The club doors opened like the gates to another world.

The moment we stepped in, the bass slammed into my chest. Deep, pulsing, alive. Everything glittered. From the walls textured in gold to the crystal-beaded chandeliers hanging low and moody over the crowd. VIP booths lined the elevated edges, roped off with sleek velvet.

Tables shimmered under soft spotlights, and dancers moved on elevated stages with practiced, hypnotic confidence, every movement sharp, fluid, and impossible to look ...