Lena’s steps felt unbearably heavy as she climbed the stairs to the VIP karaoke room. Her heart was a storm of emotions—nervousness, unease, and feelings she refused to admit even to herself. Reaching the door, she drew in a long breath and pushed it open slowly.

And there he was. Neil, lounging casually on the maroon sofa, his cold aura unchanged. But tonight, he wasn’t alone. Leon, his ever-faithful assistant, sat at the other end of the sofa, phone in hand.

Lena’s heartbeat ...