needed new clothes and food. And I'd make sure to do it at an establishment near his company. It might not happen, but I needed to stage a "chance" encounter somehow.
I searched for Vale Corp.'s address on my phone, set the map, and started the engine.
Wait for me, Lucien. I'll reignite the admiration you once had for Allesha soon.
---
"Is this it?" I muttered, glancing back and forth between my phone and the building in front of me.
I'd searched for the best places to buy luxury clothes, and it led me here—
'Loveur.'
Well, it sounded fancy enough.
I pushed open the glass doors and walked inside, the black card held casually in my hand. The soft chime above the door announced my arrival, and two women behind the counter exchanged glances the moment they saw me.
"Excuse me, Ma'am. This is Loveur," one of the women said, stepping forward politely.
"I'm aware," I replied flatly before walking further inside.
The place was dripping with luxury. Warm yellow lights bathed the room, reflecting off gold accents and marble tiles. The air smelled faintly of new fabric and high-end perfume. Paintings lined the walls, and each clothing rack was spaced perfectly, displaying their items like art pieces.
"Excuse me, Ma'am. This is a luxury store," the woman chirped again behind me. I hadn't realized she followed.
I paused and turned back, my brows slightly furrowed.
"I told you I was aware, didn't I?" I said coldly.
"Ma'am, the lowest-priced item we have costs a hundred thousand," she added carefully.
That's when I snapped. I knew exactly what she was implying. She'd looked at my ragged jeans and worn-out sneakers and decided I didn't belong here.
The thought alone pissed me off.
I sighed, reached into my bag, and pulled out my black card, handing it to her silently.
"Is that enough?" I asked, my tone sharp.
Her eyes widened. Her confident expression melted into panic.
"I—I apologize, Ma'am! I'll have someone assist you right away!" she stammered, bowing quickly.
"Don't bother," I cut her off, raising a hand. "I'm done looking."
I pointed toward a section of neatly arranged clothes.
"From here to there… pack it all up."
The woman blinked, stunned. I ignored her and walked toward one of the displays. A red, body-hugging dress caught my eye. The color was bold—daring. I took it, grabbed a pair of black heels with red soles, and a matching leather bag. I handed them to another employee nearby.
"I'll wear this."
The woman bowed slightly as she accepted the items.
"Yes, Madam. Please, follow me," she said, leading me toward the dressing rooms.
Inside, I stripped off my old clothes and slipped into the red dress. The fabric hugged my body perfectly, smooth and cool against my skin. When I looked in the mirror, my lips curved into a small smile.
I knew she was pretty—but I had underestimated the power of dressing well.
Allesha looked absolutely stunning in these clothes. No wonder she used to be one of the highest-paid models. Her gray eyes gleamed under the soft lights, blending perfectly with her sharp features and long, black hair.
As soon as I left the store, I headed straight to a nearby salon. I couldn't walk around in a dress like this without a proper makeover.
---
It was almost dark when I arrived at the restaurant where I had my reservation. The sky outside was painted orange and purple, and the city lights had begun to glow.
I walked inside confidently, feeling eyes turn toward me as I entered. Their gazes lingered—curious, admiring—but I ignored them and smiled at the woman approaching me.
"Good evening, Madam. Do you have a reservation?" she greeted cheerfully.
"Yes. Allesha Seres," I replied.
She checked the small notepad in her hand before her face brightened.
"This way, please," she said, leading me to one of the tables.
She set the menu down, then looked back at me politely.
"Is your husband coming, Madam?"
"No, I don't think he'll make it. Is there a problem?"
"I see... unfortunately, we don't accept single reservations at the moment. Do you perhaps have anyone to join you?"
Damn. I completely forgot I booked a couple's table.
And Allesha's only friend was that bitch Margot. Her husband definitely wouldn't show up after the stunt she pulled this morning.
"Can I just pay for two?" I asked.
Before the hostess could answer, a sharp voice rang out across the room.
"HOW DARE YOU?!"
Every head turned toward the commotion.
At the table nearby, a woman was standing, her hand shaking as water dripped from her glass—now splashed all over the man seated in front of her.
And that man...
Wait.
Isn't that Lucien Vale?
"You're so disrespectful!" the woman hissed, but Lucien only wiped his face with a handkerchief, calm and unbothered, not even sparing her a glance.
And then, an idea came to me.
I turned back to the hostess with a faint smile.
"Excuse me," I said quietly. "Can you wait for a moment?"
Because I had just found the perfect person to accompany me.
There it is– a chance encounter handed in a silver platter.