The VIP room felt even more cramped as Rui and the mixed-race man locked lips. Their kiss was intense, demanding, as if trying to devour the hurt and anger still lingering in Rui's chest. Her arms wrapped tightly around the man's neck, her body surrendering as he led her to the bed.

Rui collapsed onto the bed, her breath hitching. The man quickly took off his coat, loosened his tie, and then removed his watch from his wrist before lowering his body back down on top of her. Their lips met again, deeper, more greedily, making Rui's chest rumble with a mixture of heartache and uncontrollable passion.

A moan escaped her throat as his hands explored her body, dismantling each barrier between them one by one. Finally, they surrendered to each other in a heated embrace, locking in a wild, yet intimate rhythm. Passion mixed with pain, making every movement feel like escape and redemption at the same time.

Amidst the moans that echoed between them, the man whispered, “Call me Zero.” Rui twisted his body, half drunk, half addicted, calling the name in a low voice, “Zero.”

The name echoed through the room, binding them in a deeper and deeper vortex. Zero seemed unable to break free. Rui's body was both a poison and an addiction to him, keeping him coming back even after reaching his peak countless times. He still wanted more, as if Rui were the only woman who could make him lose control.

Until finally, their bodies collapsed in the same pool of sweat. Rui fell asleep, his face peaceful, though occasionally a trace of fatigue lingered. Meanwhile, Zero slowly got up, grabbed his pants, and put them back on. He opened the bedroom window, lit a cigarette, and sat down on the nearby sofa.

Cigarette smoke billowed, mixing with the moonlight that illuminated Rui's body on the bed. Zero stared for a long moment, his eyes unable to look away. His lips moved slightly, a soft murmur escaping as if he couldn't believe it.

“I’ve never been this addicted to a woman’s body……” he said in surprise, looking at Rui who was fast asleep.

***

That morning the sunlight penetrated the curtains, teasing Rui's slumber. He writhed for a long time before slowly opening his eyes. His gaze fell on the strange surroundings of the room, an atmosphere that immediately made fear and panic attack.

A warm breath on her earlobe made her reflexively turn her head. Beside her, a handsome, mixed-race man lay still, relaxed. Rui swallowed, her heart racing. Slowly, she shifted her body, trying to remove the man's hand from her stomach.

But a deep and heavy voice was heard, “Are you going to run away after asking me to sleep?”

Rui gasped, turning her head quickly and pulling the blanket closer to her chest. The man opened his eyes, propping his head up with one hand. He studied Rui's bare back with a look of interest.

“No,” Rui said in a choked voice, “I will pay you.”

The speech made the corners of Zero's lips lift. A faint smile graced his face. He stretched out his fingers and traced Rui's back slowly, making Rui's body moan uncontrollably.

“What if I ask for something else?” he asked lightly.

Rui half turned around, raised one eyebrow, "What?"

Zero's eyes stared straight at her, “Be my wife!”

The words came out so quickly, Rui froze for a moment. His throat tightened, and his eyes widened in disbelief. The next moment, he quickly got up, got out of bed, and picked up his clothes scattered on the floor.

“I don’t want to get married anytime soon,” she replied curtly, as he stepped into the bathroom.

Zero smiled slightly at that answer. Instead of being disappointed, he muttered, "That's interesting."

Some time later, Rui emerged, his face fresh and his hair neat, as if trying to erase the traces of the previous night. She grabbed his bag and phone, and before leaving, she placed his credit card on the table near Zero.

"Thanks for last night. And let's not see each other again. You can pretend you don't know me if we run into each other," she said firmly before sauntering out of the room.

Zero simply leaned his head against the headboard, staring at Rui's back until he disappeared out the door. His smile widened, a mixture of amusement and fascination. He reached for the credit card, considered it for a moment, and then tucked it into his wallet.

“This woman… is truly unique,” he muttered, his eyes still staring blankly at the door that had just closed.

***

That night, Rui stood in front of the mirror, her body clad in a purposefully chosen black dress. The dress was slightly open at the bust to reveal a captivating cleavage, her hair styled in a messy bun, and the cleavage at her thighs was clearly visible with every step.

She descended the stairs slowly but confidently. Her family was already waiting below. However, Rui's gaze fell on Amber, who was wearing a pristine white dress. She looked delighted and approached her, "Sis, you're so beautiful," he complimented.

Rui simply smiled, his lips curling into a thin line. But underneath, his chest tightened as he recalled the image of Arlo and Amber in the office yesterday.

"Let's go now," Philo said, taking his wife's hand. They set off together for Arlo's party celebrating his promotion.

Upon arriving at the luxurious hotel where the event was taking place, the Philo family was immediately greeted warmly by the Snells. Rui watched everything silently. His eyes briefly met Arlo's, but she didn't even approach. He secretly stole glances at Amber.

It's okay, Rui took a deep breath. It just has to last a little longer. Rui will turn this festive party into a stage for her revenge.

When Arlo stepped onto the podium to deliver his speech, the room felt majestic. The music stopped, the spotlights shone on him, and all eyes awaited the opening remarks from the confident young man.

Behind the crowd, Rui calculated silently. She had already arranged everything while everyone was chatting. He had handed over the video he recorded the night before to the behind-the-scenes crew, with clear instructions on when to air it.

“One, two, three!” Rui counted softly without making a sound.

The video is playing.