Sofia, a cheerful maiden, had given her heart, soul, and body to one who never loved her in return. She adored him, treasured him, and worshiped him, yet his cruelty came crashing down upon her. The bitter taste of betrayal, a fate she had never imagined she would face, consumed her entirely and turned her love into ashes. A love she had built with trembling devotion and endless faith perished in a single cruel moment, burning to ashes like a letter cast into the flames.

One Month Ago

Sofia walks toward a flower shop to buy red roses for her beloved King, her only love, Kai. Her heart flutters with joy, shyness, and sweet anticipation. Memories of the previous night linger in her mind like a beautiful dream. She gently touches her lips, recalling the ghost of his kiss that still seems to remain upon them.

A rosy blush creeps across her cheeks. In the depths of her devoted heart, she truly believes that Kai wants her as much as she wants him, and that she occupies his thoughts just as he occupies hers.

As Sofia makes her way toward Kai's house, a sleek SUV pulls to a stop nearby. A man steps out of the vehicle, his movements precise and composed. Dressed sharply, he carries an air of authority that immediately catches her attention. His stern expression and disciplined demeanor make him look every bit the powerful businessman.

For a fleeting moment, Sofia finds herself impressed by his commanding presence. Yet she quickly dismisses the thought. He is nothing more than a stranger. Tightening her hold on the bouquet of roses, she walks past him without a second glance, her mind occupied solely with Kai.

However, as Sofia attempts to walk past him, the man suddenly steps into her path. Caught off guard, she collides with his solid frame. A curse slips from her lips beneath her breath as she stumbles forward.

Before she can fall, a strong arm wraps around her waist, pulling her against his chest. The scent of expensive cologne and the steady warmth of his body momentarily steal her breath.

Her shock quickly turns to fury.

Jerking herself free from his grasp, Sofia raises her hand and slaps him across the face.

The sharp sound echoes through the air.

"Have you lost your mind?" she snaps, glaring at him.

For a moment, silence hung between them.

The man's head turned slightly from the force of the slap. Slowly, he looked back at her, his dark eyes cold and unreadable.

Sofia lifted her chin defiantly.

"Have you lost your manners?" she snapped. "Blocking a woman's path and grabbing her waist? What kind of shameless behavior is that?"

A flicker of annoyance crossed his face.

"You ran into me."

"I did not!"

"You were too busy daydreaming to watch where you were going."

The accusation struck a nerve.

"I was watching perfectly well until a self-important stranger decided to stand in my way!"

One of his eyebrows arched.

"Self-important?"

"Yes. You walk around as though the world should move aside for you."

His jaw tightened.

"And you speak before knowing the truth."

Sofia scoffed. "I know enough."

The man took a step closer, his expression growing colder.

"Then perhaps you know less than you think."

Something about his calm arrogance irritated her beyond measure.

"Unbelievable," she muttered. "You're the most insufferable man I've ever met."

A dry laugh escaped him.

"And you're the most troublesome woman I've encountered all week."

Sofia glared at him as if she wished to set him ablaze on the spot.

Without another word, she turned on her heel and stormed away, clutching the bouquet tightly against her chest.

Behind her, the man watched her leave.

Arrogant, he thought.

Rude, she thought.

Neither realized that fate had only just begun weaving their paths together.

After a While

She stands outside Kai's door. As she reaches for the doorknob, she hears a few faint sounds. A soft moan. A muffled gasp.

She tries to brush it off, convincing herself that it must be her imagination. Perhaps she is hearing things. Perhaps the sounds are coming from a neighboring apartment.

With a shaky breath, she turns the doorknob and steps inside Kai's apartment.

Almost immediately, she notices a pair of high heels resting by the doorway.

Her heart skips a beat.

Fear strikes deep within her chest.

No.

There must be a reasonable explanation.

Clutching the bouquet tightly, she takes slow steps toward Kai's bedroom.

With every step, the fear in her heart grows stronger.

The bedroom door is slightly open.

The unwavering love she has carried for so long begins to crumble beneath the weight of an unknown dread.

Her trembling hand reaches for the door.

Slowly, she pushes it open.

And in that moment, her world comes crashing down.

...